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2001
Number
atholic NEWS HERALD
N0S1IM
NUU33H00
November
Volume
10
Serving Catholics
Diocesan
Inside
faithful set
ablaze by Fire
the
in
Mountains 2001
During annual
NELLENBACH
By JOANITA M.
gathering, bishops elect
in
Western North Carolina
in
the Diocese of Charlotte
Celebrating the church in
the African diaspora
Correspondent
—
LAKE JUNALUSKA first
•
1
I
i
African-American
edge
bishop to head national bishops' conference
6
.PAGE
on the programwas "Living on the
ming.
On
Edge:
The
Life
TV
always reality
isn't
Nov. 10 it Challenge of Spirituality" at Fire in the Mountains 2001. The three speakers Bishop William G. Curlin, Father Louis Camel! and Dr.
—
Cris Villapando, diocesan director of faith
—
formation programs
talked about liv-
ing on the edge, whether spiritually or
News
Local
physically.
a challenge that asks people
It's
same old way. The more about the spiritual life, which is why the more than 225 attendees were at Lake Junaluska for
to stop living first
Mercy Sisters establish
in the
life
challenge
to learn
is
affordable housingfor low
the eighth annual Fire in the Mountains.
income seniors
Villapando
"You have created
3
...PAGE
said.
'This
is
a tradition,"
(one
of)
the largest
gatherings in the diocese."
Following the events of Sept it's
more
difficult
1
when
1,
than ever for some people
to forgive, Bishop Curlin talked about a
he gave 24 years ago on Nov. 10 at Dachau, the former Nazi concentration camp. During the retreat, a priest approached Bishop Curlin and said that he priests' retreat
Local
woman, a Cuba
native receives statewide
recognition
in art
had been a prisoner, tagged with a yellow cross for Catholic priests in the camp and crippled by a gunshot wound from a guard.
and
culture
5
...PAGE
When
the
begged the
Room At The Inn
if
guard
liberated, the
priest to help him.
Allied soldiers atrocities,
camp was
When
asked by
and
seventh annual banquet
4
...PAGE
the priest did not
tell
of what hap-
of public condemna-
the priest embraced the
'Peace be with you, brother."
man and said He told Bishop
was free of Dachau then" 'Peace on earth has to consist of more than peace treaties," Bishop Curlin said. 'Peace comes when we live the life of Christ
Curlin, "I
Don't just
fvery Week
life
tell
of Jesus.
heart
I
the world about Jesus; live the
hope that you pray with your
The way we
say 'amen,' the
way we
genuflect reveals what's in our hearts."
Entertainment
Father Cameli also challenged those
6-7
present to look into their hearts by understand-
ing themselves in light of their Catholic
& Columns
the context ofSept
.Pages 8-9
understanding the world
"What's the response to this (Sept. Father Cameli asked. 'What do we
1)?"
tell
Abraham, our common ancestor,
1 1,
faith in
and understanding Christian anthropology.
1
the kids?
There are certain psychologi-
We need the great leadership of president and others. We need the
cal helps.
teaches all of us, Christians, Jews
our
the
St.
left to right: first
the guard had committed
fear in his face Instead
tion,
Editorials
Benedict the Moor Choir, Winston-Salem, are pictured row Catherine Franklin, Mary Turner; second row Esther Rockette and Joyce Brooks.
Members of from
By REV.
pened Years later on a street, he saw the former guard coming toward him with recognition
hosts
...Pages
Photo by Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay
MR.GERALD POTKAY
assisting their brothers and sisters
Correspondent
in Africa with financial aid and by reviving the proud culture and symbolism of the past. At the Nov. 1 1 celebration, John Agebe, attired in classic African garb, gave the gathering call, stressing that
GREENSBORO for celebration
—
still
It's
— the church
a cause alive in
the African diaspora. Groups joined forces Nov. celebrate just that.
Those
1 1
to
participat-
ing were Thea House, the Catholic campus ministries at North Carolina Agricultural
&
Technical University
(NC A&T) and Bennett College joined forces with the St. Benedict the Moor Choir from Winston-Salem, the LaClub of St. Mary Church, Greensboro, and St. Pius X Church, Greensboro.
dies Friendship
The
African diaspora refers to the same type of dispersion that forced the Jews to leave their homeland, first
when
the Assyrians conquered Israel
722 B.C. and then when Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar
in
deported the Judeans
in
597 and 586
B.C.
and Muslims, to follow this way of
armed
mercy and
response, but for us there's another level.
cans throughout the world, but
What
people of African descent today are searching out and finding their roots in their former homelands. They, too, are trying to maintain contact with
love.
faith?
-Pope John Paul Address
in
Lisbon,
II
forces.
There
does this
One
on Sept
are lots of levels of
mean with regard
to our
of the things that was damaged
1 1
was our
faith in
other people.
May 1982 j
See FIRE, page
10
The
slave trade dispersed Afri-
that heritage and their
homeland by
the beginning of
who you
wisdom
is
to
know
He
then led the congregation to the knowledge that the "world is our village." This was followed by the recognition and seating of elders; Alberta Hairston, NC A&T campus minister, led the call to worare.
ship.
Father Mauricio West, vicar genand chancellor of the Charlotte Diocese, celebrated the Eucharist. Father Anthony Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X, concelebrated, with Rev. Mr. Ronald Steinkamp assisting. CrossA&T, bearer Augustine Andy, dressed in authentic African dress, led the entrance procession accompanied by a lively rendition of the "Battle hymn of the Republic Sung" by the St. Benedict the Moor Choir from Winston-Salem. The congregation joined in. Three students did a eral
NC
NC A&T See
DIASPORA,
page
10
2
The Catholic News & Herald
CRS seeks $50
The World
million to fund
Afghan refugees, displaced persons WASHINGTON (CNS) Catholic Relief Services
is
—
raise $50 million for the immediate and long-term care of Afghan refugees and displaced persons, the agency's executive director announced. The agency needs the fund-
ing to provide for the needs of a portion of the estimated 5.5 million Afghans left vulnerable following the
bombing of Afghanistan
U.S.-led
began
Oct.
that
Kenneth
said
F. Hackett, executive director. CRS allocated $2.3 million in new aid for refugee relief, but agency officials estimate 7,
that $5.5 million
was needed
mediate emergency
News
Catholic
in imHackett told
aid,
Nazareth bishop says most
—
sentative of the majority of the Pales-
from the Holy "Those examples of suicide are not the regular policy of the tinian people, a bishop
Land
said.
people or (Palestinian leaders)," said
Auxiliary Bishop Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo of Jerusalem, the Nazareth-based vicar for Israel in the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. He told of anti-terrorism prayer services for peace, justice and the victims of the attacks by Palestinian Christians
and Muslims since Sept. 11. There also were public demonstrations by Christian and Muslim Palestinians against terrorism, Bishop Marcuzzo told The Michigan Catholic, newspaper of the Detroit Archdiocese, during a recent visit to the United States. Solving hunger essential to
preserving peace, Vatican official says ROME (CNS) With the lives
—
of 800 million people threatened by hunger, food security has become an
an
perts. The multitudes suffering chronic hunger and poverty risk becoming a hopeless and frustrated "mob" that turns to "worse instincts," Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, the Vatican representative to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, said in
Rome Nov.
8.
He
said
it
was
unacceptable that so many are threatened with starvation at a time when much of the world lives in unprecedented development and progress. This contrast threatens peace and stability, especially in the present moment of world tension, he said.
Vatican to WTO: Take needs of poor countries 'much more seriously*
Service in a telephone
Palestinians are not extremists Palestinians DETROIT (CNS) who celebrated the Sept. 1 1 attack on the United States and the suicide bombings inside Israel are not repre-
a Vatican official told
international conference of food ex-
VATICAN CITY
"We
have to get supplies in fast. This is an emergency, a substantial program, and we want to be there for the recovery," he said. interview.
—
(CNS)
A
Vatican diplomat said the World Trade Organization must take the problems of poorer countries "much more seriously," as a ministerial meeting of the international body got under way. "I think these times show even more how urgent it is to have an 'inclusive' system of international commerce, in which all can participate effectively on the same footing,"
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, head of the Vatican's delegation to the World Trade Organization meeting Nov. 9-13 in Doha, Qatar. Meeting participants had the option either to make steps toward greater participation for poor countries or to accentuate "the divisions now existing," Archbishop Martin told Vatican Radio Nov. 8. said
CNS Girl
A young
girl
Most of the country's
1.1
million Catholics live in clusters. Traditionally
descendants of low-caste Hindu converts, they are the poorest in an impoverished nation
Bishop Fiorenza opens bishops' meeting, contrasts hate and
hope
WASHINGTON
(CNS)
—
Opening the
fall meeting of the U.S. bishops just two months after the Sept. 1 1 terrorist attacks, Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston contrasted the "destructive power of hate" with the message of hope that bishops are called to preach. "It is
Catholic Gift & Book Store Over 700 Book
Titles, plus Bibles, Rosaries, Statues,
S
& H
November
Volume
11
•
E R
Hours: (336) 273-2554
dence despite the catastrophic problems of the present time," he said Nov.
Episcopa,, calendar
A L D
2001
16,
Number
Most Reverend William G. Joann S. Keane Staff Writer: Alesha M. Price Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Publisher:
Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events:
10
Curlin
November
Editor:
Beason 1 1 23 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237
Secretary: Sherill
November 24
E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org
The Catholic News & Herald,
Roman
Church
St.,
except
for
USPC 007-393,
is
— 5 p.m.
Mass and
Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382
by the
—
18 2:30 p.m. Confirmation St. Gabriel, Charlotte
Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick
9am -5pm
233
N.
Greene
published
NC 28203, 44 times a year,
weekly
Christmas week and Easter week and every
two weeks during June, July and August for enrollees in
parishes of the
Roman
for $1 5 per
year
Catholic Diocese
and $18 per year for all other subscribers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and
planner November 22 GASTONIA
noon from 2-5 p.m. in the parish center. At no cost family and friends can share in a meal, enjoyment and fellowship. For de-
Lexington
lar
Visiting seminarians
about die dinner or transportation,
tails
(704) 867-6212,
Ext
101 or 113.
25 HENDERSONVILLE
— The St
Francis of the Hills Fraternity of the Secu-
Franciscan Order will meet today from
3-5 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 208 7th Ave. West in die office wing. Visitors and inquirers are welcome. For more information, call Helen Gillogly,
of Charlotte
L cpa
other
cities.
POSTMASTER: Send
address corrections to The Catholic
News &
Herald, P.O.
Charlotte,
NC
28237.
Box 37267,
SFO,
at (828) 883-9645.
26 BELMONT
—
NC 27401
male
tional
roles
open to women,
Auditions for the Ab-
bey Players/Belmont Community Theatre production of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" will be held tonight and Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Haid Theatre on the campus of
will
be
considered, and those auditioning will be
asked to read from the All are invited to St
Michael Church, 708 St Michael's Lane, for Thanksgiving Day dinner this after-
call
November 27-28
—
Greensboro,
St.
Belmont Abbey College, 100 Belmont-Mt Holly Rd. Non-traditional casting, tradi-
Diocesan
dedication of renovated church and hall Our Lady of the Rosary,
Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South
Charlotte,
& much, much more! Monday - Friday
Medals, Tapes, CD's, Plaques,
Christian hope alone that gives confi-
.
W
photo by Martin Lueders
washes dishes in street of Catholic ghetto washes dishes in a Catholic ghetto in Peshawar, Pakistan.
The
N E
2001
16,
essential issue for the preservation of
world peace,
seeking to
November
Brief
in
script.
For more
information, call (704) 825-6786.
26 CHARLOTTE
—A
support group
meeting for caregivers of family and friends suffering from Alzheimer's/ dementia will
fourth
be held today and every second and
Monday from
10-11:30 a.m.
room E of the ministry center at St
in
Gabriel
Church, 3016 Providence Rd. For more information about the support group or
Day Respite Promemory-impaired, meeting every Monday and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and every Thursday at Sardis the Shining Stars Adult
gram
for the
Presbyterian Church from 10 a.m.-2:30
Suzanne Bach
p.m,
call
26
NEWTON
Catholic Girls' girls
ages
meeting
five
at St.
at (704) 376-4135.
— The
Group and
up.
is
Little
The group
will
Joseph Church, 720
13th St, at 4 p.m. in the parish
more
Flowers
for all Catholic
details, call
Debbie Vickers
be
West
hall.
For
at (828)
.
November
16,
2001
The World
The Catholic News & Herald 3
Brief
in
$3.3 million federal grant funds for Mercy Housing will provide quality, affordable housing for low-income seniors — Mercy Hous- extremely supportive of BELMONT, N.C.
this project
ing SouthEast has been
awarded more federal grant
than $3.3 million in funds to construct a 40-unit affordable housing development for very
low-income seniors. An additional $528,000 will be provided for rental subsidies over a five-year period.
The
funding comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. "This development will help address a critical need in this community for affordable rental housing for seniors.
who to
I
am
so excited for the seniors
will finally get the
live
opportunity
quality, service-enriched
in
housing," said Michelle Allen, project
developer for
The
MHSE.
units will be developed on
land that was donated by the Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina, one of the
CNS
photo from Reuters
Museum
of world religions opens Visitors enter an exhibit at the Museum of World Religions in Taipei, Taiwan, Nov. 9. The newly opened museum, the first of its kind, exhibits collections from the world's major religions and is dedicated to religious tolerance and understanding.
12 in his presidential address as head
Through
of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Nov. 12-15 meeting was the bishops' first under their new USCCB name, which officially took
agents in
effect July
workers who died
1
Knights of Columbus gives $1 million to rescue workers' families HAVEN, Conn. (CNS) Less than two months after the Sept. 1 1 terrorist attacks, the Knights of Columbus announced that it has given more than $1 million to families of New York City rescue workers killed at the World Trade Center.
—
NEW
495-2039.
28 CHARLOTTE
—
who
firefighters
in the disaster. The Knights, the world's largest Catholic fraternal organization, created the
The
first
families
St.
checks were delivered to of some of the dead
firefighters Sept. 13.
own
lunch, but beverages will be
provided. For
more
29 BELMONT Abbey
in
information,
— Belmont Abbey,
call
Rd.;
future and the Circle of
Mepkin Trappist S.C.; and
is
looking for
working and enjoying vocational talks given by the monks. Space is limited, so those interested
firsthand while praying,
are advised to
make
Mepkin Abbey
dates are available
Michael Slane at (336) 665-9264 for time and location.
individual basis.
mation,
28 WINSTON-SALEM
548-3463.
