March 20, 1998

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News & Herald

Volume 7 Number 29

Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

Colonial Gallery Opens I March 21 At I

Museum

Mint

I

See story page 6

By JIMMY

ROSTAR

— Hoping

newed diocesan-wide

among

the

I I

of the Mint

Museum

of Art's

granted the presbyteral council's request

cese at Pentecost, especially in this year

to delegate the administration of confir-

dedicated to the Spirit by our Holy Father,"

council, elected

from the

he

said.

While

priests

the privilege of confirmation with pastors

of the Charlotte Diocese.

"This

ment

during the Rite of Christian Initiation of

a great teaching

is

mo-

Adults,

often, Pentecost

"Too lA

is

—

"purify their hearts" by examining their In a

long-awaited document on the Holocaust, the Vatican expressed repentance

for Christians

who

failed to

oppose Nazi

persecution of Jews.

The document,

released

March

16,

said centuries of anti-Jewish attitudes in the church may have contributed to Christians' lack of spiritual and concrete resistance to the Nazi policies,

some 6

which

left

million Jews dead.

during the Second World War must be a call to penitence. We deeply regret the errors and failures of those sons and daughters of the church," it said.

"This is an act of repentance," it said, "since, as members of the church, we are linked to the sins as well as the merits of all her children."

ters

Titled

"We Remember: A Reflection

pared over an tifical

1 1

text

was

pre-

-year period by the Pon-

Commission

for Religious Rela-

tions with the Jews, at the request of Pope

John Paul -

II. It

was

responsibility for the "evils of our

time" in anticipation of the year 2000.

The pope said he hoped the document would "help to heal the wounds of past misunderstandings and injustices" and help shape a future "in which the unspeakable iniquity of the Shoah will never again be possible."

Addressed to all Catholics, the Vatican document was also sent to Jew-

around the world. The text asked Jews to "hear us with open hearts," saying it represented not merely words, but a binding commitment.

Cardinal Edward I. Cassidy, who heads the Vatican commission that prepared the text, said it went beyond an apology to Jews, because "an act of repentance is more than an apology."

The Vatican document, while acknowledging shortcomings of some Christians during World War II, said others had acted heroically to save Jews. In a series of footnotes, it defended Pope Pius XII, who has been criticized by some Jewish groups as too timid in his criticism of Nazi actions. ish leaders

"For Christians, this heavy burden of conscience of their brothers and sis-

on the Shoah," the 14-page

own

carefully reviewed

before publication by the pope and a number of other Vatican departments.

accompanying letter, the pope called the Jewish Holocaust, or Shoah, an "indelible stain" on history.

He said the church's reflection was part In a brief

of an effort to encourage Christians to

The

some

we

for the millennium. Catholics

don't

will

who

its

great mission in Jerusalem." is

the

Holy

second chapter of the Acts of the Aposdes

which

details the Pentecost event,

is

re-

"Sometimes we forget Spirit

is

Jesus today."

is

the perfect day to cel-

ebrate the sacrament of confirmation, and the priests have brought a very pastoral

focus to the celebration of the working of the Spirit

on

that day,"

Bishop Curlin

said.

By granting the permission to confirm on Pentecost, the bishop gives pastors the opportunity to administer the sacrament before entire congregations, thereby ensuring a Spirit-filled event for the whole parish family.

Much

like the Rite

of Adults

call to

conversion for

is

of Christian

all

Catholic Chris-

tians, so too celebrating the

confirmation

at

Ini-

a sign of the continual

tiation

sacrament of

Pentecost will be a sign

of the working of the Spirit in each com-

Holy

who empowers us, who lifts us up when we're discouraged. It is by the power of the Spirit that we can live like

us,

Confirmation is the sacrament by which baptized Catholics become further enriched with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to live as witnesses of Jesus.

that the

guiding the church," Bishop "He is the one who guides

Curlin said.

The bishop noted that some parishes have already planned creative expressions of this Pentecost observance. At one parish, he said, students will be confirmed at the Vigil and take leadership roles at a bilingual

Mass

for the entire

community

on Pentecost Sunday. The Sunday Masses will be combined into one great celebration, followed by a festive parish gathering, he said.

Bishop Curlin urged parishes to assist young Catholics in realizing that confirmation

is

a vitally important step in their

our young however busy they may be in their lives with school events and social life and family gatherings, do not lose sight of the majesty of this great gift of the Holy faith journey. "I pray that

people,

Spirit,"

The

Christians to protest the

mandated to accept the permission to con-

The process for reception of the sacrament of confirmation is facilitated by the diocesan office offaith formation, one of the 35 agencies and ministries partially or fully funded by the annual Diocesan Support Appeal.

a distinction:

and hostility toChristian environments, it

He noted that some parish confirmation classes will not be ready for the sacrament on Pentecost, observed on May 30 this year. He also said he is honored to

See Vatican Repentance, page 2

continue the tradition of administering the

may have been linked

to centuries of mistrust in

II is

diocese's pastors are invited rather than

made

Holocaust policies

ward Jews

leading the spiritual journey to Year 2000, dedicating 1997 and faith, 1998 to the Holy Spirit and hope, and 1 999 to the Father and love.

Paul

garded as the beginning of the church.

"Pentecost

es-

Spirit,

to Jesus

upon the Apostles. The

Spirit's descent

Holy

enlivens the

the Jubilee

celebrated 50 days after

commemorates

Easter and

God and most

work of evangelization. Pope John

birthday of the church, which

enlivened by the Holy Spirit began Pentecost

in appreciation for

pecially for the

celebrate Christmas and Easter.

"It is the

grow

the Triune

much in the same way that we

munity of faith, the bishop said.

Bishop Curlin stressed that the

text also

failure of

unfortunate that

opti-

mism that as the church prepares

It

celebrate the majesty of Pente-

cost

Easter Vigil the sac-

Bishop Curlin voiced

V

nized as one of the major solemnities of the church.

at the

those entering the church.

not recog-

is

when

raments of initiation are conferred upon

in the history of the dio

cese," said Bishop Curlin.

By JOHN THAVIS VATICAN CITY (CNS)

be

board to the bishop

in

Vatican Expresses Repentance For Christian Inaction Against Nazis

this year's celebration will

unique, Bishop Curlin ordinarily shares

gallery set to

Charlotte.

Sunday.

this

serving in western North Carolina, func-

I

I

to pastors this Pentecost

tions as an advisory

open March 21

the priests have said,

mation

Spanish Colonial

I

"As

to participate.

would be a visible sign of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit over the dio-

The

I I

appreciation for

bishop encourages parishes

StiU, the

Bishop William G. Curlin recently

Spirit,

Peruvian works on display as part

I

at other

times during the year. for a re-

Pentecost in the year dedicated to the Holy

"Defense of the Sacrament" is

I

20, 1998

sacrament as bishop in parishes

Staff Writer

CHARLOTTE

J

March

Pentecost Confirmation A Teaching Moment For Diocese, Says Bishop

Spanish I

I

•

firm.

he

said.

2 The Catholic

News

& Herald

March

Vatican Repentance,

from page

Law Calls For Commission To Study Cardinal

1

But the anti-Semitic ideology of the Nazi regime had different origins and in fact was also antisaid.

Christian,

it

U.S.-Cuba Relations

said.

"The Shoah was the

work of a thoroughly modern neo-pagan regime.

had

By JOSEPH NOWLAN

—

SOMERVILLE,

anti-Semitism roots outside of

Its

its

Mass. (CNS) of Boston has objection to the U.S. em-

Law

Cardinal Bernard F.

Christianity and, in pursu-

reaffirmed his

ing its aims, it did not hesitate to oppose the church and persecute her

bargo against Cuba while at the same time calling for a bipartisan commission

on U.S.-Cuba

members also," it said.

The document asked

way

to help

economic develop-

ment. visitor to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington looks over an exhibit on rescuer Father Jacques de Jesus, a French priest who hid Jewish boys and others from the Gestapo during World War II. The Vatican document on the Holocaust acknowledges the

or even indifferent, to the

persecutions launched against the Jews by Na-

shortcomings of some Christians during the war, but said others had acted heroically to save lives.

it

reached power.

impossible to reasonably sup-

embargo against Cuba while at same time granting Most Favored

port the the

Nation status to the People's Republic

ers."

century, discrimination against Jews in

Did Christians give every possible assistance to those being persecuted, and

'different,'"

The document

it

said.

said that

said

March

Law

13.

by the

1

is

not so evident,

ent standard there

than religious."

human

rights in general

and on reUgious liberty specifically," he said. "If openness is thought to further freedom in those nations where change

9th

Europe was "more sociological and political

able record on

is

how

is it

that a differ-

Cuba when

applied to

The

cardinal

made

his

remarks

in a

speech to the American

Those who did help Jews should not be forgotten, the document said, and here it offered the example of Pope Pius. It cited a series of testimonials and thanks from

ries of racial superiority, clearly contrary

& Sciences in Somerville, a Boston sub-

Jewish leaders immediately after the war, acknowledging what it described as the "wisdom" of Pope Pius' diplomacy.

In reflecting on the Holocaust, the

cies

"Many

Jews? it asked.

did, but others did not,"

it

said.

examined several cen-

document turies of what it called "tormented" relations between Jews and Christians. briefly

"In effect, the balance of these relations over 2,000 years has

negative,"

The

it

been quite

said.

early centuries of Christianity,

it

witnessed disputes between the church and Jewish leaders. Christian mobs that attacked synagogiies and anti- Jewish interpretations of the New Testament. said,

to

church teaching. The church in Ger-

many

replied by condemning racism, it of Nazi poliby other church leaders of the time.

said. It also cited criticism

Asked at a press conference why the document spoke only of Catholic indifference or insensitivity to Nazi policies,

and not of church members who actively supported the Nazi regime. Cardinal Cassidy said it would have been problematic to select church figures for criti-

Academy of Arts

urb.

Cardinal Law led a group of 240 Bostonians to Cuba in January for Pope

John Paul

11' s visit

to the

communist

nation.

While many are convinced the dinal pointed out that "it

is

not the

alone, stunning though

it

was, which

chronicles change...

"To sit in judgment on people is much more difficult than to praise those

curred without the active approval of

who

has been a promoter, not an obstacle, to

took a stand" against Nazism, he

said.

President Castro," the prelate added.

what

Preparation of the document was

is

now happening

Cardinal

Law

sions.

thinking.

which led

to ex-

engagement can achieve far more change within Cuba than can the emtive

bargo."

Part of the reason the

embargo has

not been

lifted, the cardinal said, is what he termed "the pressure of partisan poli-

tics."

But a bipartisan commission, as he urging, "would have as its charge the development of policy initiatives which could build on the changes already peris

ceived in

Cuba

since the pope's visit,"

he explained. suggested that such a commis-

sion could be headed by a former U.S.

president and

would include a cross-sec-

and prominent Cuban- Americans.

The cardinal also called on President tion of senators, corporate executives

new

Clinton to "chart a

relationship be-

tween the United States and Cuba."

He further urged the president to

See Cardinal Law, page 12

"He

Cuba." remains a critic of in

The Lost Son

in Christian quarters,

Readings for the week of March 22 28, 1998

—

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Monday

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Tuesday

specifications,

,

4:

who

desires the opportunity to create an

You'll

crisis to

The Holy Father has am-

"These changes could not have oc-

cism.

Cassidy said it took so long to publish because the document reflected an important "maturation process" of church

generalized discrimination against Jews

visit.

ply demonstrated that a policy of posi-

visit

pulsions and attempts at forced conver-

cited a

of U.S. policy from the missile

."

Castro but said he believes hfting the

document

The embargo dates back to 1962, Cuban missile crisis.

The cardinal urged the United States and its leaders to "move the starting point

the year of the

visit

has accelerated changes in Cuba, the car-

begun in 1987, at a time of tensions in Catholic-Jewish relations. Cardinal

In later times, the

a necessity

cines.

He

evident change?"

is

Nazism in Germany, it said, was a form of nationalism that drew from theo-

in particular to persecuted

is

Cuba finds itself today, lack-

ing necessities, including food and medi-

of China, and while moving into closer relations with Vietnam," Cardinal

"Both of these nations have a deplorlove for all, even for one's enemies, the prevailing mentality down the centuries penalized minorities and those who were

any way

given where

the papal

"It is

The answer would need to be given case by case, it said.

But it concluded that "the spiritual resistance and concrete action" of some Christians was "not that which might have been expected from Christ' s follow-

in

U.S. economic embargo

r

A

among Christians made them less sensitive, timent

when

relations as a

the island nation's photo by

whether anti-Jewish sen-

tional Socialism

20, 1998

(800) 33 1 -0768

It's

Will

in

be a

Cavaill<i-Coll,

Ha nson a Schn ger

Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10

Luke 1:26-38 Thursday

Exodus 32:7-14 John 5:31-47

(Luke 15:31-32)

the world.

Friday

your choice now. it

"My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours, but now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found."

a

Wisdom

2:1,

John 7:1-2,

10,

12-22 25-30

or an AeolianSkinner?

Saturday Jeremiah 11:18-20 John 7:40-53

s

1

March

The Cathohc News

20, 1998

Appeal Sunday

CSS Beatty Award Honors Dianne English ter, was a social justice advocate.

While serving as pastor of a church in Illinois, he became active in the

movement with

civil rights

Martin Luther King

Like her father, English has spent the last several years working for peace, temperance

and justice in

the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region.

Named

executive director of Mecklenburg Ministries in 1991, she has developed such programs as Bridgebuilders, InnerChange, and Youth Breaking Barriers. At the same time, she has maintained the organization's historical involve-

ment with the Emergency Winter Shelter, the airport chaplaincy

and

Christian.

