Feb. 3, 2012

February 3, 2012

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org S E RV I N G C H R I ST A N D C O N N EC T I N G C AT H O L I C S I N W E ST E R N N O R T H C A R O L I N A

CATHOLIC IDENTITY UNDER SIEGE

Marching for life D.C. draws enthusiastic crowd in spite of rainy weather,

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Cathedral renovations begin, 5 INDEX Contact us.......................... 4 Español......................... 18-19 Events calendar................. 4 Our Parishes................... 3-7 Our Faith............................. 2 Schools......................... 16-17 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies................. 20-21 U.S. news..................... 22-23 Viewpoints.................. 26-27 World news................. 24-25

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY UNDER THREAT: N.C. bishops, others decry HHS contraception mandate as violation of religious freedom,

3 MARRIAGE BATTLES HEAT UP: Issue faces lawmakers, voters in several states – including North Carolina,

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FUNDED by the parishioners of the diocese of charlotte THANK YOU!

‘Called to Serve’ 2012 Diocesan Support Appeal campaign starts this week,

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Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | February 3, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Paul Miki and the 26 Martyrs of Japan Feast day: Feb. 6

Pope Benedict XVI

True freedom, strength come when human will guided by God

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nly by fully following God’s will can humanity find true freedom and the strength to bear the fear or suffering in one’s life, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“Only by conforming one’s own will to the divine does the human person reach his true greatness – becomes divine,” he said. Only by shedding one’s own interests and goals for God’s does humanity obtain what everyone wants: “to be completely free,” the pope said.

Speaking at his weekly general audience Feb. 1, Pope Benedict continued his catechesis on prayer by highlighting Jesus’ intense prayer to His father in the garden of Gethsemane.

Jesus understood the hour of betrayal and death was near, and His prayer “reveals His human fear and anguish,” the pope said.

Though He implored God to “take this cup away from Me” and spare Him, Jesus quickly showed His complete obedience to His Father’s will when He added, “not what I want, but what You want.”

It’s not always easy to discern and comply with what God wants.

But it will help, the pope said, if people “learn to trust more in God’s providence” and pray every day for the strength to step out of oneself and step up to God’s plan.

When praying the “Lord’s Prayer” every day, one is asking that God’s “will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” the pope said.

The prayer shows that not only does God have a plan for everyone, “we also recognize that it is in heaven where God’s will is done and that the earth becomes heaven – a place where there is love, goodness, truth, divine beauty – only if the will of God is done.”

Just as Jesus used prayer to draw strength to sustain Him through times of immense suffering and anguish, so must men and women today use prayer to sustain them and “bring before God our troubles, suffering, the daily task of following (God), of being Christian and also the burden of evil that we see in us and around us.”

It’s God, he said, who brings hope and light and always stays near His children, even during their moments of great trial.

The pope asked that people grow closer to Christ day by day and follow God’s will, even if to do so entails great pain and sacrifice, so that “a little bit of God’s heaven is brought to earth.”

Born to a wealthy military leader in 1562 at Tounucumada, Japan, Paul Miki felt called to religious life at a young age. He became a Jesuit in 1580 and was soon widely known as a successful evangelist. In 1587, the political climate became hostile to Christianity, when the Japanese emperor became suspicious of the Catholic missionaries that had followed in St. Francis Xavier’s footsteps a few decades earlier and were converting large numbers of Japanese. He accused the missionaries of “corrupting and stirring up the lower classes” and ordered them all out of the country. Miki and 25 other missionaries and laypeople, including three teenaged boys, were arrested in 1597 for disobeying his edict.

Over the next 30 days, they were forcibly marched 600 miles through the snow from Kyoto to Nagasaki so that they could be a warning to other Japanese Christians. On Feb. 5, 1597, as the group approached the hill in Nagasaki where they were to be tied to crucifixes measured especially for each of them, they all sang the Te Deum.

More than 4,000 residents of Nagasaki – many of them Catholics who were crying and praying – witnessed the executions.

Miki’s last sermon was delivered from the cross: “All of you who are here, please, listen to me...

I have committed no crime, and the only reason why I am put to death is that I have been teaching the doctrine of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I am very happy to die for such a cause, and To learn more see my death as a about the day in great blessing from 1597 when the 26 the Lord. At this Martyrs were crucified critical time when, and the memorial you can rest assured that now stands in that I will not try to Nagasaki, go online to deceive you, I want www.26martyrs.com. to stress and make it unmistakably clear that man can find no way to salvation other than the Christian way. The Christian religion tells us to forgive our enemies and those who do harm us, and so I say that I forgive the emperor and those responsible for my death. I have no hatred for the emperor; indeed, I wish that he and all the Japanese would become Christians.”

In another account of his final preaching, he was recorded as also saying, “The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason that I die. I believe that I am telling the truth before I die. I know you believe me and I want to say to you all once again: Ask Christ to help you become happy. I obey Christ. After Christ’s example, I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will

A saintly life

More online

“Christian Martyrs Of Nagasaki,” by an unknown Japanese artist, circa 16th-17th century fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain.”

Like his 25 companions, Miki died on the cross after being stabbed through the chest with a lance. He was just 30 years old, but he was not the youngest in the group: St. Louis Ibaraki was 12, St. Anthony was 13, and St. Thomas Kozaki was 14. St. Anthony’s parents were at the foot of his cross to witness their son’s bloody killing.

Persecution of Christians continued for another 300 years. Thousands of Catholic missionaries and the faithful – including their spouses and children – were imprisoned, tortured, burned alive, drowned, buried alive, hung or beheaded for the faith. More than 650 martyrs were killed on Martyrs Hill in Nagasaki alone. Japanese Christianity was driven underground until the 1860s, when European missionaries returned and found the faith still alive. In 1889, Japan constitutionally recognized freedom of religion, and in 1919 the country established diplomatic relations with the Vatican.

Miki and his 25 companions, called “The 26 Martyrs of Japan,” were canonized in 1862 by Pope Pius IX, and a shrine was built on the hill in 1962.

— Sources: Catholic News Agency, Catholic Online, 26 Martyrs Museum

The facts of faith The One Redeemer and His mother As Catholics, Mary holds a special place in our hearts.

The Church recognizes her as the most favored and blessed creature of all God’s creation, even being made worthy enough to bear the Christ Child in her undefiled womb.

Some confusion can still exist, however, when the subject of Mary as “co-redemptrix” is brought up. Certainly, we acknowledge her to be a sort of co-redeemer with Christ her Son, but what exactly does that mean? Does it imply that there are two Redeemers: Jesus and Mary?

Absolutely not. The Church firmly recognizes Christ to be the One and only Savior and Redeemer of all mankind.

By giving Mary the title of “Co-Redemptrix,” however, we understand that God permitted her to share in this act of redemption in a very special and intimate way.

Although she didn’t have to, Mary stood at the foot of the cross and offered up all her pains and sufferings as the Mother of God, in union with her Divine Son, for the good of all souls and for their salvation.

She thus fulfilled the ancient prophecy of Simeon as well: “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts will be revealed.”

(Luke 2:34-35) So overall, Mary’s unique place and role as coredeemer with Christ does not take away from His being the only Redeemer, but rather shares in and increases it. We are all called to save the world through Jesus, too, offering up the ordinary and not-so-ordinary actions of each and every day of our lives, uniting them in faith and love to the wondrous Passion, death and Resurrection of our Lord.

— Joseph Bruck

Your daily Scripture readings SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF FEB. 5 - FEB. 11

Sunday, Job 7:1-4, 6-7, 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23, Mark 1:29-39; Monday (St. Paul Miki and Companions), 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13, Mark 6:53-56; Tuesday, 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30, Mark 7:1-13; Wednesday (St. Jerome Emiliani, St. Josephine Bakhita), 1 Kings 10:1-10, Mark 7:14-23; Thursday, 1 Kings 11:4-13, Mark 7:24-30; Friday (St. Scholastica), 1 Kings 11:29-32, 12:19, Mark 7:31-37; Saturday (Our Lady of Lourdes), 1 Kings 12:26-32, 13:33-34, Mark 8:1-10

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF FEB. 12 - FEB. 18

Sunday, Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46, 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1, Mark 1:40-45; Monday, James 1:1-11, Mark 8:11-13; Tuesday (Sts. Cyril and Methodius), James 1:12-18, Mark 8:14-21; Wednesday, James 1:19-27, Mark 8:22-26; Thursday, James 2:1-9, Mark 8:27-33; Friday (Seven Servite Founders), James 2:14-24, 26, Mark 8:34-9:1; Saturday, James 3:1-10, Mark 9:2-13

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF FEB. 19 - FEB. 25

Sunday, Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22, 24-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12; Monday, James 3:13-18, Mark 9:14-29; Tuesday (St. Peter Damian), James 4:1-10, Mark 9:30-37; Wednesday (Ash Wednesday), Joel 2:12-18, 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18; Thursday (St. Polycarp), Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Luke 9:22-25; Friday, Isaiah 58:1-9, Matthew 9:14-15; Saturday, Isaiah 58:9-14, Luke 5:27-32

Our parishes

February 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

The first 20 words of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution are pictured etched into a wall outside the Newseum in Washington, D.C., Jan. 30. The establishment clause prevents the formation of a national religion, and the free exercise clause prohibits religious persecution and discrimination by the government. U.S. bishops are decrying a federal health insurance mandate for all employers to provide free contraception and sterilization services, with little room for religious organizations to receive an exemption based on conscientious objections.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis

We must stand up and protect religious freedom

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ear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I write to you concerning an alarming and serious matter that negatively impacts the Church in the United States directly, and that strikes at the fundamental right to religious liberty for all citizens of any faith. The federal government, which claims to be “of, by and for the people,” has just dealt a heavy blow to almost a quarter of those people – the Catholic population – and to the millions more who are served by the Catholic faithful.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Jan. 20 that almost all employers, including Catholic employers, will be forced to offer their employees’ health coverage that includes sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs and contraception. Almost all health insurers will be forced to include those “services” in the health policies they write. And almost all individuals will be forced to buy that coverage as a part of their policies.

In so ruling, the Administration has cast aside the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, denying to Catholics our nation’s first and most fundamental freedom, that of religious liberty. And as a result, unless the rule is overturned, we Catholics will be compelled either to violate our consciences, or to drop health coverage for our employees (and suffer the penalties for doing so).

The Administration’s sole concession was to give our institutions one year to comply. We cannot – we will not – comply with this unjust law. People of faith cannot be made second-class citizens. We are already joined by our brothers and sisters of all faiths and many others of good will in this important effort to regain our religious freedom. Our parents and grandparents did not come to these shores to help build America’s cities and towns, its infrastructure and institutions, its enterprise and culture, only to have their posterity stripped of their God-given rights. In generations past, the Church has always been able to count on the faithful to stand up and protect her sacred rights and duties. I hope and trust she can count on this generation of Catholics to do the same. Our children and grandchildren deserve nothing less.

And therefore, I would ask of you two things.

First, as a community of faith we must commit ourselves to prayer and fasting that wisdom and justice may prevail, and religious liberty may be restored. Without God, we can do nothing; with God, nothing is impossible. Second, I would also recommend visiting www.usccb.org/conscience, to learn more about this severe assault on religious liberty, and how to contact Congress in support of legislation that would reverse the Administration’s decision. Further updates can be found at www. catholicvoicenc.org.

‘People of faith cannot be made second-class citizens.’

Bishop Peter Jugis leads the Diocese of Charlotte.

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CNS | Nancy Phelan Wiechec

Conscience protection under assault N.C. bishops join opposition to HHS contraception mandate David Hains Diocesan Director of Communication

A rising tide of Catholic anger is being directed toward the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services over new health care guidelines forcing Catholic institutions to provide free contraception in their employees’ health insurance plans.

North Carolina’s two bishops, the U.S. bishops and other religious organizations are urging a peaceful protest of the mandate.

In the guidelines, HHS is mandating that private health insurance plans must cover all FDA-approved prescription contraceptive drugs and devices, as well as surgical sterilization. These are listed among “preventive services for women” that all insurers will have to cover without co-pays or other cost to employees, and include abortifacient drugs such as “ella” and “Plan B.” Faith-based organizations, including Catholic hospitals, universities and charitable groups, object to the mandate because it would force them to provide health insurance coverage for services that violate Church teaching on artificial contraception.

Catholic Voice North Carolina, the non-partisan public policy arm of the state’s two bishops, Peter Jugis of the Diocese of Charlotte and Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh, issued an email alert to more than 4,000 subscribers on Jan. 27 asking them to write, call or fax their elected representatives.

North Carolina’s bishops joined a chorus of religious leaders nationwide, including USCCB president Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, who are seeking an exemption to the mandate based on the long-standing principle of conscience protection in which an individual is not forced by law to violate his or her beliefs.

In the letter the North Carolina bishops asked the faithful to support the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act proposed last week in Congress.

“This measure will ensure that those who participate in the

More inside Read more about the U.S. bishops’ protests of the HHS mandate on page 22.

Learn more n Catholic Voice NC will be providing updates on the HHS mandate at www.catholicvoicenc.org. Membership in the organization is free. n View the video statement by Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, head of the USCCB, at www.usccb.org.

health care system retain the right to provide, purchase or enroll in health coverage that is consistent with their religious beliefs and moral convictions,” the bishops’ letter stated. North Carolina and a majority of other states already provide for a similar religious exemption.

Response to the bishops’ call has been strong: within 48 hours more than 700 emails were sent to congressional representatives. Many, like Ken Davison of Gaston County, expressed outrage over the narrow religious exemption that HHS had set forth: religious employers may be exempted from the contraception insurance mandate only if they serve and employ people primarily of their own beliefs. Davison urged the bishops to “publicly fight back, unambiguously telling every Catholic that this is immoral and illegal.”

The rules take effect in August for private insurers, while religious institutions have been granted a one-year extension to August 2013 before they must comply with the contraception mandate.

Free HHS mandate presentation at Belmont Abbey College BELMONT — In response to the Jan. 20 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mandate that forces virtually all private health care plans to cover sterilization, abortifacients and contraception despite religious objections, the Defense of the Faith Committee of the Order of Malta

is offering a free public presentation from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 at the Haid on the Belmont Abbey College campus.

Belmont Abbey College, along with other religious institutions, have filed a federal lawsuit in opposition to the HHS contraception mandate and are

being represented by the Becket Fund. A representative from the Becket Fund as well as other experts will be part of the presentation.

To RSVP, call Mary Worthington at 704461-6574 or email maryworthington@bac. edu.

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catholicnewsherald.com | February 3, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events ASHEVILLE ST. LAWRENCE BASILICA, 97 HAYWOOD ST. — St. Martin DePorres Dominican Lay Chapter of Asheville Meeting, open to those interested in learning about this group, lower conference room, 7 p.m. Feb. 19. Contact Gail Atkinson at chloris58@ catholic.org or 828-216-7227.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the next two weeks:

BELMONT belmont abbey college, 100 belmont-mt. holly road — Arts at the Abbey: German Baroque Masters Carolina Pro Musica, 8 p.m. Feb. 13. Visit www. carolinapromusica.org.

Feb. 3 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Charlotte Feb. 6 – 6 p.m.

Dedication of New Altar St. Dorothy Church, Lincolnton

— “First Fridays at the Abbey,” 5 p.m. first Fridays, followed by dinner. Information and RSVP at alumni. belmontabbeycollege.edu/firstfriday.

Feb. 10 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Charlotte

CANDLER ST. JOAN OF ARC CHURCH, 768 Asbury Road — Lenten Retreat: “La Familia de Cristo/ The Family of Christ,” led by Father Alex Ortiz and Father Tom Deely, 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 12-16. Visit home.catholicweb. com/stjoanofarcasheville. Call 828-670-0051.

Feb. 15 – 10 a.m.

Diocesan Foundation Board Meeting Catholic Conference Center, Hickory Feb. 17 – 10 a.m.

Finance Council Meeting Pastoral Center

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY, 9408 SANDBURG ROAD — Wednesday Dinners, open to college students in the area, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Contact Sister Eileen Spanier at ccmuncc@gmail.com or 704-717-7104.

— Liturgy Study Group: “A look at the common misunderstandings following Vatican II,” 9:50-11:50 a.m. Feb. 16. Contact Pat Klass at pklass@carolina. rr.com or 704-643-8663.

ST. basil the great eastern mission, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road — Forgiveness Vespers, 4 p.m. Feb. 19. Visit www.stbasil. weebly.com.

ST. LUKE CHURCH, 13700 Lawyers Road — Anointing of the Sick Mass, 10 a.m. Feb. 18. Contact Mary Adams at 704-545-1224.

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY. — “Called to be Mom,” supports the vocation of motherhood, NLC 239/240, 10 a.m.-noon, Feb. 16, March 1, 15 and 19, April 18, and May 2. Childcare available by calling 704-543-7677, ext. 1011, 48 hours in advance. Contact Kerry Long at klong003@ carolina.rr.com or 704-243-6319.

In the Jan. 20 article “Grants available to fight rising poverty in North Carolina,” the website was incorrectly listed. Details on the local Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) Grants program can be found at www.cssnc.org/cchdcrs.

February 3, 2012 Volume 21 • Number 7

1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

704-370-3333 PUBLISHER: The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte

iglesia san marcos, 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, 7-8:30 p.m. el 6, 13, 20, y 27 de febrero, presentado por el Padre Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar

— Charismatic Prayer Group, Choir Room, 7:30-9 p.m.

Mondays. Contact Barbara Gardner at chlt5nc@aol. com.

buscan el bien común.

3. Dar razón de nuestra fe ante aquellos que directa o indirectamente nos cuestionan.

Registrese: www.stmatthewcatholic.org

El objetivo de este curso tiene una triple finalidad: 1. Respetar las creencias de los no Católicos.

2. Colaborar con todas aquellas personas que

ST. PATRICK cATHEDRAL, 1621 DILWORTH ROAD EAST — Scripture Study Program: “Jesus’ Passion — The Story of Redemptive Suffering,” 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays (Feb. 28-March 27). Contact Michelle Rahilly at rahillyhome@carolina.rr.com or Margaret Gustafson at jmgusto@bellsouth.net.

COMUNIQUESE: Donna Smith, dsmith18@bellsouth. net, 704-948-1306, ext. 104

GREENSBORO st. pius x CHURCH, 2210 n. elm st.