Francis Center of
— The
Our Lady
St.
of Fatima
comer of Cherry and 3rd Sts., will present a program, 'Three Thoughts for Advent," for three consecutive Wednes-
life
call
reservations early.
on an For more dates and inforNatalie Smith toll-free at (866)
29 CHARLOTTE
—
St.
Hope congrega-
approach to supporting dementia For further information and pre-
Murray at (704) (704) 532-7390 or e-
registration, call Louise call
— The
and Conference Center
Ala., will
at
sponsor an intensive
centering prayer retreat this weekend
through Dec. 2. The retreat, facilitated by Sister Eileen Gallagher and Diana Tschache,
is
designed for diose currently
practicing centering prayer
who
wish to
For reservations, 734-8302 call or e-mail (256) shmon@hiwaay.net. deepen
3016 Providence
days beginning today from 1:15-2:30 p.m. Pierson Shaw, pastor of Christ Evangelical
the Western Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association will present "Alzheimer's Disease and Caregiving" tonight in the parish center from 7-9 p.m. Drs. Hiep Pham and Shirley Travis will discuss the disease and related disorders,
Rd., in association with
0464
or CathSinglesOt@aol.com.
2
—
CHARLOTTE
their spirituality.
Charlotte join
them
is
—
(704) 573-4299.
Mood, SFO,
—
HICKORY The Secular Franciscan Order of Hickory will 2
present a re-enactment of
1223 Greccio,
Assisi's
St.
Italy,
Francis of
recreation of
Jesus' birth for local people of that historical period to
conditions.
place at
experience diose holy night
The
4 p.m.
re-enactment will take
at the Catholic
Conference
For
details,
Frank Cogger at (828) 256-1453 or John M. Martin at (828) 428-8920.
Catholic Singles of
members
to
25th anniversary and
Christmas party held
this
Soutiipark Suite Hotel. For tion, call
at
call
looking for former
for their
St.
and inquirers are welcome. For more 'information, call Skyler
Center, 1551 Trinity Lane.
December 1 CHARLOTTE
The
Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity of Secular Franciscans will be meeting today from 2-4 p.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 Statesville Ave. All visitors
Benedictine
Gabriel Church,
Chapel,
Ludieran Church, will be facilitating the program. Attendants are asked to provide
NC
families.
532-5275 or
#101 or #113
Michael's Lane
caregiving information, preparation for the
tional
100
Moncks Corner,
them for meetings, educational seminars and social events. Contact to join
St.
Gastonia,
Cullman,
men
fellowship!
Michael Church
708
Participants can learn about monastic
order of Irish Cadiolic men,
System, a national, not-for-profit affordable housing development and management organization with over 11,000 units, serving more than 28,000 people on any given day. Mercy Housing System properties serve economically poor families, senior citizens and people with mental and physical impairments. MHSE is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., with offices in Belmont, N.C. and Savannah, Ga. MHSE was founded by the Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina and Sisters of Mercy of Baltimore.
For free transportation or information,
Spirituality
and largest
Mercy Housing SouthEast is a of the Mercy Housing
member
Call (704) 867-6212, Ext.
died in the line of duty. The victims did not have to be Knights or Catholic for their families to qualify.
30 CULLMAN, Ala
Division, the oldest
area."
who
mail Louise.Murray@alz.org.
Order of Hibernians Guilford
who have helped us advocate for affordable housing in the
grateful to those
diate help to the survivors of those
be offering "Live-in Experience" vocational retreats today-Dec. 2, Dec. 5-9 and Jan 2-6.
County
MHSE.
Day to share a meal and
Getiisemani Abbey in Trappist, Ky., will
cient
Kathleen Brownlee, "We're very
said
president of
Heroes Fund Sept. 12 to give imme-
334-2283
— The An-
critical to
idea into a
A FREE celebration on Thanksgiving
with the name(s) of loved ones to be re-
28 GUILFORD COUNTY
reality,"
is
2-5 pm
and emergency medical
Belmont-Mt. Holly
membered during the Mass.
"Community support making a development
THANKSGIVING DINNER
delivered checks of $3,000 each to 334 families of police officers,
Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. East, diat
Call the church office at (704)
Mercy of
inception.
its
Bring friends and family and join us for
network of insurance New York and New Jersey,
Josephine Rosaschi at (336) 723-8241.
be taking place tonight at 7:30 p.m.
Mercy Housing
Sisters of
North Carolina, the City of Belmont and many local churches, businesses and community residents have been
its
have suffered a loss are invited to attend the monthly memorial Mass at St. Patrick will
of
The
SouthEast.
it
their
All families
co-founders
from
evening at the
more informa-
Frances Wiggins at (704) 367-
Please submit notices ofeventsfor ike Diocesan
Planner at tion elate.
least
10 days prior
to the publica-
4
The Catholic News & Herald
November
Around the Diocese
Room At The Inn is witness to hope By
JOANN
S.
KEANE
At The Inn
Editor
CHARLOTTE
— Hope does not
disappoint.
Paul said, "Hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." During Room At The Inn's seventh annual banquet and fund-raiser, Executive Director Cindy Brown took the opportunity to reflect on her belief that hope forms the framework of the home for pregnant women and women with children.
"Hope," said Brown,
At The Inn
"is
the endurance of these afflictions can be
healed and molded into a proven character that
is filled
with hope and does not
disappoint."
Since
inception seven years ago,
its
Room At The
Inn has given hope and served more than 250 women and chil-
dren both born and unborn, Brown said. "With each mother served and with each baby born, Room At The Inn sees the great mystery of God's love, giving hope to the world."
Room At The Inn is unique in that it serves both pregnant women and women who already have children. Services after the birth of the newborn for both mother and child are the hallmark of the Charlotte-based maternity home. More
than just a place to
live,
Room
Wade
and
its
vices.
A
Room At The
signature of
comes with
its
Inn
annual banquet and
its
subtle fund-raiser. Inv itations are issued in
abundance. There
no charge, and a
is
Room
substantial banquet
is
At The Inn
Dinner guests have
guests.
out for
laid
the opportunity to hear firsthand ac-
Room At The
speaker
who holds
Contributions for
Inn's success.
be sent to
the attention of Room
P.O.
Box 75384,
friends.
is
Room At The
John Paul
"Sept.
1 1
was a turn moment, and
helmet of one of their chaplains
ft ir* a
silica
Nov.
VGA O SVGA
W"—
$20-$25
the Sept.
1 1
"I offer
Charlotte, N.C. 28275.
Sept.
ing
(704)
370-3336
or
jskeane@charlottediocese.org
members
my
city.
With
continued prayers,
abundant blessings," he
said.
As
the firefighters knelt before the
pontiff,
one of them presented him with
the helmet that belonged to Franciscan
Father Mychal F. Judge,
fire
department
chaplain.
After the
World Trade
Center's
I
scene.
While administering
last rites to
20%
off
our website for
our catalog
20" Callfor details]
was struck by
the priest
and
falling debris
died. fire
was the World Trade Center, was after the previous chief
those attending
Mass with
the
Later in the day, at a
Gary Bauer,
a
Rome
rally to
remember the Sept. 1 1 victims, he told the crowd about their meeting with the pope. "The pope told us that since Sept.
2000 presidential
candidate and former Domestic Policy Advisor to former President Ronald Regan, signs copies of his book following the Room At The Inn banquet on Nov. 8 in Charlotte.
he has been praying continually for we firemen have strength. answered that we have felt that and received that from him," 1 1
the victims and so that
We
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Medical
international
a
fireman fatally injured by a falling body,
Photo by Joann S. Keane
everything through the Christmas Season
V
first
tower was hit by a hijacked plane Sept. 11, Father Judge, 68, was with the first New York firefighters to arrive on the
among
of our website belmontgifts.com We're celebrating by taking
I
invoke upon you and your families God's
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in stock!
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the pope said in English.
1,"
1
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grant the bereaved families consolation and peace, and may he give you and your fellow firefighters strength and courage to carry
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into the world."
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lost their lives in the terrorist attack of
Inn, Inc.,
at the top
Call, write or visit
warm welcome
a
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Inn
We
$70-$ 125
who
firefighters
attacks and expressed his
condolences for their families.
announces the
— $35438 17" —
the pope prayed for the
10,
more than 340
of the list, [Jthaf] we should see this country reject death. should see this country reject Roe vs. Wade and welcome all of our children
Refurbished Computer Monitors
killed in the
World Trade Center. Celebrating Mass in St. Peter's Ba-
rescue effort at the
department *»
Pope
City firefighters and accepted the white
country.
would put
—
group of New York
blessed a
II
"May almighty God
Bauer, a former Republican presidential
group of 1,000. Bauer serves as chairman of a political action committee, the Campaign For Working Families, a Washington-based center for public policy. On Nov. 7, keynoter Bauer spoke of the recent terrorist acts against the United States: "There's an uninvited guest in the room, an uninvited guest who has been at every event wherever it has been held in this country over the last two months." That guest, he said, "is the memory of what happened Sept. 1 1 and what it means for this
News Service (CNS)
VATICAN CITY
This year, Gary
candidate, addressed the
JOHN THAVIS
By
Catholic
egation from the
Room At The
may
it
chaplain's helmet
said,
the keynote
in the past,
At The Inn
happy babies
2001
Pope blesses group of NYC firefighters, accepts
decision,
get the funds they need."
tal
As
through the healing love of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit,
vs.
tures and video of smiling,
punctuated with menhealth and adoption counseling ser-
mother and
...
Bauer
counts of the life-altering experiences of Room At The Inn mothers, while pic-
education, personal responsibility and
underscore
to every
Roe
a Christ-cen-
gave an unborn child about the same value as a Styrofoam cup. "And it has given us a culture of death that eats away at our souls, eats away at our children, eats away at everything we stand for," he said. The battle "is going to be won in places [like the Charlotte-based Room At The Inn] long before it will be won in Washington. This home is saving real women and real children. [Tonight] you will be asked to generously stand with this fraternity of Room At The Inn. I hope you will [respond]. Don't make them beg to
the message
every child that our Lord brings to our doors. Regardless of the afflictions of the past,
women
spiritual direction
In a letter to the Ephesians, St.
of Room
offers
tered rehabilitation program, based on
16,
—
St.
Pius
X Parishioner
of:
MODULAR BUILDING INSTITUTE
Visit
our
Web
site!
www.modularcorp.com
November
16,
2001
Cuba By
native receives statewide recognition in art
ALESHA M. PRICE
share the heritage and culture of the Latino
Staff WRfTER
— Work
CHARLOTTE Latino community loves.
is
with the
what Sara H. Wolf
She does not think of her
efforts as
being worthy of any special recognition;
however, she was recently named a ent of one of the Latino Diamante
recipi-
Awards
community with others. For the past several years, the Latin American Festival, which reported an estimated crowd of 15,000 to 18,000 attendants this year, has been held at the Mint Museum of Art where Wolf is the librarian and the Latin American community liai-
and culture. The entire process has been overwhelming for her, but she is pleased and excited about
son.
the recognition.
twofold.
for '2001 in the area of art
"It
was
Wolf, a
St.
nice just to be nominated," said
Vincent de Paul parishioner,
who thanked
her husband, Luis, and
daughter, Sara, at the awards ceremony Oct.
20
in
Durham.
"I really
appreciate
it
do things for the community simply because I want to do them. I am very proud of being CubanAmerican and an American citizen. I have and
feel
honored, but
I
a responsibility to help because
lucky to be in this country, and
I I
am
very
want
to
Since 1996, the Tatino Diamante Awards, based in Raleigh, have recognized
men and women
for their efforts with the
growing Latino population
in
North Caro-
lina in various areas including business,
education, health and science,
community
involvement and youth accomplishments. In the Diocese of Charlotte, the
people of Latino descent
1990 to 181,407
number of
grew from 28,464
Wolf says
which includes music, indigenous foods, entertainment, and arts and crafts, is
"The festival brings the Latino culture and Latinos have their countries represented and can see a to people of other races,
little
of their heritage displayed," she
"It is
so important to bring things like this
said.
Americans living here because there seems to be so much negative news reported. The youth need to be involved in other activities and need to be exposed to positive things." The young girl of Wolfs memories into the lives of Latin
summers at the shore in preCastro Havana, Cuba, never dreamed of living and working in the United States. She grew up as the only child in her immediate family but was always surrounded by her large extended family. Catholicism was a large aspect of her life as she and her parents attended church regularly and were involved in spent
Fidel
early
life
was
filled
with the smell
'Tou were watched all of the time, at work, at home, on every block. You didn't
know
if
Wolf,
who was
your telephone was bugged," said transferred from her first job after the government changed. "Every time you went to church, your purses were searched. There was a lack of freedom everywhere."
The Wolfs, who had married in 1960, were contemplating leaving their country for the United States where Luis's family lived. They asked for political asylum and were admitted into the country as political refugees. After living in Miami, they moved to Raleigh, where Sara began working in her first position in library sciences as a cataloguer at North Carolina born
The
family
moved
St.
Ann
American Women's Association as past president and with the Catholic Hispanic
frequent family gatherings and the disci-
allowed her to
received a degree in administration in
Center
in Charlotte has
She
The
couple be-
heavily involved in their daughter's
was
pline of Catholic elementary school.
School.
education and in the church.
cane swaying
wind, the laughter of
to Charlotte in
1965 and became American citizens in 1969. Sara began working at the Mint Museum part time while her daughter attended
Wolf
Sara H.
munity. Further involvement with her
community
led to her role with various
Latino organizations and groups around
in 1965.
can Coalition as a board member, the Latin
in the
was
State University until her daughter
museum expanded
the Latin Ameri-
and culture
srnment.
of her mother's cooking, the sight of sugar
Wolfs affiliation with
5
1956 from Havana Business University and began working as the assistant to the director of the National Planning Board in Cuba. Much of life changed for Wolf and other citizens after 1959 when Fidel Castro overthrew the country's dictatorship and later established a Communist
came
church-affiliated organizations.
Her
in 2000.
that the importance of the
festival,
who
give something back."
in
The Catholic News & Herald
Around the Diocese
its
When
the
library system, Sara
She says that
Charlotte.
God
has guided
her path, and her family has been her biggest support system.
"My
husband
is
a large part of
my
Wolf said. "Before I I pray to God and listen for have been able to do many
relationship with God,"
do anything, his advice.
I
things because of God's place in
my life."
offered a full-time position.
Her
position as the liaison
grew out of
her desire to develop a reciprocal relationship with the
museum and
the Latino
com-
Contact Staff Writer AksJia
calling
(704)
370-3354
M.
