Feb 28, 2003 by Catholic News Herald

www.charlottediocese.ors need, as some do, recommendation to you

Do we letters of

or from you?

You are our

Bishop McGuinness students excel at

letter,

on our hearts, known and read by all, shown to be a letter of Christ ministered by us, written not in ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets that are

Harvard Model

written

Congress ...PAGE

NEWS

hearts of flesh.

2 Corinthians

3:1 b-3

HERALD INMMMMHMMMMttHMHMNMRBMMi

FEBRUARY 28,

SERVING CATHOLICS IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA IN THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

2003

VOLUME

Making strides to

Lenten Season 2003

protect children Church's general rules for

Diocese trains personnel in misconductprevention

Lenten

By KEVIN

fasting

MURRAY

ery priest, religious, employee

Acting Editor

CHARLOTTE

WASHINGTON

—

In an

and volunteer

diocese," said

Msgr. Mauricio

effort to protect chil-

the Lenten season

dren, the Diocese of Charlotte

tor.

beginning March 5, Ash Wednesday, here are the

personnel in preventing sexual

—

With

(CNS)

ongoing

continues to train diocesan

the 46-county

West, diocesan administraIt

the fulfillment of a

ops.

promise made in April 2002 by Bishop William G. Curlin, bishop emeritus, when he announced the implementation of

mean not taking nourishment at all

Over 4,4O0 diocesan employees and volunteers have

gram.

during a particular time or limiting ones' food consumption during a given day to one main meal and two smaller meals, with no solid foods in between. This should not be

been trained in 94 workshops around the diocese to identify and correctly address aspects of sexual misconduct. Fifteen more sessions are scheduled through May.

misconduct in accordance with mandates set by the U.S. bish-

Catholic Church's regulations

on Lenten

fasting:

In Catholic practice in the

Latin

rite,

fasting can

"Our goal

confused with the penitential practice of abstinence,

the nationally recognized pro-

The Diocese of Charlotte VIRTUS, a company affiliated with the contracted

National Catholic Retention Group, an insured, not-for-

to educate ev-

See TRAINING, page 9

which

refers to avoiding particular

kinds of food, especially meat.

A fasting we shall go

Note, however, that fast days are also days of abstinence;

days of abstinence are not

Belmont youth go hungry to help

necessarily fast days.

The laws

of fasting and

days of fasting

fight global famine

Eastern

Catholic churches differ from

Catholics of the Eastern church observe fast days by refraining from meat, dairy products and eggs. This is required of Catholics of all ages on the first day of Lent (two days before the start of Lent in the Latin rite) and on Good Friday. Consult authorities of individual churches to determine if they have other fast days. Church law for the Latin those in the Latin

rite establishes

CNS

Pope John Paul

days by not eating between meals and by having no more than one main meal and two

By KEVIN

MURRAY

for donation to a local orga-

nization.

Acting Editor

BELMONT ter

Feed the hungry, nourish souls Catholic Relief Services launches annual Lenten

program

and malnutrition are part of their everyday lives. This Lenten season, 12 million

KAREN

EVANS

Staff Writer

CHARLOTTE

—

T3dW3

WWII

N0S1IN

HO 11331100 ON

Catholics will not only

television, It's

Ash

Wednesday, and you are hungry. Now imagine if you felt this way every day. For 800 million people throughout the world, hunger

I000-66SZ2 3N T1IH

US.

give up chocolate or watching

but they will give

prayer and alms for the

1.2 billion

from

area

churches,

including

go without

six

Queen

of the Apostles Church, gathered at First

Photo

Foursquare

by:

Gospel Church for 30 Hours

The

Kevin E.

Murray

Lifetime of discernment

Sister of

to Lou rdes water

leads to ...PAGE

as religious

of the Apostles. "This is just a taste of what others go through." "You're never really hungry until you've walked

of Queen of the Apostles.

Pro golfer attributes healing

life

14,

Queen

mile in someone else's Marcie Stocker,

12,

See ORB, page 14

Dean,

shoes," said

youths went without food, learned about global famine and collected canned goods

Operation Rice Bowl (ORB)

food,"

said Christopher

of Famine Feb. 21-22.

people living in poverty.

it's

like physically to

mem-

bers

understand-

ing of what

got a taste of last weekend.

famine

ministry

got a bet-

— Youth groups

mately 100 youth

obliged to observe these fast

W3S

Rossi, Catholic Press Photo

Approxi-

day and Good Friday as penitential days of fast. Those aged 18 through 59 ordinarily are

Max

receives ashes from Cardinal Josef Tomko at Rome's Basilica of Santa Sabina Feb. 13, 2002. During his weekly audience, which coincided with Ash Wednesday, the pope spoke of the need to rediscover the value of selfless giving, especially during Lent,

Ash Wednes-

smaller meals.

photo by

rite.

See FASTING, page 9

Mercy shares

unconditional love

through ministry

sister ...RAGE

...PAGE

The Catholic News & Herald

Church U.N. role

show how God

lifts

The World

February 28,

in Brief

The

ference.

up the

region

world, says official

less

2003

Catholic population in the

than

percent of the

total.

The

The pope noted that the bishops, in Rome to make their quinquennial "ad

not

limina" reports on the status of their

to offer "technical solutions or remedies"

dioceses to the Vatican, highlighted posi-

NEW YORK

—

(CNS)

church's role at the United Nations

show the

to world problems but to

Christian-Muslim relations in North Africa. He welcomed "good will" on the part of governments there toward tive

inter-

community how God lifts up the whole world, according to the national

Vatican's

new U.N.

nuncio. Archbishop

the Catholic Church.

Pope encourages

was celebrant and homilist for a Mass Feb. 23 at Holy Family Church, whose parish bounds Celestino Migliore

the one

who

"can

lift

up the entire

w orld." "By her presence among

the na-

church wants to share with the peoples of the world this treasure, this lever outside the world which enables her to lift it up," he said. British prime minister's tions, the

papal meeting part of 'immersion' weekend (CNS) Tony Blair's first meeting with Pope John Paul II was part of a "full immersion" weekend in Catholicism for the British prime minister. Blair and the pope discussed their divergent views on Iraq during a 30-minute tete-a-tete in the papal library Feb. 22. Afterward, the pope greeted Blair's wife, Cherie, and three of their

Then

four children.

encouraged the Missionaries of Charity to model their lives on the founder of their order, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, discovering and

CNS

Manhattan youths enjoy 'Thanksgiving

in February' Maria and Janice Robles enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal sponsored by the Capuchin Food Pantry and Southgate Tower Hotel in New York Feb. 22. Capuchin Father Francis Gasparik noted that contributions to the pantry, which feeds 1,000 families each week, have not kept up with increased need since the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001.

the 'logic of war," Pope John Paul

day of prayer and fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday. The pope announced the move Feb. 23 as he ap-

Blair held further

war

pealed once again against

said

armed

in Iraq.

conflict in the Persian

Gulf state could throw the entire Middle East into turmoil and raise tensions

Pope says church must speak out on limits of

aware of the impassable limits that the defense of life and of the integrity and dignity of every human being imposes on their research activities," the pope said. Pope encourages interreligious dialogue in North Africa VATICAN CITY (CNS) Pope John Paul II encouraged Christians in predominantly Islamic countries to keep up dialogue with their Muslim neighbors, overcoming mistrust and media-

biomedical research

perpetuated stereotypes "with patience

window above St. Peter's Square. 'For months the international community

hours later, the Blair family returned to the Vatican for a long private tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Ba-

ger of a war that could upset the entire region of the Middle East and aggravate tensions which unfortunately are already present at the start of the third millennium," he said.

back

Early the next morning they were inner chambers for

in the Vatican's

private

Mass with

the pope, according to

church sources. Blair's three stops at the Vatican in less than 24 hours may have set a record for a

VATICAN CITY

head of state.

Pope calls for prayer, fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday VATICAN CITY (CNS) Warn-

—

ing that the world was drifting toward

church

(CNS)

—

If the

to speak out forcefully about

fails

the ethical limits of biomedical research, history

scientists

—

of culpable

si-

— and maybe even

could one day accuse

2003

February 28,

Volume

•

planner

A L D

Number

March 23

CHARLOTTE

States Acting Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer:

Field

—

day

Karen A. Evans

The United

Band and Chorus

will present a free

W. West

Publisher: Msgr. Mauricio

Army

performance

to-

at 3 p.m. at Charlotte Catholic

High School Auditorium. The 65-

Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick

member

Field Band travels throughout the U.S. and abroad presenting programs of marches, popu-

Beason 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237

lar music, patriotic selections

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

instrumental and vocal solos.

E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE Ivan Dragicevic, one of the three Medjugorje visionaries who reportedly is still seeing the Blessed

Secretary: Sherill

and

—

The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $1 5 per year by the

parishes of the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all

for enrollees in

Roman

other subscribers.

postage paid other

cities.

POSTMASTER: Send

address corrections

News &

Second-class NC and

at Charlotte

The Catholic

Herald, P.O. Box 37267,

Charlotte,

28237.

Mother

after 21 years, will speak at

Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Rd., tonight. The Rosary begins at 6 p.m., followed by Mass at 7 p.m. and a reception. Call (704) 846-7361 for details. 3 Father Andrew St.

Q&A

CLEMMONS

—

Dublin Archdiocese uses public transportation to promote priesthood DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) The

it is

necessary that

sci-

—

entists are

—

and determination." He made the remarks Feb. 24 at the Vatican to bishops and pastoral administrators from Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia, members of the North African bishops' con-

Draper

Diocesan NEWS

—

perimentation

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

April

For more information,

call

the

church office at (336) 778-0600 or Jim Passero at (336) 998-7503. 3 CHARLOTTE The bereavement support group will meet tonight from 6-7:30 p.m. and every first Monday in the family room at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. This support

—

group

for

anyone who has experi-

at the not simply also an encounter

Dublin Archdiocese is using the city's bus and rail system to promote the priesthood.

The

advertisements posted

on buses and trains show a candle flame with a quote from Pope John Paul II

World Youth Day 2002

sidering

it.

reer Transition

CHARLOTTE

friends and neighbors to join in prayer

honor of the Blessed Trinity today. will stop what we are doing to pray for our country. Christians in Ca3 CHARLOTTE in

—

conference room of St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. For more information, call: St.

—

(704) 542-2283.

—

a ministry of St.

Commons Pkwy., devoted to helping people in career crises. The meeting will take place tonight from 7-9 p.m. in the conference room. For more information, call Rev. Mr. Jim Hamrlik at (704) 576-0456. The regularly 3 scheduled cancer support group meetings for survivors, family and friends will be held tonight and every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the office building

Matthew

The Columbiettes of 3 MT. AIRY Holy Angels Council 11406 invite

Matthew. Church, 8015 Ballantyne

Ruth Posey, CSS counselor, (704) 370-3238.

