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atholic NEWS HERALD

i

February 22,

Volume

1 1

t

&

2002

Number

23

Serving Catholics

Inside

Western North Carolina

in

Tribute to the

first

in

the Diocese of Charlotte

bishop of the diocese

Tribute to Bishop

Michael

J.

Begley .Section inside

Participants discuss

strategy for black

Catholics

Page 10

Local News "Dead Man Walking" author brings crusade to diverse gathering ...Page

3 Photo by Joann S. Keane

Msgr. Joseph Showfety, homilist for the funeral Mass of Bishop Michael J. Begley said, "He was really a man of He was focused on his work but always as the shepherd of the diocese. He wanted the diocese to go forward and initiated many programs for this purpose. Early on, he began pastoral planning for the diocese looking to include the laity more ... He formed all of the councils in the diocese and worked with the many groups giving them all the time that was needed. There was moderate growth in those days, and the aim was to open a new parish each year. I never understood how he found time for all that he did."

prayer.

Bishop Wilton D. Gregory,

USCCB president, speaks out on clergy abuse cases ...Page

8

Program enABLEs economic development

By JOANITA M.

NELLENBACH

Correspondent

Editorials

& Columns Pages 8-9

the greatness and glory of

God. grow

Through humility we in love.

Humility

beginning of sanctity.

is

the

— Mother Teresa

in the

Bishop Begley

low-income people in Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Swain counties who want to improve or start small businesses, buy homes, or obtain more education.

'These three areas are crucial in the overall economic development of this community," the ABLE brochure states. 'This region is being forced to make an adjustment from a traditional wage labor

Catholic Social Services' Office of Justice

Joanne Kennedy Frazer, former diocesan

Angus-Gelbvieh heifers Todd Wood bought with money he saved through ABLE, a program sponsored by the Charlotte Diocese's Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) in Murphy. The heifers will help Wood build a better herd and a more

economy

on the concept and wanted

promising economic future.

counties. There's even less since

pickup truck to the high pasture, stopping twice so his father, John, can get out to

let

the wire barriers across the rutted

They

up near the site of the family's original home place, marked now by a chimney and two stone doorsteps.

About 12 head of cattle come trotting up the

hill

pull

to the trough

Todd

fills

with pro-

tein feed.

The cattle pushing for places at the trough include the five gleaming black Humility always radiates

trying to improve the

Center for Economic Development, named

dirt lane.

..Pages 6-7

is

Located

The ABLE (Assets Building LongTerm Equity) Matched Savings Program, administered by the OEO, is designed for

down

Entertainment

OEO

The situation.

MURPHY — Todd Wood drives the

Every Week

bought some sorry ones, but not that qualI'm proud of them."

ity.

"See, there was no way I could have bought good quality ones without this program," Wood said. "I could have

to a service-oriented

reer track.

through left

'9

to

5'

ca-

lotte,

this transition period, families are

is

when she

initiated

OEO

ABLE

director of the Catholic

Human

of Char-

a project of the diocese's

Development.

director

with help from

Campaign

for

been very

"It's

popular throughout the country," Block said

of ABLE. "Joanne Frazer had read up

ABLE

to

do

it."

started with $10,000

diocese and a grant from the

from the

Duke En-

dowment. The program received $20,000

"adjustment"

fact that there

OEO

and Peace.

Melissa Block was

Without some assistance

behind."

The

for the first bishop of the Diocese

is little

is

"forced"

by the

industry in the four

December, when VF Corp. in Andrews, in Cherokee County, closed and put more than 500 people out of work.

in

Duke

funds in 2001 and received an-

other $30,000 this month. for

ABLE

is

slated

an additional $30,000 from the Duke

See ABLE, page 7

The Catholic News & Herald

2

The World

Hispanics must take lead in welcoming immigrants,

home," he said. 'That's the great thing about die children of God. I thank you for

says Cuban bishop

welcoming us as brothers and sisters."

Winner of the 1984 Nobel Prize for Peace

or did

say the wartime pontiff worked behind

priests

overcome apartheid, Archin Salt Lake City for the early days of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

He was one of eight people to carry the Olympic flag in the opening ceremonies Feb. 8. The Nobel laureate said that, when apartheid was at its worst, people in the United States lifted up the people of South Africa. 'That is very much why we are a free and democratic country today largely because you supported us," he said.

the scenes to protect thousands of Jews

active ministry since the time of sexual

and save them from deportation.

abuse allegations against them. He said the alleged occurrences date from 1963-

MIAMI

(CNS)

— A Cuban

bishop in

Miami for meetings with the Cuban exile community urged south Florida's Hispanembrace the thousands of immigrants from Cuba and the other ics

to be the first to

'You

nations of Latin America.

can't ask

the North American church, which has a

understand Hispanics

different culture, to

Hispanic Catholics themselves don't do first,"

if it

Bishop Dionisio Garcia Ibanez.

said

must help each

"Catholics

other,"

he

said,

"so that our brothers and sisters will find

community

welcomes them, a church that understands them, that is open to their needs and also to their expectations. here a

I

2002

February 22,

Brief

in

that

think we, as Hispanics, have the foremost

doing this." The head of the Diocese of Santisimo Salvador de Bayamo y Manzanillo in eastern Cuba spoke with The Florida Catiiokc, newspaper of the Miami Archdiocese, in between responsibility for

early February meetings with

and

priests

Cuban

exile

laity.

Archbishop Tutu says

human

interlocked like Olympic rings

family

is

SALT LAKE CITY world from South

— Half

(CNS)

a

Africa, Utah's Episcopal

community welcomed retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu to St. Marks Cathedral Feb. 10. "We are more than 10,000 miles away from home, but we are

for his efforts to

bishop

Tutu was

—

"It is

very

pic flag

gether,

much

—

we

like the rings

of the

Olym-

strongly reject the film's implicit allegation that

Pope Pius XII remained

silent

ministry because of "credible allegations" against them. The bishop also released

to stop the Holocaust.

They

the

little

Diocese names 14 priests accused of sexual abuse of minors

MANCHESTER,

87, but details.

(CNS)—

N.H.

Saying no priest who has sexually abused a minor can be placed in active ministry, Bishop John B.

McCormack

names of seven suspended or retired who have been banned from

of

Manchester announced Feb. 15 that he has put one parish priest on leave and has barred six retired or sick priests from all

he did not release specific dates or Bishop McCormack who also

—

chairs the U.S. bishops'

on Sexual Abuse England bishop

tee

New

Ad Hoc Commit-

— was

the third

two weeks

in

to

follow the lead of Boston's Cardinal Bernard F. Law in tightening up dioc-

esan rules against priests accused of having sexually abused minors.

We are bound to-

interlocked.

are family," the archbishop said.

"Isn't that fantastic?"

New

film rekindles debate on Pope Pius Xll's role during Holocaust

ROME

(CNS)

— The long-awaited

debut of a film about the Vatican and II has rekindled an acrimonious debate over the role of Pope Pius XII during the Holocaust. The film, titled "Amen," opened at the Berlin Film Festival in mid-February. Directed by Constantin Costa-Gavras, the film tells the story of a Nazi officer who tries to alert the outside world to the mass kill-

World War

5

O

370-3227

Elizabeth Thurbee (704)

Refugee Office: Gra Ponce (704) 370-6930 fu^ice ft Peqce; Joe Purello<704) 370-3225

5HMCES

Special Ministries: Gerard A. Carter (704) 370-3250

Charlotte Region: 11 23 South Church

NC 28203

Street, Charlotte,

Area Director: Geri King (704) 370-6155

ings of Jews. In this fictional account his

W^gm

Ikgjon; 50 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Area Director: Sister Marie Frechette (828) 255-0146

appeal gets through to the Vatican, but

the pope takes no action. Church

executive Director:

Catholic Social

officials

Piedmont-Triad: 621 W. Second Street, Winston-Salem, Area Director: David Harold (336) 727-0705

NC

27108

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

Please pray for the following priests

who

For information on the following programs, please contact the

died during the month of March:

CCHD

(704) 370-3234

Casa Guadalupe

(336) 727-4745

(704) 370-3230 Office of Economic Opportunity

(704) 370-3225

Huston

Rett Francis

Gorham

Rev. Robert A.

Gibson

Rev. Justin J. Pechulis

Disaster Relief

(704) 370-3250

1976

Elder Ministry

(704) 370-3220

1981

Family Life

(704) 370-3250

Hand

(336)

1987 1983

to

Hand

(828) 835-3535 Operation Rice Bowl

(704) 370-3234 Prison Ministry (beeper)

725-HAND

(704) 370-3229

Respect Life

Voices for Justice Legislative Network

Marriage Preparation

(704) 370-3225

(704) 370-3228

1123 South Church

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus

mm.

The

N

E

VV

2002

February 22,

Volume

11

•

Number

23

Most Reverend William G. Curlin Joann S. Keane

Bishop William G. Curlin will take part

March

in the following events:

2

Publisher: Editor:

March 9

Associate Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer:

Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick

Secretary: Sherill

— 10 a.m.

Beason

March 10

NC 28203 NC 28237

23 South Church St., Charlotte, Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, 11

— 10 a.m.

Camp Ravensknob, Mount Airy

The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly

by the

Church

for

Christmas week and Easter week and every

two weeks during June, July and August for enrollees in

Roman

$15 per year parishes of the for

Diocese

Catholic

Charlotte and $18 per year for I

cpa

other subscribers.

postage paid other

cities.

Second-class

at Charlotte NC and POSTMASTER: Send

address corrections

News &

to

Herald, P.O.

Charlotte,

of all

NC

28237.

The Catholic Box 37267,

3 p.m.

Dedication of Sister L. John

in the

Charlotte

Johnson

call Jennifer

at

ment

office

(Room

102) or check online at

March 12 — 6 p.m.

Church Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus-Council 8684 will host a prayer seminar after 9 a.m. Mass until noon today at the parish center, 812 Duke St Light refreshments will be served mid-

—

Pastoral Center, Charlotte

program

room of the parish

Elm

at St. Pius St.,

in the

hall at 3:30 p.m.

X

youth

Anyone

information, contact Connie Milligan at

www.cchsfoundation.org.

March 16 9 a.m.-noon Day of spiritual renewal

be an

and friends are invited to experience hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, auctions, dinner buffet, the Grand Spree trip drawing and entertainment. For advanced ticket and

Center Hayesville

Grace Award Dinner Belmont Abbey College, Belmont

will

interested in pursuing a master's degree or

(704) 543-91 18, visit the school's develop-

Meehan

LIMEX

Church, 2210 North

— The

— There

High School Foundation will be hosting its 2002 Gala and Auction tonight from 6:30-1 p.m. at the Carmel Country Club, 4735 Carmel Rd. Parents, alumni

odier information,

E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

except

CHARLOTTE

at (336) 851-5585.

informational meeting for those interested

1

Boy Scouts Catholic Camporee Mass

Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382

28203 © www.cssnc.org

3 GREENSBORO

Catholic

Keynote address Gospel of Life Conference St. Mark, Huntersville

Alesha M. Price

NC

McConnell

Diocesan. planner

,

& H E R A L D

S

Street © Charlotte,

y

Episcopal, calendar

.4

(704) 58 1 -7693

Program Esperaiua (704) 370-6928

(336) 725-HOST

Host Homes

listed:

Natural Family Planning

Catholic Relief Services

Rev. John

number

2 GREENSBORO

morning. All friend.

women

— The

St.

Mary

are invited to bring a

For reservations,

call

Sadie

certificate in pastoral

ministry or religious

education from Loyola University of New

Orleans

is

welcomed

to attend.

For

fiirdier

(704) 364-3344, Peg Ruble at (704) 3910445 or Jacqueline Messick at (336) 286-

0861.

3

CHARLOTTE — The St

Maximilian

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

way of life are

invited to attend.

For more information please call Skyler Mood, SFO, at (704) 545-8133.

3

CHARLOTTE

— The

Mount

St.

Mary's College choir will be performing a concert at

St.

Patrick Cathedral,

1621

2002

TheCalhollcNewsSHe '

Around the Diocese

"Dead Man Walking" author brings crusade to diverse gathering

By Rev. MR.

GERALD POTKAY

After joining the Sisters of St. Joseph,

Correspondent

WINSTON-SALEM

—

Anti-death

Feb.

A

12.

Wake

diverse

Forest University

crowd of over 300

including Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians

and the Church of Christian Breth-

ren Christians gathered from across the

nun give her

state to hear the Catholic

personal experiences leading to a conversion of heart

and living the "Sermon on the

Mount"

to serve in

ever capacity

penalty advocate Sister of St. Joseph Helen

Prejean spoke at

among the poor God would

she lived

openness to the poor

"Sister Helen's

enabled her to widen her vision of the need

where they are and

to be with God's people

to minister to them," said Sister of St. Jo-

seph Geri Rogers.

"God is very sneaky," said Sister Helen of her anti-death penalty crusade.

"My involvement came very innocently with a letter to death row inmate John Penn."

Baton Rouge, La., Sister Helen described herself as a poor little rich kid with a lawyer for a father. She received the privilege of a good education, which "puts

Born

in

She soon Toecame an advocate for sevrow inmates up until the. moments of their respective executions.

eral death

was

"Jesus

who treated evThe 'Early Church'

a radical

you on that step of the ladder above the level of poverty and the violence associated

eryone with respect.

with

cause none was excluded from the

it,"

what-

lead her.

she

said.

There were 10 housing developments near where she had lived, but she had never visited any of them. "It is in those areas that when a mother hears a gunshots, she immediately runs and checks on

took the preaching of Jesus to heart be-

of society brings healing to

its

What the victims and

need more

families

their

a compassionate

is

to help support

them

in their

With

BLONDE

Helen brought victim support groups into

New Orleans area.

"The death penalty it is

who

reserved for the

is

cannot afford good lawyers, and she

racist,"

'WTien white people is always

said.

are killed, the death penalty

sought Yet, when black people are nothing

SALON St.

curring nightmares.

Matthews parishioner

MASTER

IN

HAIR DESIGN,

COLOR & PERMING

And

CASWELL ROAD

"We

need to oppose the taking of

NC

28204

human beings,

ones suffering. Sister Helen spoke of guilt

many One

driving

their jobs.

Dilworth Rd. East, tonight at 7:30 p.m.

This is the choir's second time traveling to

Andy

Charlotte under the direction of

For more information about the

more

executioners

information,

5047,

Ext

217.

the church office at (704) 334-2283.

4820 Kinnamon

—

Sacred Heart Church,

128 N. Fulton St, will be celebrating a charismatic and healing

Mass today

at

4

charismatic

Mass

celebrated

tonight at 7:30 p.m.

The

on April

1.

potiuck dinner will follow the Mass. Fa-

tion, call

ther John Putnam, pastor, will be the cel-

0600 or Jim Passero

For

Owens

at (704) 639-9837.

further information, call Bill

4 CHARLOTTE

— Churches

4 CHARLOTTE

in the

group

family

room

at 7 p.m. in the ministry

Matthew Church,

8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., on March 5 and every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. building conference room.

For

she asked

if

we

should follow those

tenets of execution for crimes such as adul-

majority of people avoided

the answer.

Placing the onus squarely on the

do

Helen asked,

love

who

who was to

at (336) 998-7503.

first

Monday

in the

3016 is

for

details, call

Ruth Posey, CSS

counselor, at (704) 370-3238.

— The St

Gabriel Ar-

Support and Education Group in association with the Arthritis Foundation will be sponsoring a free seminar on osteo and rheumatoid arthritis tonight from

thritis

is

lis-

who are am I able

us

truth

is,

who

are

put to death at the hand of the

does not promote the death penalty

anyone

as evidenced

forgiveness to those

by his complete

who put him to death."

alternative, of course,

prison. "3,700 death

row inmates

life

is

will

in

not

solve the overpopulation of prison prob-

Helen said.

The United States

is

a minority

Kashif and Gary Maniloff,

rheumatologists, will be conducting the session.

For required

other information, (704) 364-5431.

6 CHARLOTTE

opinion about the death penalty

never be the same after listening to

Sister Helen.

She was absolutely mesmer-

izing to hear," said Jennifer

"She

is

an incredibly

beautifiil

Thompson. person

who

truly encompasses the teachings of Jesus

and

tries to live

The world for

is

them out

and

in

her daily

will continue to

life.

be richer

having Sister Helen take her brave and

when

6:30-8:30 p.m. at 3016 Providence Rd.

Ahmad

"My will

frightening journey."

lem," Sister

Drs.

As Christians, we need to move away from the concept of "justice that demands death" to one of the complete mercy and compassion of Jesus. That is why, said Sister Helen, "I wrote 'Dead Man Walking" i "She expressed her experience of God's love for the victim as well as the perpetrator," said Sister Geri. "Sister Helen heightened our awareness to do something to end the violence."

"Jesus challenges us to

people," said Sister Helen. "Jesus,

9 CHARLOTTE

— The

Emerald

Ball

being held at the Adams Mark Hotel tonight from 8-11 p.m. Bagpipers, the is

and

Federals Irish and Blues Band, hors

the church office at

d'oeuvres and refreshments will be fea-

— The Happy Timers

tured. For further information, call Lynda Dyer Hart at (704) 542-6846.

pre-registration

call

of St Ann Church, 3635 Park Rd., will be having a meeting with a luncheon and

9 GREENSBORO the

Shamrock

—

All are invited to

Social to celebrate St.

be performing at today's

Day at the Our Lady of Grace Gym, 2205 W. Market St, from 7:30-11:30 p.m. tonight. Heavy hors

meeting. All adults age 55 and older are

d'oeuvres and beverages will be included.

welcome. For more information about the group or bingo held every Monday night

For more

center.

has experienced the loss of a

5 CHARLOTTE

all

state,

"If it

this?"