Price by
or
amprice@charlottediocese.org.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS INSURANCE
Protecting Families For Generations Taken From The Photo Of The 1897 Supreme Council Meeting Held In
New Haven, Connecticut
Škofc
The Catholic News & Herald
6
November
Readings
16,
2001
Book Review
Book on Jewish good primer for Reviewed by
EUGENE
Catholic
J. FISHER News Service
Rabbi Lawrence Kushner
is
one
Word to Life
spirituality
Sunday Scripture Readings: Nov. 25, 2001
Christians God
that
November 25,
And
so he wrote this book as a
Cycle
means
Christ
tlie
C Readings:
countless people writhe in their last
agony.
and engaging
spiritual writ-
ers of our time. Indeed, his
body of work
Christian tradition by guiding Christians
Psalm 122:1-5
might be compared to diat of the great
into Jewish tradition.
2) Colossians 1:12-20
Abraham Joshua Heschel
It is well worth the journey. Rabbi Kushner introduces, gendy and engagingly, basic concepts and insights of Jewish faith such as "teshuvah" (repentance) and "tikkun olam" (repairing die world) which have framed and supported Jewish lives through centuries of piety and persecution. Often he sheds light through stories, in classical rabbinic fashion. The book is a delight and a gift we should be grateful for,
3) Gospel:
most
creative
for
its
aability to
open up to Jewish and non-Jewish readers alike the
incomparable riches of Jewish
reli-
gious tradition. In "Jewish Spirituality:
A
Brief Intro-
JEWISH SPIRITUALITY: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION FOR CHRISTIANS,
by
Rabbi Lawrence Kushner. Jewish Lights
2001)103
Publishing (Woodstock, Vt, pp.,
since
it
our
will enrich
Those who wish
$12.95.
THE WAYINTO JUDAISM, 4 Volumes.
tradition also will
"The Way by Jewish "The Way might be a
Vt, 2000-01). $21.95 each.
book of interest,
Jews may
He says
too).
find
die book
tiiis
is
to delve
"a
window into the Jewish soul" which "will, for
more deeply
..."
want
to
series
now
go
Lights. Rabbi Kushner's
leading Jewish writer in the
Gilknan on "The
you
God
new
and will, and Jews, always challenge see yourself and your world through
lens."
In a short vignette provocatively tided
field:
find such different
last is
about reading the
Bible. It
remains an amazement to me, even
how and
ings in biblical texts
after
Jewish tradition can
new meanand stories that we
delightful
Christians tend to take for granted or as
came out of his encounter with
because of the centuries of Christian at-
embodying only a single "truth." And the communal nature of Jewish Torah study is one that Catholics, especially, will appreciate
tempts to convert and even persecute Jews,
and
whom, over
a priest with
Kushner shared die
he had always priest's
felt
lunch, Rabbi
painful admission that,
"wary of
Jesus."
given in some
detail,
was given
It
me
They can be
could not have been Jesus those
'Tour religion wants you to care about much?" Rabbi Kushner asked in
that
to time
surprise.
"Oh
yes," the priest said, "I
tinuously seek to find
Rabbi Kushner
God
felt
in
that this gave
new understanding of "what
Fisher
must con-
it
means
him
is
associate director
Secretariat for Ecumenical
every person."
and
of
the
Interreli-
gious Affairs at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
a
to say
of Christ the King.
lawless. Besides the obvious physical
feast
The Thanksgiving
pain, crucifixion allows the lives of
condemned
ebb away
holiday has passed. Fall wanes, and
the
daylight hours yield to the coldness of
of hate-filled curses and public hu-
long dark nights. For thousands in our country, and tragically many of those are children, these long nights will be filled with unexplainable loneliness and sorrow. Learning to live without those we love, those who have nurtured us and made us feel safe, is a daunting challenge for those
miliation.
in a sea
the casual observer, the
family friend or a
member
ecution detail, this
is
of the ex-
a scene devoid of
any tangible hope. However, Luke alone allows us to hear a conversation that occurs among the three condemned men. One, caustic to the end, is blind to
The
behind.
hope.
We
have heard a bell tolling across our country, reminding us how we are, as the British poet John Donne once wrote, "part of the main." Although we may not personally have
own
known
in the
left
To
to
other criminal
knows
his
and recognizes the goodness of the third man, Jesus. Innocent, Jesus makes a promise to this man a promise that echoes through the ages to those who hope sins
—
Lord: "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in para-
a single person affected by the
dise."
Today we
celebrate Christ the
King, the anointed one
who
has suf-
fered with his people.
QUESTIONS: Knowing our king has endured such pain, do you find yourself emboldened to live
your faith courageously?
Weekly Scripture
read
and then and again to provide lasting spiritual nourishment for our souls. All you have to do, as my Italian mother-in-law would say, is take them up and "Eat! It's all there for you!"
gone back
Christians served."
Catholic News Service Once again we celebrate the
a rich, delicate and meaningful
quickly, so well are they written,
in a whisper,
with tears in his eyes: "Please forgive me, forgive us.
is
feast here in these books.
response to this heartfelt confession,
By BEVERLY CORZINE
relate to.
There
The
earns a death
No. Luke is describing the barbarism of crucifixion that is meant to be a deadly warning to the
and death remind us that a connectedness exists among us that some thought had become passe and others believed to be dead and gone: faith in God and the courage of ordinary people to help one another remain standing among incomprehensible devastation when hope seems lost.
This
religious backgrounds.
Neil
Into Encountering
who
citizen
sentence.
"The Way Into Jewish Prayer" and Norman Cohen on 'The Way Into Torah."
work has been either for Jews or for people of it
Way
Roman
Luke 23:35-43
recent terrorist attacks, suffering, fear
years of study,
Briefly,
own
We
are not witnessing the quick death of the sword, reserved for the
Judaism," Lawrence Hoffman on
in
"My Lunch With Jesus," Rabbi Kushner explains why he wrote a volume specifically for Christians, when up to now much of his all
new
Into Jewish Mystical Tradition"
Christians, feel strangely familiar
a
to the
being put out
for Christians
to
lives.
good place to start. All of the volumes are written for Jewish laypersons, and so do not presume previous expertise. Each of the authors is a
duction for Christians," he writes specifically for Christians (though
Into
prayer
nourishment of Jewish
into the spiritual
Jewish Lights Publishing (Woodstock,
own
King
2 Samuel 5:1-3
to return his friend's gift of insight into the
1)
Luke
execution, administered by battleseasoned soldiers who have watched
human
can take die form of a
being."
of the
In today's Gospel reading
paints a vivid picture of a multiple
Scripture for the week of Nov. 18 - 24 Sunday, Malachi 3:19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12, Luke 21:5-19; Monday, 1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63, Luke 18:35-43; Tuesday, 2 Maccabees 6:18-31, Luke 19:1-10; Wednesday (Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary), 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31, Luke 19:1 1-28; Thursday (St Cecilia, Thanksgiving Day), Zephaniah 3:14-15, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 5:18-20; Friday (Sts. Clement I, Columban and Bl. Miguel Pro), 1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59, Luke 19:45-48; Saturday, 1 Maccabees 6:1-13, Luke 20:27-40
Scripture for the
week
of Nov. 25
-
Dec. 1
Sunday, 2 Samuel 5:1-3, Colossians 1:12-20, Luke 23:35-43; Monday, Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20, Luke 21:1-4; Tuesday, Daniel 2:31-45, Luke 21:5-1 1; Wednesday, Daniel 5:1-6, 1314, 16-17, 23-28, Luke 21:12-19; Thursday, Daniel 6:12-28, Luke 21:20-28; Friday (St
Andrew), Romans
Matthew
10:9-18,
4:18-22; Saturday, Daniel 7:15-17,
Luke 21:34-36
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Charlotte Region:
For information on specific programs, please call your local office.
November
2001
16,
PBS
"Inside the Vatican," Nov. 21, PARE
By GERRI
captures images of the pontiff at work,
News Service YORK (CNS) A new National Geographic special explores Catholic
meeting both the humble and the exalted from around the globe. The photographer is most impressed by how the frail pontiff does not hesitate to physically embrace and kiss lepers in Korea. Mari describes the Holy Father's life as work and prayer and that "free time does not exist for the
—
NEW
a locale
of particular interest to Catholics
in "Inside the Vatican," airing
Wednes-
EST
on PBS
day, Nov. 21, 8-9 p.m.
(check local listings).
The
"inside" of the
program's title refers more to geography than to any startling revelations about the inner workings of the Vatican. Respectfully narrated by Martin Sheen, the documentary is book ended by preparations for, and actual footage from, a major ritual in St. Peter's Basilica: the ordination ceremony of nine new bishops. Pope John Paul II officiates in the basilica with numerous car-
pope." St.
Peter's got
its
start
when
the
emperor Constantine ordered a cathedral be built directly over the grave of
Peter some three centuries after he was martyred in 64 A.D. Rome. In 1929, the Vatican became a separate state, although entirely surrounded by Rome. Within the Vatican walls are some of the world's greatest art treasures
Both the world's smallest sovereign nation and
—
as well
religious body, the Vatican has a
soup kitchen. The script takes note of how popes have been the greatest supporters of culture through the centuries, and one seg-
lation
ment of the program
as a fully operational
dinals participating as well.
the headquarters of the world's largest
popuunder 1,000, 100 of whom comprise the Swiss Guards, the world's smallest standing army. And they are all Swiss, Catholic, and at least 5-feet-8 in height. Unlike most "security guards," they take an oath to serve and
maintain the glorious paintings, sculptures and fine tapestries that comprise the Vatican collection. A Franciscan sister is seen cheerfully en-
gaging
in the
painstaking removal of
worn thread from
a tapestry, to be replaced by one of the 6,000 different shades of thread at her disposal.
Surprisingly, their colorful costumes consist of 154 separate pieces.
human
a
visits art restorers
who
protect the pope.
gram puts
The Catholic News & Herald 7
£nbrf ainmen
face
The
on the
pro-
Mentioned
state
in
passing are a few
how Pope
within a city by following veteran Vatican
less-than-saintly popes, and
photographer Arturo Mari around as he
Julius IPs handling of indulgences eventually led to the Reformation.
CNS
However,
credit is given to Pope John Paul for his pivotal role in the fall of
communism, and
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ofthe U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Office for Film and
53714 1.-888-821-4890
2001
should prove of inter-
est not only to Catholics but to those
are rebated back to your Parish.
W 36th
Potter'
Actor Daniel Radcliffe stars as the title character in a scene from the film "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-II adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG parental guidance
—
—
suggested.
Changing Jobs or Retiring?
Palace and the Vatican Library.
The documentary
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well as interiors of St. Peter's, the Apos-
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XIII literally altered time in 1580, with the result that most of the world now uses the Gregorian calendar. Factual and informative, the program does not dig deeply, but does
Commu nities
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a quite
segment explains how Pope Gregory
JustCatholic
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photo from
2001
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8
The Catholic News & Herald
November
& Co umns
Edit onals
The Pope
Liturgical meaning of Thanksgiving The Old and New Testament make clear that our worship must be eucharistic (thankful), or we may miss the whole meaning of our existence. The richest literature
Speaks
of Thanksgiving
found
is
in
and
success.
Guest
Column
the 150 Psalms, which con-
nect our gratitute to the various stages of our failure
2001
16,
The Book of Leviticus
human
goes into details
about "peace offerings" (3:1-17) and prescriptions for giving "thanks."
(7:11-18) Scholars
tell
us that in
Qumran
Cave "thanksgiving hymns" were found. They seem
FATHER JOHN
to be
closely related to the songs of praise in the shape of Psalms.
The
God
always near those who pray, pope says at weekly audience is
WOODEN
By CINDY
News Service (CNS) The longest
Catholic
—
VATICAN CITY
Psalm in the Bible, Psalm 1 19, is a meditation on how God's law not only should guide human behavior, but reminds men and women that God is always near, Pope John Paul II said. "We are not alone because God hears us and intervenes," the pope said Nov. 14 during his weekly general audience.
Psalm
1
gift
21 sections corresponding to
its
Hebrew
of the law, which
alphabet praises
"a shining
is
dark path of life," die pope
The
of giving tiianks continues and expands
Guest Column
in
is
a transformative
power
a liturgical setting, thanksgiving
of me,
finite creature,
and Him,
preface for weekdays puts
it
is
giving thanks. In
in
the acknowledgement
infinite Creator.
'You have no need of our
way
for die
lamp on the
often
said.
psalm used for morning
section of the
prayer places before
God
God
the believer
who has spent now looks God has heard
to
grow
to you, Father,
of
a liturgical point of view, thanksgiving
rather than an event of our
life
lives.
A
is
a
thankful
God and
people,
no matter what the circumstances may be. A new business was opening, and one of the owner's friends wanted to send him flowers for the occasion. They arrived at the new business site, and the owner read the card, "Rest in Peace." The owner was angry and called the florist to complain. After he had told the
angry he was, the
florist
of the obvious mistake and
florist replied, "Sir,
how
I'm really sorry for
the mistake, but rather than getting angry, you should
Somewhere
this:
there
is
a funeral taking place
today, and they have flowers widi a note saying, "Con-
gratulations
Allow
on your new
me
location."
to suggest four simple principles
which are
always applicable:
your
A) The worst possible moment for an atheist is when feels grateful and has no one to thank. B) We should be thankful for the good things we have
he/ she
gift.
your greatness,
but makes us
"We come
person always finds reasons for affinning
praise, is itself
From
Son."
The fourth
beautifully:
yet our desire to thank you
Eucharistic Prayer begins:
with praise and thanksgiving through Jesus Christ your
image
sincerity are always present in a thankful person.
There
first
Our prayer of thanksgiving adds nothing
19 with
the letters of the
tradition
C.
cap
New Testament
St Paul constantiy gives tiianks as he writes to different churches and communities. The Pauline letters articulate three basic reasons for being diankfiil: Remembrance, Confession, and Proclamation. Christians recall and make present die wonders of God; tiiey confess their' faitii in the great events of grace, and, consequentiy, proclaim what they experienced and confessed. "As often as you eat tiiis bread and drink this cup, you proclaim die deatii and resurrection of die Lord until he comes." (l Cor. 1 1:26) Thanksgiving, therefore, is the heart of any spirituality, which claims to be Christian. The celebration of Thanksgiving has much to do with acknowledging the giver as much as the gift it allows us to open ourselves to God's grace and makes us aware that we are contingent creatures, who are not complete in ourselves. Humility and die
OFM
AURILIA,
your grace, " through Jesus Christ our Lord." Every preface begins with die standard line "it is our duty and our salvation always and everywhere to give you thanks through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ." The in
and the bad things we don't have. C) If you have nothing for which to be thankful, make up your mind that there is something wrong with you. D) It is not what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart.
the night in prayer and meditation and
toward the dawning day certain that pope said. "Comforted by tiiis knowledge, facing the day that is opening before him, the believer no longer fears the dangers ahead. He knows he will not be overwhelmed by his persecutors," the pope said, behis prayers, the
cause "the Lord
is
During the
Pope John Paul offered a U.S. and European military per-
conflict.