By

MIKE KROKOS Editor

CHARLOTTE to social action

Francis

J.

— A woman

was recognized

Beatty

dedicated

as the Col.

Award winner March

As

she continues her

hopes

more

J.

like Col. Francis

cess

among people of

warmth, compassion, and the highest ideals of ecumenism. English is the second woman and first non-Cathohc to receive the award, "Dianne is a woman of vision, who saw a dream and its possibilities, and who

Building Conference attended

Beatty

plants seeds Sister

who

—

faith, dignity,

beyond her time,"

said

Mary Thomas Burke, 1997

Mercy

winner,

presented this year's Beatty award,

"In this, she truly exemplifies the values

and beUefs of the late Col. Beatty, whose life gave witness to the beatitudes and who challenges tice,

all

of us to work for peace, jus-

and equality for all."

Enghsh's father, a Methodist minis-

annual fund-raising drive that supports 35 social services, multicultural, educational

task force

is

The

which took "Love in Action" as its theme this year, began Feb. 1.

Barbara Rohrman, director of the DSA, said at press time that 67 percent of the diocese's goal of $2.76 million had been pledged.

Diocesan officials are optimistic that

11

be met with Appeal Sunday Weekend. During each Mass, parish leaders will make presentations, and pledge cese, the target will

cards will be available to parishioners

have not yet responded.

Noting continual growth

day

is

In the Jan.

made each

30 issue of Hie Catholic News

the importance of the

DSA

in relation to

building up the church in westem North Caro-

CCHS

received CSS' Spirit Award. Shown with Bishop William G. Curlin are Julie Schwarzmueller;

"A

on the support it receives from parishioners," he said. "The lina.

Mercy

Sister Paulette Williams; Sara McMillan; Martha Hattaway; Patrick Cahill; Bobby Tran; Katie Schwartz; Lacey Niedosik; Geri King; and CSS Executive Director Elizabeth Thurbee.

DSA,

parish exists

though,

is

a visible reminder, a chal-

lenge to Catholics to recognize the entire dio-

cese as one parish family.

on the path," she said of the "As a good friend reminded me

to stay

task force.

His Excellency, Bishop William G. Curlin, announces the following change in clergy assignment in the Diocese of Charlotte.

years ago, the path is difficult, and it can if you're not on it with people you care about. I have been richly blessed."

be too hard

English said the lessons learned

at

Mecklenburg Ministries have been invaluable as well. "It (has) echoed what I had been taught at home, namely that a com-

March

EflFective

Rev.

Richard B.

16,

1998

Fariuell, pastor

ofSaint Dorothy Church,

Lincolnton, will be leaving his diocesan assignment to re-enter the Benedictine Order

Remember

HisWn -

8:(X),

Vloncla)-

-

Friday

SaUiixlay

Satuidav

—

9:30,

!

—

H()var\

Hn

\\\

Mass 9

30PM

1:00AM

,!i

12:30PM

7:30AM

&L

n-.mu

00AM Novena

9

ou can express your commitment to your Church by making a bequest to the Diocese of Charlotte statement included in your Will:

"/ leave to the

Charlotte (or (or

our website at www.hows.net/28203spc fi

Charlotte, \( 2H2()3

("'Oi)3S

Roman

22S^

sum of $

percent of the residue of my estate) for

For more information on »

Catholic Diocese of

parish, city) the

religious, educational

Parochial Vicar: Reverend Walter Ray Williams Visit

Bishop William G. Curhn

or to your parish. Simply have the following

4:00 to S:0()PM OX by request

in St. Leo, Florida.

"A valid Will stands as a continuing expression of our concern for loved ones, as well as an ongoing commit-

30AM

Rector: The Very Reverend Paul Gary

1621 Dilworth Road East

ofSt. Leo Abbey

ment to the Church and the community in which we live."

In Yours.

5

of

& Herald, Bishop William G. Curlin noted

Community

that is

fruits

DSA will reach out to even greater

fmm last year's appeal.

benefited

pubhc awareness. EngUsh'

commitment

who

Diocese

numbers than the estimated 40,000 people who

issue action teams, face-to-face

by more than 600 people, "Like most of you who work in areas where there are no easy or sure answers, the

in the

of Charlotte, officials project that the this year' s

working to develop

in a successful

appeal,

through the generosity of people in the dio-

dialogue opportunities, and general

and

vocational agencies and ministries.

and

See CSS Award, page

—

29, thus ending the Diocese of Charlotte's

diverse

work has most recently resulted

late Col.

Staff Writer

The annual Diocesan Support Appeal comes to a close March 28-

and ethnic backgrounds

whose life forth by the

exemplifies the standards set

By JIMMY ROSTAR

CHARLOTTE

Community Building Task Force since last April.

With a goal of creating an active community building pro-

in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the

Social Services to an individual

DSA

Beatty himself.

Uke to be delivering hot meals to hungry people in my 80s, to love and be cherished by my family, to enjoy the life I've been given, and to witness to the truth that in God's eyes we are aU one," she said.

English and her husband, Roger, are the parents of three children: David, Wesley, and Christian. They are members of Myers Park United Methodist Church.

Also honored were the recipients of the Spirit Award, Charlotte Catholic High "I'd

served as director of the

Westin Hotel.

Dianne EngUsh, executive director of Mecklenburg Minstries and director of the Conununity Building Task Force, received the honor presented annually by Cathohc at the

commitment to to become

social action, English

English has also

racial

1

Mark Close of

people in attendance.

other community-based programs.

Beatty award winner Dianne English and husband Roger, with children, Wesley, David,

Weekend to

mitment to the life of faith and to social action belonged together," she told the 450

Dr.

Jr.

& Herald 3

how

and charitable works." to

make

a Will that works, contact

Jim Kelley, Diocese of Oiarlotle, Office of Development, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, (704) 370-3301

its

.

4 The Catholic News

& Herald

CPrO'-Zoife

March

The Pope Speaks

Corner

Pope John Paul II

VATICAN CITY

(CNS) — Here

Pope John Paul II's remarks weekly general audience March 1 1

text of

Please vote

to restore the

Mexico

and stop

exporting abortion-on-demand to other nations. Federal funds should not subsidize organizations that perform abortions or that lobby against or violate foreign abortion laws.

City Policy

Contact your two U.S. Senators and your U.S. Representative, by letter, FAX, ore-mail:

The Honorable _ U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C., 20515

U.S. Senate

Washington, D.C. 20510 Information about telephone, FAX numbers or e-mail address can be found through the Library of Congress' website, "Thomas."

human affairs. God intervenes in history at own choosing. We must discern these times

her history, the church experiences both periods when her missionary efforts seem to be less effective and

his

''ad limina " report to

Pope John Paul II.

versions

teaches, and greater serenity in confronting the

bility to

evangelize must discern these times in order

make

the best use of the opportunities offered

human weaknesses,

the

Holy

tic

witnesses to the Gospel.

power of

be authen-

The same power

will al-

ing pilgrims and visitors present at this audience, es-

^

March 20, 1998 Volume 7 • Number 28

I

Not?

Rock and the Giga no, I'm convinced, I've come up solution to every moral dilemma

—

And

The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks duhng June, July and August for$15 peryearforenrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $18 per year for all other subscribers.

Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, PO Box 37267, Charlotte,

NC

28237.

many

culture."

Pope John Paul had particular praise for the parochial school system in the United States and for parish programs aimed at bringing inactive Catholics back to church.

do whatever it is she wants, no matter how mindless.

Why her,

should

I

be nice

to

you are thinking, why I do what she asks?

Stop, breathe and turn

should

that's priceless, isn't

that question around.

it?

Now,

don't

tell

Why

me that you don't care.

you are reading these words by a religion writer in a Catholic newspaper, you have already shown me that you have a conscience. You've already demonstrated that the question of right and wrong choices is If

important to you.

And you probably are painfully aware St.

good we want

how

diffi-

can be.

Paul writes,

we

too often end up not doing

and doing evil we really, in our want any part of. we end up propelled along that road is that the right choice is usually the more difficult path that narrow road Jesus talked about.

So we've come up with all kinds of tricks and techto

heart of hearts, don't

Of

course, the reason

make

the right choices, all sorts of

not?

Another example: You're American high school student with amazing educational opportunities, comfortable Uving conditions, and a life that is unique and precious and given to you

by God. Every day you are faced with the question of what to do with that life, and you ask: Why should I spend time studying instead of watching television or surfing the Internet? Why should I set time aside to help others? Why should I try to strive to be the best I can be rather than settle for that lazy slacker a typical

existence?

Try

—

schemes to give us the right framework in decision making and values identification and all that jazz.

As of this moment, you can put all of those mind bending rationales away in the bottom drawer. You're not going to need them after you hear about my method for getting yourself to do the right thing, even when you don't want to.

It is so simple. It even has a simple name: "Why Not?" That's it. "Why Not?" Think about it.

You are talking with your Mom, discussing your life in general and how you really need to be doing just a bit more around the house to justify the air space you are occupying. You feel your emotions rising and your resistance to doing whatever your Mom is telling you to do is going up right along with it.

You are tempted to start talking back and refusing

E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

who

to

may never reap millions through invaluable con-

niques to help us

Jane Glodowski 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: PO Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382

those

—

cause division and should be of one mind

often needlessly

among

and heart."

Pope John Paul told the bishops that once the good news of the Gospel is accepted by individuals, "it demands to be shared." Christians, he said, "have a particular responsibility to contribute to the renewal of

tributions to society such as the Pet

Editor:

Secretary:

—

which

Amy Welbom

Why

Publisher:

Most Reverend William G. Curlin Michael Krokos Associate Editor: Joann Keane Staff Writer:Jimmy Rostar Hispanic Editor: Luis Wolf Production Associate: Julie Radcliffe

issues

polarization

Coming Of Age

the

& Herald

the

Spirit enables Christ's disciples to

by

ways continue to produce new marvels of grace in the work of the evangelization of peoples.

I extend a warm welcome to all the English-speak-

As

News

community what the church actually

to help all sectors of the Catholic

find greater certainty about

cult those choices

The Catholic

An essential part of any bishop's ministry, he said, "must be

when the Gospel is welcomed and conmultiply. Those who have a special responsi-

with the surefire you're ever going to face.

March 15-27 making

"The purpose of our ministry is to lead the the church into a living communion with with one another."

said,

members of

favorable times

to

Pope

told U.S. bishops.

II

In his formal address to the visiting bishops, the

God and

Pet, but I think

Rome

division within parishes or in the wider church.

John Paul

pope

CurliTii will

is in

teaching and help them resolve issues that can lead to

man, whose saving work continues

in the church. In

CITY

— Bishops must help

and allow ourselves to be challenged by them. The most fundamental time was the coming of the Son of God as

pheOpal GalenJar

The bishop

VATICAN (CNS)

Catholics understand church

times of his

from Denmark, Australia, the Philippines, Japan, Canada and the United States of America.

Upon you and your families I cordially invoke the blessings of Almighty God.

take part in tKe foflowiing events:

U.S.

Bishops To Help Catholics Overcome Divisions

grasp the profound significance of the kingdom of God present in

Pope Tells

the Vatican

pecially those

http://thomas.loc.gov

Bishop William

is

in English at his

Dear brothers and sisters, Our catechesis on the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 reflects today on how the salvation accomplished

by Christ is realized in human history. The descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost enabled the disciples to

grace. Despite their

The Honorable _

20, 1998

it

Why

again.

not?

Finally, your boyfriend for

now

—

—

well, let's call

pressuring you for sex.

is

him

that

Do you love me,

hold back? Why stay away from intercourse before you get married?

Well why not?

Think about it as you're going through your day, which, if it's like mine, is filled with countless moral

he asks?

Why

—

choices.

Why not be honest?

Why not treat the people

you meet with dignity

and respect?

Why not stop judging people?

Why not buy fewer soHas and candy and give tha money

to charity?

Why Why

not

let

Jesus be your model?

not?

Amy Welbom

is

a

CNS columnist.

J

2

March

The Catholic News

20, 1998

One Candle

Light

Father Thomas

On The Verge Of Hope: A End

Pointless It is

my

privilege to share with

you

essays that celebrate the highest values

of the

—

true stories of inhuman spirit who put hope into action and

dividuals

column diverges from the norm because the tragic outcome compels me to question the senselessness of what happened.

Erik Melzer was convicted of drug

make

a positive difference. This

and landed in prison. His first letter to me arrived on Aug. 22, 1996, and his last was post-marked Aug. 18, 1997. Our correspondence over that year documents a young man's yearning to turn his life around. "I have less than a year here to go, then a few months to serve in Baltimore County Jail, and after that, where I'll go or what I'll do trafficking

—

is

a mystery. Since

I

started receiving

pamphlets from The Christophers I have had an urge to write you, as I think you might understand my situation. I don't go to church, I smoke, listen to rock

music, am an admirer of John Gotti and Billy the Kid, and I look at beautiful women, nice cars and good food as the finer aspects of creation.

"My point is this: I have the desire to mellow out, to think instead of selfdestruct, and to help others as best I can.

It is easy to live for yourself, but to better your life and be able to help others

do the same is a challenge and,

I

am sure,

I want hope my un-candy coated hon-

creates an inner satisfaction that to have. I

esty doesn't bother you. Please

me

tell

what you think." a

He admitted he had grown up with "me against the world attitude," that

he had "created an ugly image out-of-control thug."

So

I

...

had

as an

to ask

myself if he meant what he said about wanting to change, about not blaming everyone but himself for his mistakes.

In time

I

came

& Herald 5

to believe his intentions,

and in time, Erik came to discover the beginnings of his potential for being good and doing the right thing. His let-

J.

McSweeney

flow with enthusiasm and a determination to make

to

a difference.

be

ters

"Immediately

after

my

I want to go to the Kindness House in Durham, N.C., but I will be on mandatory parole for about a year. I am trying to work that out, as N.C. parole has no problem with my coming there instead of staying in East Baltimore. It would be a great step for me and a chance to help others by giving them hope. I am positive but scared if I am forced to do my parole in Baltimore.

"I grew up there and I know there are two things in store for me there prison or death. I've had guns in my face, been shot at, even had more than one

tell

they got they would

me

that first

kill

me.

I

chance

am not let-

going to

wasn't all right. I did not hear from him for a long time. I worried and

Human

—

its

all right."

But

release

police (officer)

touch that calm place

within that says

it

wondered and finally heard from his uncle. Denied permission to finish his parole in Durham, Erik was released to the streets of East Baltimore. One night, about three weeks later, Erik went out with a couple of old "friends." The next day he was found dead with six bullet wounds to his chest.

Erik Melzer had a lot of plans for turning his life around. Maybe he would have become that new person he wrote about. Maybe he would have failed and

gone back I

to hurting others

and himself.

am just frustrated because he never got

the chance to find out and neither did we.

my old attitudes come back, but this

ting

is like a thorn in the saddle. I wish myself and be responsible.

"Sometimes when I pray 1 am able

Father Thomas J. McSweeney is Diand a CNS

issue

to better

rector of the Christophers columnist.

Question Corner Father John Dietzen

The

Effect of the Penitential Rite of the Mass Q. I realize the importance of the sacrament ofpenance, but wonder about the efficacy of other activities like prayer the "Penitential Rite " at

and especially the beginning

We hear

of Mass. about

self, the flagship,

so to speak, of this

pursuit of forgiveness and healing

the

is

sacrament of penance.

anymore.

Is it a rite of penance? Does it have reconciliation effect? If not, what is its purpose? little

newal" (Introduction to the Rite of Penance, No. 3. The references that follow here are to the same document.)

Next to the eucharistic sacrifice it-

The teaching of

this

us,

is

that

tial

Eucharistic

reconciliation with our

brothers and sisters

who are

mm

perfects this continual repentance in

always hurt by our sins, communal penance services, for example, even when they do not include individual absolution, show more clearly the community nature of penance and for-

cihation effect. All the spiritual life of

many

giveness.

the church is lived in awareness that,

sacrament of penance.

Individually and as a body, we share Christ's sufferings by enduring our difficulties, doing works of mercy and charity, and trying to adopt more fully the outlook of the Gospel.

Done out of love, St. Peter reminds

any grave (mortal) But, as the

of

A. Yes,

however

it

filled

of Christ,

it

is

surely does have recon-

it may be with the gifts made up of people who

unfortunately often

fall into sin.

Thus, the church, "at the same time holy and always in need of purification, constantly pursues repentance and re-

sin should

be con-

fessed to a priest in confession (No. 7).

God

rite

puts

(the church)

different

it,

"the people

accomplishes and

ways"

in addition to the

Rite you mention and

other parts of the Mass, the

and make us a sign to the world of our conversion to God. Since repentance ensins (1 Pt 4:8)

tails

the church

1

such actions are redempcover a multitude of

tive,

the

The church mentions each of these explicitly as part of the church's pursuit

of reconciliation with God, 22).

To answer your question then, Mass is effective

Penitential Rite at

the for

forgiveness and reconciliation.

word of God

in the liturgy

sonal prayer are other

and per-

ways of experienc-

ing and celebrating God's mercy.

And

Prayer,

Lamb of God and

so on.

with and through Jesus Christ (Nos. 4,

Listening attentively and prayerfully to the

creed, the

another step. is

available in each of these

ways of rec-

onciliation?

but certainly not least, are

last,

we always want to go How much "forgiveness"

Unfortunately,

Just as

we

can't put a quantity on

the penitential aspects of the eucharistic

celebration,

See Dietzen, page 13

which include the Peniten-

Parish Diary Father Peter Daly

Where

Everybody on Sunday?

some

Christianity

infirm to get out, and

The Archdiocese of Washington has

attendance probably peaked in the religious revival years of the 1950s when

babies are too young to take

values simplicity (poverty),

1997 results of the annual "head count" taken by ushers in every parish on all the Sundays of Octo-

churches, Protestant and Catholic, had a higher percentage of people coming than ever.

to church.

modesty (chastity) and acceptance (obedience) of God's will. The culture val-

Is

just published the

ber. That's the best

month

to take the

count. Kids are in school, vacations are over, weather is good.

The survey shows that only about 150,000 Catholics in the archdiocese are participating in Mass on an average Sunday. This is one-third of the Catholics.

Where is everybody?

The Archdiocese of Washington

Of course, we need to put this in perAccording to surveys by

spective.

Castelli,

church

come

who

cannot

sustained. Actually, the percentage of

discouraging.

people going to church in the 1990s is probably about the same as in the 1920s and 1 930s down from the peak years,

On the other hand, if everyone came to church, we probably could not accommodate them.

My little parish church holds only

—

still a respectable showing compared Europe and Latin America.

We can never expect 1 00 percent attendance. Even in the peak years of the

but

'50s, when practically every able-bodied person got himself or herself to church on Sunday, the percentages never exceeded 80 percent or so, except in a

few

rural dioceses.

There are always a certain number of people away on travel; some are too

ized West.

But even allowing for the 25 percent or so

Today's percentages have fallen from a peak that could probably not be

to is

probably typical of the church as a whole throughout the United States and Canada.

A lower and lower percentage of Catholics is joining in the church's common prayer life.

George Gallup and Jim

all

one reason

ues material wealth, eroti-

or another, the figures are

cism and personal autonomy

for

(choice).

200 people. I currently preside at five Sunday Masses each week in the summer sometimes six.

—

all

Nearly all seats always are taken. If 1 ,900 or so parishioners came on

the

Sunday, about 700 would have to stand on the porch and look in the windows, as they do on Ash Wednesday and Easter.

Part of the decline is cultural. It touches every religion in the industrial-

get

beyond

have

Obviously, when people childhood years, they

their

to decide.

Sometimes they cast their

with the culture.

Another part of the decline might be few priests and too many people. I cannot possibly have a personal relationship with the 750 people who come to Mass on Sunday, let alone the 1,900 or so registered in our parish.

Protestant neighbors usually minister to about one-fifth as many lot

that there are too

My

See

Daly,

page

1

1

6 The CathoUc

& Herald

News

March

Spanish Colonial Gallery Opens At Mint Museum CHARLOTTE

— The opening of

the Spanish Colonial gallery on

gers the imagination.

Museum

On

display at the

Mint are vessels in the form of an Andean deer, silver statuary crowns,

March

21 will be the latest phase in the thematic

of

elaborate tupus (cloak pins), cocoa leaf

Art's permanent collection, "Art in the

caddies and incense burners that hint at

Americas." Paintings, precious metalwork, sculpture, furniture and decorative arts from the 17th through the 19th centuries illustrate the unique culture that

the towering silver and gold

Mint

reinstallation of the

tabernacles

of

processionary statue of Christ's appear-

served

Images of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary and the saints accompanied the Conquistadors and missionaries in their quest for wealth and

ance before Pontius

the Catholic Church.

the

as well as the decoration of churches.

Talented natives were trained in crafts and the visual arts for whom such work would be a manifestation of devotion. The native sense of color and form, technical heritage and symbolic preference modified imported European styles. art

or "outsider"

art,

contributes to

its

The

and unique gold

second Sunday of each month. For information, call the Mint Museum of Art any time (704) 337-2000. Web address:

"tooling" of elaborate arabesques, rosettes

and flower petals on the garments

of favorite figures were original breaks

from European conventions.

New

of Art. The

for members and children 12 years and under. Free days are each Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and the

with a naivete which

flatness of the design

Museum

Orleans

on loan from

The Mint Museum of Art is located at 2730 Randolph Road. Hours are Tuesday 10 a.m.- 10 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-S p.m., and Sunday 12-5 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 seniors, $2 students and free

often appears as folk

special character.

New

Pilate,

emotional resignation of Jesus, contrasted with the vivid, bloody realism of his physical wounds, created a sensation among visitors to the 1992 Mint exhibition "Splendors of the New World."

conversion of native souls. Paintings were used in the instruction of converts

Spanish Colonial

second coming (Behold the Man), a

Homo"

of "Ecco first

common to even the poorest

New World churches.

lonial installation is the

of the Americas.

New World

and

Of particular note in the Spanish Co-

emerged from the Spanish colonization Art in the

altars

www.mintmuseum.org

ele-

ments, such as mirror decorated frames,

added

vitality to the

Huge duced a

silver

works.

Papua New Guinea Bishop Says Media Poorly Portrays U.S. Church

By TOM TRACY WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.

— Media

lasting Christian presence in

(CNS)

portrayals of the U.S. Catho-

Church as fractured and at odds with church authority in Rome however are discouraging to Third exaggerated World Catholics, said a bishop from Papua New Guinea.

"The church in the U.S. is very influential in the world, and we are very interested in the church in the U.S.," said Bishop Cesare Bonivento of Vanimo, Papua New Guinea.

"When I talk to the common people lic

—

—

(in the U.S.) I find great

Holy

when

support for the

media

Guinea beginning

Papua New

in the late 19th cen-

country of 4 million people, approximately 1 .4 milUon are Catholics.

tury. In a

"Some of these people have been evangelized only as recently as the 1960s, and their faith is very strong," the bishop said.

America is the leading country in the world and is the dream of many Third World peoples, said Bishop Bonivento.

But Catholics in the United States need to be more united in finding ways to react against media abuses, he added.

"Remember that you have some

I

brothers around the world, and they can

see a lot of conflict. Newspapers that act

be comforted or humiliated in their faith by what you do," he said.

Bishop Bonivento recalled an occasion recently in which a Catholic bishop from Australia spoke out against a popular film that was offensive and antiCatholic. Although the bishop's objections were ultimately ineffective in stopping the film's distribution, Bishop Bonivento said Catholics in the region took encouragement from the Australian bishop's example.

"If Americans did this it would help you fulfill your role as a leading Catholic country in the world with a great responsibility to the world," he said.

Father, but

I

see the

only in their own interest are harmful to us because they create an image of this country that is not real," Bishop Bonivento said during a February visit.

He also said that incomplete or inis happening among Catholics in the United States is damaging. Catholics in the United States need to challenge the big ,

correct world perceptions of what

media organizations or

journalists

who

poorly represent the Catholic faith and Catholic affairs, he said.

"I love American people, but

we

have a picture that is not real at this moment, and the U.S. is giving the world a picture of its church that I don't think is realistic," the

and gold deposits pro-

bishop

said.

French missionaries established a

New World affluence that stag-

20, 1998

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March

The Catholic News

20, 1998

& Herald 7

Entertainment The following are home videocassette reviews from the U.S. Catholic Conference Officefor Film and Broad-

Wry Comedy In "Love And Videos Death

Each videocassette is available on VHSformat.

Theatrical movies on video have a U.S. Catholic Conference classification and Motion Picture Association ofAmerica rating. All reviews indicate the appropriate age group for the video audience. casting.

On Long Island"

By GERRI PARE

NEW YORK (CNS) and Death on Long Island" (Lions Gate) is a wry comedy that deli-

— "Love

"Eve's Bayou" (1997) Poignant drama

widower's unexpected longing for a handsome young man he first glimpses on a movie screen.

This small-scaled film is

of America rating

Hurt is prissy London author Giles De'Ath, for

whom owning

"wireless" as he calls

— it

"The

as

he

is

—

willing to

tolerate.

A virtual recluse since

The

the Iron Mask."

role of

King

"The

Man

in

tingly locks himself out of

classification

house one afternoon and so stumbles into a

parents Association of America rating is PG-13 are strongly cautioned that some material may be inappropriate for children under 1 3.

But Giles had wandered

is A-lll

—

—

lous ineptitude as performers.

perspective and re-embrace Uving as opinto the

posed

comedy "Hotpants College

up

to holing

in his

musty

quarters.

Directed by Richard Kwietniowski,

—and marked by

where he is transfixed by its blueeyed star, teen idol Ronnie Bostock (Ja-

the narrative

son Priestly).

technological wonders of the '90s such

II"

Knowing an adolescent crush in his

as talking cars as he

accepting

videos.

cies than flies

New York

and rents a motel room in the Long Island community where Ronnie lives with his fiancee (Fiona Loewi). Soon he has met the couple and they warm to his Victorian manners, literary connections and obvious interest in Ronnie's career.

to

is,

as

amazed by

alas,

the

resigned to

civilities are past. (His

expression as he leaves his shoes outside

room door

the motel

instantly polished

is

as if they

would be

priceless.)

Giles' journey of self-discovery

is

about possible homosexual tendenit is about a man who had closed upon himself, and now will look at life as a gift to be lived and enjoyed. We know his crazy crush is doomed, but Hurt brings less

a positive eloquence to his character's dignified attempts to adjust to rejection

—

as well as such

modem

mysteries as

a professional interest in

wood pretty boy, but it is never mean-spir-

him, but Ronnie's eventual response is kindly, allowing Giles to put it all in

and recurring rough language. The U.S. Catholic Conference sional profanity

—

A-IV The Motion

classification is

ervations.

tion of America rating

adults, with res-

Picture Associais

R

—

ited or sleazy in

any way.

Because of a live-in relationship, veiled homosexual reference, minimal profanity and an instance of rough lan-

guage, the U.S. CathoHc Conference classification is A-III

— aduhs. The Motion

Picmre Association of America rating

—

is

PG-13 parents are strongly cautioned that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Pare

lic

on the staff of the U.S. CathoConference Officefor Film and Broad-

casting.

—

classification

—

restricted.

"A

Less Ordinary" (1997) Romantic fantasy clunker in Life

which two angels (Holly Hunter and Delroy Lindo) are assigned to make a spoiled heiress (Cameron Diaz) and her dimwitted kidnapper (Ewan McGregor) fall in love and marry.

Director Danny Boyle attempts to mix unexpected violence with screwball comedy but the results are strained and

restricted.

"In & Out" (1997) Sex farce about the comic confusions of a 40-year-old small-town teacher (Kevin Khne) whose life goes topsy-turvy days before his wedding when an Oscarwinning former student announces to the world that the teacher is gay. Director Frank Oz mixes warm-hearted humor with broadly funny performances as the farcical proceeding poke fun at gay and

Some

—

ciation of

America

M.

Driscoll)

is

A-IV

—

adults,

parents are strongly

—

PG-13 cautioned that some rating is

may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"In the Company of Men" (1997) Disturbing picture of two callous corporate colleagues (Aaron Eckhart and Matt Malloy) who decide to pay back material

rebuffs by

women by

deliberately ro-

mancing, then abruptly dumping a vulnerable deaf secretary (Stacy Edwards), though things don't quite work out as planned. Writer-director Neil LaBute chillingly explores the vicious nature of office

and sexual

politics without settling

is

re-

boy (voice of Bobby to grow up. Di-

who refuses

dreamy fantasy panoramas of London and Never Never Land, along fers

with the antics of feisty pixie Tinker Bell and

songs.

some mostly unmemorable

Some

women) and

dated sexist (jealous racial (Nafive

Ameri-

cans) stereotypes are wrong-headedly

intended as fun. The U.S. Catholic Conference classificafion is A-I

—

general patronage.

The Motion Picture

Association of America rating

is

G—

general audiences.

"She's So Lovely" (1997) Gritty, unappealing story of a

tom between her

America

—

rected by Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi and Wildred Jackson, it of-

occasional profanity and an instance of

sociation of

R

Barrie's 1904 play about an imp-

ish 12-year-old

woman

with reservations. The Motion Picture As-

is

"Peter Pan" (1953) Walt Disney's animated feature is a delightful adaptation of Sir James

homosexuality, brief male kissing scene,

ference classification

rating

stricted.

straight stereotypes. Flippant treatment of

rough language. The U.S. Cathohc Con-

violence, sexual

innuendo and intermittent profanity and rough language. The U.S. CathoHc Conference classification is A-III adults. The Motion Picture Asso-

in

Giles has taken

actor proves unusually

in realizing that

more than

some

is

microwaves and mirrored motel ceilings.

The dry British humor at hand concentrates on the culture clash between a Old World esthete and a gullible Holly-

The naive dense

simple

simple charms. Giles

dotage is insane, Giles nonetheless finds himself reading fan magazines and buying a VCR to see Ronnie's previous movies on video. So uninitiated is he, he doesn't realize the VCR still requires a television for viewing the His folly escalates when Giles

is

Comic

homosexual innuendo, occa-

as well as pro-

The U.S. Catholic Conference is A-IV adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R fanity.

unconvincing.

in

steelworker

treatment of sexuality, brief rear nudity, fleeting

of an E.M. Forster novel. appalling

restricted.

money to be made putting on a one-night male strip show. Director Peter Cattaneo downplays the narrative's sleazy aspects, focusing instead on the characters' financial needs and ridicu-

U.S. Catholic Conference adults. The Motion Picture

his wife's death, he unwit-

nearby cineplex, thinking he would see an adaptation

—

there's easy

Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the dual Louis XIV and the enigmatic Philiippe in

his

R

comedy

which an (Robert Carlyle), desperate to eam some needed cash, convinces five jobless buddies

unemployed

j

would be about as radically

modem

is

Monty" (1997)

Full

Droll British

or

much rough language

fail-

is

—

and

achingly funny.

a radio

though the result

action's melodramatic treatment.

times poi-

is at

touching

gnant,

human

marred by the Mature theme of adultery, fleeting sexual encounters, brief violence, intermittent rough language and profanity. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III adults. The Motion Picmre Association ings,

whose per-

formance as the fusty old Englishman with a mad crush on a teen-movie heartthrob

set in

beautifully lyric tale probes

thoroughly carried by

actor John Hurt,

an implied affair and

ful activities,

1962 Louisiana, where a precocious 10-year-old (Jumee Smollett) observes how her family is affected by the womanizing of their prosperous doctor father (Samuel L. Jackson) which culminates in a violent tragedy. Writer-director Kasi Lemmons'

cately explores an aging

(Robin Wright Penn) who's first husband (Sean Penn) who's just been released from a 10-year stay in a psychiatric asylum

and her present husband (John who has provided a good

Travolta)

home

for her

and

their three children.

Directed by Nick Cassavetes from a script by his late father, John Cassavetes, the arbitrary love story involves three unlikable people in sorlittle sympathough there are occasional

did situations that evoke thy,

flashes of wit

throughout.

and originality sprinkled

Some

violence including

an off-screen rape, sexual references,

much rough language. The U.S. Catholic Conferadults, ence classification is A-IV with reservations. The Motion Picture occasional profanity and

—

for a simple good-triumphs-over-evil

Association of America rating

outcome. Harrowing depiction of deceit-

restricted.

is

R

—

8

The Catholic News

& Herald

March

The hope that even thrives

20, 1998

in

impossible situations The Letter to the Romans says it "Hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into

well:

many

nations" (Romans 4:18).

In the New Testament, there Mary, who was caught completely

In Mary's story is

off

We

for good weather for the we are farming or for peace Palestinians and Jews.

We can have hope because our God has such a long record of being there for us. God's covenant with us is the source of our hope.

So, what does living by the virtue of hope mean? It means placing our lives in the hands of God, who saves us.

Living by the virtue of hope means living as Jesus did, with absolute confidence in the Father's gracious love.

And that's not easy in a world full of hopeless situations.

That's why we need to stick together with others who can buoy up our spirits when our hope runs thin. That's why it's not enough for us simply to have hope. We are called to be bearers of

"For Christians, however,

much of

positive thinking. Instead,

hope

is

a firm belief in

what we cannot

Hope

is

a virtue

hope

see....

...

diagnosed with cancer and throughout her treatment, she never lost hope. But after her surgeries and months of weight loss

on a deep-rooted and time-

and sickness,

tested belief in God's

headed nowhere, a marriage partner who continually disappoints or an illness that changes lives drastically.

Maybe that's why an interest in "coping" has become a modern American pastime. Bookstores and speakers' bureaus overflow with experts on coping with situations that appear hopeless.

Hope isn't based on our own power change our attitudes, but on the covenant God made with us. copyright

Š1998byCNS

I

began

to lose hope.

My friends brought dinner to us, put our family on the prayer chain and sent me encouraging notes. These friends were a sign for me that God loved us, had not abandoned us, and was sustaining us despite the darkness. This is what we can confidently hope for! This is what has been promised.

The great spiritual writer Julian of Norwich, who lived through plagues and wars in medieval England, sums it up in her little mantra; "All will be well; all will be well; all manner of things will be well." That might make a nice little song, don't you think?

Christian hope goes beyond optimism and positive thinking because it acknowledges, and it also manifests, the power of God at work in our lives.

providence."

to

to others.

When my mother was

based

The longest running of these resources on how to deal with life's negative side is the famous "positive-thinking" film, book, videotape, cassette and speaker. The power of positive thinking is based on our ability to overcome or overlook obstacles by modifying our own behavior.

For Christians, however, hope adds up to much more than the power of positive thinking. Instead, hope is a firm belief in what we cannot see.

Hope isn't just a mental construct or a learned habit. Hope is a virtue.

But hope is not just any virtue. It is one of three theological virtues, that is, virtues from God. The virtue of hope goes beyond optimism alone or positive attitudes. Hope is based on a deep-rooted and timetested belief in God's providence.

if

among

some kind.

Most people have been on the brink of giving up hope, either with a child astray, a job that seems

to

see how God see as impos-

can hope

crops

who has gone

hope adds up

we

what humans

sible situations.

This is why we can have hope in the face of impossible tasks, unexpected obstacles and dangerous situations.

hat do country music and soap operas have in common? Each tells tale after tale about cheating hearts, broken dreams, plans gone wrong and hopeless situations.

People relate to country music and soap operas because these relate to crisis and personal tragedy. None of us escapes pain, loss or disappointment of

more than the power

deals with

our hearts by the Holy Spirit been given to us" (5:5).

We

hope that our

who has

child's addiction

will be healed, that our friend's will be

our

spared in the brush

sister's

husband

guard when asked to be the mother of Jesus. Her response was similar to that of Moses: "How can this be? I don't even have a husband?"

(Pedersen is coordinator of the Leadership in Family Life Training Profor the Archdiocese of Omaha,

gram Neb.)

home

fires or that

will find a job.

We

hope about these ordinary everyday events because God is involved intimately in our everyday lives.

Spirit of God fuels the fire of hope in our hearts when things look dark. When we look at Scripture, the

The

family of God's "family album," there is story after story about God's faithfulness and God's power to overcome our limitations.

Moses, who was minding his own business just trying to keep his father-in-law's sheep safe and well fed, called by God to lead a nation of people. What an unexpected chal-

was

lenge for Moses! "Who am I that I should got to Pharaoh?" was his re-

sponse. But God was with him through every frog- and fly-bitten plague. "Hoping against hope, he believed and thus became the father of

I'd say this about the virtue of hope: Even "if we could survive without it, thrive without it. Our well-being is tied to hope.

It's a serious situation, then, when hope retreats from anyone's life.

But what is hope? And what is it not?

I'm pretty certain that hope is not a basis for inaction in the face of real problems. Hope doesn't provide a reason for thinking, "Shucks, everything will work out in the end; my efforts won't matter." Instead, hope draws out the best in us, whether in a particular situation that means our love, our problemsolving skill, our hard work or our prayer.

Pope John Paul II envisioned two reasons to focus on hope during 1998.

First, with hope we keep life's ultimate goal in mind; thus we can see life's "meaning and value." Second, hope gives us "profound reasons" for making the commitment to transform our world.

Hope is a dynamic force. Maybe that's why hope has been linked with the Holy Spirit. For the Spirit is a dynamic force empowering us to act courageously when it matters, enlightening our judgment and enabling us to

we couldn't

give direction to

life.

David Gibson 8

Editor, Faith Alive!

March

The CathoUc News

20, 1998

What hope hopeful.

To them, a glass of water

always half

enough, our personal limitations can make our solidarity with others in need quite real. Our hope despite our weaknesses may enable others to hope

ties.

as well.

Each

is

their drive from the

full,

in

of us is weak.

We are deficient

many ways. We have our "blue Mon-

For example, an alcoholic now in recovery is often the most powerful

tee will land a few inches from the cup and the possibilities for the future ap-

pear endless.

For others the glass

"Each

of

us

is

is weak....

We ...

physical burdens

discourage

us....

copyright (S1 998 by

CNS

God's service. For then we realize that hope ultimately is in God. Such a hopeful person embraces substantive projects for the good of others.

He or she seeks to change the neighborhood, the city, civil society and even the whole coimtry and doesn't take "no" for an answer. Hopeful people see that the reign of God begins now and reintensive quires effort. While this world will never be heaven, it can be better with God's help.

Thus we see hopeful people reforming business practices, working with the homeless, fighting abortion-on-demand, and caring for the sick and the infirm.

Hopeful people realize that this

—

half-empty, the

have our 'blue Mondays'

Herald 9

really Is

hope. A host of small actions can show a hopeful attitude. Hope brings us into solidarity with others daily.

Hope persists despite our disabih-

—

ome people seem naturally

&.

We need

others to accommodate

earth is not our heavenly home. Yet good works can prepare the way for

our weakness. Yet we also

eternity.

live in hope."

Hopeful people are people of light, not of darkness. Their focus on eternity's light enables

and the obscured by many obstacles.

"Hope springs eternal" is a wise popular saying. People want to be hopeful in spite of their predisposition

them

to en-

lighten the earth.

drive will land in the sand-trap flature is

pessimism.

For Christians, hope is both a natural disposition and a virtue. The virtue of hope comes into our hearts with the Holy Spirit's arrival. In baptism, as we receive the Holy Spirit, we begin the journey of hope.

Christian hope is a gift.

This gift comes from God. We nourish it in personal and communal prayer. Our deepest potential for hope develops only gradually as we grow spiritually. Yet over time, even a pessimistic personal disposition can yield to the fire of the Spirit's hope.

Hope orients us to the future.

Our heavenly home beckons us. But in many ways the "future is now." We already share, modestly to be sure, in to

days" or our "blue anydays." Physical burdens discourage us. We fear being dependent. We need others to accommodate our weakness.

Yet we also live in hope. Progress is always possible. And, interestingly

How the Mass

—

—

the life of the Spirit, the life of eternity.

This grace orients us to our ultimate destiny and empowers us to act in the present moment.

Hope is a spiritual energy; it propels us into the future.

Hope pulls us out of ourselves.

This virtue urges us to positive acts of goodness toward our neighbor. A cheery good morning, an expression of concern for the sick or our attentive listening to a colleague can express our

— —

FAITH

IN

Tell

—

X he

First Letter of Peter (3:15)

challenges us to "always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope."

It is good that the church's liturgy regularly reminds us of the soHd reasons for being people of hope - especially on those difficult days when we might be asking ourselves what the reasons are!

Two fundamental reasons for our hope are reflected in the Hturgy. Recall that the liturgical year's two major cycles of celebration are Lent/Easter

and Advent/Christmas.