The

program

at St. Gabriel Church,

anyone

in the office

when

next Mass will be

Providence Rd. This support group loved one. For

Monday

promote execution." However,

eas that

For more informa-

— The bereavement

7:30 p.m. and every

on the following days: St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd., tonight and every first

be given at

the church office at (336) 778-

meetings for survivors, family and friends

center library and St

will

The

support group will meet tonight from 6-

Charlotte area will be having their regularly scheduled cancer support

-

7 p.m, and the laying on of hands will take place after Mass.

ebrant.

Matthew

— Holy Family Church,

sacrament of reconciliation

teams

be available at 3 p.m., and a

St.

call:

Rd., will be celebrating a

p.m. Prayer and worship with prayer will

away from

Marilyn Borrelli at (704) 542-2283 and St Gabriel - Eileen Correll at (704) 362-

4 CLEMMONS

SALISBURY

those people Sister Helen

responds, 'The Old Testament has 37 ar-

death row supervisor had

free concert of sacred choral literature, call

3

aren't the only

are over 1,000 prisoners overseas

cause of our stance of the death penalty.

To

the Bible.

The

Death row inmates

War on

Crusades, to the Inquisition and even to

the death penalty."

THE TOTAL SPA/SALON EXPERIENCE

Rosenfeld.

to

Relating the argument to the

not going to be deported to America be-

to

become the mass of consciousness to overcome

critical

2 Slocks from Presbyterian Hospital

look at Christianity to

called to be the agents of justice,

the lives of all

CHARLOTTE,

Many who

encouraged everyone to oppose the of these "beloved of God."

they have committed violent crimes," she

Helen.

justify their pro-death stance refer to the

tener, Sister

just because

comes to the death penalty; even Cuba and Russia have outlawed it, said Sister it

Terror, Sister Helen indicated that there

are just doing their job.

because there are killing

it

anymore. She also noted that there are

innocent people on death row, Sister Helen

added.

Helen Prejean signed copies of her book "Dead Man Walking" and responded to questions at Wake Forest University Feb. 12.

Sister

prison psychologists to counsel the guards

"Christians cannot let these children of

CELL 1-704-619-1230 SALON 1-704-375-5799 S.

tions because he simply couldn't take

tery, the vast

similar, reoc-

God become dehumanized

224

killed,

normally done."

is

Death row inmates have

PATRICIA LEATHER

to quit his job after witnessing five execu-

that concept in mind, Sister

existence in the

poor

Walking."

who

sorrow."

3

University Student Union. Larson is responsible for bringing Sister Helen to speak about her book "Dead Man

Photos by Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay

people with

the government killing the perpetrators of violent crimes?

community

her children," she explained.

commu"What kind

explained Sister Helen.

nity,"

Helen Prejean with Ashley Larson of the Wake Forest Sister

Dancers

at 7:30

at

1

pm.

in the parish activity

The Rince Na will

pm,

call

h'Eireann Irish

Charles Nesto at (704)

398-0879.

7 GUILFORD COUNTY

— The

Patrick's

School

details

about

for fun, fellowship

Ancient Order of Hibernians Guilford County Division 1, an Irish-Catholic social and charitable inter-parish group, will be having a meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Ladies' Cottage at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 West Market St. in Greensboro. For further information, call Alice Schmidt at (336) 288-0983.

opportunity call

Laurie Benko at (336) 294-0520. charismatic 10

CHARLOTTE

Ladies

this

and dancing,

Mass dral,

noon

will

—A

be held at St Patrick Cathe-

1621 Dilworth Rd. East, this afterat

4 p.m. with prayer teams

at

3

p.m. and a potiuck dinner at 5 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

For further information,

contact Josie Backus at (704) 527-4676.

Please submit notices ofeventsfor tlie Diocesan

Planner at tion date.

least

10 days prior

to tlie publica-

The Catholic News & Herald

4

2002

February 22,

Around the Diocese

Catechists refresh their faith at Oasis retreat

By JOANITA M.

NELLENBACH

Correspondent

LAKE JUNALUSKA from

oasis in-

and refresh them-

vites travelers to rest

selves

— An

That was the

their journey.

Baptism is also about conversion, which is a lifelong process. The retreatants were invited to consider three questions: Who are you? What do you want? Why do you want it?

"We

idea for the Oasis Catechist Retreat 2002:

"Remember Who You Are: Word, and die Future."

more than 80 catechists from the Asheville and Smoky Mountain vicariates. Father Cancro's talks "O Healing River,"

—

"Deserts and

—

Dry Land" and

"Seeds of

Freedom" focused on baptism's history, healing, and power, and its implication for catechists and their ministry.

"O Healing River" "Never do ministry because the pastor needs help," Father Cancro said. "You do ministry because your baptism calls you to it."

12,

who works

at St.

insight to heart. is,

"I

with 4-

Eugene, took

this

your whole life," she said.

"Deserts and Dry Land" "Once we look at baptism, that has tremendous implications for the way we live our lives of faith," Father Cancro said It's

treasure, there are responsibilities, especially to prayer: private prayer,

which

Good, Very Bad Day," Judith Viorst's children's story about a little boy for whom

changes the individual; and communal prayer, which changes the community.

'Prayer is not about changing God," Father Cancro said. "Prayer opens us. It's an exercise in trust. Prayer is a pregnant experience, an experience of being intimately connected with God." God, Father Cancro said, is not fair,

at the second session.

He

illustrated the desert

concept with

No

"Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible,

but rather

family ends up as a net that catches him."

be closer to

He added that two important things compose God's love that we are never alone and that we are treasured.

'That was a light-bulb moment for me," said Karen Daley, a nurse and a catechist at St. Joan of Arc in Asheville. "We pray, and it doesn't happen, and we say, 'Oh, that's not fair.' But it's God in his mercy that helps us deal with it and it helps our friends deal with it" "Seeds of Freedom" Baptism sends the baptized on a journey, on which they are prophets calling

The Hebrews

fulfilling

also

the covenant."

Christianity adapted other traditions for

its

own

use.

"Deserts are any place that lacks nour-

ishment," Father Cancro said. 'They're part of the baptismal journey

from Judaism and Hellenistic mystery religions. It comes from the richness of those two traditions," Father Cancro explained.

take.

We

—

comes

"...Our (baptismal) tradition

we

are caught in the great net of God's heart"

"I

something we earn, but God's love not something we earn," he said. "It's a

love is

think a lot of people feel that God's

is

is

truth for the community," Father Cancro said. 'We're called to build up, not tear down. Our work is sustaining the commu-

—

nity

that openness to seeing the presence

of God in every person."

That idea of community struck a chord with Muriel Grabel of St. Joan of Arc

be judgmental," she

£

idea that

Sat.

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—

—

"Communion

not a private

is

moment

between you and God," Father Cancro said. "The procession is a sign of our denominational unity, a ritual sign of community."

And

hope that the baptized

diere's the

carry with them. celebrate Easter every year," Fa-

ther Cancro said, "not because Jesus keeps

popping up risen.'

all

We sing, 'Jesus We celebrate Easter as a

the time.

He's here.

is

No matter how down we get there is someone who keeps standing up. That's sign of hope.

God's faithfulness to

ground

far

inside of us

a pledge of

us."

Contact Correspondent Joanita Nelknbach by

calling (828)

M.

627-9209 or

e-

mailjnell@4net.net.

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Along with prophecy is the call to be in union communion since the sacraments are about community.

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"You have to have a great deal

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everything goes wrong, but "the love of his

had purification rites with flowing water as an important symbol. "For the Jews," Father Cancro said, "purification in water was a very important symbol, so that one could

Ritual purification didn't begin witii Christians.

"Prophets don't predict the future,

In this change and in being God's

and 5-year-olds tism really

clean out closets at her home.

that you're not just baptized.

sion,"

new

people back to the covenant.

learned what bap-

Laura Ganson,

in Asheville, told die

to be treasured?

in Asheville.

to those questions."

Father Francis T. Cancro, pastor of

Eugene

mean

God's treasure. Whenever we are willing to admit that through baptism we touch the heart of God, we have to admit that we're changed, whether we want it or not."

are constantly called to conver-

"an oasis experience to reflect on your min-

St.

it

they clarify the present they clarify the

The Asheville Vicariate Leadership Team held the retreat Feb. 8 and 9. It was istry,"

does

She disposed of some things but kept mementos, such as cards she had received and things her children had made.

"I realized in that experience what treasure really is," he said. 'Treasure is about what is in the heart. We're worthy because even in our worst times we remain

Father Cancro said. "As we grow, the answers to these questions change. Conversion allows us to give answers to those questions. In baptism, the water invites us

the Water, the

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February 22,

2002

The Catholic News & Herald 5

Around the Diocese

Sister of Christian Charity enriches Triad area

By Rev. MR.

GERALD POTKAY

retreat work. In

volved

Correspondent

GREENSBORO

—

Christian Charity Josita Marks has brought her wisdom and spirituality to the Triad area.

Sister Josita has been assigned for a

two-year commitment as director of the justice and peace component of the St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. While awaiting construction of the center, which has been delayed due to architecture and funding reasons, Sister Josita has joined the Franciscan Center.

"This place is like a well where people come to be energized," said Sister Josita of the Franciscan Center. "It seems like they've got to keep coming back."

Sister Josita expressed her love for

being at the center. She couldn't get over the "spirit of life" and the 'living faith" of the "community of regulars," she said.

Born in Waterbury, Conn., as a child of an army officer, Sister Josita spent her childhood moving around the United States. She attributed her "spirit of fidelity" to her father, military life and especially her mother, whom Sister Josita said followed her father without question wherever he was ordered to go. Sister Josita added that the military lifestyle and the dedication of her

and

She has given several on "Stress and Spirituality" and

Church

Rocky Mount,

in

Va., for a

three-day mission.

Photos by Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay

The St. Francis Springs Prayer Center had been a dream of Father

Marks at Mass on Ash Wednesday hands hearts with

Sister Josita

activities with Bridget Johnson,

Canino. Sister Josita attended the

pertinent scripture verses on the back in preparation for Valentine's Day.

coordinator of Catholic Social

center's groundbreaking

Services, in Greensboro.

Aug. 18, 2001. Her appointment as justice and peace director will begin once

mother

Madison, Conn.

Sister Josita

prepared

religious

her

the

for

Armed

life.

Sister Josita entered religious

life

as

a Sister of Christian Charity 36 years

ago and soon

after

became a junior high

school teacher, a position that lasted years.

During

1

this time, she received a

from Marillac College Louis and a master's in theology from Villanova in Pennsylvania. She has also served and received spiritual direction at the Mercy Center in bachelor's degree in St.

• Easily

Marks

discusses Lenten

the center

with these

new

Sister Josita

most stairways

(straight

anxiously looking forward to the opening of the St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. Sister Josita asked that community "pray with us for the

God was

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As

to the St. Francis Springs

peace trip to El Salvador.

Paterson Diocese of New Jersey.

It was on a retreat in 1984 that sister Josita first met Franciscan Father Louis Canino, who became and still is her friend and spiritual advisor.

though

completed.

new ceremony

Prayer Center, Sister Josita will spend one week each year on a justice and

became the director of reliSt. Mary's and then Holy Family Church, both in the gious education for

Sister Josita felt as

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The Catholic News & Herald

6

February 22,

Readings

2002

Book Review

Native American religion evolves with Christianity Reviewed by

WAYNE

Catholic

HOLST

A.

people in the context of their

News Service

and

A

sets of values.

Traditional Native American religion

the presentation

did not focus

tual understandings in

like

on a creed or dogma. Rather, Shinto and other Asian faiths, it was

may

is

own

to present Native spiri-

ways non-Natives

find accessible.

primarily a religion of ritual observance.

This systematic theology begins with

much

creation, discusses sin, ethics, incarnation,

focused on individual salvation but on the health and continuance of community.

and ends with the end time. Included also are the themes of 'land" and "trickster"

Native writer Robert Warrior in his

two aspects of Native worldviews. Adding

Even today Native life,

religion

not so

is

—

1995 book 'Tribal Se-

these uniquely Native

"Our moment

insights challenges the

crets"

says,

struggle at the is

A Native American

to continue to survive

T

and work toward a time when we can replace the need for being preoccu-

l:OLOG

1

1

The study com-

in that the culturally

more responsible and peaceful way of living

oppressive relationship

between non-Native and Native-American communities is never far from the surface,

within communities and

with the ever-changing

landscape that will be

and hopefulness

our only home."

ClAMSKKlBWai

non-

numi l, -TTSfK" TIM

in the

evidence of growing In-

mum mm

dian self-confidence, the desire for mutual re-

Native Christians must

spect and a just and

come

to understand

egalitarian future.

new

ways.

The

it

in

of the

spiritual children

traditional missionary

church

are,

coming

of age and the rest of us need to respect that.

"A Native American Theology" flects

the current maturation of Native

rereli-

gion and provides significant insight into

forms and expressions

it

will

assume

cause discomfort in

and celebration

some

quarters

cultural values with their Christian doc-

stated purpose of the three Indian

—

authors Clara Sue Kidwell, Homer Noley and George E. 'Tink" Tinker is to create a dialogue in which Native Ameri-

—

This balancing act has been necessary throughout the historical encounter with Europeans on North American soil. trines.

with regard to Christianity."

They

antici-

There were times when it seemed that traditional ways were all but obliterated.

Those times are changing.

People of good will from both sides of the racial divide will need to become much more aware of the strengths and weak-

pate a better understanding

by non-Na-

nesses of their respective spiritual tradi-

cans can speak as equals to Christians, resulting in "a creative,

new

envisioning

process for Native people where they can

recognize the uniqueness of their practices

tives

of Native practices and perceptions as

well as renewed health for Indian cultures

and communities.

One major benefit of this book is that Native Americans are taking responsibility for interpreting the Gospel to their own

February 24, Second Sunday of Lent

"The eyes of the Lord are upon those

1)

Genesis 12:1 -4a

2)

2 Timothy l:8b-10

Psalm

and work to create new understanding and collaboration.

That this book has appeared at all is a

33:4-5, 18-20,

Matthew

3) Gospel:

who

22

U P-)

17:1-9

And lest I or any others benefiting from God's intervention on their behalf should be proud, the Timothy reading has a remedy for that: "God has saved us and has called us to a holy life, not because of any merit of ours but accord-

members of die charismatic it was waiting for me 35

away

I

began but

knowing

my

our

tires

wasn't time to get so

set out.

I

Ford

were

but what could

treadless,

trip,

The little

history:

do? There

new ones Made the

manifest through

Abram

sent out by

on a mission

God from

to benefit

the

all

my

peoples of the earth; Jesus transfigured,

trip safely

speaking with Moses and Elijah to the

before

astonishment of Peter, James and John acts of God, furthering his purposes

—

A large sign proclaimed a sale on the brand tires we'd had good luck with, so, with a literal sigh of relief, I turned into the parking lot to purchase a couple of

human

in

fare.

tires

now made

Genesis and Matthew Scrip-

his people

enough, and once back in Fort Worth I turned onto a major shopping thorough-

new

the grace held

tures speak of major events in salvation

Fiesta,

practically I

—

design

the appearance of our Savior."

in Dallas.

set out in

own

ing to his

out to us in Christ Jesus before the world

renewal, and miles

fear [respect or reverenceJ him,

upon those who hope for his kindness."

(I was certainly hoping that those Mickey Mouse balloon tires would hold

We had a large conference coming up tiiat weekend at St. Andrew's, and I had a narrow window of time to pick up a videotape we would use in its bookstore. It was a tape of Pope John Paul II addressing

central to a belief

is

God who is revealed in the Bible.

The Psalms reading says, in part

By JEFF HENSLEY Catholic News Service

in others.

Indian Christians must balance their

in the

future.

The

The book is aptly titled "A Native American Theology" because it is representative of but one stream of theological thought in the modern Indian community.

It will

in the

Christian theology.

Y

municates both anger and hopefulness: anger

Whatever form or expression modern Na-

Sunday Scripture Readings: 2002 Cycle A Readings:

volved in the world

Feb. 24,

traditional categories of

pied with survival with a

tive religion takes,

Word to Life

cultures

challenge inherent to

history.

To believe that God always is going when

to protect us

working

for

we're involved in

him with our whole

hearts

tires.

can lead to foolish acts that result

When I got out of the car, one of my

accidents and physical

was

But sometimes, we perceive the

fully flat

suppose the probabilities of my tire remaining inflated until precisely that

moment could be

calculated, but

another explanation that

for in the Scriptures for this

The

idea that

God

I

prefer

is

the supernatural help of the hand of

QUESTION:

Sunday.

Canyon remember times when God

actively in-

is

all

us,

God.

find support

I

will

of God and attempt to act on it and the while, underneath us, sustaining

1

in

harm

came

to

your aid?