By FATHER
JOHN
members of the
must see their profession "as a noble service of peace and the common good." At the end of the audience, Pope John Paul offered prayers for the more than 550 people who died and the thousands left homeless in Algeria after severe storms and mud slides Nov. 10-1 1.
my spiritual
express
all
who
calamity.
closeness to their families
are suffering because of this serious
May
our solidarity and the concrete sup-
community not be lacking
port of the international for these brothers
and
of ours," he said
sisters
Pope encourages
prayer, sharing quest for Christian unity
VATICAN CITY
(CNS)
— With
in
continued
sharing, theological research and prayer, Christians will
be able to find ways to
tensions in the search for said.
"May
full
move beyond
unity,
II
the Lord help us treasure that which has
been realized already, guard
it
with care and hasten
further developments," he said in a
Nov. 12-17 plenary meeting of the for
current
Pope John Paul
message to the
Pontifical Council
Promoting Christian Unity. While Christian
unity
is
not yet a
reality, "it is
undeniable diat a large
part of the road already has been traveled," he said.
Pope John Paul
told council
members
international dialogues the Catholic
gaged
in
that the
major
Church
is
en-
with the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Ortho-
dox, Anglicans, Lutherans and other Protestants
have led to consensus on a variety of issues that can and must be built upon.
is
more
not a Christian virtue. Although the
when war visits a land, no one is safe. Too much bombing, too many civilian deaths tip the balance of proportionality away from a justifiable war. Believers must decide when enough is enough. Ironically the first innocent civilians killed with the bombing of Afghanistan
S.
RAUSCH, GLENMARY
"In these troubled times," he said,
Revenge
theory prohibits non-combatants as military targets,
NATO Defense College out-
Rome.
"I
to limit the atrocities of
war, rejects vengeance as a legitimate reason for
Guest Columnist
military
and
ordinary believers and
triggered
audience,
sonnel studying at the
among
some critical thinking. The just war theory, crafted
a certain faith response
of Faith
close to him."
special greeting to
side
immediately after the attack, then changed to "Pray for those we have lost and world peace." The attack sparked
Economy
once stood. On one wall "9:01" is carved, on the other "9:03." In between the gates 168 chairs made of bronze and stone rest on a grassy knoll, each with the name of one victim, most large for the adults killed that day,
were four U.N. workers employed to clear land mines. Paul VI taught: "If you want peace, work for justice." The attack on America represented a crime against humanity calling for an international court of law to prosecute the guilty. The World Trade Center and the Pentagon also represent the economic structures and the military might of the U.S. that many throughout the world resent. Justice asks that believers reexamine how American economic and foreign policy affects the world's poor and marginalized and adjust it for more fairness.
but some small for the 19 preschoolers taken at 9:02 a.m., April 19, 1995. The gently flowing water of the
stood the ferocious blast of the car
The hope of the Survivor Tree
Two
weeks
after the terrorist attack
on America,
I
Oklahoma City Memorial. Twin walls called the Gates of Time frame the moment of destruction where the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building visited the
by the side of the chairs invokes a reverence for the space. I spent a full hour slowly walking the area of the one city block meditating on reflecting pool
At the Oklahoma City Memorial, windows
all
in the plaza
bent by the force of the blast still and was named the "Survivor Tree."
The tragedy sponse
and private residences. Public indignation by politicians and political pundits demonizing the enemy as evil or sick paves the way for retaliatory bombing and more
violence and stop
unavoidable violence for the innocent.
justice.
flags fly
We
Yet while the public mood readies
itself for
revenge, a
whisper comes from believers and people of faith. "Love will prevail over hate," reads a sign at a gas station in Wise County, Virginia. "Pray for the victims" encourages a message at a convenience store in the next county. "Pray for the proper response" a bank sign cautioned
the
in faith
Murrah
in
Oklahoma City occasioned
from Bud Welsh who
throughout the country. Stand" adorn "God Bless America" and "United windows and sign boards of commercial establishments 1 1
that blew out
over the city and was heard 55 miles away.
An American elm
terrorism and violence. Since September
a single tree with-
bomb
Building.
Welsh spoke
lost a
lives
a re-
daughter
in
against execution as
He wanted to break die cycle of we will likely more memorials for terrorism's victims unless we
a response to the tragedy.
build
more
death. In the future
heed the witness of Welsh and choose forgiveness and Like the Survivor Tree, even in the midst of violence and terror, signs of life and symbols of hope continue to grow.
Father Rausch Appalachia.
writes,
teaches
and organizes
in
November
2001
16,
Edit oncm
anxious, then fearful, then terrified. "Fight or flight" to be your only options.
One
Light
The Catholic News & Herald 9
& Co umns
— these seem
i
i
But there is no one there to fight, and you can't run away from your home. This leaves you in a state of confusion, frustration and emotional insta-
Candle
mm
Family Reflections
bility.
Cancel these negative thoughts immediately. as, "I'm in danger, I'm going to be sick, I can't go on like this." Nonsense! Feelings are not facts. If you control your thoughts you gradually will take control of your emotional life. Emotions follow thoughts as thunder follows lightning. The negative thoughts you invite into your mind will make you sick. If you think "danger," your body and emotions will be in a constant state of alertness and anxiety. This sets up the vicious cycle of fear, which leads to panic. You can do better. Demand more of yourself. Fill your mind with positive thoughts: "I am not in danger. I am not in danger. I am not in danger. Thank you Jesus, I will not be afraid; I will not be afraid. I am saved in his strength. I will be well. I Reject thoughts such
FATHER JOHN CATOIR Guest Columnist
Anthrax
is not contagious, but the fear factor is
A
Anthrax cannot be contracted the way the flu is. flu epidemic passes from person to person, and 20
come down with it each year. A handful of people have come down with the
million people relative
anthrax infection, but everyone is affected by the fear it generates. This fear takes a huge toll on our emotions. We cannot allow ourselves to become infected with fear. So I ask you to calm down and think this thing through. You are a good person. You don't deserve all this disruption, but you have to deal with it. To keep your head when the entire world is going mad is not easy, but you have a huge advantage. You are
Pray for serenity. Say your
a Catholic Christian.
familiar Catholic prayers slowly.
voice of Jesus saying:
"Do not be
Then
listen to the
afraid.
Take
heart,
world you will have many troubles, but I have overcome the world." The Lord challenges you to control your thoughts. Contrary to public opinion, you are all capable of taking control of your thoughts. If you are glued to the television and allow the media to fill your mind with thoughts of danger, you'll make yourself sick with worry, and you will be doing exactly what the terrorists want. You will become in this
am
protected.
works
"interferes"
is
But I don't
who listen to my words and man who built his house
Jesus said, "Those
obey me are " on rock.
Take
like the
wise
Be your own best
heart.
with your precious
life.
friend.
Get on
All will be well.
think Jesus' message
was simply
hands you because
all natural explanation.
miraclesfor others
No
situation
is
to be
that's
Question
Corner
and
us,
"Christ's love lives in
psychological explanation.
who
followers of Christ are not fatalists
down without
feeling or passion
pen what
happen.
will
Columnist
the evil circum-
A. Thank you for pointing out very well some important and hopeful Christian truths. A number of other readers wrote to me with the same concerns you
and
stoically let
lie
learned through the centuries to exercise greater caution before attributing extraordinary events to mi-
raculous divine intervention.
hap-
Miracles,
wondrous events
mistakably preclude
all
that mysteriously but un-
natural explanation, are always
possible.
why
Carcinomic neoplasms that should inevitably be
came
into being, not because the
Maker
intervenes to accomplish his compassionate
constantly
As we human beings continuously learn more about the more we perceive the truth of this way of
reality,
looking at the world. People once attributed thunder and lightning to the displeasure of their god(s) over infidelity
of some
sort.
We
now have
a better
and more
Similarly, bizarre behavior or manifestations
air,
—
stigmata, for example, or floating in the
or frothing at the
speech
mouth with unnatural
— were once automatically assumed
gutteral to
have
divine or diabolical origins.
More
may
can surely pray for them.
well have a
more
natural,
than in the general Catholic population. discussing matters of faith and worship with the engaged, we have found that the considerations for having different faith traditions also
When
apply to those
who
are both Catholic.
Very often engaged couples minimize such differences. So much else between them draws them to what they have in common. And the power of their burgeoning love seems to override
couples face
wedding may have intersome of those differences early on.
it
wouldn't be a
"full
Catholic wedding."
It
is,
after
all,
is
important.
Couples who embrace those challenges and find workable responses are likely to develop their unique spirituality (the glue that holds them together) early in their marriage. The danger for a couple who are both Catholic is that they may be lulled into complacency and not embrace the challenges of their unique faith experiences as early. encourage all who aspire to Christian marriage, whether they are of the same or different
We
offer countless all
medical
traditions, to
faith
pay attention to their
faith
With-
differences early, share with each other their
ered arms and legs become healthy and whole overnight.
unique experiences of the Sacred, and learn to
and
scientific
expectation of what "ought" to happen.
fatal
These are without question God's doing. good, a sign of genuine Christian It
appreciate those differences.
To seek such
faith
and hope.
remains, however, that miracles, or instant-by-
workings of the world, are not God's usual ways. As the Genesis creation story tells us, God looked at what he had made and declared
And
as their spiritual
become more aware of God in them. Then watch what happens. Their cup overflows into community. The hand of God guides them to a place where they celebrate their unique life
extraordinary blessings in prayer and pleading can be
unfolds, they
spirituality.
instant interventions into the
good, very good. what he had done. it
As
far as
we can
He was
to live
wonderfully
satisfied
•
•
the
and breathe and act according to the 'laws" he
placed there in the
Questionsfor Reflection:
with
same Wisdom that gave complex universe that allows it
tell, it is
existence to diis infinitely
recent experience has proven, however, that
occurrences like these
And we
God's world, his continual re-creation. Lourdes and some other sacred shrines
instances of remarkable events that contradict
human
natural explanation.
wounds of the
still
disappear instantaneously.
will.
in
mon
raised
These are among the reasons the church has
As I said in the column you mention, in the everyday processes of life the makeup of the world as God created it normally reveals "God's will " and determines what will happen. We believe the Creator is a gracious and loving God, whose goodness is manifest in creation itself, in how and it
Most of our marriage preparation work has in the African American Catholic community which interfaith marriages are much more com-
been
However, when having children is imminent, matters of faith become more important in a couple's life together. Patterns of worship, prayer and fellowship shape the lives of children and families with children. When children are present (or anticipated), the question of how they will be
FATHER JOHN DIETZEN
and that's a gift too. But Christians say: me. For whom shall I pray? Who needs a
miracle ofgrace today?" (Wisconsin)
different perspective.
unions.
CNS God can also give us Job-like resignation to
might be seen as growth in a marriage. Certainly being of the same religion and denomination can pave a smoother road for a couple's life journey. Right? Well, our twenty years of marriage preparation work give us a faith tradition
a great obstacle for unity and spiritual
Convincing the Catholic family that a wedding without Eucharist is no less Catholic and perhaps more hospitable is just one challenge for interfaith
love.
stances that befall
someone of another
eucharist
will.
Iiope
becoming more commonplace these days. Considering the power faith has on a marriage, marrying
For example, having Eucharist as part of the wedding may be very important to Catholic family members. Though the Christian rite of marriage makes provisions for weddings without the Communion rite, some may feel that without
If we pray for
and ourselves, we are showingfaith,
Ecumenism and marriage Interchurch and interreligious marriages are
Issues around the
and helped beyond
hopeless.
Guest Columnist
faith
good and
God's
TERRI LYKE
differences in faith traditions.
laws of nature, and that nature's
Miracles happen every day. People are healed
We
to be alive.
meaningful and valuable.
accept whatever nature
have.
am happy
God
with nature's laws. I agree that
his will through the
predictability
I
protect you.
God's interventions revisited God
will survive.
This same advice would be useful to anyone, even a soldier in battle. Internal fears can be more threatening to life than the bullets flying overhead. Do not surrender to fear. Do not give the prince of darkness what he wants. He wants to disrupt your life and make you feel worthless. But you are a favored child of the Lord, a temple of the Holy Spirit. You are precious in God's sight, and he will
Q. I was distressed by your answer regarding God's will and
whether
I
will project a joyful presence."
I
ANDREW &
By
first place.
•
How
do your experiences offaith your spouse's?
differ
from
How liave those differences challenged you? How have they been opportunities for spiritual growth?
at-.-
10 The Catholic News & Herald
Symposium explores
common roots of Islam, By POLLY MACIULSKI
News Service
SHREVEPORT, La. who
(CNS)
lations
— Those
practice Islam, Christianity or Juda-
ism must realize that despite differences
in
have much in common, according to speakers at a Nov. 4 symposium in Shreveport. their beliefs, they
among
He faith
members of the Jewish
do not believe they are better than
those of other
but instead realize
faiths;
they have different responsibilities.
emphasized that Judaism ceptance of other
faiths,
is
He
about ac-
not just toler-
Marie Vianney Bilgrien, a School Sister of Notre Dame, said mem-
ance of them. "Only Judaism says we need not be Jewish to be right," he added.
bers of the three faith groups are descendents of Abraham.
Islamic association, said that Islam has
Sister
all
She told a standing room-only crowd in a Catholic elementary school cafeteria that Pope John XXIII once greeted 130 U.S. Jews with the biblical expression, "I am your brother, Joseph."
And
years
later,
she
said,
when
the
who
is
Greco
professor of Institute, a
center for adult education in the Shreve-
port Diocese, ended her presentation with the question Cain posed to God in
Genesis
4.
He
asked,
"Am
I
my
brother's keeper?"
"You
better believe
it,"
she said, an-
our
belief,"
referring to
We really have to probe our faith.
just a question of dealing with our feelings.
cending to the heavens as she carried burning incense through the church. They danced to the beat of Michael Roberto's shekere, a gourd wrapped in beaded netting. In his homily Father West said, "Very devout people want to know what heaven is like." As with the
is
prophet, not the Messiah.
The "most sophisticated weapons" that members of all faiths should use, he said, "to
defend our lives and the hereafKoran, the Bible, and the
ence.
