March 10, 2000

,

l"i'!

Tn

,mM

i

!ll

l

,

,

ll" ll"

ll

TI"ITITI

VM-USll

3N Tl IH

(jete 33

m IIT

, l

UdWO

Aswan wshh own

atholic NEW HERALD

H0I133TI00 38

toss 523 II3I0-£¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥Vl"f¥¥¥f¥ l'VV¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥1' )

March

Volume

2000

10,

9 t

&

S

Number 27

Serving Catholics

in

Western North Carolina

in

the Diocese of Charlotte

ln$id r Irish

Dancing Put on your and dance a ceili ghillies

Report shows Hispanic Catholic 3

...Page

boom

in

some

unlikely places

By PATRICIA

Pope urges aid to floodstricken

ZAPOR

News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) Since 1960, Hispanics have accounted for 7 1 percent of the growth in the U.S. Catholic

Mozambique 2

...Page

—

Catholic Church.

Jesuit

While such a statistic may not come as a surprise in El Paso or Miami,

House of Prayer

facility restored,

...Page

World Day of Prayer 14-year-old Cecelia Pueschel holds a candle while Sister Maxine a Cr ait ° r C HghtS the Candle in a sy™ 1"* 1 of unity. See story,

7

:

Local News

By

launched for Lent

JIMMY ROSTAR

CHARLOTTE ...Page

9

Living

— As

celebrated

Lawrence

Basilica

16

fvery Week Entertainment

10-11

& Columns

—

DSA does

year's

so well every

12-13

A Time

of Reconciliation"

A column

by Father Fidel

Melo

said times,

means

5

social service

Sunday Weekend, March 18-19. Pledge reminders

church's celebration of the jubilee year, the theme of this year's appeal is "Open Wide the

early

5

1

in

donors

six-month period.

Doors

to

percent of this year's $3.14 million goal had been pledged. The appeal officially closes 6,

to

be sent

choosing to give over a

Christ."

As of March

will

May

the diocese, Appeal Sunday Weekend invites those who have yet to respond to give.

"It's also a way of reaching out to those

parishioners

who

perhaps did not get a letter or pledge card in the mail," said Rohrman. "This diocese is growing so

quickly that in just the short month since the first mailing went out, many people have joined parishes."

With

growth comes an ever-pressing need for outreach through ministry, said Rohrman. The that rapid

The

.

program for engaged couples, Hispanic Ministry, Catholic Social Services, youth min-

registered Catholics in

new

_.

tion

While letters and pledge cards have already been mailed to

officially

_

diaconate, the lay ministry program, a prepara-

the appeal."

$3.14 million

.

Catholic News & Herald have brought readers several glimpses of how the appeal touches the lives of thou-

Rohrman. "Many it is someone who

closes with Appeal

multi-cultural ministries of the diocese. Reflecting th

,

.

past several issues of

to them,"

has received help from the DSA or who is a parish leader who knows

The appeal

and

The Season of Lent

DSA

goal had been pledged.

appeal is the Diocese of Charlotte's primary fund-raising effort, providing moneys for 35 vocational, educa-

_

senter shares about what the

As of March 6, 51 percent of this

that self-giv-

ing stewardship and because of that, the

tional,

"Lent:

i

sands throughout the western half of North Carolina. The permanent

about the benefits of

The support

...Pages

ing to give over a six-

and more people are embracing that spiri-

—

w„„i.„„j Weekend,

month period.

"On Appeal Sunday, in most parishes a lay pre-

DSA

year."

Editorials

the annual

provides us in the diocese a chance to live the Beatitudes and the corporal works of mercy," said Barbara Rohrman, associate director of development and director of the Diocesan Support Appeal. "More

tuality

<z,^A«„ Sunday

18-19. Pledge reminders will be sent in early May to donors choos-

Diocesan Support Appeal nears its closing later this month, its director said the appeal opens the doors to Christ while providing an opportu-

"The

Black History

.Pages

num-

See HISPANIC ott nior-Miviu iVlllNIU MINISTRY, NY, page

1

March

nity for Christian stewardship.

the Faith

Ann^i Appeal

with

Associate Editor

...Page

84 percent increase in the ber of Hispanics over six years.

Support Appeal an avenue for stewardship, says director

Operation Rice Bowl

at St.

find an

DR

'

Ja ge 8

Month

the Diocese of Charlotte, N.C, isn't where most Americans would expect to

Photo by Joann S. Keane

readied

istry, campus ministry formation are but a few of the ways the DSA brings ministry to those who need or seek it.

and

faith

"When we open wide the doors to we open ourselves to something that is all-inclusive," Rohrman said. "When we dedicate ourselves to serving Christ, we are provided with Christ,

an opportunity to recognize him in all people. At the same time, we are called to be Christ for others."

Through

the efforts of the DSA, added, parishioners live their commitment to giving of their time, talent and treasure.

"Each year, more and more people embrace the DSA as another

Rohrman

avenue for their stewardship," she "They are participating in the

said.

mission of the church."

Contact Associate Editor Jimmy Rostar by calling (704) 370-3334 or email jtrostar@charlottediocese.org

2

The Catholic News & Herald

The World

March

Brief

in

Colombia Caritas says government must aid massacre survivors WASHINGTON (CNS) While the church can offer some aid to survi-

By

vors of a paramilitary massacre in northern Colombia, the government must take responsibility for helping the people, said the director of Caritas Colombia. "For me the problem is how the army didn't know" that

town

—

a national conference described Catholic-Jewish relations as flourishing, with no small amount of credit due to Pope John Paul II. They also

Leo University,

ish Studies at Saint

northeast of Tampa, for

its

third an-

nual Catholic-Jewish conference.

"There have been more positive encounters between Jews and Catholics in the last 35 years than there were in

official

says

halt aid work Sierra Leone If rebel abductions of aid

FREETOWN, (CNS)

—

vors, the

March

Volume

9

10,

2000

Number 27

•

Most Reverend William G. Curlin Joann S. Keane

Associate Editor: Jimmy Rostar Staff Writer:

AleshaM.

CNS

photo by Debbie Hill

to visit Palestinian refugee camp Huda Salameh, 70, cooks a meal with her granddaughter, Lara, on the floor of their tiny house at the Dehiyshe Refugee Camp just outside Bethlehem. Salameh has lived in the camp since 1948. Pope John Paul II is to make a stop there during his March visit to the Holy Land.

D" who walked across the country for the cause. Haddock met with two members of Congress who are push-

alternative but to cease operations,"

John Conteh, monitoring and evalua-

Leaders for Campaign Finance Reform at a March 2 forum at the Capi-

tion officer for Caritas, told Catholic

tol.

News

trek had a spiritual dimension to

Service.

He

said the frequent

abductions have caused Caritas workers to fear venturing into the interior of Sierra Leone, where the agency's projects are based. "We have partners we are working with. If abductions continue, they will cease aiding us," he added.

Religious leaders, 'Granny D'

WASHINGTON nificant

(CNS)

—

who have fought

changes

in federal

Reli-

ing for campaign finance changes and representatives of the group Religious

At the forum, Haddock

"God

said her it.

often speaks to us with crazy

ideas," she said.

The House

has twice only to see them stall in the Senate. In 1997, the religious leaders' group said passage of bills then under consideration

passed campaign finance

bills

"will go a long way toward meeting moral standards and restoring credibility and public trust in the demo-

cratic process."

for sig-

campaign

financing over the last three years now have a high-profile ally in Doris Haddock, the 90-year-old "Granny

Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events:

March 12 St.

St.,

NC 28203 NC 28237

P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382

Mail:

E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

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

except

for

for $1 5

per year

parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $18 per year for all other subscribers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and

for enrollees in

other

EH5E

cities.

POSTMASTER: Send

address corrections to The Catholic

News &

Herald, P.O.

Charlotte,

NC

28237.

—

—

15 12:15 pm Ecumenical Lenten Lecture and Service St. Pius X, Greensboro

March

Christmas week and Easter week and every

two weeks during June, July and August

Basilica, Asheville

11 am Presbyteral Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

March 14

Charlotte,

— 3 pm

Lawrence

Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick

1123 South Church

a

Sunday blessing

emergency supplies by helicopter, aid workers said they risked running out of safe water in camps where more than 200,000 people were being tem-

workers and U.N. peacekeepers in Sierra Leone continue, the Catholic Church's local charitable agency may suspend operations, said a Caritas official. "If they continue, we have no

Rite of Election

Secretary: Jane Glodowski

at

the pope said his thoughts

are experiencing a tragedy of unprecedented proportions caused by the serious flooding that has stricken a vast portion of the country."

The worst areas of flooding were in Mozambique's Limpopo River valley, about 100 miles northeast of the capital, Maputo. Despite deliveries of

Pope

Price

Production Associate: Julie Radcliffe

5,

were with "the people of Mozambique,

Publisher: Editor:

assis-

who

locesan planner

Episcopal, calendar

I)

to pro-

pope praised the international

Speaking

March

,

& H E R A L

the

response but said more was needed.

Th

NEWS

in

tance to hundreds of thousands of survi-

gious leaders

may

Mozambique, where

emergency food and medical

vide

speakers.

Leone Caritas

— Pope

urged international aid

wake of a cyclone.

As aid agencies scrambled

back campaign finance changes

abductions

(CNS)

II

to flood-stricken

the first 2,000 years of the church," said Rabbi Rudin, one of the featured

Sierra

Service

thousands were feared dead

at

looked at the future, as the start of the third millennium brings what Rabbi A. James Rudin called a "new frontier of Jewish-Catholic relations." Rabbi Rudin, interreligious affairs director for the American Jewish Committee in New York, was among some 60 Catholic and Jewish leaders who came to The Center for Catholic-Jew-

News

VATICAN CITY John Paul

—

Conference reviews CatholicJewish relations, looks to future Experts ST. LEO, Fla. (CNS)

JOHN THAVIS

Catholic

for

four days killing the people, said Msgr. Hector Henao Gaviria, head of and Caritas Colombia. "Four days it is not very far from the army. So I think the Colombian government has a responsibility there, and they must help the people," he said. In late February in El Salado, in the Archdiocese of Cartagena, paramilitaries cut the throats of more than 40 people, including one in a church. Investigators said a 200-man death squad murdered the villagers during a four-day raid in the community in Bolivar province.

2000

Pope urges aid to floodstricken Mozambique

—

paramilitaries were in the

10,

March

15

— 7:15 pm

Rite of Election St. Pius X, Greensboro

March 16

— 7:15 pm

Rite of Election

Box 37267,

St.

Matthews, Charlotte

March 13 WINSTON-SALEM

—

mission, beginning tonight through March 15 from 7:30-9 p.m. with Father John Hoover, pastor and director

New

Creation Monastery in

Boonville, N.C. Topics of discussion

include the domestic church, sacraments, liturgy and the millennium. A free will donation is also being taken.

For

details, call the

(336) 722-7001.

14 GREENSBORO

church

— For

office at

a Salesian St.

the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse

Paul

Pen

hosting Oblate of St. Francis de Sales Father Michael S. Murray from the De Sales Spirituality Center. His presentation, "Summit of.

Compassion," is taking place tonight is

—

from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and tomorrow morning from 10-1 1 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, call the church office at (336) 294-4696.

The Greens15 GREENSBORO boro Council of Catholic Women's Lenten Retreat begins this morning with 10 a.m. Mass and light refreshments at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 West Market

St.

The

retreat

continues this month on March 22 and 29 and next month on April 5 and 12.

On April 12, there will be a fmger food luncheon after the Mass. For more information, call Lillian Leonard, council president, at (336) 299-0736.

18 ASHEVILLE

—

For parish leadand interested people in the Western areas of the diocese, Glenmary Father John Rausch is the featured speaker, and the topic is "Catholic Teaching, Principles and Skills of Soers

perspective on the Eucharist,

Creek Rd.,

The Mozambican government has not made an official estimate of the dead, but relief agencies said the final toll is likely to be in the thousands.

Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops' international relief and development agency, said March 2 it was sending an assessment team to the region to begin an emergency response in cooperation with local church partners.

If your parish chooses to take up a special offering, please contribute in that way. Alternately, individual conations may be sent by check payable to the "Diocese of Charlotte Mozambique Relief and mailed to the Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203. All money collected will be forwarded to Catholic Relief Services, which is the U.S. Catholic community's official overseas relief effort, r

—

Our

Lady of Mercy Church, 1919 South Main St., is having its parish Lenten

'of the

porarily sheltered.

cial Analysis:

Transforming Society

and Putting Your Faith to Work." The event, sponsored by St. Eugene Church, 1 Culvern St., and the Office of

March

10,

2000 The Catholic News & Herald 3

Around the Diocese

Put on your ghillies and dance a By

M. PRICE Staff Writer

CHARLOTTE familiar with is

Throughout

the year, the students literally kick up their heels

dance terms,

all

Since the arrival of "Riverdance" and "Lord of the Dance," the popularity of

dancing has gained momentum the United States. Although the dancing that many Americans have seen on stage and on screen differs in Irish

from Maryland

in

way

to Florida, all the to Texas. Feishanas, plural for

feis,

are regular competitions or festi-

some ways from

many

tradition,

vals held throughout the year.

The students can hone their craft, showcase their skill and practice for the

local

children and adults have joined the Irish dancing craze. For many, the dancing has a deeper meaning one reaching back to Ireland.

oireachtas, the qualifying round for the world championships in Ireland,

—

explained Connick.