Toronto: "Even a tiny flame can lift the heavy lid of night." The campaign was announced in a statement posted on the archdiocesan Web site. The statement referred to a study published in the January 2002 edition of the magazine Doctrine and Life which stated that more than 40 percent of young men in Ireland have considered a vocation at one time, with 10 percent seriously con-

enced the loss of a loved one. For details call

an act of charity, it is with Christ himself in the poor," the pope wrote in his letter, released Feb. 22 at the Vatican.

—

won by

has lived in great anxiety over the dan-

silica.

Vatican. "Christian love

A peaceful future for the

war, the pontiff said from his apartment

by the pope Oct. 19

beatified

his

world cannot be

few

talks with other Vatican officials.

Pope John Paul II said. He made remarks Feb. 24 to about 160 medical researchers and church ethicists participating in a three-day plenary meeting of the Pontifical Academy for Life. "Today, perhaps more than in other times, given the enormous development of biotechnologies even human exlence,

across the globe.

terrorism or by

serving Christ in the poor. "You are her spiritual heirs, her beloved children," the pope told the sisters holding their general chapter meeting in Calcutta, India, in late February. The meeting was the first general chapter the sisters have held since 1997; in March that year Sister Nirmala Joshi was elected superior general, succeeding Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa, who died in September 1997, will be

photo by Chris Sheridan

Sisters Gloria,

called for a

—

VATICAN CITY

John Paul

illus-

trate the church's mission, he recalled Archimedes, a Greek of the third century B.C. who was said to have stated that by the principles of physics he theoretically could. devise levers capable of moving any amount of weight. "Give me a place to stand and I will move the world," he reportedly said. The nuncio said that

God

—

many

include the U.N. headquarters and

of the national U.N. missions.

Missionaries of Charity to follow founder's example VATICAN CITY (CNS) Pope

Marilyn Borrelli

4 KERNERSVILLE

—

The Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Student Council will be hosting the American Red Cross Bloodmobile today from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. BMCHS recognizes the importance of helping the Red Cross maintain an adequate and safe blood supply, and everyone in

February 28,

2003

The World

The Catholic News & Herald 3

in Brief

Romanian church leaders say Dracula theme park hurts country's image

might be U.S. priest Honduras

— Honduran

(CNS)

$32 million Dracula theme park, saying the park would present an inaccurate image of the country. The park was planned for the country's Transylvania region, but Romanian officials announced in early February that the park would be built at a lakeside resort north of Bucharest, near the burial site of Vlad

forensic specialists

have finished their examination of a skeleton that many believe may belong to a U.S. priest who disappeared during the government's campaign against leftists in

the early 1980s. Results of tests on the

skeleton, believed to be Father

Carney of

St.

James

Louis, were sent to the

Honduran government's

the Impaler, the real-life Romanian who inspired the vampire myth.

special pros-

human rights. Known by Hondurans as "Padre

ecutor for

prince

many

"The Catholic and Orthodox churches hold the same views about this project, which won't give a good image of Romania," Archbishop loan Robu of

News

time.

TEGUCIGALPA,

against attempts to relocate a planned

Bucharest told Catholic

first

finish forensic of skeleton that

exam

Poland (CNS) Romania are warning

leaders, in

on professional

sights

its

Hondurans

—

WARSAW, Church

Vatican set

yachters for the

Guadalupe," Father Carney disappeared

September 1983 while serving band of leftist

as chaplain to a small

guerrillas trying to establish a rebel

Service in

the Jesuit order shortly

a telephone interview. "If the govern-

presence.

ment wants

to build such a park in

before joining the guerrillas. Dr. Amilcar

should think carefully about it's presenting of our

Rodas, director of the forensic laboratory of the Honduran Public Ministry, re-

future,

the kind of picture

The

country." ficials

left

fused to reveal the results of his study,

archbishop spoke after of-

but said

canceled plans for the 260-acre

in mid-February that he exwould be made public "within a

theme park near the medieval town of

pected

Sighisoara in Transylvania.

week, or perhaps a

Sharp decline in church marriages worries church official

WILMINGTON, The head

WASHINGTON

—

CNS photo by Kathrynne Skonicki,

of the marriage preparation programs believes cohabitation unmarried couples living together is a major cause of a sharp

—

Clarice Boswell of Plainfield, 111., displays family quilts that may have helped fugitive slaves find their way to freedom. Boswell's grandmother said the bed coverings were hung on outdoor lines to reveal secret messages sometimes by design or by shape to escaping slaves.

number of couples married in diocesan churches over the past seven years. "Cohabitation has become for many an alternative to marriage," Tom Jewett, head of the diocese's Family Life Bureau, told The Dialog, decline seen in the

Wilmington's diocesan newspaper. Overall, the number of marriages reported by the diocese dropped 18.4 percent from 1995 to 2001, according to figures reported to the Official Catholic Directory,

on dioceses nationwide. During the same period, marriages between a Catholic and a

member

of another

statistics

faith

— commonly —

Catholic Explorer

Family quilts hold story of freedom for slaves

—

which annually compiles

—

Setting

sail:

Vatican

office starts

and support crew. So, for the first time, he has found himself scanning the news-

new

among yachts

mission

VATICAN CITY

(CNS)

— Arch-

papers daily for results of the America's Cup event, which will end by early

bishop Agostino Marchetto knows the

March when

Swiss yacht Alinghi was leading the

New

America's Cup battle against Team New Zealand 3-0 when the fourth race was

postponed Feb. 19 because of the weather.

The

archbishop, secretary of

the Pontifical Council for Migrants and

not just one of the growing

either Alinghi or

Team

Zealand has won five races. Through the Apostleship of the Sea and its

Stella

Maris centers for

seafarers, the

Vatican has a long history of providing pastoral care and social services to mari-

Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St., will have a Retreat for Lent today from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

sons for immigration, frequently asked questions about Latinos and working

for

Ann Church, 3635 Park Rd., having a meeting with a luncheon and program at 1 p.m. in the parish activity center. All adults age 55 and older are welcome. For more information about the senior group or bingo every Thursday night at 7 p.m., call Charles Nesto at (704) 398-0879.

ers of St. will be

—

5 ALBEMARLE The Forever Young Club of Our Lady of the Annun416 N. 2nd St., will be having a meeting and a covered dish lunch in the Family Life Center this

ciation Church,

call

10 a.m. For further details, Gerald Maiden (704) 982-5261. at

new

has a

pasto-

COUNTY — The La-

Order of Hibernians Guilford County Division 1, an. Irish-

dies Ancient

Catholic social and charitable interparish group, will be having a meeting in

X Church

Ascension, 726 1st Avenue NW. Christian women from Lebanon invite us to become better informed about their country and its needs. Through the theme "Holy Spirit, Fill Us" they

Greensboro. For further informaMcHale at (336) 292-

18.

vice.

St.

Pius

tion, call Elaine

efforts to

share their rich heritage of faith with us. Childcare will be provided and refreshments will be served after the ser-

tonight at 7:30 p.m.

CHARLOTTE

—

Programa

effectively with the Hispanic/Latin

American community. To register contact Anna M. Judy at (704) 370-3248, email amj udy@eharlottediocese.org. 7 HICKORY St. Aloysius Church, along with other area churches, is

—

sponsoring a World Day of Prayer ecumenical worship service tonight at 7 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the

thousands of others at a Feb. 15 march in Hollywood. "This is uniting people around the world," added Smith, a member of the Los Angeles archdiocesan Justice and Peace Commission. The march, co-sponsored by Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace, had as its theme, "Health Care, Not Warfare." Organizers esti-

sands of other marchers in more than 350 cities worldwide.

Esperanza of Catholic Social Services will present a "Blending Cultures" class today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Blending Cultures class addresses traditional Hispanic/Latino culture, rea-

CHARLOTTE — The Happy Tim-

ral interest in the sailors, their families

against the war," said Cambria Smith, a parishioner at St. Bridget of Sweden Church in Van Nuys, Calif, who joined

meet the spiritual needs of those who work on cruise ships. During the 2002-2003 regatta season, the

the America's Cup.

yond, Catholics joined those of other faiths in marches, speeches and other events aimed at slowing what they see as a rush to war with Iraq by the Bush administration. "I'm quite optimistic that there is a real worldwide movement

mated the crowd

6 GUILFORD

fans of international sailing regattas like

— From

put the number

fishers.

community who is able to donate blood is encouraged to attend. The Blood Drive will be held in the school's Athletic Center at 1725 NC Highway 66 South in Kernersville. The school is located a block south of 1-40 on Route 66. An appointment is not necessary but can be made by contacting Linda Kennedy, Student Council moderator, at (336) 564-1010. the

(CNS)

California to Massachusetts and far be-

Over the past

time workers and

Travelers,

morning

more."

decade, the council also has intensified

"mixed marriages" in the church declined 25 percent, while the number of Catholic couples who married in the church dropped 13 percent.

called

little

From coast to coast, Catholics find ways to warn against war

(CNS) Wilmington Diocese's Del.

at 75,000, while police

at more than 30,000. They were joined by hundreds of thou-

Harp Concert

will feature Annabelle Concert Artist and National Competition first-prize win-

Taubl, ner.

ward

AHS

reception will be held after-

in the fellowship hall.

For more

information, contact Susan Schlie at

(704) 544-7849.

For more details call Carole Murmoroto, (8-28) 256-8956.

July

Oratory Religion Camp will hold two separate one-week sessions at Camp York in Kings Mountain State Park the weeks of July 13-19 and July 20-26. Boys and girls under 12 who will enter grades 2-6 in September can apply for consideration. For more information and application, write to: The Oratory Religion Camp, PO Box 11586, Rock Hill, SC 29731-1586. Those 16 and older

CHARLOTTE — St.

Sister Suzanne, a Sister of

Mercy from

Philadelphia, will present reflections

Lent

in the

way taught by

St.

The

Retreat will be in the annex: look for the signs. Lunch will be provided. Reservations are requested. Ignatius.

For

details please (704) 537-6435.

call Alice

CHARLOTTE

—

Ray Smith

St.

Gabriel

Church, 3016 Providence Road, will host the Charlotte Chapter of the

American Harp at

Society, a free concert

7:30 p.m. tonight.

The

Classical

13 KINGS

MOUNTAIN

— The

wishing to volunteer as counselors can write for a staff application. See also online www.rockhilloratory.com.

The Catholic News & Herald

February 28,

Around the Diocese

2003

Mt. Vernon, N.Y.