Torah."
The symposium,
mon Roots
called
"The Com-
of Judaism, Christianity,
and Islam," was sponsored by the Greco Institute and originated with an idea from Bishop William B. Friend of
who suggested
Shreveport,
come together
for past sins, describing that action as a
three faiths
"huge step" toward fostering better re-
about one another's
that the
to learn
more
beliefs.
West
ness and the power of
God
...
for
we
"God
is
to
emphasize that
our Father, we are
all
part of that one divine family," that
before spending a lot of time criticiz-
ing others, we must look at ourselves. "Let God shine in our lives, then lift
our hearts to others." Father West stressed the importance of prayer, especially when asking protection from the evil one. Then, as people embrace the cross of sacrifice, they can open their eyes to the Holy Spirit. "It doesn't do any-
one good to
and listen to the Word," he said. All must "act upon that Word, because it is the same Jesus
sit
we hear about who is willing and show us his mercy and
to heal
compassion."
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Father Cameli said. Win the game, enjoy the prize, and ignore the rest of the world, Father Cameli said, "is the opposite forces,"
calls us to. It's only when we have a profound sense of the dignity and value of life that we can move beyond win,
of what Jesus
enjoy, ignore.
We can have compassion."
However, spirituality challenges people to move beyond that. Father Cameli called people to see the world as it really is, to "live with our eyes open, but our eyes open in reclaim
it
"It's
we
and teach
not that
it
faith.
we commit
—
We need to
to our children. sins,
but that
Father Cameli said of Christian anthropology. "It are sinners
that's different,"
It means We're broken, in need of forgiveness. But that isn't the whole story. We are redeemed in Christ 'The events of Sept. 1 1 are terrible, but it makes us stop and take stock of our
we
that we're divided inside.
are brokenhearted.
world, to realize the value of human
life,
Deadline: 12 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication
and what
life is all
"What
about.
we're about and what
about in our lives
is
turning around.
total
God
It's
not an attitude, a
transformation
The
is
our destiny."
Fire in the Mountains executive
committee
is
already planning Fire in the
Mountains 2002, which is set for Nov. 9, with Abbot Francis Kline of Mepltin Abbey, near Charleston, SC., slated as guest speaker.
M.
NeUenbach by calling (828) 627-9209 or mailjnell@dnet.net.
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Full benefits. Send/fax reto Fr. Bill Kelley, S.J., Saint
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human
ciousness of every
Contact Correspondent Joanita
dinner in the St. Pius X Kloster Center concluded the celebration.
A
not
this in faith?"
President, Mission. Classified
It's
Father Cameli said that one thing that has helped him is Pope John Paul II's teaching on the dignity, value and pre-
means
are alive in God." since
How do we deal with
said
that people "underestimate the good-
He went on
about faith, prayer, and adding that Muslims believe they should worship God and treat his creation with kindness and compassion. They believe in Moses and Abraham, but believe in Jesus as a Islam
ter are the
Classified
acts that are
terrorist attacks.
swering the same question for her audi-
Rabbi Harold Robinson, from the B'nai Zion Congregation in Shreveport, said Judaism is the common heritage between Christianity and Islam. He also praised the Catholic Church for the apologies it has issued
practice Islam
"condemn the senseless
charity, he said,
at
who
said those
2001
bolically
pletely different. Father
He
local
16,
liturgical dance:
Islamic beliefs and tradition.
greeted them with the same expression. Sister Bilgrien,
from page 1
been misrepresented through the media and by extremists within Islam, which leads to a great misunderstanding of
Munir Bader, president of the
clearly against
moral theology
from page 1
people of Jesus' time, many assume that heaven will be a continuation of daily life as they know it. Just like Jesus' contemporaries, "we don't understand Scripture," but Scriptures clearly state that life will be com-
Cardinal Joseph L. Bernardin of Chicago spoke to Chicago Catholics for the first time as their archbishop, he late
Fire,
the waters of baptism, while Christina Donavon symbolized prayers as-
the faiths.
said that
Diaspora, Nadra Wagner symswept away all that binds people and all that blocks awareness of God. Ebony Young sprinkled the congregation with water, recalling
Christianity, Judaism Catholic
November
the N
e-
1
;
November
n.
2001
16,
_l_
•
People
in
African-American elected president of USCCB conference First
By PATRICIA Catholic
ZAPOR
day
News Service
WASHINGTON
The
— The
(CNS)
in 1983.
election
U.S.
ops'
Nov. 12-15
Conference of Catl lolic Bishops elected Bishop
first
as the
Wilton D. Gregory of Belleville, 111., as dent on their first-ballot Nov. 13.
presi-
and the
Catholic convert to be elected
first
The bishops also elected Bishop William S.
Skylstad, 67, of Spokane, Wash., as vice
new
NBC
numerous babies were brought
USCCB,
operating under
all officers
and chairmen
ops and U.S. Cadiolic Conference,
officers and most committee chairs took office at the end of the meeting at which they were elected. Over the years, a few committees had
drama "The West Wing,"
shifted to electing chairmen-elect a year
ahead
their fathers
of time for the sake of greater continuity
in
the
borers." His
chairmen-elect
officer
For die
first
time in their conference's
were using were given
history, the bishops
The
voting.
statutes,
prelates
Since this
of
the Digivotes.
The
new president
gical Institute
Rome's
seats
year and another to
on
holds a doc-
ops'
is
chairman of the bish-
Committee on Personnel and
vice chair-
University
—
WASHINGTON
(CNS) StuCatholic University of America have been "anxious" in the weeks following the Sept. 1 1 terrorist attacks, according to Vincentian Father David O'Connell, the university's
The
dents at
loved ones who perished. One Catholic University lecturer died, as did family members of some students.
most U.S. parishes
Pope, moving slowly, begins new round of parish
ROME
(CNS)
Rome
— Moving slowly
but with a pastor's perseverance, Pope John Paul II began a new round
Mary Mother
liturgy in the
Head of Catholic
says students 'anxious' after attacks
Nov. 11. He celebrated an outdoor Mass, spoke about the connection between faith and daily life, and greeted
which
of parish visits in Rome. The 81-yearold pontiff visited the Church of Holy
Pontifical Litur-
African-American community.
Bishop Gregory
in
visits in
until 2003.
to
for a blessing.
neighborhood behind the Vatican
is to be taken up Dec. 8 and 9.
Tie term of the current secretary, Bishop William B. Friend of Shreveport, La., does not
him
them very, very upset," Father O'Connell acknowledged Nov. 12 during a report on the university at the U.S. bishops' fall general meeting in Washington. "You have to remember that our (academic) seniors were born in 1980," he added. "They've had no experience with a national conflict, and it's bothering them a great deal." Father O'Connell reported that about 1,000 students gathered soon after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon for a memorial service where they spoke aloud the names of
this year's collection,
three-year terms.
and has written extensively on
the subject, particularly
la-
in
fill
All officers and committee heads have
end
bishops'
this
fill
those that become vacant next year.
had to
cast paper ballots because officials ran out
torate in liturgy from
the transition year, in effect
is
being vacated
still
the
were immigrants and
comments were
an announcement released Nov. 8 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to
promote
individual
asked to cast during their four-day meeting.
all
and committee elections.
they had two sets of elections, one to
use on most of die 34 ballots diey would be
Nov. 12 a handful of bishops
the bishops revised their
electronic
hand-held voting devices called Digivotes to
On
Wien
they adopted that model for
said
he wanted to help the campaign out of his admiration and respect for the Notre Dame de Namur Sisters and Marianist Brothers who taught him as he grew up in Dayton, Ohio. "They had a profound impact," he said. "I've been inspired and nourished by them. Their families were like our families;
The
transition.
on his feet, the pope showed his age throughout the 90-minute visit. At the offertory, when prayers were offered for him, he leaned against his staff with a bowed head. But he delivered his sermon in a clear voice and, at the end of the liturgy, smiled when
statutes that call for
bishops also were casting ballots for nine committee chairmen and 13 committee
The
yearly Catholic collection for retired religious is getting an added boost this year with Catholic actor Martin Sheen doing public service ads on ra-
president and Archbishop James P. Kelleher
of Kansas City, Kan., as treasurer-elect
—
(CNS)
dio and television. Sheen, star of the
to be elected a year in advance of taking office.
president of the U.S. bishops in history.
WASHINGTON
tant
tiieir
Previously, under the bishops' statutes
first
several hundred parishioners. Hesi-
for retired religious
bish-
as the National Conference of Cadiolic Bish-
the
Martin Sheen aids collection
1
general meeting,
African-American
is
The Catholic News S Herald
was held during the fall
Bishop Gregory, 53, vice president for die past tiiree years,
U.
II
the News
of
God
a hillside
in
president. "It's really got
man of three others: the Cbmmittee on Priorities
the
and Plans, the Executive Committee and Committee on Nomination of Conference
Officers.
Committee and the ad hoc Committee on Publishing and Promotion Services. He was born Dec. 7, 1947, in Chicago. It was just a few weeks after he enrolled as a sixth-grader at St. Carthage School that Wilton Gregory decided he wanted to become a priest He first had to become a Catholic, however, which he did by the end of the trative
school year.
Two years after becoming a Catholic, he entered Chicago's Quigley Preparatory, a
high school seminary.
By the time he was 25,
he was ordained a priest Just 10 years he became the youngest bishop try.
for
He was
installed as
Chicago a few days
in the
later,
coun-
an auxiliary bishop after his
36th birth-
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12 The Catholic News & Herald
November
16,
2001
Living the Faith
deacon and family through
Faith sustains By
ALESHA M. PRICE Staff Writer
row and pray
The
would kneel
the rosary every night
religious in his extended family
and attendance
would be the
at
Catholic school in Florida also influhis
spiritual
life.
my
"In
were
two nuns, and
I
priest.
He was
a
tive influence
on me,"
Rev.
Mr.
said
who entered
Renuart, St.
and his younger brother went to the Univer-
The Cursillo movement motivated Renuart, giving his spiritual life a boost. "I was floating almost (after
of Detroit in 1946 to study archi-
making
tion as a child with his family during
Another brother's wedding brought them home
one another."
his parents' anni-
Renuart became a eucharistic minister, lector and usher and brought Com-
to
go back.
grieved for a
versary. "For 51 years,
done very
well,"
munion to his parents after his father grew ill. While Mrs. Renuart taught at
long time, and it was very difficult for my parents," said Rev.
a Catholic girls'
Mr. Renuart.
faith formation.
He
a posi-
the couple married in
but he says that never crossed his
mind
had
who was
an uncle
attire,
November 1950 on
the causes of his decision,
dad's
on wedding
I think we have he said. The Renuarts focused on church and their five children's educations for many years. After Vatican II reforms,
"I
family, there
while Mary Jane was dressed to go to dinner and dancing. She went to the softball game in her dress and ate watermelon with the group. Finally agreeing
were driving back, the jeep was run off of the road. Their twenty-eight-yearold son had been killed. "It strikes you so quickly, and I wasn't crying at first. We went to Mass that morning, and it was announced after Mass. A friend came up to me, and I broke down and cried," remembered Rev. Mr. Renuart. "He is still a profound influence on our family, and our children have kept his memory alive," Mrs. Renuart said. Although his wife was reluctant to agree to her husband becoming a permanent deacon so soon after their son's death, Renuart applied to the diaconate with her consent in 1989 and was ordained in 1992. He served at his Florida parish from 1992 through 1995 when the mountains of North Carolina began to call him. He had intended to retire to Hendersonville where he used to vaca-
it
young
enced
time they would
last
His brother's plane was shot down over Japan, and the news brought Renuart to his knees in grief and prayer. One of the most profound influences on his life was gone. His steadfast faith kept him going but did not return him to the seminary. He is not sure if the wartime memories and his brother's death were
in a
with their parents. Young Albert Renuart received his first exposure to his faith from these evening prayer sessions and weekly Mass. Having clergy and
women
it
be together.
—
HENDERSONVILLE seven Renuart children
that
sity
Charles Seminary
academy, the couple served on the board of directors of marriage encounter and worked with
Cursillo).
was
It
experience because
it
a fantastic
reiterated love of
Md., after graduating from high school. "The kids in high school
tecture.
knew
1949. Before the ser-
were ordained in his diocese, and his interest was piqued. His bishop, however, was reluctant to allow him to
vice began, Renuart
apply because of his
in Baltimore,
that
I
to serve as ushers in
would go
to seminary." It
was
a depar-
ture for Renuart
the family lumber business started by his Canadian-born
II
Mrs. Renuart
I
just
went ahead.
arrived dressed in a softball uniform
The war was
nearing
also
end,
and the brothers had just gone up
in a
transport plane for a practice run.
were to
first
young
deacons
family.
He
placed permanent the diaconate on the back burner and, as his children grew and matured, so did his faith. He continued working in various ministries in the church, but a
knock on the door
in the
Sunday morning
in
wee hours of a
couple
moved
to the small
and he began serving in many ministries at Immaculate Conception
city,
Church including the building committee and baptismal preparation. Health complications nudged him into retirement from full-time diaconate work this past summer, but the grandfather of eight shows no signs of slowing down completely: "Once a deacon, always a deacon. I want to continue serving as much as I can."
1986 sent his
world spinning.
M. Price by 370-3354 or e-mail
Contact Staff Writer Alesha
scuba diving with friends, and as they
calling
(704)
amprice@chark>ttediocese. org.
the Renuart boys, and every one of them was a real catch. I thought he was handsome but figured it
Iwo
its
stationed.
The some of the
knew he was one of
go back home. Renuart did not know
his oldest brother
the summers.
I
be with each other during perilous times but were both ready
where
was
a different story:
tells
so
late,
was a passing thing." After Renuart transferred to the University of Miami, where he received his degree and began working in construction, they finally went on their first date. Their signals crossed, and Renuart
Jima,
In 1969,
Their son, Kenneth, had gone
"My date was
joined the Marines and was
sent to Okinawa, via Saipan and
beautiful girl dressed
Jane.
asked for military leave from his semi-
He
saw a
rushed to escort her. I fell for her, and that was the beginning of my quest. I was going to marry her," he said of the first time he saw his wife-to-be, Mary
shipped many of his siblings their separate ways. The United States entered the war while Renuart was in the seminary, and his three brothers had signed up to fight for their country. Renuart caught the service bug and
nary.
"I
in a white suit and a straw hat. All of the ushers
big, black
World
paternal grandfather. However,
War
spotted her.
Rev. Mr. Albert Renuart
from
tragedies
life
They
thrilled to
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NC
Frank LaPointe, President,
Member
of
St.