After placing in the top positions at the Southern Region oireachtas held in Baltimore, Md., in December,

was

dancing before 'Riverdance,'" joked Emily Adkisson.

Adkisson, a freshman at Bishop McGuinness High School and a St. Leo the Great Church parishioner, "I

26 students from Rince

who Her

has been dancing for six years.

Irish lineage comes from her mother's side with her great-grandparents who immigrated to America.

"This is really neat because it is something my ancestors would have done," she said. "It

is

good

exercise,

and

it is

fun." In celebration

of her heritage, she also plays the Celtic harp, a smaller version of a concert harp, and reads about Irish history and culture.

Mrs. Adkisson travels back and forth from Winston-Salem to Charlotte at least twice a week for her daughter to attend dance classes. "It

does get

we do

tiring,

but this

as a family.

is

something

The

competitions are family-oriented because my girls share, practice and work together.

They are how to be

learning self-discipline and gracious winners and losers, and this helps with values that you try to teach them," said Mrs. Adkisson.

Rince Na h'Eireann, meaning "dance of Ireland," is the name of Sandra Connick's dance school that Adkisson attends. Connick, originally from Cork, Ireland, has been living in America for seven years. The family

The

,->,,,,. ie and older ladies group from Rince Na ?

m

moved here because her oldest daughter Sarah, now 11, has cerebral and her husband William moved with their son Killian, now 9, to CharSarah in the St. Mark's In-School Program in Billingsley Ellotte to enroll

ementary School,

said Connick.

Connick, who had been involved with Irish dancing since she was a child, began the school in 1993 with the help of a registered teacher. At the

time, there

were no registered schools Charlotte or in North Carolina; one of Connick's former students has since started a dance school in Raleigh. Her sister Aine Walsh-Kelley began teaching with Connick until Walsh-Kelley began her own school.

Now, the sisters good-naturedly compete against one another. in

information, call Jerry Bergeron at the

Order of

office at (828)

BELMONT St.

Patrick's

benefit

—

254-5193.

The Fourth Annual

Day Emerald

Holy Angels

Inc. is

from 8 p.m.-l2 midnight

in

Ball to

being held

Founders

Bank of America CorpoCenter in uptown Charlotte. The

Hall in the rate

event, sponsored

by the Emerald Ball Committee, is semi-formal and features heavy hors d'oeuvres, beverages, dancing to big band music by Reflections and Irish blues by The Federals, a cash bar and a silent auction. The Irish dance group from Rince na h'Eireann is also performing during the evening. For sponsor and ticket information, call Linda Dyer Hart at (704) 542-6846 or Suzanne Jeffries at (704)

gels tion

is

825-4161. Holy An-

a private, nonprofit corpora-

founded by the Sisters of Mercy 1956 which provides residential services and programs for mentally,

Connick

FLETCHER — The Ancient

Hibernians, the Cross and Shamrock #i N.C., is holding its 7th

Division -

Annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner at the Broadmoor Golf Club on French Broad Lane, off of Airport Rd. The festivities start at 7 p.m. with door prizes, a corned beef and cabbage dinner and music by Joe Lavin and his band. For tickets

ham

and

George Dun-

details, call

at (828) 298-0085. The" Ancient

Order of Hibernians is an international organization dedicated to friendship, unity and Catholic charity.

HENDERSONVILLE

—

The Knights Columbus are sponsoring a St. Patrick's Day Dinner and Sweepstakes of

tonight at Immaculata School, 711 Bun-

combe

St.

The

dinner of corned beef, cabbage, vegetables, bread and dessert is being served at 6 p.m. with post time at 7:30 p.m.

For

tion, call the

Church

and other informaImmaculate Conception

ticket

office at (828)

693-6901.

is

member

a

of the Irish

Dance Teachers' Association of North America and the Irish Dancing Commission of Ireland. She had to go through an extensive examination process in order to become certified.

For over two years, Connick's

palsy. After researching schools, she

physically and developmentally challenged children and adults.

church

Photo by Alesha M. Price

-

h'Eireann dance school in C Ce eir r ° Udne f° r the WOrld Irish danci »g competition LlH R ,f! xT held Belfast, Northern Ireland, during late April around Easter. The youn* women are one of three groups traveling along with three soloists to compete with other Irish dancers from around the world.

and Peace," is being held today from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. For further

Justice

in

—

dancing is done on the toes with arms straight at the sides— at feishanas throughout the Southern region, consisting of East Coast states

dance shoes, and a dance or gathering.

an Irish

Triad area.

in the

— For those not

Irish

ghillies are soft ceili

ceili

ALESHA

Pam Pierce, has helped her in her teaching. Pierce, who is from Dublin, Ireland, has been living in the partner,

states for over

Connick

20 years. She met

after enrolling her

daughters and began to help out with teaching. She has been dancing for many years, also beginning when she was very young.

Connick has 160 children enrolled in her Charlotte school and nearly 80 in her recently opened Winston-Salem school. She opened in the school in Charlotte

the

new

school because of the

—

20 CHARLOTTE

—

women

All

of Charlotte and the surrounding areas are invited to a morning of prayer and reflection, sponsored the St. Gabriel Church Women's Club, from 8:30-

3016 Providence Rd. JeFather Vince Alagia, the featured speaker, is also hearing confessions at 1

1:30 a.m. at

suit

1 1:30 a.m. For more information, call the church office at (704) 364-5431

21

GREENSBORO

—

The

Franciscan Center is having a "Chrism Day of Reflection" today from ll a.m.-2 p.m. with Mass followed by lunch and a talk by Franciscan Father Louis Canino, director of the center. tion

by March

To make

reserva-

Mary

Violante

16, call

h'Eireann

Scotland, England, Wales, Australia,' United States and New Zealand. This is the school's third trip to Ireland for the world championship.

Three teams

— —

boys and girls ununder 16 and senior ladies 16 and over and three soloists Emily Adkisson, Caitlin Gill and Oliver Shock will be competing in April around Easter in the ceili championships and the solo championships.

Pierce Beach is one of four boys competing with the mixed team.

Eleven-year-old Beach said being one of a few boys in the school doesn't make him uncomfortable. "We have all known each other for so long that we are like brothers and sisters. I like Irish dancing because it is competitive and fun. I've been to Ireland for der

13, girls

—

—

competition and saw where

my

grandfather's tized," said St.

grandma was bapBeach. The fifth grader at

Patrick School has been dancing and a half years.

Judi Burchard, the business man-

for three

demand

19 CHARLOTTE St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd., is celebrating Mass at 2:30 p.m. and the sacrament of anointing of the sick to powerfully demonstrate Jesus' presence among us as our healer and comforter. Call the church office at (704) 364-5431 for details.

Na

qualified to take the trip to Belfast, Ireland, for the competition with students from Ireland, Northern Ireland,

See IRISH DANCING, page 5

at (336)

282-4099.

24 HICKORY

—

Rachel's Vineyard Journey of Post-Abortion Healing is taking place at the Catholic Conference Center, 1551 Trinity Lane, this weekend. This retreat, facilitated by Dr. Martha Shuping, Retreat:

A

psychiatrist and pastoral minister,

and Debbie Woodhams, licensed professional counselor and the presi-

dent of Transfiguration Ministries,

is

one that focuses on a biblical healing process based on Dr. Burke's book "Rachel's Vineyard." The weekend includes discussions, prayer, living Scripture exercises, private letter writing and a memorial service. Participation

is strictly confidential and an opportunity to experience God's love, forgiveness and compassion. For more information, call Dr. Shuping at (336) 659-1342.

offers

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

4

The Catholic News & Herald

March

Around the Diocese

10,

2000

Textbook evaluations to benefit faith formation students By

ALESHA

M. PRICE

"These evaluations

Staff Writer

MONROE

—

In an

ongoing

help

make

materials should help the catechist

the students

— Marylin

who must

learn

Translated by the American Catholic bishops, the directory comes

catechetical

The

focus of the

new

direc-

tory is evangelization because in order to catechize, evangelization has to take place at every stage of development and should be the framework for passing on of faith, she explained.

The six tasks promoting knowledge of faith, liturgical education, moral formation, teaching to pray, education for community life

Hawker, vicar

used as a basis for the updated criteria for evaluation of catechetical materials. The focus areas include the overall faith formation program, the catechist manual, the student text and family resources. Each area is graded as strong, weak or absent, as it corresponds to each of the six tasks.

"The textbook selection instrument, or criteria list, is based on the new General Directory for Catechesis and the six tasks of catechesis, which makes the instrument on the cutting edge," said Dr. Cris Villapando, diocesan director of faith formation programs. "It's been at least five years since the Office of Faith Formation has had any kind of textbook evaluations. This is very important because it impacts the catechetical life of the parish, not only in terms of the ortho-

—

and missionary initiation

members to begin the procedure, explained Peg Ruble, Central Region coordinator for faith formation.

After a committee of parish catechetical leaders evaluated a set of

two

series of textbooks, the

two

dioc-

members on the committee wrote textbook summaries and discussed the strengths and weaknesses

esan staff

of each series of catechetical texts, said Ruble. A list of recommended and non-recommended textbooks for faith formation classes was formulated based upon the evaluation.

In order to assist the parish catechetical leaders to select the

.

most

appropriate of the recommended series for use in their faith formation

programs, a criteria list was developed for their use, based on the six

The

internalize the lessons."

doxy of the material

The process of analyzing the textbooks being used in parish faith formation classes began nearly a year and a half ago, when diocesan staff members began to review the Faith Formation and Guidelines Handbook for the Diocese of Charlotte. At the time, the evaluation of textbooks was a concept evolving from the guidelines update; therefore, Father James staff

and

fundamental tasks of catechesis, as written in the General Directory for Catechesis, said Marylin Kravatz, Southern Region cooordinator.

ministry.

for education, assigned

in scripture...

teaching the church beliefs to

in

own Some

Kravatz, southern regional coordinator offaith formation

from Rome and serves as a guide for pastors and bishops for catechetical

and Salisbury Vicariates.

out the strong and weak points of various textbook series," said Sister Bernadette. "They should use materials that employ good teaching methods based on life experiences and methodology using the senses and

sure the parishes are using good

materials that are doctrinally-sound and immersed

ef-

being assisted in their need for spiritual and religious growth, diocesan and parish-level faith formation coordinators and directors met to discuss the policy, criteria and procedure for the evaluation of the textbooks used in kindergarten through sixth-grade faith formation programs. Our Lady of Lourdes Church was the host parish for the Feb. 24 workshop for those from parishes in the Southern Region, which includes the Albemarle, Charfort to ensure that students are

lotte

will

—

Everybody counts

were

in

to be selected but

also in terms of those resources

which

are pedagogically important."

One

of the

members of the parish committee, Martha

Drennan, director of faith formation for St. Therese Church in Mooresville, talked about her experiences with reading through the different textbook series. "The publishers of the various textbook series are trying hard to address the new General Directory for Catechesis and the incorporation of the catechism. This is

good because the publishers should be rooting their materials in church

documents, which are central to what we do as catechists," she said.

"When the diocesan staff members made the instrument for evaluation more user friendly by connecting it

to those six tasks for catechesis,

see that as a great

cause

it

experiences." parishes have already begun to evaluate the texts that they are their

I

improvement be-

has to be practical so that

people' on the parish level can use

it,"

continued Drennan.

These revised criteria and other supplemental findings were presented to the southern region parish catechetical leaders and teachers at the workshop. Franciscan Sister Bernadette Svatos, Northern Region coordinator, began the workshop with a prayer service and spoke about the history and evolution of catechesis since Vatican II. "The purpose of this workshop was to inform and help parishes who may change what they are using; this serves as a guide for them by pointing

life

using in their faith formation programs. St. Patrick Cathedral has begun its own evaluations, and Joanna Catabui, parish coordinator for faith formation, was very interested in the information she received.

"This workshop was very informative concerning the special criteria as far as the selection of catechetical

Our parish is doing a textbook evaluation now, so the criteria will help us in establishing what our pritexts.

Catabui also signed up to become a part of the parish catechetical leader evaluation committee because she wanted to represent her parish's needs to the diocese.

If a parish decides not to evaluate orities in selecting a text."

and those they use are not on the recommended list, then the parish has to meet with the regional faith formation coordinator and present some supplemental materials to support the weaknesses or remedy the weaknesses if they don't plan to make changes, said Ruble.

"These evaluations will help make sure the parishes are using good materials that are doctrinally-sound and immersed in scripture," said Kravatz.

"The materials should help the catechist in teaching the church beliefs to the students who must learn and internalize the lessons." t their catechetical materials,

Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or email amprice@charlottediocese.org.

The Diocesan Census 2000!

Please cooperate with your parish as we complete the Diocesan Census. This will help us plan for the needs of you, your family, your parish, and the entire diocese, both for now and the future.

• Rome, Italy (City tour opt.)

• Passing Stromboli Volcano • Cruise Aeolian Islands and

12-Day Ancient Holy Lands

Strait of Messina

• Passing Mt. Etna • Valletta, Malta • Katakolon, Greece (Olympia tour opt.)

• 1-day Mediterranean Sea Cruise • Alexandria, Egypt (Cairo tour opt.)

• Ashdod (Tel Aviv) • Israel (Bethlehem/Jerusalem tour opt.)