— “Learn to Pray the Liturgy of the Hours,” Kloster Center, 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Contact Elliott Suttle at spiusx.lothclass@gmail.com.

ST. peter church, 507 s. Tryon st.

— Ignatian Lenten Retreat: “Into the Desert — Navigating the Dry Times,” Biss Hall, 9 a.m.-noon.

Registration required to ignatianretreat@gmail.com or 704-332-2901. Free parking in the Green parking garage.

ST. thomas aquinas church, 1400 Suther Road — Charismatic Prayer Group, following 7 p.m. Mass Wednesdays

ST. ann church, 3635 Park Road

Correction

Curso en Español: “Fortaleciendo la Fe de los Católicos ante el Proselitismo de los Nuevos Grupos Religiosos”

— “Circle of Friends” Grief Support Group, office conference room, 7 p.m. Thursdays. Contact Robyn Magyar at 704-707-5070.

— Pray the Rosary: for life, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays; for priests and vocations to religious life, 5 p.m.

Saturdays

HENDERSONVILLE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, 208 Seventh Avenue West — St. Francis of the Hills Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan order invites you to a “Come and See.” They meet 1-3:30 p.m. fourth Sundays. Contact Randy Hair, S.F.O., at 828-698-6466 or Tim Gibson, S.F.O., at 828-606-1728.

HIGH POINT IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, 4145 JOHNSON ST. — Free Spanish classes for “beginners” and “advanced,” 7-8:30 p.m. for 8 weeks beginning Jan. 26. Contact Nancy at 336-884-0522 or Dr. Kwan at hinglkwan@ gmail.com.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL church, 6828 old reid road — Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group (CCWG) Reflection with Father David Runnion. His talk will be: “Things I have ‘learned’ the hard way in my faith journey,” following 9 a.m. Mass Feb. 6. Contact Mary Catherine Surface at mcsurface@gmail.com or 704-651-5860.

MOUNT HOLLY

— Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group (CCWG) Evening of Reflection and Holy Hour with Father Glenn Sudano, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 17. Details and registration at www.womensnightofreflection.eventbrite.com.

WINSTON-SALEM

st. JOSEPH church, MOUNTAIN ISLAND HWY. (ROUTE 273) AND SANDY FORD ROAD — St. Patrick’s Day Mass, 8:00 a.m. March 17

OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL, 1730 LINK ROAD — Open House for prospective families, 5-7 p.m. Feb. 23.

Visit www.ourladyofmercyschool.org. st. benedict the moor church, 1625 East 12th St.

DENVER hOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, 537 N. HIGHWAY 16 — Moving On After Moving In (for Women), 10-11:30 a.m. for 10 weeks beginning Jan. 26. Contact Candy at 704-489-1696 or Maureen at 704-489-0544.

— Computer class for persons 50 years and over, 1-2 p.m. Feb. 15. Register at www. forsythcomputertraining.org or 336-703-3079.

Contact Sister Larretta Rivera-Williams at 336-8179661 or Dr. Betty Alexander at 336-767-6414.

— Centering Prayer Group, NLC 206, 7-8:30 p.m. second and fourth Wednesdays. Contact Bruce Hassett at 704-641-9041 or Janie Normile at 803-396-8016.

EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Denise Onativia 704-370-3333, catholicnews@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org STAFF WRITER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org Online reporter: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org

The Catholic News Herald is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 28 times a year.

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facebook.com/ catholic news HERALD Diocese of Charlotte

February 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

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St. Patrick Cathedral renovations under way

Bishop, laity protest blasphemous play set in Charlotte

SueAnn Howell Staff writer

Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

CHARLOTTE — The faithful of the diocese, led by Bishop Peter J. Jugis, are standing up for the Catholic faith by protesting a blasphemous play set to be performed Feb. 2-18 at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte.

“The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told,” an offBroadway play written by Paul Rudnick in 1998 and being performed this month by the Queen City Theatre Company, retells the Creation story with two homosexual couples, portrays Mary as a lesbian and mocks the Virgin Birth.

The play “presents a gleefully outrageous reinterpretation of Creation. Adam and Steve begin their journey in the Garden of Eden. After being banished from Eden, they encounter Jane and Mabel, who insist they were the earth’s original couple,” according to the promotional information on the Queen City Theatre Company and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center websites. The two homosexual couples are then portrayed in various Old Testament stories, ending up in Central Park in modern-day New York, where Steve is suffering from AIDS and Jane is nine months pregnant.

The irreverent play questions the existence of God, features homosexual acts and bestiality, and lampoons heterosexual fidelity.

“The implication that the Blessed Virgin Mary is a lesbian is gravely offensive to Catholics and to all Christians, who hold Mary in the highest regard as the Mother of the Savior,” Bishop Jugis wrote in a Jan. 31 letter to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. “Please do not allow this play to be performed. Please cancel these performances out of consideration for the religious sensibilities of Christians and all people of good will.”

A prepared statement from the Queen City Theatre Company’s artistic director, Glenn T. Griffin, emailed to a Catholic layperson last week, defended the play and refused to cancel it, stating, “QCTC will strive to create theatre that not only entertains but enriches, educates, and challenges our audience. We are a theatre company that is known for producing works that make people think. ... This show will not be closed down.”

Catholics are organizing a Holy Hour of Reparation and Rosary of Reparation during the days the play is set to be performed in Charlotte.

An Act of Reparation is prayer, sacrifice or devotion offered to make amends to Our Lord and Our Lady in response to sin, in this instance the sin of blasphemy. Catholics are organizing to pray before the Blessed Sacrament in any Adoration Chapel, for one hour, during the times this play is being presented on stage.

For details and to sign up, go online to www. signupgenius.com/go/9040F4FAEA72D6-holy.

As of presstime Wednesday, more than 70 people had signed up to participate in the Holy Hour.

Catholics are also planning to stand in peaceful protest on the sidewalk in front of the Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square in uptown Charlotte, 345 North College St., and pray a Rosary of Reparation immediately before the opening night performance. The rosary will be prayed from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2.

Wrote one layperson, involved with organizing and gathering support for the Holy Hour and Rosary of Reparation, in an email, “Please remember, the people for whom we are praying are, in many cases, unaware of their sin. They have never heard the Gospel of the Lord or they have been raised in an environment that was either hostile to Him or which distorted the message of His Love. What we seek to bring them is the message of hope, love, mercy, forgiveness and healing.”

OUR PARISHESI

CHARLOTTE — Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, St. Patrick Cathedral is getting a “sanctuary lift.”

On Jan 30, the cathedral began a $25,000 renovation to relocate the tabernacle, the bishop’s cathedra (chair) and ambo, along with other restoration work. The work is expected to take two to three weeks to complete.

Father Christopher Roux, rector of the cathedral, shared the reasons behind the renovation, which are part of a longer-term restoration of the cathedral.

“The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith,” he said.

“It has always been the custom to have the tabernacle placed in a prominent (usually central) place in a church. In the cathedral, See photos Bishop (Peter) Jugis and updates of desired to have that the renovation custom honored.” online at www.

When St. Patrick catholicnewsherald.

Cathedral was built as com. a parish church in 1939, the marble tabernacle sat on a high altar in the center of the sanctuary. The church went through several renovations, most notably after it became a cathedral when the diocese was formed in 1972.

In renovations in 1979 and later in 1996, the Photo provided by Diocese of Charlotte Archives tabernacle was moved to almost outside the This undated photo depicts the interior of St. Patrick Church in Charlotte years before it sanctuary, near an exterior door. The tabernacle became the Diocese of Charlotte’s cathedral when the diocese was established in 1972. The and a statue of Mary, representing the living tabernacle now stands where the Sacred Heart of Jesus is shown, but during renovations this tabernacle of Our Lord, were positioned on week it will be moved back to the center of the back wall of the sanctuary. either side of the altar. The bishop’s chair, or cathedra, was moved from the side to the middle the carved marble decoration along the center of the back of the sanctuary, directly behind the altar, and a new chair sanctuary wall will be taken down. was fashioned from marble. Marble flooring from the old Eventually, sedilia (from the Latin word for seat) will be sanctuary was removed and used to make the benches built along the right wall of the sanctuary where officiating that now run along the sanctuary’s side walls. The marble priests and deacons will sit. communion rail was also removed and chopped up to form a Also, the cover of the marble baptismal font, which had decorative relief on the center of the sanctuary wall. been sliced in two and mounted as shelving on the back wall In the current renovation effort being done by Henninger’s of the cathedral, will be restored. of Cleveland, Ohio, the tabernacle will be moved back to the Father Roux said he hopes that this initial phase of center of the back wall of the sanctuary, and the bishop’s renovations will be followed by more improvements in the chair will be moved to the left side of the sanctuary. The future, pending diocesan approval. marble ambo, which now sits to the left of the altar, will be During the renovations from Jan. 30 until at least Feb. 10, moved to the right side – as it is customarily placed opposite daily Mass will be celebrated in the Parish Activity Center. the cathedra.

Sunday Masses will continue to be celebrated in the church.

Additionally, the marble benches will be removed, and

More online

Charlotte Catholic Men’s Conference set for Feb. 18 SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — The second annual Charlotte Catholic Men’s Conference, “Being a True Catholic Man,” is coming to St. Matthew Church in Ballantyne on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The scheduled speakers are Father Glenn Sudano, a founding member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, located in the Northeast, and Hector Molina, a Catholic lay evangelist for more than 20 years.

The theme for this year’s conference is: “In this world you will have tribulation, but take courage,” from the Gospel of John 16:33.

Charlotte Bishop Peter J. Jugis will serve as the main celebrant and homilist

More online Read commentaries by Catholic News Herald columnist Rico De Silva about men’s spirituality, including a reflection this week on modern spiritual warfare, online at www. catholicnewsherald.com and at www.cltcmc. org.

at Mass during the conference. Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin will provide a reflection during the Holy Hour.

The Charlotte Catholic Men’s Conference is sponsored by Fathers For Good, an outreach ministry of the Knights of Columbus. Their primary

goal with the conference is to impact attendees to be better Catholic men and more active in their faith, families and parishes.

Hundreds of men attended the 2011 conference held at Charlotte Catholic High School.

In conjunction with the men’s conference, the Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group is sponsoring a “Women’s Night of Reflection” the evening of Feb. 17 for the women of the diocese. Father Sudano will speak, followed by a Holy Hour. This event is free.

The cost to attend the men’s conference is $35 in advance or $40 at the door, with discounts available for students and senior citizens. For more information and to register for the conference, go to www.cltcmc.org.

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catholicnewsherald.com | February 3, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Former Greensboro priest passes away PHILADELPHIA — Vincentian Father Daniel E. Donovan, C.M., of Germantown, Pa., died peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. Father Donovan served at St. Mary Church in Greensboro from 1949 to 1956, and was a member of the Congregation of the Mission Eastern Province.

Donovan A funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at St. Vincent Seminary Community Chapel in Philadelphia. Burial followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheltenham, Pa. Condolences may be sent to his cousin, Patricia Welsh, 3015 Eisenhower Dr., Norristown, PA 19403.

Memorial donations may be made to the Congregation of the Mission, 500 E. Chelten Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144.

Let’s keep talking.

Diocese of Raleigh opens canonization cause for ‘Tarheel Apostle’ Father Thomas Price RALEIGH — Raleigh Bishop Michael F. Burbidge has announced that the diocesan phase for the cause for beatification and canonization of Father Thomas Frederick Price will be opened on March 9. This follows the recent formal transfer of the cause of Father Price from the Archdiocese of New York to the Diocese of Raleigh.

The cause for beatification and canonization of Father Price was originally introduced in the Archdiocese of Hong Kong, where Father Price died in 1919. The transfer of the cause to the Archdiocese of New York was approved by the Vatican in 1992, given the scarcity of time Father Price lived in China and the location of the majority of documentation regarding the life of Father Price in the U.S. at the Maryknoll Catholic Foreign Mission Society in Maryknoll, N.Y. Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect for the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints, recently accepted the recommendation of Cardinal-elect Timothy M. Dolan of New York, and Bishop Burbidge that Father Price’s cause would best be carried out in the Diocese of Raleigh, where Father Price was born and lived most of his life.

To be canonized, a person must have lived a life of heroic virtue – at a level above and beyond the ordinary practice of Christian virtue. Born on Aug. 19, 1860, in Wilmington, N.C., Father Price was

Give your testimony Those who wish to testify pertaining to Father Price, or to report favors received from what they believe to be his intercession, are asked to write to Father Garneau at The Office of the Episcopal Delegate for the Cause of Father Price, P.O. Box 1145, Mount Olive, N.C. 28365.

Pray for the cause Price An evening prayer service will follow the formal opening of the cause of Father Price on March 9 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Raleigh, starting at 6:30 p.m. Charlotte Bishop Peter J. Jugis and Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey will join Raleigh Bishop Michael Burbidge; Father Edward M. Dougherty, superior general of the Maryknoll Catholic Foreign Mission Society; Father James F. Garneau, episcopal delegate for the Cause of Father Price; and Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, postulator of the Cause of Father Price.

the first native North Carolinian to be ordained to the priesthood. Father Price was known by many for his great love of God, his holiness of life, his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and his faithful dedication to priestly ministry.

In the midst of his extensive 25 years of missionary work throughout North Carolina, Father Price developed an interest in dedicating his priestly ministry to the foreign missions of the Catholic Church.

In 1911, together with Father James A. Walsh, Father Price founded the

Congregation of Maryknoll. In 1918, Father Price accompanied the first group of Maryknoll missionaries, who were sent for ministry in China. Shortly after his arrival in China, Father Price died in September 1919, following a brief illness.

The diocesan inquiry to be opened in Raleigh on March 9 will begin the formal study of the life, virtues and the reputation for sanctity of Father Price.

A tribunal will be led by Father James F. Garneau, V.F., Ph.D., pastor of St. Mary of the Angels Church in Mount Olive, N.C.

Providence sister passes away ST. MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. — Sister Petra Daschbach, 92, died Jan. 13, 2012, in Mother Theodore Hall, St. Mary-ofthe-Woods, Ind. She was born on July 8, 1919, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Albert and Estelle McCloskey Daschbach and was baptized Mary Elizabeth.

She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence on Feb. 1, 1939, and professed final vows on Jan. 23, 1948.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Latin from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in Latin from DePaul University.

Of her 72 years as a Sister of Providence, she ministered in education for 42 years, teaching 41 years in high schools in Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. She taught Latin and religion at

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Immaculata Preparatory School in Washington, D.C., from 1965 to 1986.

Hundreds of former students kept in touch with Sister Petra over the years.

Retiring from teaching, she ministered for three years in St. Mary’s Parish Daschbach in Fredericksburg, Va. In 1989 Sister Petra returned to Washington, D.C., where she taught Latin in St. Ann’s Academy and served in the parish office until retirement.

In February 2010, Sister Petra moved to Lexington, N.C., where she dedicated herself to the ministry of prayer and presence in the parish of Our Lady of the Rosary.

In August 2011, Sister Petra came to the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Providence, committing herself totally to the ministry of prayer.

She is preceded in death by three sisters, Rosemary Daschbach, Mildred DeWitt and Barbara Doherty, all of whom graduated from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College; and five brothers, Joseph, Bert, Charles, James and John Daschbach.

She is survived by nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Father Daniel R. Hopcus on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012. Burial was at the cemetery of the Sisters of Providence in St. Mary-of-the-Woods.

Callahan-DeBaun Funeral Home of Terre Haute, Ind., was in charge of the arrangements.

February 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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This Valentine’s Day, St. Mark parishioners will celebrate sacrament of matrimony David Hains Director Of Communication

HUNTERSVILLE — St. Valentine’s Day is more than Cupid’s bow and a box of chocolates for Grand Knight Alex Sabo of the Knights of Columbus at St. Mark Church in Huntersville. The annual celebration of love comes at a time when the institution of marriage itself is being put to a test on a statewide constitutional ballot.

Sabo and the Knights are sponsoring the first St. Valentine’s marriage vow renewal and dance for couples at the 15-year-old church. The event takes place on Feb. 18. The evening begins with a marriage vow renewal, presided over by Monsignor Richard Bellow, pastor of St. Mark Church, who plans to talk about the amendment.

“As Catholics we have to stand up and be counted on this issue,” said Bellow.

The event, which will feature a dessert bar and an evening of dancing isn’t meant to be a political statement on marriage, Sabo said. “We just want to let people know how sacred and special marriage is.”

The vow renewal comes as awareness of the North Carolina marriage referendum increases via news coverage and Internet activity.

Voters in North Carolina will decide in a statewide referendum on May 8 whether the definition of a marriage as being only between one man and one woman should be protected in the state constitution.

State law currently recognizes heterosexual marriages as the only legally defined domestic partnership, but as a

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Rome pilgrimage planned with ad limina visit CHARLOTTE — A pilgrimage to Rome and surrounding areas is planned for May 2-12 in conjunction with Bishop Peter Jugis’ ad limina visit with Pope Benedict XVI. The 11-day pilgrimage includes trips to Assisi, Siena and Orvieto, besides the pope’s general Wednesday audience in St. Peter’s Square. Early reservations are encouraged. For details, go online to www.catholicnewsherald.com.

law it can be changed by the legislature or by a judge as has happened in five states. Enshrining it in the state constitution means it can only be changed by a vote of the people.

Catholic Voice North Carolina, CatholicVoiceNC. org, and Vote FOR Marriage NC, VoteFORMarriageNC. com, are mounting aggressive campaigns in support of the amendment.

Soon Catholic Voice NC will be distributing a series of bulletin inserts to parishes in both the Diocese of Charlotte and the Diocese of Raleigh.

The inserts answer questions about the amendment and combat misinformation being circulated by opponents of traditional marriage. Bishops from both diocese are producing a series of YouTube videos to explain Church teaching about the sacrament of matrimony.

This week pastors in both dioceses were sent texts to include with Prayers of the Faithful in upcoming Masses, as well as a prayer for marriage. Each reiterates the sanctity of the sacramental bond of matrimony. Depending on the decision of the pastor, the prayers could be read until the weekend of May 5-6, just before the referendum vote.

Sabo describes his wife Christine as “my soul mate, my everything, my life.” After 30 years of marriage, he added, “ it might be good to go in front of God again and make that commitment. We both devote our love for each other to God.”