Gabriel Church
2 PAGE
Dear Brothers and Sisters
in Christ:
am accountable to you, the people of the Church of western North Carolina, for the proper stewardship of our resources. I am pleased to present to you the annual report of the Diocese of Charlotte for the year As your bishop,
I
ending June 30, 2001.
The report shows that your diocese the
good works
that have
is
both spiritually and financially healthy.
am grateful for this report and for
I
been accomplished during the past year. Through your generosity, Catholic education programs
have been strengthened; outreach to the
less
members of our communities has been expanded; and support of our
fortunate
young men studying for the priesthood - your
future priests
-
has continued. These
good works
are the direct result of your
generous stewardship of time, talent and treasure.
Our Catholic schools are a source of great pride to our diocese. During this past year, 14 of our schools were awarded accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). attained this significant distinction.
The new Bishop McGuinness High School opened
new 120,000 square-foot school
August. This
is
Now every diocesan school has
its
doors to students
this past
a state-of-the-art facility centrally located in Kernersville so as to serve the
entire Triad region.
The Church has long recognized us.
During
this past year,
its
community,
responsibility to the greater
the Office of Economic Opportunity of Catholic Social Services (located in
community-based organizations
this past year,
we continued our outreach
to the
Murphy, NC), awarded grants
Both organizations plan
in support of social outreach programs.
of grassroots programs to alleviate poverty and support the marginalized
Throughout
especially the less fortunate
among
two diocesan organizations, The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and
to
to parishes
and
continue their support
among us.
growing numbers of Hispanics
in
our diocese
through the diocesan Hispanic Ministry program, Catholic Social Services' Hispanic outreach programs, and numerous parish-based programs throughout the diocese. Additionally, the diocese
is
sponsoring diversity, language and cultural
programs to better prepare our clergy and laity for the mission of sharing the all
Good News with our brothers and sisters of
nationalities.
Our diocese continues to grow in number and need. While much is being done, challenges as
we strive
to serve
all
God's people.
It is
be responsive to the increasing needs of our people. parish, the for
the future will present
new
only by your generous assistance that we will be able to continue to I
am aware of the many sacrifices that you make on behalf of your assist the ministries of the Church. I am grateful
Diocesan Support Appeal and the special appeals that directly
your support, and beg your continued assistance
The in the Lord.
tragic events
of September
1 1
,
as,
together,
we
2001 have brought us
Most importantly, I ask that you continue
loved ones. Please also pray for our diocese, that
Remembering you and your loved ones
build a
community of faith in western North
closer together as a country
to pray daily for peace in
we may always be guided by the in
and
as brothers
Carolina.
and
sisters
our world, and for the victims and their Spirit in ministering in Jesus'
name.
my daily prayer, am I
Devotedly in the Lord,
Most Reverend William G. Curlin Bishop of Charlotte
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE
ANNUAL REPORT
2000-2001
THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD
NOVEMBER 16, 2001
3 PAGE
Diocesan Support Appeal "Whom peal.
Shall
Send?" was the theme of the 2001 Diocesan Support Ap-
I
DSA
The purpose of the
is
out the mission of our diocese; namely, to perfecdy into a
and
ern North Carolina. ministries
receives
28%
fulfill
our
community of praise, worship and
leaven of service
Those
funding necessary to carry
to help provide
of
fall its
witness,
sign of peace through love in the
The
DSA
call to
grow
and
to
more
ever
become a
Piedmont and west-
supports 35 designated diocesan ministries.
into four categories: Catholic Social Services (which
funding from the DSA), Educational Ministries,
Multicultural Ministries, and Vocations.
Coundess
lives are
programs.
changed throughout the diocese
serves the fastest
young
CSS
adults.
Hispanic ministry
also grows.
DSA
We
added
and the new Hispanic
scheduled for completion early next spring.
is
As our diocese grows, the need
I
and
pastoral ministers this past year,
Catholic Center in Charlotte
spond, "Here
adults,
growing segment of our Catholic population.
two new Hispanic
God
of
Faith Formation ministries touch the lives of thousands of chil-
dren, youth, college students,
of
as a direct result
for deacons
and
priests to serve the
funding helps our deacons and seminarians
people re-
am, Lord. Send me!"
DSA Ministry Funding For The Year Ending June 30, 2001 Grants to Catholic Social Services
Multicultural Ministries Hispanic
$1,071,778
$1,212,782
Catholic Schools Office
237,069
357,078
Campus Ministry
362,796
3,709
Faith Formation
315,032
Youth Ministry
132,921
$404,336
African American
Hmong Vocations
Educational Ministries
43,549
$139,860
Lay Ministry
39,158
Seminarian Formation
60,735
Media Resources
58,450
Permanent Diaconate
79,125
Vicar's Office
61,932
Evangelization
Liturgy
4,869
555
DSA Fundraising Costs For The Year Ending June 30, 2001
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE
ANNUAL REPORT
2000-2001
THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD
$129,225
NOVEMBER 16, 2001
4 PAGE
VOCATIONS, CLERGY AND RELIGIOUS LIFE
ate
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE
%
ANNUAL REPORT
2000-2001
THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD
NOVEMBER 16, 2001
5 PAGE
jmammmmamammmm
Vocations, Clergy and Religious Life Seminarian Formation
Clergy Continuing Care
Providing necessary leadership for our parishes and for the diverse ministries of our growing diocese
young men
are in
is
an ongoing challenge. Currently, 21
seminary preparing to give their
lives to the
Support of Retired Priests
the Diocese of Charlotte in service as priests. In June, four Office of Permanent Diaconate
Church
men
in
were
ordained into the priesthood, and two more will be ordained in December.
Office of Women Religious
Their backgrounds
reflect the rich cultural diversity
of our diocese. Their
enthusiasm for Christ and for the work of the Church strengthens our
hope
that the sacraments will be faithfully celebrated in every corner of
the western half of
North Carolina. Whether
in prayer before the Blessed
Sacrament, studying in their rooms, serving our parishes in their apostolate or enjoying a
game of
basketball, they bring
summer
an energy and
vitality to their vocation.
At
present, our parishes
and people
are served
religious order priests. In addition, the
24
ously given of themselves to the people of
have created a legacy of outreach and
men
of these dedicated
by 77 diocesan and 59
retired priests,
God
love.
who
in the Diocese
Even
have so gener-
of Charlotte,
in their retirement,
many
continue to serve the Catholics of western North
Carolina by generously giving of their time and talent to help with weekend parish Masses
and
confessions. Their generous
with that of our 111 religious to build
upon
Countless
Financial Highlights
Revenue
sisters
and 78 permanent deacons, continues
touched and transformed each day by their devotion.
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Vocations, Clergy and
& other support
Religious Life
$ 1,715,976
Clergy retirement collection
313,453
Seminarian collection
146,608
Friends of Seminarian program
161,806
Parish assessments
$ 1,715,976
Contributions to
405,910
priests'
retirement programs
Other
1,065,690 244, 376
82,875
474,770 42,500
DSA funding
139,860
Administration funding
354,104
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE
Expenses
Seminarian formation
Contributions -
Grants
service, together
the foundation of Catholicism in this region of the South.
lives are
Other
and devoted
ANNUAL REPORT
2000-2001
THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD
NOVEMBER 16, 2001
6 PAGE
EDUCATION
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE
ANNUAL REPORT
2000-2001
THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD
NOVEMBER 16, 2001
7 PAGE
Education Campus Ministry and
Jesus Christ, while
Young Adult Ministry
implement
on the Mount of the Ascension, commissioned
faithfully
His mandate to teach
his Apostles to
His name in the power of the Holy
in
Bishop Curlin, a successor of the Apostles and the shepherd of the
Cathouc Schools Office
directed that the Education Vicariate should assist
Faith Formation Office
schools
and other
centers are enabled to
fulfill
him
local
Spirit.
Church, has
in ensuring that the parishes,
their role within the pastoral, educational
Lay Ministry Office
mission of the Church. Youth Ministry Office
Each person who has been baptized into
Diocesan Media Resource Center
Body Office of the Vicar social,
and welcomed
into His Mystical
has a right to be educated in the faith regardless of his or her age, race, ethnicity or
economic
diocese
Diocesan and Regional Schools
Jesus Christ
status.
must be and
is
It follows,
then, that the pastoral, educational mission of the
an absolute priority since
it
touches the very core of
and
responsibility.
The
agencies included within the Education Vicariate have provided a
and
successful
and
college
programs and
services
campuses have been the
during
this year.
beneficiaries.
Those who
its
identity
number of valuable
serve in parishes, schools
For example, hundreds of
catechists
and
youth ministers have been involved in the process of certification, enabling them to
All Saints School
exercise their role
Our Lady of the Assumption School
more
in the highly successful
fruitfully.
Then
too,
Theology on Tap
more than 200 young conducted
series
at
a
adults have participated
number of sites
in the diocese.
Saint Ann School
Two
Saint Gabriel School
programs that represent a collaborative
effort
on
the part of the agencies within the
Education Vicariate have been extremely well received and
effective.
Saint Patrick School •
Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School
The
lotte,
Charlotte Catholic High School Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School
•
Leadership Training Series,
made
has been viewed as highly beneficial by
LIMEX,
prepares
and Char-
available in Asheville
more than 70
a program sponsored by Loyola University in
participants.
New
Orleans,
particpants to earn a masters degree in religious education or pastoral
its
ministry. Presendy
35 persons from throughout the diocese are participating in
LIMEX. These and numerous other programs and diocese.
They
being implemented within the
contribute significandy to the fruitful fulfillment of
mission as mandated by the risen Lord
Financial Highlights
services are
on
the
Mount of the
its
educational
Ascension.
— Diocesan and Regional Schools
Revenue
$ 20,795,401
Tuition and fees
17,195,256
Parish support
1,782,014
Expenses
Instructional personnel
1,145,680
3,060,761 1,576,492
817,075
Facilities
Other contributions and gifts
729,740
Administrative personnel
Other
271,316
Interest
Other
Revenue
459,507 1,701,239
— Education Formation Offices of the Diocese of Charlotte
& other support
(includes
11,102,506
Other instructional costs
BMHS capital campaign gifts
Financial Highlights
$ 19,046,185
$ 1,698,091
Expenses
$ 1,698,091
DSA funding of $1,212,782)
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE
ANNUAL REPORT
2000-2001
THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD
NOVEMBER 16, 2001
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE
ANNUAL REPORT
2000-2001
THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD
NOVEMBER 16, 2001
PAGE
Catholic Social Services Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Charlotte,
NC, Inc.
Justice and Peace Office
Special Ministries Office
Refugee Office
Charlotte Regional Office
Mission:
Catholic Social Services
is
and
a Christian ministry of love, service
justice
dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals, families and faith communities as
they meet the challenges of
During the past
life
and address the conditions of
society.
Catholic Social Services has touched the
fiscal year,
Some of our
people across the Diocese of Charlotte in a variety of meaningful ways. services focus
of 24,000
lives
on the needs of families. More than 300 couples have used our marriage
them
preparation course to help
start their
Western Regional Office
Our
marriages in Christian commitment.
marriage preparation seminars are held in different locations around the diocese to Piedmont Triad Regional Office
make
participation easier.
Administrative Office
Two hundred
seventy-five families have received services through the adoption,
pregnancy support and
foster care programs.
Carolina, China, Russia
We
and Vietnam.
tunities to rebuild their lives
new
services.
This year
Our
of the "Lost Boys from the Sudan."
have placed 40 children from North
have given families safe haven and oppor-
through our refugee
Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America.
adjust to a
We
we
These
350
resettled
families, including
Hispanic outreach services have helped families
and a new language through education, advocacy and
culture
High
Hendersonville,
Through our
Point, Huntersville
pay
for shelter,
families learn to accept each other
programs.
We
and
were advocates for the
education.
The
Office of
and Winston-Salem, we helped
We
bury loved ones.
elderly, disabled
and unborn.
and disadvantaged by
Economic Opportunity
in
Murphy
We
parish groups to advocate for just wages
and
We
who come
have seen Jesus in the faces of those in
established
â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Catholic Social
& other support
Other grants, contracts & awards Contributions - Diocese of Charlotte
and by
ABLE,
a
to educate
to us for aid. service.
We
We are
have reached out
committed
to
this diocese.
Services
$ 4,264,018
Federal and state agency awards
in the
treatment throughout our diocese.
His name with love and compassion and
continuing His work in
(Includes
fair
worked
direct assistance
matched savings program. The Office of Justice and Peace has worked
them
many of these
helped
solve problems together through our counseling
diocese to address the needs of the poor
Revenue
legal
and Morganton.
regional offices in Charlotte, Asheville
families feed their children,
Financial Highlights
24
In addition to our regional offices, these services are offered in Greensboro,
services.
to
come from
families
1,366,321
467,613 1,208,687
DSA funding of $1, 071, 778)
Expenses
$ 4,210,296
Adoption program
495,009
Counseling program
312,542
Direct assistance
147,432
Elder ministries
117,959
243,617
Contributions - Other
700,813
Hand to Hand program
Fees
497,472
Hispanic services
642,204
Host Homes program
252,080
Project HOPE
229,311
Refugee Resettlement
821,715
Other
23,112
Other programs
375,821
Administrative expenses
487,188
Fundraising expenses
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE
ANNUAL REPORT
2000-2001
THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD
85,418
NOVEMBER 16, 2001
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE
ANNUAL REPORT
2000-2001
THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD
NOVEMBER 16. 2001
1
11
PAGE
The Foundation The Foundation of 1994,
is
Roman
the
Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, founded in
a nonprofit organization established to provide
the Diocese of Charlotte
and
for
181 parishes, schools, agencies and
its
The Foundation
organizations.
endowments
means
provides the
organizations to create long-term financial
for individuals
Through
stability.
and
the creation
of individual endowments, the Foundation provides a means to generate
income
out the
life
of stewardship
in gratitude for God's
make our
many
-
the giving of time, talent
gifts to us.
Just as
This
in the Diocese
year,
we have
and
step
treasure
the opportunity to
we also have an endow the Catholic
we began
assets to
of Charlotte.
a grant-making process
open
to
all
of our diocesan
Fourteen parishes, schools and agencies applied for grants, and
entities.
nine of those were awarded grants of up to $5,000 each. During three years of
grams that
and
institu-
of treasure from our monthly income,
gifts
opportunity to give from our accumulated
Church
of these Catholic
endowment, an individual or group can take another
creating an
in living
viability
North Carolina.
tions in western
By
and
to help sustain lasting strength
making
effectively
grants, the
Foundation
support those
who
will focus
its
on pro-
efforts
are poor, minority
evangelical initiatives, with a particular emphasis
its first
communities
on those whose
efforts
are collaborative.
