Nov. 10, 2023

November 10, 2023

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Learning by example

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At a glance 2A

catholicnewsherald.com | November 10, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CATHOLIC ALL WEEK

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Timely tips for blending faith & life

Volume 33 • NUMBER 3

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

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ith Thanksgiving quickly approaching, now is a good time to reflect on everything and everyone we are grateful for. The Pilgrims gave thanks for the Native Americans who taught them to farm the land, and many of the coming feast days in the Church suggest that we remember to give thanks for those who share their knowledge with us: our parents, teachers, priests, deacons, catechists and coaches. From Doctors of the Church to members of the Holy Family, everyone has a teacher to thank!

INDEX Contact us...................................2A Español.....................................14-17A Our Diocese............................. 4-7A Our Faith......................................3A Our Schools........................... 10-11A Scripture.............................3A, 17A U.S. news...............................18-19A Viewpoints...........................22-23A World news.......................... 20-21A

STAFF EDITOR: Spencer K. M. Brown 704-808-4528, skmbrown@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org HISPANIC MEDIA MANAGER: César Hurtado 704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER: David Puckett 704-808-4521, dwpuckett@charlottediocese.org EDITORIAL TEAM: Kimberly Bender 704-370-3394, kdbender@charlottediocese.org Annie Ferguson 704-370-3404, arferguson@charlottediocese.org Troy C. Hull 704-370-3288, tchull@charlottediocese.org Christina Knauss 704-370-0783, clknauss@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson 704-370-3333, catholicnews@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Liz Chandler 704-370-3336, lchandler@charlottediocese.org ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year.

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WHO TAUGHT AQUINAS?

St. Albert the Great (depicted above) was an apt student and teacher of philosophy – so much so that he became a Doctor of the Church. However, he also formed and taught a fellow Doctor of the Church and one of the greatest Catholic philosophers of all time: St. Thomas Aquinas. St. Albert, whose feast day is Nov. 15, was also known as a skilled mediator. Seek his intercession for wisdom and peace. Learn more at www.catholic.org.

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PRESENTING MARY TO THE TEMPLE TEACHERS

Even the Blessed Virgin Mary had parents and other teachers who imparted their wisdom to her. On Nov. 21, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple. Her parents Joachim and Anne presented their daughter to be consecrated to God and to learn from the temple priests and older consecrated virgins. Help children understand that we are all consecrated to God in our baptism by sharing the video about Mary’s presentation at www.teachingcatholickids.com.

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LEARN FROM CHRIST THE KING

It was fitting for Mary to receive such careful formation as the one who would raise the greatest Teacher, Our Lord Jesus Christ. His Apostles called him “Rabonni,” Hebrew for “teacher,” and their relationship grew to where Jesus called the 12 not just students but friends. Celebrate all the facets of our relationship with Jesus on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, on Nov. 26. One way to honor Our Lord is to pray at Christ the King Church in High Point, where there is a beautiful stained-glass depiction of Our Lord under this title. (Window detail pictured at right.)

Scan the QR code for more information:

— Annie Ferguson

Diocesan calendar of events ESPAÑOL

WORKSHOPS

HORA SANTA: 7-8 p.m. Todos los jueves del mes con excepción de los primeros jueves. En la Capilla del segundo piso, Family Life Center en St. Patrick, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte.

OVERVIEW OF MEDICARE BASICS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON OPEN ENROLLMENT: 10-11:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 16, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. New to Medicare?

Learn the basics, including eligibility requirements, when to sign up, how much it costs, and what it covers. Vickie Blevins, executive director of the Catawba County Council on Aging, presents free, unbiased, accurate information. Hosted by the Elder Ministry program of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. For details, contact Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220.

PRAYER SERVICES IGBO LANGUAGE MASS: 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, St. Mary’s Church, 812 Duke St., Greensboro. For details, call 336-707-3625.

SUPPORT GROUPS RACHEL RETREAT ‘HEALING AFTER ABORTION’: Are you or a loved one seeking healing from the effects of a past abortion?

Find healing and support in a confidential, non-judgmental environment at a Rachel Retreat weekend. These retreats are offered by the Diocese of Charlotte’s Family Life Office for men and women, in English and Spanish. For details, contact Jessica Grabowski at jrgrabowski@rcdoc.org or 704-370-3229.

FAIR TRADE SALE EVENT: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 11, Queen of the Apostles Church, 503 N. Main St., Belmont. Shop and learn about fair and ethical trade. All proceeds help survivors of human trafficking. For details, go to https://m.facebook.com/groups/9832 63035559677/?ref=share.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following event: NOV. 17 – 10 A.M. Parish Pastoral Planning Meeting for St. Joseph Vietnamese Church, Charlotte Pastoral Center, Charlotte

Our faith

November 10, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Pope Francis

Faith always wants to move, reach out to others The major basilicas of St. Peter (left) and St. Paul (right) draw millions of faithful pilgrims to Rome each year, as well as many visitors from other faiths.

Dedication of the basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul Feast day: Nov. 18

What is a basilica?

This feast celebrates the dedications of two of the four major basilicas of Rome, named for Sts. Peter and Paul – the Vatican’s patron saints and symbols of the Church’s unity and its universality.

St. Peter’s Basilica was originally built in 323 by the emperor Constantine. The basilica was constructed over the tomb of Peter the Apostle, the first pope.

After standing for more than 1,000 years, the building was ordered by Pope Julius II to be torn down due to structural concerns. The construction of the new church spanned more than 200 years before its completion. It was dedicated on Nov. 18, 1626.

It is considered the most famous church in Christendom.

St. Paul’s Basilica is located outside the original walls of Rome.

It was also originally built by the emperor Constantine, though it was destroyed by fire in 1823.

Donations from around the world made the reconstruction possible. Before the completion of St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Paul’s was the largest church in Rome.

The basilica was rebuilt over St. Paul’s grave, and Pope Pius IX consecrated it in 1854.

These two churches continue to draw millions of faithful pilgrims each year, as well as many visitors from other faiths.

— Catholic News Agency

There are four “major” or papal basilicas – all of which are in Rome. All other basilicas are called “minor” basilicas.

The Diocese of Charlotte has two minor basilicas: Mary, Help of Christians Abbey (better known as Belmont Abbey), and St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville.

The term “basilica” dates back to early Greek and Roman times and refers to a type of public building. In the 4th century, basilicas began to be used as places of worship. It was during this time that construction began on Rome’s basilicas.

Today, “basilica” is a special designation given by the pope to certain churches because of their antiquity, dignity, historical importance or significance as a place of worship.

A church designated as a basilica should also have special significance within its diocese. St. Lawrence, with its unique, ovalshaped, tiled dome, is the only church designed and built by the renowned architect Rafael Guastavino.

Also, certain days in the liturgical year are to be celebrated with added solemnity at basilicas, among them the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter (Feb. 22), the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul (June 29), and the anniversary of the election of the pope.

An outward sign and privilege that comes to a basilica is the honor and opportunity to display the seal of the papacy.

— Catholic News Herald

Virtual tours online At www.vatican.va: Check out virtual 360-degree tours of St. Peter’s Basilica and St. John Lateran, along with other basilicas and chapels of the Vatican. Click on “Basilicas and Papal Chapels” on the bottom right of the page.

Daily Scripture readings NOV. 12-18

Sunday: Wisdom 6:12-16, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13; Monday (St. Frances Xavier Cabrini): Wisdom 1:1-7, Luke 17:1-6; Tuesday: Wisdom 2:23-3:9, Luke 17:7-10; Wednesday (St. Albert the Great): Wisdom 6:1-11, Luke 17:11-19; Thursday (St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Gertrude): Wisdom 7:22b-8:1, Luke 17:20-25; Friday (St. Elizabeth of Hungary): Wisdom 13:1-9, Luke 17:26-37; Saturday (The Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne): Wisdom 18:14-16, 19:69, Luke 18:1-8

NOV. 19-25

Sunday: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, Matthew 25:14-30; Monday: 1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 5457, 62-63, Luke 18:35-43; Tuesday (The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary): 2 Maccabees 6:18-31, Luke 19:1-10; Wednesday (St. Cecilia): 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31, Luke 19:11-28; Thursday (St. Clement I, St. Columban, BIessed Miguel Agustín Pro, Thanksgiving Day): 1 Maccabees 2:15-29, Luke 19:41-44; Friday (St. Andrew DungLac and Companions): 1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59, 1 Chronicles 29:10-12, Luke 19:45-48; Saturday (St. Catherine of Alexandria): 1 Maccabees 6:1-13, Luke 20:27-40

NOV. 26-DEC. 2

Sunday (Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe): Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28, Matthew 25:31-46; Monday: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20, Daniel 3:52-56, Luke 21:1-4; Tuesday: Daniel 2:31-45, Daniel 3:57-61, Luke 21:5-11; Wednesday: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28, Daniel 3:62-67, Luke 21:12-19; Thursday (St. Andrew): Romans 10:9-18, Matthew 4:18-22; Friday: Daniel 7:214, Daniel 3:75-81, Luke 21:29-33; Saturday: Daniel 7:15-27, Daniel 3:82-87, Luke 21:34-36

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ike keeping a bicycle upright when riding it, a balanced life of faith is possible only in motion, Pope Francis said.

“If you stop, it does not stay up,” he said Nov. 8 at his weekly general audience, explaining the importance of sharing the Gospel with all people by the example of one’s life and in words and acts of charity.

Since Jan. 11, Pope Francis has been using his general audiences to teach about “zeal” for evangelization, choosing a different person each week to hold up as an example.

For his talk on how the call to share the Gospel is a call to go out to the people who need to hear it, the pope pointed to Madeleine Delbrel, a sainthood candidate who lived 1904-1964 and was a social worker, writer and mystic, who spent more than 30 years living in a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Paris.

A balanced life of faith is possible only in motion.

Coming to faith only in her 20s, Delbrel then chose “a life entirely given to God, in the heart of the Church and in the heart of the world, simply sharing in fraternity the life of the people on the street,” he said.

She summarized her “spirituality of the bicycle” in a poetic prayer to Jesus that said: “You have chosen us to stay in a strange balance, a balance that can be achieved and maintained only in movement, only in momentum. A bit like a bicycle, which does not stay upright unless its wheels turn. ... We can stay upright only by going forward, moving, in a surge of charity.”

The pope said Delbrel also teaches fellow Christians that they evangelize themselves as they seek to share the Gospel with others. Her life is a reminder that “in every personal or social situation and circumstance of our lives, the Lord is present and calls us to inhabit our time, to share the lives of others, to mingle with the joys and sorrows of the world,” the pope said. “In particular, it teaches us that even secularized environments are helpful for conversion, because contact with non-believers provokes the believer to a continuous revision of his or her way of believing and to rediscover faith in its essentiality.”

He prayed that Delbrel would “teach us to live this faith ‘in motion,’ let us say, this fruitful faith that every act of faith makes an act of charity in the proclamation of the Gospel.”

Our diocese 4A

catholicnewsherald.com | November 10, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Ofon

Maza

Father Ajani K. Gibson of New Orleans recently led a three-day retreat and revival entitled “Praying The Vision: A Renewal of Spirit Revival” at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte.

Kennedy

Three priest assignments announced CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis announces the following priest assignments, effective Nov. 1: n Father Engelbert Ofon from the Diocese of Buea, Cameroon, is assigned as parochial vicar at St. Thérèse Parish in Mooresville. n Father Tyozenda Peter Maza from the Diocese of Buea, Cameroon, is assigned as campus minister at High Point University. n Father Yves Ilapi Kennedy from the Diocese of Idiofa, Democratic Republic of Congo, is assigned to priestly ministry to the Francophone community in the Charlotte Vicariate.

PHOTOS BY TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The Spirit stirs revival at Our Lady of Consolation Parish

— Catholic News Herald

LORI MCELRATH Special to the Catholic News Herald

Holy Angels reopens Life Choices BELMONT — Holy Angels recently celebrated the reopening of its Life Choices Program, an adult day program designed to provide meaningful work and life skills opportunities for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The program relaunched Oct. 24 in a new location on Main Street in downtown Belmont, where Holy Angels staff and residents also launched Market on Main, a shop selling takeaway food items and goods mostly created by crew members and Life Choices Program participants.

The program offers an array of activities and daily living experiences – such as cooking, financial management, creative arts, computer skills, wellness and social skills – designed to help Holy Angels residents develop personal independence and improve their quality of life.

The goal is helping people realize who they are, what they are capable of, and how they can connect with others in a day filled with opportunities for learning.

“At Holy Angels, we believe in the potential of every individual, and we are proud to provide a nurturing environment where they can thrive,” said Holy Angels’ President and CEO Kerri Massey. “Reopening Life Choices allows us to extend our services to others in the community where there is such a need. This is a transformative program that changes the lives of so many.”

For more information about Holy Angels, go to www.holyangelsnc.org.

— Shawn Flynn IN BRIEF, SEE PAGE 24A

CHARLOTTE — Members of Our Lady of Consolation Parish, the Diocese of Charlotte’s largest Black Catholic congregation, took part in a three-day event for spiritual renewal Oct. 23-25.

Led by guest preacher Father Ajani K. Gibson of New Orleans, “Praying The Vision: A Renewal of Spirit Revival” was part retreat, part revival and involved parishioners, young and old. It featured evenings of prayer and preaching with music to enrich the soul, echoing the theme of the 2023 National Black Catholic Congress, “Write the Vision: A Prophetic Call to Thrive.”

Father Gibson’s preaching encouraged people to reflect on God’s grace and how He can move Catholics into a full renewal of spirit and faith.

The practice of “spiritual renewal” or “revival,” as it has been called in the cultural tradition of the Black Church, was popularized in a time that lyricist James Weldon Johnson described as “… the days when hope unborn had died.”

It’s a time of “calling on the Spirit” to revive people again and “to help make a way out of no way,” noted the parish’s Black Culture Commission, which organized the event.

REVIVAL, SEE PAGE 24A

Section in Cornelius cemetery dedicated for Catholics CORNELIUS — A Catholic section of Mt. Zion Community Cemetery was set aside as holy ground for the burial of the faithful departed during a solemn ceremony on Nov. 1, the feast of All Saints.

Led by Father John Putnam, pastor of nearby St. Mark Parish in Huntersville, the blessing rite featured prayers, ‘A HOLY DEATH’: scripture readings, See a list of all and the sprinkling of the Catholic holy water around the cemeteries and perimeter of the site. columbaria in The Catholic section the Diocese of can accommodate more Charlotte than 250 gravesites, with room to expand.

The cemetery was originally established

by Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, but now it is a separate cemetery for community use. It is situated within the boundaries of St. Mark Parish, which will manage the Catholic section.

The blessing of a Catholic cemetery carries deep significance, reminding the

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faithful of the promise of resurrection and eternal life. By virtue of this consecration, a Catholic cemetery becomes a sacred place and an extension of the church grounds. The visibility of a Catholic cemetery also serves as a reminder of the obligation to pray for the dead.

In his homily at the blessing service, Father Putnam noted the importance of having places where Catholics can find eternal rest, surrounded by symbols that remind them of their faith and the hope of resurrection.

“Our final resting place is something that we take very seriously,” he said. “We are body and soul, and we reverence the body as the vessel through which we interact with the world. It is the flesh that the Lord Himself took on and walked in this world so that we might know, first and foremost, of the Father’s abiding love and His victory over death.

“We believe in the resurrection of the body on the last day,” he continued.

“We see the cemetery as a place that’s

consecrated, a place where we bury our dead, but (also) a place where we come to remind ourselves that while our lives too will end in a place like this, it is not the end. We can always be hope-filled – that what Christ promised, ‘I am the resurrection and the life,’ indeed will be fulfilled.”

Northlake Memorial Gardens in Huntersville is the only other cemetery in northern Mecklenburg County with a dedicated section for Catholic burials.

Other public cemeteries with Catholic sections located within the Diocese of Charlotte include Stanly Gardens in Albemarle, Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte, Westlawn Cemetery in Clemmons, and Forest Lawn East Cemetery in Matthews.

For more information about the new Catholic section of Mt. Zion Community Cemetery, contact the St. Mark Parish Office at 704-948-0231, or Rodney Mayhew of Mt. Zion Community Cemetery at 704-892-8566.

— Bryan Somerville and Amy Burger

November 10, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Holy Angels receives blessings, financial support from Order of Malta SHAWN FLYNN Special to the Catholic News Herald

BELMONT — In a gesture of faith and solidarity, members of the Order of Malta visited Holy Angels Oct. 26 to bless residents and present a grant to fund their ongoing care.

During their visit, the eight members of the Order of Malta toured Holy Angels and blessed many of the residents and staff with holy water from the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, France.

Order of Malta member Rick Menze said, “Every trip to Holy Angels is special. The residents being blessed with holy water by dames and knights is another ‘mercy moment’ – a deeply meaningful experience and reflective of the special relationship our organizations share.”

The Order of Malta has been one of Holy Angels’ most generous supporters over the years, providing multiple grants

that among other things have funded the Bishop Curlin Health Clinic, mechanical lifts, renovations of bathing rooms for Holy Angels’ youngest residents, personal protective equipment during the pandemic and, most recently, specially designed therapeutic recliner chairs.

“It’s another ‘mercy moment’ to see residents using the new chairs that were a result of a previous Order of Malta grant,” Menze said. “One more way that Holy Angels figures out a way, whether it’s a Malta grant, or support from the community, ... to address a major need.”

On this visit, the order presented Holy Angels with another grant of $25,000.

Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari, chancellor of Belmont Abbey, expressed his awe at the spiritual atmosphere and the residents’ resilience. “It’s a blessing to see the continuous expansion and how these residents are flourishing; that’s a sign of support it’s getting from the larger

community,” he said during the visit. “There is something so special about Holy Angels.”

Since its founding in 1955 by the Sisters of Mercy, Holy Angels has provided residential services and innovative programs for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions.

Kerri Massey, Holy Angels’ president and CEO, shared her gratitude for the meaningful blessings bestowed upon the residents. “To witness the residents being blessed with holy water is a poignant reminder of the spiritual support that accompanies our mission.

Our relationship with the Order of Malta is incredibly special, and these blessings signify the depth of compassion and care that our residents receive. We can’t thank the Order of Malta enough for their financial support, blessing and prayers.”

SHAWN FLYNN is the vice president of community relations for Holy Angels.

‘Wherever your feet are’ Associates live out Sisters of St. Joseph mission of love CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@charlottediocese.org

ELKIN — Several parishioners in the Diocese of Charlotte are elevating their faith by sharing in the charitable service and mission of a women’s religious order that traces its roots back to 17th century France.

Eight men and women have become “Associates in Mission” with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia – committing to live out their charism of being “joyful courageous witnesses to the Gospel’s imperative of active, inclusive love.”

Becky Dursee, a member of St. Stephen Mission in Elkin, became the newest associate of the order through a “Rite of Welcome” initiation ceremony at the parish Oct. 15. She joins Debbie Parrish and other associates from Elkin and Charlotte.

“What really resonated with me,” Parrish said, “was that being an associate wasn’t about completing specific projects or tasks, it was about living the mission of unity and reconciliation.”

“You live out the mission wherever your feet are at the moment,” she said. “You perceive how your neighbor needs you – whether it’s a smile or an encouraging word for someone, taking a meal to someone, welcoming a refugee or an immigrant…For me, living the mission has helped me understand what God wants of me.”

Parrish and her husband Phillip discovered the order’s associates program after meeting some sisters from the order’s motherhouse in Philadelphia. Afterward, they decided to inquire about becoming associates and met with St. Joseph Sister Janis McQuade for an orientation.

“It’s a great honor to journey with other men and women who want to join us in living our charism of inclusive love,” said Sister Janis, a member since 1965. “They live our mission wherever they are – in their daily lives, relationships and experiences. They show the inclusive love and unity of the sisters through their chosen vocation.”

About 600 men and women nationwide serve as associates of the Sisters of St. Joseph, said Sister Janis McQuade, who also serves as pastoral associate at St. Stephen Mission.

Sister Janis is one of several Sisters of St. Joseph serving in the Charlotte diocese. Others are Sister Geri Rogers, principal of Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem, and Sister Joan Pearson, who works in the diocesan Hispanic Ministry Office.

The order that became today’s Sisters of St. Joseph was founded in 1650 in war-ravaged LePuy, France, by six women who wanted to practice spiritual and corporal works of mercy under

the patronage of St. Joseph. The first Sisters of St. Joseph who came to the U.S. arrived in St. Louis in 1836 and then moved to Philadelphia in 1847.

People interested in becoming Sisters of St. Joseph associates attend multiple orientation sessions to learn about the sisters, their history and values, then go through a Rite of Welcome ceremony.

Associates participate in retreats, community gatherings and celebrations, and some volunteer at ministries sponsored by the order or serve on committees and boards for the order. But their most important role, Sister Janis said, is to actively seek to show Christian love to all they meet in their daily lives.

Sister Janis McQuade pins the Sisters of St. Joseph emblem on Becky Dursee, a member of St. Stephen Mission in Elkin, as she became the newest associate of the order through a “Rite of Welcome” initiation ceremony on Oct. 15.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Debbie Parrish said the associates in the Elkin area get together monthly for prayer, spiritual reading and talks, and to share a meal together. Her decision to join, she said, is “probably the most significant choice I have made since I got married and had my children.”

Associates in Elkin also include Kathy Jenkins, Ronnie Krakovsky and Phillip and Debbie Parrish, Patricia Topper from Mount Holly, and Diane and Skip Whitman of Charlotte.

What is an associate and how is it different from a consecrated religious?

Consecrated religious and associates/affiliates of an order are called to the same charism or mission, but they live out that call differently.

Consecrated take religious vows, do not marry, and live in community governed by a Rule. Associates are lay men and women, married or unmarried, who formally partner and participate with an order but live independently. Many orders, including the Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of St. Joseph, Sisters of Charity and Congregation of Notre Dame, have growing associates or affiliates programs here in the Diocese of Charlotte.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SHAWN FLYNN

Kaye McGarry, a dame with the Order of Malta and chairperson of the board of directors at Holy Angels, blesses Holy Angels resident Landon with holy water.

Mass of Consolation to be offered for pregnancy loss HUNTERSVILLE — Parents mourning the loss of a child in the womb are invited to a special Mass of Consolation on Saturday, Nov. 18.

The Mass will be offered starting at 9 a.m. at St. Mark Church, located at 14740 Stumptown Road in Huntersville. A reception with light refreshments will follow in the parish’s Kerin Center.

This Mass is being offered for all those who have miscarried or had a stillborn child. Parents will have the opportunity to write their child’s name in a book of remembrance, and each family will receive a small pillar candle. The event is an opportunity for families to console one another and receive resources for further healing.

“We have suffered this pain personally in that we have three precious babies that we miscarried.

We believe that all children are a gift from God, and we all mourn the loss of a child in the womb,” said Deacon Thomas Martin and his wife Heather Martin, who organized the event in coordination with the Diocese of Charlotte Office of Family Life. “We also trust that God is merciful and that He is lovingly caring for our precious babies in heaven.”

Organizers plan to make the Mass of Consolation an annual event. Attendees are encouraged but not required to RSVP to Jessica Grabowski, diocesan Respect Life Program coordinator, at jrgrabowski@rcdoc.org.

— Annie Ferguson

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 10, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Room At The Inn receives $3M grant to help mothers ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

GREENSBORO — Room At The Inn has provided shelter for hundreds of pregnant women without homes over the past 30 years, and now it is well on its way to expanding its services – thanks to a $3 million grant from the State of North Carolina.

Room At The Inn will use the grant funds to purchase 44 acres in Kernersville for construction of The Promise Center, which will include a licensed childcare center, support services including a housing program, an educational building for life skills and job training, and living quarters for volunteers.

Through its Partners on the Journey capital campaign, Room At The Inn seeks to raise an additional $6.3 million for the construction of four buildings that will offer direct services to single mothers and their children.

The licensed and accredited maternity shelter in Greensboro offers comprehensive care that leads these single mothers and their children to lives of hope-filled independence.

“Room At The Inn has always provided postpartum care and help with mothers’ transition from our programs to their own stable housing,” said Father Noah Carter, board chairman of Room At The Inn and pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Kernersville.

“The dream has always been to do more,” he said, “and with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we finally have the momentum and eagerness of a pro-life movement that can make the dream come true.”

First formed in 1993, the agency has over the years expanded its services for abortion-vulnerable women experiencing homelessness, including supported community living for new mothers earning a college degree or completing job training.

The need for these services is greater than ever with the changing legal landscape in North Carolina, where the General Assembly passed a law in May banning abortions after 12 weeks in most cases.

The $3 million grant comes from the Office of State Budget and Management. The groundbreaking for The

ILLUSTRATION PROVIDED BY ROOM AT THE INN

A licensed childcare center for children aged 6 months to 5 years is part of the plans for Room At The Inn’s The Promise Center, thanks to a $3 million state grant to purchase land for the center.

Promise Center is scheduled for May 2024, near Mother’s Day. Albert Hodges, the president and CEO of Room At The Inn, emphasized the great need for The Promise Center, a fitting name for the promise he and others made to women and children at the agency’s inception.

“At Room At The Inn, we see firsthand the increased need for the care and services The Promise Center will provide,” he said. “This is a watershed moment for our agency and the many single mothers and children we will serve at the new center.”

Father Carter said Kernersville, often called the “Heart of the Triad,” is the perfect location to serve single mothers in the 12-county area.

He added, “I am also convinced that with the excellence of the current and future programs that are offered, Room At The Inn can be a blueprint to be imitated throughout the country.”

N.C. Right to Life gala to mark milestones GREENSBORO — Celebrating “milestones” and “recent wins,” North Carolina Right to Life will hold its 50th Anniversary Gala Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.

The Greensboro-based organization promotes a pro-life platform that supports the sanctity of life from conception through natural death. It advocates for pro-life legislation, hosts events for young people, provides speakers for civic and church events, and works to educate voters about prolife issues.

The theme of this year’s gala is “Forward for Life: From Defense to Offense,” said outreach director Natalie Sonnen.

“We’re celebrating a lot of past milestones and some recent wins,” Sonnen said, noting North Carolina’s recently tightened restrictions on abortion. “Our theme reflects the fact that we have to continue reaching the hearts and minds not only of our youth and the general population, but also of our legislators. Otherwise, we will lose the gains we have made.”

Sonnen said one of the organization’s biggest victories came earlier this year when the North Carolina General Assembly passed the Care for Women, Children and Families Act. The law bans most abortions after 12 weeks and includes funding for childcare, foster care and children’s homes, maternity and paternity leave for teachers and state employees, and programs to reduce maternal and infant mortality.

The keynote speaker at the anniversary event is Seth Dillon, CEO of the Babylon Bee, a Christian news satire site that adopts the tone of traditional news media while satirizing real-world events and public figures.

Tickets cost $89 and sponsorships are available. Go to www.ncrtl.org/gala59 for details. Discounts are available for students and for NCRTL current and past volunteers.

— Christina Lee Knauss

Learn more At www.roominnorg/partnersonthejourney: Learn more and donate to Room At The Inn’s future Promise Center

PHOTO PROVIDED BY RICK TAYLOR

New members invested, others promoted in order NASHVILLE — The Charlotte Section of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem participated in the annual Mid Atlantic Lieutenancy Investiture Weekend Oct. 28-29. Two people were invested as new members and two members were promoted in rank. New members are: Dame Lynn Elizabeth Frank of Sacred Heart Parish in Salisbury and Dame Nancy Elizabeth Llewellyn of St. Michael Parish in Gastonia. Dame Joan Marie Slep was promoted to Dame Grand Cross and Sir William Francis Dealy III was promoted to Knight Grand Cross. Both are members of St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte. The Charlotte Section now has 56 members: nine clergy and 47 laity.

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem was founded nearly a thousand years ago by the pope during the Crusades, when Jerusalem came under attack. Today, men and women of the order – approximately 30,000 people in 40 countries worldwide – still defend and support the Catholic presence in the Holy Land through their charitable work. Members wear distinctive capes featuring a thick red Jerusalem cross with four miniature crosses in each corner of the main cross. The five crosses represent the five wounds of Christ.

New pregnancy resource center offers hope in Charlotte CHARLOTTE — Women seeking support for unplanned pregnancies have a new resource in Charlotte offering a listening ear and concrete help for anything a new mother may need. Birthright of Charlotte is set to officially open its doors with a ribbon-cutting and house blessing from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at 4435 Monroe Road in Charlotte.

Established in Toronto in 1968, Birthright International has more than 230 chapters worldwide offering confidential support, a free pregnancy test, personal care items, and baby and maternity clothes. The organization also provides referrals for prenatal care, medical assistance, education and housing. Services are free and available for both the mother and the father.

“We’re there in a loving, non-judgmental attempt to convey assistance,” said Hank Chardos, executive director of Birthright of Charlotte. “We let them know that we’ll walk with them through the pregnancy and beyond.”

Chardos and his wife, Sally, set out to open a chapter in Charlotte after learning of the increasingly high number of abortions in the area after the reversal of Roe v. Wade last year made North Carolina a destination for women seeking abortion. The couple opened a Birthright chapter in Columbia, S.C., in 1980, and Chardos served as the executive director for 41 years.

He encourages those interested in helping at Birthright of Charlotte to attend one of four volunteer trainings that will be offered on Dec. 4 and 7, with sessions at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Chardos said volunteers have an enormous impact on the women who come through the door.

“Whether you talk with someone over the phone or it’s somebody who came in, the ability for you to have that interaction is what’s so important,” he said.

“Because without knowing that there are alternatives, an individual is going to say, ‘Well, abortion is legal, so it must be OK.’ But… the office volunteer has that loving, non-judgmental approach to let them know that life is the most precious gift that God can give us.”

For more information, go to www.birthrightofcharlotte. org or call 803-543-8144. For the 24-hour hotline, call 800550-4900.

— Annie Ferguson

November 10, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Bequest to benefit Morganton parish COURTNEY MCLAUGHLIN Correspondent

PHOTO PROVIDED BY GINA M. RHODES AND STEPHEN DEY

Mass held for Heritage Society members CHARLOTTE — Members of the Catholic Heritage Society attended a special Mass offered by Bishop Peter Jugis Oct. 29 at St. Patrick Cathedral, followed by a dinner in the Family Life Center.

The Catholic Heritage Society is open to all parishioners who alert the diocese of their intent to leave a planned gift to their parish, Catholic school, ministry, diocese, or the

Diocese of Charlotte Foundation. Membership also includes those who have established an endowment with the foundation. The society has more than 1,600 members.

For more information about the Catholic Heritage Society, bequests or endowments, contact Gina Rhodes in the diocese’s Development Office at gmrhodes@rcdoc.org or 704-370-3364.

MORGANTON — A $100,000 gift to St. Charles Borromeo Parish from a deceased member will help the growing parish meet its outreach needs.

The bequest came from Dr. Patrice “Patti” Marie Kirchoff, who died June 23, 2022, at 62. The Patti Kirchoff Memorial Endowment Fund will be used for the general needs of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, where she had been a longtime parishioner.

“She loved the church, she loved this parish,” said Father Kenneth Whittington, who remembers her as a joyful, happy and Kirchoff pragmatic person and gifted lector. “She was a special person and will certainly not be forgotten. It was a gift to know her.”

The Morganton parish serves a diverse population and continues to grow rapidly. The endowment will help with much-needed expansion plans and to help grow the outreach program, Father Whittington said.

A native of St. Louis, Mo., Patti was one of six children raised in a faith-filled Catholic family. She attended Cor Jesu Academy and went on to attend St. Louis University on a softball scholarship. She found her passion in the medical field

and became board certified in pediatrics, internal medicine and allergy and immunology. She moved to Morganton in 1995 and practiced allergy and asthma for Allergy Partners until retiring in 2019.

An avid athlete and competitor, Patti didn’t let a cancer diagnosis later in life slow her down. She formed a Dragon Boat racing team comprised of fellow cancer survivors who competed nationally and raised money for cancer research. She also found time to run, cycle and coach a local girls’ softball team.

“She always viewed the church as a place to give back,” said Patti’s son, Brett Barnard. “She instilled in my sister and me the importance of volunteering and encouraged us to get involved with the youth group at the church to meet similarly minded people and to help out as well.”

“Our diocese is so blessed that more and more parishioners are leaving bequests to benefit their parish.

Giving through a bequest is a final act of stewardship,” said Gina Rhodes, diocesan director of planned giving.

“Her donation to the church was just a small piece of Patti’s giving back to the world, but it was very indicative of her mindset,” Barnard added. “She had so many more plans for both herself and to give back to the less fortunate around her, and it’s a tragedy that she wasn’t able to see that through. Her presence is very much missed every day because of the positive influence she had on everyone around her.”

Honoring Saints and Souls St. Joseph Church in Newton held an All Saints Day fair with trunk-or-treat and saint games.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Students at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro took part in a special Mass and saints parade across the school campus.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

(Above) Children at St. Benedict the Moor Parish in Winston-Salem dressed up as their patron saints for Mass on All Saints Day. (Left) In celebration of Day of the Dead, the parish’s Hispanic community also made a traditional altar and prayed for all deceased loved ones.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from All Saints and All Souls’ day celebrations across the Diocese of Charlotte

PHOTO PROVIDED

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MACS adds security officers, training CHARLOTTE — After consulting with parents, principals and security experts, Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools recently added additional safety measures including roving security officers, more emergency planning, and additional training for school personnel.

School security officers, who began circulating at the nine MACS campuses on Nov. 1, are trained to collaborate, de-escalate and – depending on circumstances – act decisively to keep kids safe.

The officers are armed, as they are at many public, private and religious schools, and they bring law enforcement and military experience that school officials say gives them a nuanced understanding of security in sensitive environments.

The change “is a reflection of the world we live in today …,” Superintendent Dr. Greg Monroe said in an Oct. 30 letter to parents. “We appreciate your understanding and support, as we continue to provide the safest environments possible where our students can learn, grow and flourish.”

Monroe said parents and principals advocated for additional protections and that independent security assessments recommended the new precautions.

After a national search, the Diocese of Charlotte contracted with Praelio LLC, a security and risk management firm based in Virginia, to provide the additional security measures, which include: n Experienced officers: Praelio employs veteran security personnel who are salaried, ensuring a consistent team dedicated to MACS campuses. n Presence on campus: Supplemented by cameras and other technology, school security officers will circulate throughout MACS buildings and grounds on an irregular schedule, throughout the school day and before and after hours, in coordination with school leaders. n Training and consultation: Officers will provide comprehensive training for faculty and staff in emergency medical, active shooter and de-escalation response. n Emergency planning: Praelio will work with schools to review and enhance their emergency response plans.

“Our mission is to repurpose skills honed in the line of duty toward a far greater end – protecting those most vulnerable,” said Praelio co-founder David Long. “It is our great honor to be serving and defending the children, faculty and staff of the diocese’s Charlotte-area schools.”

The MACS security changes follow a recent security assessment of diocesan schools, conducted regularly across the system’s 20 schools. Schools outside the Charlotte area have individualized security plans tailored to their specific layout and needs, and are actively working with the Catholic Schools Office to ensure they have best practices in place.

After a 2018 systemwide assessment, many schools redesigned their lobbies (with controlled access, card readers, intercoms and wide-angle views), added security cameras, and upgraded alarm systems. They also increased safety drills and improved emergency response communications systems.

“Our new security officers will work to become part of our school communities so people know and trust them enough to share concerns and form relationships,” Monroe said. “We’re taking a holistic approach to security so that we’re following best practices and at the same time nurturing that welcoming environment we’ve always had on our campuses.”

— Catholic News Herald

Schools across the Diocese of Charlotte took part in All Saints Day celebrations on Oct. 31. Some schools held “wax museums” where students gave presentations on the lives of holy men and women.

(Left) Catherine Ortiz, a student at St. Patrick School, portrayed St. Gemma Galgani. (Below) OLA fifth-grade student Rita Thachin chose St. Rita of Cascia as her patron. (Pictured on the cover) OLA fifth-grader Zane Abdelrahim gave his presentation on St. Joseph.

PHOTOS BY TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Learning by example ‘Wax museum’ brings saints to life for students CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — A second-grade boy walked into the cafeteria at St. Patrick School pulling a suitcase, wearing a neck pillow, and carrying a passport. He wasn’t lost – he was portraying St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers.

He was one of two dozen students taking part in a “saints wax museum” project undertaken at several schools to celebrate All Saints Day, Nov. 1.

At St. Patrick, students dressed as saints held paper shields containing information about their saint and stood statuesque around the cafeteria, coming to life only to talk about their saint with visiting parents, teachers and other students. Similar events also took place at Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Gabriel schools.

The project, teachers said, was more than a fun way to observe the holy day. It also prompted students to learn about the saints – as encouraged by Pope Francis – and to consider how these holy men and women have relevance to their own daily lives.

Making saints more relatable and appealing to students is important, teachers said, because saints serve as better role models than superheroes, video-game characters and other pop culture figures that compete for kids’ attention.

The wax museums help kids discover similarities they share with saints, teachers said, to demonstrate that saints are not simply figures in stained glass or books, but were real people who had their own joys, sorrows, struggles and things they liked to do.

“We didn’t want the students to just look for the same wellknown saints we all hear about for their project,” said Angie Noonan, second-grade teacher at St. Patrick. “Instead, I asked them to research saints who shared their birthdays or their first names, or who was patron of a common interest for them.”

In cases where more than a few students wanted the same saint, Noonan helped them come up with alternatives.

For instance, several students who play sports wanted to portray St. Sebastian because he is the patron saint of athletes, so Noonan instead helped them do research to find saints connected to their particular sports. One boy wore a

Saints serve as better role models than superheroes and other pop culture figures that compete for kids’ attention, teachers say.

California Angels baseball uniform because he picked St. Rita, the patron saint of baseball players. Another student who liked swimming selected St. Adjutor, patron of swimmers and boaters, and dressed in a blue robe and white headdress.

Katherine Ortiz, 7, picked St. Gemma Galgani because she is a patron of gymnastics, which is Katherine’s favorite sport.

She came up with her own outfit, which included a black satin robe and a golden halo.

“This was a really fun project for her because she loves gymnastics, and it gave her a chance to bring out her creativity,” said her mother, Annabella Batista. “Creating the shield and putting the costume together was super fun for her, and she really learned about the saint and enjoyed putting the information together.”

Teachers make clear to students that Catholics do not worship saints, but instead pray to saints in heaven to intercede on our behalf with God. SAINTS, SEE PAGE 24A

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos of from Our Lady of the Assumption, St. Patrick and St. Gabriel schools

November 10, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

After national win, St. Pius X elementary student looks to next challenge ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

GREENSBORO — Faith and fearlessness led fourth-grader Saoirse Colleran to win her age group’s USA Triathlon Nationals earlier this year, and now she’s setting her sights on the Junior Olympics.

If she qualifies Nov. 19, the St. Pius X student will compete for a spot on the USATF Junior Olympic cross-country team in December in Louisville, Ky. Saoirse (pronounced Sear-sha) was 9 when she dashed through the national competition in Milwaukee in August – swimming 100 meters, biking 3.2 miles, then running more than a half mile, in less than 20 minutes, making her one of the nation’s best.

She credits Jesus – and her family – for lighting her fire to excel.

“My faith plays a role in my athletic pursuits,” Saoirse says.

“I believe in something bigger than me that allows me to go after my goals.”

The middle of the three Colleran children, Saoirse has been immersed in triathlons throughout her young life. She began racing at 5, but was following her big sister Aoibhin’s races on her tricycle at the tender age of 3.

“She’s grown up on the triathlon circuit,” says mother Heather Colleran, who participates in the sport along with her husband, Eoin, the cross-country coach at St. Pius.

Saoirse trains with her E3 Endurance team and coaches Matt and Sandra Clancy, who attend Our Lady of Grace.

Her coaches say Saoirse’s strengths are her calmness, determination and sheer grit. But more important, Matt Clancy says, is that she understands the gifts she’s been given and has the courage to see where they might lead.

“Her faith in that process, in addition to her fearlessness, led to a fantastic day in Milwaukee,” he adds.

Tears flowed for her parents as they watched their daughter cross the finish line. “She won! She won,” Heather Colleran remembers shouting with her husband.

Saoirse says she’ll look to them – and put her faith in Jesus – as she seeks to qualify for and compete in the Junior Olympics, counting on her mantra: “Work hard, believe in yourself, and don’t give up.”

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(Left) Saoirse Colleran stands at the top of the winners’ podium at the USA Triathlon Nationals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

(Bottom from left) Coach Matt Clancy encourages Henry Eggleston, Saoirse Colleran, Cathal Colleran and Sampson Clancy to do their best at the national competition; Saoirse cycles and sprints her way to victory after a 100-meter swim in a small cove of Lake Michigan.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

BY LIA EGGLESTON

Miller named assistant schools superintendent CHARLOTTE — Veteran educator and Asheville Catholic School principal Michael Miller has been promoted to serve as assistant superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Charlotte. Miller planned to retire and was invited to join the Catholic Schools Office to assist in larger efforts involving curriculum and Catholic culture.

Miller begins his new role July 1 after 11 years at Asheville Catholic. He brings 27 years of experience in education, spanning four schools in a variety of roles, from bus driver and teaching assistant to principal.

Miller He joins Crystal Koury and Allana Ramkissoon as an assistant superintendent for the diocese’s 20 Catholic schools.

“Mike Miller is an exceptional principal and leader,” said Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of Catholic Schools. “A life-long learner, he consistently models a servant’s heart for students and families, and has earned the respect of his pastor, community, and other principal colleagues across the diocese.”

Miller’s longevity of service is testament to his commitment to the ideals and values of the Church.

“Prior to joining Asheville Catholic, I knew that was where God wanted me to be,” Miller said.

“Now, He has called me to the next part of His plan for me, to help bring children closer to Him through our schools.”

Miller started his career driving a school bus and assisting a teacher at W.D. Williams Elementary School in Swananoa, North Carolina, while at the same time successfully pursuing his elementary education license. He then taught second grade, and later, fifth grade at Williams.

In 2004, Miller went to work teaching physical education at W.W. Estes Elementary School in Asheville, and in 2008, became assistant principal.

In 2011, Miller was appointed assistant principal to open the new Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School where he served until joining Asheville Catholic in 2013.

Miller holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of North Carolina, earned his teaching certification from Mars Hill University, and his master’s degree in school administration from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

During his tenure as principal of Asheville Catholic School, Miller invested over $700,000 in endowment funding for technology upgrades and scholarship funding to make Catholic education more accessible, and oversaw a $3.9 million, 12,000-square-foot expansion of the school that included environmentally conscious features such as 200 solar panels to power the entire school.

An outdoor enthusiast and die-hard Tar Heels fan, Miller and his wife Kathy have four children.

— Catholic News Herald

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ST. PATRICK SCHOOL

Walking for Down Syndrome Awareness CHARLOTTE — More than 150 people came together Oct. 21 for the inaugural Matthew Morgan Walk for Down Syndrome Awareness, which was held to support friends and fellow students in the Down syndrome community at St. Patrick School,. The event, also supported by Holy Trinity Middle and Charlotte Catholic High schools, was held in conjunction with National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Families and students in the school’s Matthew Morgan Program participated in a one-mile walk and then enjoyed food, fun and games on the blacktop at St. Patrick School.

Principal Nick Calametti also presented a $700 donation from the school to Roy Courtney with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte. St. Patrick’s Matthew Morgan Program provides customized learning for students with Down syndrome in kindergarten through fifth grade.

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 10, 2023 14A

Dr. Hosffman Ospino

¿Podemos escucharnos?

E

scuchémonos mutuamente. De verdad; tomémonos el tiempo para hacer esto.

Escuchar exige poco y mucho al mismo tiempo. Es difícil decir que queremos mantener la unidad si no aprendemos a escucharnos unos a otros con amor cristiano y admiración mutua.

El proceso sinodal es en última instancia un recordatorio de lo que somos: Pueblo de Dios guiado por el Espíritu Santo. Como tal, somos una comunidad sinodal, un conjunto de discípulos cristianos que caminamos juntos en la historia con una esperanza común. Dios nos habla por medio de muchas voces. Escuchemos.

Poco ha generado tanto interés en la comunidad católica mundial desde los días del Concilio Vaticano II como lo ha hecho el proceso que acompaña el Sínodo sobre la Sinodalidad. El proceso sinodal ha logrado cautivar la atención de una gran variedad de voces católicas que van desde agentes pastorales dedicados de lleno a la evangelización hasta católicos que viven en las márgenes de la vida de la Iglesia.

Una gran multiplicidad de voces con muchos tonos y perspectivas hablan al mismo tiempo.

Todas guiadas por el Espíritu Santo. A medida que los bautizados discernimos maneras para escucharnos mutuamente con sinceridad, también buscamos escuchar la voz de Dios.

Para muchos católicos, ser parte de un proceso como éste es inusual, quizás incómodo e incluso espantoso. Somos herederos de una cultura eclesial de siglos en la cual pocas voces expresaban su opinión sobre cómo vivir y practicar la fe.

El Concilio Vaticano II recordó a los católicos que todos los bautizados tenemos una responsabilidad ineludible con relación a la evangelización. Los bautizados hemos recibido el Espíritu Santo que nos mueve a construir la Iglesia y a caminar hacia la santidad. Nadie está exento de ello.

Porque el Espíritu Santo vive en nosotros como pueblo de Dios constituido por personas bautizadas, todas nuestras voces cuentan al momento de discernir cómo vivir mejor nuestra fe como Iglesia. El Espíritu Santo habla “en” y “por medio” de toda persona bautizada. El proceso sinodal es una invitación a escuchar al Espíritu Santo hablando por medio de muchas voces.

Es urgente que en medio de nuestro celo por promover ideas progresivas o mantener la tradición no terminemos rechazando la obra del Espíritu Santo, cerrándonos a ciertas voces para privilegiar otras. Necesitamos escucharnos mutuamente con corazones y mentes abiertas. ¿Podremos los católicos escucharnos unos a otros mientras construimos comunión en medio del pluralismo de voces y perspectivas que nos definen como Iglesia? No tenemos opción. Somos una Iglesia sinodal.

HOSFFMAN OSPINO es profesor de teología y educación religiosa en Boston College.

FOTO CORTESÍA MINISTERIO HISPANO VICARÍA DE ASHEVILLE

En la imagen aparecen los doce integrantes del equipo de jóvenes adultos del vicariato de Asheville que participan en el encuentro que organiza SEPI en Birmingham, Ala. Los jóvenes comparten tres días de intensas jornadas en el Santuario del Santísimo Sacramento.

Jóvenes adultos del Sureste se encuentran en Alabama CHARLOTTE — Un numeroso grupo de jóvenes adultos de la Diócesis de Charlotte participará en el Encuentro Regional de Pastoral Juvenil Hispana que ha organizado el Instituto Pastoral del Sureste de Estados Unidos, SEPI por sus siglas en inglés, del 10 al 12 de noviembre en Birmingham, Alabama.

Tres grupos de la diócesis han confirmado su participación, el de Gastonia, perteneciente a la parroquia San Miguel Arcángel; uno del vicariato de Asheville, con doce integrantes; y el de Charlotte, con el grupo ‘Fruto de Fe’ de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, con trece participantes.

“Este encuentro reúne a jóvenes del sureste de los Estados Unidos y da la oportunidad a que jóvenes locales puedan ser expuestos a una Iglesia en movimiento a nivel regional. Ellos también podrán conocer otros jóvenes de nuestra diócesis y crear redes de apoyo mutuo para fortalecer la pastoral juvenil a nivel diocesano y a nivel parroquial”, dijo Juan Antonio García, coordinador del ministerio hispano del vicariato de Asheville.

El diácono Eduardo Bernal, coordinador del ministerio hispano del vicariato de Charlotte, dijo que un aspecto importante del encuentro es que permite a nuestros jóvenes ir con espíritu misionero, ya que son enviados por nuestra diócesis, lo que les proporciona alegría y orgullo.

“Muchas veces el Señor te llama fuera de tu tierra para tener un encuentro contigo, así como lo hizo con Abraham.

A ellos también ahora el Señor los llama para que salgan, para que tengan un encuentro con Él, con ellos mismos, y compartirlo con otros”.

“Los jóvenes podrán darse cuenta que no son los únicos que tratan de vivir como bautizados en un mundo como el de hoy, con toda la confusión y retos. Van a fortalecer su fe encontrándose con otros y recibiendo la experiencia de otros que tienen una larga trayectoria en la pastoral”, añadió el diácono Bernal.

A su regreso, explicó, “será como cuando uno regresa de viaje con muchos recuerditos, con mucho ánimo, con muchas ideas, muchos sueños. Nos toca a nosotros ayudarles a “desempacar” y a “ubicar” el lugar para cada una de esas nuevas iniciativas y entusiasmo que van a reanimar la Pastoral Juvenil local”.

A TU ENCUENTRO

SALUDO

CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

“A tu encuentro”, como ha denominado SEPI a la jornada de tres días destinada a jóvenes adultos entre 18 y 35 años, tiene tres dimensiones: espiritual, pues promueve un encuentro con Dios a través de los sacramentos, teniendo a la Eucaristía como una verdadera fuente de sabiduría que nutres nuestras acciones; personal, al generar un encuentro consigo mismo desafiando a los jóvenes a conocerse mejor internamente; y la construcción de comunidad, al ofrecer oportunidades a los jóvenes adultos hispanos para relacionarse entre ellos, abrazar su identidad de fe y compartir sus propias experiencias de su relación con el Señor.

El encuentro es bilingüe y los jóvenes podrán escoger entre escuchar las charlas en español o inglés, con el idioma con el que se sientan más a gusto.

Reconociendo la importancia del encuentro regional, el Obispo Peter Jugis y el Padre Julio Domínguez, vicario episcopal del Ministerio Hispano, enviaron un saludo grabado en vídeo dirigido a los participantes.

Los Obispos, dijo el Obispo Jugis, “somos conscientes de que ustedes son el futuro y el presente de nuestra Iglesia. Estamos felices de poderlos tener a todos aquí para dar este paso en ayudarnos con esta gran misión de abrir la puerta a todos los jóvenes en nuestras Iglesias”.

Por su parte, el Padre Domínguez subrayó que los directores del ministerio hispano de todo el sureste, trabajan juntos en esta misión, “para que se sientan acogidos y puedan ayudarnos con la Evangelización de otros jóvenes”.

“Los animo a tomar parte de esa gran misión”, finalizó.

November 10, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI 15A

Se ofrecerá Misa de Consolación por pérdida de embarazo

PATRICK SCHNEIDER | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

En la imagen de archivo se aprecian a participantes del primer encuentro coral durante el Congreso Eucarístico 2022. Este año se llevará a cabo el 18 de noviembre en la parroquia Santa Cruz en Kernesville. Los cupos son limitados, por lo que se invita a los grupos a inscribirse lo más pronto posible.

Coros compartirán formación y experiencias CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

WINSTON-SALEM — El Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Winston-Salem informó que realizará el Segundo Encuentro de Coros el 18 de noviembre, de 9:30 de la mañana hasta las 4 de la tarde en la parroquia Santa Cruz en Kernersville.

El primero se realizó durante el Congreso Eucarístico 2022, “donde acordamos realizarlo anualmente, más o menos en la fecha cercana al 22 de noviembre, cuando se celebra la fiesta de Santa Cecilia, patrona de los músicos”, dijo Sergio López, el organizador y coordinador del ministerio hispano de esa vicaría.

“Solamente es un encuentro, no es una competencia”, aclaró, “es tocar, convivir, compartir experiencias y reconocernos como miembros de una vicaría y diócesis.

Lo hemos pensado como un encuentro de formación y reavivamiento”.

El encuentro iniciará con una Misa, y aparte de las interpretaciones corales, contara con un tema de formación a cargo del sr. Óscar Hernández, director de música de la parroquia Santa Cruz.

SANTA CECILIA

La Iglesia conmemora el 22 de noviembre, la muerte de Santa Cecilia, una mujer que falleció entre los años 180 y 230, de ser torturada por su conversión al cristianismo.

Sus padres, contra su voluntad, la casaron con un noble pagano.

Se dice que el día de su matrimonio, mientras los músicos tocaban, ella cantaba a Dios en su corazón.

El Papa Gregorio XIII la nombró patrona de los músicos porque había demostrado una atracción irresistible hacia los acordes melodiosos de los instrumentos.

Su espíritu sensible y apasionado por este arte convirtió así su nombre en símbolo de la música.

“Es tocar, convivir, compartir experiencias y reconocernos como miembros de una vicaría y diócesis.”

Sergio López

Coordinador del ministerio hispano en Winston-Salem

CUPO LIMITADO

La intención de los organizadores es motivar a que los grupos corales compongan sus propios temas, a que escriban, a que pongan música a sus letras, a que salgan de su zona de comodidad, comentó López.

El evento está incluido dentro de las actividades del movimiento de Avivamiento Eucarístico Nacional.

La participación de los coros será con tres cánticos religiosos con temas de formación litúrgica, ya sean estos originales o covers.

También se ha contemplado otorgar un reconocimiento a los coros y/o directores con mayor tiempo de servicio, requiriéndose de los participantes una nominación previa.

El número de coros participantes es limitado, por lo que se les invita a completar su ficha de inscripción lo antes posible para asegurar un cupo.

El evento no tendrá costo, sin embargo, se colocará una cajita para donaciones que cubrirá los gastos de alimentos, bebidas y reconocimientos.

Para mayor información, inscripciones, o donaciones, envíe un correo electrónico a selopez@rcdoc.org, o un mensaje de texto o WhatsApp al 336-529-3748.

HUNTERSVILLE — Los padres que lloran la pérdida de un hijo en el vientre materno están invitados a una Misa especial de Consolación el sábado 18 de noviembre.

La Misa se ofrecerá a partir de las 9 de la maãna en la iglesia San Marcos, ubicada en 14740 Stumptown Road en Huntersville. Habrá una recepción previa en el Centro Kerin de la parroquia.

Esta Misa se ofrece por todas aquellas personas que han tenido un aborto espontáneo o han tenido un bebe nacido sin vida. Los padres tendrán la oportunidad de escribir el nombre de su hijo en un libro de recuerdos, y cada familia recibirá una pequeña veladora. El evento ofrece una oportunidad para que las familias se consuelen mutuamente y reciban recursos para una mayor sanación.

“Hemos sufrido este dolor personalmente porque tenemos tres bebés preciosos que abortamos espontáneamente. Creemos que todos los niños son un regalo de Dios, y todos lloramos la pérdida de un hijo en el vientre”, dijeron el diácono Thomas Martin y su esposa Heather Martin, quienes organizaron el evento en coordinación con la Oficina de Vida Familiar de la Diócesis de Charlotte. “También confiamos en que Dios es misericordioso y que está cuidando amorosamente a nuestros preciosos bebés en el cielo”.

Los organizadores planean hacer de la Misa de Consolación un evento anual. Se anima a los asistentes, pero no se les exige, a confirmar su asistencia a Jessica Grabowski, coordinadora diocesana del Programa de Respeto a la Vida, a jrgrabowski@rcdoc.org.

— Annie Ferguson

Nuevo centro de recursos para embarazo ofrece esperanza en Charlotte CHARLOTTE — Las mujeres que buscan apoyo para embarazos no planificados tienen un nuevo recurso en Charlotte que ofrece escucha, asesoría y ayuda concreta para cualquier cosa que una nueva madre pueda necesitar. Birthright de Charlotte abrirá oficialmente sus puertas con un corte de cinta inaugural y bendición de 2 a 4 p.m. el domingo 17 de diciembre en 4435 Monroe Road en Charlotte.

Establecida en Toronto en 1968, Birthright International tiene más de 230 capítulos en todo el mundo que ofrecen apoyo confidencial, una prueba de embarazo gratuita, artículos de cuidado personal y ropa para bebés y maternidad. La organización también proporciona referencias para atención prenatal, asistencia médica, educación y vivienda. Los servicios son gratuitos y están disponibles tanto para la madre como para el padre.

“Estamos allí en un intento amoroso y sin prejuicios de brindar ayuda”, dijo Hank Chardos, director ejecutivo de Birthright de Charlotte. “Les hacemos saber que las acompañaremos durante el embarazo y más”.

Chardos y su esposa Sally se propusieron abrir un capítulo en Charlotte, después de enterarse del número cada vez más alto de abortos en el área tras la revocatoria de Roe vs. Wade el año pasado, lo que convirtió a Carolina del Norte en un destino para las mujeres que buscan abortar. La pareja abrió un capítulo de Birthright en Columbia, Carolina del Sur, en 1980, y Chardos se desempeñó como director ejecutivo durante 41 años.

Anima a los interesados en ayudar en Birthright de Charlotte a asistir a una de las cuatro clases de entrenamiento para voluntarios que se ofrecerán el 4 y 7 de diciembre, con sesiones a las 10 a.m. y 6 p.m.

Chardos dijo que los voluntarios tienen un enorme impacto en las mujeres que buscan ayuda.

Para información, visite www.birthrightofcharlotte. org o llame al 803-543-8144. Para la línea directa las 24 horas, llame al 800-550-4900.

— Annie Ferguson

catholicnewsherald.com | November 10, 2023 16A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

El Padre Lucas Rossi, párroco de la Iglesia San Miguel en Gastonia, bendijo los alimentos y acompañó a la comunidad a lo largo de la celebración. Centenares de fieles se dieron cita para festejar la fiesta de la hispanidad sin barreras de nacionalidades. El Padre José Juya, vicario y coordinador del ministerio hispano del vicariato, dijo que los feligreses “se sienten orgullosos de sus raíces, de su alegría y de su aporte a la Iglesia”.

Unidos bajo la bandera de la Hispanidad CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

GASTONIA — Doce países de Hispanoamérica y el anfitrión, Estados Unidos, estuvieron representados en el festival de la hispanidad que celebró la parroquia San Miguel Arcángel en Gastonia el pasado sábado 21 de octubre por la tarde y noche en las instalaciones del gimnasio de la escuela parroquial.

La fiesta se inscribió en el marco del festejo del mes de la Herencia Hispana en nuestro país que se celebra todos los años del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre.

Desde muy temprano por la mañana, delegaciones de Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Uruguay, Ecuador, México, Venezuela, Perú, Colombia y República Dominicana instalaron sus puestos llenos de colorido, banderas y artesanías en los que ofrecerían luego variados platillos típicos de cada una de sus gastronomías.

Pasadas las cinco de la tarde, después de la bendición de los alimentos realizada por el párroco, Padre Lucas Rossi, Mauricio Muñoz, maestro de ceremonias, acompañado de la Sra. Reyna Granadino, a cargo de la coordinación del ministerio hispano parroquial, iniciaron el programa que incluyó un desfile de banderas, números musicales y bailes folclóricos.

Un delicioso aroma provenía del puesto de Ecuador. Ahí, Alexandra y Kenia, naturales de Guayaquil y Quevedo respectivamente, ofrecían sánguches de pernil. “Es una alegría representar al país de uno a través de la gastronomía. Llevamos varios años colaborando con la iglesia. Cada grupo de cada país colabora con la comida, y los fondos que se recogen se donan para que la iglesia tenga fondos para los diferentes ministerios que desarrolla y otras actividades”, dijo Alexandra.

Representando a una de las comunidades más extensas en Gastonia, la comunidad mexicana, la Sra. Lluvia Gutiérrez dijo estar feliz de representar a su país. “Y hoy, para

que todos prueben, hemos traído pozole rojo, tostadas de tinga de pollo, empanadas y tamales”.

Martha Abreu, dominicana, acudió acompañada de sus tres hijos. Una de sus hijas, Angelina, vestía un traje típico mexicano. “En la clase de catecismo los invitaron a que formen parte del grupo de baile y ella ha aprendido bailes mexicanos y también de otros países”. La señora Martha dijo sentirse orgullosa de que su hija represente con el arte, no solo a su país de origen sino a otras banderas latinoamericanas. “Y aquí estamos también, probando un poco de la comida de otras culturas. Nos ha gustado muchísimo, en especial a ella las empanadas de México”, añadió, refiriéndose a su hija.

GRAN PARTICIPACIÓN

El Padre José Juya, vicario y coordinador del ministerio hispano del vicariato de Gastonia, expresó su satisfacción por la asistencia y participación de toda la comunidad.

“Esto es producto del trabajo en conjunto con todo el liderazgo. Hemos logrado que mucha más gente participe y se acerque. La comunidad ha crecido y los niños y jóvenes se van integrando cada vez más”, dijo.

El Padre Juya también atribuyó el éxito del festival a la formación de liderazgo que SEPI viene brindando permanentemente en la vicaría. “Ya estamos viendo los frutos del esfuerzo. Después de la pandemia, sentimos que ya hemos reactivado completamente el ministerio hispano, hemos fortalecido las familias, las hemos hecho conscientes del principio de inclusión y sentido de pertenencia. Además, se sienten orgullosos de sus raíces, de su alegría y de su aporte a la Iglesia”, añadió.

Más online En www.facebook.com/CNHEspañol: Encontrará más fotografías sobre la celebración.

November 10, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI 17A

La presentación de la Virgen María Cada 21 de noviembre la Iglesia celebra la cuenta sobre esto en una Constitución de Presentación de la Santísima Virgen María. 1166.

En esta fecha se recuerda el episodio, Más adelante, en 1372, el canciller en recogido por la tradición, según el cual la corte del Rey de Chipre, habiendo María fue llevada a los tres años al templo sido enviado a Aviñón, en calidad de de Jerusalén por sus padres, San Joaquín embajador ante el Papa Gregorio XI, le y Santa Ana, para ser instruida en la religión del pueblo de Israel.

Allí sería recibida junto a otras doncellas por el Sumo Sacerdote. De esta manera, María, aprendería desde pequeña el valor y el sentido de las promesas de Dios sobre la llegada del Mesías.

Esta celebración evoca la consagración que la Virgen hizo de sí misma a Dios, entrega prefigurada en su IMAGEN CORTESÍA MUSEO DEL PRADO, ESPAÑA concepción inmaculada ‘La Presentación de la Virgen en el Templo’, óleo sobre lienzo de autor desconocido. Probablemente realizado en el Siglo XVII. Actualmente la y que se va realizando obra no se encuentra en exposición permanente. a lo largo de su vida en sintonía con los designios del Espíritu Santo. Por eso, decimos de María que es “La Llena de contó la magnificencia con que en Grecia Gracia”. celebraban esta fiesta el 21 de noviembre.

El Papa entonces la introdujo en Aviñón, y ORIGEN DE ESTA CELEBRACIÓN Sixto V la impuso a toda la Iglesia.

Es en una antigua y piadosa tradición que encontramos los orígenes de esta fiesta PEDIR POR LOS QUE ORAN mariana que surge en el escrito apócrifo En 1953, el Papa Pío XII instituyó el llamado “Protoevangelio de Santiago”. Este día 21 de noviembre como la ‘Jornada relato cuenta que cuando la Virgen María Pro Orantibus’ (‘Jornada por aquellos era muy niña sus padres San Joaquín que oran’), en honor a las comunidades y Santa Ana la llevaron al templo de religiosas de clausura. Es decir, todos los Jerusalén y allá la dejaron por un tiempo, cristianos están invitados a orar por las junto con otro grupo de niñas, para ser personas que dedican su vida a la oración. instruida muy cuidadosamente respecto a Décadas después, en el año 2014, el Papa la religión y a todos los deberes para con Francisco recordó que este día debería ser Dios. “una ocasión oportuna para agradecer al Históricamente, el inicio de esta Señor por el don de tantas personas que, celebración fue la dedicación de la Iglesia en los monasterios y en las ermitas, se de Santa María la Nueva en Jerusalén dedican a Dios en la oración y en el silencio en el año 543. Estas fiestas se vienen activo, reconociéndole aquella primacía conmemorando en Oriente desde el siglo que sólo a Él le corresponde”.

VI, inclusive el emperador Miguel Comeno — Condensado de ACI Prensa

Oración por la Presentación de la Virgen María Santa Madre María, tú que desde temprana edad te consagraste al Altísimo, aceptando desde una libertad poseída el servirle plenamente como templo inmaculado, tú que confiando en tus santos padres, San Joaquín y Santa Ana, respondiste con una obediencia amorosa al llamado de Dios Padre, tú que ya desde ese momento en el que tus padres te presentaron en el Templo percibiste en tu interior el profundo designio de Dios Amor; enséñanos Madre Buena a ser valientes seguidores de tu Hijo, anunciándolo en cada momento de nuestra vida desde una generosa y firme respuesta al Plan de Dios. Amén.

Lecturas Diarias NOVIEMBRE 12-18 Domingo (San Josafat): Sabiduría 6:1216, 1 Tesalonicenses 4:13-18, Mateo 25:1-13; Lunes (Santa Francisca Cabrini): Sabiduría 1:1-7, Lucas 17:1-6; Martes: Sabiduría 2:23– 3:9, Lucas 17:7-10; Miércoles: Sabiduría 6:1-11, Lucas 17:11-19; Jueves (Santas Margarita de Escocia y Gertrudis): Sabiduría 7:22–8:1, Lucas 17:20-25; Viernes (Santa Isabel de Hungría): Sabiduría 13:1-9, Lucas 17:2637; Sábado (Dedicación de las Basilicas de San Pedro y San Pablo, Santa Rosa Filipina Duchesne): Sabiduría 18:14-16, 19:69, Lucas 18:1-8 NOVIEMBRE 19-25 Domingo: Proverbios 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31, 1 Tesalonicenses 5:1-6, Mateo 25:14-30; Lunes: 1 Macabeos 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-64, Lucas 18:35-43; Martes (Presentación de la Santísima Virgen María): 2 Macabeos 6:18-31,

Lucas 19:1-10; Miércoles (Santa Cecilia): 2 Macabeos 7:1, 20-31, Lucas 19:11-28; Jueves (Día de Acción de Gracias): 1 Macabeos 2:15-29, Lucas 19:41-44; Viernes (San Andrés Dung-Lac, presbítero, y compañeros, mártires): 1 Macabeos 4:36-37, 52-59, Lucas 19:45-48; Sábado (Santa Catalina de Alejandría): 1 Macabeos 6:1-13, Lucas 20:2740 NOVIEMBRE 26-DICIEMBRE 2 Domingo (Solemnidad de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, Rey del Universo): Ezequiel 34:11-12, 15-17, 1 Corintios 15:20-26, 28, Mateo 25:31-46; Lunes: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20, Lucas 21:1-4; Martes: Daniel 2:31-45, Lucas 21:5-11; Miércoles: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28, Lucas 21:12-19; Jueves (San Andrés, Apóstol): Romanos 10:9-18, Mateo 4:1822; Viernes: Daniel 7:2-14, Lucas 21:29-33; Sábado: Daniel 7:15-27, Lucas 21:34-36

Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of November: Abbot Oscar Burnett, OSB – 2017 Rev. John P. Bradley – 2003 Rev. Raphael Bridge, OSB – 1996 Rev. Msgr. John P. Manley – 1981 Rev. Bernard A. Manley Jr. – 2016 Rev. Charles T. Reese – 2017 Rev. John A. Regan – 1976 Rev. D. Edward Sullivan – 2009 Rev. Stephen A. Sullivan - 1989

Our nation

catholicnewsherald.com | November 10, 2023 18A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Raleigh’s Eucharistic Congress welcomes thousands KATE TURGEON NC Catholics

RALEIGH — The Diocese of Raleigh held its Eucharistic Congress Oct. 21 at the Raleigh Convention Center. The event, which welcomed about 5,000 people, was the kickoff for a centennial, which will be observed in 2024 to mark the anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of Raleigh in 1924.

For many, the bilingual congress was a day for reflection and deepening connections to the Eucharist.

The public event, which was free of charge but required registration, began with Morning Prayer and Eucharistic Adoration.

Using live music and reflection, the Vigil Project group from Louisiana started the morning gathering.

“We’re here for one reason, right?” musician and speaker Greg Boudreaux asked those gathered. “It’s for the Lord Jesus Christ, present body, soul and divinity in the Eucharist.”

Brenda Garcia, a youth track speaker and the event’s emcee, further opened the

event by briefly discussing the Catholic population in eastern North Carolina, the work of Catholic Charities and the 95 parishes and missions of the diocese.

“We come together from all the corners and deaneries of this diocese,” she said, first in English and then in Spanish.

Bailey Valle was one of 1,400 participants in the youth track, designed for those in grades 6-12. She said the opening prayer was “delightful” and that one presenter reminded her and her peers that “God is always blessing us.”

Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama and Father Michael Burbeck, vicar general for the diocese, led the morning prayer. During a moment that was poignant to many, Bishop Zarama knelt and expressed his gratitude to the participants. He shared that, in their faces, he saw the presence of God. Three keynote speeches were shared during the day-long congress. One was for adults, another for youth and a third for Spanish speakers. Workshops were presented on topics such as “100 Years of Carolina Catholicism.”

Bishop Stephen Parkes of Savannah took the podium for the English-speaking

PHOTOS BY GREG MINTEL | NC CATHOLICS

The Diocese of Raleigh’s Eucharistic Congress drew about 5,000 people to the Raleigh Convention Center Oct. 21. The event was the kickoff for the diocese’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2024.

audience, delivering an impactful message on faith and unity. Simultaneously, within the Spanish-speaking community, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio shared an inspiring address.

Bolstered by a dedicated group of about 177 volunteers, the Eucharistic Congress committee, led by Father Scott McCue, worked for months to guarantee the event’s success. The 30-member committee held its first planning meeting in February 2022.

“It has been excellent event, and I have been learning a lot about the Eucharistic,” said Laura Ximenez of St. Eugene Parish in Wendell. “As Catholics we are blessed to experience God in the Eucharist.”

Highlights of the congress included the vocations assembly and reconciliation.

About 80 priests, employing six languages, offered the sacrament over the course of more than four hours, according to organizers.

Another highlight of the day was a small,

early-morning procession from Sacred Heart Church, the original cathedral for the diocese, to the convention center. While it was not a public event due to logistics, the procession included participants from St. Joseph Parish and Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Parish. The group was led by Monsignor David Brockman and represented the diocese.

The day concluded with a Vigil Mass, during which Bishop Zarama began his homily by asking for a silent moment to remind people to listen for how God is calling them by name.

“We are so honored to be here today. We are so lucky to be here today,” the bishop said. “At the same time, how great is our responsibility looking toward the future?”

He continued by saying that when people live and open themselves to be who they are and to exercise what they received in their baptism, they may begin to listen to God and have humble hearts.

November 10, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI 19A

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In Brief New Catholic Charities USA leader: We are called to ‘very noble, holy work’ WASHINGTON, D.C. — Kerry Alys Robinson, the new president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, says its mission isn’t only to be generous, but to inspire generosity in turn. “Generosity is humankind’s birthright, and we are all called to be generous and also to be catalysts to inspire generosity” in others, Robinson said. “I love that part of what Catholic Charities offers, an opportunity for people to volunteer and be generous with their time, with their talents, with their merciful hearts, and in service to others who are really struggling.” Robinson began her new role in August and is just the second layperson and second woman to lead the organization.

Although Catholic Charities is not a political or partisan organization, Robinson’s tenure coincides with several key political issues in the U.S. that impact its service to the poor and vulnerable: the potential for a government shutdown, a shifting legal landscape on abortion, and a growing cultural divide on the issue of migration. While the challenges may seem intractable, she said, what binds them together at Catholic Charities is “the very noble holy work that we’re called to do.”

Diocesan phase of Florida Martyrs’ cause closes; priest to take documents to Rome TALLAHASSEE — For several years, lay Catholics and clergy have researched, chronicled and verified a piece of Florida’s Catholic history from more than three centuries

ago in hopes it will become a piece of Catholic history for the universal Church. Now, eight years after this process officially began, a Mass recently marked the affirming, signing and sealing of documentation on the Martyrs of La Florida Mission to be delivered to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome.

The group of nearly 60 who were martyred in the name of God from 1549 to 1712 included Catholics who were Indigenous, many of the Apalachee tribe, in what is present-day Florida and missionaries who came to the region from other lands. Sometime in November, Monsignor Michael Reed, chancellor of the PensacolaTallahassee Diocese, will escort the documents to Rome to deliver to the dicastery.

COLUMBUS — Ohio voters Nov. 7 approved Issue 1, a measure that will codify abortion access in the state’s constitution through fetal viability, typically understood to be 24 weeks gestation. The loss marks another electoral defeat for anti-abortion ballot measures in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision.

The measure, advanced by the Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights and Ohioans for Reproductive Freedom, will legalize abortion up to the point of fetal viability - the gestational maturity at which a baby may be capable of living outside the uterus – and beyond, if a physician decided an abortion was necessary for the sake of the mother’s life or health.

Although Ohio lawmakers enacted a six-week abortion ban that is not being enforced amid a legal challenge, the passage of Issue 1 will likely block its implementation. Supporters of the measure argued it would return the state to the legal standard set prior to the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Opponents argued the measure would go further than that through its definition of fetal viability, which states viability would be determined on “a case-by-case basis.”

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 10, 2023 20A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

10 takeaways from the synthesis report and why they matter PETER JESSERER SMITH OSV News

ROME — The Synod on Synodality’s first session at the Vatican has concluded, with its results wrapped up in a 41-page “halftime report” for the entire Church to digest, reflect on and give feedback about ahead of the synod’s final session next October.

The report, a synthesis of the Oct. 4-29 meeting, is designed to elicit reflection and response from the whole Church. Episcopal conferences around the world contributed to the process, after dioceses including the Diocese of Charlotte held thousands of listening sessions and sent in their own reports for consideration.

The synod’s next session in Rome will decide which concrete proposals to present before the pope, who ultimately will decide what to implement coming out of the synod.

Here are 10 takeaways about the report, why it matters and what happens next: 1. Synodality is about the Church’s evangelizing mission.

The synod relates that “synodality is ordered to mission,” recognizing that the Church’s members – with diverse backgrounds, languages and cultures – share the “common grace of baptism.”

The synod’s themes of “communion, participation, mission” are the hallmarks

for how the entire people of God in a synodal Church – laity, consecrated religious, deacons and priests with the bishops united with the pope – relate to each other and live together the call to holiness, proclaiming Jesus Christ’s good news to the world. The synod explicitly says its work is rooted in the Church’s dynamic and living tradition in the context of the Second Vatican Council’s teaching.

But it recognizes that much remains to be done to clarify what “synodality” means.

Part of that is figuring out how decisions are made in the Church in a way that is faithful to its nature – including discerning how episcopal collegiality is exercised.

2. Church members need formation in “authentic discipleship,” united by the Eucharist and nourished by the Word.

The synod stresses that Catholics are called to be “all disciples, all missionaries” who have the “responsibility of demonstrating and transmitting the love and tenderness of God to a wounded humanity.” Living discipleship is at the heart of being Catholic.

The synod calls for lives lived in “authentic discipleship that develops the grace of baptism.” This can help discern where the Holy Spirit is at work, as opposed to where the baptized are just advocating dominant thinking, cultural conditions, or “matters inconsistent with the Gospel.”

It also touches on lay ministry, calling for more creativity in how these roles are thought of – for example, developing the ministry of lector beyond its liturgical role, such as preaching in appropriate contexts.

5. Disciples listen to people and accompany them like Christ in whatever their personal, familial or social situations.

The synod stresses that “the Eucharist shapes synodality,” and so the Mass should be celebrated “with an authentic sense of friendship in Christ” that reflects beauty and simplicity. It also proposes enriching life beyond the Mass with alternative forms of liturgical prayer as well as popular piety, particularly Marian devotion.

3. Synodality is not about having more meetings, but discerning together how to go on mission at each level of the Church.

The synod emphasizes that synodality calls Catholics to discern intentionally as a community how Jesus is calling them to live out their mission. It’s not about selfreferential meetings, but rather a style of carrying out “evangelical proclamation, service to those experiencing poverty, care for our common home and theological research.” The document emphasizes the need for the faithful to understand the Church’s social doctrine so they can build up the kingdom of God. The synod also calls for further consideration on how the Church’s theology and modern developments in science can dialogue, and effective ways to do that for the Church’s discernment, particularly on complicated or controversial questions.

4. A synodal Church must reflect on what formation its priests, deacons and laity need to carry out their mission together.

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The synod recognizes that bishops and priests face disproportionate burdens of responsibility for the Church’s mission. It identifies clericalism as opposed to Jesus’ model of service, leading to “authoritarian attitudes,” and vocations stifled by privilege and power that refuse accountability.

The synod suggests extensive discussion and consideration of revising priestly formation to address this. Instead of forming priests in an “artificial environment separate from the ordinary lives” of the faithful, they should develop through “close contact with the People of God and through concrete service learning experiences.”

The synod recognizes there is universal agreement that priestly celibacy is “richly prophetic and a profound witness to Christ.” But it suggested consideration of whether it is appropriate for the Latin Church alone to continue to insist on it. The Eastern Churches (Catholic and Orthodox) have a tradition of celibate and married clergy.

The synod indicates the importance of expanding women’s access to theological formation, their inclusion in decisionmaking and responsibility in pastoral care and ministry. It suggests exploration of new ministries where women could decisively contribute. The synod notes the debate over women in the diaconal ministry, and expresses openness to continuing research and examining what has been done so far.

The synod says “listening is the word that best expresses our experience. This is listening given and received.” Listening is where the Church discerns the mission to which Jesus is calling His disciples and their particular communities.

It also emphasizes that the Church needs to give its closeness, listening and accompaniment to those who feel alone in remaining faithful to the Church’s teaching on marriage and sexual ethics, as well as to those on the margins because of “their marriage status, identity or sexuality.”

The synod suggests further consideration of the point that listening “does not mean compromising proclamation of the Gospel or endorsing any opinion or position proposed” – but rather being like Jesus, who listens and loves unconditionally to share His good news.

The report says the Church needs to extend its closeness to the lonely and abandoned, the elderly and sick. It also calls for further discernment about “Eucharistic hospitality” – the situation of people of different churches receiving Communion – and “inter-Church marriages.”

6. The Catholic Church needs strong Eastern Churches collaborating with the Latin Church.

The synod indicates it is vital for Catholics to realize that the Catholic Church is a communion of co-equal sister Churches: the Latin Church and 23 different Eastern Catholic Churches, all enjoying communion through their unity with the pope. It calls for all Catholic communities and clergy to learn about each other and actively work together, modeling “unity in diversity.”

It stresses that the Latin Church’s members (for the most part known as Roman Catholics) need to help Eastern Catholics in situations where they do not have access to their own churches to live out their traditions and that making Eastern Churches conform to the traditions and practices of Latin Churches is “outdated.”

The synod indicates that Eastern Churches must work out their relationship to the role of the pope – whose role is rooted in the Latin Church – specifically in whether his assent is needed in the selection of bishops. Catholics of these Eastern Churches are no longer confined to traditional patriarchal territory but are now all over the world.

7. The synod suggests a new path for ecumenism, thanks to the martyrs.

There has been discouragement about the dialogue between Catholic and other Christian confessions achieving its goal of actual unity, but the synod makes significant suggestions for moving ahead.

Among them is that an “ecumenical martyrology” be developed, which would allow the Church to commemorate Christian martyrs who share a common baptism but not the same confessional boundaries. The point has been emphasized recently by the early 21st-century martyrdoms, such as in the Middle East, SYNOD, SEE PAGE 21A

November 10, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI 21A

SYNOD FROM PAGE 20A

where Islamist militants killed Orthodox and Catholics for being Christians. It emphasizes how local Churches can engage with other Churches in carrying out the work of the Gospel and the importance of continuing to involve Christians of other Churches and traditions in synodal processes “at all levels.” Among the proposals is to find a common date for the celebration of Easter with an eye to the year 2025, the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.

8. The Church needs to evangelize digital spaces intentionally.

The synod views the digital realm as a “crucial dimension of the Church’s witness in contemporary culture.” This means understanding digital culture in order to evangelize it and engaging the Church’s younger generation – clergy, religious and lay – in carrying out the mission.

The synod proposes discernment on how the Church can be involved in helping make the online world “safe” for families – noting the dangers of intimidation, disinformation, sex exploitation and addiction – and how the Church can make the digital realm “spiritually life-giving.”

9. Sex abuse is undermining the Church’s missionary life, and a truly synodal Church needs to get this right.

The synod states, “Sexual abuse and the abuse of power and authority continue to cry out for justice, healing and reconciliation.” It acknowledges this synodal process has seen the Holy

Spirit pour out fruits of “hope, healing, reconciliation and restoration of trust.”

Listening to and accompanying those who have suffered abuse in the Church have helped people feel no longer invisible. At the same time, the synod makes clear “the long journey towards reconciliation and justice” remains and requires “addressing the structural conditions that abetted such abuse” and “concrete gestures of penitence.”

A synodal Church requires a “culture of transparency,” respect for existing procedures to safeguard minors and people when they are vulnerable, and “further structures dedicated to the prevention of abuse.” The report notes bishops are in a difficult situation of reconciling their “role of father with that of judge,” and suggests exploring the possibility of giving the judicial task to another body specified in Church law.

10. The bishops must now figure out how to take these ideas to the pews for further discernment.

The synod leaves it to episcopal conferences to discern the next steps.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, acknowledges the bishops would have to foster greater participation, including encouraging pastors to buy in.

Only 1% of U.S. Catholics participated in the preparatory process. The prospect of getting this feedback within a year may seem daunting to bishops. The lay faithful will likely have to raise their voices and volunteer to work with their pastors and bishops to get it done in time.

Read it online At www.synod.va/en/news/a-synodalchurch-in-mission.html: Read the synod’s full synthesis report online

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In Brief Cardinal denies working on changes to procedures for papal elections VATICAN CITY — Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, a top adviser to Pope Francis on matters involving Church law, denied reports the pope had asked him to draft revisions to the rules governing the preparations for electing a new pope.

“I confirm my denial and have nothing else to add,” he told Catholic News Service Nov. 6. Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, told CNS, “As far as I know, no revision is being worked on.”

The Pillar website reported Nov. 4 that its “sources close to the Vatican’s Secretariat of State” had said Cardinal Ghirlanda was asked specifically to draft revised rules for the “general congregations” – meetings of cardinals – that take place in the days before a conclave.

While the general congregations deal with some practical matters needing attention between the death or resignation of a pope and the election of a new one, the main purpose is for the cardinals to share views about the state of the Church and qualities needed in the next pope. The general congregations take place behind closed doors with all participants taking a vow of secrecy.

The rules outlining what happens with the death of a pope and for the general

congregations and the conclave to elect a new pope are spelled out in St. John Paul II’s 1996 apostolic constitution “Universi Dominici Gregis,” and the revisions made to it by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 and just before his resignation in 2013. Only a pope could promulgate changes to the rules.

Jordan’s Christians cancel Christmas celebrations in solidarity with suffering Gaza AMMAN, Jordan — Churches in Jordan are canceling Christmas celebrations in solidarity with Gaza as violence in the Palestinian enclave mounts. The leaders of Jordan’s Council of Church Leaders announced on Nov. 5 the cancellation of all festivities and events to express deepening concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis engulfing Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

Viewed as a poignant gesture of respect for the innocent victims and the reverent sacrifices made by those in Gaza and the West Bank, the Council has urged for a solemn observance of Christmas through prayer and religious rituals. It said that Christmas bazaars, gift distributions for children, decorative initiatives, and scout parades would be canceled.

“We canceled the external celebrations of Christmas. The decision was made to focus on the spiritual meaning of Christmas – the birth of Jesus. It’s solidarity with the people of Gaza,” Father Rifat Bader told OSV News.

He directs the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in the Jordanian capital.

“We will focus only on the religious celebration, including worship services and songs inside the churches and nothing outside the churches,” Father Bader explained.

— OSV News

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ViewPoints

catholicnewsherald.com | November 10, 2023 22A CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Brian Pusateri

The parable of the broken door

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here was once a man who was searching for a perfect home in the mountains. He had seen many houses but could not find the one that he would call home. One day his Realtor drove him up a long, winding road to a house at the very top of a mountain.

When they reached the house, the man saw a sad structure. It was a very old building, unpainted and long abandoned. The shutters were falling off, the front porch was rotting away, and the once beautiful front door was broken. He tried to walk around to the back, but the house had been built right on the edge of a cliff. There was no way to get in except through the broken front door.

As he climbed rotted steps, the man began to wonder why the Realtor had brought him to such an odd house. He eased the squeaking door open just enough to see cobwebs and dust in the stale air from years of abandonment.

AN UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY

But once completely inside, the man noticed a bright light coming from the back. He walked forward toward a majestic door made of mahogany and leaded glass. Through the cut glass, light beamed and glimmered throughout the house.

He opened the beautiful door and stepped out onto a perfectly maintained porch with fresh paint and inviting rocking chairs. The view that had been hidden at the front of the home was now spectacularly visible.

Gazing across the valley, he saw the horizon stretch to eternity. The river below led to an impressive waterfall. Birds glided on the updrafts, and he could hear distant sounds of children laughing and church bells ringing. It was as if he were looking over all of creation. With no hesitation, the man told the Realtor that he would buy the house.

Many years passed. Drawn by the beauty of the light through the back door and the brilliant view from the back porch, the man began to make the house his home. He painted, repaired, and arranged the interior so guests could enjoy the view and experience the same light and beauty that he had seen.

But he forgot about one thing: the front of the home. Guests drove up and saw the front porch still rotted out and the front door still broken. He had not taken the time to fix up the front of his house because he knew that what was inside it was far more important. But every time someone visited, he felt a small twinge of pain as his guest had to walk through the old broken door into his now beautiful home.

It was time to work on the broken front door.

EXPLAINING THE PARABLE

We are the broken door! We are in need of repair. Perhaps our door only needs the hinges oiled. Perhaps it needs to be planed to fit the opening now that the house has settled over the years. Perhaps it has some spots in need of putty, sanding and refinishing. Still, no matter what it needs, it can be opened even in its broken condition.

The interior of the home is our heart, soul, and mind. These are the areas we first need to repair to make them appealing to the guests we invite inside.

Our guests are those people we encounter every day. Everyone we meet – at home, at work, and in our community – can see by our actions and our words what is in our hearts.

That magnificent, beautiful, and perfect back door is Jesus Christ our Savior. The view from the back porch is the view of God. That glorious view is obscured completely unless one enters through the broken front door. Even though our door squeaks and is out of square, people can still enter and experience the Christ in us.

Upon entering, your guests will experience the warmth and love inside.

They will quickly see that you have situated everything in your home around the streaming light of Jesus Christ, the only door that leads to God. Now comes the challenging part. We cannot, we must not, wait until the front door is perfect before inviting others into our life to meet Jesus. We do need to work on our door. The weathering and deterioration of the door is the sin in our life. The rain of selfishness and the wind of worldly concerns will always beat on our door.

But if we wait for perfection, we will deny others the opportunity to meet Jesus. And it is through Jesus that we bring others to God. Jesus calls us as we are – broken – to be the door through which others can enter to meet Him. BRIAN PUSATERI, founder of 4th Day Letters and Broken Door Ministries, is a Catholic author and speaker. This was previously published at brokendoorministries.com.

PHOTO BY DEACON SCOTT GILFILLAN

View from the porch of the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory

Deacon Scott Gilfillan

New colors emerge in life’s ever-changing seasons I

spent the first 30 minutes with my spiritual director spewing a rambling narrative. I described a restlessness in my heart and a deeply felt longing I couldn’t quite put my finger on. She said flatly, “Maybe you’re entering a new season.” Although I’ve heard the term many times, I never looked at my life as a series of different seasons.

That was a few months ago. As I look at the stunning colors of the leaves this fall, I see some parallels between the change in the seasons around me and the change in the seasons of my life.

The leaves in the foothills of North Carolina change from green to a vibrant yellow, orange and red. It’s a marvel of nature and a gift from God. Biologists would describe it differently. In the summer, the dominant pigment in the leaves is chlorophyll, fueled by long sunny days. As I learned from my favorite science teacher in the 7th grade, chlorophyll converts sunlight to energy and gives the leaves a green color. In the fall, the days grow shorter and the tree produces less chlorophyll. This allows the other pigments in the leaves – the reds, oranges and yellows – to come to the fore and bring to the world a

beautiful array of colors.

In my own life, the rigors of raising a family and building a career fueled my “chlorophyll,” and a vigorous “green” surrounded my activities. Now, as I enter this new season, I’m not devoting as much energy to these pursuits.

Yet I see other “colors” begin to emerge, talents and spiritual gifts that were waiting in the background. The hidden reds and oranges and yellows are now beginning to shine.

A healthy tree filled with green leaves in the middle of the summer is a thing of beauty. But as I marvel at the colors that have set nearby Baker Mountain on fire, I see a different beauty, maybe richer and more diverse than the season that came before.

I’m thinking that my spiritual director was on to something. My life may be making a similar change. As one color fades, a new palette of colors emerges.

Spend a few minutes pondering the changing season in your world and your life. What new colors is God bringing to the fore?

As one color fades, a new palette of colors emerges.

DEACON SCOTT GILFILLAN is the director of the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory.

November 10, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI 23A

Gretchen Crowe

Our family, like the Church, deals with a growing chorus of opinions

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s our children get older, the number of voiced opinions under our roof seems to be growing exponentially by the day.

Blessing 1 wants to listen to one particular kind of music; Blessing 2, another; Blessing 3 points. Blessing 1 wants to watch one particular TV show; Blessing 2, another; Blessing 3 screeches. Blessing 1 wants to play with a particular toy; Blessing 2 inevitably wants to play with the same toy; Blessing 3 tackles and attempts to eat said toy.

What we eat, when we go to the grocery store, which playground we visit, who gets to hold the phone during grandparent

a domestic church was an interesting exercise. Several resulting ideas, based on principles from the handbook, are as follows: n Take time for sharing, with honesty and courage at its roots. We should encourage our little ones to speak from their hearts, sharing their opinions and their reasons for those opinions. They should not be dismissed because they are young. n Listen to one another with humble hearts. Once we invite our children to speak, we owe them the dignity of our undivided attention. Put phones down, remove AirPods, look our little ones in the eyes. n Redefine winning. For example, we should try not to simply declare a “no” to snacks, but also a “yes” to an earlier dinner, mindful of small, hungry tummies. n Be open to conversion and change. Perhaps our kids have a point that we parents haven’t considered. Maybe they have a suggestion that might enhance family life. Parents should seek to be open to a shift in our own sometimes narrow or selfcentered thinking.

At the same time, as is true in the context of the universal Church, we know there are things on which our domestic churches cannot compromise: n Mass and prayer time are not negotiable. Participation is required, and negative attitudes must be checked at the door. n Following God’s commandments is also not negotiable. We must put God first, be respectful, not hurt others, not take what isn’t ours. We must tell the truth and speak the truth in love. n We must love God with our whole hearts, and think about our neighbors – or brothers and sisters – as much as we think about ourselves. n Invoking the Holy Spirit for proper discernment within our family, we must say “no” to the temptation to follow individual desires and “yes,” always, to the will of God and the teachings of the Church.

Such is the way of holiness. Such is the path to heaven, and we owe it to our children to show them the way.

When the synod for America ended in December 1997, Pope John Paul II remarked on how “my soul is opened through the action of grace towards God, who is the source of ‘every good endowment and every perfect gift’” (Jas 1:17).

As we continue to grow and journey together, may our domestic churches – and our universal one, as well – confidently be able to say the same.

Our families – our domestic churches – can balance dialogue and decision-making using the same principles the universal Church has used during the Synod on Synodality.

FaceTime, how long is bathtime, how short is bedtime, which four snacks must be consumed in 30 minutes, how much dinner is enough dinner, how much dessert is too little dessert, how many crayons/ Legos/marbles/playing cards need to be poured out on the floor in order to achieve a satisfactory playtime experience – in all things, there is a constant flurry of various points of view, all stemming less from a desire to achieve the common good and more from the individual will. (Parents sometimes included.)

“So. Many. Opinions,” I find myself frequently remarking to my husband. It’s wonderful, of course. We wouldn’t change a thing. But, boy, the dynamics of decisionmaking in our home have drastically changed over the past six years. And, inevitably, tears flow or tempers flare when opinions differ. In other words, we live in a community.

Managing this community – primarily the points at which authoritarian rule necessarily trumps spirited democracy – is a constant balancing act, as every community leader knows. With this in mind, I went looking for some ground rules for our domestic church. And I ended up, interestingly enough, doing a deep dive into the Vatican’s proposed “attitudes for participating in the synodal process,” released in the September 2021 official handbook of the Synod on Synodality.

Thinking about them in the context of

GRETCHEN R. CROWE is the editor-in-chief for OSV News.

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REVIVAL

SAINTS

IN BRIEF

FROM PAGE 4A

FROM PAGE 10A

FROM PAGE 4A

Born and raised in the vibrant cultural mosaic of New Orleans, Father Gibson’s Catholic faith is deeply rooted in the rich traditions and spirituality that define his close-knit parish community.

Father Gibson’s own vocation story offered hope, renewal and a reminder that God’s Presence knows no boundaries.

He explained that the priesthood was a constant presence in his life, since he was a toddler. “It was at the young age of 3 that I first heard God calling my name. I was the kid who dressed up as a priest for Halloween and celebrated Mass for my stuffed animals. I just knew I wanted to be a priest.”

Yet, he said, “Internally, I fought God’s beckoning. Externally, I became the poster child for the youth ministry.

I ran away from God’s call, only to end up in the center of the Church in the United States at The Catholic University of America. For six years, I danced around the question of seminary until I was posed with this question: ‘How long will you delay the inevitable?’ I could not fight it anymore after that.

I could not give any more excuses. I had to stop delaying the inevitable.”

He followed God’s call and was ordained a priest in 2021. He is now pastor at the parish where he grew up, St. Peter Claver Parish in New Orleans, assists with the Archdiocesan Office of Worship, and serves in several advisory roles for initiatives of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, including the National Eucharistic Revival and the Journeying Together Cultural Diversity Initiative.

His youthful energy, combined with his deep faith and dedication to service, offered a unique perspective that resonated with both the young and the young at heart, organizers said.

In his All Saints Day address Nov. 1, the pope encouraged all of the faithful to learn more about saints to deepen their own personal holiness: “In their lives we find an example, in their prayers we receive help and friendship, and with them we are bound in a bond of brotherly love.”

At Our Lady of Assumption School, fifthgraders selected a variety of saints aligned with their interests or character traits, teacher Whitney Hannah said. One boy who loves soccer picked St. Luigi Scroscoppi, the sport’s patron saint, while a girl who dreams of becoming a teacher selected St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, founder of the first Catholic schools in the U.S. and patron of Catholic schools.

Hanna Isayas, 10, selected St. Maria Goretti because she thought the saint’s biography offered an important lesson.

“Even though someone hurt her during her life, Maria Goretti was able to forgive, and that is a lesson we all can learn and a great way to live life,” she said. ‘If you hold onto something someone has done to you instead of forgiving them, you’re just going to end up living a life of anger.”

Teacher Hannah asked students to research their saints and find a traditional prayer of intercession to the saint or write one of their own.

“I was hands off during most of the process and have been so happy to see the excitement from them,” she said. “It was great to be able to help some of the kids who had a harder time picking a saint to find one they really connected with. Our Lady of the Assumption has a very diverse population, and you can see that in the diverse group of saints they picked.”

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from “Praying The Vision: A Renewal of Spirit Revival” at Our Lady of Consolation Church.

High school youth attend retreat MAGGIE VALLEY — Young people from parishes in the Smoky Mountain Vicariate attended a High School Retreat Sept. 22-24 at Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center, organized by the diocese’s Youth Ministry Office.

The weekend retreat included Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and talks that included seminarians from St. Joseph College Seminary. High schoolers came from parishes across the region, including St. John the Evangelist in Waynesville, St. William in Murphy, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Hayesville, St. Mary Mother of God in Sylva, St. Jude in Sapphire, St. Francis of Assisi in Franklin, Our Lady of the Mountains in Highlands, and Holy Redeemer in Andrews.

— Paul Kotlowski

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CATHOLIC END-OF-LIFE & FUNERAL PLANNING

A Holy Death INSIDE: Planning a Catholic funeral, 2-5B, 8-9B Burial vs. cremation? 6-7B Local Catholic cemeteries and columbaria, 6B Why do we pray for the dead? 10-11B Guidance on end-of-life health care 13-15B

November 10, 2023

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 10, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The Catholic funeral is at the heart of who we are as Church – a people gathered, saved and redeemed

by Christ our risen Lord.

FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Why are Catholic funerals and rituals important?

T

FATHER MICHAEL CUMMINS WORD ON FIRE INSTITUTE

he life of a parish priest affords a unique vantage point – not just on developments within the Church, but also on movements in society. It is quite amazing what you can pick up on as a priest as you make your rounds of home visits, pastoral calls, work with the poor and being present in moments of grief. If you listen carefully, you can discern quite a bit about the state of our world and society.

Some of these movements are hope-filled while others, sadly, are troubling. A trend I find troubling is a cheapening (for lack of a better word) of the funeral experience and ritual. I believe this cheapening testifies to a growing impoverishment of the human spirit.

There are some understandable factors as to why Catholic funerals are falling out of favor: the cost of funerals and the commercialization of the funeral industry, our society’s unease with death, the reality of families being spread out and therefore not in as much contact and conversation, the increasing use of cremation, the growing number of non-Catholic spouses or other family members who are not familiar with Catholic rituals and customs. These are honest realities that should be acknowledged.

Yet there are other choices made regarding funerals that I do believe are unnecessary and, in fact, diminish the

meaningfulness and benefits of a funeral and prayers for the deceased in a family’s grieving process. Some people choose to forego all things “Catholic” for a funeral because they are not Catholic or have left the Church, even though the deceased was Catholic and was sincere in practicing his or her faith. In a similar vein, some choose not to have a funeral Mass or do anything at the parish church but rather have a service just at the funeral home or graveside in order to simplify things for everyone, and sometimes even to skirt around the possibility of offending someone who may be out of sorts with the Church. