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January

Volume

NEWS

1999

29,

Number

8

o«

21

Serving Catholics

Insid March

^5^1

for Life Annual event draws thousands to Washington

^

Earthquake

...Pages

hits

16-17

Colombia ...Page

Local

20

News Living the Faith: Charlotte principal receives

national award

...Page

15

Elder Ministry hears needs for senior

housing ...Page

3

Diocese explores options for

Good Shepherd ...Page

7

tvcry Week Editorials

& Columns ...Pages

4-5

...Pages

8-9

Entertainment

Faith for a Brighter Future January

3

1

-February

1999

& in

HERALD

Western North Carolina

in the

Diocese

of

Charlotte

2

The Catholic News & Herald

The World

in

January 29, 1999

Brief

Chiapas church officials welcome pope's remarks on indigenous

MEXICO CITY Church

John Paul II just before his Mexico about the "especially

—

(CNS)

human

from Mexico's con-

officials

rights situation in the coun-

try. In a five-page letter,

flict-ridden state of Chiapas expressed

visit to

delicate"

dated Jan.

groups said poverty was the main obstacle to fully guaranteeing the exercise of human rights by millions of Mexicans. The letter was signed by representatives of Jesuit and Dominican national human rights offices and four diocesan; hu18, the

Pope John Paul IPs remarks on indigenous rights and with the apostolic exhortation on the Synod of Bishops for America. Dominican Father Gonzalo Ituarte, vicar for justice and peace in the Diocese of San Cristobal cle las Casas, said in a news conference Jan. 25 that the pope's remarks and the synod document were an affirmation of the work of the church in San Cristobal. In response to questions, 74-year-old Bishop Samuel Ruiz Garcia of San satisfaction with

Kosovo Street

A woman

and child

man

rights centers, in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca and Guerrero. Large parts of the three states, all in southern Mexico, are heavily militarized in

follow a unit of the Kosovo Liberation Army through the streets of Drenica

the wake of peasant uprisings in the past five years.

St. Louis Polish parish takes

The bishop

Jan. 22.

Kosovo appealed

in

Cristobal de las Casas said indigenous

for prayers for the

pride in pope's visit

people, "as subjects in history," are

region's unsettled

ST. LOUIS (CNS) Though St. Louis is miles away from Pope John Paul II's native Poland, parishioners in the city's only Polish parish said they hoped he would feel right at home.

He

transforming the Americas.

—

situation.

de-

scribed the uprising five years ago by

indigenous people in his diocese as "an undue use of violence," but said their reasons were understandable and the cause was a just one.

Vatican condemns U.S. attacks on Iraq; civilians reported killed

MEXICO CITY

— The

(CNS)

Vatican condemned renewed allied attacks against Iraq as Pope John Paul II preached peace during a pastoral

Mexico. Prompted for comment on the Jan. 25 attacks thought to have claimed nearly a dozen civilian lives, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls told members of the traveling Vatican press corps: "This new incident confirms once again what the Holy Father has said before, visit to

in recent days:

That military mea-

sures do not by themselves resolve problems. On the contrary, they make them worse."

Survey finds fewer describe themselves as 'strong' Catholics

CHICAGO

(CNS)

—

Although the percentage of Americans identifying themselves as Catholic has remained at 26 percent over the past 30 years, the percentage who describe

On the

cover:

CNS photos

by Nancy Wiechec and Reuters

Collage composed of

& H

S

E R A

I,

January 29, 1999

Volume

8

•

Number

Most Reverend William G. Joann S. Keane

Publisher: Editor:

Associate Editor:

CNS

21 Curlin

Jimmy Rostar

is

Opinion Research Center. The center at the University of Chicago said that in its 1998 General Social Survey, 37 percent said they were "sti"ong" Catholics and 29 percent said they attended church each week. In the 1970s, 46 percent said they had a strong attachment to the church and 48 percent reported going to church weekly.

Feb. 7 marks day of prayer for

—

Sev-

ing black Catholics to observe Feb. 7 Day of Prayer for the African-American Family. The annual observance, now in its 10th year, is being supported by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, the Black Sisters' Conference, the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for AfricanAmerican Catholics and the Josephite as the National

St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382

—

9:15 am Mass Charlotte Catholic High School

February 3

E-mail: catholicnews§charlottediocese.org The Catholic News S Herald,

USPC 007-393,

is published by 23 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas weel( and Easter week and every two weeks during

the

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte,

1 1

June, July and August for $1 5 per year for enrollees of the

Roman

in

parishes

Catholic Diocese of

Charlotte and $1 8 per year for

all

other

Second-class postage Charlotte NC and other cities,

subscribers. paid at

—

February 4 10 am Mass Bishop McGuinness High School February 5

Mass St.

— 7:30 am

for the

Knights of Malta

Patrick Cathedral

POSTMASTER:

Send address The Catholic News & Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237. The Catholic News S Herald'is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs.

corrections to Herald, P.O.

Lebanon's Maronite bishops lauded recent social reforms undertaken by the government, but said they were concerned the reforms would reach only a sector of society. "There is an apprehension that they will not reach everybody, but will save some of those who have the luck of being protected," the bishops said in a statement after their mid-January meeting.

Mexican church groups warn of 'delicate' human rights situation MEXICO CITY (CNS) Six church-related groups wrote Pope

—

Diocesan planner

9:30

am

Mass and Mural Blessing St.

Gabriel School

member

of the choir with 2 Hshioners.

CHARLOTTE — Adult

(704) 573-1023.

—

CHARLOTTE The diocesan Office of Justice and Peace offers free Operation Rice Bowl workshops to parish leaders and faith formation teachers.

Operation Rice Bowl is a Lenten program incorporating prayer, fasting, learning and giving. Catholic Relief Services provides all program materials at no cost. Funds donated through the program provide resources to Catholic Relief Services to help people become self-reliant

and

self-sufficient.

To

1

other pa-

Catholic Press Month has

theme

for

(CNS)

1999

—

"Open Doors to a New Millennium" is the theme for Catholic Press Month, ob-

the

served in February. In a statement for a booklet prepared by the Catholic Press Association expanding on the theme, the Vatican's top communications cial said

offi-

the Catholic press "can and

should be a most effective instrument reminding people of the true significance of the new millennium." Archbishop John P. Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, noted how "all human history is measured from the moment of the birth of the God-man, Jesus Christ, the Word for

made

flesh."

schedule a workshop or for more information, call Terri Jarina at (704) 3703231 or send faxes to (704) 370-3377.

February

bereavement sharing and caring groups meet each Tuesday from 10-11:.'50 a.m. in the council room and each Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. in Classroom 12 of St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Rd. Anyone who has sustained a major loss in life is welcome. For details, call

—

—

WASHINGTON

Ongoing

January 30 5 pm Mass St. James, Concord

at the

Lebanese bishops express concern over government reforms BKERKE, Lebanon (CNS)

Bishop William G. Curlin will take

1123 South Church P.O.

•

Mass

millennial

part in thefollowing events:

February 2 10 am Mass Holy Trinity Middle School

Secretary: Jane Glodowski

Mail:

(CNS)

the

Catholic Clergy Caucus.

—

eral Catholic organizations are urg-

—

Production Associate: Julie Radcliffe

hope," said Franciscan Father James Goode, founder of the national day and president of the National Black

African-American family

WASHINGTON

Hispanic Editor: Luis Wolf Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick

Pastoral Center.

dropping, according to survey results released by the National "strong"

PHOTO FROM Reuters

"We are appealing to the black family tc^celebrate on this day their rich heritage (and) unwavering faith and renew their courage to

their attachment to the church as

,

1)

and to perform pt-ior to Trans World Dome Jan. 27. "The most important thing is to let the pope know we're here the Polish community and a Polish parish," said Joseph Skudrzyk, a member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, and a to stay Jan. 26,

Episcopa., calendar

Catholic W N E

why they spent more than five months rehearsing Polish songs to greet him upon his arrival at the archbishop's residence, where he was

That's

1

CLEMMONS

—

Holy Family

Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., hosts a charismatic Mass today at 7:15 p.m.

The laying on of hands follows. Call (336) 778-0600 for details.

The Elder Minis3 CHARLOTTE try of the Diocese of Charlotte sponsors a listening session exploring views on the needs of affordable housing for Catholic seniors today at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 StatesvUle Ave., from 10-1 1 a.m. For details, call Sandra Breakfield at (704) 370-3220.

"Song of Mark," a con5 ARDEN temporary musical based on Mark's Gospel, is today at 7 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Dr. An encore performance is Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. For details, call the church office at (828) 684-6098.

CHARLOTTE The Elder Ministry

—

—

—

,

The Catholic News & Herald 3

January 29, 1999

fhe News

In

Elder Ministry lool(s at needs for Catholic senior housing JIMMY ROSTAR

By

Associate Editor

—

CHARLOTTE

As parishioMatthew Church, Pat and Jerry Brown worship at daily Mass, ners of

St.

go to senior aerobics twice a week, and attend Bible study regularly.

They enjoy a spiritual and social bal-

Church to discuss their hopes and needs regarding Catholic senior housing. The listening session was the first of five scheduled through Feb. 5 in Charlotte-area parishes.

The sessions' purpose is two-fold:

ance while appreciating a sense of

to verify a want for such housing in Charlotte, and to discuss housing-related needs particular to Catholic se-

community.

niors. will

Sponsored by the Diocese of

continue as her and her husband's needs as Catholic seniors become

Charlotte's Elder Ministry and the

It's

a sense Pat

Brown hopes

more pressing, especially in relation to where they will live in upcoming years.

"My husband had

two was able to

a stroke

Mecklenburg Area Task Force on Aging, the sessions were scheduled in response to recommendations of a diocesan task force on aging formed in 1997.

not be able to. I be together so that I could be there with him if he needed

"Housing is one of the things that has continued to come about ... in reference to a need and concern," said Sandra Breakfield, director of Elder Ministry and a member of both task

extra care."

forces.

years ago," she says. (care for him) at

some day would

"I

home, but

I

know

may

I

like us to

The Browns and some 50 others gathered Jan. 22 at St. Matthew

Photo by Jimmy Rostar

The

listening sessions were de-

signed to define and explore three topics:

— Desired or needed types of housing.

— Affordable housing.

— Catholic housing.

se-

nior

Aging,

where unless we are going to do

is

ranging

facilitating the sessions.

at the Jan.

left, Mary and Sal Bianchi discuss their hopes for Catholic senior housing with Mercy Sister Jeanne Marie Kienast, a pastoral associate at St. Matthew Church.

of the Diocese of Charlotte sponsors a listening session exploring views on the needs of affordable housing for Catholic seniors today at Our Lady of

Assumption Church, 4207 Sham-

rock Dr., from noon-1 p.m. For details, call

Sandra Breakfield

at (704) 370-3220.

HAMLET — St. James

Church, 1018 annual pitcooked barbecue today from 1 1 a.m.-7 p.m. Dinners include pork or chicken, cole slaw, baked beans, bread, dessert, and tea or coffee. Eat in or take out. Call (910) 582-0207 for more information.

6 BELMONT First Saturday devotions are today in the Belmont Abbey

W. Hamlet

and

Brown

stressed were among the needs agreed upon most clearly.

"As people get older and lose their spouse or have the empty nest, they have lost their support team,"

Brown

the

far

22 session, though

the feeling of fraternity Pat

From

Ave., hosts

its

—

Basilica with a

new

schedule.

9:30 a.m., the rosary

is

Mass

at 10

is

at

and the

sacrament of reconciliation is offered at 10:30. For more information, call Terri or Phil DeLuca at (704) 888-6050.

BOONE Group reunion Ultreya meets today at 6:30 p.m. at Appalachian State University's Catholic campus ministry center, 232 Faculty St. A covered dish supper precedes the meeting.

—

The primary challenge is finding way to pay for such a facility, said

a

affordability, spiritual resources,

Photo by Jimmy Rostar

needs particular to Catholics who are elderly. Huey, director of the Selwyn Life Center at Mercy, facilitated the session. Breakfield is director the Diocese of Charlotte's Elder Ministry.

Ruth Huey, director of the Selwyn Life Center at Mercy in Charand a member of the lotte Mecklenburg Area Task Force on Feedback was varied and

«3!

Ruth Huey, left, and Sandra Breakfield compile comments from seniors at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte during a listening session on the housing

said.

"Therefore,

community

a very

important factor." majority of those in attendance also agreed that a continuing-care is

A

— —

community

one that offers independent, assisted and skilled-nursing care living is an important consid-

details, call (828)

MOORESVILLE

—

264-8338.

A

training ses-

sion on implementing the N.C. Catholic

bishops' economic justice pastoral

it

he added.

He said a systematic plan would have to be proposed for the building and maintaining of the facility, allowing it to pay for itself over time and ensuring "that it's a decent and honorable place for people to live and right,"

die."

Sandra Breakfield stressed that no scheduled plans for housing have been finalized or even approved at this point, but she added that the hope is indeed there. She said the input, ideas and suggestions gleaned from the sessions will assist the Elder istry in

housing

facility.

it's possible," she said with a smile. "We've got to work together. We've got men and women in here who are brilliant, who have had all kinds of wonderful experiences.

"Let's leave here today with the determination that it's going to hap-

"I

think

T

pen."

Min-

making future proposals.