Individuals
and organizations who include the Diocese of Charlotte and
entities in their
planned
gifts
— such
insurance, a gift of real estate, or a
or annuity is
—
the diocese's
who
as a bequest in a will, a gift
life
income arrangement such
can be members of the Catholic Heritage Society.
way of honoring
life
as a trust
The
Society
the Christian generosity of Catholic friends
are providing for the future of the
Financial Highlights
of
its
Church.
— The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte
Assets at June 30, 2001
Cash
$ 6,673,951
50,869 4,836
Receivables
Assets held in trust
Investments
Liabilities at June 30,
2001
Accounts payable Custodial
& annuity obligations
5,485
3,362,455
433,284 6,184,962
Net Assets at June 30, 200
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE
$3,367,940
ANNUAL REPORT
2000-2001
$3,306,011
Unrestricted net assets
753,009
Temporarily restricted net assets
672,069
Permanently restricted net assets
1,880,933
THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD
NOVEMBER 16, 2001
12 PAGE
REPORT FROM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER I
am pleased to
report that the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte remains financially healthy due to the generosity of
the people of this diocese. entities
ners.
The consolidated financial statements
presented on the following pages include
all
significant
of the diocese except for parishes (and parish and interparochial schools), which report separately to their parishio-
Diocesan operations completed the year ended June 30, 2001 with a decrease in net
$ 1 ,020,000. Included in this decrease
is
The remainder of $855,000
a reduction in net assets restricted
assets
of approximately
by donor-imposed stipulations of $ 1 65,000.
represents a decrease in unrestricted net assets.
The following items are included in
the determination of this decrease: •
Net realized/ unrealized losses on long-term investments of $2,380,000, and
•
Depreciation expense of $1,856,000.
These two items account for a decrease assets
of $855,000.
The
difference,
in net assets of $4,236,000, as
which
is
a positive $3,38
1
•
The ended.
unrestricted net
,000, represents the increase in net assets attributable to
other programs and activities, from which resources were provided • Principle
compared to the total decrease in
all
for:
repayment of debt of $1,254,000, and
The acquisition of property, plant and equipment totaling $ 1 ,390,000.
pie charts
below depict the major sources of revenues and summarize expenditures
The consolidated statement of activities on page 14 shows revenue
diocesan programs and ministries,
i.e.,
for the year totaled
for the fiscal year just
$35,159,000. Support of
program expenses, totaled $24,775,000, representing 68% of total expenditures.
Expenses relating to supporting activities,
i.e.,
administrative and fundraising expenses, totaled $
1 1
,405,000. Approxi-
mately
25% of the total administrative and fundraising expenses represents interest paid to parishes through the diocesan
savings
and investment program of $1,032,000, and depreciation expense of $1,856,000.
The diocesan Finance Office remains committed to the highest standards of fiscal integrity and accountability. It is
our responsibility to ensure that accounting policies and procedures are being adhered
place
to,
and
internal controls are in
and operating so as to safeguard Church assets and ensure that all financial activity is accounted for properly. Financial
oversight
is
provided by the diocesan Finance Council, which
is
directly responsible to the bishop,
and by routine financial audits.
The consolidated financial statements of the Diocese of Charlotte for the year ended June on the following pages
for
30,
2001
are presented
your review. The integrity of these statements and the integrity of the underlying financial
systems are the responsibility of the diocese.
an independent audit of these
The public accounting firm of Arthur Andersen, LLP, was engaged to perform
financial statements.
Their audit report is also included in the financial report that follows.
William G.Weldon,
CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Uses of Our Resources
Sources of Revenue
6%
3%
Grants, contracts and awards
Interest paid
on
parish savings
Other expenses
5% Other sources
9%
Donations and
8%
38%
Pastoral
Education
gifts
Benefit programs for parish
ei
l 9%
Diocesan Support Appeal
5%
Depreciation
1
22%
Parish assessments
0% Social services
and support
20% Administrative services and support
49%
School tuition and
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE
fees
ANNUAL REPORT
2000-2001
THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD
NOVEMBER 16, 2001
1
13 PAGE
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JUNE 30,
200
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To the Most Reverend William G.
Curlin, Bishop of Charlotte:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position ofTHE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE (the Diocese)(see
Note
1)
as
of June 30, 200 1 and the related consolidated statements of activities and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are ,
the responsibility of diocesan management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance
test basis, evidence
about whether the financial statements are
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
significant estimates
made by management,
as well as evaluating the overall financial
Those standards
An
of material misstatement.
free
An audit also
require that
we
plan and
audit includes examining,
includes assessing the accounting principles used
on a
and
statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
of Charlotte
as
of June 30, 2001, and the results of its operations and
its
fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of The
Roman
Catholic Diocese
cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States.
Charlotte,
North Carolina
October 12,2001
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION JUNE 30, 2001
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents
$
Change in net assets
4,784,354
1,772,994
Pledges, net
receivable,
net
Advances to parishes, net Assets held in trust Beneficial interest in perpetual trusts
Investments
Property and equipment, net
Prepaid expenses and other assets
1,864,841
148,182
Loss on beneficial interest in perpetual trust
Unrealized loss on investments
2,688,373
Change in assets and liabilities:
248,373 167,244 137,089 328,839 154,830 209,117 4,045
Decrease in pledges receivable
Decrease
in
accounts receivable - other
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses
Increase in accrued salaries, wages and benefits
233,795 417,795
whose use is limited
to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense
1,312,502
Pension Intangible asset Assets
assets
760,379 6,481,458 871,795 433,284 4,908,888 23,791,217 46,573,340
Other Notes
$(1,020,476)
Adjustments to reconcile change in net
Accounts receivable:
Increase in accrued health claims Increase in accrued property/liability claims
$92,341,801
(106,780)
Decrease in accrued pension expense
249,249
Increase in accrued clergy long-term care
LIABILITIES
AND NET ASSETS:
2,173,023
Increase in unearned revenue
7,245,949
Net cash provided by operating activities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
$
1,646,587
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
1,440,918
Purchase of property and equipment
2,690,778
Accrued pension expense
Accrued clergy long-term care Accrued property/liability claims Unearned revenue
Notes payable Bonds payable Custodial and annuity obligations
Total liabilities
(10,573,296)
40,933
Proceeds from the disposition of property
633,151
Accrued health claims
Issuance of advances and notes
358,249 79,845 3,847,687 527,467 19,700,000 21,383,179 52,307,861
(3,890,118)
486,251
Payments received on advances and notes Decrease
in
discount on advances and notes
(106,703)
58,484 357,638 8,728,947
Increase in allowance on advances
Increase in custodial obligations
Sale of investments, net
Net cash used in investing activities
(4,897,864)
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS:
Decrease
Designated
Net asset charge - Clergy Retirement Plan TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS Total net assets
in
4,031
bond issuance costs
Repayment of note payable - Bank
11,984,279
Undesignated
16,321,422
Net cash
(1,106,531)
NET INCREASE
used
IN
in
(1,254,270) (1,250,239)
financing acttvities
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
1,097,846
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year
3,641,830 9,192,940 40,033.940
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
end of year
3,686,508
4,784,35~
$
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH ACTIVITIES:
$92,341,801
As DISCUSSED
IN
NOTE 7,
IN FISCAL
200 1 THE CLERGY RETIREMENT Plan's ,
accumulated benefit obligation exceeded the fair value of plan assets, as
such, the following were recorded:
Pension intangible asset for unrecognized transition obugation
Accrued benefit cost
Net asset charge
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE
ANNUAL REPORT
$
1,313,000
(2,299,000)
1,107,000
statements are an integral part of these statements.
2000-2001
THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD
NOVEMBER 16, 2001
14 PAGE
The
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
accompanying consolidated statement of activities. All significant intradiocesan
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
2.
Unrestricted
of the above organizations have been consolidated by functional area
activities
in the
Temporarily
Permanently
Restricted
Restricted
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES
Total Basis
The
REVENUES:
of Accounting accounts of the Diocese are maintained
on
The
the accrual basis.
Diocese
complies with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 116,
School tuition and Contributions
-
$17,195,256
fees
Diocesan support appeal (DSA)
0
$
Other support - DSA programs Other donations and gifts
$
0
3,333,000
0
$17,195,256
0
3,333,000
401,893
72,971
0
474,864
1,181,284
1,781,955
142,599
3,105,838
"Accounting for Contributions Received and Contributions Made," and SFAS
No. 117, "Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Organizations." Funds managed by the Diocese on behalf of
Employee benefit programs
2,855,441
0
0
2,855,441
754,760
0
0
754,760
Property/liability insurance
Catholic News
& Herald
699,195
0
0
699,195
1,683,315
0
0
1,683,315
Parish support of schools
1,782,014
0
0
1,782,014
Federal and state agency awards
1,287,985
78,336
0
1,366,321
16,637
661,976
0
678,613
1,172,092
0
0
1,172,092
684,105
0
0
684,105
1,338,103
69,812
185,868
1,593,783
(2,380,347)
(261,996)
(46,030)
(2,688,373)
456,421
12,499
0
468,920
Central office
Other
affiliated organizations are in accor-
dance with SFAS No. 136, "Transfers of Assets to a Not-for-Profit Organization or
Parish Assessments:
grants, contracts and awards
Fees for services rendered
Rental income Interest and dlvidend income
Net realized/unrealized losses on investments Other income Net assets released from restrictions -
Charitable Trust that Raises or Holds Contributions for Others."
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Diocese
considers
highly liquid instruments purchased with an original
all
maturity of three months or
serves as
2,862,955
(2,862,955)
0
0
35,324,109
(447,402)
282,437
35,159,144
to
Assets
The Diocese has designated
be cash equivalents. for property
and
liability self-insurance re-
of June 30, 2001.
Held
in Trust
Assets held in trust represent future beneficial interests to the Diocese under
Amounts
various trust arrangements.
mined present value of the
Satisfaction of program restrictions
less
$260,000 of cash and investments
future
are recorded based
on the
actuarially deter-
gift.
Investments
Total revenues
Changes
Investments are carried at market value. are reflected as unrealized losses
EXPENSES:
on investments
in the
in the
market value of securities
accompanying consolidated
statement of activities.
PROGRAM: Property and Equipment
Pastoral:
Clergy, vocations and support 1,715,976
0
0
1,715,976
Multi -CULTURAL ministries
589,750
0
0
589,750
Contributions, grants and subsidies
428,129
0
0
428,129
12,248,186
0
0
12,248,186
1,558,561
0
0
1,558,561
Social service programs
3,580,989
0
0
3,580,989
Benefit programs for parish lay employees
2,768,472
0
0
2,768,472
FOR RETIRED PRIESTS
Property and equipment value, line
when
donated.
method over
is
stated at cost,
the estimated useful
the major classes of property
Education:
Regional and diocesan schools
Other education and
Property and
liability
faith formation
402,796
0
0
402,796
760,795
0
0
760,795
Catholic Conference Center
549,723
0
0
549,723
Tribunal
171,505
0
0
171,505
24,774,882
0
0
24,774,882
Central office administration
1,840,074
0
0
1,840,074
Regional and diocesan schools administration
5,179,132
0
0
5,179,132
484,122
0
0
484,122
Rental property expense
90,295
0
0
90,295
and investment programs 1,031,551
Publication of Catholic
News
& Herald
Total program expenses
purchased, and at estimated market
is
determined by using the
of the
lives
and equipment
at
assets.
The
straight-
following represents
June 30, 2001: Life (in years)
9,514,000
N/A
27,871,000
30-40
Improvements
3,946,000
10-15
Furniture and equipment
4,371,000
3-10
Vehicles
1,333,000
5
Land
$
Buildings
insurance
PROGRAMS FOR PARISHES
when
Depreciation expense
10,904,000
Construction-in-process
57,939,000 Less
-
Accumulated depreciation
(11,366,000)
$46,573,000
ADMINISTRATIVE:
Custodial Obligations
Social services administration
Interest
-
parish savings
Interest
-
Long-term debt
assets
on behalf of the
and corresponding
0
1,031,551
0
375,411
1,855,682
0
0
1,855,682
195,457
0
0
195,457
11,051,724
0
0
11,051,724
353,014
0
0
353,014
36,179,620
0
0
36,179,620
(855,511)
(447,402)
282,437
(1,020,476)
Unrestricted net assets consist of
(1,106,531)
0
0
(1,106,531)
donor-imposed
designate unrestricted support for a specified purpose.
Total administrative expenses Total expenses
29,161,212
4,089,232
8,910,503
42,160,947
$27,199,170
$3,641,830
$9,192,940
$40,033,940
in the
Net
originating
as contributions or net assets
0
FUNDRAISING
NET ASSETS, beginning of year NET ASSETS, end of year
Diocese but rather are included as
as agent,
0
Other
-
managed by the Diocese,
These funds are not recorded
organization.
375,411
Depreciation
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS NET ASSET CHARGE Clergy Retirement Plan
Custodial funds are
accompanying consolidated statement of
of the
custodial obligations
financial position.
Assets
Diocesan net
assets consist
of the following:
Unrestricted
restrictions.
The
all
resources of the Diocese
officials
of the Diocese may,
which have no
at their discretion,
Temporarily Restricted
The accompanying
notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of this statement.
Temporarily
restricted net assets consist
the Diocese
is
of contributions received whose use by
limited by donor-imposed stipulations that expire by passage of
time or can be
fulfilled
When
by actions of the Diocese.
a donor restriction
expires, temporarily restricted net assets are reclassified to unrestricted net assets
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JUNE 30, 2001
*
* 1
.
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, which provides Catholic secondary
ORGANIZATION
Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS), which operates
schools,
one middle school and one high school
in
five
and reported
Roman Catholic
Church
in western
Diocese of Charlotte (the Diocese) serves the
North Carolina. The Diocese comprises a geographic
20,470 square miles covering 46 counties ranging from the region to the
Roman Catholic
N.C. Mountains
region.