Weekly Scripture

tions

milestone in ecumenical/interfaith dialogue.

For

that reason alone

it

should be

taken seriously.

water

Scripture for the week of Feb. 24 - March 2 Sunday (Second Sunday of Lent), Genesis 12:1-4, 2 Timothy 1:8-10, Matthew 17:19; Monday (Lenten Weekday), Daniel 9:4-10, Luke 6:36-38; Tuesday (Lenten Weekday), Isaiah 1:10, 16-20, Matthew 23:1-12; Wednesday (Lenten Weekday), Jeremiah 18:18-20, Matthew 20:17-28; Thursday (Lenten Weekday), Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 16:19-31; Friday (Lenten Weekday), Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28, Matthew 21:33-4-3, 45-46; Saturday (Lenten Weekday), Micah 7:14-15, 18-20, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 Scripture for the week of March 3 - March 9 Sunday (Third Sunday of Lent), Exodus 17:3-7, Romans 5:1-2, 5-8, John 4:5-42; Monday (Lenten Weekday), 2 Kings 5:1-15, Luke 4:24-30; Tuesday (Lenten Weekday), Daniel 3:25, 34-43, Matthew 18:21-35; Wednesday (Lenten Weekday), Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9, Matthew 5:17-19,; Thursday (Lenten Weekday), Jeremiah 7:2328, Luke 11:14-23; Friday (Lenten Weekday), Hosea 14:2-10, Mark 12:28-34; Saturday (Lenten Weekday), Hosea 6:1-6, Luke 18:9-14

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Special

The Catholic News & Herald

to

February 22,

2002

TRIBUTE

— Funeral Mass for The Most Reverend Michael Begley

Homily

Most Reverend Archbishop and

my

with the dedication of the

Good

Shepherd.

have you do, not under constraint and not

was always amazing how people in the parishes of the diocese related to him and respected him. His appointment by Pope Paul VI was an excellent one, and to me, a surprising one considering his age at the time. How the Holy Spirit works!

He was a bridge who brought unity to his priests and much happiness to his new diocese and its people. It was a new

for shameful profit either, but generously."

beginning for a

inspired words apply so very well to Michael Joseph Begley, first bishop of Charlotte and priest of the diocese of Raleigh for almost 38 years. Now as we gather to express our farewell, we honor a good man, a holy priest, and a most generous bishop. We admire him for his more than 67 years of priesthood. I want to

with respect for the diocese of Raleigh and

brother priests, deacons, sisters, members of the laity, and family of Bishop Begley, Bishops,

In today's second reading from Peter's first letter,

we read: "God's flock is in

your midst. Give

Watch over

a shepherd's care.

it

God would

willingly as

it

St.

Those

give a

insight into the

little

man whom

so

many

of us admired and loved. It will include a little humor, for Bishop Begley

humor

enjoyed himself and used

hance his

to en-

after the

ment of the Diocese of Charlotte and

his

selection as the first bishop, he called

me.

week

Earlier in the

Our Lady of Grace ing to offer

I

in

had twice called Greensboro seek-

my congratulations. On

occasions he

was out of the

could not contact him.

rectory,

With

both

and

his call,

I

we

exchanged pleasantries, and then he mentioned that he wanted me to be his chancellor. When I mentioned that I wanted to build a church in Hendersonville, his answer was direct: "The church will be built but not by you!

I want you in Charlotte!" Then I was told to begin the process of setting up the diocese in conjunction with the chancellor of Raleigh, Monsignor Louis Morton.

Thus began almost eight years for me to work in close collaboration with a priest

whom

I

deeply admired and respected.

Regardless of his assignments

—

su-

perintendent of the Catholic orphanage, pastor of several parishes in the diocese of

and cared

for his flock

W

N E

S

& H E R A L D

11

Number

•

Most Reverend William G. Curlin S. Keane Associate Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer: Alesha M. Price Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick

Beason

P.O.

Mail:

St.,

Charlotte,

Box 37267,

Charlotte,

NC 28203 NC 28237

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

The Catholic News & Herald, by the

Roman

Church

relaxed and happy home. He, Father Jo-

seph Tobin, a Benedictine lived together.

Mary

USPC 007-393,

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Charlotte,

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POSTMASTER: Send

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and

couple of years

I

later,

Aquinas

Box 37267,

downstairs to his secretary, Aloha Torrents (at that time, Linhares) for the work. Aloha had been his part-time secretary in Charlotte while he

was

director

of Raleigh Catholic Social Services. She remained throughout his tenure and still works in our chancery.

my

During

years as chancellor,

I

along with the other priests of Raleigh, underwent. After all, in 1924 there were only 6,500 Catholics in the entire state; in 1945, there were only 13,000. do not have the figures for 1934, but the numbers given are some indication. The piohe,

neers had great

but their

difficulties,

work

rectory.

down

but they kept coming up!

was soon

riddle

solved! Sister

had

His residence was not bought until late January, and it took several months to restore the house.

St. Patrick's rectory.

In the meantime, the

new

diocese of

Charlotte worked out of two rooms in the rectory.

The house

that

was

to be-

come our in late

first chancery was also bought January and had to be remodeled.

No complaints, just the necessary adjustment

that

was needed.

dictate correspondence,

he needed to he would come

If

Begley would always laugh. Neither Little Mike nor I ever made a cursillo but there was never any pressure to make us do so.

He

much enjoyed

so

to the priesthood.

men

ordaining

remember,

I

especially,

—

his joy!

We

was a close family, a happy one. Monsignor Michael O'Keefe joined us in 1975 for a year or so. How many times would

—

for cursillistas

— and Bishop

appointment of four priests as Reverend Monsignori in 1976. He never knew that, through a mistake, I had known of the appointments hours before he announced them! I did not have the heart to dampen

work. His early priest-

at his

hood had tempered him for he mentioned on several occasions the difficulties that

administer the sacrament of confimation

residence was filled with warmth and friendship. On some occasions, the laugh would be on him and he joined us in laughing at himself.

Those of you who knew him knew that he was not overly concerned about externals. This incident shows how he reacted to a humorous situation. He always attended the yearly bishops' meeting in Washington. One year he had just returned and was talking with Sister Aquinas and Father Tobin in the kitchen. I arrived home from the chancery and immediately noticed him standing by the refrigerator with trousers that were very short, several inches above his ankles. I mentioned this to him and he responded that he had noticed this in Washington. He would pull his

name

Scouts"

many hours

throughout the bishop's stay as ordinary and administrator of the diocese. With Sister Aquinas, the house changed as we were sp»iled by her cooking and care. It

The

a

two other occasions of happiness and joy for him the appointment of the then Father Joseph Howze, pastor of St. Lawrence Church in Asheville, as auxiliary bishop of Jackson, Miss., and the

and

Bishop Begley speak about his love for desserts saying that he ate only so that he could have dessert!

Mike had

Little

— "Spanish Boy

never heard a word of complaint from him, just the adjustments that were necessary for the living out his appointment as shepherd of the diocese. What a joy it was to work with him and to see him spend so

Makin, a Franciscan sister from Tiffin, Ohio, came as our housekeeper and remained

at Charlotte

address corrections to The Catholic

News &

A

monk

bishop of Charlotte was his bedroom in

44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $1 5 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St.,

began

continues today reflecting his

still

—

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1123 South Church

served for

spirit that

sent two identical suits to the dry cleaner with the cleaners placing the wrong trousers with his coat. The bishop ended up wearing Monsignor O'Keefe's trousers and O'Keefe was several inches shorter! We had a good laugh as he did too; a man at peace could laugh at himself and enjoy it!

Bishop Begley was a simple and humble man, and these words are spoken in the best sense. His first office as

23

Joann

Secretary: Sherill

The

spirit and that of his two successors, Archbishop Donoghue and Bishop Curlin. "Watch over God's flock willingly as God would have you do."

As I look back his residence was a

The

Publisher: Editor:

then

diocese but always

whom he had

almost 38 years.

trousers

2002

February 22,

Volume

—

he loved and served them

Raleigh, bishop of Charlotte

new

the three bishops

Sister

life.

December 1971, just three days announcement of the establish-

In

It

foundation that

sacrifices laid the

both dioceses

He

build on.

still

traveled the diocese each year to

in the different parishes.

On

one occasion,

we had

the eve of the Ascension,

dinner

with the parish council members in the

We

arrived back in Charlotte

I became very sick during the night; the next day he followed with both of us ending up in Mercy Hos-

about

that night.

1 1

Jokingly, the pastor attempted to

pital.

poison us

— we both had

severe cases of

food poisoning, necessitating hospitaliza-

seven days for him and six days for

tion,

me. Don't eat Polish sausage and drink well water!

He was

really a

man

strength from his divine

Mass,

his rosary

in a rectory

of prayer.

With

office, his daily

and devotion to the

In

initiated

many programs

for this purpose.

Early on, he began pastoral planning for the diocese looking to involve the laity

more

as also pointing to the future.

He

formed all of the councils in the diocese and worked with the many groups giv-

was needed.

There was moderate growth in those days, and the aim was to open a new ing them

the time that

all

parish each year. In addition, several parishes built additional buildings to their needs.

I

found time for

As

never understood all

meet

how he

that he did.

a priest of the diocese of Raleigh,

he was tapped by Bishop Vincent Waters to head the Cursillo movement in the diocese. With gusto he embraced this appointment, and that movement continues to this day in both dioceses.

When enough laity had been trained, he took a different role he became a member of the kitchen crew, leaving the presentations to the trained laity. His closeness to the cursillistas continued during his years.

Bishop Waters gave names to him and Monsignor O'Keefe years before the diocese of Charlotte was established Big Mike and Little Mike. Those names stuck with them for years. Little Mike was never one to mince his words, yet they were very close friends. Big Mike had become Little Mike's mentor.

—

—

1984, Bishop Begley

when

Archbishop Donoghue was ordained as the second bishop of Charlotte. Over the next 17 years, he lived in Charlotte and Maryfield Nursing Home in High Point.

He learned to love Maryfield as he realized that the move had been the proper one for him. He received good care from all and do I dare say that he was spoiled by his caretakers! After a while, he began to tell me that the move had been the right one, and he was very happy there.

For the past few years, he had a difficult time as he was unable to walk. And then came serious sickness which necessitated hospital stays. In the hospital, on one visit there, with his door closed and being bathed by two aides, I could hear him clearly almost ordering the aides to do certain things. I heard him say, "But remember, I am a bishop!" The soul of this good man was at peace although his body was suffering much.

Blessed Sacrament, he worked hard and

long hours. He was focused on his work but always as the Shepherd of the diocese.

He wanted the diocese to go forward and

December

retired as bishop of Charlotte

ing

As I look back, member of that

was a joy for me

I

am

to have been a

treasure the years of

home

the only surviv-

original household. It

work

member.

in the

I

chan-

and the close associaand the others.

As we bid a farewell to him, there is joy and happiness that he fought the good fight and won the battle. A good priest, a cery, the

life

tion with Bishop Begley

good bishop,

a

good

friend has left this

— and many have been

life

enriched by his

How

friendship and company.

very

his years contributing so

he spent

much

to

up of the kingdom of God on earth by his priesthood and episcopacy.

He left his mark on the diocese of Charlotte and will never be forgotten. His the building

rightful place in the history of this diocese

more than assured. May he now be enjoying the happiness and fulftllment that he worked so hard for here on earth. is

One

last

comment. As

I

visited

him

he was heavily sedated and in a deep sleep. I had visited just two days before, but during my Friday Mass I last Friday,

was so serious might not see him again. Thus,

realized that his condition

that

I

back to Maryfield

I

went.

I

recited the

prayers for the dying and just spent very quiet time rubbing and holding his hand.

May he always be close to God whom he loved and served so faithfully in this

life.

today

My

are:

last

words

last

Friday and

"Good-bye, Parmer!"

Monsignor Joseph February 15, 2002

S.

Showfety

February 22,

2002

Special to The Catholic

MOST

WILLIAM

G.

By

REV.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

CURLIN

CHARLOTTE Bishop Michael J. Begley, a bridge between the dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh, died Feb. 9 in

virtues.

When he began his ministry as a young, newly ordained priest in 1934, Bishop Begley faced many challenges in a state where Catholics were few in number. He knew that there is no short cut to holiness or success in priestly minis-

both require a lifetime of loving God in the Bishop Begley spent

service of one's neighbors. his life

doing this! chosen

When

in

draw upon years of rich experience as a hard working parish priest, as a caring and devoted champion of the poor and victims of injustice, and as the director of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Raleigh. He used his many talents and priestly zeal in establishing parishes, schools and ministries of service throughout Western North Carolina.

He will long be remembered for his able to

dedication to Catholic education.

He opened

heart and the heart of our diocese in the children and families of

Leaders

in the

many

welcome

his

to

nations and

ecumenical community

honored him as a "brother in Christ." He was in truth "The Father of the Diocese of Charlotte."

I recall with special sentiment my first meeting with Bishop Begley on the eve of the public announcement of my appointment as the third bishop of Charlotte. He recognized my concern in facing the responsibilities that lay before me.

"Don't worry, Bishop. I'll be here to help you."

His kindness and encouragement never wavered.

They were special gifts from God. During the final days of his life, Bishop Begley spoke of his life as "a journey to heaven." He asked for prayers to complete his journey. His journey is now ended. Let us pray that wherever there is nobility of character, wherever there is a gentleness of spirit, wherever there are those things that make for goodness and light, there may Bishop Begley find his home with God.

He was

Point.

the

first

92.

bishop of Charlotte, and bishop

emeritus of the western North Carolina diocese. In Raleigh,

he was a longtime

priest, filling

many

roles: pastor,

super-

intendent of the Nazareth Orphanage in Raleigh, and director of the statewide

Family Life Bureau and Catholic

Social Services.

'The Diocese of Charlotte was truly blessed with this good and holy man of God," said Bishop William G. Curlin. "All who knew him can testify to his deep love for Christ and his zealous dedication to his priestly ministry. Humility and simplicity of life were among his cardinal virtues."

Among the Mass

funeral

in

bishops

who

celebrated Bishop Begley's

Charlotte Feb. 15 was Raleigh Bishop

Gossman. "He was a man of God who was who didn't get caught up in the intricaof things," he said. "In the best terms, he was a

F. Joseph

down cies

1971 by His Holiness, Pope Paul VI, to serve as the first bishop of the newly created Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Begley was

cultures.

High

He was

Bishop Begley was privileged to know Bishop Begley

only during the "twilight years" of his life. Yet, during those few years, I found Bishop Begley to be among the kindest people I have ever known.

The Diocese of Charlotte was truly blessed with this good and holy man of God. Charity, humility and simplicity of life were among his cardinal

try;

JOANN S. KEANE JOHN STRANGE

and

Bishop of Charlotte

I

3

Founding Bishop Michael J. Begley laid to rest

In Tribute The

News & Herald

to earth,

simple

man

of the Gospel."

Appointed by Pope Paul VI as the first bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte in 1971, Bishop Begley was ordained bishop of the 46-county diocese on Jan. 12, 1 972. He served the diocese until his retirement on May 29,

1984.

During

his tenure as bishop, he was a leader in the ecumenical movement in North Carolina and his efforts earned praise from leaders of many denominations.

"What a warm and caring person he was, and community affairs," said retired Methodist

active in

Bishop L. Bevel Jones. "He was respected and admired by all denominations. All of my predecessors loved and respected him tremendously."

The spiritual leader of the Charlotte diocese, then considered missionary territory, Bishop Begley quickly earned a widespread reputation as a kind-hearted champion of the poor, a zealous preacher of the Scriptures, an enthusiastic bridge-builder in the ecumenical Community, and a humble administrator who counted on the blessings and contributions of many.

Among his legacies to the Diocese of Charlotte was his openness in allowing the diocese to grow in many

However, foremost

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

for eight years.

John

now

former resident of the orphanage, and living in Garner, credits the bishop

Fields, a

retired

with his college education.

Fields said that he was one of three in the

orphanage's 1953 graduating class; then-Father Begley gave the commencement speech. Fields recalls that he spoke with the priest briefly after the graduation, and Father Begley told Fields something he would never forget.

"He said, 'I bet you do not finish your education,'" Fields said.

different directions.

cerns

Wrightsville Beach, Immaculate Conception in Carolina Beach, and St. Leo in Winston-Salem. He was founding pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte.

In 1947 he was named as superintendent of the diocese's Catholic Orphanage, and he stayed there

to the bishop

were

social

especially the condition of the poor.

As

con-

chair-

person of the Commission on Religion in Appalachia, he

For a while, it appeared that the priest had spoken true. Fields was drafted into the Korean War, and served the country for two years. But when he

26 bishops from 13 states in issuing a joint pastoral on the state of the powerless in the mountain region. "This Land Is Home To Me," attracted national attention for its forthright approach to the problems of the people in the economically depressed

was discharged, Fields still remembered the comment, and thought he would prove the priest wrong.

He went to Eastern Carolina University and

area.

thanked him for making that statement. "He glad you took it in the way I intended.'

led

letter

"He was

man who

truly put he always acted on his principles," said Elizabeth Thurbee, executive director of the Diocese of Charlotte's Catholic Social just a really special

everyone to

his heart out for

see;

Services.

