March 5, 1999 by Catholic News Herald

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mimim

March

Volume

atholic NEWS HERALD 3«

1999

Number 26

Serving Catholics

Western North Carolina

the Diocese of Charlotte

ln$id Land mine

document Pope urges nations to sign global anti-land

mine treaty

...Page

Bishop asked to participate

sainthood

cause HOTOS BY UONNA JERNIGAN

...Page

William G. Curlin, during the prayer of dedication and the anointings of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte. "The Church is the dwelling place of God on earth: a temple built of living stones, founded on the apostles with Jesus Christ its comer stone." The new building is tlie final chapter in a threephase construction plan, as parking facilities and education and social facilities were completed over the past few years. "Here

r^4ocal Ncw$

reflected the mystery of the Church," read Bishop

St.

parish family celebrates

Catholic, Lutheran bishops

new

its

issue Lenten statement ...Page

Come

Vincent de Paul

By JOANN

home

parish S.

"The Song of

Mark"

St.

Barnabas

Church

Arden

hosts Gospel-

based play ...Page

{very Week

— For

& Columns 4-5

...Pages

10-11

Faith Fomiation'

Week

and

grow together in love. most sacred moment, Bishop

Curlin anointed the altar and church with a fragrant holy oil of chrism. As the building was filled with aromatic incense the prayers of the people asscended to God. In this a holy place we mark the altar with five crosses ... signifying the wounds of Christ," said Bishop Cur lin. will put into this altar the relics of holy saints who

gave their

March 14-21 the

SEE SPECIAL SECTION INSIDE

Chris-

in spirit

truth and In a

Entertainment

Where

worship

life

for Jesus.

With this solemn consecration, new St. Vincent de Paul Church

was dedicated

as an ever-holy place to

feed God's people on Christ's

word

and sacrament. "How blessed we are

your

•

— was elevated

southeast Charlotte parish for the past eight years. The new building completes a triptych of a plan: Parking facilities, education and social wings, and this final phase, a

"We

750 - towers above former self.

1961 Paul

St.

for liturgy

are

especially

grateful for our renovated

with seating for about

share in love, to celebrate the greatest gift of all, our Lord's presence in the Eucharist, the heartbeat of the church." However, he added, "this

new church

and prayer.

The new church

its

— the mis-

to parish status.

"The temporary chapel became the permanent church for the next 36 years," said Msgr. Pharr, pastor of the

and through the inspiration of Msgr. Pharr, you have constructed a place where you will be nourished by the sacraments we will cel-

"This is where we worship," said Bishop Curlin. "This is where we celebrate God's presence and

first facility, "a

In 1965 St. Vincent

sion

efforts

ebrate here."

The

Bill Pharr.

with this magnificent church," said Bishop Curlin. "Through your sacrifices

parish.

gym, was constructed to be used as a temporary chapel," recalled Msgr.

Spirit

—

— —

tians gather to

..'Pages

number

of years, the parish family of St. Vincent de Paul prayed in unison: "Help us ... put into reality the dream of a church a place to worship a place to gather as Christians united in friendship a community of believers praying together in sacred matters and working and playing together in secular pursuits." During the Feb. 27 Vigil Mass, the parish gathered to celebrate the fruition of those prayers. With the sacred liturgy of dedication, the parish received its long anticipated house of salvation and grace.

Editorials

Ann

St.

Holy

KEANE

Editor

CHARLOTTE

former self In 1961 St. Vincent de Paul was established as a mission of

church," said Msgr. Pharr. "It has been the number one long-range goal for this parish."

Building committee a St. Andy Lock

chair

Vincent de

—

Vincent de Paul parishioner for more than a decade

—

was established

spent the better part of that time involved with the paras a mission of St. ish construction plans. In Ann parish. spite of nominal setbacks such as unearthing rock building, as beautiful where rock should not have as it is, is not the whole church. The been during the parking lot phase, church is also outside of these walls. and a few design reconfigurations, are living stones. are the Lock is proud of his new parish home. body of Christ. Where you go, Christ "We've built a lovely church. Simple goes." and beautiful." t The new church with seating

—

for about

750

—

towers above

its

The Catholic News & Herald

U.S.

The World

March

Brief

mediator says Kosovo

peace proposal PARIS (CNS)

discounts," Bizzotto, an

is 'only solution'

— The

chief U.S.

losophy.

mediator to the Kosovo peace talks said there is "no question now of proposing any other peace plan." "Everybody knows that these 83 pages of sometimes-tortuous prose represent the only solution," said the mediator, Christopher Hill, U.S. ambassador to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. "Both sides have begun to understand that this is how the future of Kosovo will be decided." Hill spoke to the French Catholic daily La Croix after the inconclusive end of the first phase of peace talks between representatives of the government of Yugoslavia and ethnic Albanians, the majority in the Yugoslav province of Kosovo. The initial talks were conducted in Rambouillet, a village some 30 miles west of Paris. For jubilee, Vatican to issue identity cards to visitors

VATICAN CITY

Pontifical

Belgrade prayers

Serbian

woman

lights a candle at a

eral audiences to liturgical celebrations.

Used medical equipment may save

lives of Third

World children

—

WORCESTER, Mass. (CNS) For hospitalized children in developing countries, used medical equipment from a Worcester convent, most destined for the trash, could be a priceless find.

With

the help of volunteers, hun-

dreds of medical supplies were taken from the Sisters of Notre Dame convent to be refurbished for use in Ukraine. The convent was once a nursing home with rehabilitation services and it will undergo another conversion

& H

sion law presents "the possibility of in-

Most Reverend William G. Joann S. Keane

Publisher: Editor:

Associate Editor:

CNS to

become an

Ambassador

assisted living facility.

German bishops decry slave trade, religious persecution in Sudan LINGEN, Germany (CNS) The German bishops deplored re-

—

ports of an ongoing slave trade and widespread persecution of southern Sudanese Christians by the North African country's militant Muslim leadership. "In addition to shocking reports about the slave trade and starvation, we are worried about the detention of priests and religious work-

protracted legal proceedings, and the unfair release of prisoners," said

ers,

Bishop Karl Lehmann of Mainz, head of the bishops' conference.

Bishop Ruiz meets in Chiapas with U.S. ambassador to Mexico

SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS, Mexico (CNS)

—

Bishop

Samuel Ruiz Garcia of San Cristobal de las Casas told reporters he and U.S.

March 6 Mass

Jimmy Rostar

Jeffrey Davidow discussed prospects for peace and economic development during a meeting in Chiapas. "He made no value judgments," Bishop Ruiz said Feb. 21 following the meeting that lasted just over an hour. "He wanted to know the situation, and from the diplomatic point of view he did not say anything that could be interpreted as an intervention" in domestic affairs. Denying reality of death can be

harmful, speakers say VATICAN CITY (CNS) Wanting to live and to make the most of one's life means not dwelling on death, but to deny its reality is spiritually and

—

psychologically harmful, said speakers at a Vatican conference. "Christianity announces the hope of the resurrec-

but it does not banalize the event of death, does not take away the weight or the suffering, or even offer tion,

planner Upcoming

CHARLOTTE — Singers

are invited

Chrism Mass Choir. The chrism Mass is celebrated March 30 at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick Ca-

for

MACS Board MACS Board

thedral by Bishop William G. Curlin

Production Associate: Julie Radcliffe

Pastoral Center, Charlotte

and priests serving the diocese. Choir rehearsals are March 2 1 and March 28 from 4-5 p.m. at the cathedral. If interested, call Dr. Larry Stratemeyer at (704) 334-2283, ext. 22

Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick

Secretary: Jane Glodowski St.,

RO. Box 37267,

Charlotte,

March

—

7:00 7 Confirmation

NC 28203 NC 28237

Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382

St. Elizabeth,

Boone

E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

The Catholic News & Herald, the St.,

USPC 007-393,

published by

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church Charlotte,

28203, 44 times a year, weekly except

for

Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $1 5 per year for enrollees of

the

Roman

all

other

Second-class postage Charlotte NC and other cities.

subscribers. paid at

POSTMASTER: corrections to

Send address The Catholic News &

Herald, RO. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237. The Catholic News & Herald is

not

responsible

for

unsolicited

manuscripts and photographs.

—

1 1:00 am 9 Presbyteral Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

March

parishes

Catholic Diocese of

Charlotte and $1 8 per year for

punishment only on the

subjective impressions."

basis of

Human

rights

groups have criticized the law, saying it was aimed at political dissidents and independent journalists in Cuba. Vietnam permits nine religious to be ordained priests

—

6:00 pm Catholic Social Services Annual Awards Dinner and presentation of the Colonel Francis J. Beatty Award The Hilton Charlotte & Towers

March 10

ROCK HILL,

—

Registration for S.C. Religion Camp is underway. Two separate sessions are July 11-17 and July 18-24 for boys and girls under 12 who will enter grades 2-6 in

The Oratory

The fee is $90. For details, write to The Oratory Religion Camp, P.O. Box 1 1586, Rock Hill, S.C. 2973 11586. Volunteer staff counselors are also needed.

September.

March 18 in the Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Ho Chi Minh City. Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Pham Minh Man, the city's archdained

two Dominicans, two Redemptorists, a

bishop, will ordain

two

Jesuits,

Sulpician, a Franciscan and a member of the Nazareth Institute, a local order. Doctrine report says faith must

critique culture

—

WASHINGTON Catholic doctrinal

(CNS) officials who met re-

cently in California called for "more

effective doctrinal formation" of Catholics, saying that "Christians cannot accept uncritically the presuppositions and values of the dominant culture." Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk of Cincinnati, head of the U.S. bishops' doctrine committee and a participant in the Feb. 9-12 meeting, sent the conclusions of the gathering to

bishops Feb.

all

U.S.

19.

CHARLOTTE — The

50+ Club of John Neumann Church hosts its St. Patrick's Day luncheon today at 1 1:30 a.m. For details, call Joanne Halgas,

Meeting with

1123 South Church

flicting

said the anti-subver-

March

Diocesan

Hispanic Editor: Luis Wolf

Mail:

Feb. 21 that Cardinal Jaime Ortega

Alamino of Havana

March. Fides, the news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, said the nine would be or-

PHOTO FROM Reuters

to participate in the

Curlin

terms for dissidents seen

—

Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in thefollowing events:

March 5, 1999 Volume 8 • Number 26

jail

as subversive. Vatican Radio reported

VATICAN CITY (CNS) After refusing to allow the ordination of any religious-order priests in 1998, the government of Vietnam has given permission for nine men to be ordained in

—

VATICAN CITY (CNS) Cuba's highest Catholic Church leader criticized new laws that expand the use of the death penalty and establish

between Serbs and ethnic Albanians in the Kosovo region broke down Feb. 23.

{piscopal, calendar

©atholic W

new

criticizes

lengthy

conflict

who

would be able to reserve places for Jubilee Year celebrations ranging from papal gen-

for Life.

church in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Negotiations in France to end the

mass transportation and records of res-

viduals and groups. Card holders

Chris-

dies,

penal code

ervations for events and services. Offi-

potential benefits to card-holding indi-

Academy

Cuban cardinal

include personal health data, access to

released details of the "Pilgrim's Card" Feb. 26 emphasized that several aspects of the program, such as prices and availability dates, were still being finalized. They nevertheless were able to describe a range of

When someone

comforts by trying to silence the pain," he told a Feb. 24-27 meeting of the

Vatican plans to issue identity cards to visitors during the year 2000 that will

cials

Italian professor of phi-

tianity "does not administer cheap

— The

(CNS)

Mario

Father

said

1999

St.

(704) 535-3745.

10 CHARLOTTE

— The

presenta-

tion of the Diocese of Charlotte's

Catholic Social Services annual Francis J. Beatty Award is today during a reception and dinner at 6 p.m. in the Charlotte Hilton Hotel & Tower. Community activist Janice Valder-

Offerman is this year's recipient. The annual Spirit Award for volunteer service to

CSS

also to be presented, to

Jim and Marion Weber of Holy Spirit f Cburch in Denver. Cost is $60 per person. For details, call (704) 370-6155 weekdays. GREENSBORO St. Pius X Catholic Church is among the sponsors of an ecumenical Lenten worship service today at 12:15 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Bishop James Gary

—

Gloster, suffragan bishop of the Epis-

March

1999

The Catholic News & Herald 3

the News

Catholic, Lutheran bishops issue North Carolina Lutherans

& Roman CathoUcs in Dialogue

Lenten statement on intercommunion

shared hunger for the Eucha bringing Roman Catho-

rist is

and Evangelical Lutherans in North Carolina closer together, the lics

DIOCESE OF RALEIGH

denominations' top leaders in the state say in a Lenten statement. Bishops William G. Curlin of the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, F. Joseph Gossman of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, and Leonard H. Bolick of the North Carolina Synod of the Evan-

SYNOD DIOCESE OF OIARLOITE OFTHEELCA

NOR'01 CAROLINA

Lent 1999

A Statement

of Catholic/Lutheran Intercommunion

In the year prior to the signing of the Covenant between the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Catholic Dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh, an intentional effort was made to educate

Lutheran Church in America say in "A Statement of Catholic/ Lutheran Intercommunion" that they realize that much still needs to be done before a sharing of the Eucharist can gelical

the members of each denomination as to the meaning and implications of the Covenant. Since the signing in 1991 there have been regional meetings each year to which we have come to pray, learn and grow in our appreciation of each other. At the local parish level, a wide variety of activities has taken place to foster the vision of the Covenant. For all of this we are deeply grateful. While our efforts have focused on North Carolina, we have benefited from the long years of work done by the members of the National Committee, Lutheran World Federation and the Bishops' Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs which produced the series of studies entitled "Lutherans

take place at the

the

in Dialogue." In these studies

They add

that

that such success has also

Communion, and point out

that

"the necessary agreements have not

when

full

unity

transition will be

is a statement of recognizing the fact that there are problems," said Father George Kloster, ecumenical officer for the Diocese of Charlotte. "But when we recognize that the strains are there and face them in an honest way, we have not lost sight of that goal: that we

"Essentially,

hope because

it is

working for intercommunion. "My hope is that people will see

statement as a way of reaffirming the importance of the covenant, and to this

get us to continue to work toward the many dimensions of unity that we as

Lutherans and Catholics need to work together for." t

Prayer week for AIDS healing set for March 7-13

NEW YORK (CNS) — The National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life in

share this hunger for the Eucharist with you and recommit

New York is urging African-American Catholics to participate in Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS scheduled for March

ourselves to labor with you toward that goal under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

We believe that the Holy Spirit is guiding us toward the time when Lutherans and Catholics are united at the Eucharistic Table. Many of the theological, scriptural, historical and linguistic issues which obstructed our unity were dissolved when the Holy Spirit changed minds and hearts, brought about new attitudes and mentalities, and helped us to find unity in diversity. We celebrate the authentic unity to which our prayers, dialogues and common service have brought us and will continue to assist us in resolving traditional differences and overcoming historic obstacles. Ecumenical dialogue demands that we speak honestly in love and charity. The sharing of the Eucharist is not acceptable at this time because the necessary agreements have not been reached between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Roman Catholic Church, especially on the issue of the validity of holy orders and full unity. However, we believe that the experience of Vatican Council n, the framework of our dialogues and the presence of the Holy Spirit speak to us of a hope which we must work to bring to fulfillment.

for Catholic observance of the week is: "Let Us as Black Catholics and Then Heal Them." An announcement from the apostolate quoted some startling statistics cited during a Feb. 26 conference in Washington on how prevalent AIDS has become in the black community: According to figures released at the conference and confirmed by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Blacks make up 12 percent of the U.S. population but 45 percent of new AIDS cases. AIDS has been the leading killer of blacks ages 25-44 for most of the 1990s. Infection rates are estimated at one in every 50 black men, and one in every 160 black women. "As we embark upon this ministry of healing for the black community we must ready ourselves to overcome and conquer denial, fear, apathy, ignorance, confusion frustration, hopelessness, narrow-mindedness and the lack of trust and faith in God," Franciscan Father James Goode, president of the apostolate, said in a statement.

Them

God will give us that grace to conquer," he added. "Why? who is struggling with HIV-AIDS needs to know about God

believe that

Because someone

the Father's arms of mercy and the divine gifts of the sacraments."

tates.

light lunch

ARDEN

—

facili-

available for $4.

The youth

CHARLOTTE

Patrick's

Day

— The

1999

St.

Festival and Parade of

of St.

the Carolinas begins today at noon.

Barnabas Church present living stations of the cross today at 7 p.m. For details, call (828) 684-6098. HICKORY Marriage Encounter, a weekend devoted to deepening, understanding, and communication within marriage, is today through March 14 at the Catholic Conference Center. For details, call Michael or Stacey Holcomb, (704) 844-8181. For reservations, call Tom or Emilie Sandin at (336) 274-4424.

The parade route begins at the corner of Tryon and 6th streets in uptown

—

WINSTON-SALEM

—

Bishop McGuinness Memorial High School

presents "Godspell," a musical celebration of Matthew's Gospel, at 8 p.m. today in the Kenneth R. Williams Auditorium at Winston-Salem State University. Encore performances are

March

13 at 8 p.m. and

p.m. Cost

are $5, and able.

For

March 14

at 2

$8. Senior citizens tickets

group discounts are

details, call (336)

avail-

725-4247.

Charlotte, and proceeds south along Stonewall Street. The parade is coordinated by the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The festival is

on Tryon Street between

2nd and 4th

streets, including the

First Union, atrium courtyard,

from

noon- 11 p.m. Live music, food, arts and crafts, dancing, and children's activities are featured.

14 CHARLOTTE Mass

— A charismatic

celebrated today in St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. East, at is

4 p.m. Prayer teams are available at 3 p.m., and a potluck dinner follows

Mass

school cafeteria. For deJosie at (704) 527-4676.

in the

tails, call

CHARLOTTE

—A

the Black 7-13.

The theme

Receive

copal Diocese of North Carolina,

achieved, the

one of understanding

and acceptance.

are

in 1991.

elevated the issue of not being able to

ecumenical activity has not

See letter, page

communities

arship and local ecumenical activity."

only drawn us closer together but has raised a new tension. At virtually every meeting participants express a yearning, and often hurt, at our not sharing the Eucharist.

faith

success in efforts such as "solid schol-

things

local

two

...

In the statement, the bishops cite

biblical scholars

we are deeply grateful. The combination of solid scholarship and

table.

though, praise the ecumenical progress that has been achieved since the signing of a covenant between

our theologians, historians and examined foundational issues which included the Eucharist, Ministry, Papal Primacy, Teaching Authority, Infallibility and Justification by Faith. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, a unity of belief was revealed that would have been unthinkable only a generation or two earlier. For all these

and Catholics

same

The bishops,

been reached on the issue of the vaof holy orders and full unity." The bishops state, "We share this hunger for the Eucharist witli you and recommit ourselves to labor with you toward that goal under the guidance of the Holy Spirit." They encourage the faithful of both traditions to continue to work together and pray for each other so lidity

Lenten retreat/mission is at St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Rd., today through March 18. Each day includes Mass and Scrip-

ture sharing at 9:30 a.m., and Liturgy of the Word at 7:30 p.m. Dominican Father Michael Burke of the De Porres House in Raleigh facilitates. For details, call Carol at (704) 527-5277.

16 HENDERSONVILLE

—

Im-

maculate Conception Church, 208 Seventh Ave., presents "The Passion of the Lord" today, March 20 and March 21 at 7 p.m. For details, call (828) 6936901.

BELMONT

— Melodye

Micere

Stewart, a featured speaker at the Million

Woman March

in Philadelphia in

1997 and a Charlotte Post columnist, discusses literature of the "Harlem Renaissance" at 7 p.m. today in Grace Auditorium, on the third floor of St. Leo Hall on the campus of Belmont

Abbey

College. For details, call (704)

taught. For details and location, call

Mary Ann Dowhng 2357.

at (828)

696-

—

HICKORY A day of reflection for parish catechetical leaders, with Bishop William G. Curlin as the featured speaker, is today from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Catholic Conference Center, 1551 Trinity Lane. The gathering also includes prayer. Mass and discussion of next year's retreat. Participants are encouraged to bring Bibles. To register, send name, address, parish,

and phone number to

Faith Formation Office, Attn. Pat Onaindia, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203-4003. Include $5 (checks payable to Faith Formation Office) if you wish to purchase lunch. Registration deadline is March 5.

825-6890. 1

HENDERSONVILLE — A

series

of natural family planning classes taught by the Couple to Couple League begins today from 7-9 p.m.

The Sympto-Thermal method

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

The Catholic News & Herald

Editorials

March

& Columns

Including the church in the plans

you probably own life insurLike ance policies and invest in retirement plans as a way to protect your family's financial security. We all want to provide future support for our loved ones and provide income during retirement.You may be interested in learning more about how these plans can also allow you to support your parish. Catholic most of

us,

Giving

CINDY RICE

school. Catholic agency, the Diocese of Charlotte or

Diocesan Director of

the diocesan Foundation.

POPE JOHN PAUL

Pope ends Lenten reflecting

retreat

on persons of Trinity

JOHN THAVIS

News Service (CNS) After taking a week off for Lenten spiritual exercises, Pope John Paul II thanked his retreat master and said he felt like he had been "immersed in the mysCatholic

—

VATICAN CITY

tery of the eternal Trinity,"

The pope said he and other Vatican officials who tlie Feb. 2 1-27 progi-am were now better

took part in

prepared theologically for the Holy Year 2000.

The Lenten

retreat featured daily Mass,

number of talks by Belgian Bishop Andre-Mutien Leonard of Namur, a theologian

prayers and a

and consultor to the Vatican's doctrinal congreThe homilies reflected upon the persons of the Trinity as guides on a spiritual "journey toward the tfaird millennium." Bishop Leonard said promoting faith in Christ as the son of God was "the most urgent task in the church and in the world" as it apgation.

proaches the jubilee year. "If we lose Christ,

lose

it all,"

and the

faith

must be Christ understood in unique nature as God and man, the bishop said. This is not always easy, he said, because the reality of Christ's life and the demands of the faith form an implicit challenge. People have to accept Christ as the true son of God or else end up seeing him as "humanity's most dangerous guru," he said. "He doesn't just indicate the way of salvation, but claims to be the way of salvation. He doesn't just teach a truth or promote life, but says he is the truth and the life," Bishop Leonard said. Similarly, the faith challenges people to accept and understand Christ's divine nature even in the light of his "humiliation" on the cross, he said. Bishop Leonard preached on the need for charity as people prepare for the jubilee year, as well as the need to reconcile with God the Father. He examined the Lord's Prayer as one good way to begin a dialogue with God. But when Christians recite "Thy will be done," they shouldn't say it with the fearful attitude of the church promotes

How

give through life insurance? Many people have never considered making a charitable gift through life insurance, but it can offer great opportunities and benefits. Here are some good reasons why. • You can continue to provide for family members ^nd other beneficiaries and, at the same time, designate a Catholic organization to receive part or all of the policy proceeds. • Another option is to give a life insurance policy itself to the church. This may be especially appealing if you have a policy you no longer need, such as a policy originally purchased for a child's education. • When you make a charitable gift through life insurance, possible tax savings may also be an added benefit of your gift to the church. How do gifts through retirement plans work? Like life insurance, retirement plans such as IRAs, Keough plans, SEPs and 40l(k) plans may be used to make charitable gifts. If you are over age 59 l/2 and can make unpenalized withdrawals from your IRA or other qualified retirement plan, you may choose to give that

can

money

Planned Giving

to a Catholic organization.

Consider naming a Catholic organization as the secthird beneficiary after your spouse or other loved ones have been provided for. This will ensure your surviving loved ones will be taken care of first and charitable distributions will only .be made after the primary beneficiary(ies) no longer needs the property. It is a good idea to discuss your plans with your spouse before making any charitable distribu-

ond or

tions:

What's the next step? It is easy to name your

parish. Catholic school. Catholic agency, the Diocese of Charlotte, or the diocesan Foundation to share in life insurance or

retirement plans. It may be as simple as completing a change of beneficiary form. Simply contact your life insurance representative or the administrator of your retirement account.

Remember that everyone's needs are different. is why it is important to seek the advice of your

That

professional advisors before

you

give.

Although the

For more

withdrawal will be subject to tax, the gift qualifies for a charitable income tax deduction for those who

at the diocesan Development Office,

itemize deductions. Therefore, the usual tax on the

Charlotte,

withdrawal

Kelley,

You may

1999

Planned

you already have

The Pope

avoided altogether.

information, please write or call Cindy Rice

1123 S. Church St., N.C. 28203, (704) 370-3320, or call Jim director of development, at (704') 370-3301.

make charitable gifts through retirement plans when you no longer need the funds. also

his

someone wondering what disaster is going to strike them next, he said. God doesn't want people to

suffer,

said.

The Belgian bishop said he was convinced that many of the world's evils were linked to the infrequent use of the sacrament of penance. He spoke of an urgent need to rediscover the sacrament's "beauty, humility and tenderness." The pope focused on the same theme when he visited a parish in the Rome suburb of Ostia Feb. 28, telling young people that confession can have a great value in their lives. Later, at an Angelus blessing, the pope emphasized the need to perform concrete acts of charity, especially given the new forms of poverty that affect so many people in the world today. "Faced with the temptation of closing in on oneself, the commitment to helping others is a without expecting anything in return precious way to demonstrate God's love in one's own life," he said.

—

Parish

Diary

Sometimes people lose their train of thought. Recently one man started to pray for somebody, but forgot the name, so he just said, "For our neighbors to the south." It made no sense to us, but we dutifully said, "Lord hear our prayer." God can sort it out. Really, our spontaneous prayer is not so spontaneous. We have a clearly defined etiquette. At weekday Mass we have a dear, motherly lady, know to Mary Claire, who always prays first. wait for her. On the rare occasions she is not at Mass there are a couple of seconds of dead air while people look around. Often someone will say, "For all of Mary Claire's intentions, we pray to the Lord." Mary Claire has a list. She starts out with the "right to life of all innocent babies throughout this whole world," and then touches briefly on world peace, an end to starvation and communism, vocations, the sick, travelers and usually ends up with the unemployed. She also has seasonally adjusted intentions. God does not rest during flu season if Mary Claire has anything to say about it. Sometimes she clarifies things for God a bit. For instance, when she prays, "For all travelers," she often adds, "whether for business or for pleasure." She wants God to remember her son, who drives an 1 8-wheeler. He is certain that it was his mother's prayers that saved him last year when his rig rolled over in a blinding snowstorm. God listens to Mary Claire and her husband. Bill. She prayed for an end to communism in Russia; it came. He prayed for a cemetery and a crisis-pregnancy center and we got one of each. I have a stock I'd like them to remember if it wouldn't be sacrile-

FATHER PETER DALY

CNS

Columnist

Listen in on our prayers of the faithful our parish the Prayer of the Faithful is spon-

Intaneous.

God and

People place their "petitions before

the church after a brief introduction from

the priest.

works pretty well. Most people pray for the someone who has died. When there is a big event in the news, it often makes its way into our prayer. For instance, when Princess Diana died, a number of children were moved to pray for her. It

sick or for

of the folks are too shy to say anything at say, "For a special intention." This is fine, except then we don't really know what we are praying for. (It could be that we are praying that their neighbor's dog will die.) Probably they keep the intention vague because it is something they are understand. embarrassed to talk about publicly. Sometimes, however, after three or four "special intentions" in a row, I feel like saying, "For all of our special intentions." After all, we always pray for "all the prayers we hold in our hearts." That should cover it. Some people have a single intention that they voice at every Mass, for example, "for the unborn" or all.

lot

Some just

"for the children of our parish."

One man often prays by name for all the priests who have been at our parish during his time. Until recently he left me out. Lately I've been added, which tells me he finally has accepted me.

gious.

When

first

came

to this parish

made

the

mistake of cutting off the spontaneous petitions on Sundays, thinking they would go on too long. At the first parish council meeting there was an explosion. I never tried that again. Our prayer is truly the prayer of the "faithful." It is a window to our worries and our loves.

March

1999

The Catholic News & Herald

{ditorioh & Columns

Light

consider these two "candle lighters." 103 year-old Marjory Stoneman Douglas may be best known for writing the classic book, "The Everglades: River of Grass." Starting in the 1940s and for

One

Candle

Lenten

decades after, Douglas took on special interest groups that had allowed the destruction of this magnificent habitat.

managed

FATHER THOMAS Guest Columnist

You do make a difference

caught

Lugo, a Mexican-American, was told she could never go to college because she was severely dyslexic. But she did go, and is now director of the Latino Museum of History, Art and Culture in Los Angeles. People were skeptical when Julie Martines of Chicago went into the construction business. Today she is the founder and president of a company specializing in construction equipment sales, rentals and service. Carmen Pacheco opened New York's first Latina-owned law firm. Besides serving corporate clients, she is a bridge between Wall Street and the small Hispanic business community. None of these women allowed somebody else's doubts to stop them from pursuing their dreams. With faith, talent and persistence, they made those dreams come true. They created careers for themselves that other people doubted they could ever achieve. Such accomplishments demonstrate the truth of the Christopher motto: "It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." Sometimes we light candles for ourselves and those close to us. Sometimes we have the chance to light the way for people we may never meet and for future generations.

you think age has anything

do with

FATHER JOHN SCHNEIDER, VF

Then there is Craig Kielberger. A few years ago, when he was only 12, the young Canadian opened the daily paper and an article about a boy his own age

Denise

she faced opposition, she

to stop the construction of an airport that

would have severely damaged the Everglades. In 199*, she was awarded the nation's Medal of Freedom for her work in saving the land she loved.

McSWEENEY

And

Though

Reflection

his eye. It

who was

was the story of a Pakistani

Vicar of Asheville Vicariate

child

Repentance and forgiveness that we are in the midst of our Lenten Season we hear in our Scripture

assassinated because of his efforts to reveal

Now

With a small Craig formed Free The Children,

the horrors of child labor in his country.

band of his his

friends,

own human

rights organization that has gained

international media attention and influenced governpolicy. Craig has empowered young people to speak up for other young people throughout the globe thousands of girls and boys who are making

ment

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

children's rights their cause.

Our world

a better place because of these

Every struggle to light a candle at first seems overwhelming and impossible. People who campaigned to end the slave trade met enormous opposition and were told they could never succeed. Women who called for the right to vote were mocked. People with disabilities were told that access to transportation, jobs and everyday activities was impossible. People who are bold enough to believe they can make a difference have always made this world that much better. And so it is with you. Refuse to give up people.

"It's not possible. You are being too complicated. There will always be injustice. Give up!" Take courage and follow your heart. You can not only change your own life, you can change the world.

when

others insist

unrealistic. It

it.

repentance and forgiveness. Stories which we hear on Sunday, during this month of March, expose us to the important parts of that Go.spel. hear powerful stories of people who encounter Jesus and come to deeper appreciation and understanding of him in that encounter. These stories are the Samaritan woman at the well, the man born blind and the raising of Lazarus. All of these people who encounter Jesus are readings the

call to

The Johannine Gospel

They grow in who this person Jesus is. The Samaritan woman after her encounter with changed by

their interaction.

their insights of just

Jesus leaves tell

others:

thing

him and goes back

"Come see

into the

town

man who told me every-

have done. Could he possibly be the

Christ?" (John 4:28). In the Gospel of the man born blind Jesus makes mud paste and tells him to

go wash. Then his eyes are opened he begins and grow in his knowledge of who Jesus

to see is.

Lazarus

called out of the darkness of the

tomb and Jesus commands them, "Untie him and let him go".

Saturday evening Mass

Question

many years; At a recent meeting the priest said a Saturday evening Mass is not a vigilfor the Sunday Mass. IPliat does that mean? Wasn't the Saturday evening Mass initiated to accommodate people who for some reason could not attend on Sunday? Has there been a change? Q.

I thought I understood something for

now I'm

not sure.

Comer

A. No, there has been no change. I'm not sure priest may have meant, but in at least one way he is right. The Saturday evening Mass is not, properly speaking, a vigil for Sunday. It is referred to as an anticipation of the Sunday Mass. Thus, the Mass celebrated Saturday evening is the one assigned for that Sunday in the liturgical calendar, with its own Scripture readings and

A. What Matthew says in that verse is not really relevant to the future virginity of Mary, one way or

prayers.

the other.

what your

The same

FATHER JOHN DIETZEN

CNS

points apply generally to Masses cel-

In the

Columnist

New

American Bible, the passage reads no relations with Mary "before she

ebrated on the evening before a holy day of obligation.

that Joseph had

Some major feasts, Pentecost and Christmas for example, have a separate Mass for the "vigil" (the day before the actual feast) designated in the Sacramentary. Masses on the evening before these feasts use the texts of the vigil (Instruction "Eucharisticum Mysterium," 1967; No. 28). No specific conditions or reasons are required by church law for Catholics to fulfill their "obligation" by participating at Mass on the evening before a Sunday or holy day.

bore a son." Whatever the translation, however, the Greek adverb in the Gospel, hers, simply means until, or "as long as," with no implication of what happened or didn't happen afterward.

Tiie future virginity

Q. For interest in tedly,

few

the past

of Mary

years I have had a renewed

understanding more about

one driving force

my faith. Admit-

the spirited conversations I've

had with my grown daughter who has

Some

in the past

word

refutes belief in the continued virginity of

one who helps to unbind and

Mary. Such an interpretation, however, is pretty commonly considered unwarranted today. The intention of the Gospel author is clearly to show that Joseph was obedient to the instructions received from the angel, that he should accept Mary as his wife, that she would have a son, but it would come about not by him, but through the action of the Holy Spirit. Anything further than that would go beyond what the text says.

All of the Scriptures that

this

A few weeks ago you

A free wrote an interesting column on

ofMary and referred to Luke 1:34, where Mary says she has no relations with a man. In Matthew, however, we're told that Joseph had no relations with

Mary

until she bore a

have attempted to claim that

been attending a

fundamentalist church. thÂŁ perpetual virginity

.son,

Jesus. Doesn't

that contradict the belief in Maryi's future virginity?

have so many things in our lives that hold us bound or keep us from seeing the glory of Jesus and what possibly can be. The call for our repentance and change of heart has been offered and Jesus does all he can to call us to that deeper relationship. Yet we find in our lives the things which blind us and hold us in the darkness of sin, and aloneness keep us from true lifegiving relationships. This can be the husband who cannot give emotional support to his wife and family, because he never experienced it or is so burdened with work pressures that he is not present to them even when he is home. A wife who finds it easier to be present to her friends than to her own husband and family. These people are in need of the healing that Jesus can offer. It is this healing that can come in various ways and through various people. Part of the way God has to work is through others who can be his instruments. It could be a friend who tells them what they need to hear and introduces them to Christ again. It could be a person in a helping profession who provides the healing balm to open their eyes to the pain and difficulty in their life. It may be the badgering of the loved

brochure answering questions Catholics ask

about Mary, the mother ofJesus,

available by sending a

stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen,

Box

325, Peoria, III. 61651. Questions for this column should be sent to Father

Dietzen at the same address.

set

you

free.

we hear during the

Lenten Season point to the unbelievable work that Jesus has done in our world and continues to do with and through each of us. We are invited once again to experience the wonderful things Jesus is working in our world. This work we are doing in our lives during Lent makes this season of Lent our way to "Holyness" all year. Father John Schneider Barnabas Church in Arden.

pastor at Saint

The Catholic News & Herald

People

March

the News

Archbishop Rigali speaks at Senate reconciliation breal<fast

WASHINGTON

(CNS)

groups over church teachings and other religious issues damage church unity and peace, he said. The bishop is a mem-

— Arch-

new way

1999

characterize dialogue between Catholic

bishop Justin F. Rigah of St. Louis told a Washington audience "the Gospel of Jesus Christ is crystal clear: the person who has received mercy cannot refuse to grant mercy." "The one who has been forgiven must forgive," he told nine U.S. senators attending a "Call to Reconciliation" prayer breakfast on Capitol Hill Feb. 25. The archbishop said reconciliation has its origin in

God's mercy and

Common Ground

ber of the Catholic Initiative

Joseph L.

begun by the late Cardinal Bernardin of Chicago in 1996.

Bishop says 'ill-advised' U.S. donations fuel hatreds in Ireland

ATCHISON, Kan. (CNS) Northern Ireland

Raymond

Boland

— Peace

possible, Bishop

said,

but the centu-

still

exist will con-

ries-old hatreds that

for

tinue to defy simple solutions. In a speech

people to live together. Growing interest in social teaching seen among U.N. agencies

in Atchison, the Irish-born bishop of Kan-

NEW YORK

(CNS)

—

sas City-St. Joseph, Mo., said "third-

and fifth-generation" IrishAmericans make the prospects of peace dimmer through ignorance of the realities of Ireland, and "ill-advised" monetary asfourth-,

People

working with U.N. agencies in Geneva and with government missions related to those agencies

show increasing

sistance that has fueled the conflict.

in-

on social issues, according to Brother Marcel Furic. A French member of the Misterest in church thinking

sionaries of Africa, Brother Furic rep-

resents Caritas Internationalis in Geneva, and is the one-man staff' for the International Catholic Center, an office supporting U.N.-related work carried out there by Catholic nongovernmental organizations, or NGOs. In an interview Feb. 24, he said an "evolution" in the outlook of governments represented in Geneva had made them

interested in the activities of the

NGOs, including the Catholic NGOs. Bishop McHugh installed as coadjutor of Rockville Centre ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. Promising "a shepherd's (CNS)

—

care" and asking for prayers port. Bishop

James T.

and sup-

McHugh was

CNS

Nun urges Michigan lawmakers

PHOTO FROM Reuters

to reject death penalty Mich. (CNS) Sister Helen Prejean asked a crowd at the state Capitol in Lansing if the only way "to do justice" in murder cases "is to imitate the action and kill the killers?" The Sister of St. Joseph of Medaille, a longtime death penalty opponent and author of the best-selling book "Dead Man Walking," made the

Austria avalanche A monk kneels at the coffins of avalanche victims inside Innsbruck's Wilten Basilica Feb. 27. An ecumenical service was held for 38 people killed when two massive avalanches hit the ski resorts of Galtuer and Valzur in Austria early that week.

installed as coadjutor bishop of Rockville Centre Feb. 22 at St. Agnes Cathedral. As he addressed a packed cathedral that included Catholics and non-Catholics, Bishop McHugh promised to proclaim the message of Christ and to "work to build up the unity of the church." At the installation Mass on the feast of the Chair of St. Peter, Bishop McHugh formally took on the role of coadjutor, in which he will assist Rockville Centre Bishop John R. McGann and then succeed him when

Bishop

McGann

retires or dies.

Louisiana bishop advocates genuine Catholic dialogue

—

NEW

ORLEANS (CNS) Dialogue within the Catholic Church should be characterized by truth, humility, respect for one another and love for the church, said Bishop Edward J. O'Donnell of Lafayette, La. The polarization and harshness that frequently

(

comments

23 press conferpenalty could end up as a ballot issue in Michigan in 2000. The state abolished capital punishment in 1 846 but efforts to reinstate it have begun with the introduction of two Senate joint resolutions.

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1999

Texas community tries to By

KAREN OILMAN

—

The

"As

arrested for the served time in prison before. Two of the accused are suspected to have ties to the Ku Klux Klan and the Aryan Nation white supremacist groups. Evidence presented at King's trial included racist, satanic and anti-Christian tattoos on the defendant's body and items he had that were laced with expletives and racial epithets.

build unity in our

community,

let

hot have.

one voice to show

everyone that

face trial are

who doubts

are united and

always striving to end any

Lawrence Russell Brewer and Shawn

racism or prejudice or

Berry.

disunity in our midst."

wake of the

In the

derstand what happened and not let it cause racial problems that many say they do

the

with

murder and during the trial for what prosecutors said was a racially motivated mur-

resi-

dents have tried to un-

continue to sing together

who

two

continue to work

together with one voice to

road to his death. The first of three white men arrested and charged with the crime, John William King, was convicted of capital murder Feb. 23 and two days later was sentenced to death. still

Two days after murder took place,

law enforcement officials handling the case went to the Jasper

whatever the community needed," Father Foshage said in an in-

just united the

"They came and

services

"As we continue to work together with one voice to build unity in our community, let us continue to sing together with one voice to show everyone who

also responding to the

Father Foshage, who is on the committee, told the East Texas Catho-

that the task force is an active body, holding town meetings where residents are invited to attend and say what they feel is wrong and right in Jasper and what needs to be done. The task force says four areas need attention spirituality, economic improvement, educational improvement, and social responsibility. It has come up with concrete actions in each area. One such action was the tearing down of a fence at the cemetery that separated blacks and whites. Father Foshage said he was told the fence was not originally put up as a sepalie

—

ration, but that

when

the blacks in

town

needed a cemetery, a landowner gave them part of a pasture and put up the fence to keep out the cows. Years later, the cemetery grew larger, taking in more pasture land and the whites began to be buried on the other side of the fence. "In present history it has come to mean a deep division in our conmiunity," Father Foshage said. So in an 8 a.m. prayer vigil, the fence came down Jan. 20. T

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community," Father Foshage said his welcome.

Jasper

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doubts that we are united and always striving to end any racism or prejudice or disunity in our midst," he continued. The service included choirs from churches in the town with the last hymn sung by the Jasper Ministerial

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The

illustrate

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immediately by holding an ecumenical prayer service on the courthouse lawn. Alliance members have continued to work together, as they have for years, Father Foshage said. The priest used the occasion of the alliance's annual Christian unity service Jan. 26, held this year at his church, to

Care,

When

urge the congregation to

the church that seats about 450, includ-

Personal

ciiviromncnt.

(left),

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terview with the East

have made an effort to keep the peace, with the Byrd family a catalyst behind that effort. Family members have not clamored for revenge but have simply asked for justice, according to La Salette Father Ron Foshage. "They have wanted no hate, no violence, said the pastor of St.

CNS

daughter of James Byrd Jr., wipes tears from her eyes while leaving the Jasper County Courthouse in Texas with her aunt, Mary Verrett, Feb. 23. John William King was found guilty of murdering her father, who was chained to a pickup and dragged to his death last June.

Texas Catholic, newspaper of the Beaumont Diocese.

der, the people of Jasper

For

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and dragged two miles down a paved county

murder

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three

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The

lieai in waite of triai for raciai

Michael Parish, one of 40 churches town of just over 7,100 people.

News Service Inside JASPER, Texas (CNS) the courtroom, 12 men and women deliberated on a man's life; outside, the courtroom square was ringed with satellite trucks, cameras, media and law enforcement from many areas. And the rest of the town of Jasper was just trying to get past the torturemurder of James Byrd Jr., a 49-year-old black man who last June was beaten, chained by the ankles Catholic

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0matio March 14-21 Lord God,

source of all wisdom and knowledge,

you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to live among us

and to proclaim

his

message of faith, hope,

and love to all nations. In

your goodness

bless our brothers and sisters

who have offered themselves as catechists for your Church.

Strengthen them with your gifts that they

may teach by word and example

the truth which comes from you.

Special feature to The Catholic Office of Faith Formation

The Diocese of Charlotte

March

1999

News &

Herald

'Hi faith formation Week

The Catholic News & Herald

March

1999

Faith Formation Weelt:

A Reason to Ceiebrate By father

jambs HAWKER

was February

friends, disciples

had been ordained only a week. Yet, upon having arrived at my first assignment It

the pastor of

12,

1963.

Our Lady's

become and witnesses of the risen Lord. Through the gift of catechesis, the maturing believer comes to understand more deeply and to fulfill more enthusiastically the meaning of vited and enabled to be and to

Vicar for Education I

parish in

Waltham, Mass., welcomed me with the words, "Father, you are in charge

the relationship. Catechesis assists us to appreciate the significance and ramifi-

of the CCD" In an instant I was thrust from being a

cations of our being rooted in God as persons who are related, dependent and respon-

learner in the seminary to a leader in the parish.

During

time of training, I had been steeped in theological studies. As far as being prepared for the art of catec'hetics, however, I really

know from

"didn't

sible.

During these

nothing."

Nonetheless it was presumed and expected that I, as the neophyte director of the program, would organize, coordinate, evaluate, motivate

and

may that

inspire.

Amazing

active anticipation the

Holy Father has desigFather James Hawker

I was convinced could do the job even

seem, I

though

wondered where

begin. Placing

my trust in the

Lord, somehow or another landed on my feet.

Step by step I implemented the challenge of guiding a catechetical program that served eighteen hundred children on the elementary level and five hundred high school youth. As one who knows the meaning of on-the-job training, I look back with gratitude to the exciting experience of having participated personally in the catechetical mission of

Our Lady's

parish.

Then

I express my appreciation once again to the one hundred and fifty catechists with whom I shared that truly

nated this period as the

Year of the Father. Appropriately, then, as

celebrate Faith

"In that spirit of

active anticipation (for

the Millennium)

the Holy Father has

designated this period as the Year of the Father. Appropriately, then, as

celebrate Faith

Formation

tion

Week

cese,

our theme

in the dio-

Week

the diocese

our theme

Abba:

Father.

As people of faith we hear and heed the words of the Savior when He proclaims, "I and the Father are one."

The

care and

compassion, faithfulness and forgiveness exemplified by our Lord signify the per-

within the

human con-

dition. It

not surpris-

when

Throughout the centuries the Church has implemented faithfully the mandate of Jesus to catechize, to teach. Integral to her identity has been the

mission to share the Person and message of Jesus Christ with the maturing believer. Who should be catechized? Children and youth, parents and families, clergy 'and religious; none are exempt. All who have been baptized have the right and the responsibility to be touched and transformed by the Teacher and His Truth. Pope John Paul II wrote in "On Catechesis in Our Time" that "the aini of catechesis is not simply to assist believers to know about Jesus but to become intimate with Him." At its heart our Faith is about a relationship. Through the gift of grace we are in-

Dear Brothers and

Sisters in Christ,

During the week of March 14, 1999, Faith Formation Week will be celebrated in the Diocese. I am pleased to write on this happy occasion.

One

of the most sacred and serious responsibilities of the Church is and enriching Word of God. Maturing believers have the right and responsibility to be comforted and challenged by the Person and teachings of the risen Lord. Catechesis is the ministry within which that timely task is fulfilled. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the parents, pastors, catechetical to ensure that the baptized hear the enlivening

who are so attentive to the spiritual growth of children and youth. Their goodness in that regard exemplifies their commitment to participate personally in the mission of Jesus.

leaders and catechists

It is essential, however, that adults themselves take advantage of the opportunities to be catechized. When speaking to the young people at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis about training in devotion, Pope

John Paul

II stated, "Your training will never be finished. Christians are always in training." All believers at each stage of life are to be fashioned and formed by the teachings of Jesus and so converted continually to His way. As we prepare for the feast of Easter, I am aware of the many men and women participating in RCIA programs throughout the Diocese. Their involvement in catechetical activities during this period of preparation is a truly valuable gift as they stand at the threshold of entrance

into the Catholic

community.

In preparation for the Jubilee of the Millennium, this year has been

designated as the Year of the Father. prayer is that we will come to know Our Heavenly Father more intimately in this time of grace. Asking His Son, Jesus, to bless you with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, I

am Prayerfully in the Lord,

Most Reverend William G.

Curlin>

Bishop of Charlotte

re-

taught them the prayer that has been echoed throughout the centuries: the Our Father. Isn't it true, however, that the faithful follower of Jesus not only speaks the words, but lives the spirit of the Lord's prayer. In that context the challenge of appropriating, assimilating and' shar-

ing the

1999

sponding to the plea of the apostles, Jesus

Abba: Father."

memorable moment. On the mount of the Ascension, the risen Lord shared an invitation, a command and a promise. "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. Know that I am with you always." (Mt 28:18-20)

ence of the Father

ing, then, that in

Forma-

March

sonal, passionate pres-

too,

thirty-six years after the fact

days.

Catholics throughout the world, together with their brothers and sisters, are preparing to celebrate the Millennium. In that spirit of

OFHCE OF THE BISHOP

Kingdom

integral to the mis-

sion of the believer. In this diocese, numberless persons

have accepted the call to teach as Jesus did. Parents exercise that privileged role as an essential component of their vocation. Pastors and other catechetical leaders formulate and oversee the implementation of a viable catechetical program for children and youth within the parish. Hundreds of catechists.

strengthened in the Spirit, share God's as timely and relevant. Sessions related to sacramental preparation, the RCIA and other experiences of adult education, vital to the mosaic of catechetical ministry, are being conducted by committed and competent persons on the regional and local levels. The staff at the diocesan Office of

Word

Faith Formation, with

whom

privileged to collaborate, exemplifies a selfless spirit of generosity that is truly

exemplary.

Among

their seemingly

endless responsibilities, they fashion

and form programs and services to- assist and enable catechetical leaders and catechists throughout the diocese. Although they sacrifice the joy of being rooted in a parish as ministers, their contribution to the regional and local

communities

a blessing.

During his recent visit to St. Louis, Pope John Paul II spoke about the responsibility of the believer to be light.

Having caught the spark from the One who is the Light of the World, th^ person of Faith is sent by the risen Lord to share the brilliance of His love and truth. Those who participate in the catechetical mission of the

whom

Church are

they serve even as they strive to teach as Jesus did. gifts to

those

March

1999

'IL

'1'

lil

The Catholic News & Herald

Week

faith formation

Southern Region

becomes family affair

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults CONSTANCE HOLLOWAY

—

HAMLET

can't take credit for

Belmont Abbey, but by the time he was 17, this Charlotte native had begun to stray from the church. Kim was at

Correspondent Last Easter, John Chandler watched four members of his family enter the church. Yet this selfdescribed "cradle Catholic" says he

what happened

raised as a Baptist in her

"We

wanna give

churches throughout the

St.

really sank in."

Ann Peters

James Catho-

Church in Hamlet. Kim Chandler and their children, Ryan, Adam and Kerri, were baptized last Easter and re-

lic

oldest child

credits the

Then

interest other

coming

people

mu-

tual friend told

Chandlers with "trying to

ceived their first Eucharist.

Kim and

last

years," says John. "Nothing

that credit

my wife," says Chandler, a

member

them about St. James. And, for

Kim

to the church."

Ryan

in particu-

it."

The

who

Chandlers,

live

on a farm seven miles from Mt. Gilead, began the 35- to 45-minute commute to St. James for Masses, RCIA and 26 weeks of catechism classes. "It was just a wonderful,

warm

Kim

experience,"

says

"Of course, with

fondly.

Christ's help,

just opens

From

lar,

the search

your

was

over.

just been a snowball effect."

"It was just instantaneous The community was

were also confirmed. "It was kind of a heart-

sort of rubbed

had tried several different

that day. "I

hometown of

Lexington, Ky.

And

her enthusiasm off" on the kids ... I don't think I was real surprised, the way she just took thused.

heart.

there,

it's

Although "the three kids

choice

from that point. very warm. And the priest (Father Bill Evans, who's now in Maggie Valley) was exceptional

had never had any faith at all up until (catechism and baptism)," says Kim, they were willing to embark on this spiritual journey with her.

John Chandler, 33, had been baptized

"This has been a struggle for 15 years. I was just ready ..." says Kim. Adds John: "Kim got real en-

me," says Ryan, 16, but he admits his training was a chal-

fluttering time," recalls Kim, 33. "Watching the children go through it

and knowing this was their was a tear-jerker itself" For the Chandlers, the search for a church began more than a decade ago.

first

...

....

figured

was good

for

lenge. "I

^ Western Region

Leisurely retirement waits I

as parish

involvement takes center stage ByJOANNS. KEANE EorroR

DILLSBORO

— The

Great Smoky Mountains

lure of the is

irresist-

No small wonder that many are

ible.

drawn

to its beauty, especially for

retirement living.

Railroad enthusiast Bob Harcourt and his wife, Belle, found an extra incentive in Dillsboro, home of the Great Smoky Moun-

says Richard Wolf, regional Faith Formation coordinator for the Western Region of the diocese. If there's a faith formation event, chances are good Belle Harcourt is involved. It doesn't stop there for the Harcourts. Bob volunteers at the parish with maintenance; he's an

usher and a recently appointed

member

didn't think

was ever gonna

he says. "Mostly

learn

it,"

(kept

him

With specific programs in place, mountains with the charm of a railSt. Mary parish is on the lookout for road, and you have a ways to further involve match made in heaven. its members. Soon the "Instead of Bob was fully retired parish youngsters will and Belle's desire was to perform living stations of retirement, they become 'partially' retired the cross. On the heels of as they moved to this the performance, they have found life Smoky Mountain comwill participate in a walkmunity five years ago. enriched and a-thon to raise money for

parents

going)."

Fourteen-year-old Adam "thought it was neat, like, because we had never really done anything like this ..." He didn't think the training was difficult. "If

you

wanna do

anything's easy," says altar boy.

it,

then

Kerri pronounced the training "kind of easy but not that easy." Now that it's over, says the 13-year-old altar girl, "I liked

to church

'cause

liked

and our church has a

going lot"

children's activities.

Since last year,

youth ministry. Kim teaches fourthand fifth-grade catechism classes and sixth- to-eighth-grade youth ministry. John teaches sixth- and seventh-grade catechism classes.

Ann Peters, the church's director of faith formation, has nothing but praise for the Chandlers.

Adam, now an

Kim and John have

been heavily involved in

to the parish council.

St.

James'

"They

really, really

do excellent

work," she says. "They really have the respect of the kids and they're well prepared."

She credits the Chandlers with "trying to interest other people in coming to the church." And she's impressed by their level of enthusiasm. "It's still with them," she says. "It hasn't changed." r •

tains Railways. Pair the spirit of the

In her quest, Belle

God's calling to do something for the felt

church.

As she

faith

contin-

ued her employment became an

community of

who

spent 13 years involved with their former New York parish before

move

When able at St.

North Carolina. she saw a position to

Mary

avail-

parish in Sylva, she

had found her niche. She accepted the 20-hour-a-week faith formation coordinator position. A perfect match: Fulfilling work within a parish setting.

"Beile moved beyond volunteering to coordinate the childrens' classes to involvement with youth ministry, confirmation planning,

community

the

from nearby Western

St.

Carolina University and campus ministry program. In fact, college students are slated to perforjTi the music for the upcoming

Mary's parish."

a natural extension for Belle,-

their

occasion,

parish pulls volunteers

new parish home, St. Mary in Sylva. This was

formation

search, she

active volunteer at their

students in the Central African Republic.

blessed by the

events, and retreats,"

its

living stations.

What is lacking? Belle wishes they had the parish kids involved more hours each week. "There's so much for them to learn." What is not openly visible is one of the strongest yet subtle lessons for any member of the parish: The example of service and commitment. "Instead of retirement, they have found life enriched and blessed by the faith formation community of

—

St.

—

Mary's parish," says Wolf "It's

Belle.

busier than expected," says

"But

enjoy

it,"

Rite of Election brings

hundreds

closer to Catholic Church By JIMMY ROSTAR Associate Editor

William G. Curlin recently presided over three regional celebrations of the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion, an important step in the faith journey of those preparing to become members of the Catholic Church. Bishop Curlin celebrated the rite Feb. 20 at St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, Feb. 23 at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro, and Feb. 24 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. "It was a time of great enthusiasm for all who attended," Bishop Curlin said after the celebrations. "The joy of the moment was so evident, and I was privileged to gather with so many men and women across our diocese as they continue

Bishop

to anticipate the Easter mysteries."

The Rite of Election is part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the process by which people enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. The process includes a period of inquiry, a time of formal instruction, immediate preparation, reception and a period of extended formation.

—

A total of 1 3 1 people preparing for baptism. Communion and confirmation called catechumens participated in the three rites last month. Also in attendance were an additional 395, called candidates, whq will be confirmed and wQl receive the Eucharist. The names of catechumens, now known as "the elect," were presented in books to Bishop Curlin, while the" candidates presented their names on scrolls. The catechumens and candidates will be received into the Catholic Church at their respective parishes during the Easter vigil Mass celebrated April 3. Dr. Cris Villapando, director of faith formation programs for the Diocese of Charlotte, said that in addition to the clear sense of community, the rite carries great theological significance, too.

—

"Initiation is not just entry into a given parish," he said. "It is the insertion of the individual into the larger church community the Catholic Church in its universal dimension."

The Catholic News & Herald

faith formation

March

Week

1999

Northern Region

Asheboro parishioner promotes process of faitli formation JIMMY ROSTAR

continual learning process for life, and I think, too, it's a maturing of the

Associate Editor

ASHEBORO

—

Imagine your-

self in the fifth-grade faith

formation

Church.

class at St. Joseph

You're a student, it's early in the and perhaps you're a bit restless as teacher Tom Such begins. But the statement he makes sparks your attention and interest immediately. "Your relationship with God is the most important you'll ever have," he says. "Do whatever you can to work on that relationship, and you'll make year,

faith."

Young people are quite capable of maturity when it comes to matters of religion, says Such. And while he likes it when kids have the right answers, he enjoys pondering their questions with them,

"Sometimes, I can't answer their questions," he says. "As long as they're thinking about the class, the material they're going over, their relationship with God that's what I find rewarding." Raised in a devout Catholic family, Such attended Catholic

—

school through the grade. He taught

too.

12th

CCD

tion

class at the Asheboro parish for the past five years, he witnesses dozens of young people develop in their faith journeys. The experience helps him grow

commitment. "I

went into

five years

this

ago because

there was a need," he

was asked to teach the fifth grade, I went in and I did it." Now, he says,

says. "I

spiritually, too.

"I'm learning along with the kids most of the time," he says. "This is a

what

•

try to do."

The gram

Maryland. He and

"Anything that

them

Army

just feel like there's a real need them to whatever I can," he

I can do to help realize that this relationship with God is very, very important is

says.

class

ing their four children in the tradition of the Catholic Church. He says he has always experienced elements of faith in his life, but his participation in faith formation has yielded an even deeper sense of

fifth-grade faith forma-

to expose

classes while serving in the his wife, Bernadette, are rais-

yourself a better person." Such's missive is both a personal creed and a teaching tool. Teacher of the

his commitment to teaching young people about the faith has evolved with his love for God and the church.

fifth-grade faith formation part of a larger parish prothat includes about 150 stu-

dents in kindergarten through grade 9. In addition to those students, others gather at the church for postconfirmation, adult education and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults classes.

Such points out that to the parish, the

home

in addition

place for faith formation.

have

a little

primary

"We

only over an hour every

Sunday," he says of the parish program. "That's not much, so if the kids can get something during the week from their parents, that's going to help."

Central Region

Spruce Pine catechist says faith formation a group effort By jimmy

ROSTAR

gan, a quarter of whose population

SPRUCE PINE

—

Maggie

Haskell was busy coordinating an out-of-town retreat for the faith for-

mation program of St. Lucien Church when a former student happily volunteered to chaperone. "It

was wonderful,"

she says of the volunteer's stewardship. "He didn't ask why or how. He just said,

'Wherever you

want me

to be,

I'll

it.'"

Catholic, Haskell says she wasn't used

Associate Editor

to the intimate parish setting in a state

where

less

than 4 percent of its inhab-

itants are Catholic.

Getting involved in parish life reminded Haskell of the importance of a sense of family. She says that Gettlng involved sense is felt in the faith in

here, however,

parish

formation program eslife

pecially.

"The

here... reminded

students

here, because

Haskell of the

small community, feel it strongly," Haskell

importance of a

explains, adding that

parish support is "100 Not only glad to sense of family. She percent" important to see a familiar face, Haskell was reaffirmed the success of the prosays that sense is felt in her belief that faith gram. formation is an ongoin the faith formation Haskell credits Father Aloysius ing process that proprogram especially. motes parish support D'Silva, pastor of the and involvement. Spruce Pine parish and As a mother of St. Bernadette mission three, Maggie Haskell has a vested in Linville, with promoting the prointerest in strong programs of gram as an integral part of parish life. catechesis. As the faith formation co"That is very positive," she says. ordinator for her Spruce Pine parish, She adds that the pastor is planshe shares that interest with the enning to take students to the chrism tire church community. Mass in Charlotte during Holy Week. "I believe we have a Christian He regularly leads other activities that duty to inform our children, to share illustrate various manifestations of our faith," says Haskell. She emphafaith as well. sizes that witnessing students' Haskell says that while the halfgrowth and curiosity is a truly redozen catechists at the parish are key

warding experience. For four years, she and her family have been parishioners of St. Lucien Church, a small mountain parish in the Diocese of Charlotte's

Boone

Vicariate.

native of Michi-

figures in faith formation, parents, parish leaders

and congregants are impor-

tant teachers, too. Again, she stresses

the need for community. "In a small parish such as ours,

everybody

feels

very

much

a part of

that process," she says.

About 35 students in grades kindergarten through 12 compose the faith formation program at St. Lucien Church. Each fourth Sunday they lead the parish in liturgy first by leading a pro-life rosary, then by ushering, lectoring and participating throughout the Mass. "That's one way of covering the worship message in their preparation for confirmation," Haskell ex-

—

plains.

Students also host Lenten suppers for the parish, keep up with

landscaping chores around the church, and provide a variety of other contributions. Haskell says the students are enthusiastic when it comes to learning

about and living their faith. And as a post-Vatican II emphasis has shifted away from rote memorization toward a personal journey, she says persons being catechized are given even greater opportunities for free-

dom and

For more Information

about the programs

of the Off ice of

acceptance.

"The more we know, the more

we don't know anything," Haskell says with a chuckle. "Our personal journey is going to change every day." Calling the elementary-level faith formation process "just the beginning" to a life of faith, she notes the significance of a hunger to learn more. "An open mind leads to open heart," she says, "and if you don't have an open heart, then you're in t trouble." we

realize

Faith Formation,

Diocese of Charlotte,

call

(704) 370-3244.

March

1999

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The Catholic News & Herald

March

Readings

1999

Book Review

Our Exile" tells experience of living and working in East Africa

"This

Word to Life March

MARY KENNY

only skill, raising cattle, but who had no grassland on which to graze them. Catholic News Service Father Martin advised that he sell As part of his formation to bethem before they died. "But, Brother, come a Jesuit priest, Father James what will I do then?" the unfortunate Martin spent two years in Nairobi, man asked. Father Martin had no anKenya. There he worked helping refuswer. He still has none. gees from war-torn parts of East Afand Father Martin learns rica: Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sowhat it means to be shares with us malia. Driven from their native lands, a missionary in today's often unwelcome in world: their new host coun"This Our Exile: "(This book) is also try, they are among very much the story of the most destitute Spiritual Journey a a 'missionary' people on earth. before word that my In "This Our Exwith the Refugees time in Africa I disile" Father Martin liked intensely. A word of East Africa" writes simply of his exthat conjured up imperiences living and By Jesuit Father James ages of the Great working in East AfMartin. Orbis Books White Father dispensric'a. The people he (Maryknoll, N.Y., 1999). ing God, as a sort of worked with through 205 $16.00. Reviewed by

—

pp.,

Jesuit Relief Services

prize, to docile,

had moved out of refugee camps into the slums of Nairobi.

cated natives.

unedu-

Cycle 1)

Third Sunday of Lent,

Exodus 17:3-7 Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9

Romans

John 4:5-42

5:1-2, 5-8

can't eat just one!"

The

idea

was that

snacker could never be satisfied with just one chip.

—

Of course,

this wasn't a problem bag became empty. Simistories abound of people who to reach their goals and suc-

until the

larly,

strive

ceed, only to feel an emptiness that persists until a

new

to that pervasive, persistent void in

world, Father Martin was to help them get funding and start small

comes from the Latin 'missio,' meaning 'to send.' A missionary is

the

businesses.

and while in the past a missionary may have believed he or she was sent to bring God, I knew, like most of the people with whom I worked in East Africa, that my mission was more complex: and to find God among the people

all,

simply one

Father Martin writes with a beausimple transparency. Unafraid to let his own fears and foibles show through, he presents himself as very human. For example, his fellow Jesuits have a practice of making a visit to the Blessed Sacrament each evening after dinner. Father Martin dislikes until the idea as "outdated piety" he tries it and finds otherwise. Even more striking, in writing about the people Father Martin does not interject himself but lets his subjects shine through. You will meet skilled Agostino Alikutepa, tiful,

who

sent,

—

who God

to learn

for them."

woodcarver from Mozambique; the elegant Gauddy, refugee from the Hutu-Tutsi conflict in Rwanda and an accomplished weaver of baskets; and

Father Martin's book is a can'tput-it-down page-turner. It is as compelling as the best of fiction, but it is true. In reading it, in meeting the people he comes to know and love, you will learn about parts of the world which are no more than names on a map for most Western people. You will learn abut sorrow and injustice on a scale you can scarcely imagine. But you will also witness the triumph of faith and love and the

the ever-smiling Alice Nabwire, refu-

human

—

gee from Uganda

Remember

Mary Kenny is co-author of the News Service column "Family

Catholic Talk.

"A valid Will stands as

isfied,

heart that

no matter how

season?

never satdeluded we

are into thinking that the solution is

just around the bend of personal

effort or sheer

— Moses

good

luck.

encountered it in the nomadic children of Israel, who lost perspective on God's saving acts of deliverance and became focused on satisfying their

— The

"But whoever

thirst.

drinks the water I give him will never be

disciples whose miswas to find food and the woman whose quest was to draw

sion

thirsty."

water were both perplexed by the notion of food, water and worship that far exceeded their limited ex-

— John

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

4:14a.

pectations.

In contrast to the immediate

Weekly Scripture Readings for the week of Mar. 7 - 13, 1999 Sunday, Exodus 17.3-7, Romans 5:1-2, 5-8, John 4:5-42; Monday, 2 Kings 5:1-15, Luke 4:24-30; Tuesday, Daniel 3:25, 34-43, Matthew 18:21-35; Wednesday, Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9, Matthew 5:17-19; Thursday, Jeremiah 7:23-28, Luke 11:1423; Friday, Rosea 14:2-10, Mark 12:28-34; Saturday, Hosea 6:1-6, Luke 18:9-14

well as an ongoing commit-

May 5-14

}t)anan

Bishop William G. Curlin

ou can express your commitment by making

human

thanksgiving during this Lenten

continuing expression of our concern for loved ones, as

In Yours.

your Church

a bequest to the Diocese of Charlotte

or to your parish. Simply have the following

Join Father Anthony Marcaccio on a pilgrimage to the shrines of Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

statement included in your Will:

"/ leave to the

Charlotte (or (or

who

not only ran her own tailoring business but employed other refugees as. well. And you'll meet the hapless John Mutaburunga, who tried to use his

spirit,

Have you ever wished for something you thought would make you happy, only to find yourself disappointed? What hardness of your heart needs to be softened through

The victory of achievement soon gives way to a renewed quest for

new understanding and appre-

with a

Questions:

challenge pre-

sents itself

ciation of the word. 'Mission,' after

a master's in business adminis-

came away

gives, as St.