Back in the swing

saw

Pro golfer a ttributes healing to Lourdes wa ter DIANNE M.A. RIGGS

Correspondent

HENDERSONVILLE Ron Garcia

"I'm healthier

When

he didn't really expect anything to happen. The pamphlet that accompanied the small plastic bottle from Lourdes, France cautioned that w hile some people who used the water were cured of their ailments, many othhis face,

ers

were not. But Garcia,

member

life

now

than since

was

of the

Professional Golfers' Association,

cradle Catholic born and raised

was

proximately 1998.

after

Garcia, a

a teaching pro at nearby Crooked Creek Golf Club until ap-

vised

him

move out West

currently a

faith,"

to better

seemed a poor option. what he described as "spur of the moment" in September 1995, the former golf pro put the water on his nose and cheeks and received a "tremendous blessing." The asthma and allergies immediately went away, he climate, but that

The important to me that understood I never had asthma

Photo by Dianne M.A. Riggs

For more

information on Garcia's expe-

Ron Garcia

Contact Correspondent Dianne M.A. Riggs at (828) 299-4411 or e-mail

displays the bottle of water from Lourdes, through which he believes God healed him of his asthma and almost all of his former

mountainquixote@Aol.com.

allergies.

riences, visit

www.rglourdes.com.

FIRST

CHARTER BANK J0BUNE 1-800-422-4650,

miracle of Lourdes began in calling for when Mary

1858,

"It is really

—

prayer, penance and conversion

again," said Garcia.

peared

However, approximately four months later, the allergies came back. "I was shocked, confused," he said. Garcia was forced back on the allergy medicine and again considered moving. Then, in May 1996, he took a second application of the Lourdes' wa-

Soubirous

Mary

times

in a

—

ap-

First

and a spring appeared. Many people have had illnesses cured by the spring's waters, including the 66 cures deemed a

large

CALL

church-appointed

News

Since then, he only uses the allergy medicines two months of the year. Doc-

While drawn to Lourdes, Garcia saw no way to travel to Southern

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France. Then a flyer advertising Lourdes water came in the mail from the Franciscan Mission Associates in

few years ago told him he has the lung capacity of a 25 year old.

We are

small enough to offer individual recognition and a friendly team environment.

medical board, according to Catholic

Garcia's lungs a

JOBS (5627)

grotto near Lourdes.

told the girl to dig in the grotto

miraculous by

Ext.

WHY WORK AT FIRST CHARTER BANK?

Bernadette

ter.

who examined

As a result of his healing, Garcia describes himself as "more Catholic

Lourdes.

said.

tors

cation in 1995.

those (in the Bible) who (personally) witnessed the miracles of Christ." He was fascinated with the appearances of Mary, the mother of God, at Fatima, Guadalupe and especially

it's

have always had a real strong he said, attributing it to his parents and education by the Sisters of Saint Joseph. "I was always envious of

walk up a small

winter. Medical professionals ad-

hill in

professional trader of stocks and bonds.

Garcia said the asthma was so bad that he couldn't even

at once. "I sort

miracle.

eyes.

suffered

for life-threatening experiences."

became

forced to discontinue competitive golf

He had

developing a bone spur. member of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville,

from debilitating asthma and year-around allergies since his youth. For 10 years, he had had to use medicines that made him "lethargic and irritable," and were possibly generating glaucoma in his getting desperate.

immediately," he said,

than ever." "The appearances of Mary are a cornerstone of my faith," he said. "God obviously wants us to pray to Blessed Mary to intercede for us with Christ." Compelled to share his experience of being healed by God and his family's "five decades of interaction with the Blessed Mother," Garcia wrote a book titled "Another Blessing from Lourdes." He is currently seeking a publisher. In time, Garcia hopes to approach the church hierarchy regarding his healing's documentation as a true

near Pittsburgh, Pa., Garcia turned professional golfer in 1970 upon graduating from the University of South Florida at Tampa. Two years later, after winning a tournament in the Florida Golf Tour, he became head pro at a country club in Waynesville, N.C. For 1 2 years, he played the Florida Winter Tour and one year competed in a PGA tournament. In 1981, he was

applied Lourdes water to

It remained on his desk for six months before he made the first appli-

16 years old," he said.

—

sent for

but did not apply

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February 28,

2003

The Catholic News & Herald

Around the Diocese

FUTURE LEADERS

give and take on particular issues.

"They

really get into

—

the dress

code, the professionalism. After curfew,

they met bills,"

in their

rooms and worked on "They get govern-

said Streich.

ment experience they could never

fully

get in a civics class."

Bishop McGuinness has particiin the Congress for over a decade,

pated

with students spending an entire year of intensive preparation, said

George Re-

pass, principal.

commitment to excellence program that's rare among stu-

'There's a in the

dent

activities today,"

said.

The

hard work was noticed by the Harvard students who facilitate the pro-

grams and award students whom they felt did the most outstanding work. "They recognized those they thought did the best if you spoke well,

—

Courtesy Photo

left, 25 students from Bishop McGuiness High School in Kernersville participated in the Harvard Model Congress Boston 2003, a four-day conference allowing high school students to experience American government first-hand. Above right, senior Brian Sopp, the delegation leader, gives a speech during a mock committee session.

Above

Bishop McGuinness students excel at Harvard

Model Congress

MURRAY

Acting Editor

—

KERNERSVILLE Bishop McGuinness High School students got to play Congress for a few days.

Twenty-five students participated Harvard Model Congress Boston 2003 held at the Boston Sheraton Hotel Feb. 20-23. Their hard work earned the school 12 awards of excellence, the most in the

given to any of the 76 participating schools and the largest number of citations in the school's history with the program. The annual four-day conference, started by Harvard University undergraduates in 1985, provides high school students with an opportunity to experience American government first-hand. Over 1,200 student delegates from

across the country assumed roles in each of the three branches of government and

tackled pressing and important issues

Congress.

facing the nation.

extremely extensive," said Michael Streich, a Bishop McGuinness history teacher who accompanied the "It's

student delegation. "Students get a hands-on working knowledge of how our government works." Programs included the House, the Senate, the Supreme Court, the Na-

HMC-TV. ft

Catholic Social

Elizabeth Thurbee (704)

and students had to

Streich said

be familiar with current events, research the issues with which they would be dealing and learn how to

Cira Ponce (704) 370-6930

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Services

370-3227

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Take us with you! 1 1 23 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 Area Director: Gert King (704) 370-6155 Western Region: 50 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Area Director: Sister Marie Frechette (828) 255-0146 Piedmont-Triad: 621 W. Second Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27108 Area Director: David Harold (336) 727-0705 Greensboro Satellite Office: (336) 274-5577 High Point Hispanic Center: (336) 884-5858

Charlotte Region:

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House award winners were stuMatthew Ingersoll;

dents Patrick Nolan;

Beth Hurley; Chris Spinder; Chris Meyers; and Lee Mitchell, who won an award

last year.

Party Leadership Program award winner was student Greg Ceneviva. This year, the Harvard staff utilized faculty advisors as witnesses to give ex-

on areas of expertise. Bishop McGuinness alumnus Eric Smith gave an excellent presentation on terrorism in the House Committee on

pert testimony

Resources, and Streich gave testimony

on predatory mortgage lending and bankruptcy in the Senate Resources Committee. "The hard work invested by Mr. Streich and the student leaders over the past several years has paid off in a major way," said Repass. 'The amount of time, energy and research activity that the students have invested in the program

they deserve." all very thrilled as a school

feel

"We're zip

city

community

that they've

means

added. 'This

done so

much

he any

well,"

to us as

accomplishment ever could."

While

NEW city/state

zip

Boston, students were also

Harvard campus and on classes. "It was a real learning experience,"

invited to tour the sit in

said Streich. "(The delegation) certainly Mail

The

changes

Catholic

to:

News &

Charlotte,

Or e-mail

NC 28203 this info to:

Thank you.

led the

way

Herald

Address Changes 1123 S. Church Street

catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

1123 South Church

law firm,

weeks," said Streich.

that

Old address

(704) 370-3234 Prison Ministry (beeper)

a national

'They were attorney coaches who met with the students for two to three hours every day after school for four

Date of move/cancellation:

Operation Wee Bowl

PLLC,

Rice,

helped the students prepare prior to the

has certainly yielded the kind of results

(828) 835-3535

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address (or cancella-

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(704) 370-3225

NEW

listed:

Office of Economic Opportunity

Catholic Relief Services

your

tion notice)

Old For information on the following programs, please contact the

could get."

Bishop McGuinness students Kyle Barbour and Jim Russell took first >place in the Supreme Court competition. Members of Womble Carlyle Sandridge

tional Security Council, lobbyists

Executive Director:

an award for his work in the Senate, along with students Brian Trenor and Richard Valitutto. Sopp, the school's student body president, won an award at last year's Congress and was nominated to lead this year's delegation, whom he said was "extraordinary and worthy of all the recognition

Teen delegation takes home 12 awards By KEVIN

got legislation passed," said Brian Sopp, a Bishop McGuinness senior who won

this year, all

the

and research makes us look forward

in leadership

and

to being there in 2004."

"Everyone has a

totally different

opinion of politics after they do

it,"

said

got me interested in politics. I'm going to be the next president of the United States." Sopp.

"It

The Catholic News & Herald

People

February 28,

the News

Father Witherup re-elected as U.S. Sulpician provincial

2003

Sulpician

brothers had just finished watching Disney's animated version of "Peter Pan" when they began using pillows to

Father Ronald D. Witherup has been elected to a second six-year term as U.S. pro\incial of the Society of St. Sulpice,

verbatim all the lines from the movie. Their mother secretly caught the tod-

known

dlers'

BALTIMORE

(CNS)

as the Sulpicians.

—

recreate the fight scenes

During a pro-

terms begin

The new

July 2003. Father

Witherup, a native of Franklin,

Pa.,

was

ordained a priest of the Diocese of Erie in

1976 and joined the Society of St. Sulpice Before his election as provincial, he was a professor of sacred Scripture at in 1981.

Patrick's

St.

Seminary

Calif, for 10 years.

Park,

also served there

as academic dean, 1987-97, tor,

Menlo

and vice rec-

1989-97.

Vatican rep at U.N. urges using peaceful tools to avoid war on Iraq

UNITED NATIONS (CNS)

Photo by Kevin

Business

burying members of his 15 congregations, usually officiating at three

peaceful tools" available for resolving in-

funerals.

'The most

was

he recalled, "but there were 36

would not be just

to "resort to force" to solve the Iraqi crisis.

The

intervention by Archbishop

Celestino Migliore, his

first

substantive

new Vatican nuncio and permanent observer to the United Nations, was the latest effort in the church's diplomatic push to avoid war. 'To the statement as the

grave consequences for a civilian population that has already been tested long enough are added the dark prospects of tensions and conflicts between peoples and cultures and the deprecated reintroduotion of war as a

way

six,"

or four

did one Saturday

Orkney and the neighboring township, Kanana, that day." Overtotal in

whelmingly, the services are for those who succumb to HIV/AIDS. The South African government estimates 1,700 people are infected daily with HIV, the virus diat causes AIDS. 'That's 50,000 new cases a month," said the 73-year-old Belgian cleric who came to South Africa in 1957.