Charlotte teen wins national pro-life essay contest CHARLOTTE — Morgan Witt, 17, a parishioner at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, is the 2012 March for Life Education and Defense Fund national essay contest winner. The annual contest is sponsored by the March for Life national organization, which presents the award after the March for Life in Washington, D.C., at its annual Rose Dinner on Jan. 23.

Witt, a home schooled high-schooler, wrote her essay on the theme: “Protect the Equal Right to Life of Each Innocent Born and Preborn Human in Existence at Fertilization!”

— SueAnn Howell, staff writer

High school Lenten retreat set for March 2-4

Lay Carmelites make professions SYLVA — A group of Lay Carmelites recently made their temporary or final profession of vows at St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Sylva. Pictured from the local Lay Carmelite Community are (back row, from left): Karen Blackwell (regional formation coordinator), Susie Bryson, Bonny Dodge, Linda Knauer, Father Alejandro Ayala (pastor, St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Sylva), Allene Ramsey (director), Barbara Johnson and Jane Sullivan; (front row, from left) Juok Choi, Carol Paler, Delphine Moss, Joe Murzyn, Father Tien Duong (pastor, St. Francis of Assisi Church, Franklin), Nancy Newsome, Marlene Taber and Kathy Starr (formation director).

— Matthew Newsome

BOONE — Plans are under way for the Diocese of Charlotte’s annual high school Lenten retreat, “Love Never Fails!” scheduled for March 2-4 at St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Church in Boone. The weekend retreat is open to all high school-aged youth of the diocese and will include Mass, Adoration, confession, prayer, presentations and small group sharing.

Registration fee is $40, and the deadline to sign up is Friday, Feb. 24. For details contact the Office for Youth Ministry at 704-370-3211 or e-mail pjkym@ymail.com.

St. Francis de Sales award winner named LEXINGTON — As part of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington’s annual celebration of the Feast of St. Francis de Sales, parishioners Robin and Marty Flavin were named this year’s Salesian Award winners. The award is given each January by the pastor, Oblate of St. Francis de

n See the videos: Charlotte Bishop Peter Jugis and Raleigh Bishop Michael Burbidge are producing a series of four videos to educate the faithful about the state constitutional amendment to protect marriage. View the first video by Bishop Jugis on the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel. n Get involved: Updates about the campaign for the N.C. constitutional amendment on marriage are at www.catholicvoicenc.org. n Read more: Basics of marriage and Church teaching are compiled in an easyto-read format at www.marriageuniqueforareason.org. Also check out the U.S. bishops’ site, www.foryourmarriage.com, for marriage tips and support. n Also inside: Attacks on traditional marriage are also occurring in several other state legislatures. See page 22.

Sales Father Albert Gondek, to a parish member or family who most exemplifies the teachings of St. Francis de Sales.

— Linda McAdam

Ecumenical service held CHARLOTTE — Minister Christina Lee of New Beginnings Church delivered the sermon as the East Charlotte Partnership Initiative welcomed the Charlotte area Christian community to an ecumenical service at St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte during the recent Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. More than 150 people attended the event hosted by Father Pat Hoare, pastor. Other clergy attending included Rev. Mark A. Evans of Jonahville A.M.E. Zion Church, Pastor Leon Threat and Minister Roger Ginn of Christian Faith Assembly, Minister Mc Lean Faw and Barbara Walker of Joy Christian Fellowship, and Deacons John Parrish and Jim Gorman from St. John Neumann Church.

— Al Tinson and Jennifer Noto

Adult formation program begins second year CHARLOTTE — GIFT (“Growing in Faith and Theology”), a collaborative adult religious education program sponsored by nine area Catholic churches, kicks off for a second year this month featuring eight courses taught by top local theologians. This year’s program includes a retreat day “Beholding The Face of God,” cosponsored with the Institute for Christian Spirituality at Seton Hall, as well as a free course in Spanish entitled “Fortaleciendo la Fe de los Catolicos ante el Proselitismo de los Nuevos Grupos Religiosos” led by Father

Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar. For more details and to register, go to www.stmatthewcatholic.org.

Food pantry receives ORB grant HAYESVILLE — Towns County Food Pantry has received a $1,000 grant from Operation Rice Bowl, the Catholic Relief Services educational program of prayer, learning and giving that functions as a ministry of the Diocese of Charlotte. Pictured is Maureen Gustafson of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hayesville with Co-Coordinator Richard Botting of the Towns County Food Pantry.

— Maureen Gustafson

Faith formation director retires STATESVILLE — Jeanine Marsilia was recently honored upon her retirement as faith formation director at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville. Over six years she led more than 70 catechists who taught more than 400 students, as well as assisting the diocesan Faith Formation Office with a certification program for Korean catechists at St. John Lee (Korean) Church in Charlotte. Pictured with Marsilia are (from left): husband Christopher Marsilia, daughter Rachel Marsilia and Dr. Cris V. Villapando, director of the diocesan Faith Formation Office.

— Dr. Cris V. Villapando

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catholicnewsherald.com | February 3, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(At left) Enthusiastic groups of students and young adults turned out in record numbers on Jan. 22-23 to participate in the March for Life activities in Washington, D.C. (Below) A man marches up Constitution Avenue during the March for Life Jan. 23. sueann howell and Anthony Perlas | catholic news herald

March in D.C. draws enthusiastic crowd despite dreary weather ‘If we say we’re pro-life, we need to show we’re pro-life’ SueAnn Howell Staff writer

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Looking up and down a soggy Constitution Avenue on Jan. 23, it was clear that the pro-life movement is thriving and strong.

A wave of humanity – estimates were between 300,000 and 500,000 people – made its way to the Supreme Court and the Capitol Building during the March for Life despite rainy and cold January weather.

The 39th annual march was held on the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion. Since then, more than 50 million babies have been legally murdered in the U.S. Hundreds of thousands of people from around the country boarded buses, vans, trains, cars and airplanes to converge on the nation’s capital to raise their voices and give witness to the dignity of life, especially for the unborn.

A great number of them were the youth of America, the “pro-life generation,” who carried signs and exuberantly chanted encouraging statements as they walked from the Mall to the Supreme Court building. They and their signs declared: “Stop unborn pain,” “De-fund Planned Parenthood,” “I vote pro-life first,” “Personhood for all no matter how small,” “Abortion is not health care” and “Face it…abortion kills a person.”

Several busloads and vanloads of families and youth from across the Diocese of Charlotte were among them.

They joined more than 10,000 people at the standing-roomonly Vigil Mass for Life the night before at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and then again on Monday morning for the annual North Carolina Mass celebrated by both the Diocese of Charlotte and Diocese of Raleigh.

Two busloads of enthusiastic pilgrims made the journey from St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

Zach Bevilacqua, who grew up at St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte and is now a parishioner at St. Mark, traveled to D.C. on one of those buses with his wife, two children and his mother – the first-ever march for all of them and their first visit to the basilica. They had very personal reasons for wanting to attend the march: His wife experienced a miscarriage in 2010 and had a molar (abnormal failed) pregnancy in 2011.

“The weekend she had the molar pregnancy we went to Mass and they were collecting the baby bottles (for the fundraiser for the march for life),” he said. “Someone asked us if we wanted to go to the march. We talk about being pro-life in our belief, and through the miscarriage and the molar pregnancy it gave us a greater sense of how it was in God’s hands. We thought, if we say we’re pro-life we need to show we’re pro-life.”

MARCH, SEE page 10

February 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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‘There is more than one victim in an abortion’ Mary B. Worthington Correspondent

WASHINGTON, D.C. — “So I buried it. No one else needed to know. No one else needed to judge me as harshly as I had come to judge myself.”

“It” was an abortion Brice Griffin had in 1998, unbeknownst to everyone except the father of the child.

And “it” had haunted her for nearly a decade before she found healing in the sacrament of reconciliation.

Now, the woman who once “knew nothing except that I wanted to die” is declaring her remorse and regret for her abortion through her involvement in the national Silent No More Awareness Campaign. Sixtyfive members of this campaign led the annual March for Life on Washington, D.C., holding large black signs declaring “I regret my abortion” and “I regret lost fatherhood.” Afterwards at the steps to the Supreme Court, each gave a two-minute testimony of regret and healing.

During their testimonies, a small group of women from the National Organization for Women declaring their approval of abortion stood in the distance chanting pro-abortion slogans.

“The Silent No More Awareness Campaign helps the pro-life movement look at abortion from the mother’s perspective as well as the baby’s,” said Georgette Forney, director of Anglicans for Life, which is in partnership with the national organization Priests for Life. “Our testimonies help them understand that there is more than one victim in an abortion.”

The campaign, started in 2002 by Priests for Life and Anglicans for Life, exists “to expose and heal the secrecy and silence surrounding the emotional and physical pain of abortion,” explains their mission statement.

Griffin, for example, found healing from her abortion seemingly by accident. A recorded homily by nationally known Father Larry Richards urged her: “If you have had an abortion, confess it!” That was all the coaxing she needed.

“There in the confessional, heaving with sobs once more, I truly expected to be struck by lightning. I now sat there acknowledging that I was guilty of the worst sin possible: murder,” she said in her testimony. “My dear priest smiled and handed me a box of tissues and said, ‘God is so happy you are here. You will be forgiven, but you need healing.’”

While an important part of Griffin’s healing has been the public testimony she gave on the steps of the Supreme Court on Monday, she also explained that “holding a sign is not for everyone. Not everyone is comfortable expressing their grief. In fact there are many post-abortive women who are still hurting silently. And that’s all right! We need to extend a loving hand to them so that when they are ready, they can begin their own healing process.”

The success of the Silent No More campaign is seen in its rapid growth not only around the U.S., but around the world over the past decade at local gatherings on college campuses and street corners, at pro-life marches and on the floors of state legislatures.

Its website boasts 1,430 unique testimonials – some anonymous and some signed. They also serve as a referral center for ministries offering post-abortion counseling and services.

“The campaign is pleased to say that we partner with a lot of the pro-life groups as well as the pregnancy centers,” added Forney. “I believe all of us together do much more for women than the women’s groups who claim to represent women.”

Andrea Hines, a member of St. Ann Church in Charlotte and the organizer of Charlotte’s 40 Days for Life campaigns along with Griffin and her husband, also gave her testimony in Washington, D.C. She said that these testimonies help to educate the pro-life movement as well as evangelize the pro-choice movement.

“From our personal experiences, our testimonies bring the world the truth about abortion – that it has devastating effects on everyone,” Hines said. “In praying about what to focus on in my two-minuteallotted testimony, the word came: forgiveness.”

Also represented in the March for Life

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two buses with 98 Catholics from western North Carolina also traveled to D.C. to participate in the annual March for Life. Parishes represented included: St. Francis of Assisi in Franklin, St. Mary, Mother of God in Sylva, Sacred Heart in Brevard, St. John the Evangelist in Waynesville, St. Joseph in Bryson City and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Cherokee. Their pilgrimage included taking 40 youths, from sixth grade to 12th grade, to the Holocaust Museum, a tour of the White House and a meeting (pictured above) with Congressman Heath Shuler on the Capital steps to thank him for his pro-life voting record.

— Julie Tastinger, St. Francis of Assisi Church in Franklin

Mount Airy teens are ‘Angels for Life’ Peggy Bowes Correspondent

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Alex Sykes, a homeschooled sophomore, was praying during Adoration at Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy when she experienced a calling. “I just had this feeling that God wanted me to do something, and all of a sudden a pro-life group came to mind. I knew that was it.”

It took nearly two years to establish a core group, who call themselves Angels for Life, but her organization has grown in numbers and has become more active during the past few months. The group meets monthly, organizes fundraisers and occasionally leads the rosary during Adoration to pray for an end to abortion. They also host an annual baby shower to provide needed supplies for a local pregnancy center.

Alex and fellow Angels for Life member Payton Moledor were able to attend the March for Life in Washington, D.C., last month and Alex was amazed at the vast number of people who participated, despite the cold and rainy weather. “When we were walking to the Supreme Court building, there’s a hill and when you get to the top and look back, you can see hundreds of thousands of people. You can’t even see the pavement!”

Although this was Alex’s first time at the March for Life, Payton has participated with her family for the past three years. “My favorite part was when we prayed the rosary.

It started out with just our little group, but slowly other people joined in until there was a whole bunch of people saying it.”

Alex said she has high hopes for next year’s March for Life. “We want to get a big group together next year with T-shirts and banners to represent Angels for Life.”

Holy Angles’ pastor Father Eric Kowalski is thrilled that Alex and the other Angels for Life are a visible presence in his parish.

“I’m very proud of our young people who have become such good examples – not only to other young people but also to adults in the parish. Their desire to truly live out their faith is remarkable and very humbling.”

To learn more about Angels for Life, visit the group’s Facebook page, “Mount Airy Angels for Life,” or contact Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy at 336-786-8147.

Peggy Bowes | Catholic News Herald

Parishioners of Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy were among those from the Diocese of Charlotte in D.C. Pictured are Payton Moledor and Alex Sykes, who started the parish group “Angels for Life.”

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catholicnewsherald.com | February 3, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

MARCH: FROM PAGE 8

Another first-time marchgoer, Dr. Monica von Uthemann, also a St. Mark parishioner and chairperson of the prayer chain ministry at the parish, had the blessing of being asked to carry some of the gifts up at the Vigil Mass, celebrated by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo on Jan. 22.

The Vigil Mass was particularly meaningful for Allen and Gini Bond, St. Mark parishioners who are active in pro-life ministry and served as bus captains for the parish bus. Their son, Chris Bond, entered the Pontifical College Go online to www.

Josephinum in Columbus, catholicnewsherald.

Ohio, last August and com for more news participated in both the Vigil and photos from the Mass Jan. 22 and the North 2012 March for Life in Carolina Mass on Jan. 23 for Washington, D.C. the first time as a seminarian.

“We are so, so happy for Chris and grateful to God,” said Gini Bond.

Raleigh Bishop Michael F. Burbidge presided over the North Carolina Mass and served as homilist, as Charlotte Bishop Peter J. Jugis is suffering from a fractured foot and could not attend the Masses or D.C. March for Life this year.

After the North Carolina Mass, pilgrims loaded onto buses to head to the march, and several of the seminarians from the Diocese of Charlotte rode down to the march on one of the St. Mark buses. They got there just in time to see the beginning of the march up Constitution Avenue, witnessing the huge “March for Life” banner carried by youths leading the pro-life pilgrims toward the Supreme Court building.

On the eight-hour bus ride home, the pilgrims reflected on their experiences, sharing them over the bus intercom. Children, teens, parents and grandparents all took their turn at the microphone to share their insights.

Connie Andrews, a grandmother who works with

the special needs ministry at the church, said, “I have six grandchildren and it really made me reflect today. I grew up in the ’60s, the decade of decadence. We rebelled against everything. We marched against our government, against family values. We did everything wrong … we thought we were in the right.

“As I reflect back and see the mess my generation may have left some things, it makes me so proud to see so many young people out there today who have the conviction through their faith and living it out. I commend you and it makes me feel happier about our future knowing that the Catholic faith is being brought out with such conviction. You are the future leaders of our country, so keep it up.”

For more

Photos by sueann howell | catholic news herald

(Clockwise from left) The Capitol Building can be seen in the background as marchers holding pro-life posters process up Constitution Avenue toward the Supreme Court building. Young men chant pro-life slogans in front of the Supreme Court building to drown out the handful of pro-abortion advocates who were screaming at the crowds streaming by them during the march. The official March for Life Banner makes its way up Constitution Avenue on Jan. 23.

Future maternity center in Belmont showcased in D.C. Mary B. Worthington Correspondent

WASHINGTON, D.C. — For years, groups for and against abortion have engaged in an argument that goes something like this: the pro-abortion person asks: “What about the mother?” and the pro-life person responds: “What about the baby?”

According to Sally Winn at Feminists for Life of America, however, the pro-life response is evolving to: “Well, what about the mother?”

Surveys conducted by FFLA, Students for Life of America and Room at the Inn (a pro-life organization based in Charlotte that aids women in need and their children) show that while the pro-abortion argument is often seen as a defense of women’s right to make their own choices, resources on college campuses don’t provide choices for women. They provide abortion.

According to a RATI study conducted in 2005, 46 percent of abortions are to college-aged women, and while all of those women may not currently be students, the majority has achieved at least some college education. That’s in part why RATI is building a maternity center on the campus of Belmont Abbey College in Belmont – seen as the first facility of its kind in the U.S. The 10,000-square-foot, $3 million maternity home will have two residential wings, one for maternity and one for after-care, and can house up to 15 mothers and their babies for free for up to two years. Construction is nearly finished on the facility, and an opening is planned for this spring.

At the Students for Life of America conference in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 22, Debbie Capen, assistant director of RATI, explained the purpose of a maternity center on a college campus and what students can do to increase accessibility to resources and housing for college-aged, pregnant women in need.

“The best thing that students can do is to be vocally

More online To learn more about Room at the Inn and its future maternity facility in Belmont, go to www.rati.org.

pro-life and to be true friends to their pregnant peers,” said Capen, during the forum entitled “How to Help Women on Campus & Community After Abortion Ends.”

Having faced a crisis pregnancy herself while in college in 1992, Capen explained that she “chose the tragic choice of abortion triggered by the avalanche of fear that I couldn’t dig out of.”

Capen explained to the several hundred students who attended her session in Washington, D.C., “Room at the Inn discovered statistics that showed most abortions were among the student population. These were not abortions for economic reasons, but for societal pressure.”

Women just don’t want to be seen pregnant on campus, Capen said. “The Room at the Inn facility will surround these women with peers in a supportive environment where they can continue the college life and to help pregnant women to accept the unexpected blessings of a child, even on a college campus.”

“It is an honor for our efforts to be recognized on a national level,” Capen said afterwards. “Hopefully, these students will follow suit on their own campuses and in their own towns. When abortion ends, we want people to look no further than their own campus for help.”

Abbey students inspired by keynote address at Cardinal O’Connor Conference Mary B. Worthington Correspondent

WASHINGTON, D.C. — For students from Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, their D.C. pilgrimage this year included the 13th annual Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life at Georgetown University, where speakers including Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., of Philadelphia mapped out a success plan for the pro-life message.

Archbishop Chaput focused on the importance of winning back the medical and political professions to the pro-life cause.

“American Catholics have tried to fit in,” he said. “but now, we have allowed people who don’t respect us to get in charge.”