"Of One Heart and One Mind," today from 9:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m. at St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Rd., for parish leaders, social concerns

Miller Chorale presents a program of

Church, 3016 Providence Rd., today

spirituals in celebration Black

from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The Hahns are

Month at the Basilica of St. Haywood St., today at 3 p.m. Admission

converts to the Catholic faith, make frequent appearances on the cable

History Lawrence, 97

For

is free.

is

9 CHARLOTTE

committee members, educators, business people and all interested persons.

There is no cost, but registration is required by calling Joanne K. Frazer at (704) 370-3231. Bring a bag lunch; drinks will be provided.

— Sacred Heart Catho-

its annual Valentine and silent auction fund raiser today from 7-10 p.m. at the Country Club of Salisbury. The event includes a buffet dinner, dancing and the auction.

Proceeds benefit school facilities and materials. Cost is $30 per person, and reservations are required by Jan. 31.

lic

are not going

to build a Catholic elder facility any-

letter,

SALISBURY

"We

Special Ministries.

Information gathered will be

eration.

For

Gerry Carter, diocesan director of

studied and discussed at the next meeting of the Mecklenburg Area Task Force on Aging in February.

Mercy Sister Jeanne Marie Kienast, a pastoral associate at St. Matthew Church and a member of the task forces, devotes her service to people with special needs. She told those in attendance on Jan. 22 that she looks forward to the day she can minister to them in a Catholic senior

School hosts

Ball

For more information, Tonseth, (704) 637-7886.

7 ASHEVILLE

—

call

Phyllis

The Reynolds-

details, call (828)

252-6042.

— Molly

Kelly, an

network

many

EWTN, and have produced

audio and video tapes.

They

widowed mother

will discuss four topics relating to

of eight, discusses chastity in a speaking presentation at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School, 3100 Park

the 1999 papal theme of the "Father."

Admission is free, and donations will be accepted. For more infonnation, call (704) 364-5431. This event is sponsored by the Catholic Evangelization Commission of Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE Wilderness themes are explored in a "Journey into Lent" presentation today from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Provi-

author, lecturer, and

Rd., at 7:30 p.m.

The

presentation

is

open to the public. For details, call Diane Hoefling at (704) 541-3760.

Father An13 CHARLOTTE thony Marcaccio, priest secretary to Bishop William G. Curlin, discusses

—

"Baptism: What Does It Call Us To As Christians?" today at 7 p.m. in the clubhouse of Strawberry Hill Apartments. This meeting is part of a series of monthly talks for adults. Reservations are required by calling Helen at (704) 365-4932. Dessert will be served.

Catholic evangelists Scott and Kimberly Hahn bring their message of faith to St. Gabriel

CHARLOTTE

—

—

dence Rd. tlie

The

event includes discus-

on the pain, anguish and humor of

sion

wilderness as found in Scripture.

Cost

is

$20. R.S.V.P. to

Caryn Cusick,

(704) 362-5047, ext. 276.

Please submit notices of events for the Diocesan Plan?ier at least 10 days prior to publication date.

4

The Catholic News & Herald

January 29, 1999

& Columns

{{iilorials

"Corpus Christi" Brantley reviewed the play "Corpus Ben Christi" the New York Times (Oct.

Spirituality

1998). The play presents a Christlike hero as a gay man. In Brantley's view, the central message of the play is that no one should be persecuted for being different. That is a good message.

Gay-bashing has become sport among some sick individuals. We should all try to uphold the decency and honor of the Golden Rule.

The tragic death of a gay student who was tortured and beaten in Wyoming a few months ago vividly reminds us that gay-bashing is a crime against all humanity. It is no wonder that the gay

for Today

The Pope

in

Speaks

POPE JOHN PAUL

Pope says

II

love of mother, father

closest thing to God's love

By CINDY

WOODEN

News Service (CNS) The closest God's "intense, constant and

Catholic

—

VATICAN CITY

thing on earth to compassionate love" for his creation is the love of a father or mother for a child, Pope John Paul II said.

"Despite the infidelities of his people and the consequent threats of punishment, God has revealed himself to be incapable of renouncing his love," the pope said Jan. 20 during his weekly general audience.

At the end of the audience, Pope John Paul told visitors he would be traveling to Mexico City and St. Louis within the next week and asked for prayers for the peoples of North and South America.

In his main talk, the pope said that alongside the fatherly images of God in the Old Testament, "characteristics which are usually attributed to maternal love" also are attributed to

13,

community is outraged.

Homophobia is the

target of the play's author,

The pope said Christians' identification of God as "Father" is an inheritance from the experience of the Jews, who recognized in him "a

CNS

is justified, but he presented a terribly offensive description of the holy

family.

Paul Bauman, executive editor of Commonweal magazine, reviewed the play and wrote the following: "Joseph is depicted as a foul-mouthed lout, Mary a blousy, cigarette

He may have

people come away saying "gays and minorities in general have a right to be different," or will they say "gays don't care if they desecrate our most sacred beliefs."

Perhaps McNally doesn't care about conse-

bit

quences.

picture.

When anyone stirs up a hornet's nest he usually reaps a strong negative reaction. The conservative Christians who came out in protest did not see the

Joshua, the

name given

to the character intended

gay man who

is seduced by Judas in a men's room on the night of the prom. The play seems to be more a catharsis of revenge than an appeal to high principle. It succeeds very well in offending the religious sensibilities of many Christians, but it fails

play as an appeal for understanding or a defense of the principle of "live and let live." They saw it as an attack on the sacred images of their faith. They wonder how any appeal to artistic license can justify the desecration of the religious beliefs of millions of

in its public relations.

Christians.

to be Jesus,

is

a

A horde of Catholics and Protestants, some of whom were gay themselves, am told, protested the I

Tempers were raging though the demonstration was nonviolent.

The American Civil Liberties Union defends the right of artists to say anything they want in their

play's opening.

even if they know they will enrage others. McNally's right to artistic freedom is

As an American

They experienced God as Father through creation, but even more so as he made re-

pope said.

"A paternity so divine and, at the same time so 'human' in the ways it is expressed, also includes characteristics which are usually attributed to maternal love," he said.

"Even if they are rare, the Old Testament images in which God is compared to a mother are extremely significant," Pope John Paul said.

The pope cited as examples two passages from Isaiah in which the people are told God, like a mother, can never forget them and that "as a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you."

"Therefore, the divine attitude toward Israel is manifested also with maternal traits which express tenderness and compassion," the pope said.

Pope offers condolences to victims of Kosovo violence VATICAN CITY (CNS) Pope John Paul II offered his condolences to the victims of recent violence in the Kosovo region of Yugoslavia and called for an end to the conflict. In a Jan. 21 telegram to the head of the Yugoslavian bishop's conference, Archbishop Franc Perko of Belgrade, the pope said he was "profoundly

—

pained over the aggravation of the situation in

Kosovo region." The pope urged Yugoslav government officials "to put an end to the spiral the

of violence and to find again the path of constructive dialogue in respect for the inalienable rights of every human person."

have to defend McNally's right

fit. As a Christian I offended by the treatment of his topic. What we need to do is pray for greater understanding and

feel all

We may not fully understand the world of gays and lesbians, but they are our brothers and sisters, and they are worthy of respect. tolerance.

looked at her, and

a couple of kids.

how

I

we

both started to laugh like

told her to

remember

am

—

all

I

said

about life and to forget how I reacted when my car wouldn't start.

Naturally that initiated another conversation, probably a much more honest one. It hit home hard to that we all think we know ourselves, and we do an extent. But it's when something happens to upset our smooth routine that we learn much more about about

Line

peated efforts to save them, the pope said.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, God expresses his love for his people "with profound tenderness, even when he is forced to lament his children's lack of a corresponding love," the

I

to express his feelings as he sees

I

The Bottom

particularly paternal attitude." his

better once he got his pent-up

felt

frustrations out, but did he help the cause? Will

smoking and uncomprehending

of white trash, the disciples a boisterous boy-didwe-party band of bar-hopping gay men." You get the

Columnist

protected by the U.S. Constitution, but the longrange consequences of his work is not.

Terrence McNally. His anger

artistic expression,

God.

FATHER JOHN CATOIR

relaxed

I

—

ANTOINETTE BOSCO

CNS

ourselves.

Who are we, really, when a tragedy hits us, when

Columnist

we

are beset by disappointment, betrayal, illness, boredom, depression and, yes, even shame if a transgression we hoped to hide came out in public? We

Look inward and learn — the folly of judging others was visiting my sister Jeannette who lives 25 I miles from me. The morning was leaving we 1

I

had one of those wonderful sisterly conversations about how our lives were going. I felt very peaceful as we talked. I was telling my sister, who is 14 years younger than I, that now, in my more mellow years, I was becoming so much more relaxed about life. I told her how I was very easy-going. Most of life's annoyances simply roll off me.

I must have sounded like a great sage the way I was going on. My sister listened, smiled and assured me that while she was not yet where I was in this profound development of easy-goingness, she was no doubt on her way.

We said our goodbyes, and I went out to my car.

Surprise! It wouldn't start.

I

couldn't believe

it.

My

kept trying to start it, but the engine simply wouldn't turn over.

I went back into the house. Jeannette's son Tony went out to see if he could start it. No luck. By this time I was getting just short of hysterical. I had to get back home for a very important meeting.

As I went on trying to figure out what to do, my

car

is

nearly new.

sister said, quietly:

you

a

cup of hot

out what to do."

I

"Why

tea.

don't you sit. and I'll make Just relax, and then we'll figure

can self-analyze all we want, as I did to my sister, but that's not the real picture unless we are seeking to know ourselves when we're under crisis.

If it is so confusing to judge ourselves, how much more so is it impossible and wrong to judge others. I think the wisdom of the Lord Jesus was at its best when he said, "Judge not others that you may not be judged."

In the past year,

we became

a society that

gave

judgment of anybody and what anybody could perceive to be

itself the right to sit in

everybody

for

pray that all could learn, as I is to judge oneself and how impossible it is to judge others. May we all listen to Jesus and live by his wisdom. well I went out again after As for my car sipping my relaxing tea, said a heavy-duty prayer and tried again. The prayer probably did it. The car started. I guess water had gotten into the gas line. I was on my way, a bit humbled and wiser.

Do we ever really know ourselves? Maybe. But one thing is for sure. We can never really know what is in the depths of another person. Thus, our mission their private sins.

have,

how

I

difficult

it

—

is

to love, not judge.

January 29, 1999

Editorials

Light

pagan

Aristotle, and set out to reconcile the secularity of the world with the radical nature of the Gospel.

But that was after he earned a reputation as a dad liked to tell the story about how scholar.

Thomas was called the "Dumb Ox" and became the

One

Candle

wanting of

FATHER THOMAS

commemo-

Aquinas, a young man whose enthusiasm for learning knew no bounds. My father introduced me to Aquinas through Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, that famous Catholic prelate who was a regular on TV on Tuesday nights back in the 1950s.

Like most who watched his series "Life Is Worth Living," my dad delighted in the archbishop's "mediagenic" presence and wit. But frequently during the broadcasts, he would interject, "Listen to the Aquinas in him! Sheen is nothing without Thomas Aquinas!" I didn't have a clue what he meant at the time, but eventually I came to appreciate why Sheen and the so much Christian world came to appreciate and even imitate the work of this great 13th century theologian.

Aquinas' personal story is that of a young revolutionary thinker who raised quite a fuss in medieval thinking and culture. Aquinas' own well-to-do family imprisoned him for two years because he wanted to go to be ordained a Dominican priest. Once he got his wish, he was labeled a radical for trying to bridge the gap between faith and reason. This was no easy task in the darkness of the Middle Ages, when those in authority tended to negate the world and its values in order to keep faith with God. Nonetheless, Aquinas took on the revered Saint Augustine along with the

Thomas

and

sisters

of

Jesus, spoke

pouring cats and dogs!"

window to how stupid he

raced to the

gence by uttering something so completely absurd."

For Aquinas, the solution to intellectual darkness was to turn on the light of human intelligence, the divine spark of creativity and learning. He argued: "Both the light of reason and the light of faith come from God. Therefore, there can be no contradiction between them." Thus Aquinas became both an apostle of God and a champion of the human potential to think for oneself He also had a good deal to say about our human capacity for the truth, goodness, and love. Dealing with problems drawn from the hearts and minds of individuals of any age, the writings of Aquinas go below the surface of our lives to uncover God's image.

Pope John Paul II's recent encyclical, "Faith and Reason," underscores the importance of Aquinas in Catholic thought: "Thomas recognized that Faith has no fear of reason, but seeks it out and has trust in it. Just as grace builds on nature and brings it to fulfillment, so faith builds upon and perfects reason."

Yet, near the end of his life, Aquinas was forced to admit, as we all are, that his accomplishments still fell short of his dream and that all he had written seemed so much straw. He realized more clearly than ever that the way to wisdom cannot be found without faith.

In this information age, any one of us could behefit by retrieving Aquinas from the bookcase and rediscovering our possibilities when the height of human reason unites with the depth of spiritual faith.

—

References to Jesus' brothers and sisters Q: Tour interesting recent column, about the Gospel references to brothers

it's

was. But he simply said, "Actually, I couldn't believe that anyone here would have so betrayed their intelli-

potential of people

the 28th of January, Catholics

raining,

it's

see for himself, the students guffawed at

Guest Columnist

rate Saint

—

fellow student,

at

When Aquinas jumped up and

J.