"With his being the first bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte at a time when Catholics were perhaps still looked at a little strangely by the strong Protestant coalition here, he

was needed

was exactly the kind of person who Church to take its

to allow the Catholic

and to begin to grow positively and have it be perceived in a very positive light by other denominaplace,

tions,"

Thurbee

said.

"Bishop Begley provided great comfort and encouragement to many people across the Diocese of Charlotte throughout the years," said Bishop Curlin.

"His leadership and kindness are to be treasured."

He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Raleigh

May

26, 1934.

His priestly career in the Raleigh carried him throughout the state. His first assignment was to the east as assistant pastor at St. Mary in Wilmington.

Next he was sent west to St. Edward in High Point, again as assistant pastor.

He

served

as

pastor

at

St.

Therese

in

received a degree in business administration. After his graduation he

and Father Begley spoke.

"I

said,

Tm

I

give him credit for steering

"My

heart and

me

straight," Fields

my

blood are at Nazareth."

Fields worked for the North Carolina Department of Transportation for 31 years, retiring in 1988.

Bishop Begley was also director of the Family Life Bureau and Catholic Social Services, and was serving the Diocese of Raleigh as pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro when he was named the bishop of the new Diocese of Charlotte in 1971.

"When he was named bishop it pleased all the priests of the diocese," said Msgr. Gerald L. Lewis, vicar general of the Diocese of Raleigh. "Universally, it was a said.

happy

choice."

Because the orphanage also served as an assembly

grounds for the Diocese of Raleigh, Msgr. Lewis said, "All the priests of the diocese knew him. He was a mentor to young priests, and he was a distinguished priest of the diocese."

Contact Editor Joann Keane by calling (704) 370-3336

or e-mail jskeane@charhttediocese.org

NC

John Strange is editor of the newspaper of the Diocese of Raleigh.

Catholic, diocesan

4 Special

The Catholic News & Herald

to

February 22,

2002

Remembering Charlotte s

first

shepherd

all who knew him, I mourn today the He was the first b ishop ofCharlotte, from 1972 till 1983, and during that time became the friend of thousands, who feel with me now, the sadness of his passing. When I was named Bishop Begley's successor in Charlotte, it was his hand that ordained me to the office of bishop of the Church, and his friendship that guided me as bishop of Charlotte, a most happy and well-remembered time in my life. For those years, and many afterwards, Bishop Begley was always at hand, to lend me and his brother bishops advice and counsel. More endearing, he remained a constant

"Along with the Catholics of the Diocese of Charlotte, and

death ofour friend and mentor, Bishop Michael J. Begley.

friend, readily dispensing encouragement and support,

with never-failing ease and a charm that all will

We will miss him, but let us thank God for sharing with us this kind and affectionate man

remember.

over the impressive span of 92 years

—

years spent mostly doing what he loved to do: helping people,

serving the church, and praising God."

— Most Reverend John

F.

Bishop Begley with Archbishop Donoghue of Atlanta.

Donoghue

tude; he

I think about what St. Peter must have

He was just a really who truly put his heart outfor everyone

that about Bishop Begley.

diocese.

(W

ith

Bishop Begley) was no pretense, what you saw was what you got I am confident he is with

— Bishop

F.

Joseph Gossman

and always

acted on his principals.

me as

a

new

and he meant

to find

bishop.

it

He was most gracious to everybody.

He was most

His greeting was always,

By that I mean he was veiy approachable, had

time to

listen,

'Hi,

and was very

— Retired Bishop David Thompson

miss him.

— Judge Robert Potter judge of the Western

retired federal

"We knew him as our pastor, and we made a

on the

strong Protestant coalition here, he was exactly t/ie

honored

kindofperson who wdsneeded to allow t/ie Catholic

spiritual person,

it

and

North

and t/iere-

when he went to Rome to

to take its place,

District of

Carolina

oftlie Diocese ofCharlotte at a time wlien Catlwlics were perhaps still looked at a little strangely by the

church

atti-

everyone, no matter

who he or she was. He was always open to whomwas talking to at the time. We will sorely

us all to interact

to begin to

grow

state

We accompanied him report to

of the diocese

He was a

to go.

Pope Paul VI

in 1974,

and we were and deeply

very gentle

and his spirit andpatience were

the hallmarks

— Dr.

be perceived in a very positive

light by other denominations.

St.

ofour trip. and Mrs. Bill Rabil

Leo the Great Church

in

Winston-Salem

— Elizabeth Thurbee executive director of Catholic Social Services

My husband was co-chairman ofthe planning committeefor Bishop Begley's ordination,

Bishop Thompson, the priests, religious and laity of the Diocese ofCharleston in extending

"He was a very prayerful person; a gentle

and I handled some public relations issuesfor him.

and the good people ofthe Charlotte Diocese our condolences and prayerful support on

man who was always so gratefulfor everything no matter how small. AtMaryfield even though

He was our pastorfor 1 1 years at St. Ann, and he was wonderful, a very humble and warm man to whom most everyone responded. He had a tremendousfaith and was as solid as he could be. He was

to Bishop Curlin

the occasion of the death of Bishop Begley.

We know how blessed the Diocese of Charlotte was by the

leadership of its first bishop and the great example he gave to all

by his legendary concern for the poor.

May he now enjoy in eternity the blessings the Lord holds in store for his faithful and devoted servants."

— Bishop Robert

J.

it's

a Catholic nursing home and a Catholic envi-

ronment,

we still have many people who are not

Catholic and itjust didn 't matter to

Baker

Bishop of Charleston

"One ofthe inestimable graces granted me when I was bishop ofSavannah was my association with our beloved Bishop Michael Begley. Through

his

many years

as

founding bishop of Charlotte and

who askedfor a

They often said 'This

is

people's

Diocese of Savannah

outpouring of love and affection from priests, religious and

it

celebrated his 25th

was apparent from the great

laity that this

was a man who was greatly

"One of his most endearing characteristics was his down to earth approach to his ministry and to

his relationship with his people. 'In

God's providence, he was the

bishop-pastor of the Diocese of Charlotte. His legacy

bishops have built and will build.

— Bishop

is

ideal selection to

be the founding

the spiritual foundation on which succeeding

May his soul rest in peace."

still

working, ready to pitch

humankind. His upstairs,

light has

in.

He was afriend to

gone

out,

but

it's

on

and Ifeel that it is shining down now as

he praysfor

us.

—Nancy West St.

Ann Church

"My

Home

in

Charlotte

best association

with him was meeting

with him every Monday nightfor 20years aspart of "Ifounded St. Gabriel'swlien

— Retired Bishop Raymond W. Lessard

already entered into retirement but

what probably touched a lot of and probably improved relation-

Maryfield Nursing

death of a dear friend, this humble giant of a co-worker in the vineyard of the Lord."

He had

'

— Poor Servant of the Mother of God Sister

him May the Good Shepherd welcome this faithful servant into eternal life, and comfort us who remain to mourn the

"One of my best memories of Bishop Begley was on the occasion when he

lives,

a holy man. I think his

a great example, and even after he retired, he was

Lucy Hennessy

his wisdom, his counsel, his wit with those of us who were blessed to know and to work with

anniversary as bishop.

is

blessing.

ships with other denominations.

continuing on into his retirement, he always stood out as a shining example of the good shepherd, filled as he was with a loving concern for the people entrusted to his care, yet always ready and willing to share

him - he was

ready to bless anybody

gentleness

loved.

same with

couple of trips with him.

Diocese of Charleston

"I join

the

With his being thefirst bishop

positively and/iave

pastoral."

way for

a

was

ever he

He

strongly respected the beliefs of other people, but

together positively.

"Bishop Begley had been retired for five years when I got here to Charleston in 1 984.

Partner,'

to see

fore needed

Bishop of Raleigh

gracious to

special man

believed we all worshiped tfie same God,

the Lord."

He is one ofthe all-around best priests I

counted on to speak outfor iliepoor and vulnerable.

looked like and the kind ofperson he had been, I think

"He was a man ofGod who was down to earth, who didn't get caught up in the intricacies ofthings," he said. "In the best terms, he was a simple man of the Gospel. He was well loved and respected in the

mother.

have ever known. (I admired) hisfriendly

When

Archbishop of Atlanta

warm person who always had

"I remember a

a smile and a twinkle in his eye, who could always be

Bishop Begley

wasa monsignor andpastor ofSt. Ann's. We all remember that he was a very pastoral man. He was wonderful with the orphanage people; wonderful as a pastor here. The other day a friend was telling me that she took her childfor a music lesson at the convent at St.

Ann

's.

She had to go in

the St. Vincent de

Paul Society. He was a genuine

person; appearances didn 't bother him.

He was at

home in any situation and was down-to-earth. He was positive andfriendly to everyone and made peoplefeel as ifthey were apart ofhis priesthood.

The memory

that will always stand out in

my mind was when my daughter developed hepa-

New

Mexico.

through the kitchen, and in the kitchen under the

titis

was Monsignor Begleyfixing the plumbing.

He was already an eminent man - the kind ofman

Bishop Begley called the archbishop of

New

Mexico

rites.

who wouldfix anything.

He also had a privatefuneral servicefor her and

sink

while attending college in

to find

a priest to administer last

— Father Paul Byron

myfamily. We always appreciated that; men like

Bishop of Savannah

Diocese

that don 't come along very often.

"For us at the Abbey, we were delighted with his appointment as bishop. He was a long time friend

"He was a Catholic Daughters man

J.

Kevin Boland

of Raleigh priest

— Frank Gulli of the monastic community as a Raleigh priest He was frequently here for retreats, and was friends with

many of the monks.

His genuine humility, pastoral sensitivity and ecumenical openness made him an

ideal first bishop for Charlotte and

nulius

gave a firm foundation to the new diocese. For us, in 1 977, the territory

was incorporated into the Diocese ofCharlotte under Begley. He was most gracious, and working

with us to insure a smooth transition to welcome Belmont Abbey into the Diocese grateful.

—

for that, we were most

And we have the warmest and fondest memories of Bishop Begley. We are happy he will

buried here in our cemetery.

We feel

it's

be

particularly fitting that Begley will be in the section reserved

"I often traveled with him across the country and overseas as the regional and national secre-

well liked on the national level of the Catholic

tariat

Daughters.

near a church wherever

— Ruth Carlisle

Belmont Abbey

diocesan pastoral chairman,

treasurer of the Catholic Daughters of North Carolina

1

of the Cursillo movement. If we weren't

Mass right in

we

were, he

his hotel room.

fortable, religious

would say

He was very com-

andfolksy.

He invitedfour of us to go with him to

for the abbots."

— Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B.

974-80

and out - he really helped us grow in numbers and in courts. He was always there, his door was always open whenever we needed him, and he was very in

my

life, and he was probably the last priest in the diocese who knew my

"I've

known him

all

the

first National Charismatic Conference at Notre

Dame

University.

We were sitting on the lawn

"

"

""

"

'

"

""

2002

February 22,

eating bos lunches father came up

Special to The Catholic

when a young boy and his awe because they had never

"He knew me before

to us, in

man

he was.

of

He was big andfriendly and loved

everyone and didn

't

want to

be put on a pedestal.

of Cursillo for

"The thing that I think ofmost about Bishop is that no one was a stranger, no matter who lie met; that person was important to him at the time. He had a great capacity for listening, and no matter what social class you camefrom,

Begley

ber was

whether you were poor or rich, child Or adult, he

— Mercy Sister Bessie McCarthy first

cas Regional Community

of North Carolina

1972- 74; pastoral associate of

St. Patrick

— Trinitarian Sister Frances Sheridan current director of Catholic Social Services

impression of him was that he was a kind, in

the

,

and diocesan

director of Catholic Social Services,

1975-93

bishop. I

was president ofthe college, he was supportive of my efforts and encouraged me in my work. I especially loved the way he had to admonish me one time when I was presidentfor something Iliad done wrong....

He patted my

hands very gently

and was very wonderful and understanding, but at the same time, I knew that I had been corrected in

knew the bisliop, and I admired him and I What a warm and caringperson lie was, and active in community affairs. He was so ecu"I

He was a people priest, was much loved. We were very fortunate to have him as ourfirst bishop because he set the pace ofthe church in North Carolina in

He was respected and admired by all denominations.

All ofmy predecessors loved and respected him tremendously.

He was a blessing and genuinely spiri-

"

— Methodist Bishop

L.

a dearfriend. He was one ofthe

firstpriests I've ever met,

and lie would liave end-oftlie-

ilu>

time wlien

tlie

bisliop

paper decided

of the

to

lie

me personally and always worried about my

traveling andputting in longliours.

Hewouldalways

When he needed to make his point,

he did.

He

always had timefor everyone, including me. I never

had to hunt him down; he always had time to as he put it.

nomicjustice commitments.

He was an outstanding

spokesman and leader. He was clearly very much an

Protestant organization. It

my opinion,

was a great day

in the

Council ofChurches when the Roman Catlwlic Dio-

'Only the

replied,

title

has

began working fulltime for him on Jan. 12, 1972, and his changed, not the man.'

He was cepted us

—

I

I

was

his secre-

very family-oriented and achis staff and his parishioners

down

—

He was just as com-

at

an informal dinner

of combread and beans with coal miners in

in case his suit

spirit.

needed mending or

his sboes

were a little dusty. He did all of the things that were expected of him but never lost his sense of humor. A person couldn't be around him without feeling like he cared, and I admired his spirit of love for everyone and his overflowing generosity."

thescene,

met Bishop Begley

in

1975 when our

community was considering missioning myself and two other sisters to Charlotte. The bishop met with

us,

looked us over and said he

wouldpray to

Holy Spirit. Then, we later learned that he had called the Motherhouse and said we could the

come.

We continued the work that had already

started to

expand under his guidance

into

Win-

ston-Salem andAs/ieville with the different ministries that

had

opened.

He was

wonderful,

and gregarious, a very good easy to work with. He blessed our ministries, and they have continued to grow. The one stoiy that struck me is when we had an office party, and he came dressed in a shawl with an empty glass dish with a lid. He

friendly, supportive

man and priest. He was

fingerprints on the Council.

It

— Aloha Torrents,

long

significant

which I am grateful.

I've also

learned a great deal this week about his efforts to build bridges to those ofot/ier Christian denominations and his life-long commitment to tlie least ofJesus' brot/iers

and sisters. His impact on our state was significant and will continue to touch people, I suspect, even after his death.

We will be remembering Bishop Begley in

ourprayers...

— J.George Reed North Carolina Council of Churches

he had

I

still

—

to

me

He

as a

have a mission-

work

in the diocese.

influences

me

even to

would describe him

as a

diocese and in building up his programs and offices and ministries."

He was the bishop when

work ofecumenism and socialjustice.

-

of God, who had zeal for the salvation of souls, and whose enthusiasm for his ministry was catching; you were drawn into that enthusiasm and that zeal for his work. On the human scale, his affableness helped to draw a person into that work of ministry, in which he was involved as our shepard.

He had the tremendous advantage of having known North Carolina inside and out for almost 40 years before he was named bishop, so he knew all of the people, all of the parishes, and deep roots in North Carolina. He had a tremendous amount of personal friendships and relationships that had been established over the years to draw upon immediately in establishing the

1985, in recognition ofhis powerful contributions to the

in

man

And the Council presentedhim with our Distinguished Service Award in stepfor

definitely

this day.

the Diocese ofC/iarlotte requested membership in the

North Carolina Council of Churches, a

North Carolina

ary spirit in your

former executive director of the Council of

"While I have recently arrived on

life in

young seminarian

Churches

1979-85

Serving since the early '30s

the Catholics were such a minority.

— Collins Kilburn

'share,

—

definitely imparted that to

after his retirement, I didn 't have to lookfor tofind his

"I

I

to had the spirit of a missionary since

assistant editor of the North Carolina

Catholic, Charlotte Office,

I

North Carolina, that was part of

Bishop Begley's secretary

cese ofCharlottejoined.

He had a real charm about him.

— Mary Coyne Wessling first

He

touch him up before he went anywhere just

pioneer in Catholic cliarities and lie had strong eco-

joimdthe Council ofChurclies, which wasforyears a

was.

I

like

and

relate to

down-to-earth attitude about himselfthat one would be misled into thinking that he warn 't as sharp as he

but

I

working for a monsignor, don't know about working for a 'I

He was a real

"He was very affable, very easy to get along with in spirit and attitude.

was tliat under his leadership tlw Clwrhtte Diocese

but he

to be his personal secretary, and

Kentucky as he was with bishops, cardinals and other men of the church hierarchy. I always kept black thread and shoe polish to

Begley

had such a

He was a very smart man,

me

fortable sitting

and ordained by Bishop

ecumenical spirit. Most significantly, in

ask me ifI were taking care ofmyself.

asked

as his extended family.

Nothing was beneath his dignity.

open

was a grandfatherfigurefor me. He always cared

about

was ordained a

— Monsignor Tim O'Connor

another office in Charbtte. I was a one-person office

for sevenyears. I realized at his memorial service that

for

any church at all; they had no practice of religion and I remember him saying to me there's a lot of work we have to do in North Carolina.