He encouraged the 750 conference attendees – mostly college-aged students – to become doctors and politicians.

“It is going to be your responsibility to change things. The government is getting less willing to provide the ability to conscientious objection. But everyone is entitled to conscientious objection. So often people ask me, ‘What should we do when it’s against the law?’ The answer is to go to jail.

That’s what we should do.”

Archbishop Chaput also spent a considerable amount of his address on the joy of accepting a child with a physical disability rather than succumbing to the pressure and temptation to abortion.

“No child is perfect,” he said. Every child and adult with special needs, every unwanted unborn child and every person who is “poor, weak, abandoned or homeless” is “an icon of God’s face and a vessel of His love. How we treat these persons – whether we revere them and welcome them, or throw them away in distaste – shows what we really believe about human dignity, both as individuals and as a nation.”

Belmont Abbey College sophomores Clare Miller and Brigid Wilson said they were galvanized by the archbishop’s words.

“I am inspired to strive harder in my studies for the sake of the pro-life cause,” said Wilson, “especially to help postabortion women.”

February 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Visitors to the Holocaust Museum are given a small “Identification Card” listing a victim of the Holocaust to identify with throughout their museum visit. In this photo, Claire Young, a member of St. Leo Parish in Winston-Salem, holds the card for Holocaust victim Rebecca Pissirilo, a Jewish woman living in Greece.

When she was discovered as pregnant, Pissirilo was given no medical care until Red Cross intervention during delivery. After she gave birth she was executed, but the child was rescued by a sympathetic nurse.

Mary B. Worthington | Catholic News Herald

D.C. pilgrims consider connection between Holocaust and abortion Mary B. Worthington Correspondent

WASHINGTON, D.C. — When Sophie Scholl, Oskar Schindler and Irena Sendler were fighting the Holocaust from inside Poland and Germany during World War II, they may not have considered that seven decades later, a national museum in the U.S. would display an unvarnished picture of the horrors they fought against.

That memorial, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, was a pilgrimage destination for hundreds of March for Life pro-life groups from around the country this year, including a group of high school students from western North Carolina.

“A few years ago, we were encouraged by our priest, Father Tien Duong, to have our young people visit the museum as part of our annual pilgrimage to D.C.,” explained Pat Stickney, a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Franklin. “We feel that this museum is especially meaningful within the context of our entire pilgrimage: respect for life.”

The 45 students raised money throughout the year to be able to extend their March for Life pilgrimage by one day and visit the museum.

“The Holocaust was a startling and clear portrayal of the horrific results of the total disregard for the sanctity of life,” Stickney said. “Indeed, it demonstrated hatred, racism, genocide and the annihilation of innocent, helpless lives – much like the issues of abortion and euthanasia.”

While the museum itself does not have a portrayal of abortion during the Holocaust, its website explains how the German government “increased punishments for abortion” amongst German women while at the same time imposing abortions on Jewish women as part of its racist program. The Nazis also systematically killed the disabled and anyone else they deemed to be unworthy.

For Stephanie Farren, who brought high school students from Salisbury, Mo., the museum’s portrayal of the Holocaust against the handicapped was intensely personal: When she was pregnant four years ago with her son and received a poor prenatal diagnosis, she was repeatedly urged to “consider the other options out there.”

“They didn’t encourage us (to abort) just once, but five times,” Farren recalled tearfully. “Finally, my husband said, ‘That’s enough. It’s a child; we’re keeping the child.’”

The message that all children – no matter what – are precious gifts from God was a recurring theme at this year’s D.C. March for Life.

“The essence of the horrors and violence that took place during the Holocaust was rooted in the idea that one life is less valuable than another,” said Claire Young, a member of St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem.

“I believe that when the silent holocaust of abortion is finally made illegal, only then will people truly take the time to reflect on the intrinsic evil that took place in the wombs of millions of women.”

11

In Brief

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge

With God’s help, let us ‘rethink possible’

L

ast week in Raleigh at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, the keynote speaker was the chief executive officer for AT&T. In her address, she referred frequently to the recent marketing campaign of her company, “Rethink Possible,” to help those gathered to imagine what the world would be like if love prevailed and all people, without exception, were treated equally.

Dear friends in Christ, our gathering today at this magnificent basilica shrine and soon on the streets of our nation’s capital reflects what we truly believe is possible: It is possible to change the hearts of elected officials so that their decisions, actions and votes ensure a society in which all people are treated equally and never denied the right to be born and to live with dignity and respect.

It is possible to inflame a “culture of death” with the Gospel of Life through the enthusiastic, joyful and peaceful witness that we offer, especially as demonstrated through the thousands of youth present today. Dear young friends in Christ, Bishop Peter Jugis and I are so Photo provided by Ruben Tamayo very proud of you!

It is possible to help others understand and acknowledge that a miraculous event takes place at the moment of conception when a new, unrepeatable and irreplaceable human being comes to exist.

It is possible to overturn the horrific decision of Roe v. Wade and to ensure that in our great nation abortion is illegal, inaccessible and impossible.

My brothers and sisters, we know the reasons for the hopes and prayers we share and we understand how they can become realities. They are rooted in the Truth, who is Jesus Christ. By His birth, the Son of God and the Son of Mary has made all human life sacred. By His suffering, death and resurrection, Jesus Christ has demonstrated the infinite worth and value of all persons. Thus, His mandate is that life from the moment of conception to natural death must be revered, defended and protected and that respect and dignity are shown to all of His people, especially the unborn, weak, vulnerable, the needy and those whose rights and freedom are violated.

My friends in Christ, we also understand how it is possible to transform society. As today’s Gospel teaches, it can only occur with the amazing grace of God. We are merely the branches – the instruments. It is the Lord who is the true vine and through whom abundant fruit is produced. Yes, we must continue to advocate on behalf of the sacredness of human life.

Yes, we must offer witness in the public arena.

Yet, the greatest gift we give to the pro-life movement is our renewed commitment to heed the call of St. Paul in our first reading and remain a people who rejoice in hope and persevere in prayer, most especially as we allow ourselves to be enlightened by the Lord’s word and nourished with His Holy Body and Blood. Our deep faith is demonstrated when we entrust all our work and endeavors to His divine providence through the intercession of Mary, who most perfectly understood that all things are possible with God! Through her intercession, we go forth from this Mass spiritually renewed and strengthened to help others “Rethink Possible” and to proclaim the sacredness of all human life in the Holy Name of Jesus, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

Bishop Michael Burbidge leads the Diocese of Raleigh. He gave this homily during the North Carolina Respect Life Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., Jan. 23.

Cardinal links religious liberty fight with abortion struggle Participants at the annual March for Life were urged in advance of the march not to let themselves be compromised in their beliefs as the federal government pursues regulations that Catholic leaders say constitute an attack on conscience and religious liberty. “I beg and pray for the young people present and all youth and young adults not to be compromised in your dedication to the protection of life of each human person, born and unborn,” said Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston.“ Keep it before your eyes and in your hearts immediately. Threats against life and against the consciences of those who say ‘yes’ to life must be met with timely and unwavering action, in our families and institutions, and yes, in the public square.” Cardinal DiNardo, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, made his remarks during his homily at the Jan. 22 opening Mass for the National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Exuberant youths pack prolife rally and Mass in D.C. More than 17,000 exuberant teenagers and young adults gathered at a pro-life rally and Mass in the Verizon Center Jan. 23.

In his homily, Msgr. Charles Pope, pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian Parish, noted that crowds at the Verizon Center normally cheer for hockey and basketball games and rock concerts, and he challenged them to offer a louder cheer for God. The spirited crowd responded with a loud sustained roar.

“I am so glad for your joy,” Msgr. Pope said. “What an encouragement you are.”

The annual Youth Rally and Mass for Life there and a second rally and Mass for another 10,000 young people at the D.C. Armory were sponsored by the Archdiocese of Washington and each year precede the March for Life.

Poll indicates strong majority of Americans OK abortion restrictions A poll taken for the Knights of Columbus and Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., indicates a strong majority of Americans continue to want restrictions on abortion. According to the poll, 79 percent of those surveyed said they would not allow abortion after the first three months of pregnancy.

And 51 percent said they would allow abortion only in cases of rape, incest or to save the mother’s life – or not at all. The poll’s numbers are almost unchanged from a similar poll taken two years ago. According to the poll results, 84 percent said they believe that laws can protect both the life of the unborn and the health and well-being of women.

This is up from 81 percent from the 2010 survey.

— Catholic News Service

12

catholicnewsherald.com | February 3, 2012 OUR PARISHES

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

vice president; Norma Garcia, secretary; and Kris Miller, immediate past president and state advocate.

— Jeanette Kilen

In Brief Begin your Lent with ‘Forgiveness Vespers’ CHARLOTTE — St. Basil Eastern Catholic Mission in Charlotte welcomes everyone to Forgiveness Vespers at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19, at the Charlotte Catholic High School chapel.

In the Eastern Catholic rite, Forgiveness Vespers marks the beginning of the penitential season of Lent. It is equivalent to the Roman rite’s Ash Wednesday liturgy, but also includes a unique ritual of forgiveness and a symbolic visual changing of the liturgical season from Ordinary Time to Lent. For details, go to www.stbasil. weebly.com.

Holy Angels Columbiettes officers installed MOUNT AIRY — Officers for the Columbiettes of Holy Angels Church (Auxiliary 11406) in Mount Airy were recently installed. Pictured are: Jeanette Kilen, installing officer and president of the Western Chapter of Columbiettes; Michelle Gilley, treasurer; Marie McCann, vice president; Marge Johnson, president; Mary Bryer, sentinel; Adreann Belle, standing in for Daphne Martin, secretary; Theresa Wood, standing in for Theresa Hutton, financial secretary; Kathie Schoenborn, past president; and Kris Miller, state advocate.

Columbiettes install new officers MOUNT AIRY — The newly elected officers of the Western Chapter of Columbiettes were installed recently at Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy. Pictured are: Joan Schlicker, financial secretary; Sara Archer, sentinel; Jeanette Kilen, president; Megan Hauser, installing officer and past president of the Columbiettes of North Carolina; Kathy Balding,

h Travel wit er lt a W r e Fath

— Jeanette Kilen

Catholic Scripture Study releases new materials Gail Buckley, founder of CSS International, has announced the release of a study guide of Father Larry Richards’ renowned book “Be A Man.” The guide, published by Ignatius Press,

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Benefit held for Laskowski Fund CHARLOTTE — St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte recently hosted a sold-out dinner and raffle sponsored by the Jackson Laskowski Keep HOPE Alive Fund to benefit the family of Renee Trinity Ramkissoon. Renee, the 6-year-old daughter of parishioners Dirk and Allana-Rae Ramkissoon, died Dec. 26, 2011, after battling a malignant brain tumor known as astrocytoma. Pictured are (from left): Dirk and Allana-Rae Ramkissoon, Father Remo DiSalvatore, OFM Cap. (pastor), and Maggie and Michael Laskowski.

The Jackson Laskowski Keep HOPE Alive Fund was created by the Laskowskis, who are also St. Thomas Aquinas parishioners, two years ago when their son Jackson, then 2, was diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer. It began as a way to help the family in Jackson’s search for a liver transplant, but it has since expanded to aid other families struggling to fight pediatric cancer amid their daily emotional and financial battles.

Jackson, now 4, continues his fight against cancer, having endured 24 rounds of chemotherapy, two lung surgeries and a liver transplant. The Laskowskis say they been blessed by love and support from so many

people, so their mission is to “pay it forward” to other families in need.

To learn more or make a donation, go to www. jacksonlaskowski.com.

— Dina D. Wilson, Maggie Laskowski and Alan Benson

Legion of Mary celebrates first general reunion SHELBY — The Legion of Mary celebrated one year of its active return to the Diocese of Charlotte with its first general reunion Dec. 10 at St. Mary Church in Shelby. The reunion included members from all seven praesidia (parish units) in the Western Carolina Curia of Our Lady of LaSalette, incorporating six parishes in five counties: St. Mary Church in Shelby, Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington, Christ the King Church in Kings Mountain, St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia, St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton, and Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City. Recently, six members of the Hispanic praesidium at St. Mary Church, Nuestra Senora Reine de la Paz, also made their promises.

Our Lady of the Visitation Praesidium from St. Joseph Vietnamese Church in Charlotte is also a member of the curia.

The object of the Legion of Mary is the sanctification of its members with a balanced program of prayer, study and work designed to bring all souls to Christ through devotion to Mary.

For details, contact Anne Tinsdale, Legion of Mary Arlington Regia, at atinsdale@netzero.net or 540-497-1781.

— Anne Tinsdale

Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Charlotte Executive Director: Gerard A. Carter, Ph.D. (704) 370-3250 Refugee Office: Cira Ponce (704) 370-3262 Family Life: Gerard Carter (704) 370-3228 Justice and Peace: Joseph Purello (704) 370-3225 OEO/CSS Murphy Satellite Office (828) 835-3535 Charlotte Region: 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Area Director: Sharon Davis (704) 370-3218 Your Local Catholic Charities Agency

Western Region: 50 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Area Director: Michele Sheppard (828) 255-0146 Piedmont-Triad: 627 W. Second St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Area Director: Diane Bullard (336) 727-0705 Greensboro Satellite Office (336) 274-5577

For information on specific programs, please call your local office.

www.cssnc.org

Providing help. Creating hope. Changing lives.

February 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

13

Celebrating 40 years!

Diocese of Charlotte

Bishop-elect Michael Begley, during the rite of ordination at St. Patrick Cathedral, receives the imposition of hands by Archbishop Luigi Raimondi, apostolic delegate of Pope Paul VI to the United States. The episcopal ordination and installation of Bishop Begley marked the birth of the Diocese of Charlotte on Jan. 12, 1972.

Read the papal bulls that established the canonical area of the diocese and appointed Bishop Begley online at www. catholicnewsherald.com.

Bishop Begley with children of the Diocese

Bishop Begley with then Father Peter Jugis, now the fourth Bishop of Charlotte

Photo from “A History of the Early Years of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte”

by Sister Miriam Miller, O.S.F.

Photos courtesy of the Diocese of Charlotte Archives

Starting a diocese from scratch in less than 6 weeks The founding of the Diocese of Charlotte EDITOR’S NOTE: The Diocese of Charlotte was founded on Jan. 12, 1972. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the diocese and the history of the Church in Western North Carolina, we are publishing a year-long series spotlighting the people who built up the Church, the major developments over the past 40 years, and what changes could be in store for the future.

A

14-year-old junior high school student planned to spend a lot of time in front of his family’s black and white television on Jan. 12, 1972. History was being made at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte and he was going to watch it all and save it. In those pre-VCR days, “recording” a TV show meant using a bulky cassette player to capture only the audio. As the procession began for the ordination and installation of the new Bishop of Charlotte, the boy held a small microphone near the speaker on the TV set. Hundreds were packed into the church as a man who served as a priest in North Carolina since 1934 was ordained to be the first bishop. The new bishop, Michael J. Begley, was greeted with a thunderous round of applause when the ordination ended. The student, Peter Jugis, was thrilled.

The dramatic event at St. Patrick’s actually began to take shape more than a year before. Bishop Vincent S. Waters Begley of Raleigh, working alone and in secret,

Coming next Feb. 17: “An interview with Monsignor Joseph Showfety, the first chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte.”

The priests, the bishop and others had to start a diocese from scratch in a little less than six weeks. combed through the archives of his diocese. Bishop Waters was preparing the necessary documents to present a case to Pope Paul VI. The diocese of Raleigh numbered 60,000 Catholics and Bishop Waters felt it was time to divide his large territory that covered all of North Carolina.

In November of 1971, Bishop Waters received word that the Diocese of Charlotte would be created. There was no fanfare, no great announcement and no press release. The bishop kept the information to himself. Two days before Thanksgiving, he drove to Greensboro to meet with the pastor of Our Lady of Grace parish, Monsignor Michael

Begley. Ostensibly the meeting was to discuss the Notre Dame High School in Greensboro.

Monsignor Joseph Showfety, the first chancellor of the diocese, recalls what happened. “Bishop Waters and Monsignor Begley were driving toward the school when the bishop pulled over. ‘I’m going to ask you a question.

If you say “yes” I’ll take it from there. If you say “no” you must never say a word about this conversation to anyone.’

“Intrigued but not surprised by the secrecy, Monsignor Begley wondered what the question was. ‘Rome has decided to make Charlotte a diocese with you as the bishop,’ said Bishop Waters. ‘Do you accept?” The monsignor didn’t hesitate and answered, “Yes.” Bishop Waters simply put the car in gear and the bishop with the bishop-elect continued down the road.”

The establishment of a diocese is a complicated process that, among other things, involved the transfer of church property from one bishop to another. Monsignor Showfety recalls spending several days at the Department of Motor Vehicles in Raleigh transferring the titles of diocesan cars.

“The police in that office asked me if I lived there,” he recalls with a chuckle.

Monsignor Showfety says the division of assets between the old and the new diocese went very smoothly. In addition to the property, the priest retirement and seminarian funds were divided equally. “Bishop Waters was better to the Charlotte diocese than he was to his own.”

Priests for the new diocese were “frozen” in place when the diocese was formed. Any priest of the Diocese of Raleigh who resided in the newly formed diocese became a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte.

The priests, the bishop and others had to start a diocese ANNIVERSARY, SEE page 21

14

iiiFebruary 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

‘Your Catholic and challenge somewhere to keep those va — Alphonso Gamez

President, Catholic Campus

‘Called to Serve’

‘The Respect L awareness for — Maggi Nadol

Director of Respect Life Office

2012 Diocesan Support Appeal campaign begins Feb. 5 SueAnn Howell Staff writer

Get more info n Give online or learn more about the 2012 DSA campaign “Called to Serve” at www. charlottediocese.net/ministriesa-departments/sdevelopment. n View the 2012 DSA video on the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel.

CHARLOTTE — The Gospel reading for Feb. 5, the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is from the Gospel of Mark. It speaks of Jesus healing Simon’s mother-in-law, who rises from her sickbed to help care for the needs of Christ and His disciples.

Drawing from this loving response to Christ’s healing touch, the Diocese of Charlotte’s 2012 Diocesan Support Appeal, “Called to Serve,” hopes to encourage compassion for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ through donations to the annual appeal which serves thousands of people in western North Carolina.