Lent/Easter celebrates Christ's death and resurrection, and the promise that

we will

share in his resurrected

—

—

— one type

of situation

—

in

which

Christian hope sustains you.

"I work in a homeless shelter, and sometimes it's difficult to see hope in the family situations we encounter here. But my faith in the Lord helps me sustain a sense of hope for them and in this work. Without that faith and hope I couldn't work here."

Jean Wright, Hoyle, Mass.

(Oblate Father Crossin is a visiting fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University. He is the author of "Friendship: The Key to

Spiritual Growth," published by Paulist Press.)

speaks of hope

This gives us hope on two levels: It assures us that whatever pain and suffering we endure, in the end we will share Christ's life eternally.

It reminds us that what feels like death in daily life often leads us to new life. We experience many smaller resurrections, constantly reminding us of the ultimate resurrection.

And Christmas, celebrating Christ's coming into the world at Bethlehem, offers visible evidence of God's love for the world. Christ's first coming also reminds us that he promised to come again. This is a powerful basis for hope, based on the confidence that Christ's promises can be trusted.

Actually, these two mysteries also are reflected in every celebration of the Eucharist. In the midst of the Eucharistic Prayer, we recall Christ's death and resurrection, and anticipate his second coming: "Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again."

The two reasons for our hope are placed side by side in that brief acclamation.

A few moments later in the Eucha-

life.

THE MARKETPLACE

one way

witness to hope for the person still struggling with alcoholism.

Long ago, St. Paul taught that when Christians are weak they are strong. It is precisely in our weakness that we are best able to put our talents at

we join in the Lord's Prayer, praying for the coming of God's kingdom in rist,

its fullness:

—

"Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

The kingdom has come into the world through Jesus, but we wait and hope for its completion.

Then, before the concluding doxology to the Lord's Prayer ('Tor the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours"), the priest expands on the petition for dehverance fi-om evil and speaks of our hope, saying: "Deliver us. Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace.... Keep us free from sin, and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior."

So, if anyone asks the reason for our hope, the liturgy teaches us how to reply. It is because Christ came to live among us and will come again.

We live in hope because Christ assures us that nothing, not even death, is stronger than the God who loves us and gives us life.

(Father Mick is a priest of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Ohio.)

—

""Nutshell

"For myself. Christian hope is a feeling of peace in situations, that God is right there and that he is going to help us through, whatever the difficulty is."

We can have hope because our God has such a long record of

— Aline Lynch, Wilmington, Del.

"I

work with Catholic

child abuse....

Charities,

My grounding

being there for

and we deal with a

in Catholicism helps

me

hope, with a sense of the Spirit, that our work here effect."

Bruno Finocchario, Sioux City, Iowa

—

is

us.

lot of situations of

to look

ahead with

having a positive I

Does Christian hope add up to more than optimism and positive thinking? Yes, it acknowledges the power of God at work in our lives.

An upcoming

edition asks: What action or words played a key role in healii healing a damaged relationship for you? If you would like to respond possible publication, please write: Faith Alivel 3211 Fourth St. Washington, D.C. 20017-1100.

When we hope despite our weaknesses, we may enable others to

hope as

well.

10 The Catholic

News

& Herald

March

20, 1998

People In The News

Missionaries Of Cliarity

Head's

By

First

Year

l\/larl(ed

Nirmala Joshi became

the Missionaries of Charity

head, nothing seems to have changed in the fastgrowing women's religious

Mother

Teresa founded.

The only activity and flashbulbs on

March

13, the

flock to the grave, although

surrounding is on the

Mother Teresa wane.

at the

motherhouse still reads: "Mother Teresa IN." She died of cardiac arrest

—

CNS

Sister Nirmala Joshi leads a group of

presidential palace

Venezuela

meeting with the country's president.

in

photo

nuns from the January after

One

Missionaries

nun said there have been no policy changes since Sister Nirmala took over leadership of the order

of Charity

Sept. 5.

Nuns

escort visitors to

a year ago.

Mother Teresa' s customary place in the chapel, where her

life-size

statue with her characteristic

hunched

back

in

Lay volunteers

still

come

serve the sick, poor and dying, nuns said.

sits.

—

ist attractions,

the three surviving

Dionne

quintuplets finally got the justice they

had long sought. The Catholic sisters are to receive $4 million (US$2.9 million) tax-free from the Ontario government.

"We

are pleased to accept this offer

which

will allow us the dignity of be-

ginning a

new

chapter in our lives," the

sisters said in a

statement read by their

lawyer, Clayton Ruby. Cecile, Annette

and Yvonne, age 63, recently argued that they helped generate millions of dollars into the province's coffers and lost some $22 million (US$16 million) as a result of mishandled trust funds in their name and, as a result, have had to live on a combined income of $746 (US$533) a month.

Pole-Sitting Priests Raise Funds For Baseball Fields

—

SAN ANTONIO (CNS) Fathers Dennis Darilek, pastor, and Jimmy

priest

it

said.

Thomas

C. Kelly of Louisville, Ky.; Bishop Walter F. Sullivan of Richmond, Va., president of Pax Christi USA; and Lutheran Bishop H. George Anderson, president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. More than 60 other

Publishing Editor to help

Settlement (CNS) Six decades

after they served as Ontario's star tour-

creasing poverty in rural areas,"

bishops also signed. spirituality."

Get Multimillion-Dollar

OTTAWA

Drennan, parochial vicar, of St. Paul's Parish in San Antonio spent five days perched on plywood sky boxes 20 feet above the ground to raise $100,000 for

Among the signatories were Archbishop

Missionaries of Charity

Surviving Dionne Quintuplets

farmers. "We call for an immediate solution to the agrarian and bank debt problem as a first step toward producing alternative policies which favor rural development," said an open letter with more than 300 signatories published March 12 San Salvador newspapers. "We are concerned about the in-

among poor

UCA News

The signboard

—

El Salvador to stem the worsening crisis

that people continue to

publicity

Tony Blair has been attending Mass on his own at London's Westminster Cathedral, a spokesman

individual churches urged authorities in

Missionaries of Char-

the bishop added.

Prime

Minister

SAN SALVADOR

land.

nuns told

British

Bishops Urge Solution To El Salvador's Agrarian Crisis (CNS) U.S. bishops, religious, sister parishes and

Nirmala' s election, were around the grave of Mother Teresa, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thai-

ity

—

U.S.

anniversary of Sister

first

(CNS)

to Catholicism. Blair,

By ANNE NIGLI CALCUTTA, India — A year after Sis-

congregation

LONDON

admitted, but he has no plans to convert who ousted John Major's Conservative government in the May 1997 general election won by the Labor Party, is married to a Catholic, Cherie, and the couple's three young children are all baptized Catholics. For years Blair, a member of the Church of England, has attended Mass with his wife and children most weekends. But in late February and early March, if in London without his family, he attended the Saturday or Sunday evening Mass at Westminster Cathedral.

Stability, Growtli

(CNS) ter

Prime l\/linister Says He's Not Converting To Catholicism

British

the construction of ballfields for the chil-

dren of the neighborhood. With each committed to raising $50,000, the two added an extra gimmick when they decided that the first to reach his goal would be able to shave the head of the losing priest. After five days, a victor emerged. Father Darilek was the first to reach the $50,000 mark, with Father

Combatants' Wis. (CNS) M. Mahony of Los An-

'Disciples, Not

Named To

usee Education Department WASHINGTON (CNS) — Daniel S.

—

OCONOMOWOC, Cardinal Roger

become a place of pilgrimage now," a nun told UCA News. The sisters have made a special entrance from

from the con-

Mulhall, executive editor of Benziger Publishing Co., has been named repre-

geles said he hopes the Catholic

that except for her shift

templative to the active. Sister Nirmala

sentative for catechesis and multicultural

Catholics realize their conduct needs to

the road to allow direct access to the

has not changed. In the past year she has

concerns

"It

grave and fixed visiting hours from 8 a.m. to noon and 3-6 p.m.

Flowers, candles. Missionaries of Charity nuns and volunteers distributing cards with Mother Teresa's sayings greet visitors. Outside, a now-dusty cloth banner proclaiming love for Mother Teresa peeps through campaign banners from

The rest of the house resembles

a tra-

ditional convent rather than the bustling

drew people from all walks of life for Mother Teresa's blessing.

"They don't do the same for Sister Nirmala," said one nun.

The new leadership has made no poHcy changes, one nun said, adding, "It is surprising, since one would expect that

people with different personalities to have different preferences."

Missionaries of Charity nuns,

visited Africa, the Americas, the Philip-

pines and

Rome,

attending professions

of vows despite attacks of malaria. Fifty

women enter the congregation each year.

Archbishop Henry d'Souza of Calcutta told

UCA News the 5

who

generally decline to divulge their names, still go out to work in pairs.

When she took charge. Sister Nirmala said the congregation would continue to do what they had been doing and remain "true to our charism and

1

-year-old

is "doing well" under SisNirmala' s leadership.

congregation ter

Jesuit Father

recent elections.

house

Missionaries of Charity sources said

has

Lawrence Abello,

chaplain at the motherhouse, said nothing has changed.

in the U.S. Catholic Conference's Department of Education.

Mulhall succeeds Sister Elaine McCarron, a Sister of Charity of Nazareth, who leaves the position at the end of July. Since 1990 Mulhall has been an editor at Benziger Publishing, responsible for developing and publishing educational materials for the religious market.

New

Executive Director Named For Research Center

Msgr. Eric Barber, confessor for

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Bryan T.

Missionaries of Charity contemplatives,

Froehle, a senior research associate at the

agreed, adding that the general council

Nirmala had finalized the order's agenda, and "there seems nothing new."

A Jesuit associate said the waning of Mother Teresa' s popularity has helped the order "to go about their work without hassles." An order shows its worth only after the founder is gone, he added. that elected Sister

Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate since August 1995, has succeeded Gerald H. Early as executive dihas the energy, creto bring CARA to new levels of service to the church," said Bishop William B. Friend of Shreveport, La., who chairs the CARA board of directors and announced the appointment.

"His charge is to make CARA known to and useful to every Catholic diocese, religious order, and organization and as-

mon Ground reflect that

and dedication

sociation, where its expert and objective handling of church research and planning needs will be of invaluable assistance,"

Com-

Initiative will help U.S.

"we're disciples of Jesus

not combatants." Cardinal Mahony

comment

first,

made

conference the second day of the March 6-8 Cardinal

the

at a press

Bemardin Conference in Oconomowoc, a city about 40 miles west of Milwaukee. The Los Angeles prelate said the legacy of the late Chicago Cardinal Joseph L. Bernardin, who founded the Catholic Common Ground Initiative, "is

own witness of the way he exercised authority in church, his extraordinary reaching out to people, consultation, and his

listening."

Public Schools Lack Moral Direction, Legal Scholar

DETROIT (CNS)

rector. "Dr. Froehle ativity

}

Drennan less than $800 behind.

Cardinal Calls Catholics

Says

— Changing

America's education system to accommodate parents' desire for reinforcement of their religious values may be the only

way to

save public schools, according to author and legal scholar Stephen L. Carter. The greatest danger to the survival of public schools is if they lose popular support as a result of continuing to stonewall parental wishes regarding curriculum and moral instruction. Carter tells

those

who

attend his lectures.

'

i

1

March

The CathoUc News

1998

20,

CSS Award, from page 3 The award was estabUshed by the Charlotte office of CathoUc Social Services honor persons and organizations that have shared their talents and treasures in an

School. to

effort to enrich the lives of those

who come

to

CSS

seeking help.

Each year at Christmas, CSS provides CCHS with a list of wishes from needy The Usts are divided among homerooms, clubs and individuals. The students,

families.

& Herald

1

Diocese To Host Series Of Financial Seminars CHARLOTTE

— Pastors,

"We will focus on changes that have

book-

keepers, business managers, accounting

taken place in these areas over the

organize and dehver toys, and provide tickets to special events and food to CSS. Through

representatives and finance council members serve as stewards of their

CCHS has helped more than 400 families with special needs. The school

parish's resources. In their roles, they are

few years," Rhyne said. "Some diocesan policies have changed as well. In many instances, regulations change so quickly it is hard to keep up with them."

• The workshops will also address internal controls and accounting procedures and build on the "Financial Policies & Procedures Manual for Parishes and Missions" promulgated by the dioc-

along with the Student Council Advisors, and faculty, raise

this

program,

has also supported

CSS

money

to

purchase

gifts,

through contributing to the Indigent Burial Program.

"Requests are always met with a

spirit

of genuine compassion and desire to help

mankind," said Geri King, director of the Charlotte office of CSS, who presented the award. "CCHS truly exemphfies the spirit of giving, caring, compassion, love and sacrifice for others that is reflective of the mission of Catholic Social Services."

Accepting the award on behalf of CCHS were Student Council President Patrick Cahill and Treasurer Lacey Niedosik. CahiU thanked Martha Hadaway, student council advisor, and Mercy Sister Paulette WiUiams, principal, who in "every way creates an atmosphere at Charlotte Catholic which encourages us to live God's greatest commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself."

With 68 full and part-time staff members, more than 250 volunteers, and regional offices in AsheviUe, Charlotte and Winston-Salem, CSS served more than 12,000 cUents during the 1996-97 fiscal year.

responsible for maintaining budgets and assisting the church in exercising solid

management in regard to every donated dollar.

To assist each parish in fiscal matters, the Diocese of Charlotte's Finance Office will be hosting a series of seminars in April and May where participants will receive updated information on new federal and state finance regulations and have the opportunity to network with peers. Two seminars will be geared toward smaller parishes with less than 400 fiscal

two other workshops

families;

will fo-

cus on larger parishes with more than 400

Employment Opportunities

families.

According

Chief Financial Officer/Director of Business Services: Catholic Diocese of Raleigh: Responsible for oversight of all financial affairs of the Diocese including financial reporting and planning, accounting, internal controls, budgeting, investments, and banking and insurance relationships.

Also responsible for the management of the offices of Development, information systems, and property and construction. Serves in a consultative role on finance and administration for 80 parishes and schools.

Successful candidate must be a practicing Catholic, have a strong service orientation, have several years of financial management experience, must be able to work well in a collegial environment, and should be computer literate. MBA and/or CPA or equivalent strongly preferred. Send resume including salary requirements to: Director of Human Resources, Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, 715 Nazareth Street, Raleigh,

NC

Rhyne, diocesan

to Pat

parish financial liaison, the seminars will

focus on five areas: revenues; expenditures; tors;

employees and individual contraccash management; and financial

esan Finance Office.

The meetings will be similar to a series of seminars held in 1996; those workshops provided a very hands-on training experience for participants. The meetings also allow parish representatives to meet and network with their peers.

"We've found cases where parishes have the same finance-based questions, and we're trying to provide a forum where people can discuss them," Rhyne said.

The

parish financial liaison's goal

the series of seminars.

reporting.

"It is

very gratifying to see the num-

ber of people

:

Diocesan Regional Coordinators: Charlotte Diocese Office of Religious Education has two openings: Northern Vicariates and Southern Vicariates. Diocese seeks persons with master's degree in Rel. Ed/allied field, five years of demonstrable successful experience in parish/dioCesan work.

Sensitive to cultural minorities.

Good

Well-rounded

written/oral

in catechist

communication

skills.

letters of recommendation to: Dr. Cris V. Villapando. 1123 S. Church Search Committee. Inquiries: (704) 370-3244.

formation

skills.

Collaborative.

Please send resume and three

St.,

Charioltc,

NC

who have already registered

for these workshops," said Bill

FOUR GREAT NAMES to

Weldon,

chief financial officer for the diocese. "It

an indication of the commitment by those involved in parish finances to fulfill their call to be good stewards of the financial resources of the church." is

7^afi4 <fou St. (^udc

KNOW

28203, Attn:

Director of Total Youth Ministry: Grades 6-12: Full time position in 1600 family parish. Primary responsibilities include: coordination ol all youth ministry activities lectionary-bascd catechetical sessions, retreats, service projects, social events; recruiting, training and supporting volunteers; sacramental preparation for confirmation. Shared responsibility with intergenerational religious education program. Most parish catechetical programs are lectionary-based. Member of Religious Education Team with Children's Coordinator and Catechumenate, Liturgy and Adult Education director. Master's Degree or equivalent in religious education or related field preferred. Excellent benefits and salary commensurate with experience and education.

Send resume and references to Search Committee, Saint Patrick's Church, 2840 Village Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304. ATTN; Don Gray, Phone: (910) 323-2410, x 106.

7<w

—

I

MITSUBISHI 6951

TYM

E.

Independence

(704) 531-3131

Principal: St. Thomas More School, an accredited PreK-8 school, seeks an experienced replacement for its retiring principal. The school, with 475 students and a brand new middle school facility, is located in a growing, dynamic Vatican II parish in a university town. Successful applicant is a practicing Catholic with a Master's degree in administration and is eligible for NC certification. Strong people and communication skills must.

Send letter, resume, and references by April 15 to: Principal Search Committee, 940

Carmichael

Street.

Chapel

Hill,

NC

Accountants 7001

27514. Position available 7/1/98.

and Estate Planners

Independence (704) 535-4444

E.

When

Director of Youth Ministry: St. Thomas More Church and the Newman Catholic Student Center Parish, growing and dynamic Vatican II communities in a university town, .seek a full-time director for their joint youth ministry serving both parishes beginning 7/1/98. Present ministry involves 300 students between grades 6-12, uses the Total

Youth Ministry model and includes Confirmation preparation. The program uses a lectionary-catechesis approach and the Confirmation program uses a sacramental-catechesis approach. Successful applicant possesses relevant college degree as well as strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Experience preferred. Professional salary and benefits commensurate with background offered. Send letter, resume, and references by April 15 to: Youth Ministry Search Committee, 940 Carmichael Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

Catholic School Principal: Immaculata Catholic School, Immaculate Conception Parish, a Franciscan community in Durham, NC, invites applications and nominations for the position of Principal. Founded in 1990 in center-city, close to Duke University, Immaculata has a reputation for balued centered education, academic excellence, dedicated to diversity and the principals of Catholic social justic. Offering two classes per frade level, Prc-K through 8. Immaculata if firmly established, well run and financially sound. Budgeted enrollment for 1998-99 in 400 students. The successful candidate will be a practicing Cahtolic with both teaching and administrative experience, committed to the ideals of Catholic education, with a personal style that is prolcssional. reconciling, joy filled and visionary.

The Principal, is supported by an experienced Assisluni Principal and slatf, a dedicated faculty, and a loyal cadre ol parent volunteers. The position, offering' compclilivc salarv and bencnt pacakj^c, will he filled July i, 1998. Applications, and nominations, may he sciil in ccniidcntcc K. The Chair, Search Commillcc. 810 W, Chapel Hill St„ Durham, NC 27701 llic (Icatllinc lor suhmilting a letter ol inlercsl, resume with references and supporting documentation IS March .^1. I99X. Immaculata is an AA/HO school, Tel: (919) 682-3449, Ext. 264; Fax; (919) 682-7999; F-nuiil: 022523 UKn'conipiiscrvc.com; Website; http;\\lhor.he.net\~iccc. ,1

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27606. EOE.

Director of Faith Formation: Parish seeks enthusiastic and knowledgeable person for the Catholic Faith as full-time Director of Faith Formation. Responsible for the total parish Faith Formation program for growing faith community of over 800 families. Minimum of a BA in relevant field of study and parish/faith formation experience.

Position requires strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal and basic computer skills. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Starts July 1998. Send cover letter, resume, salary expectations and references by April 17 to DFF Search, Attn: Rob Griffin, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. 605 Barbee Ave.. High Point, NC 27262. Visit our home page at www.massinlransit.com.

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12 The Catholic

News

& Herald

March

20, 1998

Cardinal Law, from page 2

Asheville Catholic School

approve

Science Fair Winner

humanitarian flights between the United States and Cuba. He to lift the trade bans put into place by the Helms-Burton

direct,

also called

on Clinton

Act, and for Congress to pass two bills that would end the ban on food and

medicine sales to Cuba.

"The lack of medicines more quickly and cheaply attainable from the United States severely restricts the treatment that can be provided (in Cuba)," Cardi-

nal

Law

said.

vulnerable

"The

effects of the lack of sufficient

members of the

food threaten the most

population, the old and the young.

"The people of Cuba deserve better than that from us," he continued. "It adds no honor to our country to deprive a people of those necessities which should never be used as bargaining chips. Change is occurring in Cuba. The question is: Do we have the political and moral courage to change?"

Daly, from page 5 people and are therefore able to know their people better (though oddly, their level of church attendance is worse).

Perhaps it is the liturgy itself. In an age of entertainment saturation, people are not always used to participating. Perhaps they expect to be entertained in a way the liturgy cannot provide.

1 don't know what the answer is. If they think the liturgies are mundane or uninvolving, imagine how much more exciting liturgies could be if everyone was

there and participating.

If they think the parish is too impersonal, imagine how warm and inviting it could be if they would make an effort to greet someone and stay a few minutes after

annual Science Fair on Feb. 5. After presenting their projects in the classroom, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students and teachers scored the projects and selected finalists from each grade. Finalists and overall winners presented the projects to the school during a special assembly. The winning project was created by seventh grader Molly Campbell, who studied "What Effects Short-Term Memory?" Tied for second place were Andrew Whatmore, 6th grade, and Richard Thompson, 8th grade. Whitney Williams, 6th grade, placed third. Class winners were: Andrew Whatmore, Whitney Williams, Patrick Chidnese, Molly Campbell, Ann Marie Coddington, Elizabeth Lamy, Elizabeth Dray, Richard Thompson, Courtney Sinsky and Tyler Whatmore.

Asheville Catholic school held

its

hymn

the last

to chat.

Perhaps in our push for evangelization as we approach the new millennium, we should figure out where the rest of the body of Christ is and why they are staying away.

Father Peter Daly

is

a

CNS

columnist.

Sponsor a Child Mission.

It's

Catholic Affordable! at a

Your opportxmity

In the Blue Ridge

Roman

is

much

the affordable way.

Through CFCA you sponsor a child for the amount you can afford. Ordinarily it takes S20 a month to provide one poor child with the life-rchanging benefits

Catholics

of .sponsorship. But

/ CAMP

f

very poor child

for

Mountains of

Directed by

<i

too important to miss.

NORTH CAROLINA Owned and

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And Christian Foundation Children and Aging (CFCA), an international Catholic child sponsorship program can show you

CHRISTIAN SUMMER CAMPS

if

this

is

not possible for you,

we invite you to sponsor at a level you can afford.

CFCA will see to it from other donations and the our missions r\' partners that ifour child receives the same benefits as other sponsored tireless efforts ot

I

FOR GIRLS

'

children.

Your sponsorship pledge helps provide a poor child at a Catholic mission site with nourishing food,

CAMP

medical care, the chance to go to school and hope for

Chosatonqa

a brighter future.

And you

FOR BOYS

You can

literally

change a

can be assured your pledge has

greatest impact because our

lifel its

programs are directed

by dedicated Catholic missionaries with a longstanding commitment to the people they serve.

A. place where a child can

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explore, build self-confidcncc and self-esieenn.

Little

Carina lives in a small mounHonduras. Her mother

tain tozvn in

Two

mountain camps,

in the heart

of the Blue Ridge, surrounded by

national forest, Whitewater rivers and waterfalls offering:

Rock climbing riding •

•

lo help build your relationship, you receive a picture of your child (updated yearly), information about your child's family and country, letters from your child and the CFCA newsletter. But most

and challenging environment where our youlh can play, learn

in faith together.

archery

kayaking

•

•

•

swimming

high ropes

gymnastics

•

•

•

drama* Whitewater canoeing

backpacking

tennis

•

•

nature study

arts •

and crafts

riflcry

•

•

•

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important, you'll receive the satisfaction of helping a

poor child.

Please don't miss this opportunity to

ence.

Yes,

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horseback

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team sports

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about sponsorship.

March

The Catholic News

20, 1998

& Herald

13

IN BRIEF: BMHS

—

Hosts Fund Raiser

WINSTON-SALEM The Bishop McGuinness High School Home School Association presents its annual dinner and auction fund raiser May 2 in the school gymnasium. The theme for this year's event is "Angels in Paradise" and features a silent and live auction, fine dining and live music. Tickets are $50 per person. Raffle tickets for a $2,500 cash prize are $1 each or $5 for 6. New tiiis is a raffle for a 1998 Honda CR-V sports utility vehicle or $15,000 cash. A Umited number of 350 are available for $100 each. Proceeds for the fund raiser win benefit the school. For more information or to buy tickets, call (336) 725-4247.

year

Statesvilte Priest Receives

Army

Promotion

—

ST. LOUIS, Mo. Father Peter Fitzgibbons, pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville, was recently promoted as a Reserve commissioned officer of the U.S. Army. Father Fitzgibbons spent seven years as an Army chaplain, including service in the Persian Gulf War. He has been in the Army Reserves the past two years and is currently the Catholic chaplain for the 312th Field Hospital. Father Fitzgibbons has served as pastor of St. Philip the Apostle Church since July 1996.

Father David M. O'Connell addresses a news conference after being introduced as the next president of Catholic University of America in Washington March 1 7.

The Vincentian priest, a native of Philadelphia, is an associate and dean at St. John's University in Jamaica, N.Y.

HANDMADE MINERAL AND GEMSTONE ROSARIES

vice president

Dietzen, Mercy Sister Elected To Housing Coalition Board

BELMONT — Mercy Sister Mary Barbara Sullivan was recently elected to

from page 5

Amethyst, Garnet, P.W. Pearls, Jade, Lapis, Citrine,

Onyx, Turquoise, Tiger-eye, Cornelian, Malachite, Obsidian,

serve on the board of directors of the North Carolina

& others Prom $20 & up.

DAVE PUSHIC

Nen^ Creation Monastery

on our sharing

in the life of God, pound or quart label on which of these is "more" forgiving.

We are dealing with a God whose love for us goes beyond measure, who asks us only to open ourselves to his mercy and redemptive love.

grace,

704-845-3074

we can't place

We

believe that the church, guided

by the Holy us, to

a

move

Spirit, tells us

how, and helps

consciously and reverently

into the presence of that mercy.

Come,

share the

monasUc

life

with

Camaldolese Oblate Monks.

Father John invites you to the Holy Week Retreat $120.00 the

Catholics ask about cremation

and other

funeral regulations and customs

New

Creation Monastery

has a home for sale, 3BR, 2B, next door at $39,900 1433 Ric^TWOHd BooMUifle,

HiK

NC

is

avail-

able by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Holy Trinity Church, 704 N. Main St., Bloomington, III. 61701.

Questions for this column should be sent to Father Dietzen at the same ad-

R.R.

dress.

27OII

is

a

CNS

umnist.

SCHOOL BOARD OPENINGS The Meckknb erg Area Catholic Schools Regional Board ofEducation seeking applications to fill

Board positions for the

three-year terms will begin July

child in child in

1,

able housing programs and strategies for North Carolinians. In addition, as an advocate lic officials,

1

She also serves

as chairperson for the

Belmont Housing Authority.

A paralegal,

Oratory

ROCK HILL,

News

— The members of

the Rock Hill Oratory recently asgovern the congregation for the next three years.

Oratorian Father Joseph A. Wahl was reelected provost (president). The four deputies elected were Oratorian Fathers David Valtierra and Edward McDevitt and Oratorian Brothers Joseph Guyon and David Boone. Father

sembled

S.C.

to elect officials to

was also elected vicar (vice-president).

Each Oratorian congregation is an autonomous house with no

Valtierra

ernment or province. Members join ing their lives in the

is

col-

central gov-

in a congregation with the intention of spend-

community they joined.

Other Oratorian congregations

in the

United States are in Monterey,

Calif.;

New Oratories in the process

and Mt. Pocono, Pa. The Rock Hill Oratory has been situated in York County since 1934. Members minister at four parishes, one mission, Winthrop University, local hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and other places where ministry is wanted or needed.

The Oratory also operates the Center for Spirituality, which offers retreats, spiritual direction, Bible institutes, theology seminars and lay ministry gatherings.

Father Wahl, a native of Jersey City, N.J., was ordained to the priesthood in 1956. His many areas of service have included the pastorates of St. Ann Church in Rock Hill and St. Catherine Church in Lancaster. He has also served as provost of the Oratory in two previous terms. For the Diocese of Charleston, he serves on the presbyteral council and the college of consultors and is the director of the Diocesan Institute for Parish Leadership. of forming are in Philadelphia, Pa.; Chicago,

111.;

998-99 school year The

1998. Practicing Catholics who have a

intend to enroll a child in MACS or have previously had a MACS qualify for Board service. Individuals having MACS PTO or other school experience, are particularly encouraged to

MACS,

apply by sending a resume 6.

serves

housing consumers.

Sister Barbara has a lengthy record of advocacy in the development of affordable housing. She is the chief executive officer of Catherine's House, a transitional facility in Belmont for homeless women and women with children.

committee,

April

it

and repository of information about affordable housing for pub-

the business community, nonprofit organizations and low-income

Pittsburgh, Pa.; Pharr, Texas; and Brooklyn, N.Y.

Father John Dietzen

(336)699-400s

coalition provides leadership, expertise and support to develop afford-

is

A free brochure answering questions

—

The

she assists in legal preparation in cases of landlord and tenant disputes as well.

The Penitential Rite of the Mass among its ways of doing that.

Father John Vianney Hoover

&

Low Income Housing

Coalition.

1998

to:

and letter stating why you would like

to serve

Catholic Gift & Book Store

by

BOOKS & GIFTS for ALL OCCASIONS!

MACS

Nominating Committee C/o Roman Catholic Diocese of Cliarlotte IVIACS Business Office 1123 South Church Street Charlotte, NC 28203

1st COMMUNION, CONFIRMATION, Bibles, Rosaries, Statues, Medals & More.,.

HOURS; 9AM (336)273-2554

-

5PM.

Mon, thru Fri.

233 N. Greene St. Greensboro, NC 27401

14 The Catholic

& Herald

News

March

20, 1998

Diocesan News Briefs Love and Life Seminar Junior high and ASHEVILLE high school students, young adults, parents, teachers and youth ministers are invited to "God's Plan for Love and Life," a retreat facilitated by renown speaker Barbara McGuigan, April 4 at the BasiHca of St. Lawrence from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Lunch will be provided. For reservations, call the parish office, (704) 252-6042.

—

munity

is at

Pliilosophy

The Richard M. Weaver Symposium March 27-28. The gatherlege sponsors

ing will focus on the 50th anniversary of the publication of "Ideas

Have Conse-

quences" by Richard Weaver, respected philosopher, critic, rhetorician and professor of English at the University of Chicago. Nationally prominent scholars

and presenters will examine Weaver's views on order and liberty in society and

how

they apply today. The symposium being directed by Belmont Abbey's Bradley Institute for the Study of Chrisis

tian Culture.

The registration cost is $65.

To register or for more (704) 829-7231.

"Gift of Life"

CHARLOTTE

information, call

Program The African

—

American Affairs Ministry at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 4207 Shamrock Dr., co-sponsors a "Gift of Life" program with LifeShare of the Carolinas April 15 at 7 p.m. at the church.

Debbie Gibbs, a parishioner of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte and a LifeShare associate, will be the main speaker. The program is intended to heighten awareness of the need for organ and tissue donations, and will explore the Catholic faith's position on the matter. For more information, call Cheryl Sledge, (704) 847-7854.

Media Resources The diocesan a new

CHARLOTTE

—

Media Resource Department has

home

Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center, 1123 S. Church St. You are invited stop in at the center to check out videos and books. The celebration of the sacraments and the liturgical seasons are occasions when many schools and parishes need resource materials for instructional use. As such, the media department suggests two weeks' notice for certain items. For more information, call Sister Patricia Durbin, RSM, (704) 370-3241. in the

Community

IVIission

and

Planning Series CHARLOTTE The Vietnamese

—

St.

Joseph's Catholic

Community in "Com-

Charlotte hosts a Lenten mission,

munity Mission for the Year 2000," at St. Ann Church March 20-22.

Redemptorist Father Dai An Le from

Vietnamese Catholic

to join in the

community's planning for the November opening celebration of the new Vietnamese Catholic church on Sandy Porter Road. Call the above numbers for details.

Symposium Examines Weaver

BELMONT — Belmont Abbey Col-

4 p.m. For more informa-

Minhthu Lynagh, (704) 3413781, or Father Tan Le, (704) 529-0553.

Interested persons are also welcome

Retrouvallle

— Retrouvaille

CHARLOTTE

is

a

program for married couples that brings hope, teaches communication on a feelproblems are not unique, helps couples identify their values and priorities, and teaches couples to forget the past and start anew. The program begins March 27. For further information, call Nick and Irene Fadero in Charlotte, (704) 5440621, or (800) 470-2230.

Campus

l\/linistry

—

CHARLOTTE Campus Ministry

at the

University of

North Carolina at Charlotte hosts Voices, a series featuring guest speakers and discussion focusing on the voices and stories of the marginalized. Gatherings include potluck dinner.

To

R.S.V.P., offer

to bring a potluck dish if you

wish to have

accompanying book or more information, call (704) 547-

6:30-8:30 p.m.

A

gathering for leaders

of pastoral councils, ministries, religious

groups and related entities is March 21 from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. A gathering for youth group leaders and members ages 16 and up is March 22 from 10 a.m.-l p.m. A closing Mass for the entire com-

will discuss their per-

God

sonal experiences in discovering

and renewal in faith. Times are 7 p.m. on April 3, and at 2 p.m. on April 4 and 5. There is no fee, but donations will accepted. For more information, call the parish office, (336) 884-0244.

Living Waters Retreats

—

MAGGIE VALLEY

A

Holy

Week silent retreat is April 5-12 and will focus on walking with Jesus from

Palm

Sunday through the solemnities of the Triduum into Easter Sunday. No conferences will take place. Liturgies will be celebrated in St. Margaret Church. Cost

$225.

"Living Trinitarian Faith"

is

1-3 retreat focusing

a

is

May

on the meaning of

the Trinity doctrine and

its

practical con-

sequences. Glenmary Father John facilitates. Cost is $95.

Special rates for couples and oppor-

McNeamey

tunities for self-conducted retreats are

available.

A $25 non-refundable deposit

required with each registration.

is

more information,

To reg-

or receive a

ister,

retreat schedule, write to the Living

4069. The next meeting is March 29 at 6:30 p.m. in Aquinas Hall on the parish grounds of St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

Rice Bowl Gathering

CLEMMONS Franciscans of

St.

—

The Secular

CHARLOTTE

— The

St.

James

Church Women's Guild presents its annual spring craft and bake sale April 4 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. in the parish enter, 25 1 N. Union St. More than 30 crafters have created handmade items for the fair, which will also include a variety of baked goods, refreshments and free door prizes.

Campus

Ministry Requests

Chapel Furnishings The Lenoir-Rhyne

HICKORY

—

College campus ministry is setting up a prayer chapel and needs furnishings (crosses, crucifix, statues of saints, icons, small holy water font, and so on). If you or your parish has such items which are not being used, and you would be willing to donate or sell them, write to Chap-

28603; call mail to <Tyconius@aol.com>.

Encounter

is

Faith

WINSTON-SALEM

—

Rapha

Triad presents a free workshop on the grief process following tragic loss March 27 from 1 1:30-2 p.m. at 3637 Old Vine-

yard Rd. Author, singer and speaker Renee Coates Scheldt and Dr. David E. Jenkins, clinical psychologist, will present. Two hour certificates of attendance will be presented to participants, and a complimentary lunch is included.

To R.S.V.P., call (800) 441-2673, ext.

3271 by March 23.

The Catholic News & Herald welcomes parish news for the diocesan news briefs. Good photographs are also welcome. Submit news releases and photos at least 10 days before the publication date.

Around The Diocese

—

April 3-5 at the Catholic

Conference Center. For details, call Michael or Stacey Holcomb, (704) 8448181, or for reservations call

Lenten Programs

CHARLOTTE — St. Thomas Aquinas Church hosts "Fridays in Lent," featuring a soup and fish supper at 6 p.m., stations of the cross at 7:30 and faith-

Upcoming speakers are Father Peter Jugis, diocesan judicial vicar, who will discuss the sacrament of marriage and the annulment process on March 27, and Father Ray WiHiams, parochial vicar of St. Pauick Cathedral in Charlotte, who will reflect on the sacrament of reconciliation on April 3. For more information, call (704) 549-1607. enriching talks at 8 each Friday.

Capuchin Father Vincent Fortunate leads a Lenten discussion, "Let's Prepare for Holy Week," March 30 at 7 p.m. in St. Matthew Church. The event includes Benediction and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

"Follow Me! Disciples for the 21st Century" is a small group discussion series at St. James Church each Lenten Thursday from 7:30-9 p.m. in

CONCORD —

tion to the Jubilee

mation.

GASTONIA

Tom

or

is on the Holy Spirit and the virtue of hope in relaYear 2000. Call Mike Leake, (704) 782-8425, for more infor-

The focus

the parish center.

—

"Still,"

a three-act musical drama, addresses social concerns

and the questions people may have when life is not going quite right. Act Three focuses on the themes of Lent and Easter with a portrayal of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus. The play is written and directed by Mercy Sister Larretta first presentation is March 28 at 7:30 p.m. in St. Michael Church, Gastonia. An encore presentation is at Curtin Hall in Belmont on April 4 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call Sister Larretta, (704) 829-5260.

GREENSBORO St. Pius X Church is among the sponsors of an ecumeni-

Williams-Rivera. The

—

cal

Lenten series each Wednesday

at 12:

15 p.m. through April 4.

Lunch

is

avail-

able after each service for $4. For details, call St. Pius X's parish office, (336)

272-4681.

— — 7 p.m.

Cross each Lenten Friday MONROE — An ecumenical Lenten worship

HICKORY Stations of the Cross and Benediction are hosted by St. Aloysius Church each Lenten Friday through April 3.

Christ the King Church hosts Benediction and Stations of HIGH POINT the

Marriage Encounter The next Marriage

HICKORY

get

Waters Catholic Reflection Center, 103 Living Waters Lane, Maggie Valley, NC

Age of Faith in Concert MOORESVILLE — Age of

performs an outdoor concert with rock songs of praise and worship April 3 at St. Therese Church. All are invited, especially youth groups. Tickets are $5 each, and youth leaders and adults are admitted free. Please RSVP as soon as possible. Group discount applies to groups of 10 or more who respond by March 27. For more information, call Diana HoUenback, (704) 664-7762.

Grief Workshop

Clare's Fraternity of

Winston-Salem offers a simple soup supper March 27 at 5:30 p.m. in the Holy Family Church family center. The event involves participation in Operation Rice Bowl, a Lenten program benefiting the hungry in third- world countries. Donations will be gratefully accepted. For more information, call Ann Michel, SFO, (336) 766-8843.

Craft Fair and Bake Sale

community March 20 from

the entire

The speakers

3-5.

receive

(704) 328-7248; or send E-

mission leader. The

to (704)

King

the

dinner, order an

lain Andrew F. Weisner, Box 7354, Lenoir-Rhyne College, Hickory, NC

is

— Christ

Church hosts an evangelical mission, presented by Bill Wegner and Brent Heiser of Good News Ministries, April

Series

The Catholic

28751, caU (704) 926-3833, or send a fax 926-1997.

Evangelical Mission

HIGH POINT

ing level, helps couples realize that their

mission opens with a talk and Mass for

Carthage, Kan.,

Emilie Sandin, (336) 274-4424.

tion, call

at

service

is at

Our Lady of

Lourdes Church at 12 p.m. on March 25. A light luncheon follows.

Many Lenten programs, retreats and services are being hosted throughout the diocese. For information on those events nearest you, check your bulletin or call your parish office.

1

March

1

1

The Cathohc News

20, 1998

World And National News Priest In Diocese

Of IVIadlson

Found Apparently Murdered MADISON, Wis. (CNS) The body

—

country' s most violent elections in the last

was found March 4 in the school at St. Michael Church in Dane after his apparent murder. The body of Father Alfred J. Kunz, pastor at St. Michael Church, was discovered by a teacher who came to open the school just 30 minutes before students

would have

arrived. Father

Kunz, 67, had

been pastor of St. Michael' s for the past 3

He

years.

lived in quarters adjoining the

school. Dane, a small village north of Madi-

son, has a population of 621.

The Dane

County Sheriffs Office was investigating the possible

murder around the

clock.

Public Funding Cuts Hit Catholic Charities In Virgin Islands

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin (CNS)

Islands

—

On Eucharist YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (CNS) — hi

Pastoral Letter a pastoral

is

in for

monies, administered by the Virgin Islands

Human all

Services Department, will affect

nonprofit agencies.

It is

a shortfall in

funding of around $85,000 and will

seri-

ously impede service to those most in need,

Ahce Hamilton,

the acting executive di-

Bishop Thomas

J.

Tobin

He urged parishes to

"seriously con-

He many

in Christ's real

lectual preparation

presence in the Eucharist "raise up serious

must prepare them to be models of

of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament." said recent polls indicating that

Cathohcs do not beUeve

concerns." Bishop Tobin' s pastoral,

titled

"The Eucharist: To Be Loved, To Be Lived," was pubhshed in booklet form and in the March 6 issue of the Cathohc Exponent, his diocesan newspaper.

Common Ground:

Disagreeing Without Being Disagreeable OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CNS)

—

At a national meeting in Wisconsin, 5 prominent U.S. Catholics of varying ideologies and church perspectives agreed to disagree without being disagreeable.

Gathered in Oconomowoc March 6-8 for the second annual Cardinal Bemardin Conference of the Catholic Common

Ground

Initiative, they debated, chal-

lenged, and questioned each other on the

"Church Authority Within Ameri-

can Culture." A bishop decried bishopbashing. Some theologians urged increased listening to the "sensus fidelium" ("sense of the faithful") while one of their

Vatican Issues Ecumenical Formation Guidelines For Church

reached, no statements issued.

new

nent diaconate

is

a

vocation sealed by the

girls bring up the offertory gifts during Mass in government-approved St. Joseph's Church in Although Chinese bishops will not attend the Synod of Bishops for Asia, the "open" and "underground" churches of China will likely be discussed during the April 19-May 14 meetings at the Vatican.

Chinese

celebrated Beijing.

Sacrament of

Holy which

Orders, is

reserved to men, Vatican offi-

March 10 presendocuments. The Vatican published "Fundamental Norms for the Formation of Permanent Deacons," by the Congregation for Cathohc Education, and the "Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons," by the Congregation for Clergy, in a single 144-page volume available only in Italian.

cials said during their

tation of the

the faithful arouses expectations that later

blue-chip multinational clients as Delta Air

No

are difficult to quell.

consensus was

U.S. Hunger Study Finds 21 Million People Needing

than 21 million U.S. citizens, including

course topics to be used in programs for

many

future priests, rehgious and other pastoral

dren, needed

The guidelines, issued March 9, recommend study of a wide range of is-

in

other 5 million received food assistance,

sues, including the history of Christian di-

not in emergency settings such as food

agreement and disagreement, and main areas of po-

pantries,

Edward

two

said

Vatican documents. The perma-

colleagues argued that consultation with

—

dialogue with other churches. Car-

Christ the servant,

Blue-Chip Ad Firm To Promote CCC In Pro Bono Campaign WASHINGTON (CNS) Saatchi & Saatchi, an advertising firm known for such

VATICAN CITY (CNS) In a new document on ecumenical formation, the Vatican outlined principles and specific

tential

—

cons are ordained ministers whose spiritual and intel-

hc newspaper, published by the Diocese of St. Thomas. The Catholic agency runs Bethlehem House Shelters for the Homeless on two islands: a shelter for women and children, and an all-male annex on St. Thomas; and another facility for women and children on St. Croix.

visions, theological points of

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

devotion to the presence

tices that foster

topic

workers.

Permanent Deacons

Permanent dea-

rector of Cathohc Charities, told the Catho-

Workers

Discuss Formation Of

sider re-estabUshment of traditional prac-

some rough

appearing in the February issue of the Cathohc Islander, a 22 percent cut in grant

home.

ing about the Eucharist throughout his dio-

financial times because of recent public

funding cutbacks. According to a report

letter.

of Youngstown has called for regular teach-

Catholic Charities of the

U.S. Virgin Islands

Briefs

Documents

Youngstown Bishop Issues

cese.

Emergency Food

WASHINGTON

(CNS)

— More

of the working poor and their chil-

emergency food assistance new survey. An-

1997, according to a

soup kitchens and shelters, but through day care, counseling and high school equivalency programs. The land-

— "Hunger 1997: — was commis-

—

DuPont and Eastman Kodak, is developing pro bono a pubhc service ad cam-

paign for the U.S. bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign. The ad campaign was announced March 10 by Bishop Robert N. Lynch of St. Petersburg, Fla. He is

chairman of the U.S. Catholic bishops' Committee on Communications, which oversees the CCC. According to the announcement, the campaign will stress the power of people to forgive one another and is part of the Cathohc Church's efforts to prepare for the third millennium and Great Jubilee Year 2000.

Father Burghardt's 11th Book Of

Homilies Published (CNS)

—

Press has published the 11th volume of

Unity, which prepared the text, said the

sioned by Second Harvest, the nationwide

homilies by Jesuit Father Walter

document underlined the importance for seminarians and others to know "what ecumenism is and how it should be taught."

network of 186 community food banks.

Brazilian Bishops: Court's Decision Favors Killing of

Burghardt,

I.

Cassidy, president of the

Pontifical Council for

Promoting Christian

Colombian Bishops To Launch Peace And Reconciliation

Campaign BOGOTA, Colombia (CNS)

— The

'Excluded'

SAO PAULO,

Brazil

(CNS)

— The

Brazilian bishops' Indigenous Missionary

Council condemned the decision by a

Colombian bishops' con-

Brazilian court not to try the case of five

ference said the bishops will launch a

teen-agers accused of killing an indig-

peace and reconciliation campaign now that the country finished one of its bloodi-

enous man in Brasilia as murder. The five youths admitted that last April, they doused the body of Galdino Jesus dos Santos with alcohol as he slept at a bus stop, then set him on fire. The court de-

president of the

and crucall all Colombians to and join an effort for peace, reconciliation and respect for life," said the conference president, Archbishop Alberto

est elections. "In this dramatic cial

moment, we

reflect

Giraldo Jaramillo of Medellin, after the voting offices closed March 8. That day

cided in early

March to charge four youths

with manslaughter and not second-degree

murder, thus ending the need for a

trial

by peers. The other youth, a minor, was

new Congress

sentenced to three years in juvenile de-

for a three-year period in the midst of the

tention but allowed to serve his sentence

Colombians elected

their

to ethnic conflicts

WASHINGTON who

Paulist

Peace

sions. It also includes two comprehensive indexes of all 1 1 volumes, one arranged by the Scripture readings each homily was based on, the other by the Sunday, feast or other occasion on which the homily was

dehvered.

i

Vatican Envoys To Africa Discuss Continent's Ethnic Tensions

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

— The

Vatican called together its ambassadors to African nations to discuss ways the Catholic Church could promote democracy, respect for human rights and an end

In

Kosovo Still Possible, Says Bishop

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

— A peace-

ful solution to the crisis in the

region of Yugoslavia the Catholic

is still

Kosovo

possible, but

Church can only

offer lim-

it, the region's bishop an interview published March 1

ited help achieving said. In

by Fides, the news service of the Vatican's Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Auxiliary Bishop Marko Sopi of Skopje-Prizren, Macedonia, said the roughly 60,000 Catholics in Kosovo are caught in the middle of the conflict. On at least one occasion. Bishop Sopi said, police had beaten and otherwise mistreated Catholics as they emerged from a recent Sunday Mass.

National Plan Hatched To Foster

Strong Marriages

WASHINGTON (CNS) — A plan to

J.

year was the only Catholic on Baylor University's list of the 12 most effective preachers in the English-speaking world. Titled "Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters," the 288-page volume includes 47 homilies for various Sundays, saints' feasts and other occalast

on the continent. The

Vatican described the March 10-11 meeting as "an interesting exchange of information and evaluation of various aspects of the political, social and religious situation on the African continent." According to the Vatican's March 12 statement, Pope John Paul II met the two dozen nuncios at the end of the meeting "and thanked them for the work which they perform at the service of the church and for the peaceful coexistence of the African peoples."

Lines,

mark research study The Faces and Facts"

dinal

15

New Vatican

10 years.

of a parish priest in the Diocese of Madison

at

& Herald

keep good marriages from going bad, and to stop bad marriages before they start, will soon be going nationwide. Backers of the plan, called Marriage Savers, say the program has found homes in 80 cities in 32 states, and point to dramatic reductions in divorce rates in cities where the program has been implemented. Journalist and au-

Mike McManus, a Presbyterian layman who founded Marriage Savers with thor

his wife, Harriet, said at a press conferin Washington that the Catholic Church has been a leader in marriage

ence

preparation programs that other churches

could emulate.

six-month

—

McManus

or longer

—

singled out the

preparation pe-

riod required in U.S. dioceses, plus the En-

gaged Encounter, Mairiage Encounter and Retrouvaille programs offered by Catholic dioceses and parishes nationwide.

16 The Catholic

News

& Herald

March

•

J3acf^

of{Jie C^n^efs

San Salvador,

In

GJitarcJ

20, 1998

Crypt Of Romero To

Be Opened To Public

fProfile

By MIKE LANCHIN SAN SALVADOR (CNS) — For the time in recent years, ordinary Salvadorans will be able to visit the crypt of Archbishop Oscar A. Romero on the anniversary of his murder, the San Salvador Archdiocese announced.

Archbishop Fernando Saenz Lacalle of San Salvador said March 15 that the general public will be given access to the tomb, which lies beneath the partially

first

MARION

— During

the mid-

1940s, the nearest Catholic churches to the

McDowell County town of

Marion were a few dozen miles away, in Swannanoa to the west, Spruce Pine to the north, and Morganton to the east. It was the gathering of that small Catholic community in Morganton that led to the establishment of Our Lady of the Angels Church in Marion.

Father William McShea celebrated Masses in a Hickory hotel and in a private home in Morganton during the mid- 1940s. His successor.

Father James King, began traveling to Marion as well to celebrate liturgies in the county courthouse.

Marion Catholic community purchased a house on South Main Street and prepared it for In 1953, the

Our Lady of the

reconstructed metropolitan cathedral, as

Years

later,

began

money

to

for a

the

save

new

the dead will be celebrated in parishes

Pastor:

around the country March 24, the day in 1980 Archbishop Romero was shot by a

Our Lady of the Angels Church through the

death squad while celebrating Mass in a chapel in San Salvador.

it has become more independent.

The Catholic community in Marion has participated in a number of church

increasingly

and civic outreach programs and services, among them Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity and volunteer

Priest in residence:

Father Jerome

Aung Shwe

His

at

begin construc-

especially in recent years

Father Kennetli Whittington

1993.

legacy of service continues

Angels Church.

The church was canonically established as a mission of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Morganton, although

Hickory

in

Archbishop Saenz said a Mass for

particu-

larly prison ministry.

Marion Catholics celebrated the completed construction of Our Lady of the

Vicariate:

life,

was eventually purchased on Fleming Avenue, and by 1970 the community was planning Plans were put motion several years later, and in September 1976

NC 28752

jl^mkmg

Damas,

ministerial

congregation's activities in

In previous years religious groups

church and community

and community organizations have also

Further growth and vi-

organized street parades to mark the day.

The archbishop also announced that

has been fostered in

in April, Father Rafael Urrutia and Fa-

life.

tion.

(704) 652-8690

November

congregation for his longtime leadership in parish

church. Property

into

Marion,

Archbishop Romero's death.

The cathedral, which lies in the busy city center, has been closed for the past eight years due to a long rebuilding process. It was last opened for the visit of Pope John Paul II in February 1996 and for the funeral of Archbishop Saenz's predecessor. Archbishop Arturo Rivera

deacon of the Diocese of Charlotte, is noted by the

use as a chapel.

Catholics in town

to

Angels Church

tality

part

by Father Jerome Aung Shwe, a

ther Jesus

of Priest^oo5?

serving in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Delgado

will travel to

to assist in the process of beatification

Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton and Our Lady of the Angels Church in Marion since 1992.

ers.

of Archbishop Romero, currently under consideration in the Vatican.

"The two vice postulators

Rome its

and give the cause a nudge along way," Archbishop Saenz told report-

Father Urrutia and Father Delgado, both close to Archbishop Romero during his three years as the head of the archdiocese, have been working closely with the canonization process since

Catholic

was ini-

Heritage

Could You Be Eligible For Membership?

The CathoUc Heritage Society honors the Christian generosity of Catholic friends

Society

who

are providing for the future of the

church. Membership

is

open

to

anyone

who has agreed to make a planned gift to the Diocese of Charlotte, any of

704-926-0106

it

tiated in 1990.

its

parishes, schools, agencies, organizations

or to the diocesan foundation. You are

Rev. Eric

E-mail: elh@dnet.net

(for the

sainthood cause of Archbishop Romero) go to meet the vice postulator in

will

St.

more information:

Houseknecht St. Margaret Church P.O. Box 1359 Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Rome

from Burma in residence at Marion. With his presence there. Our Lady of the Angels Church maintains a full Mass schedule, including a Spanish Mass for the growing immigrant Hispanic population.

Father Kenneth Whittington, pictured above, has served as pastor of

priest

work at the local senior center.

The late John Gallen, a permanent

God Calls each of us in a variety of ways. If you or someone you know feels drawn to priesthood, please write or call to find out more about

For

mark

part of the religious activities to

if you have made a BEQUEST IN YOUR WILL, a GIFT OF LIFE INSURANCE, an ANNUIT\; a TRUST or a gift of REAL ESTATE.

eligible

For more information on the Catholic Heritage Society, contact Jim Keller at the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South

Church St.,

Charlotte,

NC 28203.

Telephone 704-370-3301 or 370-3320