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November
WW* ttffft
Number
Volume 10
&
2000
24,
atholic NEWS HERALD
1
Serving Catholics
By
Archbishop
JIMMY ROSTAR
CHARLOTTE — For a man who dedicates his
honor
succeed
life
Cardinal Hickey
...Page
5
for outreach to people
whose
by AIDS is an affirmation of his concern for the entire body of Christ here on earth. Bishop William G. Curlin was honored as the 2000 recipient of the for Giving Award by the House of Mercy, an AIDS outreach facility founded and operated in Belmont by the Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina. The annual award
Thanks
U.S. Catholic bishops
meet in Washington,
D.C.
...Page
8
recognizes a person who has contributed to direct care, services or general support for people with AIDS and the virus that leads to
"When Mercy and
News
the Inn finds
I
it,
HIV.
think of the House of the ministry of Bishop
...Page
3
Charlotte
teen has
Gospel choir celebrates
20 years ...Page
7
2000 honoree. "For him, no one is left outside the circle of God's love." The honor was the centerpiece of the House of Mercy's Thanks for Giving Ball, the facility's primary annual fund-raiser, Nov. 18 at the Renais-
The Sisters of Mercy established House of Mercy in 1991 as a
housing and health care facility for people in the advanced stages of AIDS. The center offers medical, physical, psychological and spiritual support to these men and women and
MARK
Catholic
Week
Entertainment .Pages Editorials
10-11
& Columns
PATTISON
News Service
12-13
WASHINGTON
(CNS)
—
Forty-one Catholic bishops from 12 Southern states issued a pastoral statement Nov. 15 examining the hu-
man, financial and environmental problems associated with the poultry "Voices and Choices," as the pastoral is called, was a project of the
Catholic Committee of the South,
which encompasses the territory of
"Then the angel
'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and " you shall name him Jesus. said to her,
the~Confederate-era South. Diocesan bishops from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia signed the poultry pastoral.
— Luke
1:
30-31
Giving Award. The tribute included the House of Mercy's naming a new prayer room in the facility in Bishop Curlin's honor. "We are very pleased that the bishop would be here for us as a fund-raiser and supporter," said Stan Patterson, House of Mercy's president and chief executive officer. "Bishop Curlin has been very supportive of organizations involved in providing care for those with AIDS, and we appreciate his coming to be a part of the program tonight."
Christ's love.
Photo by Jimmy Rostar
Stan Patterson of House of Mercy presents a clock to Bishop William G.
"At his very core, Bishop Curlin Nov. 18. is a priest," said Robert Gallagher, chairman of the board of directors, chief executive ofmoments in the bishop's life that built ficer and treasurer of Good Will Puba foundation for "what motivates him lishers, Inc., and a friend of the to such standards of service, self-sacbishop. "It is not something he does. rifice and dedication to others." It is who he is. He is not a social Through recounts of past converworker; he is not an administrator. sations with the bishop, Gallagher reHe is first, last and always a priest called glimpses of a young Billy forever." Curlin, whose faith was influenced by Gallagher, who has known Bishop Curlin since the bishop's arSee HOUSE OF MERCY, page 9 rival in Charlotte in 1994, recalled Curlin
neously
industry.
.Pages
fifth re-
for
Southern bishops issue pastoral statement on poultry industry By
f very
the
portrayed as a pastor, a man whose outreach to others is rooted in a profound response to
the
4
is
Thanks
West, diocesan vicar general and
smile ...Page
Bishop Curlin cipient of the
Throughout the evening's program, Bishop Curlin was
sance Suites Hotel in Charlotte. The black-tie affair included a silent auction, dinner, music and dancing.
reason to
sexual orientation.
Curlin, the word compassion comes to mind," said Father Mauricio W. chancellor, in a video tribute to the
abounds
race, creed, financial status or
to the Eucharist, an
lives are affected
generosity
the Diocese of Charlotte
in
does not discriminate based on
Associate Editor
McCarrickto
Room at
Western North Carolina
House of Mercy honors Bishop Curlin
Insid
Local
in
In introducing the
which
is
document
—
being published simulta-
in
English and Spanish
—
at
news conference in Washington Nov. 15, bishops from the South voiced their individual concerns a
about the poultry industry as it is organized today. They listed among their concerns the squeeze felt by family farmers under contract to poultry companies, the increasing vertical integration of the industry, consolidation of firms within the industry, low wages and poor treatment of an increasingly immigrant workforce. Bishop William B. Friend of Shreveport, La., decried the "depersonalization in food production" as a result of the pressure chicken processing companies put o« family farmers
who
raise poultry.
"From
it's
a pastoral point of view, of great concern," he said.
The document points out that contracts with poultry growers leave most of the major decisions in the hands of the company, from decisions on what facilities are used for raising the poultry to what growers will be paid less the cost for feed and supplies.
Regarding workplace concerns, Bishop William G. Curlin told of going this summer to a Tyson's chicken factory in the diocese to meet with the Hispanic workers. "I was just appalled with the stories they told about firings and unsanitary conditions," Bishop Curlin said.
One man told the bishop he had been fired because he had spent three minutes in the bathroom, and a
woman who
contracted a skin disease
See
PASTORAL,
page
15
The Catholic News & Herald
2
The World
in
November
Brief
Philippine archbishop resigns from government peace panel
MANILA,
(CNS)
Philippines
Latin, Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb of Mobile, Ala., told the in
—
He urged them, however, "not to precipitously implement any provisions which might be changed by particular law" that is, by special U.S. rules for which the bishops could apply. Archbishop Lipscomb, chairman of U.S. bishops Nov. 13.
An
archbishop on a Philippine government peace panel has quit his post, while a religious brother serving as education secretary is standing firm amid the crisis plaguing President Joseph Estrada. Archbishop Fernando Capalla of Davao and three other members of the National Peace Forum resigned from the body, saying that "the storm clouds" hovering over the presidency have created "unpeace," reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. Meanwhile, De La Salle Brother Andrew Gonzalez told members of his community that he would leave his post as secretary of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports "only
when Estrada' goes." Vatican official criticizes early U.S. election calls by networks The VATICAN CITY (CNS)
—
premature and mistaken announcement of Florida's presidential winner by U.S. television networks on election night was "unconscionable," said the Vatican's top expert in media ethics.
Not only
the his
Global 'Navidad' virus hits
Vatican computers (CNS) Computers in the Vatican's jubilee office were hit by a Christmasthemed e-mail virus as it made it's way around the globe in mid-No-
of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, told Catholic News Service Nov. 16. "To base an alleged winner or loser on the basis of exit polls or of incomplete returns I think is unconscionable, especially
when such an announcement can have an effect in areas where polls remain open," he said. Bishops of England, Wales
human
cloning as
immoral
—
MANCHESTER,
CNS
vember. But the virus cause little damage at the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee, a spokesman said, because staff members were quickly alerted not to open the e-mail attachment carrying it. Angelo Scelzo, di-
photo from Reuters
Vietnamese Catholic at Shrine
A
Vietnamese Catholic woman lights a candle to the Virgin Mary at a Catholic religious shrine in Ho Chi Minh City. U.S. President Bill Clinton raised the issue of human rights, including religious freedom, during his Nov. 16-19 visit to Vietnam.
rector of the committee's press office, said only one out of dozens of office computers was infected Nov. 14 by the bug, which pYopagates through an attached executable file called
"NAVIDAD.EXE."
England (CNS)
Research on cloned human emis "unnecessary and immoral," said the bishops of England and Wales, who urged people to call for
government not
cloning.
The
human
to legalize
bishops discussed the
NEWS
is-
HERALD
&
November Volume 10
2000
24,
Number 12
•
human cloning at their fall meeting in Leeds, northern England, Nov. 13-17, and issued a joint statement Nov. 15. "We are greatly concerned by the implications of allowing the cloning of human embryos for research purposes, soon to be decided by Parliament. The government has undertaken to allow a free vote on the new regulations to be put forward following the report of the Chief Medical Officer, Professor (Liam) Donaldson. We urge all who are concerned about the profound ethical immember
of
Editor:
Staff Writer:
AleshaM. Price
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—
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Banks
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December 9 9 a.m. Day of Reflection with adult church members St.
Mark, Huntersville
—
St.
Pius
X Parishioner
of:
MODULAR BUILDING INSTITUTE
Visit
our
Web
site!
planner December
—
The Our Lady of 3 CHARLOTTE Assumption Church African American Affairs Ministry invites everyone to attend the first performance of the Gospel Choir this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. at 4225 Shamrock Dr. in the school gym. Admission is free, but a free will offering is being taken during the event to support the parish debt reduction fund. Complimentary beverages are being served, and a raffle is also taking place. For ticket and other information, call Dr. Jude Mbanuzue at (704) 567-5835 or
375-9865.
4
CHARLOTTE
—
www.modularcorp.com
the church office at (704) 3645431. The Heal7 WINSTON-SALEM ing Companions, a grief support group for the bereaved, meets tonight in Conference Room A at 7:30 p.m. at St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave. Call Joanne Parcell at (336) 924-9478 or the church at (336) 724-0561 for details. The Charlotte 8 CHARLOTTE
call
Diocesan
Episcopal, calendar
3
meet
lModhlarCorp
Recreational
Roman
Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events:
solutions
your growing and changing needs!
Sales Offices
Missal will take effect the day the new Roman Missal is issued the
and professional
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—
Theology on Tap Mass and
Jr.
with
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Missal instruction to take effect with missal WASHINGTON (CNS) The Vatican's new General Instruction on
December
Production Associate: Fred Stewart
Offering turn-key
Institutions
New Roman
Most Reverend William G. Curlin Joann S. Keane
Jimmy Rostar
Schools
Facilities
Parliament," they said.
Publisher:
Associate Editor:
?
sue of
plications to write to their
bryos
the
—
VATICAN CITY
discouraged
potential voters in the state from casting ballots, Archbishop John P. Foley, an American who is president
decry
Committee on the Liturgy, made comments during the fall meeting
of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, held in Washington Nov. 13-16.
did the early calls
may have
—
...
violate ethical requirements for accuracy, but they
24, 2000
The widowed
support group for those grieving the loss of a spouse meets from 6-7 p.m. tonight and Dec. 18 in the family room at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. For further details,
—
—
Moratorium Now is sponsoring "The Restorative ConferCoalition for a
ence" today through Dec.
10 at the
Great Aunt Stella Center on Elizabeth Ave. The purpose is to examine current problems in the criminal justice system and potential solutions, and the topics range from juvenile justice to the death penalty and mandatory
minimum
tims' rights.