The 2011 DSA campaign brought in a record amount of donations from faithful across the diocese, and this year’s goal is $4,785,000 – a 4.93 percent increase over last year’s goal.

“The annual Diocesan Support Appeal is a unique opportunity for every parishioner at every parish to directly

support the many ministries of the Diocese of Charlotte,” said Bill Weldon, diocesan chief financial officer. “The funding derived from this appeal is absolutely critical to sustain the programs that educate the faithful, serve those among us with unique cultural backgrounds, provide social outreach to those in need, allow those in priestly and diaconate formation to be educated and trained to serve as clergy; as well as other programs throughout western North Carolina that are vital to our faith.”

“Every dollar raised through the DSA campaign goes directly into the funding of six areas,” said Barbara Gaddy, assistant director of development for the diocese: Catholic education, vocations, Catholic Social Services, multicultural ministries, housing and the Eucharistic Congress.

This is the first year the congress has been included in the appeal.

“The Eucharistic Congress is funded a great deal by the contributions at the congress and some fund-raising dinners before the congress, but the feeling is that the congress is very

much a ministry,” G added (to the DSA ca “Please be assured used to fund these p for the yearly DSA i the diocese that is m The 2012 DSA vide around the diocese t areas of ministry fu Ministry, the Family and vocations.

Bishop Peter J. Ju campaign in the vid body of Christ, we a Gospel of Christ int an opportunity to su ministries that serv

HE COVER

February 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

Parish City

c values are really questioned ed and you just got to have o have a safe haven to really alues in place.’

Ministry, UNC-Charlotte

Life program seeks to raise the the sanctity of life.’

e for the Diocese of Charlotte

Gaddy said. “It is evangelization, so it was ampaign) this year.” d that your gift to the DSA will only be programs,” Weldon added. “An accounting is included in the annual financial report of mailed to every household each October.” eo, which will be shown in most parishes the weekend of Feb. 4-5, features three unded by the DSA: Catholic Campus y Life Office of Catholic Social Services,

‘When we can all come here we can find some kind of balance that we need because our lives are so chaotic … you can find this as a home away from home.’

— Kelly Laccinole

Vice president, Catholic Campus Ministry, UNC-Charlotte

‘It’s the most exciting life I can think of and the one that seems the most fulfilling and the best way to serve God.’ — Deacon Matthew Codd

Seminarian for the Diocese of Charlotte

Educational Ministries: 31%

Eucharistic Congress : 1% Housing Ministry: 5% Multicultural Ministries: 15%

ugis stresses the importance of the DSA deo: “As baptized members of the mystical are all called to serve and to bring the to our world today…The DSA gives us upport, with our treasure, the diocesan ve those who need a helping hand.”

Vocations: 9% Campaign Costs: 4% Catholic Social Services: 35%

Basilica of St. Lawrence Christ the King Christ the King Divine Redeemer Good Shepherd Holy Angels Holy Cross Holy Family Holy Infant Holy Redeemer Holy Spirit Holy Trinity Immaculate Conception Immaculate Conception Immaculate Conception Immaculate Heart of Mary Immaculate Heart of Mary Our Lady of Consolation Our Lady of Fatima Our Lady of Grace Our Lady of Guadalupe Our Lady of Guadalupe Our Lady of Lourdes Our Lady of Mercy Our Lady of the Americas Our Lady of the Angels Our Lady of the Annunciation Our Lady of the Assumption Our Lady of the Highways Our Lady of the Mountains Our Lady of the Rosary Prince of Peace Queen of the Apostles Sacred Heart Sacred Heart Sacred Heart Sacred Heart St. Aloysius St. Andrew the Apostle St. Ann St. Barnabas St. Benedict St. Benedict the Moor St. Bernadette St. Charles Borromeo St. Dorothy St. Elizabeth St. Eugene St. Frances of Rome St. Francis of Assisi St. Francis of Assisi St. Francis of Assisi St. Francis of Assisi St. Gabriel St. Helen St. James St. James St. Joan of Arc St. John Baptist de La Salle St. John Lee Korean St. John Neumann St. John the Baptist St. John the Evangelist St. Joseph St. Joseph St. Joseph St. Joseph St. Joseph of the Hills St. Joseph Vietnamese St. Jude Mission St. Leo St. Lucien St. Luke St. Margaret St. Margaret Mary St. Mark St. Mary St. Mary St. Mary St. Matthew St. Michael St. Patrick Cathedral St. Paul the Apostle St. Peter St. Philip the Apostle St. Pius Tenth St. Stephen St. Thérèse St. Thomas Aquinas St. Vincent de Paul St. William

TOTAL

DSA goal

Asheville High Point Kings Mountain Boonville King Mount Airy Kernersville Winston-Salem Reidsville Andrews Denver Taylorsville Canton Forest City Hendersonville Hayesville High Point Charlotte Winston-Salem Greensboro Bryson City Charlotte Monroe Winston-Salem Biscoe Marion Albemarle Charlotte Thomasville Highlands Lexington Robbinsville Belmont Brevard Burnsville Salisbury Wadesboro Hickory Mars Hill Charlotte Arden Greensboro Winston-Salem Linville Morganton Lincolnton Boone Asheville Jefferson Franklin Jefferson Lenoir Mocksville Charlotte Spencer Mtn. Concord Hamlet Asheville N. Wilkesboro Charlotte Charlotte Tryon Waynesville Asheboro Bryson City Kannapolis Newton Eden Charlotte Sapphire Valley Winston-Salem Spruce Pine Charlotte Maggie Valley Swannanoa Huntersville Greensboro Shelby Sylva Charlotte Gastonia Charlotte Greensboro Charlotte Statesville Greensboro Elkin Mooresville Charlotte Charlotte Murphy

$56,597 $14,442 $5,267 $7,954 $10,377 $20,782 $69,019 $126,915 $18,063 $4,177 $47,673 $8,295 $3,601 $22,119 $118,052 $19,459 $111,380 $43,039 $8,996 $126,137 $2,409 $43,202 $54,182 $65,569 $26,494 $8,845 $25,668 $40,813 $15,148 $13,036 $17,423 $2,762 $68,220 $55,898 $7,167 $87,987 $2,491 $115,748 $7,624 $72,211 $72,653 $21,533 $11,077 $26,963 $40,325 $25,839 $31,170 $69,421 $8,797 $26,471 $13,397 $26,181 $19,417 $286,859 $5,771 $89,335 $11,827 $21,381 $13,575 $17,295 $85,594 $34,765 $24,507 $32,639 $5,785 $14,378 $18,884 $9,813 $21,814 $18,800 $136,807 $6,771 $85,809 $22,718 $22,406 $192,954 $37,597 $25,571 $16,113 $623,755 $70,699 $86,653 $119,233 $83,451 $38,874 $136,167 $10,940 $140,365 $122,576 $103,594 $20,436

$4,785,000

15

Our schools 16

catholicnewsherald.com | February 3, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Students at CTKHS explore science and faith

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

(From left) Ninth-graders John Walkowski and Mary Selzer listen during a discussion with Jack Peele, physics and math teacher, during Bridge Week at Christ the King High School.

Charlie Jackson Intern

Knights donate funds for lab equipment HENDERSONVILLE — The Knights of Columbus Council 7184 in Hendersonville recently donated $1,000 to Immaculata School to be used for the purchase of muchneeded science laboratory equipment. The funds were raised from the Knights’ annual Christmas wreath sales.

Council Deputy Grand Knight Birch DeVault presented the check to Immaculata science teacher Yvonne Krowka at a school assembly Jan. 18.

— John Remensnyder

MACS students make regional, state bands CHARLOTTE — Out of 30 students from Charlotte Catholic High School, 15 from Holy Trinity Middle School and seven from St. Mark School who auditioned for membership in the 2012 North Carolina Music Educators All-District Band, 11 students qualified and participated in concerts led by nationally renowned composers last month in Hickory.

IN BRIEF, SEE page 17

MOORESVILLE — Discussions about bioethics and morality may not characterize conversations at most high schools, but at the new Christ the King High School in Mooresville, contentious issues are part of the discussion during its inaugural “Bridge Week,” designed to explore the connections between faith and reason.

Students at Christ the King are learning to “ask questions that will lead to truth,” said Dean of Students Michael Smith. And the week-long break from classes between the fall and spring semesters was an ideal opportunity for students to learn more about how science and Church teaching intersect.

Students began “Bridge Week” with a field trip to Schiele Planetarium in Gastonia, and followed it up with a trip later in the week to Lake Norman Medical Center. Lecturers from several colleges and universities, as well as a host of physicians, made presentations to students about how faith enlightens their work as scientists, especially in the medical field.

Students delved into bioethics on Thursday with Father Mike Dolan, M.D., a retired priest and physician from the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. (as well as the father of Christ the King High School’s principal Dr. Dan Dolan), and Dr. Steve Stowe, a

photo provided by Esther Vish

gastroenterologist and commentator on bioethical issues.

“Understanding science is understanding how God works,” Stowe noted. Students viewed and interpreted photos of the human body taken via an endoscopic “pill cam” with Stowe later that day.

Taking time to explore God’s creation was a primary facet of the week. In his opening comments, Dr. Dan Dolan remarked that “we want to embrace this desire to know and question as a unique and fundamental aspect of the voyage that all humans take. We want our students to become real and daring explorers.”

Invoking the memory of Blessed John Paul II, who said “faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth,” Dolan said

students are learning to become engaged in a world of scientific and moral complexity with the Church as a reliable guide. He observed that Bridge Week was ultimately intended to “invite new knowledge, understanding and inquiry.”

Dolan said Bridge Week gave students “an opportunity to flesh out some of the questions that we encountered during the first semester and develop questions for exploration during the second.”

During a student-led conversation toward the end of the week, the Catechism of the Catholic Church was frequently referred to as a starting point for their dialogue.

Said student Alexandria Cedrone, “We’ve learned a lot this week about how God works.”

caring dedicated child-focused respectful Christ-centered compassionate creative inspiring challenging welcoming confident humble engaging leaders followers scholars servants family

We are

Pre-K – 8th Grade

OPEN HOUSE Thursday, February 16 (9am - 1pm) Thursday, March 22 (9am – 1pm)

Experience the difference of a Catholic education

Mercy

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School One word isn’t enough to describe all that Mercy is.

Come see what it is like to be part of the Mercy family!

Join us for an Open House on February 23, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

For a private tour or for more information, call Lara Davenport at 722.7204 or e-mail ldavenport@ourladyofmercyschool.org.

Admission information can be found at www.ourladyofmercyschool.org.

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School A Blue Ribbon School of Excellence for PreK-8th grade, SACS accredited

711 N. Buncombe Street, Hendersonville, NC 28791 (828)-693-3277 www.immac.org

1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 (336) 722.7204 www.ourladyofmercyschool.org Welcoming students of all races, religions, ethnic and national origins.

February 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

17

IN BRIEF: FROM PAGE 16

The 11 students were: 11-12 Band – All CCHS Students: Ann Harouny (2nd Chair-Flute), Lily Crawford (2nd Chair-Oboe), Angela Small (3rd Chair-Clarinet) and Lindsay Russell (1st ChairBass Clarinet); 9-10 Band – All CCHS Students: Will Larsen (7th Chair-Clarinet), Faith Kressner (1st Chair-Alto Saxophone), Kevin Acken (11th Chair-Trumpet), Hayley Russell (5th Chair-French Horn), Avery Faucette (6th Chair-French Horn), Elizabeth Hayes (2nd Chair-Mallets); and Middle School Band – HTCMS Student: Abbey Roper (12th Chair-Flute).

Five MACS students qualified to audition for membership in the N.C. All-State Band as a result of their high placement during the audition process: Ann Harouny (2nd Chair-Flute), Lily Crawford (2nd Chair-Oboe), Angela Small (3rd Chair-Clarinet), Lindsay Russell (1st Chair-Bass Clarinet) and Faith Kressner (1st ChairAlto Saxophone).

— Dr. Stanley F. Michalski Jr.

Photo provided by Lara Davenport

Mercy collects stuffed animals for Afghani children WINSTON-SALEM — January’s “Animals for Afghanistan” drive, coordinated by Our Lady of Mercy School’s Helping Hands of Mercy group, resulted in a collection of 262 new and gently used stuffed animals. The furry critters will be sent to U.S. soldiers on the ground in Afghanistan to be shared with children there. A Mercy parent and physician who has served in Afghanistan helped the student leaders locate a military group who will use the animals in their work with Afghani families and children. All classes participated in the drive and the students at Mercy are pleased that their well loved “pets” will bring joy and comfort to children on another continent. Helping Hands of Mercy is a school-wide service organization at Our Lady of Mercy whose focus is “children helping children.” The group conducts a monthly drive or collection to help children in the local community or elsewhere in the world.

Junior football program sign-ups

SPX holds geography bee GREENSBORO — On Jan. 19 St. Pius X School in Greensboro held an in-school competition for the 2012 National Geography Bee. Pictured above are the school’s classroom finalists for grades 4-8: (front row, from left) Beth Palmisano, Ella Bode, Elizabeth Haslam, Mary Kimball Osborn, Jackson Smith and Brendan Chase; (back row, from left) Jack Emerick, Philippe Lian, Joseph Spillane and Cassidy Shaw. Jack Emerick is this year’s school-wide winner and will nowBRAINBALANCE move on to the regional1 level of competition.

10_7.pdf 10/4/11 10:42 AM

— Jean Navarro

KofC essay winners named

WINSTON-SALEM — The Bishop McGuinness Junior Villain Football Program, designed for Triad-area Catholic seventhand eighth-grade boys who want to play football, is now open for registration. Boys are taught fundamentals and discipline that prepare them for the next level. Go online to www. juniorvillainfootball.com for details. Team coaches will also register players at 10 a.m. Feb. 11, during the PECSAA Basketball Tournament at Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville. For details, contact head coach Ernie Hanington at ernest.hanington@gmail. com or general manager Jeff Raborn at Jeff.Raborn@gmail.com.

MOORESVILLE — Three Christ the King High School students recently sweeped an essay contest sponsored by the St. Thérèse Church Knights of Columbus Council. The topic was “The Responsibility of the Catholic Citizen in a Free Republic.” First place went to Mary Selzer, second place to Danielle Morlando, and third place to John Walkowski.

We welcome your school’s news. Please e-mail photos and story suggestions to Editor Patricia Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org.

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Join us for an Open House, Saturday, February 11 – Tour at 10:30am / 11am Parent Talk. Call for reservations.

Between 2006-2011, 6 different OLG graduates were either valedictorians or salutatorians at Triad high schools.

Come find out why!

Open House (Pre-k to 8th grade) at 10am: Feb. 13th, March 20th Middle School Readiness Seminar & Middle School Open House at 6:30 pm on Feb. 8 Come learn about this important time in a student's life and then stay to see how OLG helps students grow academically, spiritually and socially in middle school.

catholicnewsherald.com | February 3, 2012 18

In Brief

Ibis Centeno brings her experiences of integration and her strong Catholic faith to help in the work of the Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Charlotte. A Cuban native, she is the newest member of the ministry.

Spiritual retreat in Spanish A spiritual retreat will be held featuring international preacher Salvador Gómez at Charlotte Catholic High School, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road. It will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 25 and 26. Children younger than 10 years old not admitted. Please bring your own lunch.

Tickets cost $20 (valid for both days), and are on sale at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 6212 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte. For more information, call 704-391-3732.

Retiro Espiritual Este evento contará con predicador internacional Salvador Gómez. Será en Charlotte Catholic High School, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road. Será de 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. el 25 y 26 de febrero.

Los niños menores de 10 años no serán admitidos. Favor de traer su propio almuerzo. El precio del boleto es de $20 (es válido para los dos días). Están a la venta en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, 6212 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte. Para más información, llame al 704-391-3732.

Ibis Centeno trae sus experiencias de integración y de su fuerte fe Católica para ayudar en la labor del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Nativa de Cuba, es la miembra más reciente del ministerio.

Christopher Lux | Catholic News Herald

The newest coordinator of Hispanic ministries:

Ibis Centeno Christopher Lux Correspondent

La más nueva coordinadora de ministerios Hispanos:

Ibis Centeno

Ibis Centeno came to the U.S. when she was 17 years old. She and her family were political refugees from Cuba, hoping to find a better life. In the U.S. they enjoyed many freedoms, among them the ability to attend church.

“I wasn’t allowed to go to church in Cuba,” she recalls. “You’re an ignorant (in Cuba) if you believe in God.” Taking advantage of her new freedom, Centeno relearned her Catholic faith when she fled Cuba. “Look at me now,” she says. “I can’t stay away from it!”

Centeno is now the coordinator of Hispanic Ministries for the Salisbury vicariate, where she works “in conjunction with pastors to serve the Latino community.”

As a teenager she faced the many problems of This is part of an moving to a foreign land. Among those, she had occasional series about to teach herself a new language, English. the work of the diocesan “I remember my stages of learning English.

Hispanic Ministry First I could understand what was written. I coordinators. could understand absolutely everything in a book. But if I heard it I couldn’t understand it.

Then I learned to write, and now I find that my spelling is better in English than in Spanish. The last thing was speech, so I just had to go out there and say whatever. And people would correct me.”

Centeno brings her experiences of integration and her strong Catholic faith to help in the work of the Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Charlotte. She is the newest member of the ministry, having worked only seven months in the position.

Prior to accepting the job with the diocese, Centeno worked six years as the Hispanic coordinator at St. Thérèse Church in Mooresville. Her new position allows her to work with people from the six parishes that make up the Salisbury vicariate: Sacred Heart in Salisbury, St. Francis of Assisi in Mocksville, St. James in Concord, St. Joseph in Kannapolis, St. Philip

Ibis Centeno llegó a los Estados Unidos cuando tenía diecisiete años.

Ella y su familia eran refugiados políticos de Cuba, con la esperanza de encontrar una vida mejor. En los Estados Unidos disfrutaron de muchas libertades, entre ellas la posibilidad de asistir a la iglesia. “En Cuba no se nos permitía ir a la iglesia”, ella recuerda. “En ese régimen te consideran una persona ignorante si crees en Dios”.

Tomando ventaja de su nueva libertad, Centeno reaprendió su fe Católica cuando salió de Cuba.

“Mírame ahora” ella dice. “Ya no salgo de ella.”

Centeno es ahora la coordinadora del Esta es una parte Ministerio Hispano de la Vicaría de Salisbury de una serie ocasional donde trabaja “en conjunción con los párrocos de entregas en la que para servir a la comunidad Latina.” estaremos conociendo Cuando ella era adolescente se enfrentó a más acerca de nuestra los muchos problemas de mudarse a un país diócesis, su territorio, extranjero. Entre ellos, ella tuvo que aprender un sus líderes y la forma nuevo idioma, el inglés. que se organiza el Centeno lleva sus experiencias de integración Ministerio Hispano y de su fe Católica fuerte para ayudar en la diocesano. labor del Ministerio Hispano de la diócesis de Charlotte. Ella es el miembro más reciente del ministerio, solo lleva siete meses en ese cargo.

Antes de aceptar el trabajo con la diócesis, Centeno trabajó seis años como coordinadora Latina en Santa Teresa en Mooresville. Su nueva posición le permite trabajar con personas de las seis parroquias que forman el vicariato de Salisbury: Sagrado Corazón en Salisbury, San Francisco de Asís en Mocksville, Santiago el Mayor en Concord, San José en Kannapolis, San Felipe Apóstol en Statesville y Santa Teresa en

CENTENO, SEE page 19

CENTENO, SEE page 19

An occasional series

Christopher Lux Correspondent

Una serie ocasional

February 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

CENTENO

CENTENO

FROM PAGE 18

FROM PAGE 18

the Apostle in Statesville and St. Thérèse in Mooresville.

Though she is just getting started in her new position, Centeno has been busy.

“I assist the pastors and the priests with any of the Latino community needs,” she explains. “Things like starting a prayer group, putting on retreats, (and) helping with marriages, funerals and baptismal preparation.”

A lot of her work, though, deals with social work.

“The undocumented Latino is very persecuted right now,” she says. “So, they don’t have driver’s licenses and they don’t have good jobs … the social need is really where we come in and we get phone calls for this all the time. They need priests in hospitals, we accompany them to Raleigh to go to the Mexican consulate, we go talk to an attorney for them, we go to the schools and translate, and go to the doctor’s and translate.”

Besides helping the local Church “tend to the spiritual needs of the community,” Centeno said she would like to work educating both Hispanics and non-Hispanics of the parishes in the vicariate. There are sometimes clashes of cultures in the parishes, and she hopes to help resolve them.

“Besides the difference in cultures between the Anglo-Saxons and the Latinos, we have a different Church culture,” she explains. “In the U.S. the parishioners have had to take care of the Church. In Latin America, the Church is there to take care of the person’s needs – spiritual, social and even economically. So, when you come to this country and you have to register and you have to pay for electricity, the building, the land, it’s a new concept.”

Furthermore, she points out, there are rules in the churches that are unfamiliar to some members of the Hispanic community.

For example, she says, some people do not understand why they “can’t come and have a prayer group at 7:30 on a Monday without previously reserving a room. We have to understand the cultures. So we educate both of them. We have a lot of parish activities where we invite the Anglos and Latinos in order to get to know each other and understand each other’s culture and understand where we come from.”

However, Centeno is sure to point out that she is not here to help Hispanic parishioners assimilate and lose their unique identities. “Our goal is not to assimilate; our goal is to learn and to integrate. That way you don’t lose more than you already have lost. If you assimilate, you lose who you are. I like the fact that I have an accent and I like the things I grew up with. And I pray better in Spanish. I’ve been here 30 years and I still pray better in Spanish. When I am in trouble and I really need God, it comes out in Spanish.”

She advises Hispanic parishioners, “Don’t lose who you are, but move forward in this country and better yourself, which is what we came to do.”

There are challenges for the diocesan Hispanic Ministry, and Centeno’s primary challenge is that “there is a lack of time to serve everybody the way I’d like to.”

Additionally, in the past seven months she has struggled “getting to the core of the Hispanic community and finding out what their needs are.”

But she is determined to serve the community as a representative of the Church, and get to know the people more deeply. Centeno is ready to show the Hispanic community that the Church can be “their support group and their family.”

Mooresville.

A pesar de que acaba de comenzar su nueva posición, Centeno ha estado ocupada. “Asisto a los párrocos y sacerdotes en cualquier cosa que se necesite con los Latinos,” explica. “Cosas como comenzar un grupo de oración, hacer retiros, ayudar con funerales y sacramentos.”

Una gran parte de su trabajo, sin embargo, es el trabajo social. “El Latino indocumentado es muy perseguido en estos tiempos” dice. “No tienen licencia de conducir, por lo que es difícil tener buenos trabajos o trabajos permanentes… también podemos ayudar con sus necesidades sociales, entonces nos llegan llamadas todo el tiempo. Se necesitan sacerdotes en hospitales, los acompañamos a Raleigh, al Consulado Mejicano, hablamos con abogados por ellos, vamos a las escuelas y los doctores para traducir. Establecemos buenas relaciones con las autoridades.”

Además de ayudar en la Iglesia “atendemos las necesidades espirituales de la comunidad.” A Centeno le gustaría trabajar educando a los Hispanos y los Anglosajones de las parroquias. A menudo hay choques de culturas en las parroquias, producto de desentendimientos entre ellos y espera ayudar a resolverlos.

“Además de la diferencia de culturas entre los Anglosajones y los Hispanos, también hay una diferencia en la cultura de la iglesia,” explica. “En Los Estados Unidos, los feligreses han tenido que preocuparse por la iglesia Católica. En Latinoamérica… la Iglesia se ocupa de todo tipo de necesidades del feligrés; espiritual, social y hasta a veces económica. Entonces cuando vienes a este país te encuentras con que hay que registrarse y mandar dinero en sobresitos, es un concepto completamente nuevo para nosotros.”

Además, señala, hay reglas en las iglesias que no están familiarizados con algunos miembros de la comunidad Hispana.

Debemos conocer las culturas. Hay que educarlas a las dos. Tenemos muchas actividades en las parroquias en donde se invitan a las dos comunidades para que se conozcan y sepan de donde vienen y por qué.”

Centeno está segura y señala que ella no está aquí para ayudar a la comunidad Hispana a asimilarse a la cultura de los EE.UU. “Nuestra meta no es la de asimilarse; nuestra meta es la de integrarse. De esa manera no se pierde más de lo que ya hemos perdido dejando nuestra tierra. Si te asimilas a esta cultura, entonces desaparece quien tú eres. A mí me gusta el tener un acento y me gusta la manera en que me criaron, las tradiciones.

Yo rezo mejor en español que en ingles. Yo llevo aquí treinta años y todavía me gusta rezar más en español. Cuando me meto en problemas y de veras necesito al Señor, lo llamo en español.”

Ella aconseja a los hispanos, “No te pierdas, mantén quien tu eres, pero adelanta en este país, aprende inglés y mejora tu situación, que para eso nos vinimos aquí.”

Hay desafíos para el Ministerio Hispano diocesano, y el reto principal para Centeno es que “No hay suficiente tiempo para atender a todos de la manera que a mí me gustaría.” Además, en los últimos siete meses ha luchado “para llegar al corazón de la comunidad Hispana y descubrir cuáles son sus necesidades.”

Pero ella está decidida a servir a la comunidad como una representante de la iglesia Católica, y llegar a conocer a las personas más profundamente.”

Part-Time Counseling Supervisor

Your Local Catholic Charities Agency

Part-Time Counseling Supervisor (20 – 25 hours per week) needed for Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Charlotte, NC, Inc. Must be currently licensed as a NC LPCS. Regular daytime and some overnight travel required. Cover letter and resume must be submitted electronically by 5 PM on Monday, February 13, 2012 to gacarter@charlottediocese.org.

No telephone calls, please. For complete job description visit www.cssnc.org and click on Jobs button at footer of homepage.

Thinking about a will?

Request a free Wills Kit from CRS. Learn what you need to know before you see an attorney.

1-800-235-2772 ext. 7262 CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES Serving the poorest of the poor overseas.

Hispanic Communications Specialist The Catholic News Herald, a 57,000-circulation newspaper serving the Diocese of Charlotte, N.C., is seeking a Hispanic communications specialist to cover news and activities of interest in the Hispanic community for the Diocese of Charlotte through written and spoken communications, in Spanish and in English.

This position is responsible for producing news content related to Hispanic Catholics across the diocese – writing stories, taking photos, recording video and audio, etc. – for publication in the Catholic News Herald and at CatholicNewsHerald.com, in Spanish and in English, and through a variety of other communications channels such as social media and radio. This position will also build relationships with secular Hispanic media to further our mission of evangelization.

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or related field, and previous journalism experience in both English and Spanish. Candidates should be familiar with the Catholic faith and possess strong organizational and communication skills. Other key qualifications include enthusiasm, teamwork, ability to meet deadlines, flexibility and attention to accuracy. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, audio and video editing, and fluency in both written and spoken English and Spanish are required.

We offer a competitive benefits package that includes salary commensurate with experience, health and dental insurance, 403(b) and paid holidays. EOE

Please submit resume to: PatriciaGuilfoyle, Editor plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org No phone calls, please.

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catholicnewsherald.com | February 3, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

On TV n Monday, Feb. 6, 3 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Most Holy Mother Of God Catholic Church.” Once under the yoke of Communism, a Catholic parish in Russia is reborn.

In theaters (Below) Nancy Ross, a former TV news anchor from Charlotte, is the producer of the landmark television series, “Catholicism.”

Father Robert Barron, who runs the Chicagobased Word on Fire ministry, is pictured while shooting the series, which explains beliefs of the Catholic faith and features more than 50 locations in 16 countries.

‘The Iron Lady’ Touching dramatization of the life of Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female prime minister, and arguably its most important post-World War II politician. Viewers of faith will appreciate its explicitly pro-family celebration of Thatcher’s successful marriage as well as its implicitly pro-life vindication of her dignity despite mental frailty. Two scenes of terrorist attacks, documentary footage of real-life violence, and a glimpse of upper female nudity.

CNS: A-III (adults), MPAA: PG-13

‘Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close’ Devastated by the sudden loss of his devoted father, a victim of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, an introverted grade schooler sets out to identify the purpose of a mysterious key he discovers among his dad’s belongings. Mature themes, some disturbing images, a transvestite character, a couple of crude terms, occasional vulgar wordplay.

CNS: A-III (adults), MPAA: PG-13

‘Man on a Ledge’ Tedious thriller about an ex-cop wrongly convicted of stealing a fabulously valuable diamond from a morally stained millionaire.

Occasional action violence, an implied premarital situation, much profanity, and at least two uses of the F-word.

CNS: A-III (adults), MPAA: PG-13

‘One for the Money’ Forgettable fish-out-of-water comedy in which an unemployed New Jersey department store saleswoman takes a job as a bail bondsman, and an old high school boyfriend for whom she still carries a torch, despite his having spurned her, becomes her first target for recapture. Some action violence, brief rear and partial nudity, an instance of blasphemy, and at least 20 uses of profanity.

CNS: A-III (adults), MPAA: PG-13

‘Red Tails’ Flag-waving hokum about the all-black 332nd Fighting Group of the Army Air Forces during World War II. What director Anthony Hemingway obviously intended as an enthusiastic fact-based homage to greatest generation patriotism instead comes off as shallow and cliched storytelling about a famed group of Tuskegee Airmen.

Extensive aerial combat violence, an instance of implied premarital sex, fleeting crude language.

CNS: A-III (adults), MPAA: PG-13

n Wednesday, Feb. 8, 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. (Part 1); Wednesday, Feb. 15, 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m. (Part 2) (EWTN) “Lourdes.” This two-part program explores the life of the great saint of Lourdes, Bernadette, and the vast impact she has had in the lives of others.

Photos courtesy of Word on Fire Ministries

‘Catholicism’ producer has diocese connection CHARLOTTE — Nancy Ross is a familiar face to many Catholics in the Charlotte area.

From 1994 to 2002 Ross anchored and reported the news for WBTV in Charlotte. In 2004 Ross returned to her native Chicago when her husband’s job relocated their family.

Ross recently spoke with the Catholic News Herald about her role as the producer of the successful TV series “Catholicism” and how her experiences in Charlotte deepened her faith. Her answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.

CNH: How did the series “Catholicism” come about?

Nancy Ross: I walked into church one day and heard Father Robert Barron and said, ‘Whoa, this guy should be out there as a voice for the Church.’ It turns out he was already doing some media work and evangelization in Ross the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Father Barron always had a dream to do something like Kenneth Clark’s “Civilization.”

He wanted to travel around the world to tell the story of Catholicism and its beautiful places and traditions and Catholic culture. He presented his idea to the Word on Fire board. (Word on Fire was formed to support the radio and podcasting work Father Barron does). The board told him he should drop everything else and go do that.

We first had to get permission from Cardinal (Francis) George to raise the money and to give Father Barron time off from his seminary teaching duties. Once we got that, it was four years from when we started fundraising to when the first program got on the air.

CNH: What does a producer do?

Nancy Ross: First it was raising money.

Overall, my job is building relationships and putting the right teams together to make this happen – from the crews to the donors to event

n Thursday, Feb. 9, 3 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “A Tiny Piece Of Heaven.”

This inspiring documentary explores the lives and faith of a community of believers in the small coastal town of Magadan, Siberia, which at one time was a slave labor camp. n Friday, Feb. 10, 3 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Bernadette.” This documentary briefly portrays the life of Bernadette Soubirous, a young peasant girl in Lourdes, France, to whom Our Lady appeared during the mid-1850s. n Friday, Feb. 10, 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, 5 a.m.

(EWTN) “A Parent’s Guide, Teaching The Truth And Meaning Of Human Sexuality.”

This overview of the Vatican document provides valuable insights from Catholic parents, educators and clergy.

planners and supporters who make this happen.

It is a lot of logistical work. In the beginning we raised enough money for one episode and we didn’t know if it would be one episode or three.

We were raising funds while we were producing the episodes, which is kind of unusual.

CNH: Each show opens with a dramatic shot of the doors to the Sistine Chapel opening to reveal the great frescos of Michelangelo on the ceiling and wall behind the altar. What was it like getting permission for that?

Nancy Ross: It took several months of letters back and forth to the Vatican including one from Cardinal George. There was some vetting of Father Barron and Word on Fire to make sure that we were a legitimate organization that wanted to show the true beauty and faith of the Church. We shot in there on an evening, after it was closed to the public, from seven until 10.

There is so much more of the Sistine Chapel that we haven’t used yet. We’ll probably use it in other series.

CNH: How successful has the “Catholicism” series been?

Nancy Ross: So far the 10 episodes have been broadcast more than 1,500 times on public Catholicism, SEE page 21

n Saturday, Feb. 11, 2-3:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Healing and Miracles at Lourdes.” Beginning with a summary of events leading to the establishment of the shrine at Lourdes, France, this special focuses on miraculous cures and moves to an explanation of the process by which such cures are approved as credible by the Church. n Sunday, Feb. 12, 2 a.m., Friday, Feb. 17, 10 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m.

(EWTN) “Sudan — And You Do Not Cry With Us.” This dramatic documentary takes viewers inside the ongoing Sudanese Civil War, focusing on the Christian struggle to keep the faith in the midst of tragedy and injustice. n Monday, Feb. 13, 6:30-7 p.m. (EWTN) "Men, Women and the Mystery of Love."

First episode of a five-part series in which host Edward Sri of the Augustine Institute in Denver explores romantic relationships from a Catholic perspective.

February 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

CATHOLICISM:

ANNIVERSARY:

FROM PAGE 20

FROM PAGE 13

television stations and EWTN, reaching more than 70 percent of the audience in America. Starting March 1, EWTN will be airing three episodes a week for at least a year. The ratings have been decent. We are hoping to go international to the BBC and Univision in Latin America. We have translations underway in a total of 10 languages. So, in the Catholic world we hope there will be a steady presence of the series for some time to come.

Get your copy

CNH: Father Barron’s communication seems effortless. Is he using a teleprompter?

Nancy Ross: No. We call him “One-take Bob.” And that is something I sensed the first time I heard him, that he was this great communicator. The cardinal said that someone like him comes along once in a generation if we are lucky. He (Father Barron) has this ability to communicate. He gets these scripts into his head and then it just flows freely. The director of the program has worked with Tom Brokaw, Bryant Gumbel and Bob Costas, and he says Father Barron is better than any of them.

The 10-part series “Catholicism,” is available on DVD. For more information, go to www. catholicismproject.org.

CNH: How did your time in the Diocese of Charlotte influence your work with Father Barron?

Nancy Ross: Bishop William Curlin had an enormous influence on me.

He baptized two of my three children. And then meeting Mother Teresa, and I got to interview her when she came to Charlotte (in 1994). And that just really rocked my world. I couldn’t sleep for about two weeks after that, and even though I didn’t know it at the time, something inside of me had been awakened. And some good friends in Charlotte helped call me back to the Church. Charlotte is where my personal journey began, and it all helped me with the practical groundwork for this production.

CNH: What’s next for Father Barron?

Nancy Ross: We have a couple of things. First, Father has been invited to go to Australia and England. We’ll send a (film) crew so we can take a look at the faith “down under,” in England and in the West. He is leaving on that trip in March. Beyond that, he is looking at doing a series on the pivotal players of Catholicism -– from the Early Church Fathers to St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas and even G.K. Chesterton – and showing how those great figures guided the Church through the ages.

— David Hains, diocesan director of communication

from scratch in a little less than six weeks. With the Christmas holidays thrown in, it was a very busy time. Monsignor Showfety credits his co-workers from the Diocese of Raleigh with providing invaluable counsel and practical suggestions as the new diocese was getting off the ground.

Those associated with the diocese at its beginning use words like “exciting” and “awesome” to describe what life was like. There was a pioneering sense of starting something new.

The diocese was also small enough for most priests to know one another. Monsignor Joseph Kerin, who served as the second chancellor of the diocese, describes the atmosphere as friendly and informal.

“There was a sense of a North Carolina spirit of the Church. The lay people and the priests had a sense that they were missioners.”

While there was a clear sense of mission and the sparkle that comes with being new, the diocese was cramped into a pair of rooms in the first floor rectory at St. Patrick Cathedral. Aloha Torrents, a longtime secretary in the office of the bishop and the chancery, recalls borrowing paper clips and typing paper from the rector of the cathedral.