"And those are the

Many

tics."

count

believe the real, unofficial

much

official statis-

higher.

The

tiny coffins

to resolve unten-

that contain the bodies of children are

who

especially hard and sad for Father

New York Jan. 23 to take up argued that although the path of inspections appeared "somewhat slow" it remained "an effective path."

Samyn. He watched many of the children grow up in a child-care outreach

able situations," he said.

The

nuncio,

arrived in his post,

Tiny coffins affect priest ministering to South African AIDS victims ORKNEY, South Africa (CNS)

ministry of the church in Kanana.

Doomed stuff'

shuttle pilot had 'right as husband, father

ANACORTES, Wash

—

Saturdays are long, hard days for Oblate Father Frans Samyn. He spends them

Many Mass

parishioners

who

regularly with

(CNS)

—

used to attend

at a parish in the Seattle

Archdiocese

see the Medevac helicopters flying toward the shock trauma center at the University of Maryland Medical Center

downtown

near the naval

For

air station that

The

left

service

drew about 300 people, including uniformed personnel from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island who performed the presentation of colors. McCool, who perished

when

with six fellow astronauts shuttle

the space

Columbia disintegrated Feb.

was a parishioner

at St.

Mary

for three

stops

what he

us prove

the cross and says a

little prayer for the badly injured person in the helicopter.

"a lot of people going there, their chances of living are not too good," Becker explained in an interview with The Catholic Review, newspaper of the Baltimore Archdiocese. This small act is made remarkable when one realizes that the only part of his body Becker can move is his left arm. "God at least gave

this

hand to move like this because I my rosary and pray," he said as

years ending in 1996. During those years,

can hold

he was stationed at Whidbey and resided in Anacortes with his wife, Lani, and three sons, Sean, Christopher and Cameron.

he lightly touched the black beads, his

Catholic teen twins head to Hollywood to co-star in movie FULLERTON, Md. (CNS) Curtis and Keith Garcia were

years old

when

might be destined

all of 3 the signs that they

for

came apparent. The

stardom

first

voice choking.

be-

identical twin

member

and a hope that has endured despite

excruciating pain he suffers as the result

of complications from rickets, a rare childhood disease diagnosed when he was 6. Rickets leads to a softening or weakening of the bones.

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where he once was a member. The ecumenical service, led by Seattie Archbishop Alex J. Brunett, was celebrated for the late space shutde pilot at St. Mary Church enter astronaut training.

performance and stood

Paralyzed man who is bedridden sees prayers as a way to serve BALTIMORE (CNS) From the window in his room, Steve Becker can

— The

Council Feb. 19 that, with "the wealth of

good

Stuart LaFrancis, pastoral council president of St. Michael Church in Gastonia, accepts his award for Gaston County's Businessperson of the Year at the Gaston County Country Club Feb. 20. The award was part of the annual Distinguished Service Awards ceremony presented by the Gastonia Jaycees to honor outstanding community members.

Vatican's U.N. nuncio told the Security

ternational disputes,

Murray

repeating

stunned silence admiring their skill. She soon enrolled them in acting classes and found an agent. Next came appearances on local television and radio commercials, along with bit parts on programs such as "All My Children" and "Homicide: Life on the Street." The twin faces even made it to the silver screen with background roles in "Species II" and "Minority Report." But now the two 13year-old eighth-graders at St. Joseph School in Fullerton are about to really hit the big time. In early February they landed the biggest roles of their lives, playing the parts of Ray Romano's mischievous sons in the movie "Eulogy."

assembly for the society in January in Baltimore, Father Thomas R. Ulshafer was chosen as first consultor, Father Thomas R. Hurst as second consultor, Father Philip S. Keane as third consultor and Father John C. Kemper as fourth consultor. Fathers Ulshafer and Keane have served on the Provincial vincial

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February 28,

2003

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Around the Diocese

Rev. Mr.

Wenning receives

national award Deacon honored for work as airport chaplain

— Rev.

CHARLOTTE

Mr. Ben permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Charlotte, received the Archbishop

Wenning, coordinator of

the

Silvano Tomasi Award for Human Mobility Apostolates. Rev. Mr. Wenning was chosen for the award, presented

Migration

and

Refugee Services of the U.S. bishops' Office for

your

"Furthermore,

active

participation in the Pastoral Care of

Migrants and Refugees network over the years has enhance the work of our office by helping us to respond more adequately to the pastoral needs of people on the move," added Father McGuire. "I join Father Anthony McGuire of the Migration and Refu-

gees, for his long-time

gee Services in commending Rev. Mr. Wenning on his years

leadership and pastoral

of dedicated service as

care

the Pastoral Care of

Migrants and Refu-

work of

the

NCCAC

the

and your dedication to

CHARLOTTE

the pastoral needs of airport travelers these Rev. Mr. Ben Wenning past years has been a model for others to and other Tomasi emulate," said Father Anthony Award winners will receive his award McGuire, director of Migration and at the Migration and Refugee SerRefugees Services, in a letter to Rev. vices National Migration Conference Mr. Wenning. in Washington, D.C. July 6-10.

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The Catholic News & Herald

Ambassadors

2003

February 28,

Around the Diocese

Lifetime of discernment leads to

life

take to court

as a religious sister

to help youth KERNERSVILLE

—

Weekend

Sister ofSt Francis

warriors and bench jockeys are called to play some basketball and support a

worthy

Host Homes of Catholic Social Services (CSS) PiedmontTriad Office are hosting a basketball game fundraiser at Bishop McGuinness High School March 4. The game w ill feature a local team playing the Harlem Ambassadors, who similar to the famed

Harlem

The Ambassadors adhere to elements of traditional African-American show basketball, such as dazzling Globetrotters.

ball-handling, hilarious

comedy

routines

and high-flying slam-dunks that entertain people of all ages.

The

team

local

will be selected to

challenge the Ambassadors.

The

event

Lade Majic, "the Queen of Show Basketball" and the first woman in sports history to coach a team of male will also feature

noted that donations are also accepted. Host Homes, an outreach of CSS, has been working since 1988 to keep families together by providing free coun-

mentoring and temporary shelter for youth in Forsyth County regardless of religion, race and socioeconomic staseling,

nonical

Y.E.S.S. (Youth Empowerment Support Services), consists of the programs Hand to Hand, which provides mentoring and supportive services to

pregnant and parenting teens; Sisters, which emphasizes character education, communication, skill building and parental involvement with pre-

first-time

teens before they

become sexually

active;

and the CODE, which teaches pre-teen boys the principals of respect, responsibility and positive values in order to starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets

Game

night, tickets are

$6 for

children and $10 for adults. Children

under 5 are

God's

will,"

as she will

Now

Franciscan Sister Maria Arlid,

now

be known,

sion of vows, Sister

said.

made her

that she has

"How

ing herself the question:

profes-

Maria Arlid

ask-

can

with others?" Answering her own question, she said, "I will continue to nourish myself with the graces I receive everyday. I will empower myself with more studies." She will soon begin studies in sociology and psychology at share

life

the university level.

Maria

Arlid's spiritual jour-

ney began while she was growing up in Colombia. Through prayer and a willingness to "be the image of God through

PHOTO BY KAREN

religious

nize

Prior to professing her ter

Maria Arlid served

first

in the

vows, Sis-

Diocese of

Charlotte as a Cursillo leader, the co-director of faith formation for several churches

and a teacher

in the Catholic schools.

Her

roles included that of confirmation

class instructor, eucharistic minister

youth group

and

leader.

"Her way has been very long, but she

Andrea

Inkrott, diocesan director of His-

panic ministry. Sister

Maria Arlid

the Sisters of friendship

St.

first

learned about

Francis through her

and work with

The two women met since

worked together

Sister

Andrea

1992 and have

in various minis-

tries in Charlotte.

think Arlid will be a very good

member of our community," said.

"She

life,"

continue to

Sister

Andrea

coming a canonical member of the Sisters of St Francis," said Sister Andrea. The Sisters of St Francis of Tiffin, Ohio were founded in 1869 to care for

Maria Arlid said. "I recogin my whole life. (I will) work on that image and I can't

Sister

my God

without him."

Sister

Maria Arlid was drawn to The

orphans and the elderly following the Civil

War. Today, they serve

Sisters of St. Francis because "their

charism

fulfilled

peace and justice. "I

desire

has persevered," said Franciscan Sister

EVANS

The Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin, Oh. gather to celebrate the final profession of vows by Sister Maria Arlid Barrera. Pictured here are (from left) Sister Andrea Inkrott, Sister Maria Arlid, associate member Lourdes Toribio and Sister Lucille Schmitmeyer, a missionary in Chiapas, Mexico.

incarnation," she discerned her call to the life.

would is

desire to

work

in a variety

for

ministries, including care for the elderly,

They are a joyful people."

parish ministry, health care, education, re-

like to

do God's

will;

home mission outreach and ministry in their foreign mission in treat work,

for us to continue to move together

with the charism of the Sisters of St. Francis," she said. "I accept the will of God in this moment to make this world better through working for peace and justice." 'It's important that she is Hispanic, because she will help open the door to other

Chiapas,

Hispanic vocations," Sister Andrea

said.

Mex.

The

order's

membership

members. "I

think Arlid will be

member of our community,"

said.

"She

oriented."

order Dec. 29, 2002.

by calling (704) first

very good

Sister

Andrea

very dedicated and ministry

Also present at the ceremony was Lourdes Toribio, a resident of WinstonSalem who became an associate of the "This was Lourdes'

consists of

132 canonical members and 47 associative

Contact Staff' Writer Karen A. Evans

step to be-

370-3354 or e-mail

kaevans@charlottediocese.org.

very dedicated and ministry

oriented."

'This has been the best experience of

free.

For more

information

to purcliase tickets, call

0705; Host

16.

have considered becoming a sister whole life, tiirough my desire to do

are $5 for children and $4 for adults in

advance.

member of the Sisters of St Francis

delay sexual activity.

The game

After a lifetime of

of Penance and Charity Feb.

many

tus.

—

TIFFIN, Ohio

professional players.

CSS youth programs in Forsyth County. Mable Stevenson, director of Host Homes,

EVANS

discernment, Arlid Barrera became a ca-

Sister

Ticket sales will benefit

Staff Writer

Y.E.S.S. and

are

KAREN

cause.

makes profession of vows

Homes

andfor

CSS

locations

at (336) 727-

at (336) 725-4678; or

T.E.S.S. at (336) 725-4263.

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Around

FASTING, from page 1 30 Hours of Famine is an internayouth movement sponsored by World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization serving the poor tional

100 countries, according to

in nearly

World

Web

Vision's

Many

site.

of the youth found spon-

sors to support their fast, in the hopes

of raising money for hunger relief. Last year, over 6,000 young people across the United States helped raise over $8 million to alleviate hunger in countries including Peru, Tanzania, Ethiopia,

Rwanda, North Korea and

the United States.