Ted Frazer
sentencing to vic-
For more
details, call
563-9550. Rachel s Vineyard, an HICKORY all-weekend post-abortion retreat, sponsored by Transfiguration Minisat (704)
—
November
24, 2000
The Catholic News & Herald 3
Around the Diocese
Room at the Inn finds
Lay leaders to try to
reawaken 'sleeping giant' By
JOHN NORTON
Catholic
News Service
VATICAN CITY
(CNS)
—
November aims
A
to re-
awaken the church's "sleeping giant" its laity by tackling the modern
—
—
crisis
of
The
Pontifical Council for the La-
some 600 lay leaders from around the world to participate in a Nov. 25-30 Congress of Catholic Laity under the theme, "Witnesses to Christ in the Third Millennium." Pope John Paul II was scheduled to attend a Congress Mass Nov. 26. At a Nov. 20 press conference, organizers said the church's future rests with lay people rediscovering and living their Christian vocation. "It's said that the world of the laity is a giant, but a sleeping giant," said Bishop Stanislaw Rylko, secretary of the laity council. "It needs today to be reawakened." He said congress organizers "propose to exit from the discussion of tangential questions and to look at the nucleus of the problem," which he was
He
a crisis of faith.
said
among the questions to "How does one beand how does one com-
be discussed was, lieve today,
municate that faith today in a world which is commonly defined as secularized, and even as a post-Christian
appendage, not
lay Catholics today, he
such a need to re-live, in a truly fresh way, amazement at the greatness and beauty of the Christian vocation a vocation rooted in bap-
—
tism."
U.S. Cardinal
J.
Francis Stafford,
laity council president, told
Service,
Catholic
actual, active disciple of Christ," he
world rests primarily with the lay person
in the
church.
and the Respect Life Office, is being held at the Catholic Conference
16.
congress' invitees included delegates from bishops' conferences and nearly 175 lay movements and
—
Mercy
Sister
Peggy Verstege and Jesuit Father Joseph McGovern- are facilitating an "Advent Retreat with Mary" this weekend through Dec. 10 at the Jesuit House of Prayer, 289 Hwy. 25/ 70
NW. The
ation.
To
Mary new cre-
retreat's focus is
whose "yes" ushered
in
a
register by Dec.
more information, 7366 or
call
1
and
for
(828) 622-
e-mail vpaul@madison.main.nc.us. 9 FOREST CITY Father Philip
—
Scarcella, Ph.D., J.C.D., professor of
European history, is conducting a mission at Immaculate Conception Church, 1024 W. Main St., this evening at 5:30 p.m. Mass and with a 7 p.m. service on Dec. 10 and 9:30
their guest. Gratis.
tion, Charlotte's
To
share the message
of their mission. Their goal: Once the message is heard, that people will open their
Now with
its
year of operaat the Inn maternity home care and childcare services
It's
a Christ-centered
rehabilitation program at Room at the Inn,
wallets for the better-
explained Brown.
their distinc-
Room
said that the world of the a giant, but a sleeping giant," said Bishop Stanislaw Rylko, secretary of the laity council. "It needs today to be laity is
Glendon
and
papal
biographer
for free discussion.
Law
to lead the last day's discussion
with a talk titled, "What Sort of Lay People for the Third Millennium?" Though the congress was to be closed to the public, laity council officials said they planned to publish a concluding message and eventually the full acts of the congress. laity council
was
to
meet
in
plenary session the day after the congress finished to evaluate and incorporate its conclusions and suggestions.
14.
is
pre-
senting an "Advent Retreat Day" at the Our Lady of Fatima Chapel Spirituality Center, 211 W. 3rd St., from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The day includes Scripture study, reflection, Taize'
song and prayer and an included lunch. To make reservations by noon on Dec. 6 or for details, call the church
— A charismatic
at St. Patrick CaDilworth Rd. East, this afternoon at 4 p.m. with prayer teams at 3 p.m. and a potluck dinner at 5 p.m. in the school cafeteria. For further information, contact Josie
thedral, 1621
families
life
Inn seeks to help
move toward
at (704)
527-4676.
—
The
tions. -
The re-enactment
is
taking
"is
its
ser-
vice to the over
200
women and to pass
children
through
its
"What makes our maternity home doors.
unique," said Cindi Brown, executive dithat we serve pregnant
with previous children in addition to serving the woman after her baby is born."
a
of hopeful, independent and
senting a re-enactment of St. Francis of Assisi's 1 223 Greecio, Italy, recreation of Jesus' birth so that local people of that historical period could experience those holy night condi-
—
adult education at the Oratory,
723-8238.
at the
young
Secular Franciscan Order of Hickory is pre-
Oratorian Father David Valtierra, director of
10 CHARLOTTE Mass is being held
Room
these
Backus
(828) 245-4017 or Claire Feldmeth at (828) 245-6053.
at (336)
and their
born.
HICKORY
A penance service is
WINSTON-SALEM
women
is
healthy living. Last yearj 700 individuals took them up on their dinner offer. This year, the number nearly doubled. This increase in attendance caused a late-minute change of venues to accommodate this outpouring of support. Thus, while the meal is their gift their supportive community, they do pray for donations to further efforts to help the single, homeless, pregnant women and their children served by their ministry. At the podium, keynote speaker Statesman Alan Keyes shared a message that offers a challenge to follow the message of Christ. "If we are to be a people once again for God, you must be a people standing for His truth and the precious lives of those who have been caught in the dark and confusion," said Keyes. Though Keyes' bid for the Republican candidacy for the 2000 election was thwarted early on, he
scheduled to open with a talk by a bishop or cardinal, followed by a panel discussion led by five lay people. Organizers said large segments of time had also been set aside
The
rector,
new
George Weigel. Each day the congress was
was
a safe
for homeless, single, pregnant ers
reawakened."
haven mothchildren, born and unInn
at the
— —
Room
takes pride in
hearts as well as their
"It's
at the Inn's speaker
in its sixth
home.
Center, 1551 Trinity Lane, "this evening through Dec. 10. For more
HOT SPRINGS
Room
for their millennial fundraiser.
tively different pro-life
being held on Dec. 13 after the mission talk, and benediction follows each evening service. For further information, call
659-1342.
As fundInn may
choice as
ment of
a.m. and 7 p.m. services through Dec.
at (336)
—
at the
remains a conservative Republican with a campaign platform based on moral reform. A staunch champion of pro-life efforts made Keyes a natural
have an inside edge on unique apA dinner invitation is extended to join Room at the Inn as Their hope:
communities, lay members of other Christian communities, and some 150 high-profile lay Catholics, like Harvard law professor Mary Ann
tries
information or to pre-register, make a confidential call to Debbie or Martha
I
Nov.
Room
KEANE
proaches.
The
"The task of bringing
the expression of God's love to the
CHARLOTTE raisers go,
recipient, but an
Boston's Cardinal Bernard F.
said, "there is
News
a
S.
Editor
the very mission of the church; not an
world?"
Among
JOANN
By
—
—
said
faith, laity officials said.
ity invited
said
"That's very important, that the is now perceived since the Second Vatican Council as integrally involved integrally a part of lay person
Vatican-convened gathering of lay leaders in late
generosity abounds
It's
a Christ-centered rehabilitation
program at Room at the Inn, explained Brown. The program is "based on education, personal responsibility and spiritual direction coupled with
mental
health and adoption counseling."
pitch for contributions, J. McSweeney, pastor of St. Matthew parish in Charlotte said, "I'm not bashful in asking you to make a significant pledge in this jubiIn
a
Msgr. John
lee year.
What
would be
to life if
a beautiful tribute
it
$200,000 came out
of this room tonight." Room at the Inn upholds the sacred vocation of motherhood, said Msgr. MsSweeney. It is through generosity, the home provides a haven, making it possible to raise a child in situations
where many times
there's
no hope.
Note: the final tally for Inn exceeded $210,000.
Room
at the
Contact Editor Joann Keane by call-
ing
(704)
370-3336
or
jskeane@charlottediocese.org
the activity center. Dr. Bob PanofF is presenting "Creation, Science and the Catholic Church," a session about the debate between science and religion involving the Big Bang Theory versus seven-day creation and a possible harmonious existence between the two concepts. For further details, call (336) 274-0415.
CHARLOTTE — The
50+ Club
place at 4 p.m. at the Catholic Confer-
13
ence Center, 1551 Trinity Lane. For
of St. John Neumann Church is having their annual Christmas party and program today at noon at the
Carole Marmorato at M. Martin at (828) 323-7820. The support 1 1 CHARLOTTE group for adult children grieving the loss of a parent meets tonight only, because of the holiday season, from 78 p.m. in the family room at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. For further details, call the church office at (704) 364-5431. 12 GREENSBORO The Adult Education Program at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 W. Market St., continues tonight from 7:30-9 p.m. in details,
call
(828) 256-8956 or John
—
Pine Lake Country Club in Mint Food, gifts and entertainment are being provided for members and guests with a donation in support of the event and the club. For more information, call Louise Brewer at (704) 366-8351 or Gloria Silipigni at (704) 821-1343. Hill.
—
Please submit notices of events for the Diocesan Planner at least 10 days prior to the publication date.
4
The Catholic News & Herald
November
Around the Diocese
24, 2000
Violence postpones
Charlotte teen has reason to smile
jubilee celebrations ALESHA
M. PRICE Staff Writer Mihael Matic CHARLOTTE remembers the sound of bombs when he was trying to sleep. That is the most vivid memory of the seven-yearold as he and his family were fleeing
By
—
home
of Croatia, a predominantly Catholic country bordered by the Adriatic Sea and fortheir native
merly known
The
Yugoslavia.
as
family relocated to Bosnia, then Germany, to escape the destruction of the
war that had broken out between warring, newly independent nations. The family slept in schools, in the forest or in buildings with little to no civil
food and water.
This was a difficult way of life for any child but made more challenging by a condition that Mihael has had since birth.
"I
talked to him and told
him to be proud is,"
if
who he
Dominovic, 15. Doctors were able to repair the large opening in the baby's mouth and lip at the age of six months, and at the age of two, he underwent his second operation to repair his palate. The next year, the family had a scare when the two operations, which today, Ruza wonders if they been sufficiently performed, had caused breathing problems. Mihael had to undergo a tracheotomy, an operation in which a hole is cut in the throat area, to allow him to It was at came worried
who
Mihael,
attends
his parents
brother Goran,
He
is
like
Gabriel
St.
and younger
many
other 14-
budding artist with an interest in soccer and the first stirrings of the desire to look good in
year-olds.
a
is
the eyes of the opposite sex.
What facial
is
different about
him
a
is
deformity caused by a birth and palate.
defect, a cleft lip
A
cleft lip,
commonly
referred to
as a harelip by many people, opening above the mouth and
The
facial fissure
is
an
can also involve the
mouth cases. As
in
about 70 percent of the in Mihael's case, he had both, a condition of which his mother was unaware. "I had never seen anything like it before, but I thought my child was the best; he was beautiful to me," said Ruza Matic in rapid Croatian translated by her niece Carolina
'Our Specialty
Is
Animal
Hospital Pineville
Road,
Pineville,
NC
(Near Carolina Pavilion/AMC 22 Theater)
(704) 552-2005 In
it
his shirt
over his
during school. "Some
kids teased me, and
some
didn't," said
Mihael.
Staff members had spent months organizing the special celebrations and conferences for a two-month Christmas Festival, set to begin in mid-November. "We are just delaying everything, pushing it all back until we get a clear picture of the situation," said Samah
Qumsih, administrative
"I talked to him and told him to be proud if who he is," said Ruza. After surviving those turbulent
times, Mihael and his family immigrated to Charlotte to join relatives who had been living here for a short time.