He was inviting me to study for the priesthood and to join him, I think, in the mission of the Catholic Church in North Carolina. I received from him a missionary spirit. He had a missionary didn't have

Catholic

tary until he retired in 1984.

before as after li£

my

to raise

called us in 1971

personality never changed.

rector of Raleigh Cathedral

and was

home

were appreciated. I was touclied by tlie wannth oft/ie

president of Sacred Heart College

boss

to be his secretary part

could stay at

summer barbequesfor the seminarians to let us know we

1974- 87

diocese at

Bevel Jones, retired

"I considered him

bishop.

"He was myfirst

me

I

and said tliat there would be a new diocese and that he was asked to be the bishop. He

bishop.'

was the sarm man

Belmont,

I

said to him,

tual.

— Mercy Sister Mary Michel Boulus in

he asked

as

young son.

I remember when he

man. 1 loved'his simplicity. He was neverpompous. He

the Charlotte Diocese.

ties,

him

menical-he reached out across denominational lines.

wonderful bishop, a most

think he

I became acwas taking instruction to convert to Catholicism. He became close to my family and me as time went on.

When he became director of Catholic Chari-

quainted with

time so

gentle and wonderful man.

and I

gentle and happy person.

loved him.

a most gentle way.

I knew, him as a

went

Carolina— those people who just Bishop Begley with his secretary, Aloha Linhares Torrents.

"I first met Bishop Begley in 1965 as said, 'They told me to bring a covered dish. He the new pastor of St Ann Church. My first had his own humor.

Archdiocese of Mobile, Ala. and former co-administra-

perintendent ofthe orphanage in Raleigh. Wlien I

I

remember his great concern for the many unchurched people in North

Synod,

knew Bishop Begley before he became was stationed with him when was su-

applied to the diocese

interview with Bishop Begley; was just a candidate for seminarian.

tor

"I

I

my

Cathedral,

1973-79

when

to be a seminarian.. .in 1979.

'

president of the Sisters of Mercy of the Ameri-

—

—

seven years

was attentive whileyou were in his presence.

I will always remember him as a down-toearth person, simple and yet sophisticated always thereforyou in good times and bad times. He was always an approachableperson and a great advocate for the poor and disabled. He did things around Charlotte that people never knew about.

knew him

—

— Dorothy King diocesan laywoman director

I

5

he baptized me when I was a few weeks old; he was pastor of St. Ann in Charlotte. I had the honor of being baptized by the future bishop of the diocese. My grandparents they were beginning members of St. Ann's in Charlotte always spoke so highly and in such glowing terms of Monsignor Begley. When I was growing up I had always heard about Monsignor Begley and what a wonderful pastor he was and what a wonderful person he was. One thing I especially remem-

been that close to a bishop. Bishop Begley invited tliem over and welcomed them; that was the type

News & Herald

Father Peter Jugis with Bishop Begley.

— Father Peter Jugis Judicial Vicar

6

News & Herald

Special to The Catholic

February 22,

2002

Friends and family gather

The flock pays tribute to to celebrate end of an era their beloved shepherd By

JOANN

S.

KEANE

his homily,

CHARLOTTE— An

adorned

altar

with red roses, and a cathedral friends:

filled

with

A bittersweet celebration of life on

Valentine's Day.

At the

vigil liturgy at St.

Cathedral, Bishop Michael in state

Msgr. McSweeney

cally offered gratitude to those

Editor

Patrick

Begley lay

J.

within the church he established

as the Cathedral of the Diocese of Char-

specifi-

who

By KEVtN

ten-

derly cared for Bishop Begley in those

"He was a man, a priest, a bishop who would never hesitate to say thank you," said Msgr. McSweeney.

"Bishop Begley was a man of suffering," said Msgr. McSweeney. "He had some serious problems health wise, but you did not hear about them."

tioned before the as St. Gabriel

many

service.

Love

he

is

laity

most endeared by the

who worked

priests

and

side-by-side with the

bishop during the early

'70s;

the forma-

tive years for the Diocese.

Bishop Begley had time for everyone, Msgr. McSweeney. No matter how busy he may have been, to Bishop Begley, said

you would matter most.

Msgr. McSweeney had a special bond with Bishop Begley. Msgr.

McSweeney was the first priest ordained for the Diocese of Charlotte, ordained

Bishop Begley. Moreover,

in

by

the early

years of the bishop's retirement, Msgr.

McSweeney shared

a residence with the

bishop on several occasions.

more recent

Bishop Begley lived at Maryfield Nursing Home in High Point, where the impeccable care for the bishop was second to none. During In the

—

final

Cathedral the

people touched Bishop Begley's coffin dur-

filled

with people,

they approached the cas-

Some mourners

Bishop Begley's family during the

returned from the

stood vigilant

ket to pay their personal respects.

I

who had touched so many lives.

Bishop Curlin made a point to thank

priest"

commendation. "You have given us a wonderful bishop," he said. "I knew him for a feW years, and he certainly touched my heart in many, many ways."

Bishop Curlin noted that many

Church

tearful as

loved and revered by many, but perhaps

that

"the great uncle" and "the understanding

With swords

They

altar.

Diocese of Charlotte.

As the opening

—

—

family had of the 'loving, selfless brother,"

sheathed at their sides, the Knights of Columbus flanked the open casket posi-

many attending the vigil those who knew Bishop Begley knew by rote.

Bishop Begley was a simple man of faith,

was a man who was loved."

Msgr. McSweeney spoke words

"Just before Christmas,

—

CHARLOTTE

final years.

had a talk with the bishop about the doctor's recommendation. It was about the (possible) amputation of his feet," said Msgr.

McSweeney. "And (the bishop) looked at me (refusing the surgery) and said 'I will walk to heaven.'"

"Everyone here thinks of Bishop Begley as a friend he treated people that way," said Monsignor Joseph Kerin, who also shared reflections during the vigil

Knights of Columbus, four abreast, stood still with reverent attention.

Tonight, said Monsignor John J. McSweeney, "we gather here to celebrate the end of an era." Bishop Begley, said Msgr. McSweeney "was a man of love, he lotte.

MURRAY

E.

Associate Editor

vigil liturgy at St. Patrick

night before, but the gathering more than

ing

doubled

thing holy," said Bishop Curlin. "Your love is very tangible here. Please pray for

in size for the Feb.

mass of the Bishop Michael

15 funeral J.

Mass

for celebrating the

missionary; a

membered

Begley,

was a of a leader; a was fondly re-

bishop emeritus of Charlotte.

It

life

man who

shepherd of the

as the first

hymn "The King

Communion. 'Like touching some-

him...everyday whisper his in

name

your prayers...you know he

praying for

to

God

will be

us."

Concelebrants included: Bishop Joseph Gossman, bishop of Raleigh; Bishop

"Many

people referred to him corhumble person. I would say (he) was a simple" and genuine person," said Msgr. Kerin. "His evenness of personality was amazing. He was what you

sion of bishops, priests, deacons, and semi-

Kevin Boland, bishop of Savannah; Bishop Rober' J. Baker, bishop of Charleston; Bishop David B. Thompson,

rectly as a

narians stretched the length of the church.

bishop emeritus of Charleston; Bishop

Bishop William G. Curlin, bishop of Charlotte, uncelebrated the Mass with

Martin Lohmuller, retired auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia; Abbot Placid

an array of concelebrants, including the

Solari, O.S.B.,

saw."

Most Reverend John

Bishop Begley, said Msgr. Kerin, "brought a relaxed, dedicated attitude to the priests and laity of the diocese. He helped steer it from a small missionary diocese to the beginning of the population explosion and still kept the missionary

bishop of Atlanta and Bishop Begley's

spirit."

"He was a joy to know, a joy to work and a wonderful bishop and gentle leader," said Msgr. Kerin.

for

past,

Contact Editor Joann Keane by call-

ing

(704)

370-3336

jskeane@charlottediocese.org

or

e-mail

My

Shepherd

Is" played,

F.

of

a proces-

Donoghue, arch-

successor in Charlotte.

Monsignor Joseph Showfety, who had served as Bishop Begley's chancellor, gave a homily filled with insight into "die man whom so many of us admired and loved," Msgr. Showfety said. "Now as we gather to express our farewell, we honor a good man, a holy priest and a most generous bishop. We admire him for his more than 67 years of priesthood."

Msgr. Showfety said he worked closely with Bishop Begley for nearly eight years. "Regardless of (Begley's) as-

—

signments lic

superintendent of the Catho-

orphanage, pastor of several parishes

in the diocese

—he

lotte

of Raleigh, bishop of Char-

loved and cared for his flock and

served them with the dedication of the

Good

Shepherd," he said.

Judith Crowley, niece of Bishop Begley, spoke on behalf of the family. She reflected

on the man

affectionately re-

ferred to as "Uncle Mike."

"In the Irish language, 'Begley'

means

'the littie hero,'"

'There

is

nothing

of Belmont Abbey; Monsignor John J. McSweeney, pastor of St. Matthew; and Father Mauricio W. West, chancellor and vicar general of Charlotte.

Other concelebrants included: priests serving the Diocese of Charlotte; visiting priests

from the Diocese of Raleigh: per-

manent deacons and seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte; the Knights and Dames of Malta; the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher; and the Catholic Daughters of America.

At the end of the Mass, the procession

made

its

way

outside to the steps of the

church, with Bishop Begley's pallbearers

being priests that he had ordained. Bishop Begley was then taken for burial in the

cemetery of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians at Belmont Abbey, Belmont.

"He left his mark on the Diocese of Charlotte," said Msgr. Showfety, "and he will not be forgotten."

"He will always be part of our kves," said Bishop Curlin.

Speaking in Gaelic, Crowley bid her beloved uncle farewell. "Safe home, Michael Begley," she said.

she told the church.

littie

about the hero

we

offered the fond

Contact Associate Editor Kevin E.

Murray

are celebrating today."

She

J.

memories her

by calling (704) 370-3334, or e-mail

kemurray@charlottediocese.org.

February 22,

News & Herald 7

Special to The Catholic

2002

Reflections in his

own words

Nowadays, it may seem a bit premature for a youth of 17 or 18 to set his career goals, but in 1927, times were different. It was not unusual for Catholic boys to consider a life in the priesthood and to enter the seminary upon graduation from high school. I was one of those young men.

I

was privileged

to attend Cathedral

High School,

a Catholic school in Springfield, Mass., after attending

my senior year, we had an opportunity to talk about vocations, and that is when I first gave it some serious thought. Then one evening, I was asked to assist a priest in setting up for confirmation in our church.

He asked me to retrieve a small table inside the altar rail. I'm not sure what happened when I public grade school. In

stepped inside the altar area for that

but

first time,

I

remember it had a profound and lasting effect on me.

I guess you could say the seeds of my vocation began to take root that night. Exhilarated as

I

was,

I

still

had some serious decisions to make about my chosen vocation. I talked about it one evening with a priest. told him I was interested in becoming a priest. I was expecting him to be impressed and delighted with my decision, but instead, he asked me, "What do you hope to achieve in the priesthood?" That stopped I

me.

I

wanted

to be a priest, but

I

had no idea where

how I would like to minister to God's people. He teaching, missionary made many suggestions work, parish work. Then he did something that

or

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

would

set the course of

me

my

life;

he made an appoint-

meet with a bishop who was visiting in the area and was looking for men to serve in his diocese. That man was Bishop William Hafey, the first bishop of Raleigh. I was impressed with Bishop Hafey and the story of a very young Catholic Church taking root in the Southeastern United States. With-

ment

for

out another

to

moment

of hesitation,

a priest in a mission area in

be

my

life's

I

knew

my own

that being country would

calling.

After completing

my

seminary studies

at

Mount

Emmitsburg, Md., I was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 1934. I arrived in Raleigh on June 20, 1934, to serve as an assistant at St. Mary Church in Wilmington. Although that assignment was brief, it proved to be a good experience for me.

One side note: when I left my home in Massachusetts to serve as a priest in North Carolina, my parents thought I may as well have left for China both places seemed as distant to them. But despite St.

Mary's

in

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

their reservations, they supported a priest

me

and gave

all

my

decision to be

the love and understanding

any young man could hope for from his parents.

They have always been the first and greatest inspiration for

me

in

my

life

as a priest.

Prior to arriving in the Diocese of Raleigh,

I

received a note from Bishop Hafey that said simply:

"Bring a car with you." I had no idea how important a vehicle would be to me. In those early years, I spent a good deal of time on the rural roads of Eastern North Carolina. All the priests back then spent a lot of time away from their parishes because there were many people who needed a priest and did not live were on within driving distance of the churches.

We

File

photo by

Mary Coyne Wessling

See REFLECTIONS, pages 8,9,10

8 Special to The Catholic

News & Herald

February 22,

2002

Reflections in his o*4 'J aori/s

As the road three weeks out of four almost

every month. We would stay in homes who lived in the mis-

people's

sionary sections of the diocese.

have

I

I

tion to their faith.

Mass

shown

and take

young Yankee from

New

England.

I barely had my feet wet as a priest when, three months later, I was made pastor of St. Therese Church in Wilson and its mission in Farmville. It came as both a shock and a challenge for me.

I

told

my

pastor of St.

Mary

that

I

was

hesitant about the assignment, but he told

me

dence

that

me

in

also assured

if

the bishop had confi-

as a pastor,

me

that he

I must go. He would give me

any support I might need in my new assignment. "The door to my house is always open to you," he said.

was the first of many appointments that I would fill at the- request of my bishops and the first of many moments over the next 50 years that I would feel a bit hesitant in carrying out the important duties that were charged to me. But that priest gave me It

the key to

my

success in ministry: to

depend on others, especially my fellow priests for support and encouragement. It was the same advice that, years later, I would find myself giving to the

young men who came

to

my

diocese to serve. Like that priest, I would make it a point to leave my door

open to

all

who sought my

For the next dozen as pastor at St.

Edward

help.

years, in

I

served

High

Point,

Therese in Wrightsville Beach and St. Leo in Winston-Salem. In addition, I was appointed superintendent of schools and director of the Confrater-

St.

nity of Christian Doctrine,

now

called

religious education.

Those early years in the Diocese of Raleigh brought many people into my life

who showed me how important

Catholic faith

was

to them:

the

from the

parents who scraped together their pennies to send their children to parochial schools; to the farm families who managed to find an extra helping of dinner for a tired, traveling priest; to

who faced many miles and challenges to bring God's word to children and adults. All of them served as daily reminders that the dedicated sisters

our

faith

was

alive

and growing.

I

was

glad to be a part of the church of North Carolina and looking forward to more

rewarding years.

my

last

column,

remember one

I

man who would come

fond memories of those times and of the" true Southern hospitality that was to me, a

related in

there were always people along the way who inspired me with their devo-

weekly

to our

Edward on Tuesdays. In do that, he had to leave work

at St.

order to

a cut in pay.

sacrifice for this

man

It

was

to lose

a real

pay and

to Mass but instead of his boss being angry, he was impressed and said that the man could continue to attend Mass and have his pay reinstated. I thought that was a tremendous statement for evangelization.

come

Another true inspiration for me was my spiritual director and friend, Father Patrick Darrah. Father Darrah was a Passionist priest stationed in Greensboro when I met him.

My salvation often depended spirituwith Father Darrah. He stayed by me in the rough times all the way up to 1954 when he died.

During my years as a parish priest I had the opportunity to serve under three bishops. In 1938 Bishop Hafey was transferred to Scranton, Pa., and Bishop Eugene McGinnis came in. Each man had his own style of leadership and I, as well as the other priests, had to adjust to the new ally

styles of leadership. That took some doing, especially since there was a

misunderstanding that took place shortly after Bishop McGinnis' instalI was transferred to Wrightsville Beach and told there would be a home at Carolina Beach with a room for a chapel. Unfortu-

lation.

nately, the

man who owned

had no intention of selling

it

the

home

and

I

was

forced to live in a summer cottage without heat for part of that winter. I stayed there only on the weekends, returning to Greensboro during the

The eucharistic Prayer of the ordination Mass. From left: Father Christopher Kirchgessner, O.S.B., Father David Brown, O.S.B., (Master of Ceremonies), Bishop Michael Begley and then-Father Placid Solari, O.S.B.

week

to teach catechism at a black Catholic school.

That was an interesting experience as well. I had almost no contact with Negroes when I was growing up in Massachusetts. When I met black people in North Carolina, I was struck with the way some people treated them. I never did understand why one priest told me I couldn't converse with the black man who was his housekeeper.

When

ment began

the civil rights

to take effect in

moveNorth

I welcomed the changes it would bring for these people, for

Carolina,

all

of It

the church.

When we

arrived at his

was appalled at how filthy the place was and how dirty he looked. I was embarrassed but Bishop McGinnis never said a word about the appearance of the man or his home. He simply treated the man with graciousness and thanked him

home

I

for his donation.

us.

seemed

about people in those years when I served as a parish priest. I remember one incident when Bishop McGinnis came to Carolina Beach with me to meet a man who had donated land to

I

was learning

a

lot

In

1946 Bishop McGinnis de-

parted for Salt Lake City and the Dio-

cese of Raleigh welcomed Bishop Vincent Waters. Bishop Waters was barely settled in when he came to me and asked me to be either chancellor for the diocese or director of Catholic Charities. I wanted to be a pastor, period. (I was stationed by then at St. Leo in Winston-Salem.) I thought the discussion was closed but a few weeks later he had a replacement for me at St. Leo and I was on the road for the next six weeks traveling to dioceses up north to gather collections for our diocese.