One

Aquinas' ideas about the power intelligence, stood at a window crying,

poke fun

to

human

"Look

McSWEENEY

On

of

Corner

ofJoseph by a previous marriage.

There is another possibility. Some languages I am a bitfamiliar with Flemish, Malay, some African use the same wordfor cousin (of whatever degree) and brother or sister. Could the same be true of the language used in

children

—

CNS

I have always answered questions about this with the

Could that

Columnist

be true?

A. Yes, that

is

a real possibility. I'm grateful to

you and the others who wrote.

As I have explained several times over the years, Hebrew, and the related system of Semitic languages called Aramaic, allow for the broader use of the word for brother and sister that you describe.

Aramaic was the common language in Palestine in New Testament times. Oral sources for the four Gospels were almost entirely in that language.

An

authoritative reference for this kind of information is Jastrow's Dictionary of Rabbinic Literature.

The

meaning

for the Hebrew word we're speakbrother in our sense of the word. But another common usage is kinsman, such as cousin.

Aramaic frequently adds an "a" to Hebrew. Thus,

ing

the

first

of,

"ah,"

source of the Gospels is "aha," but according to Jastrow its meaning is the

same

as

around the year 150. This document, incidenhas greatly influenced the development of theology concerning the mother of Jesus. It is the source, for example, of the long tradition that the parents of Mary were named Joachim and Anne. circles tally,

St. Jerome (d.420), on the other hand, insistently claimed (he never claimed anything not insistently) that they were children of a relative of either Joseph or Mary.

The church has no official position one way or another on either of these interpretations. Both obviously are compatible with the belief that Mary had no other children before or after the birth of Christ.

is

Aramaic word

at the

Hebrew.

Sign of the cross Q. As a relatively new convert to the I'm

learning a

Catholic faith,

about the actions at Mass.

Just before the Gospel, the reader touches his or her

still

lot

and breast. The priest and most of the me do the same. What does that mean?

forehead, mouth

should be noted that the Greek in those passages which speak of the brothers and sisters of Jesus

people around

more explicit word for blood brothers those coming from the same womb.

The explanation I offered in the more recent columns, that the brothers and sisters of Jesus were children by Joseph's previous marriage, is the older traditional explanation.

A. The priest and other people are making a small sign of the cross. Whoever reads the Gospel

It

uses the usual

and

sisters,

found first in the Protevangelium ("first Gospel") of James, which appeared in Christian It

is

the school year shows a clear pat

fall, one starts out full of hope and ambition, certain that this is the year

tern. In the

to really get those grades you've been promis-

ing your mom. You do pretty well for a while, but then there are the holidays.

You find yourself slipping around Thanksgiving, but tell yourself that "there are only three more weeks till Christmas vacation. I'll catch up as soon as we come back at the beginning of the year."

That sounds easier than it is. Every teacher on earth knows that the biggest period of "real instruction" happens between Christmas and spring break.

Experienced teachers figure correctly that by May 1 teens are far enough into spring

—

fever and

proms that

—

they're essentially brain-

dead the final weeks of the year.

So here it is, early February, and you're about three chapters behind in the book. What's to be done?

Take a long look at how you're studying. If you're not keeping up, it's usually because of a problem in your study habits. Maybe all you need is a bit of extra time with the books each evening. If you've been studying for an hour a night, and you're slipping slowly behind the wave, an hour and 15 minutes might be enough.

on the other hand, you're

really in trouble chapters behind in history it's time for bigger changes.

Catching up after major slacking takes a major change in study habits. If passing these courses really matters to you, then you'll put in the effort. Here are some possible suggestions.

Pick one or more, and stick with them.

Change the place you study. Lots of teens study in bedrooms, where a radio, a telephone, the television and Nintendo all provide interesting alternatives to algebra problems or social studies essay questions. Your study may become much more efficient if you move down to the kitchen table. Just being out in the open may keep you honest.

Turn off the television. Contrary to what parents think, many teens can study quite effectively with the radio blaring. However, contrary to what teens think, few can actually learn anything from a book while the tube is turned on.

If you're ideally in trouble in school, you might want to put yourself on voluntary TV time-out no television on school nights till you get caught up. It's a great incentive, "if you make the decision yourself Get some study partners. First, it's much less boring to study with friends. Second, people have different learning styles. Lots of us learn better by hearing things out loud or speaking them out loud ourselves. If your style of learning isn't visual, sitting and reading a book won't necessarily get the facts in your head. Study partners and groups let other forms of learning happen.

If you study together, you can go into the test with more information than if each of you

are

1 1

—

—

FATHER JOHN DIETZEN

explanation that these individuals were probably his cousins.

Catching up with studies

Often

If,

the

Jesus' time?

CHRISTOPHER CARSTENS CNS Columnist

— say you

Question

ancient explanation that these persons could have been

—

Coming of Age

My

butt of his classmates' teasing.

A champion for the

The Catholic News & Herald 5

& Columns

first traces a

sign of the cross on the book

itself,

then

on these parts of the body.

This small action the

a fitting symbolic prayer that

good news (Gospel) of

about to hear, lips

is

and

may

Jesus, which they are be always in their minds, on their

in their hearts.

—

—

—

studies alone.

Sprmg

time for the big push in school. If it's time to reassess your study habits. If you make some changes now, you can probably still finish the year with decent grades. is

you're falling .behind,

6

The Catholic News & Herald

People

in

January 29, 1999

the News

j

Polish Catholic editor Jerzy Turowicz dies WARSAW, Poland (CNS) The

The

of the Year.

National Football

League announced the honor Jan. for Michele Eggleton, nominated by

—

.5

Polish Catholic editor who published the first newspaper articles by the fu-

former student Darrell Russell, a de-

ture Pope John Paul II died in Krakow at age 86. Jerzy Turowicz, who rose to prominence in Poland's

In an

pre-World

War

fensive tackle for the

Russell said, "Ms. Eggleton gave me an understanding of the importance my education would play in my devel-

"Odrodzenie"

II

Catholic renewal movement, died Jan. 27 of complications from a heart attack he suffered Jan. 21. He was a leading church figure for more than six decades.

Reporting

27, Poland's state

opment, not as an

Bishop Braxton offers ideas for greater black, white openness

BALTIMORE (CNS) — Auxiliary

his death Jan.

Bishop Edward K. Braxton of St. Louis outlined 10 specific "ways to develop greater openness to blacks by the church and to the church by blacks" in a Jan. 22 talk in Baltimore. One of 13 active black bishops in the United States, Bishop Braxton was addressing a Jan. 21-22 national consultation sponsored by the National Black Catholic Congress. The recommendations ranged from greater use of the African-American media and of the

one of the country's "highest moral authorities."

Parkinson's specialist calls papal hand tremor a good sign WASHINGTON (CNS) The tremor in Pope John Paul IPs left hand may be the most evident sign of

—

also a

is

it

CNS

good

sign, said a specialist in Parkinson's disease at Georgetown University Medical Center. "The fact

LOS ANGELES (CNS)

—A

fu-

Mass was

celebrated Jan. 19 for Paulist Father John W. Mulhall, 69, founder and director for 20 years of Paulist Communications.

Los Angeles Jan.

The Mass was

1

He

died in

2 after a long illness.

celebrated at St. Paul

the Apostle Church, a Paulist-run parish in

Los Angeles where he had been He was buried

stationed since 1990.

Want

to re-finance your

PHOTO BY Demse Walker

Church failing to reach black youths, theologian says

BALTIMORE (CNS) — Pattie Griffin of Philadelphia makes a point during a small-group discussion at the National Black Catholic Congress' national

of the tremor is good. It signifies that only a movement disorder is involved, not a loss of intellectual capacity," said Dr. Jonathan Pincus, a neurology professor and former chairman of the neurology department at Georgetown.

Pincus spoke about the pope's physical condition Jan. 25 after reviewing a series of close-up video clips of the pope at public ceremonies during his Jan. 22-26 visit to Mexico City.

Paulist Father Mulhall, Catholic broadcast leader, dead at 69 neral

athlete, but as an

individual."

TV said he had been

his neural disorder, but

Oakland Raiders.

announcement of the award,

Catholic press to more controversial suggestions such as an end to use of the term "minority" to describe the

The discussions were part of the National Black Catholic Congress Jan. 20-22 in Baltimore. The Catholic Church is failing to attract black young people "in the 'hood," as well as those who have achieved success, said Diana Hayes, associate professor of theology at Georgetown University in Washington. Speaking on "Evangelization and the African-American," Hayes said the white-dominated, Eurocentric church seems "alien to today's youths" especially in the inner cities who are seeking "a God who is personal to them." "The images of a blue-eyed, brown-haired or even blond, ethereal, effeminate Jesus simply turns them off," she said. More real to them would be the concept of "Jesus as homeboy, living in the 'hood, 24-7," she added. consultation in Baltimore Jan. 21.

Holy Cross Cemetery Culver City. A leading figure for a quarter-century in U.S. and Canadian religious broadcasting. Father Mulhall was a board member of the Canadian Broadcasters Association in the 1960s and served three terms as treasurer of Unda-USA, the U.S. branch of an international association of Catholic the next day at in

community and adaptations in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults to better reflect inner-city reblack

alities.

Ogdensburg bishop named to head Diocese of Arlington, Va.

WASHINGTON

San Diego Catholic high school teacher honored by NFL

SAN DIEGO

(CNS)

—

St.

(CNS)

— Pope

named Bishop Paul S. Loverde of Ogdensburg, N.Y., as bishop of Arlington, Va. The appointment was announced Jan. 25 by Arch-

John Paul

II

has

bishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio to the United States. In Arlington, Bishop Loverde succeeds Bishop John R. Keating, who died last

Augus-

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January 29, 1999

The Catholic News & Herald 7

from fhc Cover

Bishop Sullivan calls remarks on Antichrist 'outrageous' By

CHARLES

Catholic

MAHON

E.

News

RICHMOND,

Service

—

(CNS)

Va.

Antichrist to be a Jewish 'counterfeit' of Christ," the Lynchburg minister "recklessly targets the Jewish people

Bishop Walter

F. Sullivan of Richmond says the Rev. Jerry Falwell's statements that the Antichrist has

as the fountainhead of evil itself"

probably been born and is certain to be a Jewish man are "outrageous" and

the richness of Jewish tradition

"Ironically, the idea of the millen-

nium

"Rev. Falwell's claims are an absolute offense to our Jewish sisters

and brothers. They deserve our strictest rejection, rebuttal and condemnation," the bishop said in a letter to pastors and pastoral coordinators

Falwell paints the arrival of the new millennium as a time of "doom and gloom."

"Adding an Antichrist to the mix makes a perfect entree to incite prejudice and hatred," Bishop Sullivan wrote. "It perverts the wonder of jubilee into one more instance of blaming the Jews for the world's troubles.

It again makes the Jews the scapegoat for our fears and insecurities, opening old wounds rather than healing them."

The bishop said that in his opinion, "the Antichrist is not a person but a biblical symbol for what Pope John Paul II has called 'the culture of death.' It is a whole pattern of attitudes and lifestyles that contradict values held in common by Christians

reported by The Associated Press, Rev. Falwell told about 1,500 persons at a conference on evangelism in Kingsport, Tenn., the second coming of Christ probably will take place soon and that the Antichrist is alive today.

don't know.

Nobody

else

I

knows," said

Rev. Falwell, whose Sunday services at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, in the Richmond Diocese,

by many

are carried nationwide

tele-

vision stations.

he alive and here today? ProbBecause when he appears during the Tribulation period he will be a full-grown counterfeit of Christ," he said. "Of course he'll be Jewish. Of course he'll pretend to be Christ. And if in fact the Lord is coming soon, and "Is

ably.

and Jews

bishop called on parish leaders to "appropriately counter" such views as Rev. Falwell's among their parishioners and "defend against them for our Jewish brothers and sisters."

In a statement issued after Bishop

ral coordinators, the

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A Richmond Jewish leader also took issue with Rev. Falwell. Tommy P. Baer, former president of B'nai B'rith International, the world's larg-

ter side."

The Catholic Church tends to view the scriptural references to the ciple of evil,

a religious deception rather than a person.

The "Catechism of the Catholic

Church"

"The supreme

states:

gious deception christ, a

man

pseudo-messianism by which

glorifies himself in place of

and of his Messiah come

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gious freedom," Baer wrote in a letter to the editor of the Richmond TimesDispatch.

In Washington, Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, said that by "casting a cloud of suspicion over Jewish men" Rev. Falwell has "given new fodder to anti-Semites around the world."

"To promulgate such accusations today is particularly alarming," he added. "The approaching millennium can be an opportunity for religious groups to bring peoples together or to inflame ancient prejudices and tear societies apart. Sadly, Rev. Falwell seems to have weighed in on the lat-

that by selling the

Winston-Salem,

public.

Rev. Falwell said his views were shared by "most evangelicals."

"This belief is 2,000 years old and has no anti-Semitic roots," he said.

"This is simply historic and prophetic orthodox Christian doctrine that most theologians. Christian and nonChristian, have understood for two

Antichrist as referring to the prin-

Instead, the bishop wrote, Rev.

Richmond Diocese.

will the Antichrist be?

itself,

promise."