The Catholic News & Herald 9

th e Diocese

"The movie was sad and I felt sorry for those poor kids," said Megan Woods, Hannah's twin sister. "I wanted to help them." "We talked about the problem of hunger. It's a prevalent problem, but one that we can solve," said Dennis Teall-Fleming, director of faith formation at Queen of the Apostles. "We want to teach them that they can make a difference in this world through the little things that they do."

TRAINING, from page 1 profit insurance

diocese

company of which

VIRTUS'

a shareholder.

the

pro-

gram, 'Protecting God's Children,"

course designed to strengthen communi-

through awareness, education and

ties

training.

The

four-hour workshop features a

video presentation that shares the often-

The money

raised during the

graphic words of pedophiles describing

hours, said Teall-Fleming, "makes a

their crimes

big difference, and

children to victimize.

important for

it's

the kids to realize that."

Saturday morning, the youth broke up into groups and covered the neighborhood, looking for people to

Participating in this year's fam-

and how they would

shop.

first

VIRTUS

A training session with

"Through the

2002,

all

U.S.

charter,

we renew our

gath-

determination to provide safety and pro-

work-

tection for children and young people in our church ministries and institutions," said Bishop Curlin in a letter to the diocese, published in the June 28, 2002 issue of The Catholic News & Herald.

priests of

the diocese followed June 27.

were youth groups from Ebenezer United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, South Point Baptist Church, First Foursquare Gospel Church and Queen of the

In July, a selected group of volunteers

ine

People" as a binding policy for

dioceses and eparchies (dioceses of East-

ern Catholic churches).

The training began June 12, when the diocesan school principals ered to attend the

select

overwhelmingly satisfied with the program and wanted to find out more," said Dennis Teall-Fleming, faith formation director at Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont and a workshop facilitator. "It helped people be aware of the problem and that there were things we could do to prevent abuse from happening." At the June 13-15, 2002 meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Curlin and the U.S. bishops adopted a 3,500-word "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young

were

certified to conduct training workshops throughout the diocese to share the

information with the diocese's 1,900

em-

U.S. bishop's Ad Hoc Commiton Sexual Abuse has scheduled a series of workshops throughout the

The

tee

country to assist dioceses in implementing the charter. The Office of Child and

at noon, with

and all priests, permanent deacons and women religious. "Many people were very pleased that the diocese was doing something to pre-

the teens encouraged to drink noth-

vent the sexual abuse of children," said

charter, will help conduct the

ing but water and juice. They gathered from 5 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. Saturday, when they were allowed to have their first meal. During the 30 hours, the youth participated in singing, games, worship and study time. They also watched "A Day in the Life," a video on famine. "The video was about how other

Nancy

shops, scheduled for April,

ployees, 3,500 volunteers,

Apostles.

The

began

fasting

Queen of the Apostles. "They saw

that

have anything, and that really hit home." "We saw a video of kids who were basically skeletons," said Dean. "All we can try to do is understand that and help them." "We saw kids that have no homes and nothing to eat. They go through trash looking for food," said Hannah a lot of kids don't

workshop facilitawas very impressed with how

Services counselor and Photo by Kevin

A Queen Church

member

tor.

Murray

VIRTUS put it together." of the Apostles youth ministry displays an anti-

During each workshop, participants were encouraged to anonymously evaluate the training. Many found the workshops beneficial, indicating they were now armed with knowledge on how to spot, report and prevent child abuse and sexual

poverty sign made during the 30 Hours of Famine.

kids their age live in this country and

around the world," said Dennis TeallFleming, faith formation director at

Miller Campbell, a Catholic Social

misconduct.

donate canned goods to Belmont

Community Outreach. The youth agreed

"Most people were not aware of how pedophiles operated," said Campbell.

that the 30 hours of famine changed them.

"It

was eye opening for them." "There were a lot of people who were

Youth

shops.

The norms

within three months of the effective date

of the norms.

A magnificent, 4-year-old, French estate nestled Quail Hollow on

country

prestigious

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condition with every attention to detail.

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floor plan with

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mail kemurray@charlottediocese.org.

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require each diocese to

have a written policy on the sexual abuse of minors by priests, deacons and other church personnel. Each diocese must file a copy of its policy with the USCCB by June 1, which

Queen of the Apostles.

Woods, 1 1, of Queen of the Apostles. "It showed me how much food we waste every day," said Daniel Ware, 12, of First Foursquare Gospel

want

workand

May

June of this year. Implementation of the "Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors," adopted in November 2002, will also be covered in the work-

"This has changed my whole mindset and put my priorities in order," said Dean. "I can eat whenever I want, but others can't. They don't have the opportunities I have," said Jamie Stocker, 14, of

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February 28,

Readings

2003

Book Review

Books explore African American religious history Reviewed by

PATRICK News

Catholic

HAYES

Service

companion, a six-part

PBS

series

the African-American religious experi-

The book

ence, will not air until June.

was written by Quinton

Dixie, a history

professor at Indiana University, and

Juan Williams,

commentator

for

not simply a story of race, of course.

a thread in the tapestry of America.

wrote the companion volume to the highly acclaimed series on the civil rights movement, "Eyes on the Prize." The book is a deeply inspiring look at several men and women who shaped the unique elements of black religious history in America from the 1

sion"

American and

Dolan

at his best

moments

the

when he examines

the diary of Matthew Carey, a wealthy Irish

at a

high cost.

One

incident

viv-

Denmark

cludes that such at-

governance of their church. For much of the 19th century, Catholics battled with one another over the acceptance of such democratic principles. The 20th century seems much quieter in comparison. On Dolan's reading, the central problems facing Catholics

were not with one another, but with the rest of American society. There was tremendous growth in the Catholic population after 1850, and with greater numbers Catholics increasingly resisted assimilating into mainstream American culture. By 1860 the Catholic population had become the nation's largest denomination.

Some

dio-

ceses established national, or ethnic, par-

—

in all their

newly arriving immigrant

how

this

man whose

ethnic groups to maintain distinct identi-

Between the First and Second World Wars there was a concerted program to ties.

"Americanize" the church.

Some

ethnic or

national parishes

ten

waited for the mundane airing of unrelated news stories to be over. Fi-

see and experience Christ in their be-

his

havior.

plan to destroy his career unfolded. Gibson apparently has thrown cau-

all

On Wednesday

this

will enter into the Period

cation and Enlightenment

week,

of Purifi-

—

Lent where we once again will focus on the story of love and sacrifice that God writes on the hearts of all who embrace the greatest message of love Jesus.

wind and is currently making a movie about the passion of Jesus. Not only is the film about Jesus and tion to the

the crucifixion, but

official

recommendation to prove

their authenticity because others will

long-awaited interview with

Gibson began. The mystery of

their hearts. In other words, die

letters of

nally, the

dialogue will be

Weekly Scripture Scripture for the week of March 2 - March 8 Sunday (Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time), Hosea 2:16-17, 21-22, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:18-22; Monday (St. Katharine Drexel), Sirach 17:19-27, Mark 10:17-27; Tuesday (St. Casimir), Sirach 35:1-12, Mark 10:28-31; Wednesday (Ash Wednesday), Joel 2:12-18, 2 Corinthians 5:20 6:2, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18; Thursday (Lenten Weekday), Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Luke 9:22-25; Friday (Lenten Weekday), Isaiah 58:1-9, Matthew 9:14-15; Saturday (Lenten Weekday),

—

Isaiah 58:9-14,

Luke 5:27-32

Scripture for the week of March 9 - March 15 Sunday of Lent), Genesis 9:8-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:12-15; Monday (Lenten Weekday), Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18, Matthew 25:31-4-6; Tuesday (Lenten Weekday), Isaiah 55:10-11, Matthew 6:7-15; Wednesday (Lenten Weekday), Jonah 3:1-10, Luke 11:29-32; Thursday (Lenten Weekday), Esther C:12, 1416, 23-25 or 4:17 (Esther's prayer), Matthew 7:7-12; Friday (Lenten Weekday), Ezekiel 18:21-28, Matthew 5:20-26; Saturday (Lenten Weekday), Deuteronomy 26:16-19, Matthew 5:43-48

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and excellence he is striving to portray on the screen is in proportion to the

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"LAST KISS"

actor explained that the depth of truth

populations. This practice encouraged

the 21st century.

citizen

news lead-in for an upcoming interview with film actor Mel Gibson. The tone of the sensationalistic promotional line sounded as if he had taken leave of his senses and that his career was soon to be hanging by a slender thread if he should continue his current movie project. I wondered television

followers of Christ do not need

con-

"free" black, the black preacher, the black

story of the Afro-Caribbean black, the

News Service heard an astonishing

Dolan

Muslim, the black

Vesey and several other fellow churchmen. In 1822, they organized to overthrow their white masters in Charleston, S.C., only to be discovered. Their plot foiled, with all 35 "conspirators" hanged. What arises from these pages is the

the message and love of Jesus are writ-

were closed and more pluralistic parishes were created, thus mirroring the larger American society. Dolan says that American Catholics have a unique sense of their citizenship in both the church, as Americans, and in the civil order, as Catholics. His history gives the American church a thoughtful assessment as it moves into

idly recounted in the story of

Recently,

have chosen a project that was going to send his career into oblivion.

participation in the

the reader also gets the sense that they

I began to think about Gibson's answers concerning the questions about ancient languages, no subtitles and audience confusion. The

By BEVERLY CORZINE

Seymour, one of the

came

subtitles?"

all-time favorite "Braveheart" could

democracy

ishes to serve

his

titudes reflect the

include Sojourner Truth (Isabella Bomefree), Marcus Garvey, Elijah Muhammad (Robert Poole) and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. AH are treated as partners in the long struggle for religious legitimacy and racial equality. There is little attention given to the experience of the millions of black Catholics, though several pages are dedicated to black Jews who today comprise a tiny fraction of AfricanAmericans. Methodism and the Baptist conventions dominate the narrative, which is extrapolated mainly from previously published work. While the accomplishments of the black churches can indeed be celebrated,

are

liefs

American Catholic drive for broader

Others have captivated the attention of Americans of all ages and places; they

2:18-22

clude 'The Patriot," "Signs" and

many of the same be-

Mark

then being advanced

a Catholic hu-

manist, Carey shared

Protestant countrymen.

unknown.

Gospel:

brash television interviewer

asked a series of questions: "Why would you want to risk your career and make a picture about Jesus?" "Don't you think people will be upset or confused when they see this movie?" "How will people know what's happening in the story if there

importance of the story. In his estimation, it is the story of the greatest measure of individual sacrifice ever made, a story that has been etched on human hearts for 2,000 years. In this Sunday's second reading, St. Paul reminds the Corinthians that

such as Absalom Jones, the first black Episcopal priest ordained in America (1794), or

are relatively

2 Corinthians 3:lb-6

Catholic

publisher and 18th-century Philadelphian.