February 22,

Special to The Catholic

2002

and Our Lady of Grace in On Thanksgiving Day, 1971, I was made the first bishop of the newly established Diocese of

News & Herald 9

L.eo

Greensboro.

Charlotte.

I

Achievements

will share those recollec-

my years as acting bishop with you in my next column. Before I end this, however, I would like to say that serving under my three bishops was at times a challenge and always a learning experience. I feel blessed to have served under each of them. tions and

Here are just a few of the achievements and honors bestowed upon Bishop Michael

J.

Begley over

the years:

Ordained

May

Honored by Pope Pius

XII

domestic prelate and given the monsignor in 1955.

Honorary doctorate

November 1971 before

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Tuesday

Thanksgiving, Bishop Waters

arrived in Greensboro for an unex-

pected visit. I was truly surprised when he asked me if I would accept the office of bishop. I wanted time to think. "If you are wondering about whether you merit being bishop, don't. No one merits being called." I

new

was challenged

role in leadership

and

I

had many tasks

in

Emmitsburg, Md.; Belmont Abbey College, Belmont; Allentown College, Allentown, Pa.; and the former Sacred

Heart College, Belmont.

the boards he served

to begin a

were: Mercy Hospital Advisory Board,

up the

Johnson C. Smith University Board of Visitors, TO LIFE Advisory Board, Boys Town of North Carolina Board of Directors, Sacred Heart College Board of Directors and the Land Stewardship Council of North Carolina Board of

set

newly established Diocese of Charlotte.

of

of letters

mater. Mount Saint Mary College

Among I

as a

title

(LL.D) were bestowed by his alma

accepted.

Now

on

to the priesthood

26, 1934.

like finding a

cathedral, vicar general, chancellor,

diocesan consultors and a bishop's residence and adjusting to my sudden popularity, especially with the bank-

Directors.

ers in Charlotte.

But the details of being a bishop were not nearly as challenging as the transformation of my attitudes.

Where once I was a peer among my priests, now I was their leader. Where once I was charged with caring for the spiritual lives of

must care

my parishioners, now

for an entire diocese, but

had much help

in

my new

When

I arrived home Bishop Wahad more plans for me. I was set to attend the University of North Carolina to obtain a degree in social work. I began those studies in 1947 and during those two years I was also superintendent of the Catholic orphanage in Raleigh. Needless to say, it was a busy time for me but a rewarding one, too.

One of the proudest moments I shared at the orphanage was when we

ters

received a state license for adoption.

Up until that time we could not place the children in homes. were also

We

granted permission to find foster homes for the children. Both of these licenses brought a profound and blessed change to many children's lives.

In 1955 St.

I

was appointed pastor of

Ann Church

in Charlotte.

Waters had faith that up that new parish and

know

I

Bishop

would build

school.

I

don't

had as much confidence in myself as he did. I admired him for how much he knew about mission work and his dream of building up if

I

the diocese.

My

final

pastorates included St.

North Carolina

person of the Catholic Committee on Appalachia, a

member of the

Bishop's

I

Committee on

I

Episcopal advisor for Cursillo; he

role.

I started by building a team of people to help me. I had an advantage in choosing people because I had been a

37 years. I knew all the priests, many of the sisters and lay leaders, and they knew me. I also knew the organizations and movements and where they stood. I was on the inside track, and I was grateful for

priest in

He also served as co-publisher of The North Carolina Catholic, chair-

for

that edge.

It was not long after I was made bishop that people outside the diocese began seeking my assistance. I was asked to join committees of the National Council of Catholic Bishops, local civic organizations and regional groups. One

of the most important committees I joined and chaired was the Catholic Committee on Appalachia (CCA). Bish-

Priestly Formation,

and initi-

ated a dialogue between church,

la-

management that resulted the document "The Workbench

of

and he appointed a taskforce

to

bor and

Life"

study the role of

in

women in the Church.

Bishop Begley was honored by numerous organizations and groups both in this diocese and throughout the state of North Carolina.

Series

was

written

by Mary Coyne

Wessling and originally appeared the North Carolina Catholic.

in

10 Special

to

The Catholic News & Herald

February 22,

was made bishop. I was also disappointed with people who never came forward to share their gifts with the others. Even now I feel disappointment in that.

As

a leader,

the need for to

make

all

came

I

to appreciate

of us to share our talents

this diocese prosper.

must learn

learned that leaders

I

also

to ask

for help.

What on

I

learned as a priest,

bishop.

as

who wished

I

I

passed

told the seminarians

to serve our diocese that

they must be willing to

make

sacrifices,

and personally. They would live in an area where Catholicism is not a major religion and much depends on ecumenical efforts. They would travel financially

great distances, attend

many

meetings,

be open and sharing with their lay people, and promote the church in every community they visited through their example.

Though

it

was

new

a

diocese

ing rapidly, though Vatican

new

life

into our church,

II

and though

four decades had passed since

knew

grow-

breathed

I

was

spoke to these young men that the more things changed, the more they stayed the same. ordained,

I

as

I

2002

ments but God did not promise roses

who

to those

believe in him.

He

asked

us to take up our cross and follow him.

Times may be difficult but times when your spiritual your

it is

life

in those

becomes

security.

am pleased that I had a hand in helping the Diocese of Charlotte grow.

But I have often thought over the years: what could I have done without the help of others? I feel deeply blessed by the number of good people that I

came into my young people.

life,

especially so

many

may

not have been their natural father but they would tell

me

that

I

was

I

certainly there as a "fa-

was not only the highcompliments but also a sign that we were truly sharing our lives.

I was glad, too, that a good man like Bishop Donoghue was succeeding me. I remember offering this soon-tother" to them.

It

est of

be consecrated bishop some advice in overseeing the diocese. I told him it was a mission diocese and he would need to get accustomed to the distances in travel. I also told him to get accus-

tomed to making decisions and sticking by them even if he's criticized for it.

"Sometimes when you make decisions, you will gain a different title," I said.

And I added that there would be nights he would go to bed being concerned but that was just part of the job.

I know that not everyone can enter retirement feeling fulfilled in their ca-

reer and

Just prior to my retirement in 1984, asked a fellow bishop what to expect as a gentleman of leisure. He said I would do more than ever before. He was right. I've been fortunate to be I

succeeded by Bishop Donoghue who graciously extends many opportunities to me to serve as the bishop representative throughout the diocese.

was also told that more of my would open up to me, share more with me once I was no longer their "boss." That has been a good exI

priests

tions to the abject poverty that pre-

the emergence of lay leadership are a

know they can confide in me and share their lives with me. I have found many priests, sisters and laity ready to help me in any way they can, and I am grateful

vailed in this region of the country.

few

for that, too.

Through the work I did on CCA, I came to know Appalachian families and the struggles they faced. I was moved

There were struggles, too. I was privy to more information about people.

Sometimes it was hard to know that

by their spirit and humbled by their poor existence. I had a clearer under-

when people shared

perience for me. I'm glad to ops, religious, clergy

and lay people of

several southeastern states sought solu-

standing of the need for the church to all people but especially

reach out to the poor.

There were other highlights

in

my

years as diocesan bishop: the fight for

unions at

J.P. Stevens, the

growth of

many movements born out of Vatican II, the formation of new parishes, and I

recall.

their confidences with me, however harmful that information was to them or people they loved, it had to be retained. That was my duty, but it was also my burden. It

was

also difficult to

the priests, with priest,

know

whom

I

that

felt

some of

close as a

distanced themselves

when

I

my

age prevents me I wish to do but I've learned to adjust. I have found some grace-filled moments in the slower pace of life.

Since my retirement, I've had time I

realize that

from doing everything

on my life as priest, pastor and bishop. Looking back over this to reflect

55-year vocation, have few regrets.

I

can honestly say

Of course

I

there were

struggles, frustrations and disappoint-

life. I

realize

I

am among

the

chosen few to be graced with answering the call to serve through the priestly ministry and again serve as a bishop. I have never taken either role for granted nor have I assumed I was worthy to have them. But I accepted the plans God laid before me. Though the road was sometimes twisting and covered in fog, the journey has been exciting and fruitful. And what more could

I

ask?

Special to The Catholic

2002

February 22,

News & Herald

11

Thirty Years

Looking back helps shape the future By

JOANN

S.

KEANE

Greensboro, North Carolina."

was accomplished.

Editor

Before the formation of the Diocese

Shortly before the bishops met in Rome for the 1971 Synod, Pope Paul

of Charlotte in 1972, the late Bishop Vincent S. Waters would regularly

VI

throughout North Carolina to visit the parishes and missions in his far-flung Diocese of Raleigh.

Between the two farthest points in the state Murphy (in the westernmost corner) to Manteo (on the Outer Banks) the span is 450 miles.

With the exception of the area under the jurisdiction of the Benedictine abbot of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina was one diocese. By

smaller units, "on human scale." Pope Paul VI's desire was to make the office of the bishop more pastoral than

travel 2,400 miles

—

—

1970s, that jurisdiction of

the early

—

which had once had covered most of the state diminished to cover only Gaston County.

North and South Carolina originally were part of the Diocese of Charleston, the Benedictines

—

said

it

was

his intention to divide

the larger dioceses of the world into

administrative.

On Nov. 30, 1971, Bishop Waters wrote a letter to Catholics in North Carolina announcing, "Our Holy Father, Pope Paul VI, through the Most Reverend Apostolic Delegate, has made known to us that he has in mind very soon to erect from the territory of the Diocese of Raleigh, a new Diocese of Charlotte. He has chosen, the first bishop of the prospective Diocese of Charlotte, our own Reverend Monsignor Michael J. Begley, pastor of Our Lady of Grace parish,

There were 53 parishes and 22 mis-

The new

diocese would encompass the 46 western counties of North Carolina from Reidsville and Hamlet

Tennessee state line would also include the territory formerly under the jurisdiction of Belmont Abbey.

And so, on Jan. 12, 1972, the Diocese of Charlotte was born. Bishop Michael J. Begley was ordained as the in the east to the in the west. It

bishop for the new diocese. By coincidence, Bishop Begley was a cousin of Bishop Hafey, first bishop of Raleigh.

At the formation of the Diocese of Charlotte in 1972, statistics showed a Catholic population of 35,585 with 39 diocesan priests. 27 religious first

priests and

249

sisters,

which

in-

cluded Sacred Heart Motherhouse of the Sisters of Mercy in Belmont.

sions.

In 2001, the Catholic population

had swelled to 128,775. Sixty-five diocesan priests, 62 religious priests, 108 sisters and 73 permanent deacons served the area. In the same time span, the diocese grew to 68 parishes and 23 missions.

Bishop Begley served the diocese until his retirement in 1984. Bishop John F. Donoghue was consecrated and installed as second bishop in 1984, serving until his elevation to archbishop of Atlanta in 1993.

Bishop William G. Curlin was installed as third bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte on April 13, 1994.

Contact Editor Joann Keane by calling

(704)

370-3336

or

e-mail

jskeane@charhttediocese.org

serving 5,000 Catholics with 17 churches

and 16

priests.

The Second

Council of

Baltimore in 1866 proposed to the Holy

See the designation of North Carolina as a vicariate.

most 60 It

It

remained a vicariate for

al-

years.

was the consecration of Will-

iam Joseph Hafey on Dec.

5,

1925, as

bishop of Raleigh that began the journey to the future of the Catholic first

Church in North Carolina. The youngest bishop in the United States at the time, Bishop Hafey served as bishop for the state until 1937, when he became the bishop of Scranton, Pa.

Bishop Eugene J. McGuinness was appointed as his successor, and served the state from 1937 until his taking over the Oklahoma-Tulsa diocese in 1944.

In 1945, Bishop

Waters was

stalled third bishop of Raleigh. It

in-

was

under his direction that the formation of a second North Carolina diocese

Pictured above: Bishop Begley during a Mass at the former Our Lady of the Hills Camp in Hendersonville.

Mary Coyne Wessling,

first assistant

editor for the

North Carolina Catholic newspaper's Charlotte office shows Bishop Begley the newspaper's computer system.

Pictured right: Bishop Begley celebrates Mass Aquinas Makin and Miriam Miller.

In this

file

photo, Bishop Begley reads to students at

All Saints School in Charlotte.

in the chapel

of the bishops' residence with Franciscan Sisters Mary

12 Special

to

The Catholic News & Herald

Behind the coat-of-arms

the needs of others:

his fellow priests, pa-

and Cuban refugees, orphaned

NANCY WEST

If loving

Guest Columnist

Hungarian

afternoon I heard the future bishop's motto was a good time and will remain a warm memory for me.

As I was making a bed for one of our

new Bishop of

He

and

still

shot back,

"I

Abbey, and motto,

I

Work and

He

was even surprised

Benedictine

continued with the details about

me

would see several

But now the bishop-elect told what his motto would be, and my heart

was

later.

said,

He

explained, 'This

is

partly because

of my connection with Catholic Social Services

and partly because of my association

with Cursillo."

But

his

being there telling

me

about

it

contained part of the reason too, for his

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

He

"sistren."

does love the brethren and For example, what reason other

than his interest in

my

writing avocation,

could he have for asking me,

Moses of

Grandma

the Typewriter, to "cover" his

"We

from St John's

have chosen a phrase

first epistle,

3rd chapter,

the great happenings and the multiple details,

he had remembered

his friend, the

The upper left quarter shows

ancestry.

The upper

right

quarter holds

photocopy

I

am

to

The animal is

band

John the

base

Evangelist.

Theophane was lobby of her convent when

In Belmont, Sister

we came in out of the rain. She took us to a guest dining room where we sat around the on her designs. Sister, a wellknown painter and art instructor at Sacred Heart College, has a disarming smile. She said she was really glad to have some outtable to feast

have never really

done anything like this. (I know just how you feel, Sister, I thought.) But you can't

rolls to signify

family's coat of

arms and also found on the

orphanage building of Nazareth, where

the bishop once served as director.

Tower of David" and Tower of Ivory."

The fourth quarter on thelowerleft holds the see city of the diocese.

lotte,

silver

marks which, according

to the

involvement in the Cursillo movement.

Across the bottom of the coat of arms is

a

scroll

upon which

his

motto appears.

Bishop Begley retains his seal. for the

A new bishop

diocese will designate his own seal at

the time of his installation.

DD

1123 South Church Street NC 28203

Charlotte,

Dear Bishop Curlin, condolences on the passing of Bishop Michael J. Begley to your entire not only lost your founding Bishop, but you have lost one of your

You have

strongest missionaries.

Bishop Begley was a true pioneer of the Catholic Church. He displayed the courage of word of the Church in North Carolina. Under his leadership and guidance, the Catholic Church is growing as a strong religious presence in

his convictions as he spread the

our State.

Throughout missionary assistance.

his fifty years of service to the Church, he served as an

- reaching out to people of all He will be remembered by all

was committed In deepest

to his faith

sympathy,

I

and

remain

to the

faith

who were

in

ecumenical

need of guidance and

as a tireless servant and a true visionary.

people he served.

of

those marks also signify his eight years of

Pastoral Center

my

Manual

Heraldry, signifies dignity. For Bishop Begley

February 14, 2002

diocese.

A band of

below the crown shows eight ermine

Easley

Please extend

The

tower also represents the Virgin Mary's titles

Governor

Curlin,

a

Catholic

The lower right quarter shows a tower

know.)

Most Reverend William G.

red

a parapet, a symbol found in the Begley

State of North Carolina Office of the Governor 20301 Mail Service Center â&#x20AC;˘ Raleigh, NC 27699-0301 F.

A

of the quarter contains

a crown that signifies the Queen City of Char-

see her sitting at her desk smiling.

Michael

the

and the

Social Services.

old

I

St.

at the

bread basket and

might use," she said, pointing to the cross and crown he'd mentioned. "Aren't you glad Sister Theophane is doing this for him? She's very talented. Oh, he is so nice."

Leaving with the copy, I looked back to

refuse him." (Yes,

Spirit;

raven, a symbol for St. Benedict;

by fierce-looking lions and unicorns.

"Here's the one the Monsignor thought Sis-

all, I

bird

a composite of three different kinds of birds:

with

"After

a

designed by Mercy Sister Theophane, who

The ornate designs were guarded

side opinion.

"We

a Celtic cross to symbolize the bishop's Irish

eagle for

waiting in the

ordination to the Bishopric? In the midst of

glad.

He

'We

have loved the brethren."

motto.

didn't mind.

Bible translation,

symbol.

silver

Now

this

is

two blue and two green, each containing a

the dove to represent the Holy

ter

In Latin, "Diligimus Fratres."

phrase

As she paused for breath, I injected, "I know just how you feel, Mrs. Kortheur.

her desk.

14th verse.

The New Ameri-

of the

have loved the brethren."

He was!

"Oh yes, the picture of the Queen's coatShe drew it out of an envelope on

The New American

can Bible translation

constructed the coat of arms.

what about

love, ser-

His motto, "Diligimus Fratres," symbolizes his love for others.

he invited me to the ceremony! I never thought I would see a bishop ordained!

anything.

days

knew who he

take to Sister Theophane?"

"This nice lady, Mrs. Kortheur, Katherine, the curator, was most helpful.

We must come up with a coat-of-arms, you know, and want to have some authentic symbol relating to Charlotte. She got out Queen Charlotte's coat-of-arms for me, and there seemed to be several possibilities in it.