In a speech Jan. 14 about peoples' concerns over the new millennium, as

"Who

comes from

found in the Book of Leviticus. Jubilee is a time of celebration and rejoicing, a time for atonement and reconciliation, a time when justice and righteousness rule, a time of hope and

"reprehensible."

in the

as a year of jubilee

were made

Sullivan's letters

-

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Daniel L. Murray, President St.

Pius

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8

The Catholic News & Herald

January 29, 1999

Readings

Book Review Reviewed by

EUGENE

Catholic

J.

Land" comes, for me as a Christian, remarkably close. Though it does not have the aspect of the Jewish-Christian encounter, it is thoroughly ecu-

FISHER

News Service

Last March, I participated in a Catholic/ Jewish "bishop-rabbi pil-

grimage" to Israel and Rome led by Cardinal William Keeler of Baltimore. Long planned and twice postponed, it turned out to be one of the most profoundly moving spiritual journeys of my life. The itinerary had been carefully and jointly planned to include

in its true

At

first

sight this

it

presents

—

in

the Holy Land"

prayed together at the tombs of prophets

Y. and D. Salomon,

—

quality coffee-table book. But then one begins to understand the

A Walk with Jesus

remarkable conception behind the book.

design and text, and M. Milner, photography.

Kirschner Enterprises and

January 31. Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Cycle A Readings: 1) Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13 Psalm 146:7-10

volume of su-

perb photographic images of the holy places of Israel strikes one as simply another albeit very high 2000:

By

and rabbinical giants such as Moses

way

ages it selects and the them.

We

tions call "holy."

sense of fostering

internal Christian unity by the im-

"Jesus

equally sites of Christian

and Jewish reverence and remembrance of the land both tradi-

menical

Word to Life

These are not just

pictures of the holy They are imAlfa Communications Maimonides. And we ages of the holy sites, as (New York, 1998). had Mass at many of the the introduction states, 199 pp., $49.95. "at the peak of their glory, most sacred sites of Jesus' on the pilgrimage days of ministry, death and resurrection. Since I was the only the most important annual cerCatholic layperson, I and the rabbis emonies." So we view not only the formed a "congregation" for the churches and shrines that commemoconcelebration of the cardinal and rate the most important events of other bishops from across the United Jesus' life, but the faces and postures were a rather unusual States. of the clergy who officiate and the crew so much so that the pilgrims who flock to the celebration Franciscan and other caretakers of of those events at the very sites the Christian holy sites would come where they took place some two milout to greet us and have their piclennia ago. tures taken with us for their archives. see not only the Catholic cerNot only did we pray, but we diaemony of foot-washing on Holy logued. celebrated Purim toThursday in the Church of the Holy gether in the bomb shelter of a kibSepulcher, but the rituals of the butz in northern Israel and debated Greek Orthodox, Armenians, and Ethiopians as well. see pilgrims the relative merits of the Greek of all branches of Christianity foltranslation of the Bible (on which the lowing in the footsteps of Christ on New Testament authors often rely) the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the and the Hebrew. And we spoke of Cross. see throngs of Catholic what Jews and Catholics could witand Orthodox pilgrims in solemn ness to together in the ruins of the procession and devout prayer, one synagogue at Capernaum, where Jesus preached to his fellow Jews. Inkissing a pillar of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on which one can deed, this was undoubtedly the first discern the pious graffiti of centuries true dialogue between the successors of pilgrims from Eastern and Westof the Apostles and the successors of ern Christianity alike. One wonders the Pharisees in that spot since Jesus' time. The weight of sacred history what images there would be if these and its sense of infinite hope and pospilgrims from East and West, Reforsibility were palpable to us at such mation and Roman Christianity, could come together each year in moments of intimate spiritual sharjoint pilgrimage to these holiest sites ing.

While one cannot capture such of our common faith, as Jews and Catholics momentarily did on the profound moments in photographic trip I took with them. images, I must say that "Jesus 2000: In the meantime, the images of A Walk With Jesus in the Holy places.

We

—

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We

2)

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who were by the culture as worthless effect set aside and redeemed

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One need not look far to find remnants today. Every person who is marginalized, who experiences loss,

discounted and set aside for sale.

In the remnant bin (usually in an out-of-the-way corner of the store) one could find all sorts of fabrics brocades and velvets to cottons and wools, colorful prints to neutral solids all at bargain prices, all teeming with possibility. Some remained in the bin a long time, and some were snatched up the next day.

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—

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—

Questions: have you felt cast asi<| abandoned or discounted? What do today's Scripture readings say to you about your own enduring worth in God's eyes?

When

Weekly Scripture Readings for the week of Jan. 31 - Feb. Sunday, Zephaniah

Monday, Hebrews

2:3;

3:12-13,

Mark

1

1999

6,

Corinthians 1:26-31,

Matthew

5:1-12;

Tuesday, Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, Luke 2:22-40; Wednesday, Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15, Mark 6:1-6; Thursday, Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24, Mark 6:7-13; Friday, Hebrews 13:1-8, Mark 6:1429; Saturday, Hebrews 13:15-17, Mark 6:30-34 11:32-40,

5:1-20;

volume draw one into a sense of the experience itself This is not a book for the coffee table, but for taking on retreat, especially during Lent. Each photograph is accompanied by an appropriate New Testament text regarding the events that took place there. At the end is a concise explanation regarding every site this

and ceremony included. Highly ommended. T Fisher

is

rec-

associate director of the and Interre-

Secretariat for Ecumenical ligious Relations

of the National Con-

and a conHoly See's Commission on

ference of Catholic Bishops suitor to the

Religious Relations with the Jews.

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New at the box office "The Children of Heaven" Charming story set in Tehran where

a 9-year-old Iranian

his little sister's

boy loses

only shoes, forcing the

wearing his sneakers to he hears of a foot race in

two

to share

school until which the third prize

is

a pair of

new

Majid Majidi spins

shoes. Director

from

a slender narrative thread

a

sweetly evocative tale of genuine childhood stress made bearable by bonds of love and their generosity to an even less fortunate child. Subtitles.

Depictions of poverty and brief menace. The U.S. Catholic Conference adults and adoclassification is A-II

—

lescents.

The Motion

Picture Associa-

—

parenis PG guidance suggested.

"Varsity Blues" Hokey formula tale in which a high school football team (led by James Van Der Beek) gets rid of its mean, dishonest coach at halftime in the championship game. Directed by tion of America rating tal

Coming soon: CD mixing

Brian Robbins, the bogus proceedings are devoted largely to the teens' activities' off the field, especially their drunken escapades and quest for sex.

Sexual situations, nudity, alcohol abuse, intermittent rough language and occasional profanity. The U.S. Catholic Conmorally ofference classification is O

—

fensive.

The Motion

of America rating

is

Picture Association

R

—

restricted.

"Virus" Murky monster movie in which the crew (led by Jamie Lee Curtis, William Baldwin and Donald Sutherland) of a sinking tugboat seek refuge onboard a mysteriously empty Soviet vessel only to discover murderous alien life forms on board that interpret

human life as a virus to be Some gory sci-fi violence,

destroyed. occasional

profanity and intermittent rough lan-

guage.

The

U.S. Catholic Conference

classification

Motion

is

A-III

Picture

America rating

is

R

—

adults.

Association

—

The of

restricted.

Week of Jan. 31 but her body is eventually found, prompting the mother's personal

TV programs of note

search for the

pare

By GERRI

News Service (CNS)— Here are programs of note for

Catholic

NEW YORK some television the week of Jan.

31:

Monday, Feb. 1, 8-9 p.m. EST (A&E) "Dr. Laura Schlessinger: Tough Talker." From the "Biography"

of the controver-

series, a profile

show host who promotes per-

sial talk

sonal responsibility and self-motivation, and whose background includes posing for nude photos before she became an Orthodox Jew. Monday, Feb. 1, 8-9 p.m. EST (ABC) "20/20 Monday." Premiere of the fourth edition of the newsmagazine "20/ 20," with Connie Chung and Charles Gibson anchoring

the stories.

Monday, Feb. 1, 8-10 p.m. EST (NBC) "Vanished Without a Trace."

Shelley Long stars as a wife and mother whose worst nightmare materializes

The Catholic News & Herald

fntert ainmen

when her daughter disappears

killer.

Monday, Feb. 1, 9-11 p.m. EST (PBS) "Fll Make Me a World."

Showcases this century's AfricanAmerican creative artists as they struggled for identity, equality and self-expression. The six-hour series continues at the same time TuesdayWednesday, Feb. 2-3.

Wednesday, Feb. 3, 8-9 p.m.

EST

(PBS) "CeCe Winans, Glorious Gospel." From the "In Performance at the White House" series, a salute to American gospel music, also featuring Michael Mangun with the Messiah Singers and Phil DriscoU. Friday, Feb. 5, 8-9 p.m. EST (A&E) "Dr. Joyce Brothers." From the "Biography" series, the story of the

famed psychologist and syndicated advice columnist who rose to fame as a winning contestant specializing in boxing trivia on "The $64,000 Question."

music and recordingijfpope By

LYNNE WEIL

Catholic

News

VATICAN

—

Service

CITY

In this era of (CNS) the multimedia pontificate, it was only a matter of time before Pope John Paul II came out with his own music compact disc.

A professionally produced CD mixing instrumental works and recordings of the pontiff singing, praying and delivering homilies was set for release shortly

Sony Classical was to ship "Abba Pater," a joint production of Vatican Radio and the Italian religious publisher Audiovisivi San Paolo, to stores worldwide for sale starting on March 23, Sony

before Easter.

Sony Classical was

to

ship

"Abba Pater," a joint production of Vatican Radio and the Italian religious publisher Audiovisivi San Paolo, to stores worldwide for sale starting on March 23, Sony officials

officials said Jan. 26.

were papal readings of Psalm 26 and the Beatitudes.

Profits from the sale of "Abba Pater" were to be divided between Vatican Radio, Audiovisivi San Paolo and Sony.

In August the Vatican won a

said Jan. 26.

"Abba" is the Aramaic term for "father" and was one of the names Christ used to invoke God. The CD features the pope chanting and speaking in five languages at various occasions throughout his papacy, accompanied by classical and contemporary music tracks.

The liner notes were to include the complete texts of the pope's prayers and remarks. The cover featured a black-and-white close-up of the pope's face, superimposed over lines of handwriting in gold.

Vatican Radio officials said the

court challenge against another re-

was two years in the making and was timed to coincide with the

cording company that tried without consent to market a compact disc featuring Pope John Paul's voice.

A high court in Milan ruled against the producers of "Forgi\ e Us," which mixed rock, world music and the pope singing a Gregorian chant. The recording had already been sold in some stores when the court ordered its production and distribution

20th anniversary of this pontificate

stopped.

and the arrival of the year 2000.

The producers were told that Vatican Radio, the legal owner of the recording and broadcast rights to the pope's voice, had decided to issue its own CD featuring him

project

Its

Holy Week draw more atten-

release date just before

was intended

to

tion to the recording, they said.

Sony officials said there were no immediate plans to release the recording in any format other than compact disc.

singing.

"Forgive Us" was not the

by church authorities. A 1993 recording called "Wojtyla Disco Dance" and a hip-hop number the same year used sampled phrases spoken by the pope, set to a pulsing pop music beat, t

One

Pare

is

on the staff of the U.S. Catholic

Conference Officefor Film arid Broadcasting.

Quality

Fersonal

first

disc of its kind to be contested

of the 1 1 tracks, a Latin version of the Our Father, was also to be accessible for free on the Vatican's Web site and the site operated by Sony Classical.

A preview copy of the disc with five tracks was made available in late January. Among its selections

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10 The Catholic News & Herald

January 29, 1999

Mexico

Letter:

Affection of Mexicans, and Tonatiuh, shine on pope

By JIM Catholic

HODGSON News

Service

MEXICO CITY Pope John Paul Mass

celebrates

II

Jan.

27 in the Trans

World Dome under an arch built to resemble the

Gateway Arch

—

(CNS)

In

Aztec past, one could say that Tonatiuh, the Nahuatl name for the sun, was smiling on Pope John Paul ll's visit.

In January, the city is normally shrouded in thermal inversion haze, but during the days that the pope was here, the sun shone in a cloudless sky and seemed to match the this city, so steeped in its

in

St. Louis.

mood

of the people.

Mexicans fell in love with Pope John Paul during his first visit in 1979 and the pope with the people and, even though half the population of the country was not born at the time of the first visit, the mutual

—

—

affection has not diminished.

CNS

PHOTO FROM Reuters

At Mass in St Louis, pope appeals for end to death penalty —

ST. LOUIS (CNS) In a Mass to help put an end to every form of racism, saying U.S. bishops have idencelebrated in America's heartland, Pope John Paul II aptified it as one of the most persistent and pealed for an end to destructive evils of the death penalty and the nation. said its elimination "As believers, The pope's serwas part of the church's pro-life mon emphasized the fail to see can need to protect the commitment.

how

we

The pope made the remarks at a

lit-

urgy Jan. 27

the

in

visit to St. Louis.

sermon

a terrible rejection

port to live up to those teachings, he

euthanasia and

Trans-World Dome, during a 30-hour In a

assisted suicide are

family and promote the "Gospel of life" in a variety of areas. But people need various forms of church sup-

that abortion,

in

front of tens of thou-

added.

of God's gift of life

sands of people and

broadcast live on television, the pope

"As

believers,

how can we

and love?"

fail

nasia and assisted suicide are a terrible re-

Ameri-

who were "un-

of life and love?" he said.

the increasing

to feel the duty to surround the sick

"And

conditionally pro-life." is

recognition that the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done evil,"

he

"Modern

said.

means of without definitively denying criminals the chance to re-

protecting

society has the

itself,

form. I renew the appeal I made recently at Christmas for a consensus to end the death penalty, which is both cruel and unnecessary," he said.