Through
all ready, and now nothing is happening. People are canceling. It feels very frustrating. It's a disaster, it's like a nightmare," she said.
were
facility,
we
conferences
Social Services Refugee Resettlement Office, Ruza and Ivan Matic were able to find work with Linda V. Campbell, limited service case manager, working on their
Operation Smile, a national organization, and performs free surgeries on children with cleft lips and palates around the world. She called the doctor's office and the Greensboro Operation Smile Office and was able to coordinate an operation for Mihael on Nov. 22. Mihael will also have surgeries at no qost to his family on his jaw and nose after he grows into his bone
case.
Around
Ruza was more worried than Mihael about the lip surgery but is very greatful to everyone involved in making her son "beautiful." With his new braces, Mihael said simply of the four-hour operation, "I feel happy about it."
that
same
time, through
To find Smile, call
out more about Operation
Amy
Collins at (336)
856-
1212 or e-mail opsmilenc@aol.com. Contact Staff Writer Alesha
M.
Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or email amprice@charlottediocese.org.
divine providence, Campbell read
historical archi-
—
planned for December have been postponed until January and February respectively. As for Christmas Eve celebrations, she said she did not know if it would be appropriate to have international choirs sing on stage
when
experiencing such
the local people are
difficult times.
Recalling the years during the 1987-95 Palestinian
intifadah, the
when
uprising,
there were no Christ-
mas celebrations Qumsih
said she
Bethlehem, was not
in
hoped
this
the start of a similar period. "This situation is very much said. "First
of
all
we now have
a basis
(of negotiations with the Israelis).
maybe we can go back Bethlehem 2000
is
preparing an
get better, so there can be some sort of celebration, although not on the scale originally planned, she said. "People won't forget what has happened even if by tomorrow everything gets better," said Qumsih. "It's been a very rough experience for us
we
are here to
help people do that."
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Steven
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So
to negotiating."
alternative plan just in case things
regular situation, but
Carolina Funeral &
C
dif-
ferent than during the intifadah," she
and we can't just go back to celebrate. It is very difficult to go back to the
an article a year ago about Dr. Philip Strawther, a Charlotte-based plastic surgeon who works with
C C
two international
said
— one on
tecture and the other on pilgrimages
also offer:
Boarding Kennels
Qumsih
Photo by Alesha M. Price
Mihael Matic
the help of the Catho-
lic
assistant for the
church relations unit of Bethlehem 2000. "We had brochures printed and
structure.
addition to our complete
medical care
depression.
Loving Your Pets'
Pineville
10833
face to hide
up,
Bank
—
Riza be-
he grew mouth and teeth;
As he grew
News Service
(CNS) The mood in the Bethlehem 2000 office was one of frustration and
for the first time. "I
ashamed of his lip, he began pulling up
face.
palate in the roof of the
this point that
was scared when he cried because I thought he was in pain. I just wanted him to be OK, and I wondered if he would die," said Ruza waving her hands at the painful memory. "God gave him the power to live; who else could have helped?" Mihael would have three more operations in Germany and Holland to repair his eardrum because of the
palate.
Church with
Catholic
BETHLEHEM, West
breathe.
chronic ear infections that children with a cleft lip and palate go through and another operation to repair his
said Ruza.
By JUDITH SUDILOVSKY
HONDA
jrm MOTORS 695
1
E.
Independence Blvd.
7001
Independence Blvd.
535-4444
531-3131 Frank LaPointe, President,
E.
Member
of
St.
Gabriel Church
November
24, 2000
In
The Catholic News & Herald 5
the News
Cardinal Hickey resigns; Archbishop McCarrick NEWS SERVICE
By CATHOLIC
WASHINGTON John Paul
—
(CNS)
the following day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Pope
has accepted the resigna-
II
Noted
James A. Hickey of
tion of Cardinal
Washington and has named Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick of Newark,
N.J., to
national
succeed him.
apostolic nuncio to the United States,
announced the resignation and apin Washington. The announcement said Cardinal Hickey, 80, would be apostolic admin-
Archdiocese of Washington until Archbishop McCarrick's istrator of the
installation.
Archbishop McCarrick, 70,
is
to take canonical
possession of the
Washington Archdiocese
Eastern Europe.
He
is
member
a
3
in
of the
where he earned
installation
was
presi-
dent of the Catholic University of Puerto Rico. He returned to New York in 1969 as archdiocesan associate secretary for education, and the following year he became secretary to New York's Cardinal Terence Cooke.
Mass is
scheduled the following
day at the Basilica of the
He was named
70, has
an auxiliary bishop 1977 and ordained a bishop on June 29 of that year. In November 1981 he was made first bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Metuchen, N.J. In May 1986 he was named archbishop of Newark. He has frequently traveled abroad
headed the Newark Archdiocese for 14
to trouble spots, especially as chair-
of
National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception.
Archbishop McCarrick, years.
He
is
sion of the
to take canonical posses-
Washington Archdiocese
ceremonies at
Jan. 3 in
Matthew's
St.
Cathedral.
An
installation
Mass
is
scheduled
New York
in
11,
1920, in Midland, Mich.
Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Lebanon,
there as a pastor, vocations director
and seminary rector. Named an auxiliary bishop of Saginaw in 1967, he was ordained a bishop on April 14 of that year. From 1969 to 1974 he was rector of the
CNS photo by Nancy Wiechec
North American College, the U.S. Seminary in Rome. In 1974 he was named bishop of
Archbishop Theodore McCarrick of Newark, N.J., and Bishop Gerald Barbarito of Ogdensburg, N.Y.,
Cleveland. Six years later, on June 17, 1980, he was made archbishop of
Edward Cassidy gives a briefing on ecumenism Nov. 12 in Washington. U.S. bishops were beginning their annual fall listen as Cardinal
Washington. Pope John Paul II made him a cardinal June 28, 1988. Cardinal Hickey holds a doctorates in canon law from the Lateran University in Rome and in theology from the Angelicum, also in Rome.
meeting. Ethiopia, Mozambique, Rwanda, East Timor, China, Vietnam, Cuba, Colombia and Mexico. In 1998 he chaired and hosted a major international Conference on the
On
his 80th birthday Oct.
11
Ethical Dimensions of International
Debt, co-sponsored by the Vatican and U.S. bishops, at Seton Hall University in his archdiocese. The conference is credited with having a significant im-
borhoods of Washington. Catholic education and service to the poor were
pact on the U.S. and world commit-
his
ment
Catholic schools in the poorest neigh-
among
his top priorities
20 years
throughout
in the nation's capital.
to reducing the debt of heavily
Day In
the Basilica of
1569
St.
Mary
5
-
Assisi.
of the Angels built in
to protect the Porziuncola [the birthplace of
Francis.] We see the statue of St. Francis with the white doves, the thornless rose bushes
and the cave where
St.
Francis prayed
in
solitude.
2001 - A Lenten Pilgrimage with Bishop William G. Curlin March 13 - 22, 2001
Italy
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He
was ordained a priest of the Saginaw Diocese June 15, 1946, and served
man
of the bishops' Eastern Europe and international policy committees. Among places he has visited in recent years are Yugoslavia, Croatia,
can
little
James Aloysius Hickey was born Oct.
a master's de-
to 1969 he
a
EnEnand
Polish."
in history.
From 1965
He
understand Portuguese and
dained a priest in 1958 after studies at Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers,
N.Y.,
in,
glish!"
St.
ceremonies at St.
Matthew's Cathedral. An
he shot back, "Not even added, "I can handle glish, Spanish, French, Italian German reasonably well, and I fluent
Commission on International Religious Freedom and was on the U.S. Commission for the Study of International Migration and Cooperative Economic Development. Born in New York July 7, 1930, Theodore Edgar McCarrick was or-
1963.
Jan.
dained 200 priests for the archdiocese. When the Catholic Standard, Washington archdiocesan newspaper, asked him which languages he was
rights, justice
After ordination he earned a master's degree and doctorate in social sciences from The Catholic University of America in Washington. He was assistant chaplain, dean of students and director of development at Catholic University from 1961 to
Archdiocese for 14 years.
He
for his leadership in inter-
human
U.S.
gree
has headed the Newark
indebted poor countries. An ardent vocations recruiter, in his 14 years in Newark he has or-
and peace issues, Archbishop McCarrick has headed the U.S. bishops' committees on migration, international policy and aid to the church in Central and
Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo,
pointment Nov. 21
named successor
1551 Trinity Lane, Hickory, NC 28602 (828)327-7441 Email: ccc@twave.net We're on the Web! www.catholicconference.org
The Catholic News & Herald
6
People
Indian Catholic wins Robert
in
November
the New*
burg, Fla., 160-97.
F.
Kennedy Human Rights Award
—
had served
UCA
reported
to fund efforts related to crime, criminal justice WASHINGTON (CNS) The Catholic Campaign for Human Development is allocating up to $1 million in grants for educational and community-based efforts related to crime and criminal justice in the United States. The U.S. bishops' CCHD committee Nov. 12 approved the allocation from a special fund. It was announced at a CCHD media breakfast Nov. 14 during the bishops' four-day fall meeting in Washington. Bishop John J. Leibrecht of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Mo., committee chair, said the action was taken in response to a proposed statement from the bishops urging reform of the country's criminal jus-
—
News, an in
mother, a dalit (low-caste) tobacco worker whose long struggle for dignity inspired him, will accompany to the
award function
in the U.S.
capital.
Campus
ministry groups honor bishop, seven programs
WASHINGTON
—
(CNS)
Three campus ministry organizations named Bishop Walter F.
CNS
Mehmet AM Agca
Sullivan of Richmond, Va., to receive
Washington. Cardinal says 'Dominus lesus' had 'negative impact' on
in
ecumenism
WASHINGTON
(CNS)
—
In a
candid exchange with students and fac-
The
ulty at
America
in
Catholic University of
Washington Nov.
15,
the
head of the Pontifical Council for Pro-
moting Christian Unity said a recent Vatican document "has had a very negative impact" on ecumenical relations around the world but expressed confidence that the paired.
'We must
re-
little bit
Edward
I.
right, who attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul hands a document to his lawyer, Sevki Lulecioglu, left, in a Turkish court Nov. 20 as Agca goes on trial on a 21-year-old armed robbery
Dominican theologian Father JeanMarie Roger Tillard was a dedicated ecumenist strongly committed to
the
work of church
unity, said
several of his colleagues. Father
&
test in
...
Conversation
Bishop Friend
USCC
is
Come Celebrate
new NCCB-
filled
WASHINGTON
(CNS)
—
for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Late Father Tillard remembered
Conference Nov.
and 30's
III
Party with Bishop Curlin
St. Peter's
Catholic Church
(First
and South TYyon
Streets)
For info, Call Jen (85 370-5359 Sponsored by Office of Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese of Charlotte
Friend of Shreveport, La., as secre-
14. Bishop Friend, a 69-year-old native of Miami, defeated Bishop Robert N. Lynch of St. Peters-
Please pray for the following priests
who
died during the month of
s
Sunday, Dec 3rd, 7p.m.
The
tary of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and U.S. Catholic
B.
Mass and
secretary; committee
posts
Spirit"
with young adults in tkeir 20
pacy.
tember by the Vatican's Congregation
late
Tapping into tke
Tillard was the author of "The Bishop of Rome," published in 1982, which discussed the role of the pa-
U.S. bishops elected Bishop William
—
Young Adults the
Catholic Theology Speakers
there. He was so convinced of God's call for unity," said Charity Sister Donna Geernaert, director of ecumenism for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Father
document on the Catholic Church's role in salvation issued in Sep-
TORONTO
Servingf
would be
sponse to a question about "Dominus
work (CNS) The
system.
Tillard died Nov. 13 at the age of 73 in the care of members of his Dominican order in Ottawa, after fighting a long battle with cancer. "Any time I had to call him or ask him for anything, at great cost he
Cassidy in re-
for ecumenical
tice
charge.
damaged,"
lesus," the
photo from Reuters
Turkish court
II,
try to rebuild bridges
which have been a said Cardinal
harm can be
in
Mehmet Ali Agca,
the groups' first award to an individual for outstanding contributions to Catholic campus ministry. The Catholic Campus Ministry Association, the National Association of Di-
ocesan Directors of Campus Ministry and the National Coalition of Catholic Students also honored seven campus ministry programs. Bishop Sullivan's award was presented Nov. 15 at an event during the U.S. bishop's annual fall meeting
i
Novem-
CCHD
Thailand. Macwan, 41, said his
him
as secretary since
ber 1995.
fighting oppression nonviolently in the pursuit of respect for human
rights,
post of secre-
was the only one of the four top NCCB-USCC positions up for election this year. Archbishop Harry J. Flynn of St. Paul and Minneapolis tary
AHMEDABAD, India (CNS) Martin Macwan, an Indian Catholic activist, has won the 17th annual Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award for defending the rights of low-caste people. Instituted by the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights based in Washington, the $30,000 award is given to those
Asian church news agency based
The
24, 2000
December:
National WWII Memorial Registry of Remembrance We are making donations to the new WWII Memorial in memory of each WWII veteran for whom we have provided funeral services during this
We will
M.
also
Smith, 1983
Rev. Vincent M. Stokes,
1979
submit
"Registry of
Memorial of those
Rev. Msgr. Francis
Time to Say Thank You"
"It's
their
names
Remembrance"
at the
to help preserve the
who
sacrificed for
year.
to the
memories
our country.
Ifyou would like to submit additional names to be included in the Registry, registration forms
Rev.
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November
24, 2000
Lift By
The Catholic News & Herald 7
From the Cover
every voice and sing,
'til
earth and heaven ring
ALESHA M. PRICE
and to
pel
Staff Writer
"Sing a praise
him
new song
The
to the Lord;
Psalm
choir
our
spirits flow.
members agree
"
that af-
Davenport and Martin, the choir flourished under the direction of Turner. Turner was choir ter the influences of
the assembly of his
in
faithful people..."
let
149:1
director for nearly 14 years until his
CHARLOTTE— The
singing voices, the clapping hands and the beating drums sent warmth that cut
untimely death
in 1998, a devastating blow to a group who had grown
accustomed to his style and manner. "He brought energy to the group and used that energy to motivate us," said Edward Hood, one of the early mem-
through the unexpected snowy, brisk evening on Nov. 19. People traveled from the Winston-Salem, Greensboro and Asheville areas and from across Charlotte, in the wintry mix to help the Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir of
Our Lady of Consolation Church
bers. "He put in a lot of time with us and taught us things, like sight read-
ing.
cel-
He definitely spoiled us." "He was patient and had
a
ebrate 20 years of song and praise.
humble and quiet
With a repertoire of over 14 songs, led by Ivory Coleman, minister of music, and backed by a band of
contagious," said Byars. "He was a humanitarian who loved people and helped youth and teenagers, while helping us to become who we are
Photo by Alesha M. Price
three musicians, the choir, with women decked out in gold dresses and the men starched and pressed in tuxedos, of over 30 proclaimed their theme, "it's time to praise the Lord," through four-part harmonies and melodies. The program included a candlelight procession, Scripture reading and prayers to highlight the concert of gospel and praise songs. The choir began simply enough. A group of friends came together with Father Wilbur Thomas, then pastor of Our Lady of Consolation, and June Chavis Davenport, who had men-
The Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir of Perpetual Help Church, which later
moved
"Many of us had Baptist backgrounds, and we felt that gospel best epitomized our culture. These are our and we knew the songs, which had a very deep and special meaning to us," said Henry Wallace, choir president and one of the early members. "We wanted to share our roots with the church that we felt were missing in the Mass." For some, the gospel choir did add something special to the Mass, but for others unaccustomed to that genre of music, it was difficult to accept. "It wasn't easy, and there were roots,
Wilbur Thomas had received permission to help establish the choir from Bishop Emeritus Michael J. Begley. The fledgling group began with nearly 12 singers in the church balcony with Father Thomas playing
some turbulent times for us," said Wallace. "Some people walked out of the Mass at the sound of gospel music, never to return, but pretty soon, we had to add chairs in the aisles."
the piano.
The name, Perpetual Hope, pays homage to the first church estabThe congregation
of
after the
church was sold, formed Our Lady of Consolation Church in 1955.
tioned the idea for a gospel choir. The grew into reality when Father
lotte.
Mary Church
first
idea
lished for African-Americans in
to St.
Char-
Our Lady
The good news
traveled quickly,
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and people came to Mass to hear them. choir also began to sing all over the city and to perform across the diocese. "We sang at churches throughout the area, and people were amazed that Catholics were singing gospel. We
was too strange in shared the same roots, and we felt that there was a big need to share that faith with everyone," said Wallace. "It has helped us to have a real sense of community, that we weren't a little island at Our Lady of Consolation, that we were part of the community, the state, the nation." Under the direction of four music ministers, including Davenport, the that
we
only Catholic, and Smith Turner IV, both deceased, the sound of the choir has grown and matured. "June [TJavenporf], who was a music teacher, had a vision of a gospel choir and tried to bring it into the Mass, but many people were not accustomed to it or comfortable with the idea," said Doris Byars, one of the charter members. "Because of her dedication, she went outside of the church and brought in people like Ted Martin, former music minister, who really taught us to how sing gos-
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"We are still excelling, and we have never stopped learning because the spirit continues to guide us in our ministry. It is wonderful to be able to sing gospel so that not only our hearts are blessed, but so many others' hearts are also blessed," said
"We are missionaries in the sense that people have said that their burdens have been lifted because of what we sang. The spirit has blessed Hood.
us,
and we have blessed other people." Contact Staff Writer Alesha
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which was
now." Ivory Coleman, the current music director, helped the choir to emerge out of a dark period after Turner's death and has propelled them to their twentieth year of proclaiming the Gospel through gospel singing and beyond. During their 20-year existence, the choir has traveled to Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Norfolk, Virginia, Columbia and Rock Hill, South Carolina, Winston-Salem, Asheville, Clemmons and other cities. They have also sung at other churches of other denominations, sharing their ministry with others of various faiths.
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8
The Catholic News & Herald
U.S. Bishops '
November
Meeting
24, 2000
Bishops' meeting at a glance By
USCC
NANCY FRAZIER O'BRIEN Catholic
News
Service
WASHINGTON
(CNS)
—
When
the U.S. bishops met in Washington Nov. 13-16 for the fall general meeting of the National Conference of
Catholic Bishops and U.S. Catholic Conference, they: Approved with little discussion a heavily amended set of guidelines for
—
building or renovating churches, called "Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture and Worship." Passed without debate a resolution calling on Congress and the
—
new
president to revise the nation's immigration laws and policies in
ways that uphold immigrants' dignity
and human rights. Made their first
—
explicit ex-
pression of support for an independent Palestinian state in a special message on the Middle East crisis, which also called for "respect for Israel's right to exist and flourish within secure borders." Urged reform of the "broken"
—
U.S. criminal justice system and critiits increasing reliance on more
cized
secretary for the next three
years.
—
Debated but did not vote on procedural guidelines on how they would grant, withhold or withdraw a theologian's
—
"mandatum"
to teach.
Discussed proposed revisions in their "Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Ser-
which will come up at the bishmeeting in June. Voted in favor of a cost-ofliving increase for retired bishops
vices,"
ops' next
—
plus additional health care options.
—
Approved a $49.3 million budget for 2001 and an increase in the diocesan assessment by 2.9 percent for 2002. Established a
— — Agreed
new Committee
on Catechesis.
to give special
empha-
church.
—
Extended the 16 current ad hoc committees, which would have died in accord with the bishops' three-year sunset policy for ad hoc committees.
— Gave
final
approval to modifi-
of capital punishment. Addressed the contemporary challenges of welcoming immigrants into the life of the church in a pastoral
Bishops.
statement, approved unanimously, called "Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity." Accused the Sudanese government of "slavery, torture, executions, religious persecution (and) discriminatory laws" against its citizens. Recommitted themselves and the church to protecting human life, saying that the U.S. Supreme Court decision on partial-birth abortion had brought the legal system "to the brink of endorsing infanticide." Elected Bishop William B. Friend of Shreveport, La., as NCCB-
porting requirements in the wake of financial irregularities discovered in U.S. dioceses over the past decade. OK'd, subject to Vatican approval, national legislation on the age of confirmation and on those who explain Catholic teaching on radio and
—
—
Leaders of the U.S. bishops' conference pray at the start of their annual fall meeting in Washington Nov. 13. From left is Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, vice president; Bishop Joseph Fiorenza, president; and Msgr. Dennis M. Schnurr, general secretary.
conference activities to the multicultural dimension of the
cations in the statutes that will guide
—
the
new
U.S. Conference of Catholic
— Added
A GLANCE
AT
During their November meeting, the US. bishops... Approved guidelines
Colled for U.S. immigration laws
Made an
—
Called
human
rights.
support for an independent Palestinian state. justice system.
on leaders
in
Sudan
to
life
of the church.
end violence and repression against
Recommitted themselves and the church
to protecting
human
Elected Bishop William B. Friend of Shreveport, La., as
its citizens.
life.
NCCB-USCC secretary.
Approved additional diocesan financial reporting requirements.
television.
—
Adopted the Mexican Lectionary for Scripture readings in U.S. Spanish-language liturgies. Approved the concept and timeline for revising the Lectionary
—
for
Masses With
Debated procedural guidelines on how to grant, withhold or withdraw a theologian's
"mandatum"
to teach.
Discussed proposed revisions to the "Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health
Care Services."
children. Approved a $49.3 million budget
for
2001.
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Addressed the challenges of welcoming immigrants into the
(CNS) Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston said Nov. 16 that he hoped the country would come together once the stillcontested U.S. presidential election was resolved. The Texas bishop, president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and U.S. Catholic Conference, also pleaded for more public awareness of the genocide in Sudan and sharply criticized unfair treatment of some U.S. immigrants. He made his comments at a press conference concluding the U.S. bishops' four-day meeting in Washington. "My words would be words of prayer, first of all that however this is resolved, it will be resolved for the common good of the whole nation," he said. "I also hope that it will be ended sooner rather than later and that once a president is elected, this country will come together and overcome personal preferences."
"It
explicit expression of
renovating churches.
and
Urged reform of the U.S. criminal
after election resolved
then
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to diocesan financial re-
Bishop asks national unity
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November
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House Of Mercy, from page
ited the Sisters of
1
mother and grandmother; of Father Curlin, a Washington, D.C.,
nesses a pastoral priority. Highlights of his ministry to the AIDS commu-
priest
whose outreach to the poor, and lonely was filled with love; of Auxiliary Bishop Curlin, a regional bishop of the Washington Archdio-
nity include:
sick
president of the board of directors of Catholic Charities in the
who was
notified of his appoint-
ment on the same day
his beloved
— As
mid-1980s, then-Msgr. Curlin, a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., oversaw the opening of sevshelters including the Gift of
stepfather died; and of Bishop Will-
eral
iam G. Curlin, the ordinary of the Charlotte Diocese who "was given the opportunity to bring almost 40 years of priesthood and pastoral work to bear on the shepherding of his new
Peace, the capital's first shelter for
flock."
In his priestly ministry, Bishop Curlin has made outreach to people affected with AIDS and other ill-
The
terminally ill AIDS patients. Msgr. Curlin played a key role in educating Washington neighborhood residents
about by it.
—
AIDS and
the people affected
In his first pastoral visit as the
newly appointed bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Curlin vis-
true building blocks of a
new
society are
minds. So while Catholic Relief Services
is
its
helping to
rebuild schools in Kosovo, we're also building issues of justice
and tolerance into the schools' curricula.
With every new classroom, a
Mercy
in
Belmont.
Among
a loving
cese
The Catholic News & Herald 9
Around the Diocese
new lesson
in
peace.
those ministry centers he visited was the House of Mercy, which he has ardently supported in his six years as the shepherd of this diocese.
—
Each year, Bishop Curlin
takes part with other local religious
leaders in a religious service for those
suffering with HIV/AIDS. He also celebrates Masses and speaks at gatherings for the AIDS community within the diocese. Such kinds of pastoral outreach have had a profound effect in communities across western North Carolina, said one speaker at the House of
Mercy event. "What I can say about Bishop Curlin
is
that he has been a whirl-
wind since he arrived
—
1994 and that's not just in the Catholic Church. That's in the entire community," said Charles Grace, founder of Cummins Atlantic Inc. and a friend of the bishop. "He is everywhere, folks," Grace said. "He is at every church in the diocese. He accepts a tremendous number of speaking engagements in all facets of the community. He works
"Teddy Roosevelt once said, 'What a man does for himself dies with him. What he does for others will live on forever.' That's our man."
in Charlotte in
— Charles Grace
constantly in the promotion of our religion in all of those areas." Grace, who has lived in North Carolina for 30 years, added that "the Catholic population in the Charlotte Diocese is growing by leaps and bounds, so it's necessary for us to
have a leader
who
is
well-respected,
motivated and furthers the Catholic presence in the articulate, highly
community.
"Teddy Roosevelt once said, a man does for himself dies
'What
What
with him.
he does for others our man." Accepting the award, Bishop Curlin reflected on his four decades as a priest and how he feels the same thanksgiving in serving God's people as he had on the day of his ordination. "Here I am, going on 44 years as a priest, and I can still feel that deep sense of devotion and that gratitude to God that I am a priest," he said. He said the priesthood allows him to seek ways of transforming God's love by word and deed into everyday moments of grace, and he invited all those assembled to look for the same. "You never know what your life says to somebody else," he said. "To have the chance to give love is marvelous, in a world that is so filled with
will live
on
forever.' That's
anger and bitterness and criticism. "Jesus always looked to give love."
Contact Associate Editor Jimmy Rostar by calling (704) 370-3334 or email jtrostar@charlottediocese.org
Come
find out about
Natural
C
Catholic Social Services
family Planning Introductory Classes:
2nd Tuesday of every month
Next class: Dec. 12th Upcoming classes:
Jan.9&Feb.13 Fee: $10
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Classes held at
7pm
at the
Charlotte Diocese Pastoral Center 1123 South
Church Street
(4 blocks from Ericsson "Panther" Stadium)
For information, other class locations
and methods, please
call (704)
370-3230.
10 The Catholic News & Herald
November
Readings
24, 2000
Book Review
Book sews tapestry showing
Word to Life
Ireland's fluid social history Reviewed by
ing of 1916, the partition oflreland and the creation of the confessional constitu-
MARK LOMBARD News
Catholic
examines the church's role 1 920s to the 1960s, in Irish neutrality and isolationism during the Second World War, and in wrestling with issues of depopulation, emigration and contraception. With the coming of the "liberal dawn" of the 1960s, Kenny sees old Ireland fading away and the Irish church beginning its decline from its position as "the most dominant continuous influence in Irish life." Kenny is not a detached observer. She confesses that she was a part of a "group of young Irish feminists" that in 1971 defiantly and publicly brought contraceptives from the tional state. It
Service
in state
has been understood for generations that, alone among Englishspeaking lands, Ireland has been primarily Catholic, and that the Republic of Ireland became an independent It
nation because she was Catholic. Yet, in a work that weaves anec-
"Goodbye to Catholic
How
Ireland:
Lost the Civilization they Created," by Mary Kenny Templegate Publishers (Springfield, 111., 2000). 376 pp. $19.95 (paper).
the
Irish
censorship from the late
North into the Irish Republic. She suggests Pope Paul VI's encyclical
dotes, statistics,
news reports from
lic
"Humanae
Vitae" split Catho-
Ireland into conservative and lib-
camps, raised the issue of
— and —
general and Catholic press sources, historical analyses and personal experience, writer and journalist Mary Kenny sews together a tapestry that portrays a fluid social history of a
eral
nation growing and a faith fraying. "Goodbye to Catholic Ireland:
cal
How
the Irish Lost the Civilization
They
Created," initially published in
argues the author, also served to undermine the place of the Catholic Church in the republic, which itself became the target of charges of being a theocracy. Kenny contends that the authority of the Catholic Church, already weakened by the "liberalization of society indeed the sexualization of society" and the precipitous drop in vocations and Mass attendance, was
Kingdom
the subsequent opposition to
the
in
liberation
conflict in
movement.
Northern Ireland,
—
and hearsay can be a suspect mixture in a historical examination, Kenny, 20 years a columnist for London's Sunday Telegraph, successfully offers insight, humor, frankness and pathos in chronicling the causes behind and consequences of this shift. In doing so, she also challenges and debunks the hackneyed stereotypical view of Irish Catholicism, in which insular priests fist
women's
The
modern Irish Catholic experience. While the intermingling of fact
ruled with an iron
"the
archaic Irish law" banning barrier methods of contraception, and propelled the foundation of an anti-cleri-
1997 with the first U.S. edition updated and released in late October, is not an attack on the church but a compelling analysis of the United
damaged, potentially
by 1990s of "horrific and pitiful cases of sex charges against Catholic priests." "The very concept of 'Catholic Ireland' was, by the end of the century, gone," she writes. "The very phrase 'Catholic Ireland' was deemed repulsive, and offensively sectarian." Despite her criticism, Kenny, who seems in this sobering book to be very much an insider in mourning, holds out hope for a resurgent Catholicism in Ireland. Yet after reading her analysis, it is difficult to see on what basis that hope is founded.
over the super-
and gullible faithful. The chronological account of Catholic Ireland moves from the late 19th- and early 20th-century growth in Europe of nationalism and radicalism, through the Irish cultural renaissance, the "sacramental" Easter Ris-
JOHANNUS CHURCH ORGANS America's best value in sound
at the
push of a
my
Revelation 1:5-8 3) Gospel: John 18:33b-37 2)
will be like!"
it
chill.
last
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Truly, I imagined day according to my
grandfather would
be.
child's heart that
have bad dreams as
I
knew
in
would surely soon as my
Then together we would walk back to the house hand' in hand. He would give me a big hug, pat me on the head and eyes closed in sleep.
By BEVERLY CORZINE Catholic News Service Vivid images flash from the pages of Daniel and Revelation, The readings for this weekend have the power to fill our imaginations with awe, curiosity and maybe a twinge of fear. Perhaps some spectacular combination of clouds and sun in
morning or
the early
have to b with us." I
man
in his 70s,
With these words from the Book of
Advent. The omii)o.us iyear 2000 we were dreading with its Y2K is rap-
liant light piercing the clouds often
him
me
to
the Alpha and the
I think of those days I spent long ago with my first and most beloved teacher. Now we celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King, which closes another liturgical year and points to
tall weathand a little girl would watch the sun disappear in glory behind the distant mountains and get lost in deep conversations. Glorious sunsets with shafts of bril-
Bible teacher. He, a
am
"I
Revelation,
my
ered
always
to come, the almighty."
familiar
day.
first
is
Omega," says the Lord God, "the one who is and who was and who is
remember treasured times grandfather who was my
I
with
afraid. Jesus
knew my grandfather had
be right.
day has made us consider that biblical last
"Remember, you don't ever
say:
at the close of
becoming the
idly
past.
For purists
stories that
the real "millennium" waits on the
dealt with angels, the resurrection
horizon of 2001. But as always, grace abounds, for Jesus is always
inspired
to tell
or the end times depicted in the books of Daniel and Revelation. He would give me his view of how the last trumpet of God would sound. I was certain that at some time in his life God had given him a personal preview of Jesus, coming in the clouds. He would light his pipe and say with a great smile,
with
us.
QUESTION: God
loves each of us and de-
sires the physical
and spiritual
well-being of all of us. Have you thought about how God wants you to enflesh his love for others?
and hearing impaired
Readings for the week of Nov. 26 - Dec. 2, 1000 Sunday (Christ the King), Daniel 7:13-14, Revelation 1:5-8, John 18:33-37; Monday, Revelation 14:1-3, 4-5, Luke 21:1-4; Tuesday, Revelation 14:14-19, Luke 21:5-11; Wednesday, Revelation 15:1-4, Luke 21:12-19; Thursday (St. Andrew), Romans 10:9-18, Matthew 4:18-22; Friday, Revelation 20:1-4, 1121.2, Luke 21:29-33; Saturday, Revelation 22:1-7, Luke 21:34-36
First
Luke 21, Matthew
Readings for the week of Dec. 3 - 9, 2000 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2, Sunday of Advent, Jeremiah 33:14-16, 25-28, 34-36; Monday (St. John of Damascus), Isaiah 2:1-5, 1
8:5-11;
Tuesday,
Isaiah
11:1-10,
Luke
Nicholas), Isaiah 25:6-10, Matthew 15:29-37;
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10:21-24;
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Ambrose), Isaiah 26:1-6, Matthew 7:21, 24-27; Friday (Immaculate Conception of Mary), Genesis 3:9-15, 20, Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12, Luke 1:26-38; Saturday (Blessed Juan Diego), Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26, Matthew 9:35-10:1, 6-8
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November 26, Feast of Christ the King Cycle B Readings: 1) Daniel 7:13-14
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370-3225
Special Ministries; Gerard A. Carter (704) 370-3250
Charlotte Region: 11 23 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 Area Director: Ceri King (704) 370-6155 Western Region: 50 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Area Director: Sister Marie Frechette (828) 255-0146 Piedmont-Triad: 621 W. Second Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27108 Area Director: David Harold (336) 727-0705
Greensboro Satellite Office: (336) 274-?577 High Point Hispanic Center: (336) 884-5858 For information on specific programs, please call your local office.
November
24, 2000
New take on By
Grinch yields mixed results
NEW YORK
—
brings the classic tale Grinch Stole Christmas" (Universal) to the big screen with mixed results.
from
book and 1966 Chuck Jones cartoon adaptation of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" are so wonderful, one original Dr. Seuss'
to touch the tale even with a 39-
edgy
feel,
Howard went
proval. Seuss' original story
retold
is
the last third of the film, where viewers hear the familiar rhymes and see the mean-spirited Grinch disguise himself as Santa Claus, sneak into the town of Whoville on Christmas Eve in
steal all the residents' presents.
The
first two-thirds of the film psychoanalyze why the Grinch hates Christmas, coming up with a story of unrequited puppy love on a fateful Christmas Eve that sent the spurned Grinch to the top of Mount Crumpit
mm a mmji VGA O SVGA #»
CNS v
to loathe the
The
film's
really counts
Momsen, who
and the yuletide
shares no chemistry with Carrey and offers a wince-worthy little ditty in which the 8-year-old laments
message
is
that
what
caring for family, friends and neighbors, not the gifts or the glitter associated with Christmas. (It is ironic, though, that a film that takes a swipe at commercialism is offering so much tie-in merchandise, just in time for Christmas.) Although the film's sentiment is certainly good,
the passing of her carefree days.
is
it is
Carrey gets to throw out numerous zippy one-liners (many aimed at chaperoning parents) with manic speed, but the film as a whole plays like a series of stretched-out skits clumsily strung together. And the elaborate and fanciful sets, with colorful stores and homes teetering perilously forward, appear dinky, like a poor man's "Wizard of Oz." The result is that Carrey takes in the viewer, even if the rest of the film does not. For better or for worse, moviegoers can expect to see more of Dr. Seuss' books translated onto the big
a secularized expla-
nation that omits the real importance of
Christmas, namely the commemoration
of Christ's birth, which was stated more explicitly in the cartoon by the depiction of the East star in the sky.
Nearly unrecognizable under a mask and hand-dyed fur,
Carrey offers
it seems production for "The Cat in the Hat" is already under way. As far as the Grinch goes, Carrey seems to have stolen more
screen, as
a surprisingly
good rendition of the Grinch, with glimpses of the familiar Carrey rubber
popping out every so often. The gravely voice he has created for the Grinch, a cross between a dopey Jimmy Stewart and a wrathful Sean Connery, adds a lively dimension to the character.
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Taylor Momsen and Jim Carrey star in a scene from Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas." The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is AII — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested.
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than just Christmas.
The humor in "Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas" is tame enough
for pre-teens to enjoy as well. Because of some crass humor, including mild sexual innuendo, the U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG parental guidance suggested.
hair-lipped
townsfolk dressed in their bright costumes and running anxiously around Whoville fade into the background, with none of the film's other stars making much of an impression. This includes
Sawalha) and her hen pals cooped up in a British egg farm who, with the help of a flying Yankee rooster (voice of Mel Gibson), must escape the cruel clutches of the egg farmer (voice of Miranda Richardson) before she turns them into chicken pies. Though the story line lags in parts and some jokes may go over children's heads, fantastic anthropomorphized features and the narrative's witty details make directors Peter Lord and Nick Park's first full-length feature both visually pleasing and cleverly amusing despite a few intense moments. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-I general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of
—
America rating
—
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compositions such as Gershwin's
1919 "Firebird" suite, while keeping Stokowski's "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" from the original 1940 movie. State-of-the-art animation, backed by James Levine conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, results in a felicitous wedding of beautiful sounds to colorful, sometimes whimsical images that may delight children and their parents. The U.S. Catholic Congeneral ference classification is A-I patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is general audiences. (Disney)
—
G—
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for the Holidays" (1995) Uneven comedy about a stressed-
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ate age
In the brightly decorated town of Whoville, the residents are busy with their yuletide preparations, which consist mainly of buying, buying and more buying. The Whos have caught the commercialism bug, all except for
and
the U.S. Catholic Conference Office
Catholic Conference classification
and-a-half-foot pole.
more
The fol-
Motion Picture Association of America
wonders why filmmakers would
kerbobbled over the shopping and all the hoopla and wonders what the true meaning of Christmas is. Hoping to give the classic fable a
—
for Film and Broadcasting. Each videocassette is available on VHS format. Theatrical movies on video have a U.S.
later the
want
(CNS)
lowing are home videocassette reviews
How The
"Dr. Seuss'
NEWS SERVICE
By CATHOLIC
News Service YORK (CNS) Director
Ron Howard
The
Video Reviews
ANNE NAVARRO
Catholic
NEW
The Catholic News & Herald 11
Enfert errammen
is
A-III
Picture
—
adults.
Association
—
The of
are
PG-13 parents strongly cautioned. Some mate-
rial
may
America rating
under
is
be inappropriate for children
13.
(Paramount)
12 The Catholic News & Herald
Making Time
The Pope
Speaks
Pope praises international law againstworst kinds of child labor JOHN NORTON
By
News Service CITY (CNS)
Catholic
VATICAN Paul
II
praised a
new
—
Pope John
international law aimed
at eradicating some of the worst kinds of child labor as a "major contribution" to the defense
of children. In a telegram to Juan Somavia, directorgeneral of the International Labor Organization, the pope said he hoped that all of the ILO's member states would quickly ratify and fully apply the "Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention" or Convention 182, which came into force as international law
The law
Nov.
19.
requires signatories to prohibit
and eliminate forms of child labor
like slavery,
prostitution, pornography, forced service in
drug trafficking and all other work "harmful or hazardous to the health, safety or morals of girls and boys under 18 armed
conflicts,
years of age." In his telegram, released at the Vatican Nov. 20, the pope said, "No one can remain indifferent to the suffering of countless children who fall victim to intolerable exploitation and
What
new baby, new job and the list goes on. But you know what, with the end of the year fast approaching, now is the perfect time to take just a moment to reflect on what we have done for others this year. Have you done any volunteer work in your community or parish? Have you given any of your "wealth" earned this year to your parish, Catholic school, Catholic agency, the diocese or the diocesan foundation? It is not too late to do any of these things, but we can help you make informed decisions about
agency, the diocese or the diocesan foundation. With the dramatic increases in investment markets over the past decade, those who decide to make gifts funded with appreciated securities may reap additional financial benefits this year. If you own stocks, bonds or mutual funds that have increased in value over the years, using them to make gifts to the Church can bring you deductions on your tax return next spring. Keep in mind that gifts must be made before Dec. 31, 2000, to be deductible on your 2000 tax return. Although mutual fund gifts can take from 6 to 8 weeks, it is not too late to make stock gifts before the end of the year. Gifts of appreciated securities you have owned for at least one year provide you with a deduction for the full current value of the property. You are generally allowed to deduct the value of such gifts in amounts equal to as much as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. In addition, you can avoid the capital gains tax on the stock's increase in value. You may think that making a gift of securities will be too complicated. Actually, the diocese has a set of easy instructions to provide all the informa-
estimates that
some 250
million
children aged 5-14 are victims of child labor around the world, half of them working full time.
Of
these,
it
says tens of millions are
caught in the worst forms of labor targeted by Convention 182.
Pope accepts retirement of
Paul
(CNS)
—
Pope John
has accepted the resignation of Bishop A. Lucker of New Ulm, Minn., the Vatican announced Nov. 17. Bishop Lucker, 73, who has headed the New Ulm Diocese since 1976, was diagnosed with melanoma last year. He underwent surgery for it, but was told by doctors that his cancer may recur and could II
Raymond
become terminal. He had said he wanted to retire and was awaiting the Vatican's acceptance of his resignation.
Reflection
FATHER JOHN ALLEN Guest Columnist
GINA M. RHODES Guest Columnist
tion
needed to either make
a gift
through electronic
transfer or to donate physical stock certificates for
the benefit of your parish or a diocesan entity. It is
always a good idea to consult with your
financial advisors about gift options best suited for
your personal situation. Gifts to your parish, Catholic school, agency or the diocese help to strengthen the community and provide the support needed for the ministry of the Church in Western North Carolina. If you would like to make a meaningful gift this holiday season one to sustain the Catholic faith make your plans today.
—
—
For more information about making gifts of appreciated securities or other types ofyear.-end gifts, please feel free to contact me at the Diocese of Charlotte, 1 123 South
Church Street, Charlotte, North Carolina: 2 8203, (704) 370-3320.
Gina Rhodes
is
the director
ofplanned givingfor
the
Diocese of Charlotte.
limitations. Christ entered her life in the most profound way as she received her First Holy Communion at the Shrine of Our Lady. My thoughts turn to eight-year-old Amanda Wall, the recipient of a miraculous healing, a fellow pilgrim to Rome for the canonization of St. Katharine Drexel in October. Amanda came with her family to thank God for the healing of total deafness, an event which Pope John Paul II declared to be a miracle the one, in fact, that led to
—
Advent in the Great Jubilee Year One of my most enduring childhood memories of Advent is the preparation our family made of the Christmas
many
crib.
Down
from the
attic
would come
boxes, each containing statues of the ones
who
were present at our Lord's nativity. How I looked forward to unwrapping those images: angels and wisemen, shepherds and sheep, and finally the images of the Holy Family. I have often thought that this cherished and familiar experience is much like what the Church does for us in the season of Advent. From the pages of Scripture, the Church unwraps and presents to us all those holy men and women
whom God
Bishop Lucker
VATICAN CITY
Giving
our eyes to the joy and wonder of His presence. I think of a seven-year-old girl named Courtney whom I met in Lourdes with her parents this past May. Courtney and her parents came to pray with so many others for a healing of her many physical
Advent
tion will be a
24, 2000
Planned
...
your charitable giving. Many generous people in the diocese set aside time during the holidays to make special gifts to support their parish, Catholic school, Catholic
He
expressed confidence "that the convenmajor contribution to the defense of children who are powerless to defend themselves against the harm done to them by individuals in whom the voice of conscience has been silenced or by the social structures which enable the strong to trample on the rights of the weak." The pope said he hoped that the ILO's 175 member states would quickly implement the convention "so that the young of the world, who are born in the image of God, may be allowed to grow and develop in a way worthy of their inalienable human dignity." As of Nov. 20, nearly 50 countries, including the United States and Canada, had ratified the convention, unanimously adopted by ILO members in June 1999.
for Giving
a year to say the least
violence."
The ILO
November
Editorials & Columns
As
used to prepare the
way
of salvation.
the Advent season prepares our hearts to cel-
ebrate the birth of Christ, the Church directs our atten-
two comings: His glorious return at the end of time as well as His appearance in our world as a tiny tion to His
child.
Both events
As we
fill
us with joy and anticipation.
celebrate the
Advent season, we must
all
be conscious that we have been living in a year of extraordinary grace and favor, the year of the Great Jubilee. Countless members of the human family have responded in faith to the invitation of our Holy Father to "Open wide the doors to Christ." In a remarkable way, God continues to use other people, old and young, rich and poor, to open
Mother Katharine's canonization. I
think of the joy that will be in the hearts of
who have
returned home to the Catholic year through Initiation and through reconciliation. I think of so many young men and women who have found the grace this jubilee year to respond to God's call to serve Him as priests and religious. I think of the young couples who have committed their lives in faith this year in the sacrament of marriage. I think of the joyful anticipation of so many preparing to welcome new life through birth and adoption. I think of the extraordinary faith of those who have experienced suffering and loss with great hope. I think of the countless acts of sacrifice, forgiveness and charity that have been extended in families and in communities. As we light the first Advent candle of this jubilee year, let us be attentive to the voices of all who call us to be aware of the presence of Christ. May our lives and hearts be filled with joyful anticipation and quiet vigilant waiting as we prepare for the dawn of our salvation. those
Church
this
Father John Allen is pastor of St. Michael Parish in Gastonia and the bishop 's assistant for vocations.
November
24, 2000
Editorials
Light
ourselves from tearing something down. The coming of Advent brings a wonderful reminder of someone who chose to "do no harm" and wound up part of God's greater plan for our good.
One
Candle
We
know
the story of the Annunciation,
the angel Gabriel appeared to
FATHER THOMAS
J.
McSWEENEY Guest Columnist
First, "It's
The Catholic News & Herald 13
& Columns
Do No Harm
better to light one candle than curse the
darkness."
Back in 1945, Father James Keller, M.M., the founder of The Christophers chose this Chinese proverb as the organization's motto. He wanted it to remind people to keep the accent on the positive. Fr. Keller was known for his idealism, but he also had a reputation as a very practical man. I think that's why he often advised people that, no matter what the circumstances, "Don't make a situation worse."
At first glance, those don't seem to be very hopeful or even helpful words. After all, can't we do Can't we do something good rather than simply avoiding what's bad or wrong, or just a mistake? I think it takes a certain amount better than that?
of maturity to realize that just as people have a great capacity for accomplishment, we also have the potential for failure, even when we have the best intentions. That's just part of being a living, breathing member of the human race. A translation of the ancient Hippocratic oath of physicians includes the admonition, "First, do no harm." This is a good starting point for us, whoever we are and whatever we do. Before we can build something up, we may first have to stop
when
:
him
in a dream and said, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.'" (Matthew 1:20-21) So Joseph chose God's plan for his own and became the head of the Holy Family. During Advent, many people prepare for the coming of Christ by special prayers and acts of charity and penance. Consider adding your determination to do good by first doing no harm: keep silent when you could make a hurtful comment; listen when you would rather talk; think things through before jumping to conclusions; pause and reflect before taking action. You might even restrain yourself from cursing the darkness. And then light one candle.
Question
"beams of light" emanating from the face of Moses. The King James Version tions refer rather to
says that "the skin of In 1986 a
New
Moses
shone."
more extenwas published under the aus-
Latin Vulgate, based on
sive biblical scholarship,
pices of the Vatican Library.
This edition says simply
was radiant, a translation similar to the one used in most Bibles today. In other words, Michelangelo followed the lead of the most acceptable Scripture translation available. He would likely do it differently if he were that the skin of Moses' face
creating his
Moses
today.
Gargoyles atop churches Q.
Our son
Germany and has visited many of and cathedrals in Europe built 1600 A.D.
lives in
the beautiful churches
from around 800
to
FATHER WILLIAM BYRON, SJ
CNS
J.
Columnist
Part V: The Principle of
Human
Equality
Human of
human
equality derives from the principle dignity.
Differences in talents possessed by human persons are a part of God's plan, but discrimination at the level of fundamental human rights is not.
—
Our natural endowments what we bring with us into the world explain what might be called "natural differences" in the
—
human community. They make possible riety that enriches the human condition.
a va-
Life, therefore, can often be uneven without necessarily being unfair or unjust; the unevenness makes life interesting and challenging,
though
sometimes brings pain and sadness. be born healthier or brighter than another, but those natural advantages are not taken at the expense of the other. It is possible, however, for one person's gain to be it
One person may
—
the result of another person's loss for example, lost income for the many may well have provided funds for the enrichment of the few.
Maybe, but not
necessarily.
Treating equals equally is one way of defining justice, which is also understood classically as rendering to each person his or her due. Underlying the notion of equality is the simple principle of fairness. The principle of human equality might just as well be called the principle of fairness or principle of justice.
Persistent income inequality points to povCan poverty ever be said to be fair? Just?
erty.
Corner
A
simple definition of poverty
is
"sustained
deprivation." In answer to the follow-up question
— "Deprived of what?"— income,
nutrition, health care, education
shelter,
and employ-
ment come immediately to mind. The more probing question, "Sustained by
FATHER JOHN DIETZEN
CNS
what
by whom)?"
(or
calls attention to possible
discrimination, or systemic and structural ob-
Columnist
stacles in society that are
symptoms of something
other than unevenness; they point to injustices.
wore
a horned face ("fades cornuta"). Horns, of course, appear throughout the Bible as symbols for God's power and majesty. For example, the lamb in Revelation (5:6) has seven horns. Luke (1:69) speaks of God raising up a "horn for our salvation." In addition, specialists in Near East history tell us that masks made from the horned skulls of cattle were known in that period, apparently in the context of religious or civil ceremonies. This is certainly how Michelangelo came to include the horns on his statue. Since then, transla-
Social Thought
to tell her that
she would bear a child who would be the Messiah, the Son of God. Her wholehearted agreement, her "Yes" to God, has resounded through history. But Joseph, too, said "Yes," after he first said "No" to hurting his beloved betrothed, Mary. The Gospel of Matthew (1:19) tells us that "Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly." The alternative could have been far worse than disgrace. Joseph would have been within his rights if he had sanctioned Mary's death by stoning for the sin of adultery. The story continues after he made his decision to keep what he saw as a terrible, painful situation from turning into a tragedy "But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to
Horns on the Sculpted Head of Moses? Q. Recently, at the tomb ofPope Julius in the Church of St. Peter in Chains in Rome, we saw the statue of Moses by Michelangelo. It's an awesome sculpture. But why does the statue have horns on the head of Moses? I've seen the same since then on the copies of the statue. No one has been able to explain where the horns came from? A. The book of Exodus (34:29-35) describes how the face of Moses was transformed when he came down from Mount Sinai after speaking with the Lord. The Latin Vulgate translation of St. Jerome says the people at the time saw that Moses
Mary
Ten Principles of Catholic
He beasts
is
puzzled, to put
around
the roof line.
away
it
mildly, by the gargoyles, ugly
A tour guide told him they were
Why, he asks, would Christians build churches with pagan idols in such prominent places? A. Gargoyles, as you must know, are spouts, representing some animal or human figure, jutting from the gutters to carry rain water away from the building. There's really nothing that sinister about their presence on religious or other buildings. We know from histories of those days that architects, masons, stonecutters and other craftsmen who labored on these structures for many decades often took the opportunity to be artistic and playful in what could be almost infinitely boring and wearisome work. Add to that the medieval penchant for occasional grotesque, even gruesome, figures in their religious art, and you have more than sufficient reason for what they did. Anybody could do a downspout. It took real imagination and genius to conceive and sculpt a gargoyle. In the religious context of their days, it's not impossible that some elements of superstition or credulousness crept into their motives. There's no evidence, however, that features like gargoyles appeared on these cathedrals as vestiges of pagan influintended
ence.
to
"scare
the evil spints."
Catholics, the Hearers of this tradition of Catholic social thought, clearly believe in the not simply religious importance of education education to protect and cultivate faith, but edu-
—
cation of every person's full
human
potential for
and productive human life. You will search in vain for a person who is well educated and also involuntarily poor. Hence, an important strategic step in poverty's
enjoyment of a
reduction
full
(a social-justice issue) is
sion of sound education.
the provi-
Measures also must housing, good nutri-
be taken to provide jobs, tion and health care, but education can break the cycle of poverty. One simple image helps in detecting injustice. You see it on lawyers' paperweights and office insignia. It is the familiar trays in bal-
ance on a
scale: the scales of justice. If the trays are even, the situation is just. If there is a downside gain taken at the expense of the upside tray, the situation is unjust and calls for
compensatory measures.
The
lawyer's job
is
to
promote just
rela-
tionships, to even up the trays. The good Catholic, committed to the promotion of social justice, has the job of applying strategically the
human equality human community. principle of
for the
good of the
14 The Catholic News & Herald
November
the News
In
24, 2000
Theologians debate virtue of fast food, slow dining By
JOHN THAVIS
—
fare.
Massimo
who
Salani,
teaches at a
theological institute in Pisa, struck a
nerve when he declared that the invasion of Europe by McDonald's and other quick-stop eateries signaled the "complete neglect of the sacred nature
Burgers and
fries
are certainly
not a "Catholic" type of meal, he told the Italian newspaper Avvenire in early November. He said fast food
seems
theologian. "Personally, I don't like the food of McDonald's in a city like Rome, which has exquisite cooking. But it's a question of taste let's not bring religion into it," he said. Father Cottier, who said he usually dines frugally but unhurriedly in his Vatican apartment, acknowledged that eating habits are moving away from sit-down to stand-up in much of the world. It's a reflection of the more
—
correspond more with a
to
Protestant individualism than with the Catholic tradition of community meals.
work
frenetic Italy,
of food."
/
or non-Christian," said Swiss Father Georges Cottier, the papal tant'
News Service As VATICAN CITY (CNS) Americans gathered around the table for Thanksgiving this year, theologians in Italy were debating whether such formal and drawn-out meals were morally superior to fast-food Catholic
where
pace, even in places like
a
sandwich grabbed
mamma's
local bar has replaced
on
to meals,
which we find
in
potential guest, a sign of Christian
excommunicates the ham-
physiological activity. There are strong religious roots here," Father
gian
burger!"
At the Vatican, church took
it all
with a grain of
"These are consider
it
silly
officials
I
don't
a serious argument, that
hamburgers are considered 'Protes-
comes from God and
reflects his glory,"
he
said. In
food seems to correspond
more with a Protestant individualism than with
the Catholic tradition of
community meals.
the past,
not just a
is
Cottier said.
who
has just published a book on foods and the world's religions, said the Christian approach to eating has always been more tolerant
any
—
might
world
also require a deeper moral re-
by carnivores, he
said.
since the very early days have held no food to be inherently pure or impure. The Acts of the Apostles recounts how St. Peter, queasy about a divine command to slaughter and eat the wild beasts of the land, was told: "What God has made clean, you are not to
burger is no than chicken soup. At the Vatican "cafeteria, however, you won't find hamburgers or hot dogs on the menu. The hundreds of Vatican employees who dine there linger nearly an hour over a threecourse meal that typically features pasta or soup, meat or fish, vegcall profane." In itself, a
less virtuous
charity. "In this sense, eating
said,
In any case, he said, Christians
families also set a place for a
Salani,
salt.
things.
that "all this
For one thing, he
food can be an occasion of sin, if eating it turns into an act of disrespect for oneself through binge eating, for example. But in the case of meat, eco-
in early
November. He said fast
—
—
a sin?
possible, according to Father
flection
Avvenire
the Bible, where it speaks of special feasts and fasting periods, for ex-
some
Can eating-meat be
logical consequences in today's
the Italian newspaper
civilization needs to reflect
with their hands." Other papers picked up the story, adding the piquant headline: "Theolo-
—
type of meal, Salani told
the Christian vision there's a deeper
meaning
Some have questioned whether vegetarians might not hold the moral high ground in the modern food de-
Cottier.
fries are
certainly not a "Catholic"
pasta
Avvenire chimed in with its own lambasting the "monstrous regression" represented by fast food: "People eat anything, at any hour, in not together with any way, next to anyone. They eat standing up,
—
Burgers and
more. So does the church. In
this
that mealtime should not just be a "consumerist" event. The catechism says little about eating,, except to warn against excess or abuse of food and drink.
It's
for lunch.
"Our
young people
bate.
at a
ample," Father Cottier said. another Prayer before meals declining tradition reminds people
editorial,
than that of other faiths. It has no taboo foods, for example, and generally leaves eating choices up to human freedom. But Salani thinks this freedom has been distorted in modern Western civilization. The increase in anorexia and bulimia are symptoms that
meals have become moments for "relieving stress" in contrast with the church's traditional promotion of a healthy and balanced approach to eating, he said. Salani thinks the "Catechism of the Catholic Church" should dedicate
—
more space
wine and coffee. no golden arches have been
etables, dessert,
So
far,
spotted inside the Vatican walls.
to the topic, to help teach
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PRAYERS & INTENTIONS
November
24, 2000
In
Triad parish dedicates athletic facility
—
GREENSBORO Signs of growth at St. Pius X Church and School in Greensboro were evidenced Nov. 19 with the dedication and blessing of a new
Pastoral, from page was
Father Anthony Marcaccio, current pastor, presided at the ceremony dedicatnew Reverend Francis T. Connolly Athletic Center, named in honor of the now-retired diocesan priest who served as pastor of St. Pius X Church from 1994 until earlier this year. Father Connolly, who now resides in Boone, attended the event. Festivities included a performance by the school's cheerleading squad, basketball shooting and free throw contests, and refreshments. The $800,000 facility has a complete sound system, electronic scoreboard, hardwood maple floors, retracting bleachers, locker rooms, a refreshment area and indoor and outdoor court facilities. The gym will host the 2001 PECSAA Basketball Tournament, which is held at the end of the regular season for Triad-area parochial schools. Funding for the project came from gifts from private citizens, corporations and the parish and school communities. In the 1990s, the school community at St. Pius X more than doubled in size. Current enrollment is at 500, and the new gymnasium winds up a major parish expansion that began in 1997. Construction on the gym started last spring and was completed in the fall.
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ELECTRIC
The Catholic News & Herald 15
the News
worker
at a chicken plant, the bishop added, "you dare not speak up."
Bishop John J. McRaith of Owensboro, Ky., said poultry was the first
industry to be so heavily concen-
trated in the hands of a few; pork and
beef are also consolidating. "We have a love affair with bigness. Bigger is better," he said, adding that such size is "very costly. Somebody's paying the price, not. only for bigness but for cheap food." Bishop William R. Houck of Jackson, Miss., said that because of industry concentration, the "owners have absolute control almost up and down over the lives of the people who work for them and supply them." He added, "By issuing this (pastoral) and having people read and reflect on it, they can become aware of the issues raised in it."
Rather than ask people to eat McRaith said, "it seems to me we are faced with the fact that, as the farmer would say, "free-range" chicken, Bishop
the horse
out of the barn." The issue is "how you bring this industry, or any industry, to the point of treating people with dignity," he added. "We're heading to a nation's 'Onlybank' with all the mergers," Bishop Friend said. "Will we have 'Food Inc.' as the only producer of goods in this country?" He pointed to Lake Providence, La., a city in his diocese that he said has been called "the poorest town in America" because of the "rearrangement of capital investment." is
"We moving more and more toward financial capital and moving away from human capital," he added.
"going on for a long, long time," but "I hear people talking about it as if they'd just heard about it." Making changes in the poultry industry will require a sustained effort, he added; "Some that's been sick for a long time is likely to be very sick." In the document, the bishops say while it focuses on the poultry industry they are not singling it out as unique. Rather it is "an example of
Bishop William R. Houck of Jackson, Miss., said that
because of industry concentration, the "owners have absolute control almost up and down over the lives of the people who work for them and supply them." He added, "By issuing this (pastoral) and having people read and reflect on it, they can become aware of the issues raised in it."
other businesses, in agriculture and manufacturing, which share the same challenges."
Assisting the Catholic Committee of the South with the pastoral statement, in addition to many diocesan officers
and personnel, were the Ala-
bama Contract Poultry Growers Institute; Delmarva Poultry Justice Alliance; Glenmary Home Missioners; National Interfaith Committee for
Worker
Justice; and Sacred Heart Monastery community in Cullman,
Ala.
Also assisting were St. Anthony Press; St. Benedict Monastery community in Pittsburgh; United Food and Commercial Workers Union; and Women's Center for Economic Alternatives of Ahoskie, N.C.
Messenger
Bishop Friend also pointed to shrinking biodiversity here and elsewhere. "The ag culture in our country is undergoing radical change ... whether that's locally or even nationally," he said. "We need to look at that more deeply than we have." Bishop McRaith said the changes in the poultry industry have been
Editor's Note:
pastoral
is
The full
text
http:// www.poultry-pastoral.org.
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16 The Catholic News & Herald
November
Living the faith
24, 2000
New Orleans teacher's relic By
RON BROCATO
Catholic
NEW
News Service
ORLEANS(CNS)
close to
God
—
Jo-
he was and that he had been
seph Fradet has always
felt
intended to achieve something special.
At
first,
Fradet thought
it
would
be the priesthood, but his brief studies at Notre Dame Seminary in the New Orleans Archdiocese went for naught.
Fradet
Instead,
Ignatia O'Rourke, a Daughter of was the first of nearly 1,100 relics and artifacts Fradet has collected in the ensuing years. As the collection grew, Fradet needed to find a suitable place to house the religious items. He ended up buying the Daughters of Charity Charity,
became
a
teacher and has spent more than 30 years educating young people from the Dakotas to New Orleans. It has been a gratifying career, but Fradet knew there was still a void in his life; his mission was yet unfulfilled.
But the void was filled in 1984. "The Lord came to me in a dream and said, T will bless you with a Fradet recalled in an interview with the Clarion Herald, New Orleans' Catholic newspaper. "Then I rerelic,'"
convent, a stately 10,157-square-foot, 38-room, three-story mansion in New Orleans. He purchased it from the order's provincial headquarters in St.
Louis for $185,000. Amazingly, the chapel in the mansion is the same one in which Sister Ignatia, now in her 80s,
took her vows. It still has the original altar, holy water fonts and crucifix, but Fradet bought Stations of the Cross, artwork and
pews
for
it.
Closing the purchase was not easy. He had to sell two properties he owned in another town and his main
New
ceived a relic from a nun. It was a relic of the true cross on which Jesus was
Orleans, as well as cash in his retirement fund. He got approval for a loan, bought the build-
crucified."
ing and
The
relic
given to him by Sister
residence in
months
moved
in.
That was 26
CNS photo by
He tial
has since renovated the pala-
building, furnishing every room,
purchasing pricey showcases for his collection and shelves for his library. Most of the relics and artifacts occupy a large room on the second
ago.
was the
floor that
sisters' recreation
room. houses three classes of relics: which is part of a saint's body; second-class, part of clothing or anything used by the saint during his or her life; and third-class, other objects such as a piece of cloth that has been touched to a first-class relic. They're from every continent, It
first-class,
displayed by country, and includes relics of
Katharine
St.
Wkat's
Tke road we kave
Road Like Up jAkead?
Tke only must en J tke
different for eack of us.
certainty
tke
Drexel, Blessed to travel is verv
is
tkat
we
all
journey some day.
you take tke time to prepare for tkat journey's end now, your family and favorite parisk, sckool, and diocesan ministry will ke If
supported.
A
will is
an
essential part o f tkat
"
For the free hooklet "How to Make a Will that Works, 1 call Gina Modes at (704) 370-3320 or sen a the coupon below.
PLease sen J me
the hooklet
"How
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NAME ADDRESS
cm
Francis Xavier Seelos,
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"The Lord
Mail to: Gina Rhodes Director of Planned Giving Diocese of Charlotte, 1 123 South (jhurc h Street, Charlotte,
relic-
world,
There chalices,
ald.
"The Lord made
this possible.
think he knew I would take care of these things; that I would not desecrate them," Fradet added. Word of the local collection has I
'I
will
slowly spread through the community, and since January Fradet has
a
shown
bless
Fradet
254
an interview with
newspaper. "Then
I
never
asked for a donation because I got most of these things for free
New
and
relic
from a nun.
It
wouldn't to
Fradet said. "Only once did I accept money from a ask
relic
I
know what
received
rosaries and reli-
a
visi-
tors.
Orleans' Catholic
ing fragments from saints. One relic on display he said was sent to him by someone at the
his collec-
tion to
are
cloths,
you're really
to find your name. I belong to a worldwide order in Portugal. They made me a member and my name has spread through word of mouth," he told the Clarion Her-
the Clarion Herald,
Seton.
was a
for,"
—
of the true cross on
busload of people
which Jesus was crucified."
from Lafayette
who toured
the
collection.
—
"But
Vatican it is a piece of thread from a purple robe believed to have been
more
worn by
left.
Jesus.
Fradet said he received many of the relics for a donation, but most of them were given to him. "This area is for Italian saints, this for saints from Belgium, here Portugal, here Yugoslavian saints," he said as he moved from case to
jects,
if
"I
recalled in
EgyptAsked how he authenticated
NC 28203
"In the
interested in relics, people are going
relic,"'
There are many more pieces from the Philippines, Mexico, Australia, Spain, Venezuela and
tors.
dream and said,
case.
PHONE
international organization of collec-
came to me in
you with a
,000 relics that
1
St.
Frances Xavier Cabrini and St. Elizabeth Ann
quaries contain-
overall plan for your kfe's journey.
Frank J. Methe, Clarion Herald
Joseph Fradet of New Orleans shows one of his more than he has acquired over the last six years.
the ob-
Fradet said he belongs to an
now
I'm worried.
cases and
I
have
little
I
need
money
I don't know how long I can continue to live here on a teacher's
salary," said Fradet,
who
teaches in
an alternative school. Most of his students, sixththrough eighth-graders, are assigned by the juvenile court system because they cannot function in a mainstream educational setting. "I've invested all
I have into this have no retirement," he said. "I'd hate to sell this house. God brought me to this dream. I don't believe God gave me such holy
and
I
ground
lightly."