I noticed a cross on a red square with a crown on top. Anyway, Mrs. Kortheur is having the Queen's photographed for me.

You could pick it up tomorrow and take it out to Sister Theophane, if you don't mind."

arms chosen by Bishop

The shield itself is divided into quarters:

And

said

I

I

of

Begley expresses his

and dedication to the people of the Dio-

years.

fluence of the bishop-elect's charisma.

Pray.'"

the insignia, which

many

was a visit to Kortheur's office in Mint Museum. The beaming little grey-haired curator was still under the in-

of-arms."

I

for

the Brothers."

the

he had just come from the Mint Museum. I listened, ready to believe

He

the

of-arms,

on the go. "Never mind," he at Belmont

am on retreat am living the

it

it,

Chapter two of the making of the coat-

college students, the doorbell

rang and there he was, our large bishopAs elect, our former pastor at St. Ann. always he radiated strength but not as always, he was definitely excited about something. I soon discovered what.

First I teased him about being on retreat

has lived

vice

J.

cese of Charlotte.

children.

Charlotte has aptly chosen

'We Have Loved

his motto.

Michael

caring about the well-being

of others and doing something about

The

homecoming

is

The coat

He remembers

perpetual aspiring writer.

rishioners, ailing housekeepers,

By

2002

February 22,

He

0

2002

February 22,

"Return to Never Land" ANNE NAVARRO

By

— Nearly 50

(CNS)

years after the original animated "Peter

Pan" appeared on screen, Disney

flies

back

Never mildly amusing

into the theaters with "Return to

The

sequel

is

release of this

well-timed, as

competition at the box family

The film's beginning

have

will

it

little

from other

office

has a few mildly

menacing moments as London is bombed by the enemy and Jane tries to make her way home.

The

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bish-

— The Motion America G— ops classification

is

Picture Association of

age.

rating

dards, the film has a straight-to-video

The

quality that is hard to ignore.

general audiences.

is

off,

and

are introduced. But

in a

all

Nazis.

Jane (voiced

a sensible girl

is

CAMPAIGN

very similar fashion

grown up. She remains in London with her two young children, Jane (voiced by Harriet Owen) and baby Danny (voiced

by Andrew McDonough), while husband Edward (voiced by Roger Rees) fights the

stories

THE CATHOLIC COMMUNICATION

II

to the star of "Beauty arid the Beast")

who

THEOMOKY 434 Charlotte Avenue, R O. Box Rock Hill, SC 29731-1586 (803) 327-2097

by Blayne Weaver) and

night Jane

is

1 1

586

thinks that

about a flying boy named Peter Pan

Healing the of Divorce and Separation

his friends,

Then one kidnapped by Captain Hook

the Lost Boys, are just plain

silly.

Wounds

by Corey Burton), who mistakes her for Wendy and takes her back to Never Never Land.

The crocodile has been replaced by an (voiced

8

pm

Friday, April

1

9 to

it is

not as interest-

ing a character as the old croc was.

songs are generic

little

tunes that are in-

practical

sequel promotes getting in

on up

family.

for a one-person house-

to $43,800 for an eight-person

OEO

verifies

ABLE

come using paycheck

candidates' in-

stubs or previous-

opens an

ABLE

indi-

Community Bank.

a regular savings

account but Crisp,

accounts are not assessed fees.

OEO

receives copies

of participants' savings statements each month to ensure that they are saving regularly.

Individuals and families can participate in ABLE for three years and can save a maximum of $1,000 toward purchase of a "productive asset," which ABLE defined as "something of value that is likely to return substantial long-term benefits to its owner."

Participants must save at least $20 a month. They also attend free OEO classes to help them learn about personal finance and money management, as well as a program to prepare them to make the best use of the asset they are saving for.

"If they wanted to save over $1,000, said.

pants can withdraw some This retreat explores both the spiritual

and

dimensions of healing the emotional

anguish of divorce and separation.

touch with that inner-child imagination, Cost: $60

which Jane somehow has lost. Only by flying can Jane return home. And in order to fly, she'll need to believe in "faith, trust and pixie dust."

Like most Disney films, there is a

commuters

$120 overnight Pre-register by April

1

a week, but others can. John Carswell told

good

hold,

"We

will

only

After saving for six months, partici-

And the

standy forgettable.

The

Miller

expenses and see ways they can save," said Joan Furst, full-time director of the Bishop Begley Center. "Some people can't save $5

means $23,250

match $1,000. The idea is to get them on a regular program of savings."

Mary

"Through the economic literacy we can look at their income and

courses,

me he tells everyone he can about the program, and many of them think it's too

who are at or below 80

they could," Crisp

12 noon Sunday, April 21

octopus as Captain Hook's other nemesis (besides Peter Pan), but

is

of their savings

for emergencies or for business expenses;

OEO

must approve the withdrawal but doesn't match die withdrawn funds. Participants who leave the program before they've saved the required amount get back what they've saved but, again, with no matching funds.

Those who stick with the program accumulate enough to purchase those as-

to be true."

Wood, among the

and John Carswell, 57, enter the program, each saved $1,000 in 10 months. Wood started ABLE in January 2001 and bought his cattle in October. "See, the sale was coming up," he said, "and (without ABLE) I'd have had to wait another year."

The Woods raise cattle and goats near Murphy on land that has been in 31,

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their family since the

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and

started John and Priscilla's

A

his wife

Lawn

Ser-

vice last year, but the family's total

income was

still

family-of-two

minimum

ticipation.

He

below the $26,550 for ABLE parABLE in March

started

2001 and completed the program in December.

To save the money he needed, Carswell said, "I just designated what I made off of one (lawn-care) job and put it in the bank."

He owned his

mower, and used weed eater "walk-behind" mower that he a riding

ABLE funds

and

a

to purchase a

needed to mow small yards. He also took advantage of additional help available at the Bishop Begley Center.

ABLE partners with organizations:

two nondiocesan

Mountain

the

MicroEnterprise Fund (MMF), which concentrates on business ownership, and the Self-Help Credit Union, wlfich educates

people about

home

"If people

business, that

ownership.

want to save money for their still doesn't ensure them suc-

MMF

coordinator.

Kelly Long, walk you through every step of owning your own business." offers a $50, seven-week course called Foundations, which teaches valucess," said

"We

MMF

skills.

my money and that,"

Carswell

The Carswells took the

me how

to keep track of

about taxes and things

like

said.

"One of the things he reakzed was that he wasn't charging enough," Long said.

"His wife went through the program because she wanted to learn to do the book-

They even have

a cash-flow plan

Carswell started with 12-15 customers and has added another 15. Now that he has additional equipment, he can serve even more customers. "If business increases as it did last year," he said, "I'll have to hire somebody."

For more information about ABLE, call Joan Furst or Kim Crisp at (828) 835-3535 at the Office of Economic Opportunity, Bishop Begley Center for Economic Development, in Murphy.

,

Belmont Abbey: Benedictine

Spirituality

carefully before investing.

Scholars Choice

to

for next year."

Feb. 20 to March 20

St.

is

Robbinsville.

in

retired police officer, he

keeping.

Benedictine, and Jesuit

850s. His plan

selling the steers.

able business

"Prayer: Doorway to the Kingdom" A Soup and Substance Lenten Series

1

build his herd, keeping the heifers and

course. "It taught

Are you doing everything you can to save for college?

ABLE

participant.

percent of the area median income." That

any service

if

London, the (voiced by Rath

Wendy

drawn

Soucie and

OEO information states that ABLE open to "individuals

ABLE

not exacdy inspired.

sequel finds

Federal Assets for Independence Act.

marked for ABLE," said Kim ABLE program manager.

than a creative endeavor. Nonetheless,

World War

—

"It's

charm of similar animated films, chugging along more as a rote exercise

Set in

North Carolina Department of Labor (DOL) has provided a $26,000 grant $13,000 each from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and the

or her local Carolina

lacks the

are likely to be entertained,

home owner-

ship, the

A participant

delightful

young ones

to the asset provider, not to the

2003. For

vidual matched savings account at his

locales as it

in

year income tax returns.

story

allowing the audience to

revisit the old characters

new ones

on the staff of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Office for Film and Broadcasting. is

up about where the

takes pains to pick original left

Navarro

Catholic Social Serv ices issues the check

from page 1

general patron-

A-I

fare.

However, while the animation in "Return to Never Land" is up to Disney stan-

sets. When the person or family is ready, ABLE matches the savings two to one.

ABLE, Endowment

happy ending.

News Service

Catholic

NEW YORK

Land."

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Enierta inment

For information: 828-684-6098 or stbardre@bellsouth.net

Contact Correspondent Joanita M. Nellenbach by calling (828) 627-9209 or e-mail jnell@dnet.net.

News & Herald

8 The Catholic

2002

February 22,

& Columns

Editorials

Guest Column

The Pope

Speaks BISHOP WILTON GREGORY President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

POPE JOHN PAUL

II

USCCB

Pope says obedience to church teaching

for clergy sex

lets

theologians serve truth

VATICAN CITY II

said obedience to

theological tically

—

WASHINGTON (CNS) The president of the of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed "profound sorrow" for the sexual abuse of

JOHN NORTON

By

Catholic

News Service (CNS)

— Pope John Paul

church teaching does not limit theologians to authen-

work but opens

innovative service to the truth.

"More than a

limit,

church communion

in

is

reality the place that enlivens theological reflection,

supporting

to prophecy," the

its

audaciousness and pushing

pope

said Feb. 16 to

it

members of

the Pontifical Theological Academy.

The

300-year-old academy was holding an

forum on "Dominus Iesus," a 2000 Vatican document that reasserted the uniqueness and universality of Christ to salvation.

The pope said theology today was called to explore "the ever-new horizons of understanding of the mystery of God and man."

'This intrinsic impulse of newness does not mean relativism or historicism but supreme concentration of the truth, whose understanding implies a path and above all a following: that of Christ way, truth and life," he said.

The pope said the relationship between theology and church teaching should be guided by "the principle of harmony." international

—

"Since both are in service to divine revelation, both rediscover new aspects and deeper (understanding) of revealed truth," the pope said. On

questions that are fundamental to the

two should be guided by

president expresses 'profound sorrow'

faith,

In a statement on behalf of the bishops Feb. 19,

Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville, 111., said such abuse "is a reality against which we must be ceaselessly on guard."

"We understand that your children are your most precious gift," he said. "They are our children as well, and we continue to apologize to the victims and to their parents and their loved ones for this failure in our pastoral responsibilities."

He acknowledged

that there were "cases of' were not dealt with appropriately in the past" but said the bishops have been working hard to take corrective' measures and pro-

priest abusers that

tect children.

am

very heartened by the professionals

who

work with both victims and abusers who encourage us in this work because, they tell us, there is not another institution in the United States that is doing more to understand and address the horror of sexual abuse of minors," he said.

Here is the text of a Feb. 19 statement by Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville, III., president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, on sexual abuse of minors by priests.

the

questions, legitimate divergence of opinion should

In recent weeks our attention has again been turned to the issue of sexual abuse of minors by

be guided by "unity in charity," he

priests.

"unity in truth";

Pope says Satan work

in

on other

said.

still

at

world dominated

by evil, sin VATICAN CITY (CNS)

—

Before beginning

a weeklong Lenten retreat,

Pope John Paul II warned that Satan is still at work in a world often "dominated by evil and sin." At a Sunday blessing Feb. 17, the pope said, "The devil, the 'prince of even Every person, beyond his own desires and the bad example of others, is tempted by the devil all the more when he notices it least." The pope was commenting on the Gospel reading on the first Sunday of Lent, which described Christ's temptation by Satan in the desert. He said the spiritual tools against evil are ancient and effective this world,' continues his deceitful action

today.

—

ones: prayer, the sacraments, penitence, vigilance, fasting

and attentive listening to the

Word of God.

Though the renewed focus on this issue is due largely to cases of priest abusers that were not dealt with appropriately in the past, it gives me the occasion as a pastor and a teacher of faith and morals to express, on behalf of all of the bishops, our profound sorrow that some of our priests were responsible for this abuse under our watch. We understand that your children are your most precious gift. They are our children as well, and we continue to apologize to the victims and to their parents and their loved ones for this failure in our attention to this issue also gives

me

the opportunity to renew the promise of our bishops that we will continue to take all the steps necessary to protect our youth from this kind of abuse in

While we still have much and much to which we need to be forgiven learn I am very heartened by the professionals who work with both victims and abusers who encourage us in this work because, they tell us, there is not another institution in the United States that is doing more to understand and address the horror society and in the church.

for

—

We

people, especially that

committed by

a cleric,

we

confident that the numbers of priests involved

pastoral responsibilities.

The

and sensitively not only to victims of this outrageous behavior, but to their families and the communities devastated by this crime. have confronted priests accused of abuse and removed them from public ministry.

Over the past two decades, the bishops of the United States have worked diligently to learn all we can about sexual abuse. Our conference has encouraged the development of policies in every diocese to address this issue. Bishops have developed procedures whereby priests moving from one diocese to another must have certification of their good standing. Bishops have also revised seminary screening and have mandated in-service programs for priests, teachers, parish ministers and volunteers to emphasize their responsibility to protect the innocent and vulnerable from such abuse. Dioceses have implemented programs to ensure safe environments in parishes and schools. While we have made some tragic mistakes, we have attempted to be as honest and open about these cases as we can, especially in following the law on these matters and cooperating with civil authorities. remain committed to seeing these initiatives implemented fully, because the church must be a place of refuge and security, not a place of denial and distress. Sadly, we are faced with the fact that evil does harm the innocent, something which human life has faced since the beginning of time. This is a reality against which we must be ceaselessly on guard.

I want to say a word about the more than 40,000 wonderful priests in our country who get up every morning to give their lives in full service to the church as witnesses to Jesus Christ in our midst. I am very saddened that the crimes of a few have cast a shadow over the grace-filled and necessary work that they do day in and day out for society and for the church. The priesthood is a unique treasure of our church, and I give you my assurance that we are doing everything to ensure that we have worthy and healthy candidates for the priesthood and to strengthen the many priests who faithfully fulfill their ministry on behalf of all of us.

While we deplore the sexual abuse of young tried to reach out pastorally

We

children by priests.

"I

abuse

—

of sexual abuse of minors.

As a church, we have met with those who are have heard victims of sexual abuse by priests. have their sorrow, confusion, anger and fear.

We

We

are in

such criminal activity are few. The damage, however, has been immeasurable. The toll this phenomenon has taken on our people and our ministry is tremendous. This is a time for Catholic people, bishops, clergy, religious and laity, to resolve to

work together

dren.

anew

to assure the safety of our chil-

These events serve

to

remind us

all

that the

cost of preventing these terrible misdeeds in the future is. a careful watch that cannot and will not be

We

bishops intend to maintain that watch together with and on behalf of our people.

As we pursue this common work for the safety of our children and for the good of society and the church we love, let us continue to remember one another before the Lord in prayer and in charity. relaxed.

"

2002

February 22,

â&#x201A;Źditorials

The

Column

responsibilities.

many

people die without one. In case you happen to be one of the seven out of 10 who will depart without a will, here are five reasons to buttress your position. You can use these to help you sleep tonight.

The

court can do a better job deciding

how

to

disburse your assets than you can.

The

2.

court can choose a better personal repre-

sentative to handle your estate during probate than

you

can.

The

3.

court can choose a

And

it.

more caring guardian

lic

school or agency.

Would you

like to learn

will? Please write to

me

at

more about making a S. Church Street,

1123

NC 28203. Or call me direct at 704-370be happy to send you a free informational brochure that will help guide you through this proAnd while you're at it, please let me know cess. whether you have included (or intend to include) the church in your estate plans so I can add you as a member of the Catholic Heritage Society. The Catholic Heritage Society is Bishop Curlin's way of recognizing those people who continue stewardship Charlotte,

3320.

I'll

beyond

their living years.

your minor children than you can.

4.

The government will use your estate tax dollars more efficie'ntly than your favorite charity would use a charitable bequest.

Son has me where, in your

believes in the

Please

tell

my

interpretation.

my

opinion.

(Maryland) A. First of all, the response

From

opinion, I'm

Corner

I

says,

FATHER JOHN DIETZEN wrong

I

clear that

what

I

saved by Jesus Christ through the presence and activ-

said about the possibility of salva-

of the Holy Spirit.

This Catholic position can be found in many places.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, for example, quoting the Vatican II Constitution on the Church,

Jesus Christ, Scripture

is

who do

not explicitly believe in

the teaching of the Catholic Church.

makes absolutely

clear that Jesus

is

the

one and only savior of the world. All efforts by human beings anywhere, anytime, to do good and avoid evil, to reverence and serve the supreme Lord of the world under whatever name God may be known, are the work and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and are made possible through the redemptive merits of Jesus Christ.

This is and always has been Catholic doctrine; it has never changed. What has changed over the past several hundred years is the church's understanding of how that grace of salvation comes to individuals, especially in parts of the world and in cultures who have never even heard of God as we know him or of Jesus Christ.

formal knowledge of Christ in him necessary for salvation? Or may that

Is explicit, conscious,

and

faith

be

faith

somehow

implicit,

hidden

goodness and holiness manifested

in

the pursuit of

in lives

of "unbeliev-

ers"?