Missouri

is

one of the leading

numbers of executions. Before the papal visit, one such execution states in

scheduled to coincide with the papal visit

well-intentioned heresy: "This

God

is

incarnate!"

In previous trips, crowds have surrounded the residence of the papal nuncio, where the pope usually stays. This time, however, out of respect for Pope John Paul's need to rest, night-long serenades were banned and the crowds banished from the immediate vicinity of the

On

the second of his five days in

Mexico

City, 3 million people lined

the pope enjoyed the music, planners

the streets for a two- or three-second

arranged for groups to come into the grounds to serenade the pope at

glimpse of their pope, their "jefecito," or "little chief" They stood for hours to catch a glimpse of Pope John Paul. They passed the time chanting and singing hymns, but also interrupted the chants to boo each passing police car.

To the southeast, mark volcanoes cause

of

the city's landrose into the sky. Be-

the

usual

smog,

"Popocatepetl" (The Mountain that Smokes) and "Iztacihuatl" (Sleeping

Woman)

are rarely visible.

Mexicans' enthusiasm and affection were enormous and occasionally

seemed to overwhelm the 78-yearAt a Jan. 24 Mass, the pope's Communion line drew spontaneous demonstrations of warmth. old pontiff.

A

young

girl dressed in a

white

dress broke the ice when, after receiving Communion from the pope,

she simply stopped and leaned her head against him. The pope, clearly touched, bent over to kiss her head.

The next woman

in line

residence.

Still,

knowing how much

more reasonable

hours.

Radio and television endlessly played a song written especially for this visit, "El Pescador" ("The Fisherman").

Two

other papal favorites,

"Cielito Lindo" ("Beautiful Little

Sky") and "Amigo" ("Friend") also got a lot of play.

Pepsi Cola had billboards that

"Mexico, always faithful."

Hewlett Packard gave away postcards with images of the pope in various parts of the world or with famous people, such as Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama.

Puns spread as well: mostly a play on words between potato ("la papa") and pope ("el papa"), because stickers with the pope's image were distributed in potato chip bags a said,

—

subject of continued controversy,

Contributing to

this story

t

was John

Thavis.

was

jection of God's gift

cas called for Christians

great

the pope occasionally gushed into

that abortion, eutha-

gram of new evange-

"A sign of hope

away. Several others left small gifts.

Television commentary about

to see

sard the church's prolization in the

more exuberant, throwing her arms around the pope in a big hug. The pope appeared a bit taken aback.

A third woman embraced the pope, whispered something in his ear and handed him a written message, which was quickly whisked

was temporarily postponed.

Vatican spokesman Joaquin NavarroValls on Jan. 26 called the postponement a "mockery" because it addressed issues of publicity and not justice.

The pope also called on the church

as believers,

how

can

we

fail

and those in distress with the warmth of our affection and the support that will help them always to embrace life?" he said.

The pope praised U.S. Catholics' tradition of generous service in charity, health care and education as expressions of the Gospel in action. Today, he said, U.S. Catholics should draw inspiration from this heritage of holiness and service for a new phase of evangelization.

The pope also reached out to fallen-away Catholics, suggesting that the

the

coming Holy Year 2000 was

moment

to return to the church.

Sometimes there may be obstacles to participation in the Eucharist, and in some cases memories need to be healed, but "in

all

cases there

is

the

assurance of God's love and mercy," he said. *

CNS

Opening Mass

in

Mexico

PHOTO BY Nancy Wiechec

City

Pope John Paul II stands behind the altar at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City for Mass Jan. 23. Behind him are cardinals and bishops from the Americas.

^

— The

Jan uary 29, 1999

The Catholic News & Herald 11

Pope

in

the Americas

carol ZIMMERMANN

By

—

than 20,000 youths at a prayer service in St. Louis Jan. 26 to use their energy and talent to serve the church and bring Christ's message to the world.

"Even though you are young, the time for action is now," the pope told the crowd, which frequently interrupted him with cheers and shouts of

"we love you." He took a swing with a hockey stick he was given and then swung his own cane like a hockey stick

Bring Christ to the

News Service Pope John ST. LOUIS (CNS) Paul II urged a spirited crowd of more Catholic

before leaving the stage.

pope tells youths

worid,

a

But the Holy Father also spoke on somber note of human suffering and

the darkness that exists in the world due to euthanasia, abortion, drugs and

sexual abuse.

"There

He told the young people who filled home to the St. Louis

"God's gift of life is being rejected. is chosen over life, and this brings with it the darkness and de-

the Kiel Center,

Death

Blues hockey team, not to wait until they were older to live out their faith.

"You are ready for what Christ

spair."

The pope urged the youths not to be misled from the truth and to seek

—

all wants of you now. He wants you to be light to the world, as of you only young people can be," he said.

When the pope arrived at the arena at 6:30 p.m., he was greeted with a deafening roar of cheers, waving banners, enthusiastic applause and thousands of camera flashes.

Most of the youths had already been at the arena for at least eight hours for a youth rally with Christian rock bands and speakers.

One of the young adults roaming the concourse during the musical acts dubbed the event "papal-palooza," saying it felt like he was at a big party with a lot of friends.

Many

participants said just seeing

young people attending

other

a spiritual

event like this strengthened their

For

Maggie

others, like

faith.

Cella, a

senior at St. Louis University,

it

was

hearing people witness about their

was most impressive, espewhen young men and women

faith that

cially

spoke at the rally of why they entered religious

meaning and

"You never hear that, about normal people becoming priests and nuns,

In St. Louis,

He told them to consider their evening together as part of their "training ground," for living out their faith

After arriving Jan. 26, the pope St. Louis," re-

minded Americans of the Dred Scott case, praised the baseball heroics of

Mark McGwire and Sammy

Sosa, and

the pope told the

Young people march toward the

Kiel Center in St. Louis Jan. 26, where they

member: "Christ

pontiff",

who

not just a select few that get divine on them," she told Catholic

light shone

News

Service.

Louis Uni-

that he doesn't comprochimed in his co-worker, Terry Quinn. "Even when I disagree with him, I admire him for that."

The pope lived up to his reputation of having a good rapport with youth but of also speaking frankly to them. He frequently addressed the crowd as his "young friends" and

in St. Louis, said

smiled at their interrupting cheers of

Cella said participants at the rally

were

clearly "here with friends, not with

their parents.

We're learning things

on our own," she added.

And who better to learn from than the pope that seemed to be the con-

about our

faith

—

sensus.

graduate versity

a recent college

who teaches

High School

the pope was a good role model for young people because he is "not afraid to stand up for what he believes in."

at St.

"I like it

mise,"

cultural

language

cal

symbols and traditions.

His comments on abortion were a

case in point. Instead of simply con-

demning the

way back

—

practice,

he went back

—

to a page in America's civil

made a comparison.

After the Dred Scott case was heard in St. Louis in the mid- 1800s, the pope noted, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that nearly an entire class of people, those of African derights history and

scent,

had no constitutional rights.

It

was

a case that spurred the anti-sla-

very

movement and

eventually helped

is

to re-

calling you; the

you."

And it's a message the youths were taking to heart as they filed out of the arena to the song "Go, Make a Difference in the World."

Rachel Frieder, a 1 6-year-old from Immaculate Conception Parish Springfield, Mo.,

summed

it

"My spiritual life was dry in the mud," she said. "But it's fired back up.

The pope gave me a reason to pray to God." T

The Pope Speaks

in St.

Louis

Mark McGwire greets Pope John II before the pope joined a rollicking youth

"God's love

is

a love that

searches us out. It is a love that saves. This is the love that we find in the heart of Jesus."

rally at the Kiel

Center in

St.

"Christ is seeking you out and inviting you back to the community of faith. Is this not the moment for you to experience the joy of returning to the Father's house?"

Louis

on Jan.

26.

CNS reverse racial segregation, he said.

That lesson needs to be remembered today, he said, when the unborn, the terminally ill and others consid-

ered "unuseful" risk losing legal protection. The pope took his cue from pro-life activists in St. Louis, who sometimes draw the parallel with the Dred Scott case when promoting respect for the unborn.

At a youth rally that night in a sports arena, the pope not only met briefly with McGwire but spoke about the excitement of McGwire's 1998 home-run race with Sosa. He immediately connected with the many St. Louis Cardinals fans in his audience.

PHOTO BY Nancy Wiechec

and probably with millions of other Americans as well.

The pope spoke of American heroes in baseball, basketball and soccer and then, in a spirited aside, looked up from his prepared text and remarked deadpan: "Nothing about football?" The laughter and applause were deafening.

The pope delivered his talk at the youth rally like a consummate actor reading a script, spiced with a few insider ad libs, and this, too, showed appreciation for Americans' love of spontaneity.

When

his youthful hosts

brought

him a hockey uniform with his name on it, he flipped his cane upside down and pretended to shoot a puck.

in

up by say-

ing she was inspired.

homily

Home-run slugger

ited the

of the best ways to get his message across is to communicate through lo-

young people

Excerpts of the papal

vis-

United States on six previous occasions as pope and several times before that, learned long ago that one

to

church needs you; the pope believes in you and he expects great things of

would meet with Pope John Paul IL

recalled the importance of the Louisi-

ana Purchase.

The 78-year-old

it

Speaking slowly and emphatically, PHOTO FROM Reuters

CNS

Paul

invoked the "Spirit of

comparing

a daily basis,

into the arena.

—

cultural language.

on

work of athletes like local baseball hero Mark McGwire, who briefly met Pope John Paul before the pope came the

pope speaks U.S.

By JOHN THAVIS Catholic News Service ST. LOUIS (CNS) In St. Louis for a 30-hour visit to the U.S. heartland. Pope John Paul II quickly showed that he spoke the American

direction for their lives

from Jesus.

Terry Tyrell,

life.

something wrong when people are overcome

by hopelessness to the point of taking their own lives," he said.

"we love you."

—

is

many young

so

"Our Christian

life

can be seen

as a great pilgrimage to the

house of the Father, which passes through the door that is Jesus Christ.

The key to that door is repentance and conversion."

"From Old Testament

times, the core of salvation history is God's unfailing love and election, and our human answer to that love. Our faith is our response to God's love

and election."

12

The Catholic News & Herald

January 29,

the News

In

1

999

Vatican publishes revised Rite of Exorcisms

By CINDY

WOODEN

The new

News Service CITY (CNS)

Catholic

VATICAN

— The

Vatican has published a revised Rite of Exorcisms, although the book urged caution in assuming that someone is possessed by the devil and needs exorcism.

"The sinister influence of the devil and his followers usually is exercised through deception, falsehood, lies and confusion," said Cardinal Jorge Medina Estevez, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.

"I

believe that cases of possession

common

are not only not

but very

rare," the cardinal said at a Jan.

press briefing on the

new

rite,

26

the last

of the church's ritual books to be updated following the Second Vatican Council.

The new

language, he said, genermore "imaginative" descriptions of Satan in line with the fact that the devil is "a spirit without body, without color and without odor."

The cardinal said, "Exorcism has as a point of departure the faith of the church, according to which Satan and other evil spirits exist and their activity consists in distancing men and women from the path of salvation."

The introduction to the new rite said, "The almighty and merciful Father sent his beloved son into the world to wrest men and women from the power of darkness and bring them ally excludes the

ment of confession,

physical illness.

mate victory

ture readings, replaces a version writ-

tion said,

said.

Published by the Vatican only in Latin, the revision "does not involve substantial changes," he said. "It uses more sober language with fewer adjectives, but expresses the same faith of the church in God and in the power given to the church by Christ to cast out demons."

said.

the sacraments, particularly the sacra-

However, the devil continues to tempt people, which is why they must be prayerful, vigilant and partake of

which includes 84 pages of guidelines, prayers and Scrip-

Medina

—

Before using the Rite of Exormust have "moral certainty" that the person involved is truly possessed or obsessed and not suffering from a psychological or

into his kingdom."

said.

it

Despite an assurance of an

rite,

ten in 1614, Cardinal

medical explanations have been ruled out include: "speaking in unknown languages, revealing things that are far away or hidden (or) demonstrating a physical strength not conforming to one's age or health status."

At the same time, it cautioned that "these signs are only an indication" and may not be the work of the devil.

"Other manifestations, frequently of a moral and spiritual order" are often present and may include aversion to God, to the name of Jesus, of Mary and of the saints, to the Scripture, to sacramental rites and sacred images, it

ulti-

in Christ, the introduc-

it is

possible that, at times,

"there occur cases of particular oppression and obsession

on the part of the

members of the people of God." The guidelines in the rite restated

devil in

canon law, which requires the exorcist to be a priest specifically appointed by the bishop to perform exorcisms.

The book said that some signs that when all a person may be possessed

—

manded

the Lord's Prayer and a creed, a Gospel reading and the Sign of the Crpss.

A simple form of exorcism, not changed by the new ritual, is part of the Catholic Church's baptism rites; in it, the church prays that the one about to be baptized will be protected from evil and from Satan's temptation.

In a series of 1986 audience talks about angels and the devil, Pope John Paul II said Satan has been defeated by Christ's death and resurrection, but he continues to try to win over people.

The "Catechism

of the Catholic

Church" states, "Exorcism is directed

demons or

cannot be excluded that in cer-

"It

tain cases the Evil Spirit tries to exercise his influence not

only on material things,

but also on the human body, for which one speaks of diabolical possession," the

pope

said

"It is

during an audience talk. not always easy to discern

that which happens preternaturally in

these cases, nor does the church easily

cast out evil spirits.

sion of

name of God and of the The ritual also in-

cludes a sprinkling with holy water, the recitation of a litany of the saints,

cisms, the priest

The rite is performed in the name of Jesus and calls on the power he gave to his disciples and their successors to

in the

church to depart.

yield to or support the tendency to

many occurrences to the intervention of the demon," he said. attribute

at the

expul-

At the same

to the liberation

from demonic possession through the spiritual authority, which Jesus entrusted to his church."

In the ritual, the evil spirit

is

com-

time, the

"one cannot deny that

pope

said,

in his desire to

harm and

to lead toward evil, Satan can reach this extreme manifestation" of his power, t

College students invited to enter twelfth annual Christopher video contest $6,000

in

prizes

and

air

time on television series

—

NEW YORK

Attention all college campuses! The Christophers have announced their Twelfth Annual Video Contest for College Students.

The contest includes cash awards of .$3,000, $2,000, and $ 1,000 for the top three entries. Winners will also have their work featured on the syndicated television program Christopher

The program

Closeup.

lions of people

reaches mil-

throughout the United

States as well as 166 foreign countries via the

To

Armed Forces Network. enter, students

'Our Specialty

Is

must interpret

the theme,

"One Person Can Make

Difference." Past winners have used a

variety of styles and genres that in-

clude drama, comedy, documentary, news format, music video and animation.

Father Thomas McSweeney, director of The Christophers, announced this year's competition say-

"From my many years as a college professor, I know that college is a

18, 1999.

time of idealism as well as creative vision. This competition taps into that spirit while affording us a

from campus Media or Communications Departments or by writing to: The Contest, College Video

ing,

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New

http:/ / www.christophers.org.

The

Christophers, a nonprofit or-

ganization founded in 1945 and based

on the Judeo-Christian concept of serGod and humanity, uses print and electronic media to encourage all

vice to

individuals to raise the standards of

public

Remember

Loving Your Pets'

Pineville

a

glimpse of tomorrow's talent."

Entries may be created using film or video, but must be submitted on 3/4 inch or VHS tape only, and must be five minutes or less in length. The contest is open to all currently enrolled students, on both the undergraduate and graduate level. Students may enter more than once, but an official entry form must accompany each video. The deadline for entries is June

"It's

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curse the darkness."

"A valid Will stands as

a

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m

January 29, 1999

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Calholic Schooh Week

WASHINGTON

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Circus" cartoonist Bil Keane. Fourth in a series, the design depicts Billy

"Catholic

Schools: Faith for a Brighter Future" is the theme for the 24th annual cel-

0 BriQA,

and Dolly studying the "Fourth R" of

Week,

ebration of Catholic Schools

education.

Campaign materials provide

Jan. 31-Feb. 6.

The event is part of The Marketing Campaign For

schools with a "turn-key" package for marketing and include buttons, post-

National Catholic

banners and billboards. Products ranging from flags to T-shirts and

program of the Na-

Schools, a joint

ers,

tional Catholic Educational Associa-

marketing efforts. Television commercials which promote the values of

Catholic Schools

a Catholic

Catholic Schools Week

have focused on the Catholic foundation of our schools, from a curriculum which all else flows infused with values, high academic

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

arrives Jan. 31-Feb.

standards and discipline," said Leonard DeFiore, president of the

Msgr. Thomas McDade, United States Catholic

Schools Week. This day was established to encourage supporters nationwide to showcase the great ac-

complishments contributions

Conference's secretary for education, said the "faith for a brighter future" theme has a special message for par-

Catholic Schools

Week is to

build

support and

ronment

is

a gift

It is

Catholic schools

to

nationwide.

United States Catholic Conference to

tion."

promote Catholic schools year round.

Now in its eighth year, the marketing effort was launched to help create

is the largest private, professional education association in the world. Founded in 1904, the association's membership represents more than 200,000 educators serving 7.6 million students of all levels of Catholic education. USCC is the national public policy organization of the bishops in the United States. T

awareness of the value of a Catholic education and to increase enrollment.

According to the NCEA and USCC, enrollment has grown steadily in the past six school years, reaching over 2.6 million students.

"Family Circus" returns

The campaign lustration

also features an

NCEA

il-

from well-known "Family

Growing, growing, growing, growing 1997-98 school year marks sixth consecutive rise in enrollment

tors of Catholic educa-

truly their

tion to their represen-

and provide a background package on Catholic schools to every tatives

future."

The purpose

of Catholic Schools and recognition for the more than 8,200 Catholic to build support

schools nationwide. During this week, many dioceses encourage parents to enroll their children in Catholic schools. Catholic Schools Week also is an opportunity to interest citizens in volunteering their time and

congressional office.

Across the country, diocesan and school leaders also meet with civic

on this day. Governors, city mayors, and town councils have joined in to proclaim "National Appreciation Day For Catholic Schools" officials

in their localities

National Appreciation Day

Day falls Wednesday of Catholic

National Appreciation 3,

the

year after year.

The National Marketing Cam-

talents to local Catholic schools.

on Feb.

6

meet with congresmote Catholic schools.

As part of their marathon day, they will hand-deliver letters from chief administra-

passage to a brighter

Week is

A campaign poster, which has been adapted for billboard and print advertisements, features a majestic seascape punctuated by breaking waves. The headline reads "If Faith Can Part the Seas, Imagine What It Can Do For Your Children's Educa-

sional leaders to pro-

more than 8,200

children which will pay dividends all their lives.

parents will visit Capitol Hill on Feb. 3 to

recognition for the

world," added Msgr.

McDade. "A faithfilled academic envi-

of

delegation of 100 Catholic school students, teachers and

"Values are of in-

creasing concern to parents in our mediacomplex driven,

and

Catholic schools to our country.

In Washington, a

The purpose of

ents.

secondary education also

are available.

Week

ciation.

be personalized so

that educators can customize their

campaign and Catholic Schools

National Catholic Educational Asso-

may

sweatshirts

tion and the United States Catholic Conference.

This year's logo features a bright starburst centered by the Bible. A cross is the nucleus of the design.

"Recent themes for the national

2.6 million students are enrolled in Catholic schools. Enrollment increased

3,400 in 1997-98. Total enrollment growth since 1992-93 numbers 81,000.

paign For Catholic Schools was established by the National Catholic Educational Association and the

Source: National Catholic Educational Association 1998

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14 The Catholic News & Herald

January 29, 1999

Catholic Schools Week

the event so vividly.

I Atremember the time was a ninth-grade

upon the person and teaching of Jesus Christ. The vision, values and

student at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross High School in Boston. At the conclusion of a school day Sister Dionysia, my homeroom teacher, asked me to remain in the classroom.

Naturally I was curious as to why I was being held hostage as my friends exited excitedly the confines of the building. Shortly thereafter, however, I understood and appreciated her re-

virtues proclaimed and lived by them must be explained and experienced within the school. Its aim is not simply to educate but to form the participants into the likeness of the Lord.

Pope John Paul II has reminded us that they must be assisted not only to know about Jesus but to become intimate with him.

As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week there is a timely emphasis on the

I

The Catholic School: Locus of Faith

quest.

FATHER JAMES HAWKER

from the convent with a beautiful Boston cream pie protected by Saran Wrap as it rested on a plate. "Jimmy," she said, "take this home to your family in the housing project. You'll all enjoy it."

Sister Dionysia returned

I reached for the prize, somehow or another, the delightful dish slipped from my grasp and plummeted to the

As

floor.

Shocked by the

stunt,

looked at

I

awkwardly thinking, "What could I do for an encore?"

While Sister

slowly stooping to retrieve the pieces of my pathetic plight she stated sympathetically, "Don't worry, Jimmy, I'll get you another."

In reviewing the experience of my Catholic schooling, there is no doubt that the most impressive event etched

my memory was

in

mean-

that truly

moment

with Sister Dionysia.

Her care and compassion, empathy and encouragement, faithfulness and forgiveness on the occasion spoke volumes about the foundational meaning and ultimate purpose of Catholic eduingful

cation.

It's true.

and English. she assisted

She did teach me Latin There's no doubt that

me

to cultivate

my

tal-

my

employ

ents and

skills.

Without

question she enabled me to assimilate and appropriate the contents of the Baltimore Catechism. Most important, however, she exemplified the veracity of the sentiment shared by Pope Paul VI: "People today don't believe teachers.

They believe witnesses. If they do believe teachers it is because they are witnesses."

The story I've shared is symbolic of the enriching atmosphere within

which I was enveloped as a student.

Both the broader curriculum of the environment and the narrower curriculum of the course of studies were essential. Because of their interconnection I was touched and transformed by the schools' participation in

the church's fourfold educational

Each Catholic school context

in

every

Dr.

is

in-

ness of Jesus Christ. Second, it affirms that each person has been and is being gifted; that one's talents and skills are to be cultivated; that all are responsible and can make a positive difference. Third, it guides in its

delegated to reveal, to affirm, to guide and to heal. First, it reveals the love of the Father; that every person is unique and valuable; that all, as children of the Father, are

school, then, is not simply another private school. Its mission can neither be

understood nor

apart from

community of the church.

During this week, we celebrate the contribution of Catholic schools to human and Christian formation; we

teaching

how to live and how to die; pray and how to play; how to relate and how to respond to the Father and to others. Fourth, it teaches what is good or bad; right or wrong;

acknowledge with gratitude the dedi-

how

cation of those

true or false.

pray for the participants being nurtured and nourished within these

to

Without doubt, children and youth who attend a Catholic school are to be assisted to cultivate effective

study habits, exemplify self-discipline, manifest respect for others and do so in a safe, enabling environment. tives

is,

the setting

must be founded

who serve within those we applaud the commitment of caring parents who sacrifice selflessly for the sake of their children; we settings;

grace-filled missions.

Forty years have passed since my days at Cathedral High School in Boston. The Catholic schools, instruments of the teaching church, will continue to be valuable and vital agencies of education and formation, t

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The Catholic News & Herald 15

January 29, 1999

Catholic Schools Week

Living the Faith

Local educator receives accolades as distinguished principal By

group of kindergarten students at the location on school's former Shenandoah Avenue.

"I have a lot of memories of her

CONSTANCE HOLLOWAY Correspondent

CHARLOTTE

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Long before she became an educator, Pat Murphy always liked working with children.

For this elementary school principal, "watching the children learn and grow and do things is all so exciting and energizing."

Now, Murphy, principal of Our Lady of the Assumption School, has been recognized for her work. In December, she received the 1998 NaEducational

Catholic

tional

Association's Distinguished Principal

Award.

"Excellent choice," says Dr. Michael Skube, superintendent of Catholic schools of the Charlotte Diocese, "in terms of what she's contributed to our diocese and Our Lady of Assumption."

Jesuit Father Francis Gillespie,

OLA's

pastor, agrees.

competent and proand a wonderful collaborator between the parish and "She's a very

Photo by Joann Keane

Our Lady of the Assumption School principal Pat Murphy takes time work out a class assignment with third grade student Joshua Powell.

to

fessional principal

the school."

News

of the honor surprised

Murphy.

"I

says.

really couldn't believe

"You get

a

phone

call

it,"

she

and you

don't think I heard that.'"

Last year, the Charlotte Diocese principals' association nominated think,

'I

Murphy

them in the awards competition. She competed to represent

against principals from 1 1 states and took top honors in the South Atlantic region. She was among 7,100 principals across the country considered by the for 12 regional awards.

NCEA

What makes Murphy and her colleagues so special? An NCEA press release credits the winners with being

leaders in their dioceses and "a lasting imprint

elementary school."

making

on their Catholic

The

association's

he recalls. "She always had time to spend with us. She always spent it at our level. Slie would always get down on one knee at eye level and have discussions with us."

Murphy later taught Chase in middle school. The 29-year-old credits her with guiding his career choice.

"Some of the lessons I learned from her (about environmental issues), I guarantee that's why I'm in the environmental consulting field now," he says.

These days. Murphy and her staff of 36 are shaping the lives of more than 300 preschool through fifthgrade students at OLA's current location on Sharnrock Drive. Though the school has grown tremendously since 1988, its burgeoning enrollment and Murphy's 10-hour work days don't prevent her from greeting students every day.

"Every single morning, she meets every single car that pulls up to that

(as a kindergartner),"

Murphy,

press release notes that

rolled their four children at the

hired as OLA's principal in 1987, "arrived to find a school where morale was low, the building was in need of

school.

were not being paid, and teachers were receiving an unjust wage. She began at once to rejuvenate Under the Spirit of Assumption her guidance and inspiration. Assumption, which had been weeks from

asked if I in the kindergarten," she says, so she became an assistant

being closed, came to

her chemistry degree, she was asked to teach science courses at the middle school.

Murphy earned her

repair, bills

.

...

life."

embarked on her academic career by accident. As a stu-

Murphy,

58,

dent at the University of Central Oklahoma, she spent time with kids as a swimming instructor for the parks and recreation department. In the classroom, however, she worked toward a degree in chemistry. After she and her husband, John, moved to Charlotte from Oklahoma City in 1966, they joined OLA and later en-

"When my school,

in

1

1974.

children were in

school and greets all the children that get out," says Mary Pat Busker, mother stuof two "Every single morning, she dents. "That just strikes me so beautimeets every single car that fully. ... She says hi pulls up to that school and to all the children.

She knows their

volunteered (there). would help

And once

the staff learned of

teaching credentials at the University of

They

OLA

greets

all

the children that

On

get out," says Mary Pat Busker, mother of two

names.

Murphy

OLA

students. "That just strikes

April

6,

will receive

her principal's award during the NCEA's convention in New

Orleans.

Central Oklahoma me so beautifully. ... She am really "I and UNC Charlotte, grateful for the recand a master's desays hi to all the children. ognition," says gree at the UniverMurphy, "and I resity of Central OklaShe knows their names." ally feel that the parhoma. She was also ents, the students, principal of St. the teachers are part Michael School in of that. We are all being recognized.

Gastonia from 1982 to 1987.

It's a joint venture here."

Scot Chase was among her first

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16 The Catholic News & Herald

January 29, 1999

Catholic Schools Week

Assistant superintendent says Catholic

Research on Technology in Catholic Schools

schools cultivate faith for the future

70%

By

jimmy ROSTAR

"People

ones

Associate Editor

—

CHARLOTTE

For 13 years,

who

faith

make our

does

As one of

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte. The experience, she says, reveals in great detail how faith and education en-

people

in

we

really believe,

future brighter."

the leading administra-

tors of Catholic schools in

the diocese, Sister Mona devotes many hours to directing curriculum, testing and teacher certifica-

courage the full potential of young people across western North Carolina.

"The mission of the is

don't have hope are the

are discouraged and despon-

dent," she adds. "If

Franciscan Sister Mona Wingert has served as assistant superintendent of

church

who

tion.

She leads in-service

sessions with educators to outline new state policies.

With Dr. Michael Skube,

develop holiness, and

to address issues calized level.

says Sister Mona. She adds that Catholic Schools Week, celebrated Jan. 31-

Sister

6, is a

The

Through Franciscan Sister

Mona

on a

lo-

on technology

in

Catholic schools can be found

in

Today's Catholic Teacher, October

1

998, Vol. 32, No.

all

she does.

focuses

"When we

on edu-

think of

the whole child,

goal.

we

think

14 el-

spiritually, academically, morally,

ementary, one middle and two high schools in the diocese are planning a variety of activities to commemorate this year's theme, "Catholic Schools: Faith for a Brighter Future." Masses, school spirit days, and service programs highlight the week, which celebrates education that prepares students for a Christian life.

"Having this theme, Taith for a Brighter Future,' makes us look at what our faith does for us," says Sister

physically and emotionally," she says.

Mona. "Although we

in the diocese's 15

17 Catholic schools

—

"Catholic schools stress the spiritual

dimension to the others."

Sister Mona says an important amenity Catholic school families enjoy is the passing on of values in the classroom. "I know that some parents come to our schools because of the discipline and the academic ratings," she explains. "But I thipk the basic reason is, and should be, values."

There are currently 5,883 students

stress faith

A total of 1,185 students compose the student bodies of the diocese's two

coming more rigorous.

high schools, Charlotte Catholic High School and Bishop McGuinness Memorial High School in Winston-Salem.

From the mountains to the Triad, Catholic schools assume the responsibility for nurturing these thousands of students

see that

in

in the Christian

example, says Sister Mona.

"Academically, our schools are doing

very well," she adds, giving as an example the diocesan results of this year's Iowa Test of Basic Skills for grades 3 through 8, which were 30 percentage points higher than the national average.

Specialized education music, art, computer training, foreign language, physical education has be-

— —

come

a

more common element

in dioc-

"Along with

we

that, then,

we

try to

don't forget the religious

dimension," Sister Mona says.

In addition to weekly or monthly school Masses, schools regularly partake in outreach and service programs in the community. Families are en-

couraged to participate in many student activities. The result of such com-

munal is

interaction. Sister

Mona

hopes,

a heightened sense of spirituality.

The beyond

school

community extends

the kinder-

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Catholic schools educate

Feb.

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CimlM

Cdtitoh

The Catholic News & Herald 17

January 29, 1999

In

Ihc News

Guns melted down

Rebels in Sierra Leone liiii

News (CNS)

Catholic

ROME ^

left

—

A

remaining captive nuns and a Brother missionary.

Xaverian Guglielmo Zambiasi, remained unknown.

Pope John Paul II decried the shootings Jan. 24 after Sunday noon

five

of events on arrival at

cluding Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Feast of the Three Kings and Ramadan.

the hospital, the rebels

barous murder" and said "no motive can justify such carnage against persons and

And the police department announced it was conducting a second "Guns for Bells" program to collect guns through the end of

institutions that for

January.

many

"We didn't really have enough metal to make the whole bell from the recovered guns,"

were abandoning their provisional

headquarters

in

the

area of the capital

years have worked for the

in

good of all."

in

a disorderly manner,"

An archbishop and four Xaverian

the agency said.

"They decided to 'get

Xaverian FaGirolamo ther

rid'

Pistoni, 43, taken from the same com-

of some of the

was

them

reportedly hospitalized but out of dan-

ger in Freetown with a gunshot wound to the

in

chest.

MISNA

reported that the nun had been executed, and the priest apparently was injured in a botched execution attempt.

"According to Father Pistoni's

ArchJoseph Ganda of Freetown and Bo fled Jan. 20

and were found by Nigerian-led peacekeeping forces two days later.

Bishop George Biguzzi of Makeni, Sierra Leone, told MISNA were in "satisfac"They were not mishe added, "though the

that the escapees

tory" health. treated,"

were not able

some of them in cold

to 'get rid' of

blood."

to

wash

for t\

weeks."

The agency

ters in the area of the capital in a

the prisoners, shooting

re-

bishop

the hospital, the rebels were abandoning their provisional headquar-

"They decided

makes the

rebel kidnap-

priests and

descriptions of events on arrival at

disorderly manner," the agency said.

same

ported that the four

cold blood."

said the four es-

caped captives found their getaway opportunity in the confusion caused by the rebels' sudden relocation to avoid the peacekeeping troops, r

A young Indian boy among the hostages was shot in the mouth and

Serving Charlotte with integrity for

Merry, pastor

priests escaped the

MISNA

prisoners, shooting

said Father Paul F.

of Blessed Sacrament in Bridgeport. "But the clapper, which

pers unharmed.

over

noise,

is

made

434 Charlotte Avenue, Rock'

Hill,

Dealerships Member of St.

Gabriel Chui

1

R O. Box

1

CNS

PHOTO BY John Glover, Fairfield County Catholic

A

bell cast from the metal of guns surrendered to the Bridgeport, Conn., Police Department was delivered to Blessed Sacrament Parish in December. The twofoot-high bell was made from 35 guns that were melted down. An anonymous donor

nium."

T

1586

SC 29731 -1586

(803)

LaPointe, President,

entirely

1998

from the guns we recovered durpaid to have the bell cast. ing our concentrated drive."

An anonymous donor prodonor puts it in a secure container and vided $26,000 to pay casting expenses. is on the way to turn it in at police The bell is 24 inches in diameter and headquarters. Donors were being two feet high, approximately the size awarded a voucher for up to $200 that of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. can be used for clothing, food or elec"The design of the bell is interesttronic equipment. ing," Father Merry added in an interThe impetus for the "Guns for Bells" view for the January issue of the program came from Father Merry, who Fairfield County Catholic, monthly newspaper of the Bridgeport Diocese. brought the idea to Bridgeport after he "It is covered with something that had attended the Eighth Annual Black Conference in Baltimore in 1997, where looks like a little steeple, and it has a kind of prayer well surrounding it," he the concept was introduced.

With donations from friends, comsaid. "It is completely portable, and we munity groups. Catholic parishes and are happy that congregations of all faiths will be able to use it to promote others, the priest organized a steering committee that included the police dean awareness of gun violence in the Greater Bridgeport area." partment, the Bridgeport Council of Churches, an area interfaith committee When the second gun drive was announced, the prosecutor's office said and an interfaith ministerial alliance.

"There was great cooperation it agreed not to charge anyone who surrenders a gun with possession if the among people of many faiths who worked hard to make the bell a reality and a symbol of peace," Father Merry said, adding that he hoped the new year rung in by the bell would "lead us to God's peace in the new millen-

THEOMORY

37 years!

cuns T rmoRv flno ;m3Ri connE

communities for

called the nun's killing a "bar-

City.

He

of Freetown.

^

mental "Guns for Bells" program.

In December, a bronze and nickel bell and clapper cast from 34 guns surrendered to the Bridgeport Police Department and other metal traveled around

Mexico

to Father

Pistoni's descriptions

Kissy, east of the Sierra Leonese capital

,

ebrating the result of an experi-

use in their religious services, in-

kidnapped with five other members of her order Jan. 14 from the Xaverian

Jan. 12,

Conn. (CNS)

Catholic and other faith communities in Bridgeport are cel-

to various faith

The nun was

community

—

Service

pastoral visit to

MISNA re-

News

BRIDGEPORT,

prayers during his

order founded by Mother Teresa, was shot to

news service ported Jan. 23.

to be

The whereabouts of the rebels, the

nun held

Charity

death, the

was reported

for dead, but

By dee MAGGIORI Catholic

recovering.

Service

hostage by rebels in Sierra Leone was killed, and at least one other kidnapped missionary was injured, according to reports from an Italian Catholic missionary news agency.

Sister Aloysius Maria, a member of the Missionaries of "According

munity

cast interfaith church bell

nun, injure missionary

By LYNNE WEIL

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18 The Catholic News & Herald

January 29, 1999

March for Life

Annual march seen as sign of people's love for human WASHINGTON Romanoski,

a

(CNS)

sophomore

— John at

these babies," said Darlene, a mother nine times over and grandmother to 1 with another grandchild expected soon. all

the

Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, called the annual March for Life

Washington "inspiring."

"This shows me the love that is innate to our humanity for human life," he 22

Jan.

in

said.

A contingent of about 70 students from the Steubenville school and about 30 from Franciscan-run Quincy University in Quincy, 111., carried the lead banner in the march from the pro-life rally at

the Ellipse up Constitution

Avenue

to

the Supreme Court. Their yellow ponchos provided a sharp contrast to the gray skies overhead.

Tens of thousands of people gathered for the event that marked the 26th anniversary of the Supreme Court's 1 973 Roe vs. Wade and Doe vs. Bolton deciwhich legalized abortion in the United States. No estimate of crowd size was given by march officials, and neither Washington Metropolitan police nor U.S. Park Police give crowd estimates.

Among the slogans on the placards and banners many carried were: "Supsions,

port the Life Principles"; "No More ChOdren Die No More Women Cry"; "It's

—

Not ral

the Baby's Choice"; and

Choice

is

"The Natu-

Life."

Marchers of all faiths walked together and rosaries could be heard alongside traditional Christian hymns.

Rev. Jim Lamb, executive director of Lutherans for Life, a national and international organization promoting the

Photo courtesy of Belmont Abbey College

Students from Belmont Abbey College join thousands in Washington, D.C., for the 26th annual March for Life. "It is an amazing sight to see thousands of people converge in one area, all joined together to support such an important cause," said Belmont Abbey Student Patrick Toole.

man

through education based on the word of God." As they geared up to walk the route, the marchers a great number of whom were college-age or younger seemed hopeful about their cause. Many wished this would be the last year they had to march to end abortion.

Gloria Zibilich of Smethport, Pa., said, "There is a great sense of community and unity to be with so many who have the same pro-life views." Martin Guldener, a senior at Florida State University, came 16 hours by bus with about 40 classmates. "We want to change the country's mind about abortion," he said.

Dominican Sister Jeanne Monahan from Long Island in N.Y, said she wanted to lend a presence to the march life

—

—

because "the cause of

life is

the biggest

issue in our times."

tremendous opportunity for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ," Lamb said. 'We desire to witness to the sanctity of hu-

Belmont, N.C., Benedictine college. "As

"We

feel that life issues

presents a

This was the

watched people singing and praying together,

first

important

I

two parishioners from Holy Cross Parish in Garrett Park, Md., a Washington

March

suburb, the

for Life not only

marks the anniversary of Roe but a happier occasion for the couple as well.

The

couple was celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary.

'We've been here every year believe in

— we

Darlene Michalik

life,"

said.

John K. O'Keefe, a Catholic from Manassas, Va., said he came to the march to remind others that the pro-life movement's causes keep expanding with the latest scientific breakthroughs.

"Pro-lifers and others need to be made more keenly aware of human cloning with human embryos," said O'Keefe "This is something that should matter

many people who

greatly to

believe that

embryonic human beings are still our brothers and sisters, regardless of their size."

Students from The Catholic UniverAmerica hosted youth groups from across the country for an all-night prayer vigil Jan. 21, followed the next sity of

day with the march.

