July 9, 1999

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July

Volume

9,

8

1999

Number 40

1

1

The J

n'|"TI"IT"ll'll""ITII"'TI"nTlT"IIT'l

'v.

atnolic NEWS i&HERALD Serving Catholics

in

Western North Carolina

in

the Diocese of Charlotte

ln$id Johnson elected president of

NC Council

of Churches ...Page

3

J

Survey:

Women make

up nearly half of U.S. diocesan professionals ...Page

7

Jubilee: Priests celebrate

anniversaries,

recognize retirement Photos by Joann

.Page

13

Local

News

It

FIRE Rally invites

...Page

staple at

mountain parish

...Page

16

& Columns 4-5

Entertainment Pages 10-11

joann

S.

KEANE

Editor

CLEMMONS — Sometimes

"Ye are the light of the world. your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

..Let

5: 14,

16

chil-

dren speak an international language few adults can comprehend. Sometimes they communicate through universal games or through some form of a sign language only they understand. But always they speak in smiles. Cantonese and English are galaxies apart linguistically. But miles of smiles filled Holy Family parish and permeated the village township of Clemmons. And for one week in June,

dateline.

This summer's Special Olympics brought 7,000 athletes, 2,000 coaches and 15,000 family members from more than 150 countries to North Carolina. It would take by all estimates close to 35,000 volunteers to secure

— Matthew

takes a village

a cultural gap narrowed between North Carolina and Macau. Along the way, a bond of friendship was sealed as Holy Family rallied in support for their new friends: Special Olympics athletes from across the international

Every Week ...Pages

By

9

"Brother Bill"

Editorials

Village Township, parish rally to support Special Olympics

rekindling of faith

is

!

Holy Family Parish joined the village township of Clemmons as Host Homes families for Special Olymipcs athletes, with guests from Macau. From left to right, Cynthia Pao, translates words of welcome from Father Frank O'Rourke, pastor. In the second picture, enthusiasm speaks volumes, and to the right, a young member of Holy Family wears her souvenir; a tee-shirt autographed largely in Chinese by her new friends from Macau.

the success of the 10th Special pics

Olym-

World Summer Games.

To accommodate the worldwide contingency, 120 North Carolina towns and villages opened their homes and hearts to special athletes from all points on the globe. Within the towns, the Knights of Columbus became special

players in their

own

right.

In 70 percent of those host towns. Knights of Columbus have councils. And each council within the state took on visitors from afar. In Clemmons, the 20 athletes and 1 1 coaches from Macau got a taste of southern hospitality, compliments of the Knights Council #9499 and Holy Family parish. "We've rolled out the red carpet," said John Harrison, outgoing State Deputy for the N.C. Knights of Columbus and member of Holy Family parish in Clemmons. Harrison and his wife, Anne also opened their home for two athletes and a coach. Chairperson for Clemmons host town program, Frank Petto spent months getting groups of volunteers together.

Committees

for transporta-

medical, entertainment, and fundraising were but a few of the tasks that took temporary hold of Petto's life. Like a proud papa, he's puffed with the pride. "It was worth every second," said Petto, who's also a parishioner and Knight at Holy Family. Without hesitation he added, "It's the host tion,

made

happen." contingency would depart for the games, Holy Family parish threw a dinner party to honor their guests: Turkey families that

The day

it all

before the

Macau

and all the trimmings, a typical American feast on the table, laughter and hugs filled the room. Many of the Knights cashed in va-

cation hours to volunteer for the duration of the Special Olympics, giving a

week in the 90 degree, near-equal humid days typical in the early summer days

in the Carolinas.

Financially, the Knights of

lumbus established themselves

Coas

players in yet another arena: as Bronze level Special Olympics sponsor, in-

vesting about a quarter million dollars in support of these special summer games, with half of the funds coming

from the 103 councils across the Tar Heel State. Along athletic venues. Knights of

Columbus served

in areas of food serv-

ing, accreditation,

security,

management, family

venue and

services,

other roles as needed. N.C. Knights co-sponsored badminton, helped out with basketball, and maintained a presence at the airport and in the

World Games

Festival Park on the Meredith College campus. If a request sounded for volunteers. Knights were quick to heed the call. It's easy to see what draws the Knights to respond so generously in time and treasure to these special athletes.

As part of

their dedication to

charity, Knights of

Columbus historiprograms for

cally provide aid to

people with mental retardation. It is one of their key missions. Moreover,

See

SPECIAL OLYMPICS,

page

15


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