Torrents worked with Bishop Begley when he was the director of Catholic Social Services. “He asked me to be his secretary and I told him I didn’t know how to be a secretary to a bishop. He laughed and told me, ‘My dear child, only the office changes, not the man.’”

— Source: “Voices and Places of The People of God,” by David Hains, published on the occasion of the Diocese of Charlotte’s 35th anniversary.

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In Brief

Successful ‘Moving On’ program continues DENVER — Holy Spirit Church in Denver has begun another session of “Moving On After Moving In.” This 10-week program is open to all local women who “are new/feel new” or are going through a life transition such as retirement, divorce, widowhood, etc. The classes are based on Susan Miller’s book “After the Boxes Are Unpacked,” which discusses the spiritual, emotional and practical needs of making a move or a life transition.

The sessions began Jan. 26. For details, call Candy at 704-489-1691 or Maureen at 704489-0544.

— Doreen Sugierski

Walk for Life held in Denver DENVER — The Denver Pregnancy Care Center held its fifth annual Walk For Life recently to raise funds for the center. Twenty area churches sent teams, which raised almost $15,000. Holy Spirit Church was the top fundraiser, bringing in $2,338, and the parish received the Lifesaver Award.

n History of the Diocese of Charlotte: www. charlottediocese.org/history n Anecdota in diocesan history: www.charlottediocese.org/ ministries-a-departments/archives

— Doreen Sugierski We welcome your parish’s news. E-mail items to Editor Patricia Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org.

Why Marriage Matters Marriage is a sacrament Marriage is a loving, faithful, permanent union of husband and wife

“From the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said: For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh.” -Jesus (Matthew 19:4-5)

Marriage mirrors Christ’s sacrificial love for us, and through marriage we also experience His Grace

On May 8, Vote FOR Marriage www.CatholicVoiceNC.org

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Our nation 22

catholicnewsherald.com | February 3, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

HHS move amounts to ‘to hell with you’; bishops’ protests mount WASHINGTON, D.C. — A week after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told individuals and institutions who oppose contraception “to hell with you,” as one bishop put it, members of the U.S. Catholic hierarchy have been mobilizing their followers to fight.

Bishops across the country – including Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta, Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans and Bishop Robert N. Lynch of St. Petersburg, Fla. – prepared letters that were read at all Masses last weekend.

North Carolina’s two bishops, Charlotte Bishop Peter Jugis and Raleigh Bishop Michael Burbidge issued an alert through Catholic Voice NC, their public policy arm, on Jan. 27, asking voters to contact their elected representatives to protest the HHS mandate and support a bill introduced in Congress last week that would reiterate religious organizations’ rights of conscience: the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179, S. 1467). (See the full story on page 3.)

One of the most strongly worded reactions to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ Jan. 20 announcement that religious organizations could delay but not opt out of a requirement that all health plans cover contraception and sterilization at no cost came from Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh, in a column titled “To hell with you.” Sebelius and the Obama administration “have said ‘To hell with you’ to

the Catholic faithful of the United States,” Bishop Zubik wrote. “To hell with your religious beliefs. To hell with your religious liberty. To hell with your freedom of conscience. We’ll give you a year, they are saying, and then you have to knuckle under.”

He called on Catholics in the Pittsburgh diocese to “do all possible to rescind” the contraceptive mandate by writing to President Barack Obama, Sebelius and their members of Congress about this “unprecedented federal interference in the right of Catholics to serve their community without violating their fundamental moral beliefs.”

Just as the North Carolina bishops urged their faithful to act, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia said during a visit last week to Nashville that it will be up to Catholic voters to convince the federal government to rescind the HHS contraception mandate.

“Bishops can’t tell politicians what to do, but Catholic voters can,” Archbishop Chaput said.

Political leaders respond to pressure from citizens, he added, and Catholics ought to demand respect for religious values.

He joined fellow bishops in urging Catholics in the pew to be more politically active. “The very principle of religious freedom, the first freedom in the Bill of Rights, is at stake here,” he said. “That’s a lot to be at stake. Once it’s lost, you don’t get it back.”

— Catholic News Service and Catholic News Herald staff

Image courtesy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan is leading criticism by the U.S. bishops against a federal mandate requiring private employers to provide free contraception and sterilization services in their health care plans as of this August, and the announcement Jan. 20 that religious employers who object based on right of conscience grounds have one extra year to comply with the rule. Cardinal-designate Dolan issued a video statement, which can be viewed on the USCCB’s YouTube channel (linked on the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel) or at www.usccb.org.

Same-sex ‘marriage’ issue facing lawmakers, voters in several states Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The same-sex “marriage” issue will be facing lawmakers and voters in several states this year.

Democratic-controlled legislatures in Washington state, Maryland and New Jersey are considering legislation that would legalize same-sex “marriage,” while Maine voters may vote on a same-sex “marriage” referendum in November.

Voters in North Carolina and Minnesota will consider constitutional amendments defining marriage as between a man and a woman. (See related story on page 7.) In New Hampshire, the Republican-controlled legislature is gearing up to vote on a bill that could reverse that state’s same-sex “marriage” law.

Maryland Gov. Martin J. O’Malley, a Catholic, is sponsoring legislation to legalize same-sex “marriage.” If it passes Maryland will be the seventh state, plus the District of Columbia, to allow same-sex “marriages.”

Mary Ellen Russell, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the state’s bishops, said same-sex “marriage” is being pushed by a small group of advocates.

“If we dismantle the connection between marriage and mothers and fathers of children, we risk losing sight of the tremendous importance of keeping the nuclear family intact,” she said.

Treating marriage differently from other relationships is not discrimination, Russell added, noting that there are already laws on the books that provide benefits for those in same-sex relationships.

Cardinal-designate Edwin F. O’Brien of Baltimore said he thinks it is “arrogant” to dismiss traditional marriage, and that some Maryland delegates view traditional marriage as “old-fashioned.”

“Because they have friends who might be gay,” he said, “they think it’s all right to question this whole thing and to vote for an overturn (of the definition of marriage).”

Should Maryland lawmakers vote to legalize same-sex “marriage,” opponents have promised to take the issue to voters through a referendum.

In New Jersey, leaders in the Democraticcontrolled legislature have made a bill to legalize same-sex “marriage” in that state a top priority. However, Gov. Chris Christie has vowed to veto such a bill if it passes, saying he wants the issue to be placed on the ballot.

The state’s Catholic bishops said in a Jan. 20 statement that traditional marriage “has its roots in natural law.”

“As citizens, we must protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman,” they said. “Same sex unions may represent a new and a different type of institution – but it is not marriage and should not be treated as marriage.”

The bishops said the state’s Civil Union Act, signed into law in December 2006,

“already provides practical rights, benefits and protections for persons who choose to establish nonmarital unions.”

At a town hall meeting, Christie said the issue of “whether or not to redefine hundreds of years of societal and religious traditions, should not be decided by 121 people in the statehouse in Trenton. ... The institution of marriage is too serious to be treated like a political football.”

On a 4-3 vote, a Washington state Senate committee Jan. 26 passed a bill to legalize same-sex “marriage” and sent it to the full Senate. Gov. Christine Gregoire, who also is Catholic, has pledged to sign the bill into law.

In a Jan. 23 testimony before a Senate committee, Seattle Archbishop J. Peter Sartain urged lawmakers to oppose the measure. He said the bill has “elicited strong emotions on both sides” and hoped the voice of Catholic bishops in the state “contributes significantly to the discussion of a matter that has serious long-range implications for our state and society at large.”

Archbishop Sartain said bishops oppose the bill “based on the grave challenge this legislation poses to the common good. By attempting to redefine marriage, it ignores the origin, purpose and value of marriage to individuals, families and society.”

He noted that “not everyone holds our faith and beliefs, but the universal principles that form the basis for our position are readily discernible by all

people. They transcend any particular society, government, or religious community; in fact, they are built into human life itself.”

In Colorado, proposals to legalize samesex civil unions are expected to be put forth in the new legislative session.

The Colorado Catholic Conference, in a statement posted on its website, said that the “major flaw with civil union legislation is that in its language and practical effect it creates an alternative, parallel structure to marriage using explicitly spousal language.”

The statement also noted the state’s constitution defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. “It does little good to protect marriage in our state constitution, on the one hand, and legally recognize other unions, such as civil unions, that compete with it for equality.

Civil unions are essentially marriage under another name and all implications of these types of unions have not been fully discerned or discussed.”

“To be clear, in opposing civil unions we have no desire to deny anyone his or her fundamental civil rights,” the statement said, adding that “nearly every benefit being sought by” civil union legislation “or any legislation that seeks to redefine marriage ... is already legally available to Coloradans.”

— Contributing to this report was George P. Matysek Jr. and Matt Palmer in Baltimore.

February 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief Dolan: Natural law, not religion, dictates all life is sacred NEW YORK — Natural law is a concept of objective truth, not religious preference, and reliance on natural law and human rights will move the culture and its laws in the direction of authentic respect for human life, Cardinaldesignate Timothy M. Dolan of New York said in an address Jan. 24. Cardinal-designate Dolan, speaking on “Law & the Gospel of Life,” gave the inaugural talk in a lecture series sponsored by the Institute on Religion, Law and Lawyers’ Work at Jesuit-run Fordham University School of Law. “Our society has caricatured natural law as some medieval tool the Church is using to justify its own unique and antiquated system of teaching. Of course, the opposite is true,” he said. “Natural law theory is not uniquely Catholic, it’s human. Some of the greatest exponents of the natural law, like Aristotle and Cicero, never heard of the Catholic Church.

These things we teach are not true because they happen to be taught by the Church. We teach them because they happen to be true.

Their truth antedates the Church.”

The most effective way to engage in conversations about human life with people who disagree with the Church’s position, he said, is to “untether” discussions of natural law “from what might be thought of as unique Catholic confessionalism.”

“It’s not a Catholic thing. It’s a natural thing.

It’s a human thing,” he said.

Immigration advocates urged to keep up efforts SALT LAKE CITY — Biblical prophets who proclaimed God’s word often suffered for their work, but nevertheless kept the word burning within them, an Arizona bishop said as he urged immigration advocates gathered in Salt Lake City to keep up their efforts despite obstacles they face. Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares of Phoenix spoke during a three-day conference in mid-January that drew 230 immigration advocates from 43 states. Titled “Immigration: A 50-State Issue,” the conference was sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Catholic Legal Immigration Network.

“Today, my brothers and sisters, it is our time to listen to God’s word ever anew,” Bishop Nevares said. “How do we practice that prophetic office today? By defending the immigrant from discrimination. By striving to be the voice for those who have no voice.

By struggling to advocate for the dignity of every human person from the first moment of conception to natural death. By calling for the integrity and unity of all human families.

And last but not least, that we urge our government leaders to pass a just equitable and comprehensive reform to immigration law and system which is broken,” he said.

23

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New policy on gay rights seen as threat to religious liberty QUINCY, Mass. — Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s announcement in December that respect for gay rights is now a factor in the Obama administration’s foreign policy decisions is on a collision course with religious freedom, said an official with the Becket Fund.

“This administration clearly wants to elevate certain rights over others. And unfortunately it seems that religious freedom is never prioritized in their foreign policy as it should be,” Tina Ramirez said. Ramirez is the director of government and international relations for the Becket Fund, which seeks to protect the free expression of all faiths.

Clinton announced to U.N. diplomats in Geneva in December that U.S. agencies engaged abroad have been instructed to “combat the criminalization” of the “status or conduct” of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people.

President Barack Obama, in a memo released later the same day, called ending discrimination against this group of people central to the U.S. commitment to promoting human rights.

California bishops back signature drives on death penalty, abortion SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Catholic bishops of California are backing proposed ballot measures to require parental notification before a minor’s abortion and to end use of the death penalty in the state. The endorsement, contained in a statement posted Jan. 10 on the website of the California Catholic Conference, marks a departure from the bishops’ longstanding policy of not taking a stand on potential initiatives until they have qualified for the state ballot. But the “convergence” of the two proposed initiatives presents “a unique teaching moment on life and family,” the bishops said.

— Catholic News Service

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Our world 24

catholicnewsherald.com | February 3, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Vatican issues recommendations for celebrating Year of Faith VATICAN CITY — In an effort to help Catholics have a better and correct understanding of their faith and become authentic witnesses to Christ, the Vatican has issued a list of pastoral recommendations for celebrating the Year of Faith.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith recently released a “note” outlining the aims of the special year and ways bishops, dioceses, parishes and communities can promote “the truth of the faith,” the congregation said. It also announced that within the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, a secretariat would be set up to suggest and coordinate different initiatives.

Pope Benedict XVI wanted the Year of Faith, which runs from Oct. 11, 2012, to Nov. 24, 2013, to help the Church focus its attention on “Jesus Christ and the beauty of having faith in Him,” it said. The year is meant to “contribute to a renewed conversion to the Lord Jesus and to the rediscovery of faith, so that the members of the Church will be credible and joy-filled witnesses to the risen Lord, capable of leading those many people who are seeking it to the door of faith,” the statement said.

The full statement can be read at www. vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/ documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20120106_notaanno-fede_en.html.

Pope Benedict XVI and two Italian schoolchildren watch after releasing a dove from the window of the pope’s apartment overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Jan. 29. After praying the Angelus, the pope and the children released doves as a symbol of peace.

CNS | L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters

Christianity, religion risk oblivion in many parts of world, pope says Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

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VATICAN CITY — Christianity and even religious belief are in grave danger across the globe, risking oblivion, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“Across vast areas of the earth, faith runs the danger of extinguishing like a flame that runs out of fuel,” he said.

The world faces “a profound crisis of faith, and a loss of a sense of religion constitutes the biggest challenge for the Church today,” he said.

The pope said the renewal of faith has to be a priority for all members of the Church and said he hoped the upcoming Year of Faith, starting in October, would further such effort.

Pope Benedict met Jan. 27 with about 70 officials, members and consultants of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith,

the office he led for more than 20 years before being elected pope.

He said integral to helping the Gospel message seem more credible in today’s world was Christian unity – a theme that members of the congregation discussed during their four-day plenary meeting.

Pope Benedict said the search for Christian unity requires a solid foundation in truth and Scripture, not the establishment of rules and agreements that are mutually beneficial.

“Rather, the heart of true ecumenism is faith, where people encounter the truth that is revealed in the word of God,” he said.

“Without faith, the whole ecumenical movement would be reduced to a form of ‘social contract’ that’s adhered to out of common interest,” the pope said.

Even though dialogue has borne much fruit, in ecumenical talks the Church must

guard against the risk of believing all religions are equal, and it must be sure not to distort or obscure Catholic doctrine.

The Second Vatican Council call for the sincere search for full unity with all Christians is a process animated by the Word of God. The truth and faith must be central to ecumenical dialogue, and those involved in dialogue must face controversial questions with courage, he said.

Ecumenical dialogue cannot ignore “the great moral questions of human life, the family, sexuality, bioethics, freedom, justice and peace,” he said.

“It would be important to talk about these issues with only one voice, drawing on the foundation in Scripture and in the Church’s living tradition” so as to discover God’s logic and plan for creation, he said.

By defending the foundational values of the faith and Church tradition, “we defend man, we defend creation,” the pope said.

Silence is key ingredient to meaningful communication, pope says VATICAN CITY — Amid the deluge of information and nonstop chatter in today’s media, the Church needs to help people find safe havens of silence, Pope Benedict XVI said. Far from being the enemy of calm and quiet, social media and the Internet can lead people to virtual sanctuaries that offer silent reflection, thoughtful dialogue and true meaning in life, he said.

“Attention should be paid to the various types of websites, applications and social networks which can help people today to find time for reflection and authentic questioning, as well as making space for silence and occasions for prayer,

meditation or sharing of the word of God,” he said in his message for the 2012 celebration of World Communications Day. Even brief posts and viral tweets can carry potent messages when people use those tools – not for spamming or for scanning the latest gossip – but for sharing a real part of themselves, he said.

“In concise phrases, often no longer than a verse from the Bible, profound thoughts can be communicated, as long as those taking part in the conversation do not neglect to cultivate their own inner lives,” he said.

The theme of this year’s World

Communications Day – marked in most dioceses the Sunday before Pentecost, this year May 20 – is “Silence and Word: Path of Evangelization.”

The papal message was released on the feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron of writers, Jan. 24. At a news conference on the message’s release, Archbishop Claudio Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, said there is a huge difference between a “semantic silence” that can be rich in or bolster meaning versus “keeping quiet” and ignoring the realty.

— Catholic News Service

February 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI PdmVstAng_5_10.pdf

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In Brief Vatican signs treaties against drug trade, organized crime, terrorism VATICAN CITY— The Vatican has signed three international treaties supporting the fight against the illegal drug trade, financing terrorism and organized crime. By signing onto these international legal instruments Jan. 25, the Vatican “confirms its intention as well as its effective and practical commitment to collaborate with the international community in a manner consistent with its nature and mission, with a view to guaranteeing international peace and justice,� wrote Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Vatican secretary for relations with states.

The Vatican released copies of its declarations supporting the three treaties Jan. 26.

The Vatican ratified the U.N. Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances to help “contribute and to give its moral support to the global prevention, repression and prosecution of drug abuse and the related problem of illicit trafficking in narcotics and psychotropic substances,� wrote the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who certified the declarations.

The Vatican is adhering to the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, the cardinal wrote, in an effort “to contribute and to give its moral support to the global prevention, repression and prosecution of terrorism and to the protection of victims of such crimes. Instruments of criminal and judicial cooperation constitute effective safeguards in the face of criminal activities that jeopardize human dignity and peace,� he wrote.

The Vatican is also adhering to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime as “the Holy See upholds the values of brotherhood, justice and peace between persons and peoples, whose protection and strengthening require the primacy of the rule of law and respect for human rights,� wrote Cardinal Bertone.

Evangelization can never be just a marginal concern, pope says VATICAN CITY — Evangelization must never be a marginal concern for the Church, Pope Benedict XVI said. From bishops to religious and the lay community, “All elements of the great mosaic of the Church must feel themselves strongly called on by the Lord’s mandate to preach the Gospel, so that Christ may be proclaimed everywhere,� the pope said in his message for World Mission Sunday.

The annual observance will be marked Oct. 21 at the Vatican and in most countries. In his message, released in Italian Jan. 25 at the Vatican, the pope said there is a “renewed urgency� for the missionary mandate even as

the Church celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on the Church’s Missionary Activity (“Ad Gentes�).