The director of the Office of Campus Ministry, Franciscan Father Bob Schlageter, said 1,360 high school students and their chaperones attended the

and march in addition to 150 students from Catholic University. Another 90 students from the university volunteered to assist with the high school visivigil

tors in various ways.

"I came because people should be more aware of what's going on," said

William Lucina, a freshman from Chicago. "Abortion is not right," he added.

Freshman Alyson Hansell, from

Her husband, who was holding a banner

Philadelphia, also stressed another as-

began par-

pect of supporting the dignity of life.

"Pro-life means you are against the death

for the parish, said the couple

mov-

ing to the area. They have made a ritual of attending the march, returning home

penalty," Hansell said,

and going out

terrible they are killing

were Joann Leonard, Lynnea Pruzinsky Muniola and Lou Panarale.

was accepted

four colleges and

for their anniversary in

the evening.

"I

think

it is

universities,

in

Contributing to

Keane,

"I

us

life

they are unified under one cause."

For Darlene and Thomas Michalik,

God calls

how

realized

I

must be for all people."

Toole was particularly impressed by the sheer number of marchers. "The March for Life is an amazing event and it shows how strong people can be when

ticipating in the event in 1974 after

march for Patrick Toole, a student from Belmont Abbey College. He was part of the contingency of more than 50 students from the

sanctity of life, attended this year's event.

life

at

but once

was

really

this story

Maureen

saw

I

Belmont Abbey College had

many ways.^

t

all

to offer, there

no comparison. The Abbey

w^as

the right decision."

is

God

callins if

you are

you?

thinkins of the

priesthood, please write

or

call

Patrick Cahill, Class of 2002

to find out

about servins

in

more the

Diocese of Charlotte.

Patrick

Cahill

—

who

excelled in

tors

high school sports and musical productions, his

and served

student

—

body

as president

Abbey College is the perfect fit him, for many reasons.

"The Abbey has so much offer. The campus is beautiful and

fit

for

to

the

warm and welcoming. visited, I just knew I would

environment

When

of

Belmont

says

I

is

in here."

Patrick claims

it is

"the right peo-

Charlotte,

NC

Charlotte Catholic

High School Major: Undecided

try out for the baseball team.

also continue the

NC 28203 (704)370-3353

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"You Catholic

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I

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know what

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they're

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for

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than College,

Belmont,

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•

in

instructors

stronger

here yet

don't

at

our really

what denomination you're fi^om; they just want the opportunity to care

teach you. In

fact, a fair

percentage of

our students are not Catholic, and are welcome with open arms."

The Catholic College of the CaroHnas

Charlotte,

will

Charity.

"The hearts of the people are genuine and caring; that's one of the personal attention firom people

He

work he began

high school helping underprivileged children in downtown Charlotte with Mother Theresa's Missionaries of

Belmont Abbey

really

Director of Vocations ! 123 South Church St.

Abbey experience

—

gettable.

things

Rev. Eric Hoiiseknecht

his

range fi-om just 15 to 30 stu-

dents which is really ideal ... I've been so impressed."

Patrick is leaning toward a major in philosophy or history and plans to

ple in the right positions" that has

made

My

have their doctorate degrees.

classes

belmontabbeycollege.edu • Toll-Free 888.BAC.0110

all

January 29, 1999

By

nancy HARTNAGEL

Catholic

The Catholic News & Herald 19

March for Life

News

Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) — At the

U.S. bishops' pro-life

promoted at March

March for Life Jan. 22 in Washington, March founder Nellie Gray and Bos-

of

President Clinton took a toll on speaker turnout, as only five members of Confar fewer than in recent years gress

— — addressed

"We are moving in

the right direc-

tion with this statement,"

Gray

said,

adding that she intends to work with the bi.shops in a united effort.

But, she said the statement had

been "reported with various spins," and she encouraged marchers to "read that statement totally."

Gray then introduced Boston Cardinal Bernard F. Law, former chairman of the bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

The cardinal said he was proud of the body of U.S. bishops, also represented at the rally by Cardinal John J.

O'Connor of

New York

and 15 other

.

CNS

PHOTO BY Marty Lueders

Posters supporting legal abortion and supporting pro-life positions express the sentiments of both sides of a crowd at the Supreme Court Jan. 22 during the annual

March

for Life.

"There

is

no body

States that has been

in the

more

United

consistently

and effectively pro-life through the years than has the National Conference of Catholic Bishops," he said.

"It's very important that in the

movement we understand who with us and who is against us, and that we stand united for life," he said.

After introducing the bishops present. Cardinal Law also urged marchers, "Read the bishops' statement."

In this nation, he said, "we are becoming desensitized to the needs of the poor, the vulnerable, the weak."

The "chickens of abortion" had come home to roost in changes in welfare

pro-life is

and

"in

ignore genocide in the Sudan," he said.

'We need to make a change," he continued. "And don't think that the change is going to be excommunicating this one or that one. That's not going to do it.

"The change is going to be with every Catholic citizen assuming his or her responsibility to vote for life across the board," he said. "That's what's going to make the difference."

No estimate of crowd size was given by march officials, though Gray

promised even more would come in 2000. Neither Washington Metropolitan police nor U.S. Park Police give

crowd

estimates.

Toce FUNRRAl.

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Gray, also president of the March for Life Fund, stressed several times that the goal of the

March

for Life

with no exceptions, no compromises."

Also during the rally, representatives of more than two dozen pro-life organizations and religious bodies around the United States introduced themselves. And march officials recognized winners in the student contest for essays and poetry, t

Catholic Funeral Directors •

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Assistant Teachers: St. Patrick's School in Charlotte is accepting applications tor part-time Assistant

terview. Positions available immediately. pai-ish of 600 faminear Raleigh, Nortli Carolina in process of building

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music and keyboard proficiency. Full-time; salary of 30K with benefits. Job description on request. Send inquiries/resume by March 15 to: Search Committee, St. Ann Church, 1 13 N. 7th St, Smithfield, NC 27577.

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calls please.

Full-time Music Director: St. Michael the Archangel is a new, fast growing parish located north of Atlanta in Cherokee County. The parish is seeking a full-time music director. The position will involve planning and coordinating music and choirs for Sunday and Holy Day liturgies. Applicants

must possess good working knowledge of Catholic and music, play organ/keyboard, work well with people and be open to a diverse music program. Send resumes with references to: St. Michael the Archangel, 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, OA 30188 or fax to 770-5 16-4664.

Catholic liturgy. Candidate will have

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Director of Pastoral Care: St. Joseph of the Pines has an opening for a Director of Pastoral Care to work at the Southern Pines Health Center location.

Provides counsel, guidance and support to residents, patients, employees, and families. Must ha\-e CPE certification, a mastei''s degree in Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, or Theology. Three to five years' experience as a Chaplain a plus! Send resume to St. Joseph of the Pines, Administration, Attn: Lorena Moree, 95 Aviemore Drive, Pinehurst, NC 28374. EOE.

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Other members of Congress addressing the rally were Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and Reps. Roscoe G. Bartlett, R-Md., Todd Tiahrt, RKan., and Joseph R. Pitts, R-Pa. As a result of the debates over partial-birth abortion, Bartlett said, 80 percent of Americans "do not support

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"The scandals that have rocked the White House pale to near insignificance when compared to the anti-child policies so methodically pursued by our abortion president and his admin-

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many

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the noontime gathering

on the Ellipse near the White House.

The rally and march to the U.S. Supreme Court marked the anniversary of the court's 1973 Roe vs. Wade and Doe vs. Bolton decisions, which legalized abortion in the United States.

This year's theme was: "For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

Near the end of the 80-minute rally, Gray told tens of thousands of marchers gathered under cloudy skies that the bishops' statement was printed in the march program.

Titled "Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics," it was approved by the bishops last November at their general meeting in Washington.

Gray,

trial. "They have to deal with an issue they should not have to deal with," she said.

Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., a Catholic and chairman of the House Pro-Life Caucus, asked the crowd to pray for the Clintons and the Gores, "that they would cease their unseemly and aggressive persecution of children here

bishops' latest pro-life statement. trial

to

peachment

for Life

ton Cardinal Bernard F. Law urged marchers to read the U.S. Catholic

The ongoing impeachment

According

members of Congress were unable

attend the rally because of the im-

26th annual

rally kicking off the

statement

Youth Ministry:

is seeking youth minister for large parish of 3900+ families. This full-time position has responsibility for grades seven through twelve. Applicant must be practicing Catholic.

Bachelor's degree in related field and experience working with youth preferred. Send resume, salary requirements and references to Youth Ministry Search, c/o Susan Krasniewski, DRE, 3016 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 2821 1.

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FAX

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20 The Catholic News & Herald

In

January 29, 1999

the News

Colombian bishop, pope urge soiidarity with earthqualie victims —

BOGOTA,

Colombia (CNS) The president of the Colombian bishops' conference and Pope John Paul II

"The help

gion.

"In this year devoted to God the Father and focused on the virtue of charity, the painful tragedy of our brothers and sisters in the coffee region is a test of our Christian fraternity," said Archbishop Alberto Giraldo Jaramillo of Medellin.

victims of the earthquake.

"We show

Services said this

week

that

in soli-

are suf-

According to

official reports, half

of the city of Armenia was destroyed.

"It's a complete catastrophe, and we will take years to rebuild the city. We're finding more bodies every minute," said

Gov. Henry Gomez.

Armenia's mayor, Alvaro Patino, called the earthquake a "horrific tragstate

edy.^'

way to measure this need everything medi-

"There's no crisis.

CNS

PHOTO FROM Reuters

Entire neighborhoods in Armenia, Columbia, were flattened by a Jan. 25 earthquake, measured at a preliminary magnitude of 6.0. Early estimates were that at least 500 were killed and 2,000 injured.

Archbishop Giraldo established a special collection for the victims, say-

ing

money would be

collected in par-

and in other Catholic insuch as schools, colleges

ishes Jan. 31 stitutions,

and hospitals, Feb.

1.

pledges to assist Colombian earthquake victims

mov-

ing forward immediately to provide support to the victims of the Jan. 25 earthquake in Colombia. The earthquake affected the western portion of the country in the Quindio and Risaralda regions, the major coffee producing areas of the country. Early reports indicate that the death toll will surpass 1,000 and could climb to 2,000.

"Catholic Relief Services has been working in Colombia for the past sev-

working on local human programs and developing ties

eral years

rights

who

fering at this time," he said.

Relief

it is

our love, being

darity with our brothers

"Once again, the pain of those who have lost their loved ones and are now homeless is knocking at the doors of our hearts," he said, referring to the earthquakes that hit Colombia in 1995, 1994 and 1992.

The earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6.0, struck Jan. 25, devastating 20 towns and villages in five provinces. Armenia, the capital city of Quindio province, experienced the worst damage, authorities said.

Colombian officials said Jan. 26 that more than 500 people were dead and nearly 2,000 were injured, with the tolls expected to rise.

— Catholic

commun-

Archbishop Giraldo said.

Speaking in Mexico City Jan. 25 near the end of a five-day visit. Pope John Paul expressed his sadness for the ion,"

earthquake that destroyed cities in the country's western coffee-growing re-

BALTIMORE

immediately

Armenia and

Pereira, as a sign of ecclesial

called for solidarity with victims of an

Catliollc Relief Services

will be sent

to our fellow bishops of

with the local Catholic dioceses.

Based on

this relationship. Catholic

uniquely qualified to assist our brothers and sisters who have been victimized by the earthquake," said Kenneth Hackett, executive director of Catholic Relief SerRelief Services

is

vices.

In Armenia, the capital city of the Quindio region the epicenter of the earthquake over 180,000 of the 220,000 residents have been left

—

—

homeless. Initial reports indicate that 60 percent of the buildings were destroyed. Armenia and other nearby cities are without electricity and potable water and hospitals are overflowing with the wounded.

According to Hackett, the is working with local coun-

agency

terparts in the region to determine

the magnitude of Catholic Relief Services assistance. "We are prepared," he declared, "to provide the local communities with the resources needed to begin to recover

from

this tragedy."

Catholic Relief Services is the official overseas development and relief agency of the U.S. catholic

community. Founded in 1943, the agency provides assistance to families and communities in over 80 countries on the basis of need, not race, creed, or nationality,

...

We

cine, clothes

he

said,

...

...

electronic generators,"

encouraging Colombians

Archbishop Paolo Romeo, the Vatican nuncio to Colombia, said that according to initial assessments the seminary in Armenia and 15 parish churches were "seriously damaged" by the quake and as of Jan. 26, the cathedral in

Armenia was

inaccessible.

In a telephone interview with the Italian Catholic newspaper Avvenire, Archbishop Romeo said, "We were worried about 40 priests who began a retreat on the outskirts of Armenia Monday," the day the quake struck.

"Fortunately the earthquake was weaker there, and all are well," he said.

While the archbishop praised the quick action of the government, he said rescue efforts in Armenia were hampered by the fact that a main fire station was among the most severely

damaged buildings.

"The emergency vehicles and equipment are buried under the rubble," he said.

t

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A summer camp for girls ages 6-16

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needs ofaffordable housingfor Catholic Seniors.

Friday,

A summer camp for boys ages 6-15 In

the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina For brochure

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-

holding one hour listening sessions to hear your views on the

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