• Haifa, Israel (Galilee/Nazareth tour opt.)

• Limassol, Cyprus • Rhodes, Greece • Kusadasi, Turkey (Ephesus tour opt.) % Athens, Greece

Providing Quauty LongTerm Care

...With Great Love.

For half a

Cruise

Nursing

century, Maryfield

Home

has provided

outstanding nursing care in

November 4-16 Northwinds Travel

a Catholic

environment.

When you need more care than is

available at visit us.

your home, come

We invite you to

discover for yourself our

services

which make Maryfield

the best possible choice for

LongTerm

Care.

1315 Greensboro

For more information, Call Marshall or Dolores Greene (704) 872-7060 or (800) 648-1850 Member

of St. Philip the

many

stimulating daily activities and

Apostle

High Point, 336.886.2444

NC

Road 27260

Fax 336.886.4036

www.gree nsboro .com /m n h

A Continuing Care

ent

elD Community

March

2000

10,

— By

from page 3

said,

"I

like

it

because

different people different places."

ment by future

echoed by other Vatican

year-old junior at Charlotte Catholic High School who attends St. Matthew Church. Both sides of her family are Irish, and she has been dancing for nine years. "The focus is on the feet, the straight body, rhythm and grace.

officials

1990 and 1996. It was followed by Reno-Las Vegas, Nev., Atlanta, Raleigh, N.C, and Portland, Ore. The ranking came in a list of dio-

dancing." In addition to her dancing, she is also involved in cross-

ceses and archdioceses with the greatest percentage increases of Hispanic popu-

country, track, basketball and soccer. "The scheduling is hard sometimes," she added with a

lation in a report at the

Turn of March

smile.

released

"These dances are hundreds of years of old, and the children work very hard," said Connick. "I

fairs

on "Hispanic Ministry

the 7

New

Millennium,"

by the Hispanic Af-

Committee of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. (Reno-Las Vegas was split into two dioceses in 1995, but was considered as one entity for the purposes of the study.)

can raise my kids and keep them in touch with their Irish heritage and nationality." r I

It

only took 22,735 Hispanic

newcomers

to the Charlotte

Diocese to account for that 84 percent increase. The total Catholic population of Charlotte in 1990 was just 63,973.

Nationwide, estimates of the percentage of Hispanics who are Catholic range from 67 percent to 7 1 percent, according to the NCCB committee.

Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or email amprice@charlottediocese.org.

Between 30 percent and 38 percent of U.S. Catholics are Hispanic.

Even dioceses where the Hispanic

1

1

Done

the best possible way of preparing for the scrutiny of future Christians, Cardinal Etchegaray said.

"Our solidarity with the church of yesterday helps us better discover our responsibility for the church of tomorrow," he said, t

request for forgiveness for the wrongs

from pa ge 1 population has always been significant reported steady increases in the study period, according to the report.

For example, the Diocese of San Bernardino, Calif, recorded a 41 percent increase in Hispanic population and the Diocese of Austin, Texas, had a 37

percent increase.

In three of the 13 episcopal regions of the country, the Hispanic population growth rate exceeded 40 percent, according to the report.

The

smallest regional increase was 14 percent growth in Hispanic population in region 2, made up of just the state of New York. The area with

And

The data was based on the actual population count and statistical sampling of the 1990 census, and updated by the Census Bureau based on sta-

—

the Hispanic population

No U.S. diocese reported a decrease in its Hispanic population from 1990 to 1996, and only three had an increase of less than lO percent. an increase of 9 percent; and Steubenville, Ohio, with an increase of just under 6 percent.

the biggest growth was the five-state region 12 Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska and Montana where

more than 50

New York, 1.2 million; Galveston-Houston, l million; and San Antonio, 979,000. lion;

Those are: Cheyenne, Wyo., with a 7 percent increase; Juneau, Alaska, with

the

—

undercount this year.

According to the report, the five U.S. dioceses or archdioceses with the largest number of Hispanics are: Los Angeles, 4.27 million; Miami, 1.3 mil-

grew by

percent.

those figures are likely to be

tistical estimates. Information from the General Social Survey of the National Opinion Research Center in

proved low following this year's census. The Census Bureau and independent demographers believe the Hispanic population was dramatically

Chicago and the Strategy Research Corporation was used to calculate numbers of people who identify them-

undercounted in the 1990 census.

Various changes have been made in the census program to avoid an

selves as Catholic, according to the committee report, t

NCCB

If You

Drive

[MomaeCoee Specialists in

Custom Modular Buildings

to

meet

your growing and changing needs

§1

8 B Wm

Volkswagen and Audi... the only car companies to have every model named best in a

thrill

its class.

Find out why.

Come

in

Turn-kev

and Profes sional Solutions

for

1803 East Wendover Ave., Suite E

ride today.

Greensboro,

NC 27405

(336) 275-8274 Honest pricing, honest financing, and honest service on Europe's most exerting new cars. From the incredible New Beetle, to the

all

new

generation of

VUIKbWUy©n WAUQI

\/r\\\sc\Ktr>ir>irsrs

.

St.

Puis

m Schools

a Institutions b Daycares n Churchs b Sales Offices n Recreational Facilities

a Banks b Medical Facilities

X Parishioner

J°hn Diederich, Owner

Member

Charlotte

www.vwsouth.com

Daniel Murray, President

CAMf rn

lifestyle.

7401 South Boulevard

Aii^i

(336) 275-8649 fax E-mail: modular@greensboro.com

^mmmmmmmmmmmm, <^nu f"ll

and luxurious new Audi, we have the right car for Jetta IV

your pocketbook...and your

correctly, though, reflection

on the errors of past believers may be

We Warn You:

One C You're Gonna Want One! IJ

Father Cottier, was the potential for overlooking current problems.

"The danger, in fact, is that the

dur-

Charlotte topped the list of dioceses with the largest percentage increase in Hispanic population between

My

that

central danger in focusing on sins in the church's past, according to

Hispanic Ministry,

friends think that it is interesting that I do this because it is so different from other types of

it

The

we must judge their acts," he said.

The theologian's mus'ings were

"We all interact and work well together, and we are really strong as a team," said Gill, a 1 7-

like

In hanging out the dirty laundry of past Christians, the church must not forget to do its own wash, he said.

"Don't we today sometimes think with satisfaction that all of the church's clothes are white?" he asked.

pope's personal theologian.

"We are no better than the men and women of the past. It is with modesty and 'fear and trembling' that

to

—

large-scale prostitution "phenomena which are growing under our eyes, amid the greatest indifference."

tee.

Christians, church

"What will the men and women of tomorrow think of us?" said Dominican Father Georges Cottier, the

get to

I

Current evils for which future generations may take the church to task, he said, included modern forms of slavery like child-trafficking and

we

tions for our current blindness?" said Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, president of the Vatican's jubilee commit-

leaders said.

we

will

ourselves be judged in a hundred years by future genera-

Christians of today, having aired in detail the faults of their predecessors, can expect the same treat-

whose

and go

"How

precedent

of the past might serve as an alibi for amnesia toward recent wrongs or for the wrongs of our epoch," he said.

St. Peter's Basilica.

The

have -with everyone." Katie has been dancing for six years and

meet

—

lis jubilee gesture of confessing the sins of the church's past, often set a precedent.

great-great grandparents are from Ireland. "The dancing is exciting to watch because the music is upbeat and fast-paced, and I connection

ing a press conference March 7 detailing the pope's much-awaited "request for forgiveness" liturgy March 12 in

News Service (CNS) Unprecedented acts, like Pope John Paul

VATICAN CITY

ager at Sacred Heart Church, and her daughter nine-year-old Katie Tobias, who is in fourth grade at Sacred Heart School, travel from Salisbury to Charlotte several nights a week. "I don't mind the driving because this involves our

like the Catholic

JOHN NORTON

Catholic

heritage," said Burchard,

The Catholic News & Herald 5

the News

Church leaders say confessing sins of past sets

Dancing,

Irish

In

.

Saint Gabriel Parish

704.552.6500 800 426 5347 www.audisouth.corn .

.

MODULAR Member of:

il

BUILDING INSTITUTE

Visit our

Web site!

www.modularcorp.com

6

The Catholic News & Herald

People

in

March

the News

Catholic leaders want House chaplaincy issue resolved WASHINGTON (CNS) - Amid the growing dispute over the deadlocked appointment for the next House chaplain, some Catholics are urging a quick resolution. About 40 Catholic Republican lawmakers met

GOP

privately with

leaders

March

2000 Challenge," launched in the February edition of the charity's Network newsletter, aims to recruit ily

2,000 families to raise

1

London

portunity for small, to

CNS

photo from Reuters

Cardinal O'Connor accepts Congressional Gold Medal Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., (center) and Rep. Vito Fossella, R-N.Y., congratulate Cardinal John O'Connor after presenting him with legislation awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal March 6 at the cardinal's residence in New York. The medal is the highest civilian honor given by Congress. It has been awarded to 250 people including George Washington, the Wright brothers and Mother Teresa.

a

Ministry Gathering in WashingAuad has worked over the last 17 years in migrant and immigrant populations in Indiantown, Fla., a small town in the northern Everglades about 40 miles from West Palm Beach, Fla. After hearing and recounting her many accomplishments in Indiantown, Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. bishops, said, "Sister Teresa, you are one hot num-

culture."

Dominican sister wins CCHD Development of People Award

—

Do-

minican Sister Teresa Auad received the Development of People Award

from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development Feb. 27 in Washington during the 2000 Catholic So-

cial

ber!" to the cheers

ton. Sister

450

and applause of the

in attendance.

prime minister's wife backs appeal for children Cherie LONDON (CNS)

British

domestic & international adoption

—

Spring Warehouse Sale to

Room

Benefit

Catholic Products

Kffom At Ifu Irm

Area

Charlotte Area Office 1 1 23 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 GeriKing (704)370-3232 (704) 370-3377 fax

Director:

9 a.m.

Area

Director:

Sr.

Marie Frechette (828) 255-0146

Providence House will donate

25%

(828)

shelter,

Satellite Office (336)

274-5577

Hand

(336)

725-HAND

Host

(336)

to Hand Homes

Programa Esperanza

(7041

Respect

life

(7041

725-H0ST 370-3228 370-3230 370-3231 581-7693 370-6928 370-3229

RetrouvaMe

1704)

544-0621

Marriage Preparation

17041

Natural Family Planning

1704)

Operation Rice Bowl

(7041

Prison Ministry

(7041

— beeper

1

23 South Church

St.

to

•

Charlotte,

NC 28203

$70-$ 125

O.C. STAFFORD ELECTRONIC SERVICE G DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

408 Banner Are.. Greensboro. NC 2740.1 E-mail: urpac408@worldnel.att.net

(336) 274-9917

this special

at the inn in providing food and clothing for our in

products will be discounted from 10% to 50%.

products for every occasion!

•

children's activities

•

books

•

devotional items

•

videos

•

Jubilee items Lent & Easter

•

• First

1

to

•

f704|

Affordability

House

5505 Monroe Rd.

Hwy. 485 East

Charlotte,

NC 28212

704-568-0023

to Johnston Rd. Exit.

www.carolinaruneral.com

Steven

•Cross the state line into Lancaster County

•Turn

www.cssnc.org

Dignity

•Head south past Ballantyne.

(less

370-3250

Cremation Center

Simplicity

Communion

77 South

C C

Providence

Directions from Charlotte: •Take

Carolina Funeral &

C

Over 1400 outstanding Catholic

than 5 miles from left

at

Owner/Director

BP Gas Station.

•Follow road 1 mile, turn

left

•Providence House

first

232 Zimmer Rd.

is

Kuzma

Hwy 485 to warehouse!

Voices for Justice legislative Network (704) 370-3225

Wtdow/Separated/'Divorced

1

50% of every purchase Room at the Inn.

young mothers and babies the coming months.

All

For Information on the following programs, please contact the number listed below: (704| 370-3234 C.C.H.D. Casa Guadalupe 13361 727-4745 Catholic Relief Services 17041 370-3225 Disaster Relief 1704) 370-3250 Elder Ministry (704) 370-3220 Family Life (704) 370-3250

services

to

Room

253-7339 fax

621 W. Second Street, P.O. Box 10962, Winston-Salem, NC 27108 Area Director: David Harold (336)727-0705 (336) 727-9333 fax

NC

17"—

/

spring fundraiser will assist

Piedmont Triad Area Office

Greensboro,

$35-$38

30 day warranty

Saturday, March 25 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

NC 28801

Street, Asheville,

in stock!

IS" —

20" Callfor details

9 p.m.

-

The money raised from

Western Area Office 35 Orange

Over 2000 monitors

$20-$25

March 24

Friday,

& Peace, Special Ministries 370-3228 (7041 370-3298 fax (704) 370-3290 fax (704) 370-6930 (704) 370-3377 fax (704) 370-3225 (704) 370-3228 (704) 370-3377 fax

Special Ministries

Cira

W—

Refurbished Computer Monitors

from Providence House!

P y sup por?

Ponce Joanne K. Frazer Gerard A. Carter

Office:

& Peace:

available to you."

at the Inn!

Administration, Refugee, Justice

Justice

We

<•

Executive Director: Elizabeth Thurbee (704)

Refugee

—

March 6 press conference in Washington joined civil rights figures in urging participation in the 2000 census. "We stand fully behind an accurate count," said Beverly Carroll, director of the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for African-American Catholics.

"We've asked schools, parishes to open their doors" to assist in the effort, she added. Speaking to those who receive help from the church through soup kitchens, day-care centers and children's programs, Carroll said, "We are asking you to trust us again. want to make sure the services of the federal government are

VGA & SVGA

n

material assistance

counseling

(CNS)

Booth, wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, has backed an appeal by

GREAT

.refugee, hispanic & immigration services

com-

a

Culture?" "We have to strengthen our families," said Owens, a Catholic and a father of three.

"There is no institution more critical to the success of this country or our

(CNS)

for the

Catholic and other religious leaders at

Wounded

WASHINGTON

work together

WASHINGTON

— The

Heal

a wonderful op-

families, large or

purpose of helping other families and children. Booth, also a distinguished lawyer, has three children and is expecting a fourth in May. Religious, civil rights leaders urge participation in census

ington think-tank Feb. 29. Government must do what it can to help families spend more time together, in part by lessening their tax burden, he added in a talk titled "A Year After

How Do We

was all

mon

key to stopping youth violence on the street and in the schoolyard is to strengthen families, Republican Gov. Bill Owens of Colorado told a Wash-

Columbine:

for the

residence, Booth, a Catholic,

said the appeal

key to stopping violence (CNS)

money

which works with children throughout the archdiocese, including London. Writing from 10 Downing Street, the prime minister's official

charity,

has now become a political quagmire.

Catholic legislators also brought up some of these solutions on the House floor during the first week of March.

Suggestions included that the nomination process should start over or that the position of House chaplain be abolished and replaced with a rotating voluntary ministry.

Colo, governor says family ties

WASHINGTON

2000

the Catholic Children's Society in the Westminster Archdiocese. The "Fam-

what

to discuss possible solutions to

10,

the

Fort Mill,

into

Zimmer Business

entrance on the

SC 29715

Park.

(803)802

-

Privately, Locally

Owned

Member St. Matthew Church and

left.

4360

Knights of Columbus

March

2000

10,

from the Cover

The Catholic News & Herald 7

House of Prayer facility restored, readied for future

Jesuit

7

By JOANITA M. NEL LFNRAnw NELLENBACH Correspondent

HOT SPRINGS — whose time has

tion rived.

"Historically,

It's a

renova-

definitely ar-

Now

Sister

make

Ignatian,

House of Prayer,' most of the work will be finished

by April 1, when a group is expected "We'll have enough in order to have that day of recollection," she

Getting to this stage has been a long process. The Jesuit House of Prayer Advisory Board began imple-

education to children in rural areas.

menting a five-year plan in 1994. The phase was renovation of the Chapel of the Redeemer, which was

make

1998.

God who

renovation of the north

ministry of prayer. We're here to it available to everyone.

A Catholic presence, particularly Ignatian, is a charism that needs to be shared with the world."

The House of Prayer's staff and the advisory board saw that the aging facility needed an upgrade.

A

1892 as a

Graves bought it in 1954 or 1955. Father Graves had come to the area as a 1937.

He

Peggy,

make

private home. It had several owners before Jesuit Father Andrew

in

in this area," said Sister

has been director of the Jesuit House of Prayer since October. "It's a

side of the house. Phase 3, planned for the future, will include renovating the house chapel and the bedrooms adjacent to it.

missionary

a six-day retreat.

"Historically, I think the story of the Society has been one of responsibility to the needs of the people of

completed in May 1998. Bishop William G. Curlin dedicated the altar Oct

built in

a charism that needs to be shared with the world."

She discovered the Jesuit House of Prayer by accident and decided to

first

The house was

is

serve as Catholic pastor in Madison County. The first retreatant was a Sister of Mercy from Tennessee who traveled about, teaching religious

said.

periodically

capital campaign, begun in 1997, raised more than $100,000, mainly from donations, including one from the Maryland Province of the Society

purchased additional land totaling seven acres.

Over the years, a dining room and laundry room were added to the

—

of Jesus. The retreat staff Jesuit Fathers Joe McGovern and George Hohman are members of that

house, and the kitchen was enlarged.

An early photo shows a glassed-in

—

Buying? Selling? Relocating?

Suite 320, Charlotte,

* 27 years experience I Member of St. Matthew Church I Percentage of commissions donated (704)543-6680

(800)726*1231

province.

The money will provide a new dining room and a more efficient kitchen

with a bigger

cooking and cleanup space. The dining room will have a domed ceiling. Also,

the dining room already had a concrete floor; now the kitchen will have one, too.

More efficient insulation and new walls will mean quieter bedrooms, and each bedroom have individual heating

will

and

air conditioning.

The

Some cosmetic changes

made

in

house.

Not that improvements

BISHOP McGUINNESS MEMORIAL HIGH

i Tom

to charities

Oorazil,

GRI, CRP, ABR, Broker "Your Realtor for Life "

est.

New

When you

establish

expanded before

an endoument

with the diocesan foundation, you...

its

Enable Perpetual Support Every year, your "living water" flows with financial aid to the ministry

histoiy

it,

Foundations for Faith and Learning

facilities

of unique service

to the

parish, school,

you choose.

agency or the diocese

its

its

histcny,

currentchallenge. contributing to

'For

*

Provide your loved ones with a continuing reminder of your values:

Your

faith

and the mission of the Church.

will

its

call Jim Kelley, Executive Director ofThe Foundation Catholic Diocese of Charlotte at (704) 370-330 1, or call Cindy Rice, Director ofPlanned Giving at (704) 370-3320.

Roman

hallmark of

rote

future

you can play

is

in

and shaping yours

Annual Open House.

Annual

Open House For students in grades 6-11 and

on Wednesday, March 22 their parents

7:00 p.m.

Information Sessions 7:15 p.m.

Tours and meetings with faculty, administrators, students, and parents

information, please contact Edivard Mitchell (Development) or

more information,

of the

The

be the focus of our

Formore

is tfee

and planning for your future

and plan with confidence.

Enact a Lasting Legacy

communities

preparatory school conducted

in the Catholic tradition

to look ahead

lies

of the Triad. Forty years of excellence as a

Ensure a Strong Future Allow a

and programs

Bishop McGuinness continues

first-class college

SCHOOL

1959

k/4s a future bright with prospects for

flows through a diocesan endowment.

— John 4:l4

vpaul@madison.main.nc or by

NC 28277

Laying

will never be thirsty again.

at

calling (704)-622-7366.

With the renovation nearing

w

them

Jonathan Vinkowski of Happy Hollow Enterprises of Madison County prepares to install a new wooden floor in the hallway

weren't needed. When the adjacent to the kitchen. kitchen walls were ripped out, workmen discovered that no support ing retreats, Sister Peggy said. A vabeams were holding up the ceiling. riety of formats is available, including How did the ceiling stay up? "God or private retreats, or directed retreats the tension of the building," Father with the staff. Groups such as confirMcGovern quipped. mation classes are welcome for reThe foundational sills in the treats and there are Advent and Holy kitchen were so rotted the wood could Week retreats. Or people can visit the be pulled apart by hand. A cracked center for a day of private prayer and pipe had been leaking water under meditation. the kitchen. Workmen pulled up red, Information about the Jesuit cream and green vinyl and several House of Prayer is available by e-mail

$8k mm

give

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

will be

other parts of the

completion, people are already book-

relocarolina@mindspring.com

Those who drink the water that 1 mil

elec-

system and plumbing are upgraded, and an additional water heater has been installed. trical

layers of flooring to reveal a hole deep enough for a wading pool.

Metro Realty 8035 Providence Road,

House of

"It's

porch where the north-side bedrooms are now.

Father Frank Reese arrived in 1978 to -start the retreat center and to

for a one-day retreat.

is

it

director of the Jesuit

a ministry of prayer. We're here to available to everyone. A Catholic presence, particularly

Margaret Verstege,

director of the Jesuit

Phase 2

who has been

Prayer since October.

said

25,

think the story of the Society has been one of needs of the people of God in this area,"

said Sister Peggy,

nearing completion, the restoration of part of the Jesuit House of Prayer includes remodeling the kitchen, dining room and the bedrooms at the north end of the house.

Mercy

I

responsibility to the

17.30 Link

Road

Bishop McGuinness NC 27103

WinstonSalem,

Guy

Ferguson (.Admissions)

(3.36)

ONE OF A KIND, JUST LIKE YOU!

725-4247

8

March

The Catholic News & Herald

United

In

in faith,

30

10,

2000

the New* Parents,

YEARS EXPERIENCE

why

order school uniforms out of state?

World Day of Prayer

A+' M school approved

brings solidarity JOANN

By

S.

uniforms are as close as a drive to the lake!

KEANE

Editor

WADESBORO human

time as the

woman

—

At the same young

rights of a

are being violated, a

woman

worlds away says a prayer on her behalf.

PYANOMAN HENRY C. ROZELL III 2nd Generation

This

Piano Tuning, Repairs, Refinishing

An

ecumenical group of about 30 gathered at Sacred Heart Church in Wadesboro, united for the international March 3 World Day of Prayer.

Around the globe, others joined in solidarity, raising awareness and standing together in faith and action with and for the people of Indonesia.

"We are invited to stand up in faith and action with the people of Indonesia," said Sister of Divine Providence Theresine Gildea. "To stand up against

human

rights viola-

Theresine along with counterpart Sister Maxine

month Save 10% off all A+ School Apparel

stock

in

Piano TunerfTecbnician

Uniforms|3E Uniforms 132333^21)

Jfi|

Pianos Bought and Sold

Owner Ann Hoffman, Member of St. Tberese

FREE ESTIMATES

<~>1/ 704-895-7474 c~ 7/1

704-321-5843

wwwMniformsdirect2u.com

Uniforms Direct 2U, 18505

Statesville

Road, Suite S-A, Cornelius,

NC

28031

You can help

tions." Sister

her

Tancraitor are outreach icons

in the

Wadesboro community.

More than

make a world of difference.

four decades have

first World Day of Beginning with a 1957

passed since the

Prayer.

More than

than one bowl of

prayer service in East Java, from its early intentions of a day to reflect on the strife and suffering of those in has blossomed into Indonesia, an ecumenical event celebrated by an estimated 12,000 internationally.

On the easternmost edge of the diocese, Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopal and Baptist are the prevalent denominations. This year, for the time,

WDP

rice

is

surviving

on

less

each day.

That's why, this Lent,

WDP

first

half of the world's population

more than

13,000 parishes

and schools across the United

States

are

participating in Operation Rice Bowl, helping

the poorest of the poor help themselves.

In addition to expressing solidarity with our

make a real support the work of

brothers and sisters overseas, you can

brought a commu-

nity together in prayer with their

difference, raising

money

to

Catholic neighbors.

"It's

Catholic Relief Services in the developing world.

important to show our sup-

port of our churches in this community and how well we work together," said Carole Heste Evans, a member of

Presbyterian Wadesboro.

First

More than

Church

experience the true meaning of Lent: praying,

in

women brought

For those who hunger and thirst For justice.

seema slice

of the Third World into view.

The gathering gave 14-year-old Cecelia Pueschel an opportunity to connect on a global level while fulfilling a few confirmation community service hours. "It helps in my understanding of what confirmation and church is all about," she said.

1-800-222-0025, ext. 650 www.ccrtfiolkrelief.org Catholic Relief Services

Operation Rice Bowl LENTEN PROGRAM

Contact Editor Joann Keane by call-

(704)

giving.

community,

a slideshow depicting scenes of

ing

and

rundown on

the plight of Indonesian citizens while

ingly destitute

now you can support this work for justice and

fasting, learning

a sense of

participants got a brief

Right

370-3336

or

e-mail

Twenty-five years and

counting on you

still

jskeane@charlottediocese.org.

Since

its

people's

Bowl has been making a difference in around the world, thanks to the support of Catholic schools and parishes

inception 25 years ago, Operation Rice litres

like yours.

Advertise

Operation Rice Bow! has helped fund hundreds of development projects overseas such as

in

The Catholic

News &

Herald!

• Providing dean drinking water.

• introducing health education.

And of the $105 million

(704) 370-3332

through the years,

>

techniques.

Facilitating small business loans

25% has helped fund programs to

here in the Diocese of Charlotte, contributions are disbursed as mini-grants to hunger. But there

is still

improve

local

communities, too. For example, right

community groups working toward ending poverty and

more to be done.

as Operation Rice Bowl marks its 25th anniversary - with a new look for the new millennium done and how your participation can make all the difference in the world.

So

Call Cindi Feerick,

raised

• Improving agricultural

celebrate

what your contribution has

A March

10,

2000

In

Operation Rice Bowl: Supplying physical and

Carolina Volkswagen 6625 E. Independence (704) 537-2336

•

spiritual

Blvd., Charlotte

By

(800) 489-2336

Lowest

Selection

Prices

customer

complement

main dish. Operanamed for this unfortu-

Konarski. "Our parish has responded enthusiastically and generously."

nate dietary fact, has collected over $88 million for the impoverished and hunger-stricken in Third World countries

Konarski's family also participates in the activities included in the Operation Rice Bowl calendar.

for 25 years.

The CRS diocesan committee works with Frazer and Jarina by offering feedback on ways to enhance the program, promoting Operation Rice Bowl to the parishes to increase participation and expanding the

tion Rice Bowl,

all

This year's Beatitudetheme "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they

the Carolinas

inspired

shall have their fill," is part of the silver anniversary of the Lenten program, one of the programs of Catholic Relief

Services (CRS).

Bookshoppe

Medicare

or Insurance

Gifts

Save money on

Articles

t Cards

clinics,

in places like

Rwanda and Kosovo and aid to countries like Mozambique," explained

World

Joanne Frazer, diocesan director of the Office of Justice and Peace and CRS. The Operation Rice Bowl slogan

$30

—

diabetic suppliesi

704-342-2878

countries. Women primarily receive the money, anywhere from to $500, to start their own small businesses, explained Frazer. "They are the poorest of the poor, and these

—

pray, fast, learn, give reflects the season of Lent and is expressed in the activity calendar that accompa-

businesses help them to provide

money

1-800-337-4144

NC

Diabetic National Service

nies the cardboard rice bowl for collection. These items will- be sent to every family in the mail through the parish coordinators. The calendar includes activities and reflections for every day of the season of Lent, including recipes and biblical passages for family participation.

free,

conference

ganizations

Office of Justice and Peace

the Mother of

and the dioc-

diocesan committee and the parish coordinator for St. Charles Borromeo

God, and her

"Yes" said

Church

2,000 Years Ago

Morganton, said, "OperaBowl isn't just about collect-

in

tion Rice

tries

Pope John Paul II selected this day for parishes and dioceses contribution to society

and the

Church,

and to

reflect

with

"to

honor and remember women for

women on

the challenges

and their needs and can serve as

way of fostering

spiritual growth."

Charles Borromeo Church has had the highest contribution per household for the past two years. The parishioners follow along with the

at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Khrakov, Ukraine. The parishioners also have an annual Ukrainian dinner

St.

Theme: "Women Saying 'YES' to God" their

ofthe next century

"

apply for the grants,

help with the citizenship process for Hispanic parishioners, and Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro used their grant to buy a CD recorder/ changer for the startup of a radio station

ing money; it is about education and living out Catholic beliefs. It should give insight into other people's couna

may

which can be used for any program or service with an immigrant or migrant focus, said Jarina. Many parishes sponsor a sister parish in another country, and there is much work with immigrants and migrants in various local areas around the diocese.

Last year, many parishes received the mini-grants for their efforts with people from other countries. For instance, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Cherokee received a mini-grant to finance a project entitled "Operation Love" to

esan Operation Rice Bowl coordinator.

Ed Konarski, chair of the CRS

honoring Mary,

to-

Twenty-five percent of the colmoney remains within the diocese to fund $500 mini-grants. Parishes, schools and other Catholic or-

their experiences and their daily lives," said Terri Jarina, office assistant for the

day long

move

self-sufficiency."

lected

"The main thrust of Operation Rice Bowl is to educate people and to help them identify with those who are poor, A

for their families to

ward economic

money

We welcome mail orders and special orders!

collected from Operation Rice Bowl goes to the national CRS office for micro-enterprise efforts in Third

conflict resolution be-

tween warring parties

I

with

mini-grant program, said Konarski.

Seventy-five percent of the money

"Along with Operation Rice Bowl, CRS also handles agricultural pro-

Attention

grams,

Fax (704) 334-3313 4410-F Monroe Road, Charlotte,

Designated groups prepare meal every week according to the activity calendar and share in group prayer, said a simple

nate countries, a meager supply of

and service satisfaction! and see why!

Carolina Catholic t Religious

meal for

families in the United States, but for those in less-fortu

in

Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm Sat. 9:30am-3:00pm

t Special

to a

many

Members ofSt. Gabriel

sales

C'mon

calendar to show solidarity as part of their Friday stations of the cross services.

rice serves as the

#1 Volkswagen Dealer in Charlotte and for

ALESHA M. PRICE

CHARLOTTE — Rice is

Drivers wanted.

"Nothing Could Be Finer"

nourishment for twenty-five years

Staff Writer

a

Biggest

The Catholic News & Herald 9

the New*

See RICE

BOWL,

page

14

Featuring Major Speakers...

Sister Laretta Rivera-Williams,

RSM &Joanna Case & Prayer

Let stairs be our

Plus Small Group Sessions "Prayer

and Relaxation

"Finding Direction in

Me"

Techniques"

"Finding the Lord Within

My Life"

"Making Everyday a Prayer"

problem... not yours!

Ask about our Stairway

SPECIAL SESSIONS FOR TEENAGE GIRLS Katy Volpoui

• Easily

& students from Belmont Abbey Colleo

•

Folds out of the

• Fits

To pre-register, call (704) 849-0398 Lunch providedfor $5.00.

Full day participation recommended but not required.

St.

Matthew Catholic Church . 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway . Charlotte, NC

Chair

& Equipment

800 Central Ave.

•

attached to steps (not

most

stairways (straight

& curved)

• •

We

install

Rentals

NC

•

&

walls)

way

Very affordable (rent or buy)

Charlotte,

lifts.

Sales, Inc.

(800) 333-8431

Member of St. Thomas Aquinos

10 The Catholic News & Herald

March

Readings

10,

2000

Book Review

Book explores public role of American women in religious

Word to Life March

First Sunday of Lent, Cycle B Readings: 1) Genesis 9:8-15

some

12,

success was gone.

2) 1 Peter 3:18-22 3) Gospel: Mark 1:12-15

"Repent, and believe in the good news," Jesus tells us on this first Sunday of Lent. Repentance usually occupies our focus, with its call to root out selfishness and sin, to turn our lives around. We are

DAN LUBY

News Service The evaluations were gratifying. Students were saying wonderfully complimentary things. For a Catholic

most of us

Now, here was

failure

Jesus' invitation: "Repent," he urges

proof.

One

"and do so by believing the good news that you are loved beyond all measure, before and beneath any accomplishment, any demonstration of good faith or talent or effort."

To believe that deep down, in our bones is to embrace a

after the other the numerirankings were high and the comments laudatory. He was

us,

cal

thrilled,

almost floating.

The jagged edge

skilled discoverers of

and weakness in ourselves.

What's often missing in our approach to Lent is the second part of

long time it had been a goal to teach university students, and he'd thought the class was going well all semester.

was

unsure of. In his mind, the insights of the other students now seemed shallow, flawed. The excitement of

Psalm 25:4-9

By

historical sequence he

that burst his

bubble surfaced toward the bottom of the pile. On an item asking about class lectures, a student had circled "good" and then written, "Lectures

—

—

fractured his brittle self-confidence.

and liberating truth. To begood news is to repent of both our self-reliance and our self-doubt. It is to trust God and give ourselves away more and

He suddenly remembered

more every

radical

lieve in that great

are sometimes elusive."

The

criticism, mild as

times he'd

felt

it

was,

those few

May

uncertain about a fine

philosophical point or rushed past

day.

this

Lenten season move us and joyful belief, t

to deep repentance

Weekly Scripture Readings for the week of Mar. 12-18, 2000 Sunday (First Sunday in Lent), Genesis 9:8-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:12-15; Monday, Leviticus 19:1-2, 1-18, Matthew 25:31-46; Tuesday, Isaiah 55:10-11, Matthew 6:7-15; Wednesday, Jonah 3:1-10, Luke 11:29Thursday, Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 or 4:17 (Esther's prayer), 32; Matthew 7:7-12; Friday (St. Patrick of Ireland), Ezekiel 18:21-28, Matthew 5:20-26; Saturday (St. Cyril of Jerusalem), Deuteronomy 26:16-19, Matthew 5:43-48 1

Reviewed by

NANCY

Catholic

L.

ROBERTS

ing inhaled the contradictory nature of their experiences, women breathe out in their religious thought an ambivalence toward their traditions."

News Service

While women have not been able American religion as fully as have men, "The Religious Imagination Of American Women" demonstrates that they have been thinking long and to develop their public role in

She says that this very "ambivalence about one's religious tradition

— about where one stands — can be viewed quite

in relation

to

hard about the spiritual life.

Mary Farrell Bednarowski's provocative, readable analysis covers a wide range of religious traditions, including Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Mormon, and Buddhist.

Bednarowski, professor of religious studies at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and a practicing Catholic, illuminates key areas that have compelled American

women religious thinkers.

The book is exhaustively

posi-

In a fascinating chapter on healing and religion, Bednarowski views

"The Religious Imagination of

American Women"

By Mary Farrell Bednarowski Indiana University Press (Bloomington, Ind., 1999) 240 pp. Hardcover, $39.95; Paper, $15.95.

rethis subject "as one more angle from which to explore women's search for intellectually and emotionally ad-

which produced two earlier, well-received books, "American Religion: A Cultural Perspective" and "New Religions and the Theological effort

equate ways, more theologically creative ways, to expand and transform

Imagination in America."

The author delves into such questions as: "When women write and speak publicly about religious ideas, what do they have to say?" and, "What does it mean to be a human being and a woman and how does our understanding of God and reality shape our answer to this question?"

Bednarowski's book aims not to create a pan-woman spirituality but

what women

traditional religious ideas."

"The Religious Imagination of American Women" is a scholarly work whose subject, scope, and graceful

command

prose will

readership

beyond the academy, among any who wish to explore this subject in thoughtful depth,

t

Roberts, professor ofjournalism and mass communication at the University of

Minnesota-Twin Cities, has written two books about Dorothy Day and the Catho-

re-

have had to say.

She starts by noting, that, "Hav-

ligious thinkers

Readings for the week of Mar. 19-25, 2000 Sunday (Second Sunday in Lent), Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18, Romans 8:31-34, Mark 9:2-10; Monday (St. Joseph), 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16, Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22, Luke 2:41-51; Tuesday, Isaiah 1:10, 16-20, Matthew 23:1-12; Wednesday, Jeremiah 18:18-20, Matthew 20:17-28; Thursday (St. Turibius of Mogrovejo), Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 16:19-31; Friday, Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28, Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46; Saturday (The Annunciation of Our Lord), Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10, Hebrews 10:4-10, Luke 1:26-38

it

tively."

searched and reflects Bednarowski's years of immersion in her subject, an

to interpret critically

life

lic

W

writer

movement.

From readers' suggestions, The Catholic News & Herald will begin printing two weeks of Scripture readings every issue.

Catholic Gift & Book Store SPECIAL BOOKS FOR LENT 1st Communion — veils, missals,

A JUBILEE ADVENTURE

Confirmation

The Oberammergau Passion Play With

visits to

Salzburg and Innsbruck, Austria.

Florence, Assisi

Leaving Charlotte on

And

(336)273-2554

and

A

airfare,

breakfasts;

time for fun, prayer and

double rooms with private bath, 7 dinners and entrance fees and all taxes and tips. in

family... at

St.

Fr.

NC

27401

the beach!

July 2-7 (Hispanic) July 9-14 (FULL) July 16-21** July 30-Aug 4 (FULL

Get away & recharge

Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug.

Fun

Richard Allen,

Ann's, Charlotte

June 11-16 June 18-23 June 25-30

July 23-28

Rome.

Jean Ponischil, trip secretary, (704) 375-2366 for info and brochure.

Guaranteed best tickets for Passion Play. We have 20 seats remaining.

3-day London or Amsterdam extension available.

Call

Greensboro,

rosaries, gifts

gifts

Strengthen Christian family values

at the

beach

Make friends

Under the direction of

St.

all

all

Air-conditioned coaches with guides. Visit with the Holy Father

Greene

unique

2000 Catholic Summer Family Program

KLM/NW

Friday July 7 through Thursday July 20 $2992 includes

N.

special,

Venice,

and Rome.

British Air

233

—

spirituality is

Contact the Center Director for

more

e-mail:

info

&

application

cfl2@juno.com

(910) 328-1584

who

with others

important

Single parent families

welcome

all

think

weeks but this week

6-11

13-18

20-25

27-Sept

1

staffed especially for them!

The summer program begins Sunday afternoon at 5 with Mass and concludes Friday afternoon. The cost includes food, room and program fees. Each family has separate NC rooms.

2006 Wicker

St.,

North Topsail Beach,

NC 28460

March

2000

10,

The Catholic News & Herald 11

Entert ainmen

"Drowning Mona:" Witty, dark comedy

Out on video

By

NEW YORK (CNS) —

the

US

The following are home videocassette reviews from Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting.

Each videocassette

ANNE NAVARRO

NEW

is available on VHS format. Theatrical movies on video have a U.S. Catholic Conference classification and Motion Picture Association of America rating. All reviews indicate the appropriate age group for the video

sessed fiancee, Ellie (Neve Campbell).

News Service YORK (CNS)

Catholic

— When

Mona's henpecked husband, Phil (William Fichtner), who wears snazzy "Members Only" clothing and is having a steamy affair with Rona (Jamie Lee Curtis), a wannabe rocker

a

nasty resident of a small upstate New is suspected of being murdered, the chief of police has a harder time

York town

audience.

who wouldn't want her dead who would in the dark comedy,

figuring out

"The Best Man" (1999) Uneven romantic comedy in which a wedding

than

"Drowning Mona" (Destination).

Chief Rash (Danny DeVito) has a problem. It seems that Mona Dearly's (Bette Midler) plunge into the Hudson River was no accident. As local mechanic Lucinda (Kathleen

is jeopardized when an autobiographical novel by the best man (Taye Diggs) suggests he was intimate with the bride-to-be (Monica Calhoun) while she was dating his best friend, the now-enraged groom (Morris Chestnut). Writer-director Malcolm D. Lee's talky take on the war of the sexes strains for obvious laughs over the sexual double standard and is often raunchy despite the groom's fervently held Christian beliefs which finally lead him to forgiveness. A fleeting sexual encounter, crude bachelor-party lap dancing, brief violence, occasional profanity and much rough language. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R restricted.

—

Wilhoite) puts it, the Yugo she was driving was "fixed to kill."

More accustomed

to breaking

up

CNS photo from

director Stephen PoliakofFs quirky tale is somewhat flawed but captures the still camera s ability to freeze a moment in time forever. Ethical issues, drug references and a few Victonan-«ra nude photos. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification

Not

rated by the

Motion Picture Association of America.

Trite

comedy

which the love lives of four guys from a once-popular early 1980s rock band are complicated when they move in together to attempt to produce a comeback album. As directed by co-star Donal Lardner Ward, the characters are sophomoric, their romantic problems dull and the humor flat. Sexual situations, intermittent rough language and minimal profanity. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R restricted. in

—

—

SPECIAL ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY Showcase your company /in an exclusive

I

bar brawls than investigating murRash is finding that his list of suspects is growing longer by the minute. It seems everyone had a reason for wanting brash and brutally honest Mona dead. ders, Chief

7,

•RETIREES •DECISION MAKERS

For low rates and more information, Cindi Feerick at (70*) S70-3S32

call

w

&

ii

i

r

\

i

i)

around him

faces.

cast provides

some

good performances, including DeVito, whose keenly reserved Chief Rash works well, and Affleck, whose wideeyed boy-next-door look

fits

Bobby's

Taken as a very dark comedy it succeeds, but the viewer is subject to flippant attitudes and cynical view-

row for Mona's death and the movie's laughs are built around this idea.

some would describe

Because of the comical treatment of extramarital affairs, fleeting vio-

as "white trash" in

this often acerbically

funny film.

The main characters are well fleshed out with each having a convincing reason for killing the queen of

mean. Bobby (Casey Affleck), coowner of a fledgling landscaping business with Mona's lazy son Jeff (Marcus Thomas), is being pushed to the edge by Jeffs incompetence and Mona's insistence on getting a bigger share of the dwindling profits. He just

wants to earn a decent living to support himself and his wedding-ob-

points.

lence and homosexual innuendo, and a few instances of rough language, the U.S. Catholic Conference classifica-

—

is A-III adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating

tion

is

PG-

1

3

— parents

tioned that

are strongly cau-

some material may be

appropriate for children under

integrity for

over

38 years!

Dealerships

2000

Frank LaPointe, President, Member of

HONDA E.

independence Blvd.

in-

13.

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

Serving Charlotte with

535-4444 s

built

on the pulse

his finger tightly

7001 k:

all

solid

St.

Gabi

A- MOTORS

MITSUBISHI

Built

n

with co-

of lower-class America, director Nick Gomez captures the essence of what

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with our more than 105,000 readers!

•SENIORS • FAMILIES

is filled

Even the local priest does not escape the sardonic edge, being portrayed as an alcoholic. Not one person in the working-class town shows any sor-

Retirement and Senior living Supplement April

goes on, as everyone

character perfectly.

With

"The Suburbans" (1999)

off,

The Destination Films

William Fichtner, Bette Midler and Marcus Thomas star in the film "Drowning Mona."

Writer-

list

witty script

and deadpan

restricted.

stills

adults.

the

reaching for a beer; and throwaway lines are delivered with deft timing

"Shooting the Past" (1999)

—

it off.

chopped

—

Character-driven drama in which the devoted staff of an obscure London photo archive, which is about to be discarded by its new American owner (Liam Cunningham), connives to find a new home for their treasured

A-III

pull

The

encounter

is

of reason to do it. The only question is whether the dull-witted son has the smarts to even come up with the idea of murdering his mother, much less

medic details including wild rumors describing how Jeffs hand was

brief violence, minimal profanity and an instance of rough language The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III adults. The Motion

—

was bullied and belittled and rarely shown any maternal love, has plenty

town has at one time or another incurred Mona's wrath.

"Random Hearts" (1999)

R

is suspiciously unwife's death. "You

in

After discovering his wife and the husband of a congresswoman were having an affair when both were killed in a plane crash, a Washington cop Harrison Ford) becomes romantically involved with the man's widow (Kristin Scott-Thomas), jeopardizing her re-election.

Director Sydney Pollack explores the painful aftermath of adultery in a plodding drama whose melodramatic subplot is similarly uninvolving. A discreet sexual

is

his

snooze, you lose," according to Phil.

Shaggy-haired, belching Jeff, who

And

—

Picture Association of America rating

turned waitress,

moved by

For Living.™

6951 E. Independence Blvd.

531-3131

12 The Catholic News & Herald

Lent:

March

& Columns

Editorials

A Time of Reconciliation

of Lent

before Easter. Its purpose

is to better prepare us for the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord. Lent is a privileged time during the liturgical year that dis-

Speaks

2000

The Season

As we enter the season of Lent, we understand that we are observing the forty days of preparation

The Pope

10,

poses us for a more fruitful reception to, the graces that Christ merited by his passion, death and Resurrection.

POPE JOHN PAUL

II

Pope expresses gratitude for Mount Sinai pilgrimage By

JOHN THAVIS

News Service (CNS) Pausing between Holy Year pilgrimages, Pope John Paul Catholic

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

VATICAN CITY

expressed gratitude for his recent trip to Sinai and looked ahead to a planned visit to the Mount of the Beatitudes in Israel.

II

Mount

The two

biblical sites

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; where Moses

re-

ceived the Ten Commandments and where Christ gave his sermon on the Beatitudes sum up the divine law that modern men and

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

women must

still follow, the pope said at a general audience at the Vatican March 1.

Both expressions of moral law should find an echo in the human heart, he said.

"The person who follows Christ does not feel oppressed by a multitude of rules, but, driven by the strength of love, experiences the commandments of God as a law of freedom; freedom to love, thanks to the inner action of the Spirit," he said.

The pope, his face tanned after his Feb. 2426 visit to Egypt, said the high point of the trip was the one-day stop in Mount Sinai.

While there he was able to pray at the site of the "burning bush," where God revealed himself to Moses, and at the foot of the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments.

Lent is an opportunity to reform ourselves, individually and as community, in order to practice the virtue of love. Some good forms to live the season of Lent include a more attentive listening to the Word of God and a more constant attention to prayer.

Scripture and the fathers of the church will insist on three forms: fasting, prayer and almsgiving. But these three forms will make no sense if there is no interior conversion, conversion of the heart. The Lenten practices such as fasting, prayer and almsgiving are to express sincere conversion in relation to oneself, to God and to others.

Fasting and almsgiving have a much wider significance than just refraining from eating or buying.

They symbolize giving up our own ways to take up those of Christ.

The main purpose of Lent is the struggle against evil within ourselves. If we give up a plate of food but don't give up our desire for revenge, our fasting will be almost sterile. If we take out money from our wallets to give alms but don't remove from our hearts hatred or pride, almost nothing has been gained.

God

they do not observe his law. To be God, in fact, is to be faithful to oneself, to one's own true nature and one's deepest and strongest aspirations," he told some 6,000 people in the Vatican audience hall.

He thanked Egypt's political authorities and religious leaders, including Grand Sheik Mohammed Sayyid Tantawi, for the welcome he received in the predominantly Muslim country. He recalled his meetings with Pope Shenouda III, the Coptic Orthodox patriarch, and said he hoped for new progress in ecumenical dialogue.

Having focused on Moses during his trip to Egypt, the pope said he would dedicate his upcoming Holy Land pilgrimage to Jesus Christ. The March 20-26 visit will take him to Jordan, Jerusalem and other holy places in "I

me

with

prayers ... in the spiritual preparation of this important event," he said.

The pope, scheduled to celebrate Mass for thousands of young people near the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel, said that when Christ preached the beatitudes, he brought new meaning to the old law of Moses.

In Christ's life and suffering, "the Ten

Commandments

are heard through his voice,"

he

came

said.

Christ

to perfect the old law,

the

Father Fidel Melo is administrator of Our Lady of Americas Church in Biscoe.

so on. Lent will be a true time of reconciliation if we our eyes in Christ's love, mercy and compassion and try to put them into practice.

finds the following:

Hispanic

On

the plus side...

Hispanic Ministry's "presence" at the parish level has grown by almost 50 percent. b) The recognition of Hispanics as a "presence" in local parishes has increased.

On the downside...

Ministry

a)

if

and the Palestinian territories. ask everyone to accompany

May the good Lord bless us during this Lenten season with his divine grace in order to experience reconciliation with him and one another. And let us close our thoughts with the words of St. Peter: "Therefore, be serious and sober for prayers. Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs glory and dominion forever and ever." (l Pt 7-11)

fix

faithful to

Israel

Guest Columnist

Reconciliation is attained in daily life through gestures such as desire to forgive, attention to the poor, the exercise and defense of^justice, acceptance of suffering, the owning of our faults before our brothers and sisters, examination of conscience, and

"Individuals cannot think they are faithful to

FATHER FIDEL MELO

FATHER VINCENT FINNERY

H.

Guest Columnist

Evaluating Hispanic Ministry

The 1998 study

of Hispanic Ministry, commissioned by the Secretariat for Hispanic Affairs of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, offers an evaluation of diocesan structures and parish structures, regarding Hispanic Ministry in the U.S. With regard to diocesan structures, it concludes the following:

On the plus side...

A growing number of dioceses

have created new structures for Hispanic ministry at the regional or deanery

level.

a) Most Hispanics continue to worship in "mixed" or "parallel" parish settings. These settings allow Hispanics to maintain their own identity and culture, but the administration and life of the parish is divided into separate, and at times, highly unequal spheres. Most Hispanics attend their own masses in Spanish, usually at non-peak times, an not always in the main church sanctuary.

In addition, Hispanics rarely have the same level of representation on the parish pastoral coun cil as non-Hispanics, and frequently rely on volun teers to manage their own parish programs. b) Most Hispanics are not receiving culturally sensitive programs in their parishes. Less than third of the parishes with a significant Hispani presence offer youth ministry, RCIA, lay leadership training, parish renewal or retreat programs in Spanish. Only 13 percent are developing Christian "base" communities for evangelization and outreach

to Hispanics.

On

the down side... a) Collaboration between Hispanic Ministry and other diocesan departments tends to be limited

In addition, about 21 percent of all Hispanicoriented parishes offer no Hispanic programs, aside

in duration.

from the liturgy and mass in Spanish.

Again, I hope this has been helpful.

b) Most dioceses do not conduct pastoral planning for Hispanics on a consistent or regular basis.

With regard to parish structures, the study

Hispanic Ministry.

Vincentian Father Vincent H. Finnerty

is

director of

becoming himself the "new law" through which salvation said.

is

offered to

all

peoples, he

We welcome your comments and

letters.

Send your Letters to the Editor to Joann S. Keane, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 or e-mailjskeane@charlottediocese.org.

March

2000

10,

Light

field of grain one Sabbath and plucked the ears of grain to eat them, they were technically breaking the rules. Reaping a meal from the harvest was a

One

Candle

FATHER THOMAS

J.

"Why do ,

weekend

I

test the patience

"I find

part of the

many households where teenagers and skill of many a dutiful parent.

mom doesn't make him

so-o-o-o boring!" "John's

"It's

go!"

is

here, Jesus teaches us at least three essentruths vital for our life of faith. First, religion does not consist of rules and regulations. There is a great deal more to religion than Sunday obser-

God more

in nature, so howsabout I just the backyard while you're gone?"

Some arguments are more informed. One dad told me that his 13-year-old recently shot back:

probably think sitting car."

"Remember what Jesus said! 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.'" "What did you do?"

I asked. "Well, I was so impressed that he even knew something from Scripture, I let it go!"

But what is a parent to do? One of the most frequent concerns I hear from moms and dads everywhere is what to do about getting their kids to church. Some have found it helpful to take a closer

look at the matter.

The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew "shabbot," the "cessation of labor." The first thing in the world that God made holy was not a mountain, an

—

not a person, but a day the Sabbath!

"God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it."

(Genesis 2:3) altar,

In time, the Sabbath was defined by elaborate rules and regulations. All work was forbidden.

when

Jesus and his disciples

So were going through a

in a

Second, faith stops

if the performance of your religious you from helping someone in need, then

you misunderstand the essence of religion. People matter far more than systems. Persons are far more important than rituals. Jesus could not have been more clear on this point: the best way to worship

God

is to serve others.

Third, the Sabbath is never more sacred than when it is used to help those who need help. The altar is sacred not only because it is dedicated to

God's worship but also because it spiritual well-being of His children.

more holy than when

is

used for the

Bread is never used to feed one who is

it is

starving.

Then "Do I gotta go?" My answer: the Sabbath means more than not working. It is a day devoted to

God and our

spiritual lives. Its

gins in the home, where

we show

observance belove for family

and friends. And as family and friends, we go to church freely to join with others to thank and worship our Lord and Creator.

Determining the Sunday readings

Question

Q. I have

been struck by the prayerful coherence of the three Scripture readings at the Sunday liturgies and especially appreciate

when

the homilist

shows how

I

know

the readings

like to

know how

come

in three-year cycles, but

they are selected,

who

does the

and when this all began.

When I was growing up, as I recall, the same Sunday passages were read every year. Are these readings fixed or

CNS

representative part of the holy Scriptures be read to the people over a prescribed number of years (No. 51).

The Lectionary

for

Mass

is

the result of that

request. First completed in 1969, some expansions and slight revisions were added later.

In spite of its inevitable limitations, the Lectionary truly is, as you indicate, a remarkable achievement. Under the auspices of the Vatican congregation responsible for the church's worship and sacraments, a group of experts in Scriptural exegesis, liturgy, catechetics and pastoral theology from all parts of the world worked on the task for

several years.

They

first

Columnist

got lost. As with the rest of us older Catholics, you obviously are one who remembers when what we now call the Liturgy of the Word was still considered a negligible, even unnecessary, part of the

Mass.

Today we have returned again

to acknowledge one presence of Christ, who both speaks to us when the Scriptures are proclaimed and who is sacramentally with us above all in the liturgically the

Eucharist.

As you

would

Underlying the entire

effort,

of course,

is

the

church's ancient belief that the celebration of Mass hearing God's word and offering and receiving the Eucharist is one single act of worship. In both of these elements Christ is present as he carries on the work of salvation, makes our human family holy and offers perfect worship to the Father.

—

Somewhere along the

line

much of

that vision

dare you to take Lent seriously you remember, ages and ages ago,

when you were

just a little kid, and you'd get dared to do something?

"Dare you to climb up to the top of that tree!" "Dare you to eat that worm!" "Oh, yeah?

Well I triple dare you to steal home!"

Do you remember how a dare made you feel?

If

you were

a normal kid, it probably you just had to run out and do whatever that dare was about. It didn't matter what it was. You'd been challenged, and you weren't about to back down, right?

OK, how about this? It's Lent. I dare you to take it seriously. Double dare you, in fact.

made you

feel as if

Giving up candy bars and cutting down to one soda a day was fine and dandy when you were a little kid, but you're older now. Don't you think you're ready for a more grown-up approach?

I dare you to take a few minutes out of your life and reflect on what Lent is really all about. Dare you to confront that whole issue of "giving things up" as an adult.

Maybe do it this way: Ponder the whole concept of "sacrifice." Think about how many important things in life require sacrifice.

Being a good athlete requires you to sacrifice time and comfort. Doing your absolute best in school, using the brain God gave you to

and family requires the sacrifice of ego and and the willingness to give.

And it's just like that with God. Being close to God and living within God's comfort and peace requires sacrifice too.

We have to examine our lives closely, all the time, for those things that are keeping us from God. Sometimes those things are sinful, and sometimes they're just a waste of precious time, energy and focus.

So what we do during Lent is try to put a microscope to the stuff in our lives that is keeping us from being closer to God. For some of us it's alcohol or sexual sin that's working at destroying our best selves. For some it's the hours we spend in front of mindless entertainment. For some it's just plain, shut-the-doorin-everyone's-face selfishness.

So I dare you. Dare you to think about Jesus and how much he loves you.

—

Sunday readings are arranged B and C), designated as if Year 1 of the Christian era,

Dare you to clear your life of junk this Lent: junk relationships, junk entertainment, junk pastimes.

Year 2 being B and so on. Thus, all years evenly divisible by three are in the C cycle, with the others

Dare you to open the door to your room and face the rest of your family as though they're human beings, not impositions on your

note, the

in three-year cycles (A,

the series started in

falling into place behind them.

refined the principles which

guide the choice of readings and then assembled the list of texts itself. The Order of Readings is the result of their combined effort.

—

FATHER JOHN DIETZEN

to use others?

A. At Vatican Council II, in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (1963), the bishops of the world ordered that a more lavish table of the word of God be spread before the faithful, that the treasures of the Bible be opened up more widely and that a more

I

Do

pride,

selecting

can they be altered if the priest wants

Columnist

explore this fantastic world, requires its own kind of sacrifices too. So do relationships. Being happy in your relationships with friends

Corner

they,

illuminate each other.

would

CNS

garage will make you a

Whenever we

forget the love and forgiveness, the service and mercy that are at the heart of religion, and replace them by adherence to rules and regulations, religion loses meaning.

sit in

riot

AMY WELBORN

vance. As Garrison Keillor aptly put it: "If you think going to church makes you a Christian, you

Gotta?!"

gotta go to church?!"

ritual in

And

tial

Guest Columnist

I

Coming of Age

form of labor and they were lawbreakers. When confronted, Jesus argued that human need takes precedence over human, and even, divine law. He insisted that we are not to be enslaved by the Sabbath. Quite the opposite, the Sabbath exists to make our lives better.

McSWEENEY

The Sabbath: "Do

The Catholic News & Herald 13

& Columns

Editorials

Most of us know from experience that the Bible texts during Advent, Lent and Easter harmonize with the character and themes of those seasons.

During the

rest of the year (Ordinary Time), the Gospel passages are predominantly from Matthew (A), Mark (B) and Luke (C).

—

freedom.

—

Dare you to go to Mass every single Sunday during Lent, open your heart to God

Not many Catholics, I believe, realize that when the Scripture passages for each year were chosen, a particular effort was made to reflect the unique

and pray, really pray this time.

Dare you take 15 minutes a day and in silence read God's word and listen to him.

Dare you to rest your eyes on Jesus on the cross and not look away after two seconds.

Dare you to reflect on the pain he suf-

theological and stylistic characteristics of that par-

fered out of love for you.

—

— —

Dare you. Double dare you.

See DIETZEN, page

14

14 The Catholic News & Herald

In

March

the News

2000

10,

Dietzen, from page 13

Women

ticular synoptic Gospel.

religious gather at

One

Catholic Conference Center representing a crosssection of the nearly two dozen orders of women religious who serve the Diocese gathered Feb. 26 at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory. The women met to discuss ways to support one another in ministry, and to discuss future plans as a collective group.

"We used to live in convents and had the support of our communities right there with us," said

sisters

Mary Timothy Warfor women religious. "Today, we of sisters who live alone, separated

Mercy

ren, vicar

Sister

have a lot from their communities to build in

some

in distance.

We

need

support, both spiritually and

socially."

The women iam G. Curlin,

Gospel texts

met with Bishop Will-

who thanked

the

women

for

Mary Timothy Warren and

Rosalind Picot chat with one of the Missionaries of Charity Sisters during the Hickory gathering.

in

the

A

cycle.

The same Luke

is

true for

Mark and

in their years, as well as for

in the

many

texts

John from that Gospel

during Lent and Easter.

The first reading, most of the year from the Old Testament, usually is chosen because of some relationship to the other readings, especially to the

Gospel of the day.

Obviously the entire Bible cannot be covered in three years, so some large sections must be omitted. But the church is very concerned that "difficult" texts

also

their dedication and service, and pledged support to their endeavors. Pictured here, Mercy Sisters

of

"feel"

sensitive to the

About 50

much Matthew by being

can, for example, learn

about the

not be easily passed over.

Some profound

literary or interpretative difficulties arise from the texts themselves. But there is "no justi-

according to the rules of the Lectionary, "for concealing from the faithful the spiritual riches of certain

fication,"

texts on the grounds of difficulty if the problem arises from the inadequacy either of the religious education that

Photo by Joann S. Keane

Rice Bowl from page 9 ?

and host two Ukrainian

The

diocese

priests.

was recently honored

with the Operation Rice Bowl

Award

Annual Social Ministries Gathering in Washington, D.C., for the efforts of CRS and Operation Rice Bowl. at the

"We have

quadrupled our Operation

Bowl

offering in the last three

Rice years,

and we have the diocesan

CRS

committee, which most other dioceses don't have. Also, our mini-grant program is unique among the dioceses in the United States," said Frazer.

"The Operation Rice Bowl Pro-

that situation."

gram provides an opportunity

www.catholicrelief.org.

NC

Choir Director, Part-time: St. Barnabas Catholic Parish in beautiful western North Carolina (680+ families) is seeking a practicing Catholic to direct our music program. Applicant to have; experience in liturgical music and a working knowledge of Church documents on liturgy and music; keyboard skills - organ and piano; skills in sic

college degree in liturgy,

mu-

or related field preferred. Responsibilities in-

working with pastor,

staff

and liturgy

commission; fostering parishioner participation; coordinating music and volunteer musicians for all liturgical services, primarily for our three Masses each Sunday and Holy Day; directing the adult and youth choirs; working with cantors and musicians; collaborating with an independent folk group. Salary: $10,000 - $12,000 range plus some benefits. Call Mary Ann Demelfy (828)684-6098 or write to the address below for a job description. Send resume and references to; Search Committee, c/o Fr. Roger Arnsparger, St. Barnabas Catholic Parish, P. O. Box 38, Arden, NC 28740.

Controller: The Diocesan Finance Office is accepting applications for a Controller for Regional Schools. The position is responsible for

the accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, annual audit; and supervises the ac-

webpage at

Contact Staff Writer Alesha

Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or email amprice@charlottediocese.org.

CPA

preferred.

ficer,

Assistant Principal: Our Lady of Grace School, a K-8 Catholic school in Greensboro, NC, is accepting applications for an Assistant Principal for this school year. Applicants must possess the following qualifications: practicing Catholic; current teaching/ administration license for the state of NC; master's degree in education; and at least five years teaching experience. Please send resume and salary expectations to: Ms. Roberta Hutchcraft, Principal, Our Lady of Grace School, 2205 W. Market St., Greensboro, 27403.

Deadline for applications; March 31, 2000.

to their

second step is by contributing to Operation Rice Bowl to help improve

Please forward Chief Financial Of-

NC

Director of Faith Formation: St. Philip Neri Church, Fort Mill, South Carolina, a growing Catholic parish of 700 families in the suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina, is seeking someone to direct its parish formation programs. This person

would be responsible for directing K-High School, RC1A, and developing an adult education program.

Person should have

a master's in theology, at least three years' experience, and three written recom-

mendations. Person needs to recruit and train catechists and have good managerial skills. Send resume plus references to Search Committee, St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 292 Munn Road, Fort Mill, SC 29715.

M.

Classified ads bring results! Over 104,000 readers! Over 42,000 homes!

Rates: $.50/word per issue ($1 0 minimum per issue) Deadline: 1 2 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication date How to order: Ads may be faxed to (704) 370-3382 or mailed to: " Cindi Feerick, The Catholic News & Herald, 1 1 23 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Payment: Ads may be pre-paid or billed. For information, call (704) 370-3332.

EOE.

resume and salary history to: 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, 28207.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

clude;

800-736-3467 or go

families to realistically experience how the poor live," said Jarina. "The

experience.

A

For free materials and other information, call Catholic Relief Services at 1-

counting staff. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in Accounting and three years relevant

Classified

choir directing.

for

r

every Christian should have or of the biblical formation that every pastor of souls should have" (Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass, Art. 76).

This helps to explain that, while considerable flexibility in readings is possible on other occasions, such options are very rare on Sundays and major feasts so as not to blur the character of the season, the sequence of readings or the message from a particular book of the Bible.

pay and flexible hours for warm and loving person who can help out busy mom with infant. Nonsmoker and references required. Please call Judy at (704) 553-8136.

30; Position available July

Principal:

1.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Rocky Mount, NC (Grades PK-

Catholic School,

seeks a principal for the 2000-2001 school must be practicing Catholic, hold teacher certification and principal's license 5)

Infant Care Provider: Henderson/south Buncombe County. Seeking non-smoking, experi-

year. Applicant

enced adult to care for infant part-time; flexible hours beginning late April. References required; pay negotiable. Call Katy at (828)698-2956.

dence

Director of Faith Formation - Full-time position is open at Our Lady of Mercy, a mid-size parish in Winston-Salem. Responsibilities include weekly classes for pre-school through grade 8; parent and

Liturgy/Catechumenate Direct or/ Adult Formation Coordinator: Dynamic college town parish.

Successful candidate will build on a well-estab-

Youth/Young Adult Ministry

student preparation for Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation; coordination of RCIA and adult

of the Re-Membering Church. Parish in initial stages of learning Stewardship and all of its ramifications. New church (i year old) with excellent worship space (with adult immersion font). Need help in maximizing the full potential of the abundant gifts present in this community. Secretarial support provided. Competitive salary and benefits.

Contact Parish Administrator, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514, by April 30, for position July l.

Some background and/or experience in Religious Education preferred. Send resume to Rev. Joseph Angelini, 1919 S. Main St., Winston-Salem, education.

NC 27127. For more information and/or a detailed job description, call Fr. Angelini at (336)722-7001.

Faith Formation Office - Diocesan Regional Coordinator: Charlotte Diocese seeks person with Master's degree in Rel Ed/allied field, five years of demonstrable successful experience in parish/diocesan work. Well-rounded in catechist formation skills. Collaborative. Sensitive to cultural minorities. Good written/oral communication skills. Position is located in the Smoky Mountain and Asheville Region. Please send resume and three letters of recommendation to: Dr. Chris Villapando, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte NC 28203. (704)370-3246. Application deadline

March

24, 2000.

Infant Care Provider: South Charlotte. Excellent

lished process that seeks further implementation

Music Ministry Director: Dynamic

college

parish. Successful candidate will build

on

initial

in

Director:

parish (including one Hispanic) Catholic

A

tri-

com-

munity of 1800 families in a university setting is seeking a full-time Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry to implement comprehensive youth ministry as described in "Renewing the Vision." Candidate should have prior ministry experience, and be able to work collaboratively with staff and members of parish community. Background in Theology, Christian Formation, and/or certification in youth ministry desired. Please contact Rev. Bernard Campbell, CSP, P.O. Box 112, Clemson, SC 29633 or (864)654-1757.

town

a well-

established program that includes hand bells, pipe organ, grand piano, tympani, etc. Select music for liturgies; direct/develop traditional and children's choir; coordinate with contemporary choir. Parish in

must establish resiRocky Mount. Send resume to: Search Committee, 331 Hammond Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. (or in progress). Principal

stages of implementing Stewardship and

of its ramifications. New church with excellent worship space. Secretarial support provided. Competitive salary and benefits. Contact Parish Administrator, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514, by April

FOR SALE Queen Mattress

Set:

warranty. Never used.

Call (704)

Brand name. Manufacturer

New

$399. Sell for $195.

321-2646

all

King Mattress Set: Brand name. Manufacturer warranty. Never used. New $599. Sell for $275.

Call (704) 321-2646.

March

2000

10,

n

The Catholic News & Herald 15

the New:

Blessed Bakhita a model of Christian By

The faithful

DIANNE RIGGS

Correspondent lives of the saints provide the

with exemplary models of

men and women who dwelt

in the

love of Christ and lavished that love upon others, often in the most humble of ways. Such was the life of Blessed

who

Josephine Bakhita,

the first Sudanese saint

canonized on Oct. Called

will become when she is

1.

of

whom

faith,

those at the

Born into a prosperous, loving family in Sudan, Africa, in 1869, Bahkita experienced a world turned suddenly upside down when she was kidnapped and sold into slavery at the age of nine. So severe were her tortures, both physical and moral, that she even forgot her own name. She was sold and resold in the markets of cities.

One owner named her

"Bakhita," which

means

made

a mistake that incensed the master's son. He became furious,

snatched me violently from my hiding place, and began to strike me ferociously with the lash and his feet. Finally he left me half dead, completely unconscious. Some slaves carried me

away and placed me on where

a straw mat remained for over a month."

I

b

1

1

even if always veiled by nostalgia for her own family who were perhaps

She was eventually sent to care for a

to Italy

young woman named

the daughter of one of the

who was attending a boarding school run by the Canossian sisters. It was here, Consul's friends,

through the sisters' nurturing, that she learned of the Catholic faith and of the God whom she knew was al-

ways

her heart.

After several months, Bakhita was initiated into the Catholic in

Church and assumed the name Josephine. The year was 1890. From then on, according to the Canossian

Web

site, she was often seen kissing the baptismal font, saying, "Here, I

became

a

daughter of God."

When Mimmina's mother came

fortunate.

She described in first-person narrative one of the horrors, according to the February 2000 issue of Living City magazine: "One day I unwittingly

sisters' Web site, in the consul's residence she "experienced peace, warmth and moments of joy,

Canossian

Mimmina,

:

,

lost forever."

Canossian Institute found humble, simple and tender of heart.

Sudan's

„u„ was „.„„ ., she bought by the Italian consul, Callisto Legnani. For the first time, no one used the lash, but instead treated her in a loving, cordial way. According to the

Mother Moretta, our Black

Mother, by the Canossian Daughters of Charity community at Schio, Italy, Josephine Bakhita emerged from a cruel background and became a

woman

, qq * 1.883,

t„ In

to take her

and Bakhita back to Africa, Bakhita, who was now of age, refused. With the help of the Canossian superior, the cardinal and the king's procurator, it was declared that since slavery was illegal in Italy, Bakhita could not be forced to return to Africa.

Bakhita remained with the sisters, discerning her call to become a religious. On Dec. 8, 1896, she was consecrated forever to God, whom she called the Master.

.

community, Bakhita

In

performed very humble tasks: sewing, cooking, embroidery, door-keeping.

She was known to pray

for the sisters

of her community, who held her in high esteem for her piety, and she was fond of the children whom the sisters taught.

According

to the Canossian Web her voice, "which had the inflection and rhythm of the music of her country, was pleasing to the little site,

ones, comforting to the poor and suffering and encouraging for those who

knocked

at the

door of the

Institute."

Her experiences in childhood and young adulthood did much to shape her desire to serve God and to live the religious life. She once said, according to Living City, "If I were to meet the

who kidnapped me, and who tortured me, I would

slave-traders

even those kneel and kiss their hands, for if that did not happen, I would not be a

continued to witness in faith. To those who visited her and asked how she was, she would respond with a smile, noting that she accepts God's wishes!

She died on Feb. 8, 1947, at the age of 78, surrounded by sorrowful, praying sisters. A large crowd gathered to see for the final time their

"Mother Moretta" and to ask for her intercession from heaven.

At the Canossian General House,

hundreds of letters were received from persons who had experienced the efficacy of her intercession. She was proclaimed blessed by Pope John Paul II on July 6, 1991. t

CHARLOTTE —

A delegation from St. Peter Church in Charlotte that has rostered a relationship with a community in northeast El Salvador will travel to the Central American locale later this month meet with some old friends and commemorate the death of Archbishop Oscar Romero of San

Salvador Since 1990, the parish's El Salvador interest group has fostered a relationship with Segundo Montes, a civil-war weary refugee community 100 miles northeast of San Salvador. Continuing their pastoral and

Segundo Montes, the parish group

financial assistance to a delegation there March 18-26 as delegation will get updates on the status of a will

send

part of its jubilee observation. The variety of social justice, educational, community and church projects made possible through the involvement of the interest group.

The delegation will also take part in the 20th anniversary observance of the death of Archbishop Romero, who was killed while celebrating Mass during El Salvador's bloody civil war.

ONE MONTH

CHRISTIAN SUMMER CAMPS In the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina Owned and Directed by Roman Catholics

Braxton

SILER CITY.

NORTH CAROLINA & 2 bedroom

y 1

apartments place where a child can explore, build self-confidence and self-esteem.

A wholesome and challenging environment where our youth can play, learn and grow in faith together.

mountain

camps, in the heart of the Blue Ridge, surrounded by national forest, Whitewater rivers and waterfalls offering: rock climbing, swimming, drama, Whitewater canoeing, horseback riding, archer}', high ropes, backpacking, arts

biking, kayaking, gymnastics, tennis, nature study,

riflery,

team

and

sports,

crafts,

and

mountain

v

> All electric

> All appliances > On-site laundry > Keyless entry > Sitting area

CAMP

(919) 663-1877 Ages 8-17 Tuition starts around

FOR GIRLS

101 $2100

S.

3rd

Avenue

Siler City, N.C.

Please callfor a VIDEO.

CAMP

UH05ATONGA

Hours: Mon-Fri 9-6:00 p.m.

"I will lift

FOR BOYS to the

2500 Morgan Mill Road, Brevard,

NC 28712

E-mail: kahdalea@citcom.net

up

mountains, from

whence comes

—

my eyes my help."

Manor Apartments An affordable

rental

Sat 10-4:00 p.m.

Sun 1-5:00 p.m. or by appointment

Psalms 121:1

Il=r

apartment

community designed especially for persons 55 and over with limited income.

Planned activities and services.

Stop in for a visit and let us shoiu you our decorated model and meet some of

your neiu neighbors!

more...

Call today!

(828) 884-6834

had many speaking engagements.

Towards the end of her life, she became ill and was confined to a wheelchair. Even with the long, painful years of sickness, Mother Bakhita

Charlotte parishioners to travel to El Salvador, commemorate Romero death

FREE RENT!

T\vo

' ' Christian and Religious today.'"

In 1930, a biography of her life was published and from then on, she

To commemorate this jubilee event, the interest group has designed sweatshirts for its supporters. For further information on how you can help support the work of the interest group, call Mike Horn at (704) 598-4283. t

'1111

A

faith, pietv +

16 The Catholic News & Herald

March

.

Living the Faith

10,

2000

Black History Month celebrated

Mass

at St. Lawrence Basilica

By JOANITA M.

NELLENBACH

Correspondent People must look ASHEVILLE

—

beyond the symbols

to the soul of and Catholic cultures, the vice chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte told the congregation in the Basilica of St. Lawrence at a recent Mass observing Black History Month.

Rev. Mr. Curtiss Todd, who also serves as vicar of African American Affairs in the diocese, was homilist at the Feb. 27 Mass. Father Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the dioblack, white

cese, presided.

of the basilica,

Father Cecil Tice, rector had invited Father West

and Rev. Mr. Todd

to help the parish

celebrate Black History

Month.

What started some years ago as Black History Week has become Black History Month, but, Rev. Mr. Todd said, "We want to be celebrated all

year

The

—

as all cultures should be."

Catholic Church also

is

cel-

ebrating a Jubilee year. A banner hanging in front of the basilica proclaims the Jubilee message, "Open Wide the Doors to Christ." But, Rev.

"All people are created in the

image and likeness of God, and we are not entitled to deny that. Some people say when they look at me, 'Curtiss, I don't see a black man.' I know what they mean, but I have to ask, Whatdo you see?' Because that's what I am.

That's what God made me to be."

White U.S. culture in America has been shaped by white European culture, he said, and so has Catholic Church culture.

When

Church

Todd

blacks look at the Catholic

in the

said,

United

many

feel

States,

Rev. Mr.

unwelcome when

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

and Father Mauricio West greet parishioners the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville.

Rev. Mr. Curtiss Todd, after

Mass

at

left,

Catholics in the United States. According to the National Conference of

Catholic

Bishops/United

States

Catholic Conference's Secretariat for African American Catholics, 2.3 million Catholics are African American.

In this diocese,

two

priests in active

white priests and

ministry are African American, and Rev.

nuns, a white hierarchy, the grandeur of European royalty, and art and icons

is the church?" he asked. 'We doors to be opened are not the

showing fair-skinned people.

While differences in worship style between white and black congregations exist, he added, one is not better

Mr. Todd is the only African-American permanent deacon currently serving. Of the 94 parishes and missions in

"Who The

said,

to that

Mr. Todd says, there's more than might seem obvious. are.

theme from the day's second reading from the second letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians. He quoted from the reading: "You are bur letter, written on our hearts, known and read by all, shown to be a letter of Christ ministered by us, written not in ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets that are hearts of flesh."

"What do people see when they read my heart's letter?" he asked.

He acknowledged the differences between black and white cultures, but

We must open our minds and our hearts to Christ. Opening wide the doors to Christ means being the Jesus someone needs to see."

Rev. Mr. Todd added that before one can evangelize others, he or she must experience evangelization of self.

Rev. Mr. Todd took his homily doors to the building.

all

they encounter

is

than the other.

Rev. Mr. Todd's comments reflect on the ethnic makeup of today's church, both in the United States and in the Diocese of Charlotte.

There are more than 62 million

the diocese, three have predominantly

African-American congregations.

In November 1989, the U.S. Catholic bishops approved and recommended a pastoral plan for black Catholics. The plan, originally adopted by the National Black Catholic Congress in 1987, focused on Catholic identity of African-American Catholics, ministry and leadership in the community, and the obligation to reach out to broader society.

The plan was part of an effort by

the U.S. bishops to

more

effectively

evangelize the nation's AfricanAmerican Catholics. It dealt with a multitude of issues, including cultural, spiritual, educational and social awareness and development.

Black soul and culture come mainly from Africa, Rev. Mr. Todd said in his homily, but "slavery

In St.

stripped Africans of their culture, their identity, even their humanity.

What

But, he said, "Everybody has the

right to belong to their

No

one culture

ing pot, one, with

— Psalm

Associate Editor

NC 28203 Web

site at

Jimmy Rostar

con-

Rector

Parocltial Vicar

Rev. Mr. Nicholas Fadero

(704) 334-2283 www.stpatricks.0r2

Cross 2000

Fridays during Lent at 7:30 pm

Dean Cesa

1621 Dilworth Road East Visit our

individuality.

for the Jubilee

The Very Rev. Paul Gary

Deacon

Photo by Joann S. Keane

its

tributed to this story.

ofthe

130: 1-2 Charlotte,

stew

distinctions, but in a

Stations

Rev.

fathedral

the ingredients blend into

Rev. Mr. Todd noted that he is asked from time to time why he feels a sense of belonging in a church with such a relatively small percentage of African-American congregants. "I tell them, a Catholic is a Christian who believes that God manifested himself to the world through Jesus Christ," he said, "and that the purpose of life is to know, love and serve God through divine worship and service to others."

us every Friday during Lent.

Patrick

no

whole while retaining

Blessed Sacrament

St.

all

pot, each ingredient contributes to the

this JubileeYear,

..

culture.

understand the soul of the culture."

All are to evangelize, reconcile and celebrate, he said. America has been called a "melting pot," but a better term might be "stew pot," he added. In a melt-

+ 7:30 pm: Solemn Stations of the Cross + 8:00 pm:Holy Hour ofAdoration + 9:00 pm: Benediction of the

"Out of the depths I cry to to you, O Lwiba^ ^ Lord, hear my voice! oice!

Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication."

own

better than any

is

other. Jesus came for everybody.

There should be respect for all cultures. Go beyond the symbols and

Patrick Cathedral invites you

to join

they were allowed to keep was

for the entertainment of others."

j