AN AMERICAN CATHOLICISM

Eighth Sunday

Catholic,

reader reaps the rewards of a master histo-

English.

Intrigued,

Dolan's tale sometimes lapses into

rian.

Cycle B Readings: 1) Hosea 2:16b, 1 7b, 21-22 Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13

at the University

repetition or cliche, yet at other

Aramaic and Latin with no sub-

titles in

Ordinary Time

of Notre Dame. It is an investigation into the cultural experience that is both

the present. Some,

founders of American Pentecostalism,

March

the product of a mature scholar,

now professor emeritus

8th century to

William

The

American pluralism is a constant theme in Jay Dolan's book, too. "In Search of an American Catholicism: A History of Religion and Culture in Ten-

National Public Radio. Williams also

late

Sunday Scripture Readings: March 2, 2003

complexity. Their pluralistic experience

"This Far by Faith: Stories from the African-American Religious Experience" was in bookstores in time for Black History Month in February, even though its

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life of David Gale' By DAVID DiCERTO

ing of forgiveness. "David Gale," with

News Service

NEW YORK — 'The Life of David Gale" (Universal)

mesh of plots

cynical Catholic

a deeply cynical,

po-

its

twisted resolution, presents viewers with a bleak landscape devoid

demption.

The

of hope or re-

bizarre climax not only

charged thriller about an outspoken college professor and adamant capital punishment abolitionist (Kevin Spacey)

runs counter to the ethics that served as

who faces'execution

for the brutal torture

Christian concept of human dignity while

and fellow

glossing over issues of euthanasia with an

litically

and murder of

his colleague

(Laura Linney). Directed by Alan

activist

the basis of Gale's philosophical convictions,

but

flies

of the basic

in the face

end-j ustifies-the-means mentality.

Parker, the film's hackneyed narrative

While not without moments of genu-

and sanctimonious tone make viewing it akin to cruel and unusual punishment. David Gale (Spacey) will be put to death by the state of Texas in three days. Erudite and social-minded, Gale now

much of the story is mired by the filmmakers' blatant proselytizing. As scripted by Charles Randolph, Gale's

same unenviable posithe inmates whose cause he has

ine suspense,

dialogue frequendy digresses to political diatribes, serving

no narrative purpose soapbox to promote

finds himself in the

beyond offering

tion as

personal views on the highly sensitive

long championed. His unabashed criticism of the system, as well as the sensational nature of the crime, has made Gale's case a cause celebre with the media. Enter Elizabeth "Bitsey" Bloom

young journalist

(Kate Winslet), a brash

from

New York

with a penchant for lost

causes. Sent to cover the execution, she

granted exclusive access to Gale, in

who sees

uncovering the truth behind the accusations.

Through a series of one-on-one interrevealing a self-destruc-

downward-spiraling path, wrought

tive,

with a tions

marriage, sexual indiscre-

failed

and alcoholism which led Gale from

his lofty tenured

perch to death row.

clues

—

tive

die crime

—

surface,

which seems to

Bloom's suspicions drive her to pur-

The clear.

neither

gam

Bush-like governor.

fikn's tagline states,

The is

path

Due

to a graphic depiction of a

mur-

Robert Duvall stars

and recurring crude language and prothe USCCB Office for Film &

faith-filled generals, the lengthy

fanities,

Broadcasting classification

— morAssoR —

ciation of

The Motion Picture America rating is

re-

stricted.

The

result

a hodge-

podge, denying audiences the ability to ponder the moral ramifications of the lat-

or to get caught up in the aspects of the former.

ter,

of Catholic Bishops while staff on maternity

critic

leave.

Movie Capsules

NEW YORK

—

(CNS)

The fol-

lowing are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the Office for Film Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of

Catholic Bishops.

thriller

sive cynicism.

Man

police brutality

disturbing

the film's perva-

This film is unlike "Dead Walking" which, though dealing

with an equally grisly crime, offered a balanced, life-affirming message consistent with the traditional Catholic teach-

needs recharging

trial, in

which a cor-

rupt LAPD cop (Kurt Russell) and his rookie partner (Scott Speedman) investigate a quadruple homicide un-

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aware

their greedy supervisor (Brendan Gleeson) was behind the crime. In stark, even shrill fashion,

Ron Shelton

explores levels of generational police corruption, intimidation, brutality and casual racism, but the gripping narrative even-

moves toward a morally redemptive conclusion. Some intense violence, constant rough language and racial epithets, an implied sexual encounter and fleeting nudity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasttually

—

ing classification is A-III adults. The Motion Picture Association of

attract

Writer-director Todd Phillips and cowriter Scot Armstrong have tried to retool "Animal House" for men approaching middle age, substituting gross-out humor for invention. Recurring vulgarity, graphic sexual references and content, some nudity and pervasive misogyny. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classifimorally offensive. The cation is O

—

Motion

Picture

America rating

Association

—

restricted.

—

thirtysomething former college classmates (Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn) who turn a rented offcampus house into a frat house to

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speeches and drawn-out scenes undercut dramatic conflict and themes of courage, duty and loyalty. Battlefield violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is Aadults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America II rating is PG-13 parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

director

"Dark Blue" (United Artists) Powerful drama set against the backdrop of the 1992 Rodney King-

Most

Pictures

a guest reviewerfor the Office

'The

grossing, investigative thriller; the other, a political sermon.

ence

Warner Bros.

& Broadcasting ofthe U.S. Confer-

'The crime

the intent of the filmmaker.

David Gale"

DiCerto

for Film

photo from

'Gods and Generals' drag their feet as Robert E. Lee in the Civil War epic "Gods and Generals." While containing impressive battle scenes and inspirational

der with nudity, a few sexual encounters,

not." Unfortunately,

CNS

acters or well-developed stories.

Anne Navarro

leads.

an awkward amalof two distinct movies: one, an en-,

Life of

contrast, other films dealing with

the death penalty, such as 200 l's "Monster's Ball" or the aforementioned "Dead Man Walking," made strong statements without sacrificing complex char-

indi-

Unconvinced of Gale's

sue the elusive truth wherever

George

such as an explicit videotape of

cate otherwise. guilt,

anonymous

treat-

have been a compelling, thought-provoking drama. Nowhere is this more evident than during a scene in which the liberal Gale locks horns with the film's conserva-

ally offensive.

Yet despite the evidence linking him to the homicide, enigmatic,

Such

issue of capital punishment.

view sessions with him, she begins to peel veils,

ment undermines what otherwise could

her crusader instincts a valuable tool in

away the

The Catholic News & Herald 11

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12 The Catholic News & Herald

February 28,

Editorials & Columns

The Pope

Letters to

Speaks

the Editor Want peace? Oust Hussein

SUVs. Families who believe "safety first" buy them. Mothers who believe in moral absolutes receive welfare. to

Sue Konopka's letter ("War is not the answer," Feb. 14), I have only to repeat what President Bush said about the Iraqi regime: "If this is not pure evil, than evil has no name." I wonder what solution Ms. Konopka has regarding Saddam Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction. Peace activists fail to answer that simple question, mostly because they fail to understand or choose to be informed regarding U.N. Resolution 1441. Voted unanimously by 15 countries, this resolution states Iraq must disarm and prove its disarmament to the inspectors. The inspectors are not in Iraq to disarm Hussein, nor have a scavenger hunt, but are to verify, with Iraq's full and complete cooperation, that Iraq has disarmed. This has not happened. Do inspectors need more time to play games with Hussein? No. It has already been 12 years. In response to

Conservatives ists

purge 'sloppy forms' of

music from By

liturgy

JOHN NORTON

Catholic

News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Calling beautiful

and dignified music an important part of worship, Pope John Paul II asked church communities to purge "sloppy forms" of musical expression from

Let's look at

Mao

their liturgies.

'The Christian community must make an examination of conscience in order that the beauty of music and song increasingly return within liturgy," he said Feb. 26 at his weekly

same Muslims he warns us

Hendersonville

Different takes on Harry

putable.

Catholic Bishops rated dictators in this

world have no interest

bring them to the

table.

nity had not insisted

Imagine

the world

commu-

on so much time and wanted

If left unchecked, Hussein will have greater weapons to yield and the ability to pass them off to terrorist groups. If we do not act now, the consequences will be disastrous, not only for the U.S. but for the world. I want a peaceful world just as much as everyone else, but a peaceful world is one without Saddam Hussein.

At non-religious

beauty of prayer and the liturgy," the necessary to pray to God not only with theologically exact formulas but also in a beautiful and dignified way." He said music and song could assist believers

run by parents, reviewmovies appropriate for teens, though not always for children because of scary parts (i.e., man attempting to choke boy, man's face disintegrating and his head falling off, etc.). Even secular sites that liked the movies rated both as showing "extreme" bad attitude and disrespect, also evident in the books (i.e., one child calling another child fat, and

For language, reviews dards.

Charlotte

words,

which he described as the opening of a God and his

necessary

Sadly, Sue Konopka, sometimes

war

introduce his campaign to Vatican

summer

officials.

words and

several bad

tion

you don't want your children

to use these

this? It's a disturbing

who need help; had already graduated medical school and was in a psychiatry residency before I encountered this in pabehavior of some very disturbed people I

Everyone should be a peace activist; the only quesis what activities are we going to use to obtain

tients.

consider this inappropriate in a book intended

for children.

peace.

We are all in a struggle between good and evil, and not to use the

and suppress

and resources we have to prevent endangers the very salvation of our

gifts

evil

souls.

Our

But

your fourth-grader introduced to the only

answer.

last

list

why pay for a movie that includes them? The books present additional concerns. One includes a character who self-mutilates. While it's no sin to read about someone who self-mutilates, do you want

Sometimes war

"channel of communication" between

Rome

sites

more.)

Dana Erbrecht

traveled to

Web

ers generally considered both

inappropriate references to God, mild by current stan-

said. "It's

PG. The U.S. Conference of "Chamber of Secrets" as A-II,

rating" instead of a

Adults and Adolescents.

the only option to

pope

youths.

who recommend Harry Potter OKs Harry Potter," Feb. 14) never specify to priests

...

PG-13

live the

which included two Florida women whose teenage sons were tried and convicted of murder as adults, was led by the Rev. Thomas Masters, pastor of the New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Riviera Beach, Fla. Rev. Masters is founder of "Under our Wings," a group working to end prosecution of minors as adults, the imprisonment of teens in adult prisons and the execution of people convicted of crimes committed when they were

about.

Kathy Kyle

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

necessary to discover and constantly

group,

despised moral relativism.

which of the several books and movies they refer. Catholic parent Steve Greydanus at decentfilms.com says "Chamber of Secrets" is "far scarier than the first film and should have earned a

give peace a chance with Adolf Hitler.

The

all

proved himself more of a monster. He has used chemical weapons on his own people and is known for mass including torturing his dissidents within his country torturing children in front of their parents, rape and mass execution. His ties with terrorist groups are indis-

nant with the greatness of the act being celebrated," he said. The pope noted that music and musical instruments have a long tradition as an "aid" to prayer. He cited Psalm 150's description of praising God with trumpet blasts, lyre and harp, and clanging cymbals.

paigners for juvenile justice reform.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they

William Bennett, who has appointed himself moral guardian of this country, will find company with those

('Vatican

Some

"During prayer, we make a sort of ascent toward the divine light, and together we experience a descent of God who adapts to our limits to listen to us and talk to us," he said. 'The highest music is that which rises from our hearts. It's precisely this harmony that God waits to hear in our liturgies," the pope said. Among the small groups meeting the pope after the audience was a U.S. delegation of cam-

absolutists: Bin

tion" did not exist.

Hussein has

diplomacy, thus the threat of force

creatures.

some other moral

believed that they were absolutely right. There was no middle ground. The concept of "loyal opposi-

The

"Worship must be purified of stylistic rough edges, of sloppy forms of expression, and of clumsy music and texts, which are hardly conso-

in prayer,

consider themselves moral absolut-

They

With regard to the human rights violations in Iraq, movement has no credibility. You did not hear a peep out of this group when we used military

general audience.

"It is

Tse-tung

the peace

force to oust Slobodan Milosevich; yet

who

are opposed to welfare.

Ladin, Adolf Hitler, Hirohito, Ayatollah Khomeini

Pope asks parishes to

2003

great

God

used his power to expel the bad

Despite the hype, there

better children's fantasy

available.

Martha Shuping, M.D. Winston-Salem

angels from heaven, which must have been incomprehensibly the greatest

war

ever.

This is not an endorsement for war with Iraq, but it an attempt to defend the concept of "justifiable war."

Tom

Letters to the Editor Hadley

Hendersonville

Herald welcomes The Catholic News from readers. We ask that letters be originals of

letters

250 words or

Absolutism vs. relativism "Moral relativism" is a common culprit in this postmodern world as conveyed by Tom Rowan's review of William Bennett's book "Why We Fight" ("Book examines moral reasons of Why We Fight,'" Feb.

moral absolutes is opposed to 'it. Environmentalists consider themselves moral absolutists are opposed

address

and phone number of the

writerfor

purposes of verification.

may be condensed due to space and editedfor clarity, style and taste.

Tetters

14).

issue is more complicated, it seems. People who would consider themselves moral absolutists are in favor of capital punishment. The pope who also believes

who

be considered for publication, each letter must tlie

limitations

The

To include

less.

Send letters

News

to:

& Herald,

Tetters to the Editor,

P.O.

Box 37627,

The

Catliolk

Charlotte

NC.

28237, or e-mail catlwlicnews@cliarlottediocese.org.

2003

February 28,

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Editorials & Columns

Guest Colulm

Guest

Column FATHER JOHN AURILIA,

OFM

Cap

Guest Columnist

GINA RHODES Director of Planned Giving

Ash Wednesday

is not about ashes Ash Wednesday (Mt. 6:16,16-18), I don't find the word "ashes." Probably St. Matthew already knew that true ChrisIn the Gospel of

Why

write a will?

The planning and

writing of a will is both a family obligation and a personal privilege. live in a nation of laws. During all of our lifetimes, different laws apply to us. When we are born, our birth is registered as required by law. During life, we comply with legal requirements in purchasing a home, in paying taxes, in securing a passport and in many more of life's activities. When we die, our life's passing is noted in securing a death certificate and in the probate process. In all of life's activities, the law is there. One of the most important legal opportunities each of us faces pertains to the future ownership of our possessions. Before we die, we can make a will that determines who will receive our estates. In the event we do not have a will, the court or others will decide for us, often ignoring our important preferences. Deciding not to write a will suggests a lack of civic responsibility and a lost opportunity to demonstrate our love to those whom

cherish.

tian life

tor,

There

Our acts during our lifetime become a statement of our faith. Our last act, our will, serves as a final

testimony of our faith journey

exercise a spiritual privilege write a will.

.^.:>Ja ,it<

•

make ""

legal right to •'

<••<

a will.

Church

Street, Charlotte,

of our Catholic

retreat houses.

What

plan and

28203.

and

I can provide

bequests, as well as

•

Question

Corner

enneagram? Are these legitimate Catholic retreats? If so, what is the difference between this and regular retreats?

(New

when we

ways others have included their parish, Foundation in their estate plans.

Diocese, or the

Afriend and I have been invited to an enneagram

retreat at one

basic information about wills

Are Enneagram retreats legitimate? Q.

in life.

For additional assistance, you may want to contact your attorney. Or, contact me at (704) 370-3320, gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org, or write to me at 1 123

relate various

Every person has the -U39K fTJVJ

naming of an execudeciding who will serve as guardians of minor children, providing guidelines concerning how they will be raised, determining the use of accumulated wealth, and expressing gratitude for all of life's blessings by giving to the charity or charities of your choice. Life involves a string of choices, and the most important choices we make involve the use and disposition of what we have. This is called stewardship, the management of our resources. Details of your will include the

York)

based at least loosely on a specific It may be Benedictine, Franciscan or Jesuit, for example, or any of many other possible structures of prayer and reflection prompting the retreatant to a deeper relationship with God, oneself and our neighbor. So-called enneagram retreats are relatively new. They utilize an instrument for self-knowledge that identifies nine possible "compulsions," or selfimages, that can underlie and motivate one's responses to the daily events of life. The word comes from two Greek words, "ennia" (nine) and "gramma" (a diagram). The compulsions, which supposedly most of us develop as strategies to cope with life from our earliest years, are grouped into the three centers of head, gut and tual retreat

FATHER JOHN DIETZEN

CNS

spirituality.

heart.

For 20 years or

so,

many

spiritual directors

and retreat masters here and abroad have found that a person's awareness of his or her personality compulsion can significantly facilitate the kind of spiritual growth a retreat hopes to bring about. Jesuits who use it in conducting retreats, for example, see it as closely matching the method of spiritual discernment taught by St. Ignatius in his Spiritual Exercises.

Others trace the enneagram idea back to the theology of the human passions developed by the desert fathers and other early Christian spiritual teachers. The nine compulsions, in fact, correspond to the traditional "seven deadly sins," plus deceit and fear.

not about ashes, but about prayer.

no doubt that ashes are a biblical symbol of purification (Num. 19:9; Heb. 9:13) and penitence (Jonah 3:6; Lk. 10:13); however, we would miss the whole message if we stop at the ashes.

The Gospel of Ash Wednesday speaks about prayer, which is defined in a negative and powerful form. The evangelist tells us what prayer is not; therefore, it is up to us to give shape and form to our prayer and proclaim with our own life what prayer is. First, prayer is not just saying prayers it's a way of life. Prayer without justice and charity is false. Jesus reserved some of his harshest words for people who just said prayers. "Beware of the Scribes. These are the ones who swallow up the property of widows while making a show of lengthy prayers. When you pray do not imitate such hypocrites." Second, prayer is not withdrawing from the world. To think that we have to leave society and go off into the desert is a misconception of prayer. Monks and some few people may be called to a solitaire life. So be it. You may be called to pray where you are and in what you are doing. The grocery story and Wall Street are not a bad place to practice real prayer in action. There is a reason we don't say "My Father, but Our Father." live our lives in our society, in our culture, in our time, in our office, in our school, in our church. it Third, prayer doesn'.t change God changes us. Praying is opening ourselves to a God, who is there loving us all the time, and we just don't know it, or we miss him altogether. Fourth, prayer is not talking God into what we want, but rather to discover God's presence in what we do or we should do. This reminds me of the story of the little boy and his brother who went to visit their grandma; as the little boy said his night prayers, he was shouting at the top of his voice, "Please God, send me a bicycle, send me a tool chest," and all that. His brother said, "Not so loud. For crying out loud, God is not deaf." The little brother replied, "Yeah, I know, but grandma is." How many times you heard people say: Well, you know, I prayed long and hard, and received no answer and no word from God. Of course not. He already spoke in history, in Scripture, and in our lives loud and clear. simply must be attuned to what he is really saying. Prayer is not simply talking, but prima-

—

A. First of all, it is not quite accurate to speak of "regular" or generic retreats. Every Catholic spiri-

approach to

Columnist

Self-knowledge, achieved through this or other is a precious and useful spiritual gift. Obviously, it does not in itself make one better spiritually. But it can help in achieving humility and the other virtues to which God's grace leads us. As one author wrote of the enneagram, "Knowing your type gives you less excuse for being the

means,

way you

are."

Two

Vatican agencies said recently that enneagrams can create an "ambiguity" concerning Catholic doctrine but did not elaborate. Several years ago the American bishops were reportedly preparing a cautionary report about

enneagrams.

To my

knowledge, however, nothing

of this nature has materialized up to now. Enneagram retreats are available in many Catholic

final

retreat centers.

A free

brochure answering questions Catholics ask

about receiving the holy Eucharist

is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, IL 61651. Questions may be sent to Father Dietzen at the same

address, or e-mail: jjdietzen@aol.com.

rily is listening.

Fifth, prayer is not an exceptional mystical experience of the elite or for saints only. Prayer is for everyone, especially sinners and it should be an ordinary way of life. Confusion and disappointment about our prayer life are not necessarily bad. They can be opportunities for learn-

ing.

At times God may be smiling in our may also have a good and

prayers, but he cheerful laugh.

14 The Catholic News & Herald

preparation for the 41st International

ORB, from page 1 is

Catholic Relief Semces' (CRS) Lenten pro-

gram that encourages Catholics to promote human dignity and foster global solidarity with die poor around the world through

and giving during

prayer, fasting, learning

the

40 days of Lent CRS is marking

agency of

concrete

that produce

food;

motivating force in vices activities

agricultural

methods

that give small loans to help people start or

take part in the

of need, not

basis

race,

ORB

In 2001,

from 14,022

collected $8.1

parishes, schools

The

munities.

expand

and

million

com-

faith

Diocese of Charlotte raises

approximately $50,000 each year.

"We

are in a time of great need for

spiritual connectedness, for

poor," said Joan

NeaL

and mother/

child health projects that teach

women about

assist the

CRS deputy executive

director of U.S. operations, in a press release

by CRS. "Operation Rice Bowl offers a great opportunity for Catholics in the United issued

States to respond in a meaningful way."

in Chacraseca,

Nicaragua

ticipation in the Operation Rice Bowl Lenten program, you and your family can experi-

Young Community

Sewing Project.

