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Inside Retired
atholic W HERALD &
S
Serving Catholics
in
Western North Carolina
in
the Diocese of Charlotte
Vocations
Abbot Walter
Coggin,OSB,diesatage83 3
...Page
Awareness
January 9
The Baptism
Vocations both a personal and
community
effort,
of the Lord
says bishop
From By
the Cover
JIMMY ROSTAR
Associate Editor
Round-the-world bike trip to raise fund for scholarships.
CHARLOTTE iam G. Curlin told his
still
—
Bishop Willday he
recalls the
mother he wanted
to be a
priest.
"She just smiled and told ...Page
7
wondered how long
she'd
take for says.
Living the Faith: Pope blesses world, expresses wish for year rich in peace'
16
...Page
me
me
it
that
would
to figure that out,"
"She told
me
he
she sensed a long
time ago that this was where God calling me." That family support is important in promoting vocations, Bishop Curlin says. But, he adds, one's calling begins with a very personal discernment of the gifts 'he or she can
was
offer.
Local News
"The call to priesthood, diaconate or religious life is truly a mystery," the bishop says. "You cannot explain
Charlotte-area students to lead
March for Life ...Page
4
Death sentence
it in human terms because each man and woman, in his and her individual way, experiences some moment when they feel a desire to place their life in
service to God and His people. It's a very profound experience of faith." As the Catholic Church observes Vocations Awareness Week Jan. 9-
Bishop Curlin emphasizes that
15,
commutation
prayer
celebrated
is essential in supporting vocations in parishes, families and communities. "Prayer will always be the
.Page
foundation of vocations," he adds, "because it's through prayer that each of us is able to hear and discern God's
5
will."
Encouragement of vocations can best be conveyed in the zeal of clergy and religious who are joyful in their
fvcry Week
commitment to the Lord, Bishop Curlin says. He adds, "The best pro-
Entertainment .Pages Editorials
10-11
years
continue your growth so that over the in formation and training, you're able to gain much knowledge about yourself, the world and your
happy in their vocation encourages our congregations in their various ministries," he says.
calling,
faith."
says,
of faith in their life where you see the love of God shining in them." Bishop Curlin, currently serving as the director of vocations for the
That journey of formation, Bishop Curlin adds, is perpetual. "It's a growth experience that continues all your life," he says. "Each day in ministry is a new beginning, and there are countless experiences which
moter for vocations is a priest .or religious or deacon who is happy in their and totally committed to their ministry. They have reached a matu-
& Columns .Pages
12-13
rity
Diocese of Charlotte and who also held that position in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., says experience has taught him that there is no set timeframe in the journey toward the
V^tffe^y January Jubilee
Days
consecrated
life.
"You bring your own experi...Page
3
ences, your struggles and, sometimes,
your
failures with your faith in God," he says. "You bring a willingness to
new growth in Christ." While Vocations Awareness
call for
Week
is a time set aside to focus on the priesthood, religious life and the diaconate, Bishop Curlin is grateful
ways all the faithful embrace their vocation here in western North Carolina. "The good pastor and person for the manifest
truly
The Second
Vatican Council, he brought great emphasis on ac-
tive service in ministerial ways, thus
allowing people with
more
all vocations to fully participate in the life of the
church.
"While there is the consecrated ministry of the priesthood, religious life and diaconate, our priests, religious and deacons were encouraged to form, educate and challenge God's holy people to bring their gifts of service to the church," he says. "To me, that is one of the greatest effects of the Council." See VOCATIONS, page
4