That urgency is based on the increasing number of people around the world who still have not heard the Gospel message and the growing secularism seen in traditionally Christian countries, he said.

C “It’s necessary to renew enthusiasm M for sharing the faith so as to promote new evangelization in traditionally Christian Y communities and countries that are losing their CM reference to God, and to help them rediscover the joy of believing,� the pope said.

MY “We need to recover the same apostolic zeal of the early Christian communities who, smallCY and defenseless, were still capable of spreading CMY the Gospel through proclamation and witness,�

K he said.

Consecrated life means living for God, others, pope says VATICAN CITY — Consecrated life entails giving oneself completely to God and living for others, Pope Benedict XVI said. Speaking at his weekly general audience Jan. 25, the pope continued his catechesis on Christian prayer, looking at the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Eucharist and the ministerial priesthood.

The pope said Jesus prayed for God’s intercession for His disciples, who, like Himself, “do not belong to the world.� Consecration also entails going on missions, the pope said, as Jesus told God, “As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. The consecrated person exists for others, is given to others,� and no longer lives for oneself, the pope said. “For the disciples it will be to continue Jesus’ mission, to be given to God in order to be in mission for everyone,� said the pope.

The pope prayed that all Christians follow suit and “open our own prayers to the needs of our neighbors and the whole world.�

Jesus also prayed that His disciples “may all be one,� as the pope recalled the closing of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which ended Jan. 25.

Pope to visit Mexico, Cuba March 23-28, meet leaders, faithful VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI will meet with Cuban President Raul Castro, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and bishops and Catholics from the region when he visits Mexico and Cuba in late March. He will also greet bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean as well as pray at the shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre in Cuba. It will be his third visit to the Americas after the United States in 2008 and Brazil in 2007. After a 14-hour flight from Rome to Mexico, the pope is scheduled to be in Leon, Mexico, March 23-26. He will be in Santiago de Cuba and Havana March 26-28.

He will arrive back in Rome March 29. During his trip, he will celebrate three outdoor Masses, including one marking the 400th anniversary of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, patroness of Cuba. In Mexico, he will have a special meeting with children and a vespers service with bishops from Latin America. — Catholic News Service

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Miles Christi 2ELIGIOUS /RDER s 0 / "OX s 0LYMOUTH -) s INFOUSA MILESCHRISTI ORG s WWW MILESCHRISTI ORG For more information and to register for these Exercises please contact Mary Jaye at northcarolina@spiritualexercises.net or at (248) 767-1669.

THE ORATORY Center for Spirituality 434 Charlotte Avenue, P.O. Box 11586 Rock Hill, SC 29731-1586

(803) 327-2097

rockhilloratory.org

rockhilloratory@gmail.com

Ordinary Holiness: A Personal Call to Build the Kingdom Saturday, February 25, 2012 9 – 11:45am Kathleen Cianni, PRH Educator What is Ordinary Holiness? A morning workshop of reflection to learn how to move from self-absorption to self-surrender and willfulness to wellness. Cost: $15.

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catholicnewsherald.com | February 3, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Letters to the editor Editor’s note: We received several letters in response to the Jan. 20 letter “Money could be spent on helping others,” which questioned an anonymous donation of $350,000 to install statues of 12 saints at St. Ann Church in Charlotte. Below is a representative sample of responses:

Peggy Bowes

Don’t be a Lent wimp!

“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

(Matthew 26:41)

I

’ll be the first to admit that for many years I was a lukewarm Catholic and most definitely a wimp at Lent. My idea of Lenten penance was to give up desserts. Except on Sundays, which aren’t technically part of Lent. And on family birthdays or a feast day. Oh, and also if I might offend a friend by not eating a few freshbaked chocolate chip cookies. Or… You get the idea.

I also had no clue how to fast. I thought that on those two dreaded days of fasting (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday), I was merely not to eat between meals. Oh, the suffering! At least I did remember to abstain from meat on Fridays.

I very piously gave up filet mignon for lobster bisque with truffle cream or Chilean sea bass with mango salsa.

After becoming a “revert” to the Catholic faith, I began to take Lent more seriously. Over the years, I have resolved to study the Bible, attend daily Mass, and spend a weekly hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Each year, I add one new practice to my Lenten devotions.

This keeps me from being overwhelmed, and I find that establishing one new habit during the 40 days of Lent makes it easier to continue that practice throughout the year.

With Ash Wednesday just around the corner (Feb. 22), you Lent wimps out there still have time to prayerfully and seriously consider how to change your ways and practice a little redemptive suffering.

A good start is to heed the wisdom of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI: “In the Lenten period, the Church makes it her duty to propose some specific tasks that accompany the faithful concretely in this process of interior renewal: these are prayer, fasting and almsgiving.”

I like to incorporate these three practices on Fridays during Lent. My fast might consist of drinking only juice until evening when I eat a simple meatless meal. Sometimes I try a bread and water fast, limiting myself to just two or three pieces of bread.

The beauty of penitential fasting is that the hunger pangs are a reminder to pray. Perhaps you might pray a decade of the rosary when you feel hungry or spend a few minutes reading about Jesus’ Passion in the gospels.

Hunger during a fast can also serve as a reminder that so many impoverished people are constantly hungry. A simple way to incorporate almsgiving is to use the money saved on food during your fast to buy food for the poor.

Participating in Operation Rice Bowl is a great way to do this.

Don’t be discouraged if you still retain some of your wimpiness. Take heart in the words of St. John Chrysostom: “Let those who have borne the burden of Lent now receive their pay… let them not be afraid of being too late, for the Lord is gracious and He receives the last even as the first… He repays the deed and praises the effort.”

Peggy Bowes is a member of Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy and author of “The Rosary Workout” (www.rosaryworkout.com).

Let us presume good intentions, with charity

Does caring for the poor mean we can never have beautiful churches?

Charity calls us to presume good intentions of our brothers and sisters unless there is evidence to the contrary. I do not know the identity of the anonymous donor whose gift permitted the creation of the beautiful statues at St. Ann’s. We also do not know why she/he was so moved to offer the gift. Did she/he lose a loved one who was an artist, and desired to offer work to other artists through this commission as a memorial?

We also do not know to what extent she/he supports shelters, hospitals and food banks with contributions of time and money.

There are at least as many possible scenarios presuming good will and obedience to a prompting of the Holy Spirit on the part of the donor as there are suspicions that the person disregards the care for the least of our brothers and sisters.

We need not forfeit our peace of heart. In charity, we are free to presume the good will of this individual, maintain our peace, and simply say “thank you” to the donor and to Our Lord, who will one day judge the hearts of us all.

There are many forms of hunger in our world today. After only a few weeks of having them in place, it is clear from the responses we have received that our statues are feeding a spiritual hunger. We have worked hard at St. Ann’s to build a church that is not only beautiful and glorifies God, but that inspires, ennobles and edifies those who visit. Our new statues and other works of art are vital components to helping us achieve these goals. I consider this money well spent, as it is an investment in people’s souls. Just as the human body needs food to survive and thrive, the human soul needs beauty, for beauty is one of the primary ways we come to know and experience God. At the same time, anyone who is familiar with St. Ann’s knows that we are also very generous to the poor. At St. Ann’s we endeavor to combat both physical and spiritual hunger as a means of glorifying our Lord and sharing His love with our neighbor.

Father Timothy Reid is the pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte.

Kathleen Lewis lives in Davidson.

When people encounter Christ, they can’t help but bear Him gifts I feel we should be encouraged by the gift.

The Church teaches that “sacred art is true and beautiful … evoking and glorifying … the transcendent mystery of God.” We know sacred art is beneficial when it fosters deeper participation in the Eucharistic assembly. While beautiful in themselves, those statues of beloved saints remind all who gaze upon them what the Eucharist offers believers and the life Christ calls us to lead.

Furthermore, we should not fault the anonymous donor. When people encounter Christ, they can’t help but bear Him gifts. From the Magi bearing their treasures to the woman from Bethany outpouring very expensive perfume, Christ graciously received those gifts and defended their seeming extravagance.

Christ gives His Church much more than gold or perfume. He gives us Himself in the Eucharist – we receive Love itself. Seeking His love is the source and summit of true Christian living for “if I give away all I have … but not have love, I gain nothing.”

So, we should praise God for the donation of the statues. They will help draw St. Ann parishioners to the source and summit of Love. Only through Jesus Christ, the “perfecter of our faith,” will humanity have the hope of eternal salvation and the grace needed to aid the “least of our brothers and sisters.”

We must always vote to protect life Once again last month, Catholics marched in Charlotte to protest the 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe V. Wade that legalized the murder of unborn children.

Marches are not the best way to overturn Roe v.

Wade. A more effective weapon is to not vote for politicians who openly favor legalized abortion.

New legislators could then write and pass laws protecting the unborn.

Unfortunately, many popular politicians have vowed to protect Roe v. Wade – the most notable being President Barack Obama.

This makes the situation difficult for those who typically vote for such politicians. How can Catholics resolve the conflict that arises when a politician promotes beneficial social programs, but also supports abortion? The answer is clear: Protection of life is the sacred responsibility of all Catholics. It must take precedence over all other voting issues. Plainly put, no Catholic in good conscience should vote for a politician who favors abortion.

Marches will do little to change the mindset of politicians who support abortion. They must be voted out of office.

Letters policy The Catholic News Herald welcomes letters from readers.

We ask that letters be originals of 250 words or fewer, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be in good taste.

To be considered for publication, each letter must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification.

Letters may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for clarity, style and factual accuracy.

The Catholic News Herald does not publish poetry, form letters or petitions.

Items submitted to the Catholic News Herald become the property of the newspaper and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

Mail: Letters to the Editor Catholic News Herald 1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203 E-mail: catholicnews@ charlottediocese. org

Edward A. Destremps lives in Flat Rock.

Jason Beckert lives in Waxhaw and attends St. Ann Church in Charlotte.

Reader poll Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 22. In the busyness of our daily lives, Lent can easily get lost in the shuffle as we look forward to Easter. We must strive to remember the purpose of Lent and its importance in our spiritual preparation for Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday. This month, we’re asking readers:

Which Lenten practice is most spiritually meaningful for you? n Almsgiving n Fasting and abstinence n Prayer

Go online to www.catholicnewsherald.com to respond. And join the conversation on our Facebook page to offer your suggestions on making the most of the Lenten season.

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

February 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Father Roger Arnsparger

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Deacon James H. Toner

Catholic schools emphasize faith, academics, service

Character education is moral necessity, especially for Catholic schools

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s Captain Louis Renault said in the movie “Casablanca,” “I am shocked – shocked!” to discover that a great majority of “emerging adults” (aged 18-22) are poorly educated in how to think about moral issues, regard truth as a social construct or a matter of personal opinion, are ignorant of and uninvolved with politics and civic life, tend toward binge drinking, have a materialist orientation, and regard physical pleasure and money as principal pursuits.

Isn’t it altogether too obvious? In the judgment of Notre Dame sociologist Christian Smith and others, in their 2011 book “Lost in Transition,” many young adults are “simply lost” and are aith, academics, service: these are the hallmarks of Catholic schools. “morally at sea.”

The Catholic faithful in the United States have long supported Catholic Confronted with this grave moral challenge, most high schools and colleges do ... nothing. schools, with great personal and financial sacrifice, as a method of sharing Many administrators and teachers think that, if they stake out moral high ground and then the fruits of the great Catholic life of study and prayer that lead to authentic teach from it, they will be accused of being “politically incorrect.”

Christian service. It really is the gift of hope in the development of a culture of When truth, however, is seen as depending upon one’s time or neighborhood, the vice of ethical holiness and salvation. Catholic schools have been a great blessing to all of us, relativism sets in. We can’t judge right from wrong, good from evil, or honorable from shameful. and our country and its citizens have benefited greatly from this monumental Smith and his fellow authors argue, though, that these emerging adults “are to some extent academic endeavor. simply parroting ... what they have been taught by the adults who have educated them” – or True Christian service flows from the transforming love and truth of Jesus failed to. There may be a number of high schools and colleges which offer substantial character Christ, the source of our hope. So the first aim of faith and academics is the education, but I personally know of only three: the U.S. Air Force Academy, the Military service of offering truth in the context of faith.

Academy (also known as West Point), and the Naval Academy. They offer character education As Pope Benedict XVI told Catholic educators at the Catholic University of because when officers make rotten moral judgments, people die.

America in 2008, “Education is integral to the mission of the Church to proclaim I know something about the Air Force Academy program because I taught there and the Good News. First and foremost, every Catholic educational institution is a place contributed, I hope, to the development of the program. The Air Force, and the other military to encounter the living God who in Jesus Christ reveals His transforming love and services, must inculcate sound moral character in ways truth (cf. “Spe Salvi,” 4). This relationship elicits a desire to grow in the knowledge that are not directly attributable to religious faith, and and understanding of Christ and His teaching. In this way, those who meet Him are that is hard to do. Catholic schools and colleges, though, drawn by the very power of the Gospel to lead a new life characterized by all that have the tremendous advantage of potentially being able is beautiful, good and true – a life of Christian witness nurtured and strengthened to teach character education from the treasury of Catholic within the community of our Lord’s disciples, the Church. learning about virtue that has grown over “The dynamic between personal encounter, knowledge and the centuries.

Christian witness is integral to the diakonia (service) of truth which Character education complements, and does the Church exercises in the midst of humanity. God’s revelation not compete with, moral theology. Character offers every generation the opportunity to discover the ultimate education instructors usually use the maieutic truth about its own life and the goal of history. This task is never or Socratic method (seminars, not lectures). easy – it involves the entire Christian community and motivates each Three superlative Catholic colleges are generation of Christian educators to ensure that the power of God’s exemplars of this approach: the College of St. truth permeates every dimension of the institutions they serve.

To see photos and events Mary Magdalen and the Thomas More College “In this way, Christ’s Good News is set to work, guiding from Catholic Schools of Liberal Arts, both in New Hampshire, both teacher and student towards the objective truth which, Week, go online to www. and Thomas Aquinas College in California. in transcending the particular and the subjective, points to catholicnewsherald.com.

(Consult their web sites.) the universal and absolute that enables us to proclaim with In character education, certain books, films confidence the hope which does not disappoint. Set against and discussions aim at helping students to personal struggles, moral confusion and fragmentation of understand the virtues and then to “internalize” them, or knowledge, the noble goals of scholarship and education, founded on the unity adopt them as integral to everything they do. These books of truth and in service of the person and the community, become an especially and stories may include Jackson’s “The Lottery,” O. Henry’s powerful instrument of hope.”

“Gift of the Magi,” Wiesel’s “Night,” Clavell’s “Children’s Faith and academics, or faith and reason, lead to Christian service because Story,” Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Gallico’s truth leads us to serve God and our neighbors. Indeed, the first goal of a “Snow Goose,” and Sophocles’ “Antigone.” Films can Catholic school is to approach the truth in faith. The shared goal of faith and include “Becket,” “A Man for All Seasons,” and “To Kill a academics leads to spiritual and corporal works of mercy, for in these the hope Mockingbird.” Excerpts from the film “Jesus of Nazareth” of Christianity is seen. They are the outcomes of a life lived in the ongoing or an in-depth reading of St. Paul’s Letter to Philemon would also be instructive. encounter with Christ and His Church.

When students read or watch such stories under the guidance of an instructor unafraid to On the Feast of St. John Baptist de LaSalle in 1988, the Sacred Congregation teach Catholic truth, they begin to see moral certainty, not moral shadow. for Catholic Education presented a tremendous document: “The Religious Truth exists. Our lives are meaningful in proportion to our absorption of and commitment to Dimension of the Catholic School.” Section 25 reads: that Truth.

“From the first moment that a student sets foot in a Catholic school, he Some things are inherently wrong. We know right from wrong and good from evil because or she ought to have the impression of entering a new environment, one there are permanent things which transcend our time and space, and we must make our moral illumined by the light of faith, and having its own unique characteristics. The judgments consistent with those transcendent realities.

Council summed this up by speaking of an environment permeated with the Life is worth living. In short: It is never “all about me” – whatever Nietzsche, Ayn Rand or Gospel spirit of love and freedom. In a Catholic school, everyone should be MTV may tell us. aware of the living presence of Jesus the “Master” who, today as always, is Ask most educators today about, say, the “Paideia Proposal” of the late Mortimer Adler (a with us in our journey through life as the one genuine “Teacher,” the perfect Catholic convert), or the K-12 junior Great Books program, or the new “Alive to the World” Man in whom all human values find their fullest perfection. The inspiration of program in personal, social and health education (taught primarily in the United Kingdom), or Jesus must be translated from the ideal into the real. The Gospel spirit should the fine work of Thomas Lickona – and it’s likely that these will be unknown. Most colleges do not be evident in a Christian way of thought and life which permeates all facets of acquaint students with these kinds of programs because they are often seen as too traditional or the educational climate.” too “Christian.” Even Catholic seminarians may be unfamiliar with these great resources.

With faith and reason in an atmosphere of study and prayer, our Catholic (As a side note: Even the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program at Notre Dame, schools offer the wisdom of the generations of great academics who were through which Catholic schools may be able to attract enthusiastic and highly competent recent believers, as well as the fruits of the academic enterprise which is the graduates to teach, benefiting both the new teachers and their students, is not well known. May I reflection on the Divine Revelation entrusted to us by our Lord. Great strides take this opportunity to recommend it?) in culture have come as a result of the essential relationship of study and We are a nation in profound moral crisis. We must begin, as Archbishop Fulton Sheen once prayer in our Catholic schools. told us, to behave as we believe, or we will begin to believe as we behave. Character education We are blessed to offer the service of providing Catholic schools, and making isn’t just a nice thing to do. It is a moral necessity for Catholic schools and colleges. them available, accessible and affordable so that all our children may benefit from the gifts of faith, academics and service.

Deacon James H. Toner serves at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro. From 2002 to 2004, he was Distinguished Visiting Chair of Character Development at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Father Roger K. Arnsparger is the vicar of education for the Diocese of Charlotte.

F

Catholic Schools Week

‘We must begin, as Archbishop Fulton Sheen once told us, to behave as we believe, or we will begin to believe as we behave.’

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catholicnewsherald.com | February 3, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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