In other words, can people be saved try to live

good

lives but

who

who

faithfully

honestly, for whatever

reason, never have seen the embrace of Christ or the

church as a personal religious obligation?

The

church's answer

is

yes;

and we believe they are

opening of

rights in Vietnam, has sent testimony to the

Commission on Freedom to denounce

U.S. Congress and the U.S.

In-

ternational Religious

the

religious persecution.

it

even for people

tion,

Columnist

offered,

including from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is

CNS

in

gave was not simply

the references and quotes

At present: -The Vietnamese Communist Government still keeps strict control on church life: appointment of bishops, selection of priesthood candi-

religious extermination waged by the Hanoi government. In retaliation, the Vietnamese government sentenced Father Ly to 13 years imprisonment and five years under house arrest.

-Venerable Thich Quang Do, deputy head of the banned Unified Buddhist Church and Le Quang Liem, leader of the banned Hoa Hao Buddhist Church were detained by the Vietnamese government.

-The Vietnamese government used closed trial to impose harsh prison terms on 14 members of the ethnic minority Montagnards from the Central Highlands of Vietnam because of their protest against ethnic discrimination and

verses in the

life.

all

policy of religious repression and of systematic

Question

John (3:36)

eternal

need for people and society. We always pray people to be truly free to choose and It is unfortunate for the exercise their faith.

Vietnamese people that what is happening in this country increasingly proves that religious freedom and human rights are trembled on by the Vietnamese Communist Government.

Religion, indeed, is at risk of being used as an instrument by the government and enslaved by it to the point of dying away in the end. tual

for

man

does not believe in Jesus

Christ as savior will be condemned.

"Whoever

many

that

absolutely a basic and spiri-

-Father Nguyen Van Ly, a non-violent freedom and hu-

heaven.

who

is

priest struggling for religious

cerning the spiritual condition of the Sept. 1 1 terrorists, and the possibility that they may be "saved and go to I must not understand correctly

freedom

other churches.

about your column some weeks ago con-

Scripture that say anyone

For the sake of God's kingdom As Christians, we are convinced

religious houses for religious orders, contact with

there salvation for those who do not believe in Jesus? is

Guest Columnist

dates, assigning of pastoral positions,

5.

Your grieving loved ones will be better off looking after your affairs without your will. Powerful reasons? Hardly. Nonetheless, people unwittingly affirm these reasons year after year as they continue to put off the minor inconvenience of making a will.

Here at the Diocese of Charlotte, we urge you to Your family will appreciate it. take action now.

Q. This

FATHER JOSEPH LONG DINH

religious

for

Is

Guest Column

will appreciate the

Like many people, you may be uneasy about going to an attorney. Yet, an attorney who specializes in estate planning knows the right questions to ask and the best ways to help you accomplish your goals. These professionals are well-trained and normally well worth the time and expense they require.

Caring for the disposition of your assets is too important to delay. It's important for you, for your loved ones and for charities you choose to support like your parish, the Diocese, the Foundation, catho-

Five reasons to die without a will There must be powerful reasons to avoid having

.

will appreciate

peace of mind you get from fulfilling one of your most important stewardship

Guest Columnist

1

you support

you

GINA M. RHODES

a will because so

charities

Guest

The Catholic News & Herald 9

& Columns

ity

says,

"Those who, through no fault of their own, do not the Gospel of Christ or his church, but who

know

nevertheless seek

by

God

with a sincere heart and,

his grace, try in their actions to

do

moved they

his will as

know it through the dictates of their conscience too may achieve eternal salvation" (No. 847).

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

those

No

one has been more insistent and consistent on theme than Pope John Paul II. He writes in his book "Crossing the Threshold of Hope": "God the creator wants to save all humankind in Jesus Christ." He redeemed them all "and has his own ways of reaching them" (pp. 80-83).

In one of his general audiences he said, "Normally it will be in the sincere practice of what is good in their own religious traditions and by following the dictates of

this

their

own

conscience that the

members of other

This fall, by a vote of 410 to 1, the House passed the Vietnam Human Rights Act, HR2833. This legislation recognized the plights of Father Ly and other religious leaders who have been repeatedly harassed and detained by the Vietnamese government. The Vietnam Human Rights Act called upon the Vietnamese to honor its international commitments in respecting hu-

man

rights, including

tory to the

UN

its

Human

Rights,

and the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights. This bill, however, is still pending in the Senate.

For the sake of 80 million oppressed Vietnamese, we ask you to be inventive, persuasive and persistent in pushing this important legislation to be enacted. For the sake of God's kingdom, we ask you to pray for our brothers and

sisters in

Vietnam and to sign a petition

supporting this legislation or by writing directly to a U.S. senator.

We

reli-

are grateful for your efforts to

kingdom of God.

May God

gions respond positively to God's invitation and receive

the

salvation in Jesus Christ, even if they do not recognize or acknowledge him as their savior" (Sept. 9, 1998).

Countless other Catholic documents and teachings

your loved ones always.

say the same, but you get the idea. No one is saved apart from the grace of Christ. But his saving desire and plan is not as narrow and exclusive as many of us think.

obligations as a signa-

Declaration of

bless

work

for

you and

10 The Catholic News & Herald

February 22,

Around the Diocese

2002

Participants develop strategy for black Catholics By

ALESHA M. PRICE

eas of concern identified

Staff Writer

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

CHARLOTTE

all

and young

parts of the diocese, including the Pied-

cial justice,

mont-Triad and Asheville

They were asked

People from areas,

gathered

at Our Lady of Consolation Church (OLC) on Feb. 16 to discuss and develop recom-

mendations for the National Black Catholic Congress' (NBCC) Pastoral Plan of Action.

In preparation for Congress IX, to be held in Chicago Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, the NBCC asked diocesan officials, clergy, women religious and lay persons from dio-

come together This gathering com-

ceses around the country to for a

day of reflection.

bined the celebrations of the Annual Dioc-

esan Memorial Celebration for the Rev. Dr.

Martin Luther rung

Month

Jr.

and Black History

participants, divided into

eight groups, collaborated

on

NBCC youth

life,

adults, Catholic education, so-

racism, Africa

and HIV/AIDS.

to develop action plans

based on short- mid- and long-range goals that can be reached within

one year, three

The

eight areas of

years and five years.

discussion were taken from the

NBCC work

Declaration of Principles, which will in

conjunction with the Pastoral Plan

through implementation and action steps, said Rev. Mr. Curtiss Todd, vice chancellor and vicar for African

American

Affairs.

priority ar-

'The Declaration of Principles is a set of eight statements that Congress feels sums up what most black Catholics feel to

community of

the church and the said Rev.

Mr. Todd

in a letter

faith,"

of invitation

ISLAND SERVICE PAINTING

t

who had

to parishioners

previously at-

tended events sponsored by the diocesan African American Affairs Ministry.

The NBCC,

headquartered in Baltian organization promoting the evangelization and ministerial and spiritual development of African-American Catholics around the country. Since the first Congress held in 1889 in Washington, D.C., the fuel of the organization has been steeped in the remembrance and embrace of AfHcan-American history and cul-

more,

is

ture while preserving the tradition of Ca-

Promotion of this idea of solidarand oneness sparked the recent development of the NBCC Declaration and Pastoral Plan. This year, Congress IX will focus on the two documents.

With facilitators from various parishes around the diocese, the attendants discussed their particular issue and created the action plans to be combined with the input from similar gatherings in other dioceses to be presented at Congress IX. Dr. James McGhee, a family practitioner in Charlotte from OLC, discussed the importance of educating the community

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Members of

home, and that- one thing many people need to do is to come back to church to reopen Jesus in their lives," said McGhee.

"We talked about what we can do to better educate people in an effort to control and get this horrible disease out of our lives."

The individual groups presented their summaries and action plans to the large group. Their findings are based on supplemental information from the NBCC and what they felt were areas that needed to be highlighted, broken down into short-, midand long-range goals with subgroups:

ity

be the greatest need in their relationship to

for the first time in the diocese.

Over 50

by the

including spirituality, parish

February 22,

2002

The Catholic News & Herald 11

Around the Diocese

tember 2003 including information of the start of the church in Alexandria, Egypt,

NBCC, from previous page

the African eucharistic prayer, the pres-

ence of black saints and popes -

tional Institute for

New

Black Catholic Studies in

echists

Orleans using diocesan funds

Parish By

-

Training and workshops for catand catechetical leaders for imple-

mentation of NBCC curriculum

life:

-

2003, every bishop will mandate

NBCC

an anthology of

will publish

black writings, films, videos and other edu-

that every parish will develop a plan, includ-

cational material

ing African-American culture, and budget

rect their dioceses to instruct parish pastors

for education

and leadership training with

By

-

aspects of African spirituality into parish

life

2006, parishes will provide trainContact Staff Writer Alesha

ing for African-American catechists and

calling

catechetical leaders with extension of

RCIA

will di-

and submit plans to incorporate

to develop

NBCC

progress monitored by

USCCB

by 2008;

process to

new and

(704)

370-3354

M.

Price by

or

e-mail

amprice@charbttediocese.org.

old parishio-

ners to develop ongoing personal contacts Photo by Alesha M. Price

* Racism: -

Development of a curriculum

in eth-

nic diversity training for seminarians -

- Petition

Pope John Paul

II

for

an

African-American cardinal

assuming responsibility

bishops

Catholic education: -

Africa: Development of commission to promote health care and education with U.S. -

officials

Education Commission composed of and laity whose first goal is to develop a survey on Catholic school edu-

lic

dations with bishops for diocesan financial

religious

support

cation to be distributed to black

-

This same commission

funding sources to

will

-

provide

assist black families

with

Catholic education

Implementation stage will involve

Social Justice: The NBCC will form a national com-

and lay persons, to evaluate existing programs as they relate

Enrollment of black Americans in by 30 percent through the building of new schools and

to social injustices in the church

increase of recruitment of black students,

parishes with emphasis

-

faculty

lo-

and individual parishes

mittee, including religious

Catholic schools to increase

tion

and campus ministers

-

Cbmmittee

is

distributed

-

A

and moral

groups, role-playing and fund raising -

Increase

number of

missionaries in

programs that address

getting people to change

lifestyle

from national level to local on individuals national report on social, economic

Dignity Affordability

issue;

Simplicity

or behavior

modification -

Global message

people to be

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in

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12 The Catholic News & Herald

February 22,

Living the faith (working

in cancer

wards) wears on you, especially

when you

"After a while,

Deacon turns obstacles and

are 18 or 19.

didn't completely underhe remembered. "But, my faith life was quite strong. When I needed to, I would call a priest friend of mine or go

stand

roadblocks into blessings

all

of

ALESHA

M. PRICE Staff Writer

— Mark

CHARLOTTE

RCIA,

Nash

not expect to meet his wife at the

did

believed

it fit

right into

my lifestyle."

Rev. Mr. Nash, a cradle Catholic from

Ormond

the

chaplain."

He worked his way through college at University of South Florida at Tampa

and earned his special education degree in 1984. His interest in special education had developed from what he witnessed during his time in the service. "I thought of it as a

do.

and with his son's and daughter's educations, and his wife had been teaching and leading vacation bible school. In their minds, it was time for as a eucharistic minister

the next step.

was our

"It

become

decision (to

attended

means

efited

get a job."

children encouraged us to

After finding a job and meeting his wife, the

continue. It

was a

journey for

all

meet him, but she knew he was the one at first sight. "He walked into the faculty meeting, and I thought he was the most handsome man I had ever seen. We became friends and eventually started dating. We were engaged two months after we began dating and married in 1985 in Orlando, Fla.," said Mrs. Nash.

She was not raised Catholic but agreed to raise their children Catholic and converted to her husband's childhood

faith.

experience, which led to her

entering the church in 1986, was positive

and reinforced her decision to become Catholic. "I had not been part of a formal religion and had preconceived notions of

Beach,

Fla.,

tinue to live guided

Mass with friends. Nash benfrom 12 years of Catholic school and becoining the youngest altar server in his church at the age of eight after learning the required

Ladn

He became

prayers.

only youth lector

when he was

"My mother was

"College was a

to an

end so

I

could

Nash's birthplace, Dallas,

settling in at St.

Texas, for a fresh

Aquinas Church, he was ordained in 2001. The move to North Carolina

enjoyed Catholic

"We

Key

realized that

West was

a great place to

visit

two years of service as a hospital corpsman in the Navy. His work in cancer wards exposed him to death on a regular basis and kept his Mass attendance and visits with clergymen occur-

Nash found himself selling

ring at a steady pace.

pool cleaners and working

his

After relocating and

start.

Mr. Nash.

His dedication to his faith continued after high school graduation in 1978 and

invited to attend

—

Evangelium Vitae

was not easy

but not a place to and it was a

at times, but he says that through die

chance for Heidi to recon-

support

nect with family," he said.

Ignatius Zampino, pastor,

Unable

a

the other priests and the parish family, his time in

to

find

of the sagging economy,

Charlotte has been re-

Rev. Mr.

work

in

a vice-

management

in the

president in capital

corporate trust area in Dallas.

A Workshop Celebrating the Gift of life

March

9

From Conception

Death

to a Natural

First

Union and relocated

1998.

He also continued with

*

that he had

He

special

accepted

Curlin,

to Charlotte in

begun

the diaconate in Dallas.

at

in

lot

the diocese,

I

am

still

experiencing a

of things that the other deacons have

already experienced.

look forward to

I

the changes that the diaconate will bring to

my

life,"

to

me

in that

and

his

he

said. "It is I

am

very humbling

called to serve

God

community."

Bishop of Charlotte

Workshop Choices: •

An Overview of

•

Catholic Political Responsibility in Respect Life Initiatives

•

Responding

•

Embracing

•

How Natural

the Respect Life Ministry (Session in English

to Poverty,

Racism and Violence

Life in the Third Age: Creative

&

(Session in English

Spanish)

&

Catholic

Spanish)

Aging

Schools

Family Planning Supports Couples and Families

(Session in English

&

—

Spanish)

Embracing the Gospel of

Where

Life Within the Family

Time: 9:30am

fil

t Ail Saints Catholic School

7000 Endhaven jEsta Usted interesado en la posici6n de la Iglesia en el asunto de la vida desde la concepci6n hasta una muerte natural?

Los Servicios Sociales Cat61icos patrocinaran un taller que conecte juntas las cuesuones del aborto, la planificacion natural de la familia y la pena de la muerte, en la iglesia Catolica de Saint Mark en Huntersville. Habra tres sesiones en espaiiol.

El taller se He vara a cabo el sabado, 9 de marzo, a las 9:30am - 2:30pm.

t

Special Ministries Office

Catholic Social Services

1123

S.

Charlotte,

Church

NC

Street

28203-4003

Lane

Our Lady

of the Assumption Catholic School

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools

4225 Shamrock Drive t St.

Ann

600

Catholic School

Hillside

MACS proudly offers Catholic Christian values in strong

Avenue

academic programs to a diverse

t St. Gabriel Catholic School

3028

el

Para registrar, deje un mensajc a (336) 922-3628, incluyendo su nombre, su direccion y su numero del telefono.

Faith

Knowledge Meet.

— 2:30pm

Location: St. Mark's Catholic Church, Huntersville Cost: $15 (includes continental breakfast and lunch) Registration due by March 1st For registration brochure, please call Mario Wallace at (704) 370-3228

Providence Road

community of boys and girls in

grades K- 1 2.

t St. Patrick Catholic School /

t

125 Buchanan

Street

Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School

3100

t Charlotte Catholic

7702

For more information,

call

the Admissions Office at

Park Road

High School Road

Pineville-Matthews

St

"Deacons are called to serve and not Being the youngest deacon

in die diocesan

He said that he "knew

has been a blessing for

to be served.

he had read an

in Dallas.

it

now full-time pastoral associate Thomas and full-time deacon. the

earlier,

newspaper

Keynote Speaker: The Most Reverend William G.

warding.

Being downsized from First Union could have led Rev. Mr. Nash to

about the diaconate

Many months article

Mark Nash

depression, but

While Mrs. Nash worked as a education teacher, Nash worked as

program

and the Diocesan Ministries Which Support Life

Father

of

teaching position because

a job as a vice president for compliance for

Embracing the Gospel of Life

Thomas

raise children,

the banking industry.

You are

spiritual

of us."

couple relocated to Mrs.

school," said Rev.

during

'While the journey was not easy for either of us," said Mrs. Nash. "Our

could help people,"

I

said.

the

a great supporter of I

he

Nash. "The agreement was if she decided that this was not for us, I would stop."

a high

school sophomore.

Catholic education, and

way

as a delivery driver until he found

•

in-

volved with die permanent diaconate) because it affected all of us," said Rev. Mr.

teacher at the special

it

education school, was also not prepared to

Saturday,

diaconate

one aspect of his des-

fulfillment of

Her RCIA

I

I

an instant" that applying to the was what he was being called to He had become involved in his parish

in

had wanted to conby the faith tradition of his youth. Although he was not raised in what he calls a "Catholic household," he

Exceptional Children in Florida, but tiny. Heidi, also a

and

first

meeting he attended at the May Sands Exceptional Student Center for

faculty

was a

went dirough the things I was hearing,

Cadiolicism," she said. "As

I

it,"

Navy

to see the

By

it

2002

704.370.3273