These programs also promote human dignity and encourage self-

St Michael Church operates a sister parish project with a community in Nicara-

reliance

gua

by the diocese to help support local hunger- and povertyalleviation projects and to educate people about Catholic social teaching on interna-

collected in Charlotte are used

CRS

tional solidarity issues.

it is

not just putting coins in a box,

but the realization that

for their children.

percent of the funds

ence lessons in sharing and sacrifice. You will learn that

wise get

The remaining 25

human

bishop emeritus, stated, 'Through your par-

providing good nutrition for themselves and

compassion, for

understanding and for resources to

own

businesses;

their

pertains to the alleviation of

EVANS

PHOTO BY KAREN

Women

on the

Catholic Relief Ser-

all

the Gospel of Jesus Christ

In the video, Bishop William G. Curlin,

water projects to

bring clean water into communities and im-

territories

development of people and the fostering of charity and justice in the world."

prove people's health; micro-credit projects

and

said.

suffering, the

The agency

creed or nationality.

Gos-

According to a video produced by the Office of Justice and Peace, the "fundamental

pro\ides assistance to people in 90 countries

the U.S. Catholic community.

it is

to convey the value and

help others," Purello

raised by ORB, 75 percent development projects in 40 countries around the world. These projects help communities gain access to enough food to meet their daily nutritional needs.

programs include

way

pel call of charity, the necessity of giving to

CRS

training projects that teach fanning

teaching tool for our children;

effective

Of the fluids

support

CRS 60th year as the

its

international humanitarian

official

Eu-

ORB

1976 was conducted under the auspices of CRS and in 1977 the program became CRS' official Lenten program. charistic Congress.

2003

February 28,

Around the Diocese

it"

she

human

said.

"Last year,

hired teachers to teach

sewing to the local women," Bonnin said. "Our parish also collected boxes of fabric and sewing materials to send to the village."

and foremost program.

First tional

believes that

'Through

ORB

an educa-

family.

this

Lenten season,

take this wonderful opportunity to share the hopes, dreams, joys and sorrows of those

who hunger and

thirst for justice"

"In addition to contributing to the

ORB

and schools can participate further through the mini-grant procollection, parishes

gram," Jarina

Any

this educational experience,

we are all part of one

During

said.

Catholic parish, faith formation

program, Catholic school, or diocesan orga-

these contributions affirm the importance of

around the world,"

drought in the African SaheL, a narrow band of semi-arid land south of the Sahara. A Catholic priest, a Jewish rabbi and Protes-

our global responsibility as Christians to assist those in need both around the corner and around the world. The contributions remaining ip the dio-

plight of the people of Uganda, Brazil, Viet-

tant ministers organized this interreligious

cese enable participants to understand the

nam,

United States and Burkina

or migrant issues may apply for the 2003 CRS' ORB mini-grants. Funds up to $500 are granted and applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2003. For more

plight of the poor abroad through the experi-

Faso, a densely populated country in west-

information, please contact Terri Jarina at

ence of the poor in their own communities. In

ern Africa

(704)

To facilitate the education, of students, CRS produces an Educator's Guide, which

thjarina@charlottediocese.org

CRS initiated ORB

1975 in response

to the

effort to unite the city

around the

issue

of Allentown,

of hunger.

means

In addition to providing prayer, fasting

ORB

and almsgiving,

participants to learn about people

who

for

helps

around the

from poverty each day. "Operation Rice Bowl is a Lenten activ-

world

ity that

suffer

allows us to enter into solidarity with

CRS' work

1997, the Office of Justice

in which so many people are hungry and threatened by daily vio-

for the

Diocese of Charlotte established a mini-grant

program

for diocesan

groups that sponsor

local initiatives focusing

international is-

sues. In 2002, mini-grants totaling

Among

gram

and brothers

said Terri Jarina, pro-

director for parish social ministry.

For Lent 2003,

sisters

India, the

ORB

focuses

on the

religion education pro-

tlie

grades one-three, four-six, seven-eight and nine- 12. Also included in the Educator's

Guide are a world awareness quiz, hunger banquet instructions and prayer ideas. The Educator's Guide provides testimonials from individuals in Burkina Faso, Uganda, Brazil and Vietnam who have received assistance from CRS. These testimonials illustrate the great need in these countries and how CRS programs help communities and their members to be more self-sufficient.

lence," said Joe Purello, director ofthe Office of

classes offered to Hispanic

Justice and Peace for the Diocese of Charlotte.

migrant

every Tuesday. Families were encouraged to prepare the meal, pray and place their sav-

making the meal

ings from

a "bowl."

Contributions from these families were

CRS

sent to

to help the

Today, many

gram

in this

hungry

families participate in the pro-

same way.

ORB

as a national

program of

St Peter Church

Char-

study materials for a youth leader-

ship formation program;

and the Smoky

about the culture and spirituality of the Cherokee people.

Kay Bonnin, a parishioner of St Michael Church esan

1976, the U.S. Catholic bishops

adopted

residents;

migrant and im-

Mountain Vicariate for "Catholics and Cherokees: Earning from Each Other," a program which informs parish leaders

overseas.

"Operation Rice

Bowl

an especially

rewarding to be able to give programs that might not other-

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The Catholic News & Herald, 1 123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203. Payment: For information, call (704) 370-3332.

February 28,

2003

The Catholic News & Herald 15

the News

comfort all those who weep at such a loss," he said. "May the great power of God's love strengthen and help to con-

Chaplain, firefighters overwhelmed by

sole them."

Rhode Island nightclub fire

The bishop asked that all the victims of the tragedy be remembered in the prayers of the faithful at

MICHAEL BROWN

Catholic

all

Masses

celebrated in the diocese during the weekend of Feb. 22-23.

News Service

WEST WARWICK, R.I. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Father ceived an emergency message on his

Bishop Mulvee arrived at the charred nightclub Feb. 21 and said a prayer over the remains of a body that had just been found before going to the

pager from the Warwick police

Warwick

Robert L. Marciano, pastor of SS. Rose

and Clement Parish

Warwick,

re-

about

1:30 p.m' Feb. 20.

Minutes

Warwick

the

later,

fire

dispatcher called and told the priest,

Sept.

who

this

chaplain for the city s police and

departments, that he was needed immediately at The Station, a popular

fire

West Warwick

raging

had erupted

technics display.

The

death

and more than

at the

were injured

crowd

as the

was 97 60 others

toll 1

frantically

CNS

rushed out of the club.

As Father Marciano arrived at the scene, fire and rescue crews were

photo by Michael Brown, The Providence Visitor

Father Robert L. Marciano, right, talks with Sgt. Edward Pelletier Feb. 21 at the scene of "The Station" nightclub fire in West Warwick, R.I. Police, firefighters and ATF agents were combing the scene for remains of victims the day after the disaster that took the lives of at least 97 people. The fire was reportedly started by an onstage pyrotechnics display as the band Great White performed.

converging at the nightclub, which was totally engulfed in flames, and patrons, including some who were on fire, were running out the door. "Some were burned beyond recogni-

some just had smoke inhalation, and some had broken bones from being crushed" by the crowd, Father Marciano told The Providence Visitor, diocesan newspaper, in a Feb. 21 interview. The priest reported to a nearby restaurant where Warwick emergency crews had set up a triage center that the

More than 60 ambulances and

to this

"All of us

a bus to trans-

port less-injured victims to nearby hospitals.

At one

point, Father

just 100 yards

from the

close."

were really overwhelmed he added. During the course of the night, the priest called a half-dozen priests from nearby parishes to urge them to go to area hospitals where burn victims had been taken or to a victims' center estab-

fire trucks and police cars converged on the scene. A police of-

countless

commandeered

in their lifetime

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; nothing even

Marciano was

still-raging fire

this,"

their families

and

later to listen

and

following priests

who

died during the month of March:

Rev.

John Huston

Rev. Francis

1976

Gorham

Rev. Robert A. Gibson

Rev. Justin

Pechulis

1981

1987 1983

handshake to others,

still

obvi-

ously in shock.

The

While The Station has been reduced

bishop crouched

down

woman who was

one

still

to talk

crying.

worst is yet to come," the priest said, noting that victims still needed to be identified and loved ones would have to be buried. He added that families and rescue workers will need long-term counseling to help

placed a hand on her shoulder, said a few

them

Bishop Mulvee was accompanied by Father John J. Darcy, diocesan chan-

to a pile of burnt rubble, "the

deal with the tragedy.

magRhode

don't recall anything of this

nitude in our state's history," said Island Gov.

Donald

Carcieri at a Feb. 2

press conference. Carcieri had cut short a

Please pray for the

offered a

missing.

debrief rescue personnel.

"nothing

chaplain described as "organized chaos."

empathetic hand on some shoulders and

learn the fate of their loved ones

the priest

him that ever compared

scene, first helping to comfort victims

said veteran firefighters told

fate

and

lished inside a hotel in neighboring

The morning after the fire,

As most awaited word of the

their loved ones, the bishop placed an

Warwick. Meanwhile, he stayed on the

and he began ministering to victims and firefighters. "Some of the victims were burned badly, but you didn't know how badly," said.

or missing.

The bishop stopped often, as he walked through the large conference room, offering words of comfort to those who had received the worst possible news and to those who waited to

tion,

ficer

2001, had greater loss of life tragedy had a much more signifi-

"Standing here, seeing the body go by me," he said, "was so much more difficult." At the victims' center, Bishop Mulvee walked among the hundreds of family members and friends of those who had perished or were hurt

nightclub during a rock band's pyroas of Feb. 23,

said that while the tragedy of

11,

cant impact on him.

nightclub.

fire

victims' center to offer his sup-

port to the families.

Florida trip

when he was

devastating

fire.

notified of the

Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in Providence received 16 of the injured Spokesman Otis Brown said two victims were so severely burned

victims.

were transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Bishop Robert E. Mulvee of Providence issued a statement offering prayers and condolences for the victims and their families, saying, "All of us in Rhode Island are stunned and that they

grieved by the horrific fire in West Warwick. There were so many lives so

lost,

many

injured, so

many

lives

words, then placed a crucifix in her hand. She clutched it tightly as he walked away, with tears in his eyes. "This

so sad," the bishop said.

"It's

tragic."

cellor for canonical concerns,

who

also

spoke to the grieving. Calling the fire a "tragedy of unbelievable proportions," Father Darcy said the clergy assembled at the victims' center representing all faiths, including fire and police chaplains, conveyed the love and support of the entire state. the

Father Darcy praised the efforts of Island Red Cross for organiz-

Rhode

ing the victims' center for the families,

whom

many

shock,

still

said,

"are

still

waiting for news."

Editor's Note:

relief fund, called

the Station Relief Fund has been set up

by Catholic Charities in the Providence

Diocese

at:

St.

Mary's Dr., Cranston,

RI 02920.

devastated by this tragedy."