The
N.C
area of
which
are directly
owned by
The Mecklenburg Area
elementary
Catholic Schools Education Foundation, which conducts
and administers fundraising
activities for
the benefit of
restricted net assets consist
whose use by the Diocese
the Bishop of Charlotte
and
*
Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina, Inc., a
professional
human
support, foster care,
service crisis
agency providing counseling, adoption, pregnancy
Central Administration (Central Office), which provides administrative and
other services to parishes, schools
and agencies of the Diocese.
of contributions received from donors
permanendy by donor-imposed
stipula-
School Tuition, Fees and Parish Support Tuition and related fees represent amounts paid by students' families, net of
intervention, material assistance, burial assistance, His-
Services include:
services.
and
and support of
months)
are recognized over the school year (10
Parish tuition assistance represents contributions
made by
Catholic Social Services participating parishes of the Diocese specifically for tuition assistance.
oversees the operations of Catholic Legal Services, Inc.,
which renders indigent
is
Amounts
recorded as
Hispanic community.
unearned revenue *
in
the
legal
received in the current year for the following school year's tuition services for the
coordination and support of educational programs and multi-cultural ministries;
the vocations program; continuing formation of priests
limited
panic and immigration services, refugee resetdement, justice and peace advocacy
as follows:
and education, along with family enrichment
The
is
MACS.
which earned. *
from
Permanentiy Restricted
applied tuition assistance,
which operate under the auspices of the Diocese,
as net assets released
Piedmont
consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of all significant organizations, except parishes (and parish and inter-parochial schools),
*
combined statement of activities
Mecklenburg County.
Permanendy Fhe
in the
restrictions.
education for the Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point areas.
The Foundation of
the
Roman
in the
accompanying statement of
financial position.
Carholic Diocese of Charlotte, Inc., which
Tax-exempt Status retired priests; parish savings
and investment program; employee benefit
receives, administers
and disburses funds through the creation of endowments
program; property/casualty insurance program; diocesan tribunal; opera-
educational, religious
tion of the Catholic Conference Center
various parishes, schools
publisher of
The
Catholic
News
&
and Cathedral Publishing,
Inc., the
and
charitable purposes for the benefit of the Diocese
and
agencies.
and
for its
The Diocese Internal
is
exempt from
federal
income
tax
under Section 501(c)(3) of the
Revenue Code.
Herald.
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE
ANNUAL REPORT
2000-2001
THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD
NOVEMBER 16,
2001
15 PAGE
Use of Estimates
On
Tax-deferred Annuity Plan
of Financial Statements
in the Preparation
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States requires
assumptions that
amounts of assets and
affect the reported
and
management
make
to
estimates
and
liabilities
and
disclosure
the date of the financial statements
and the
reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual
of contingent
results
could
assets
liabilities at
from those
differ
The Diocese Internal
sponsors a tax-deferred annuity plan under section 403(b) of the
Revenue Code
for substantially
lay
all
ployer matching contributions to the Plan are based
Each diocesan
tions.
entity
is
responsible for
Em-
employees of the Diocese.
on
a percentage of contribu-
payment of the matching contribu-
tion ditecdy to the tax-deferred annuity plan.
AND OTHER
PLEDGES
DSA
the expenditure of funds by
program
begins in the
agencies.
fiscal
year prior to
At June 30, 2001, approxi-
mately $555,000 in pledges out of a goal of $3,333,000, had not been collected. Diocese assesses parishes and
tion,
property and
liability
affiliates
to cover the costs
of general administra-
insurance, employee health insurance, employee retire-
& Herald.
ment and The Catholic News
Total assessments receivable at June 30,
Each parish
assigned
is
from goal
from the parishes
The
assets.
has approximately $6,481,000 of notes receivable outstanding at
June 30, 2001, of which $6,453,000 was with interest at
.
parishes.
a rate of prime minus .5%; however,
some
Most of these
notes bear
are noninterest bearing.
ADVANCES TO PARISHES
The Diocese
from resources provided by bequests parishes at
no
mately $1,634,000.
stipulated for advances to small or
Advances outstanding
interest.
These advances
at
June 30, 2001,
This actuarial valuation
is
based on the results of an
performed once every three
is
minimum Between
to account for inflation
benefit obligation.
1
,
Other
2003.
and other
In
factors.
fiscal
2001,
this
by
has contributed
in the discount rate
from
8%
7.5%.
to
needy
Benefit obligation Fair value
are reflected at
Funded
of plan
4,163,000
status
Accrued benefit cost recognized
market value and
losses are reflected in the consolidated
market value of investments
at
On
realized
Discount
statement of
Cost of
summarized below:
outstanding balance under
Endowment
Market
funds:
Cash and cash Marketable
Equity
equivalents
139,000
$
$
Charitable fixed income fund
Marketable
2,264,000
5,000
5,000
8.5
living increase
3.0
Benefits paid
315,000
81,000
82,000
53,000
54,000
$5,670,000
$6,185,000
Cost
Market
$10,014,000
$11,191,000
5,941,000
6,103,000
219,000
219,000
93,000
93,000
$16,267,000
$17,606,000
Other
Common
stocks
Bonds Cash Other Other investments
unfunded health and long-term
PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLANS
all
lay
employees of the Diocese.
on an employee's
of the Diocese for the
years
2001,
fiscal
components
Diocese and will be administered by the Central Administration.
Such proceds
and equipping
minimum
The
pay a portion of the
MACS. These
77,000
Interest cost
periodic benefit cost
It is
issue to
The
BMHS on
their
are supported ,
2002
5,
by an
letter
variable rate
and
was 2.75%
at
The
(subject to earlier termination or extension in accordance
amount.
due
is
the
The
quarterly.
Bonds
be provided by sinking fund
will
Interest accrues at a
on a weekly
interest rate fluctuates
and
basis
June 30, 2001.
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
51.000
82,000
$159,000
$260,000
1,470,000
;
1,529,000
1,583,000 1,653,000 1,727,000
22,977,000 30,939,000
Amount
representing interest (1 1,239,000)
$19,700,000
and the net
PARISH SAVINGS
10.
The
AND INVESTMENT PROGRAMS
Diocese administers parish savings and parish investment programs.
agencies.
Health
a
Interest
2.75% at
is
earned at prime
less
3.75%
for the savings
minimum 18-month
47,000
Interest cost
77,000
131,000
30, 2001,
Actuarial loss
40,000
106,000
dated statement of financial position.
programs along with accrued
and
Funds on deposit
investment period.
$1,643,000
32,000
and
program and prime
may
Savings program funds
for the investment program.
Thes^.
parishes, schools
any time, whereas withdrawal of investment program funds
$1,014,000
is
be with-
subject to
telated to these
approximately $18,297,000 at June
interest totaled
are reflected as custodial obligations in the
accompanying consoli-
(61,000)
0_ $1,163,000
Obligation at June 30, 2001
fee
future debt service requirements of the bonds are as follows:
drawn
2000
with the
The annual
.32%.
is
programs have been established for the benefit of diocesan
1,
irrevocable, direct-
of credit, which expires
1 1
$1,866,000
.
EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS
of financial position: liability
The
recognized in consolidated statement of financial position
Long-term Care
11,752,000
assets
$
Unrecognized
Net
7.5%
Expected return on plan
status at
8.5
assets
Rate of compensation increase
4.5
June 30, 2001
$(1,163,000)
$(1,866,000)
964,000
1,561,000
40,000
106,000
Unrecognized transition obligation
(391,000)
Weighted average assumptions: rate
for the coverage
organizations have
Funded Accrued benefit cost recognized
premiums
Health
(1,734,000)
$
Diocese administers medical and dental insurance coverage for
including Parish and mission employees.
$(13,486,000)
status
Discount
interest
Service cost
Net of plan
payments on the loan
of credit by a bank. As of June 30, 200 1 the
Thereafter
recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position as of June 30,
Obligation at July
the intent
funding to be the actuarially recommended
Benefit obligation
Funded
of the Bond
have recorded theit pro rata investments,
and
letter
for
Reconciliation of benefit obligation:
Plan provides for
entity, as well
issue costs.
resulting payable to the Central Aclministration
131,000
following table sets forth the change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit payments
Fair value
to refinance the construc-
pay bond
to
allocating a pro rata portion
affiliated entities
components and
Less
obligation
following table sets forth the funded status of the Plan and amounts recognized
in the consolidated statement
is
on the bonds and
interest
Principal
Net amortization of transition
contribution amount.
The
(BMHS) and
and equipping of a Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS)
pay
47,000
$
Long-term Care
of service and compensation.
2017.
1,
are being used to finance the acquisition, construction, installation
less
benefits based
(the
tevenue bonds
redemption, on June
final maturity, subject to prior
The mandatory redemption of
2001:
Diocese sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the Plan)
covering substantially
with
issue)
Agency
Facilities Financial
rate educational facilities
proceeds therefrom have been loaned to William G. Curlin, as Bishop of the
Health
31,000
$
Lay Noncontributory Deferred Benefit Pension Plan
The
North Carolina Educational
Agency) issued $19,700,000 of variable
ended June 30, 2001:
Service cost
liability
outstanding
care benefits.
net periodic postretirement benefit cost included the following
Net
This loan
office.
The
and payable upon demand.
BONDS PAYABLE
9.
Pension
Long-term Care
The
7.
Than
In addition to providing the Clergy Retirement Plan discussed above, in
the year
Foundation investments
interest bearing
balance was $10,000 at June 30, 2001.
securities:
Charitable fixed income fund
non
unsecured,
is
associated with this letter of credit
the Diocese adopted the Retired Clergy Health Plan which provides retired diocesan
securities
at
the United States Catholic
Conference to covet the general operating expenses of the refugee
lerter-of-credit agreement), supports the entire loan
246,000
$
366,000
priests certain
annum.
per
7.5% assets
Employer contribution
The Equity
money from
Catholic Social Services has borrowed
interest
3,641,000
2,231,000
8.39%
2002, $15,000 in 2003, $15,000 in 2004 and $5,000 in 2005.
payments beginning in June 2002 and ending June 2017.
Annuity funds: Cash and cash equivalents
to
1997, the loan's
1,
financial statements.
rate
Clergy Retirement Benefits Other
3,161,000
from a bank
15, 2004,
January
agreement was approximately $49,000
this
139,000
securities:
securities
On
June 30, 2001. The scheduled maturities over the next four years are $14,000 in
on July
Cost
fiscal
$424,000
years are as follows:
was amended from 9.07% per annum
fixed interest rate
The
and
1,313,000
Benefit cost
Foundation
two
an unsecured loan maturing on October
for
Central Administration
(1,107,000)
Expected return on plan
June 30, 2001, are
expense amounted to $56,000 during the next
to provide financing for operational purposes.
as to
$(2,299,000)
asset charge
7.88% per
is
February 10, 1995, Bishop McGuinness High School obtained a $110,615
tion
Weighted average assumptions:
at
Interest
of a new Bishop McGuiness High School
$(2,299,000)
an agreement with the Diocese. Investments are carried
June 30, 2001.
commitment
(Bond
$(6,462,000) assets
transition obligation
fair
at
The scheduled maturities over 2002 and $44,000 in 2003.
In June 2000, the
following table sets forth the funded status of the Clergy Plan and amounts
Intangible asset for unrecognized
and
$468,000
loan's fixed interest rate
balance under this agreement was approximately
and the accumulated
factors contributing to this difference include investment
2001 and a change
Net
cost
the intent
valuations, required funding will be increased
Investments are held with Wachovia Bank of North Carolina (the Trustee) under
The
The outstanding
The
INVESTMENTS
activities.
It is
funding to be the actuarially recommended
recognized in the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position:
consolidated statement of financial position at June 30, 2001.
and unrealized gains and
annum.
years.
of approximately $872,000 in the accompanying
their estimated present value
6.
purpose are included within temporarily restricted net
next anticipated valuation will be performed as of July
losses in fiscal
totaled approxi-
and
ate long-term in nature
paid by the parish. Annual collections
is
to the difference between the fair market value of plan assets
The
maintains a revolving loan fund, which was established primarily
collected
annual contribution to the Clergy Plan
contribution amount.
5% The Diocese
amount
for this
of the Diocese for the
NOTES RECEIVABLE
annual collection
3% of annual offertory as their goal for this collection. Any
in the
actuarial valuation.
The
2001, was approximately $63,000.
An
priests.
held at each parish to raise funds for clergy retirement and othet clergy benefits.
shortfall
The
sponsors the Diocese of Charlotte Clergy Retirement Plan (The
Clergy Plan) to provide pension benefits for diocesan is
The
Charlotte Catholic High School.
in
RECEIVABLES The Diocese
5
an
for
of an addition to Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School and the purchase of land for
estimates.
The Diocesan Support Appeal (DSA) campaign
4.
commitment
1997, the Diocese obtained a $1,875,000
5,
2001.
Clergy Retirement Plan 3.
December
unsecured loan maturing on January 15, 2003, from a bank for the construction
loss
$
liability
159,000
$
plan.
$
662,000
Approximately
specific
199,000
postretirement benefit obligation was determined using a wei
1
5%
and aggregate
Employer contribution
649,000
Benefits paid
389,000
is
200 1
employees
to
individual
be paid.
The
for
an
1
2
.
entities is
piM
and the premiums
for
The remaining portion of the
.
designated by the Diocese to pay claims which are processed by the
The
Diocese has specific stop-loss coverage at $100,000
$100,000
125% of the
for fiscal 2001.
expense was approximately $3,481,000 during
September 23, 1995, the Diocese obtained a $9,660,000 commitment
The
basis.
premiums
of the premiums submitted by diocesan
per claim and aggregate coverage beginning at
NOTES PAYABLE
On
employees on a monthly
claims in excess of the
stop-loss coverage in fiscal
third-party administrator.
average discount rate of 7.5% for both the long-term care and health plans
8.
its
to the third-party administrator for administrative services
individual claims under Benefit cost
of
liability for
all
Diocese charges each organization
Diocese has an arrangement with a third party to administer the medical and dental
premiums
The accumulated
no
The
LEASE AGREEMENTS
fiscal
actuarially projected total
Employee health
benefits
2001.
WITH PARISHES
unsecured loan from a bank to provide financing for the construction of Charlotte
Each diocesan entity to the Plan
and
is
assessed
certain other
4% of lay employees' salaries to fund the contribution
employee
benefits.
Catholic High School.
amended from 9.07%
On per
January
annum
to
1,
1997, the
8.39%
per
remaining outstanding principal balance was repaid.
$29,000 during
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of CHARLOTTE
fiscal
loan's fixed interest rate
annum.
Interest expense
amounted
to
MACS lease
leases various facilities
2000-2001
from two
terms ranging from 12 to 18
based on usage and
years.
participaring parishes
These
leases
of the Diocese under
provide for contingent rentals
may be amended or modified at any time during the lease term.
Rent expense was $291,000
2001.
ANNUAL REPORT
was
In April 2001, the
THE CATHOLIC NEWS & HERALD
for fiscal
2001.
NOVEMBER 16, 2001
/