Paul says, the kind of hope which "does not disappoint." Just as God promised to stand in front of the rock at Horeb, he is standing in front of the heart hardened by disillusionment and frustration. The choice has been given to us to remain thirsty or, through thanksgiving and worship, open the floodgates of peace with God.

the product was so tasty that the

tration and experience in the financial

With

unmet expectations, God

few years ago there was a pocommercial that taunted consumers with the phrase, "Bet you tato chip

whatever completes the phrase, "I'll be happy when ..." The Scriptures from this third Sunday of Lent speak

"In the end, though,

but short-lived gratification that is the object of human striving, Jesus offers something more: the living water of his own Spirit, springing forth abundantly as a gracious, unmerited gift. In exchange for the hardness of heart that accompanies

Readings:

Roman

Catholic Diocese of

parish, city) the

sum of$

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its

For more information: E-mail or send

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joann For more information on

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Iseane,

The Caihoiic News

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

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e-mail: jskeane@ch^ir}o!Tediocese.org

March

The Catholic News & Herald

1999

The beginnings of Western By

henry HERX

—

NEW

There

on the art culture of the

a rich section

ci\ iIization is

and

the

Etruscans,

presented in series, six-part "Rome: Power & Glory," airing Suijday-Tuesday, p.m.

EST

each night on cable's Learning Channel.

The

7-9, 9-1

The sode,

"The

and

& Glory,"

The Learning

Rise," begins

Cincinnatus, a citizen dictator during a

Channel

accomplishments

made

political sophistication

of ancient

Rome,

crisis,

a past

But this was achieved, it's pointed by a state built on military conquest and a society amused by the out,

arena's bloodshed.

Having established the context of power and glory, tlie program turns to the history of Rome written by Livy during the reign of the

The

first

history

the emperor's

emperor, Augustus.

was intended

to bolster

demand that Romans aban-

their present

decadence and return to

"the family values" of their ancestors.

By the time he finished, Livy had compiled 142 volumes beginning with Rome's founding in 753 B.C. by two brothers who resolved the question of which was to be king when Remus was slain by brother Romulus. Roman history, Livy found, consisted of wars against neighboring

Don't

who returned to his

farm when it was over. The second episode Sunday night is "Legions of Conquest," which examines the military prowess of the Roman army, as seen primarily in the Punic Wars against the North African empire of Carthage. It's the familiar saga of Hannibal crossing the Alps with one elephant, his victory at Cannae in 216 B.C. and -

glory which has been admired ever since.

don

minated after the Rewas established in 510 B.C. The episode ends story of with the

March 7-9,

with an introduction to the cultural

the early down, then were exterpublic

first epi-

series'

who helped Romans settle

"Rome: Power

civiiization

peoples and internal power struggles, but had precious little to do with the virtues of family life.

News Service YORK (CNS) A refresher course on the beginnings of Western Catholic

March

fnterlainmcnt

Roman

ultimate defeat by the

general,

Scipio in 202 B.C.

Also covered is the transformation of the Roman legion from a citizen militia to a professional standing army whose loyalties were to the generals rather than the state.

The army became

a political force

which weakened the later Empire by civil wars and insurrections, opening the

way

for the barbarian incursions

and Rome's downfall.

Go Home Widiont Is. When

time to

it's

go home from

the

hospital after an

illness

injury,

you need the comfort

and

Narrated by actor Peter Coyote, the was produced by Ed Fields and Joel Westbrook and employs a number of

of knowing

that

your

home

care agency will

The filled

American and British history professors as on-site, on-camera commentators. The first two episodes used extensive location photography as well as paintings and two kinds of re-creations, one with newly filmed scenes of people in Roman garb and the other using black-and-white excerpts from a silent

movie epic that

fits in

in series

TV subject.

with the

series

result

very watchable and

with interesting segments, but

it's

want

doesn't

to lose

anyone by getting

too deeply involved in the details.

those

Still,

who do watch

are likely

doing some reading the gaps left by the show, t

to spend the time to

fill

Herx

director

of the U.S.

Conference Officefor Film

perfectly

Cat/iolic

and Broadcasting.

"Just the Ticket" (United Artists) Dreary romantic melodrama in which a New York ticket scalper (Andy Garcia) intends to win back his lost love (Andie MacDowell) by making a fortune selling outrageously priced tickets to see the pope at Yankee Stadium, but things don't work out the way he planned. Writer-director Richard Wenk fails to work up much human interest in these thin proceedings about street hustlers and scam artists, but the biggest disappointment is Garcia's shrilly unlikable performance which sours the romantic angle and curdles the picture of commercial greed surrounding the papal visit. Stylized violence, a sexual encounter, tasteless treatment of Catholic matters, frequent rough language and occasional profanity. The

—

U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R restricted. "Tiie Otiier Sister" CTouchstone) Sentimental romance follows the struggles of two mentally challenged young adults (Juliette Lewis and Giovanni Ribisi) to live productive independent lives despite the woman's overprotective mother (Diane Keaton), who opposes their marriage plans. While director Garry Marshall poignantly con-

—

difficulties of mainstreaming, the often awkward humor in the story makes the movie seem more manipulative than intended. A discreetly suggested

veys the

pre-marital

affair,

an implied lesbian relationship and brief alcohol abuse.

U.S. Catholic Conference classification

A-III

—

adults.

The Motion

The

Picture

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

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The Catholic News & Herald

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fhe News

1999

Vatican Radio to increase Letter, from page 3

programming for Holy Year

pilgrims

We pledge to work toward a greater degree of unity in North Carolina. We upon our leaders, lay and ordained, diocesan, synodical and parochial, to work toward the fulfillment of the vision of the Convenant. Our relationship as sisters and brothers in Jesus Christ is never without tension and pain. However, the hurt of disunity-moving-toward-unity is to be preferred to the division of tlie Reformation and post-Reformation era. When we finally celebrate the Eucharist together it will help form the bonds which call

JOHN TH AVIS

News Service (CNS) To reach Holy Year pilgrims with spiritual messages, commentary and practical advice, Vatican Radio plans to increase Catholic

—

VATICAN CITY

programming Church

portable radio for

in five

officials

languages during the year 2000. plan to encourage pilgrims to arrive in

— even

a cheapie

—

Rome

carrying a

will strengthen us in a

so they can tune into one of two special channels

news and other programs in English, Italian, French, Spanish and Portuguese, Borgomeo, Vatican Radio's general director. 'TSTaturally, this entails a very serious organizational effort, but it's the way to make

As we work

said Jesuit Father Pasquale

sure that the messages

for each other as

send can reach their destination" the mobile said in a Vatican Radio interview March 2. Father Borgomeo said the radio's reports would include explanations and spiritual reflections on the jubilee, cultural and touristic suggestions, and even reports on logistical problems during major events. During the biggest jubilee liturgies and celebrations, Vatican Radio will broadcast programming in 10 languages on five channels, in effect offering a

Borgomeo

Yours

for the fulfillment of the Covenant,

women

with children, and women in Eva's long-term substance abuse recovery program. "By God's grace our dedicated staff has turned around the lives of thousands of needy people over the last 16 years," he said. In a recent column in The Beacon, Father Catoir urged people to "consider

Own a Home?

remembering

communion and

will continue "to

pray

communion

and,'

of the time

in Christ Jesus,

Leonard

Catoir, frompageS homeless or battered

celebrate the Eucharist in our respective

Bolick, Bishop

North Carolina Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church

"radio Pentecost," he said.

sistance,

ministry of koinonia in our

when we will celebrate the Eucharist together, asking God to hasten our complete reconciliation." Toward this goal we beg the guidance of God's Holy Spirit and the commitment of God's People. in anticipation

—

we produce and

population of pilgrims. Father

common

diaconia in our world.

America

William G. Curlin, Bishop Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

their favorite charity in

their will."

But, he added in a special appeal for

Gossman, Bishop

Eva's Village, "Giving to the poor while

F. (fosepri

you are alive is even more fun, because charity overcomes a multitude of sins." t

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The Catholic News & Herald 13

1999

the New$

Pope urges nations to sign globai anti-land mine treaty ByLYNNEWEIL

long

—

The day on land mines was to take effect, Pope John Paul II urged nations that had not signed the document to do so. Addressing pilgrims in St. Peter's Square after his noon prayers Feb. 28, the pope said the ban was "a milestone that signals a victory of the culture of life over that of death." Pope John Paul noted that the Holy See was one of the signatories to the treaty, which bans the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of antipersonnel mines and requires identification and destruction of mines already deployed. before a global ban

than 130 countries signed the

document after it was finalized in Ottawa in December 1997. Then began a process of ratification. Canada was the first state to ratify the treaty; the Holy See was fifth. The United States is among the 58 countries that did not sign the treaty. The U.S. government says it needs

mines to help protect troops stationed in South Korea, and therefore it does not plan to support the ban. administration has said

The

its

Clinton

policy

have the United States stop using antipersonnel land mines outside Korea by the year 2003 and find alternative to the mines within Korea by 2006. Pope John Paul has spoken on several occasions against land mines. In his Feb. 28 remarks, he said "there

is,

before the world

is fi-ee

Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center

The Chancery

these terrible and underhanded devices.

Cathouc News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

way

unfortunately, a

pray to

God

to give everyone the

courage of peace," he continued, "so that the countries which have not yet signed this

important instrument of international

March

humanitarian law do so without delay."

Churches worldwide rang their bells for three minutes at noon March 1

commemorate

the start of the ban.

Cardinal Camillo Ruini, president of the Italian bishops' conference, asked in a late-February letter to parishes throughout the country that the demonstration be made to show that mines were "universally deprecated." On Feb. 23 Archbishop Louis-Marie Bille of Lyon, France, head of the Frenph bishops' conference, called on "the citizens of the whole world" to "continue to make themselves heard so that the treaty and so that the wQl become universal states which have signed it are made to respect their commitments." In the United Kingdom, the Catholic Fund for Overseas Development, the official aid and development agency of the Catholic bishops of England and Wales, supported the bell-ringing demonstration, but noted that "the campaign against land mines is not over." ...

When

the land mine treaty was

signed, the Vatican

would

announced that

$100,000 to the International Red Cross for its program coTitribute

of aid to land mine victims.

1999

"Promoting the unity of the human family is the task of the whole Church."

—

1997

U.S. bishops, Called to Global Solidarity,

Dear Friends In

in Christ,

November

1997, the bishops of the United States issued a

statement inviting parishes to look beyond their local communities

and national borders

in solidarity.

have been charged to build

Appropriately, the theme for the 1999 American

global bridges.

is "Answer the Call to Global Solidarity." Each dollar given to the appeal translates into international development projects, aid to refugees and victims of disasters, and the creation of just social policies. Our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, has told us to "spare no effort in advancing authentic freedom and in fostering human rights and solidarity." We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers; through our response to

Bishops' Overseas Appeal

this appeal,

we have an

brothers in solidarity

opportunity to join our suffering sisters and

—

a solidarity that

can help make a difference

in the

knows no boundaries.

world.

Please be generous in your response to the 1999 American Bishops' Overseas

Appeal when the collection

March 13-14. Wishing you

taken on the weekend of

the blessings of this holy Lenten Season,

Sincerely in Christ,

Very Reverend Mauricio W. West Vicar General and Chancellor

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The Catholic News & Herald

March

Around the Diocese

1999

PSA: Lay Ministry

Feeding the spiritual needs of the diocesan By JOANITA M.

NELLENBACH

Correspondent is power, Catholics Ifinknowledge the Charlotte diocese's

lay

ministry program are gaining strength

church and church history, 20 hours; Christology, 15 hours; prayer, five hours; and 10 hours each on Vatican II documents, liturgy and sacraments, and

Maggie Valley, and GreensWinston-Salem had a fourth site, directed by a lay minister hired by the

Christian morality.

Gabriel, Charlotte; St. Barnabas, Arden;

"Whatever you're studying,

the time.

all

In the 10 years since the

program

wish

ishes in 33 counties,

your light

far has

more involved in their

of the

been

my favorite, partly because

hadn't ever read

all

the

way through

and now I plan to do that," said Wanda Fagge, also a parishioner at St. Joseph

know more

lay ministry

vicariate.

"I wanted to get a personal re-

ter Timothy said, is "that people are educated and brought up to date with the teachings of Vatican II." These are people who also want to grow in confidence and competence in order to minister to their families, their church and in their workplaces; and who want to be upgraded in their certi-

organization. (Lay ministry)

prerequisite for those planning to enroll

helping to be more involved in my church

and

in the

community." Lay ministry students attend classes from August to May for two years. Each person receives a certificate of completion at the end of the program. All gain a well-rounded base of knowledge in their faith. Courses are introduction to ministry, five hours; 20 hours on introduction to Scripture;

Students do see themselves gaining

"This said.

'W^hen other people

talk

about

you you're wrong to believe what you believe. This helps you not to doubt but to be able to say what you believe." Classes began in 1 990, with sessions their religion, they could tell

—

(CNS)

encouraged forts to get lay people more volved in the church. II

ef-

in-

When members

of the PontifiCouncil for the Laity met the pope March 1, he also spoke of a special meeting for the laity scheduled for the year 2000. Pope John Paul praised recent international church gatherings in which the laity council had played a central role, including the 1997 World Youth Day and special yearcal

permanent diaconate.

the Bible Belt," Robertson

Service

VATICAN CITY

and religion Lay ministry training also is a

confidence.

News

Pope John Paul

fications as catechists

in training for the

2000 commemorations.

The meeting for the laity, 'known as the World Congress forthe Lay Apostolate, scheduled for Nov.

—

24, 2000, will help "deepen the

profile

and the scope" of lay people's pope said, and it "can-

activities, the

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not help but point out to the lay faithawait them in diverse areas of mission and service to man at the start of the third millennium." Pope John Paul noted that the laity council meeting's theme this year was "The Lay Faithful, Confessors of the Faith in Today's World," and he asked, "Is this not perhaps a providenful the duties that

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R.S.M., was appointed director.

teachers.

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Pope applauds

program devel-

on my beliefs, my path," said Cathy Robertson, who is on the liturgical commission and in bereavement ministry at St. Joseph of the Hills Church in Eden. "It's something I've always wanted to study, but I never knew there was such a class as this. I just wish I had done it earlier. "This is something that, when we were growing up, we had no knowledge that lay people would be so involved in the church; you were just part of the flection

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March

1999

By JOANITA M.

NELLENBACH

— "Everybody wants

The Song of Mark

Jimmy

get into the act," as comedian

Durante used to say. At St. Barnabas Church here everybody who wanted to did get into both acts of "The Song of Mark," presented in two performances in

February. "I

think the most interesting fact

about the musical

is, it's

written for a cast

of eight," Rita Pisano, the director

down low, but he was always jump in."

then

Correspondent

ARDEN

The Catholic News & Herald 15

Around the Diocese

said.

"But yet she managed to find parts for everyone who was interested in be-

ing in it," added Kate Russell, who played the part of the woman with the sick child. Russell's daughters, Bridgett and Colleen, danced in the musical and played daughters of two of the apostles. "As a parent, it's nice to see them," Russell said. "They go around the house humming these songs and the songs stay with them. It's a fun way to learn the Gospel." In fact, Pisano created 55 parts for the church's staging of the Marty Haugen musical, which based on the Gospel of Mark. Indeed, 'even the audience was drawn into the production. is

Judas and Matthew the tax collector were roundly booed. During the scene depicting the miracle of the loaves and fishes, members of the production crew distributed small bags of goldfish-shaped crackers to everyone in the audience. "I had seen parts of this play and was in love with it," Pisano said. "Since we didn't do

'Godspell,'

did this."

Cost of obtaining the rights to produce "Godspell" was prohibitive, so St. Barnabas decided to do "The Song of Mark," which

was written

for the characters of

Jesus, Peter, James, John,

Pisano added Jesus' mother, the other nine apostles, wives and children for the 12, the angel at the tomb, various people whom

Photo by Joanita Nellenbach

Jesus, played here by Richard Kovacs,

John

women.

the Baptist, and three

surrounded by children.

the

first to

Richard Kovacs, gist with the

psycholo-

a staff

North Carolina Depart-

ment of Corrections, jumped at the dancchance to play the lead. "I want people to see the humanity ers representing temptations to wealth of Jesus and to priestly and military power. that he laughed, that he was frustrated, that he got angry," Kovacs The musical was presented in the sanctuary. The altar was removed for said. "If Jesus was around today, how would I like him to be?" the Friday night performance, reWe had a number of people who, placed before the Saturday evening litvocally, could do this part, but not everyurgy, then removed for the Saturday night performance. one could' devote the time," Pisano said. "RichSince there was no ard was at a crossroads in curtain, all scene "It's a wonderful his life where he could do changes were concommunity building and a the part." ducted in full view of "I came to her and the audience. wonderful proclamation said, 'I want to do this "It's a wonderful community building part and give it top priof the Gospel; the Gospel ority.'" and a wonderful proc"And that's what lamation of the Goscomes alive," said convinced me to let him pel; the Gospel comes

Jesus cures, and a trio of

women

—

alive,"

Father John Schneider.

said Father

John Schneider, portrayed Judas.

Former parishioners Betty and Charlie Moore, who now live in Florida, donated the money for the "Mark" production. Betty had fond memories of singing in the St. Barnabas choir. "When I joined the church and joined had a wonderful experience," she said. "It was like one big family." She played the part of the woman with the hemorrhage. Pisano sent the music to her so she could learn the part the choir

in Florida.

She arrived

Arden two

days before the first performance and rehearsed with the cast. Frank Sutton was an enthusiastic

said.

hope

part,"

Pisano

responsibility for singing roles,

'Hey,

can do

"I feel like,

when

and I'm holding this

would look "It's

add

life

to the play," he

"Peter could be very energetic,

said,

turn to Richard

much

really feel

was, this

Moore

at you,"

his hand,

way Jesus

the

this.'"

how

fun," Pisano said of

"Some of these

the production.

kids

and they just grow and grow and grow." "She has an incredible ability to allow people to be who they are," Frank Sutton said. "She's great fun to start off so tentative,

work

with."

"did she

make

us feel like

going to happen."

said,

wasn't

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High School Football Coach: Bishop England

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High School C, is accepting applications for Head Football Coach. The school

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Charleston,

the position of

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said.

"Never once," Kate Russell I

said.

years ago there was no way I could do this," Kovacs said, "but singing in the choir and taking more and more

St. Peter. "I

do the

"Two

who

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The Catholic News & Herald

March

Living the faith

1999

Bishop asked to participate in saintliood testament to IVlotlier Teresa ByJOANNS. keane

buzzed immediately. An outpouring of requests from all over the world prompted Pope John Paul II to waive the standard five-year waiting period normally required for

cades ago in Washington, D.C., where the bishop was then-pastor of an innercity parish in the nation's capital. At their first meeting, the bishop recalls, "I knew I was in the presence of a truly holy person. There was a serenity that just permeated everything she said." Bishop Curlin received his request from the Missionaries of Charity motherhouse in Calcutta in mid-Janu-

investigating sainthood causes.

ary.

Editor

CHARLOTTE called

—

Mother Teresa

life,

people

a living saint. In

death, talk of elevation to sainthood

"There's worldwide acclamation of

Now

he will carefully prepare an-

swers, "being careful to be as objective

her holiness and the desire for her sainthood," said Bishop

as possible."

William G. Curlin. It was such international response that prompted the Holy Father's decision to pro-

visited Charlotte, where, at

The go-ahead gives permission for an investigation into the life of Mother Teresa to begin immediately. Church sources in Rome ceed.

In 1995,

"She was

first

time such an exception

the Charlotte Coliseum, she

was keynote speaker

for an ecumenical prayer service.

extremely

While

humble with a driving spirit."

sisters to

In Calcutta,

home for

— Bishop in Ilia

four of her the poor.

Bishop Curlin, who had traveled to India to give retreats to Mother Teresa and her sisters. "She was extue," said

1)1

G. Curlin

where Mother Teresa

tremely humble with a driving

spirit."

Shortly after Mother Teresa's death in September 1997, the pope said that he thought it was "necessary to follow the normal way" of deliberating sainthood causes, even in the case of Mother Teresa, whom many had con-

the dying and where her

being initiated. Archbishop Henry D'Souza said he had been informed of the waiver by the Vatican's Congregation for Sainthood Causes. Locally, Mother Teresa's longtime friend Bishop Curlin has been asked to participate in the investigation by providing testimony that will cause

left

work with

"She practiced heroic vir-

had been made. ran a

here, she established a

convent, and

was apparently the

said

Mother Teresa

sidered a living saint.

help substantiate sainthood. "The first process is to gather information on her, her life, her commit-

ment; to give an overall view of Mother's life," said Bishop Curlin. Mother Teresa and Bishop Curlin struck up a friendship nearly three de-

The

pope, as the church's supreme legislator, can always decide to waive a rule like this. One of the reasons he

was that the rule seemed superfluous for Mother Teresa. did so in this case

The waiting period was established as a norm to make sure there is a true reputation of holiness before the church begins working on a sainthood cause, but Mother Teresa was someone

who

"had a reputation for holiness throughout her life," said one oflTicial. Even with the dispensation, the road to "official" sainthood may not be short for Mother Teresa, because local church experts and Vatican officials will have to pore over the documentation and testimony available. Because Mother Teresa was an international figure who founded a religious order and established centers and hospitals all over the globe, there is a lot of evidence to consider. The sainthood process involves

John Paul

several steps:

action. In a talk Feb.

— Declaration of —

rules fore-

saw an

interval of five years before

official

consideration.

any

Photo by Joann Keane

Since her death, Mother Teresa has been cited several times by Pope

model of holiness in 27 to medical and church experts on the topic of dying the pope said Mother Teresa, along

a person's heroic

virtues.

Beatification, in

which

many saints through the centu had given the kind of care an attention needed by people in the la phase of life. "I do believe she is a saint in heaven," said Bishop Curlin.

person

But the pope changed his mind over the last 18 months, in part because people from many countries and walks of life wrote to the Vatican to

declared "blessed" following certification of a miracle attributed to the person's intercession.

support sainthood for Mother Teresa, according to Vatican officials. Vatican sources noted that the

other certified miracle, in which the church

with ries,

—

Canonization as a

saint, after

as a

an-

life is worthy of honor and imitation by all the faithful.

declares that the person's

Catholic

News

contributed to this

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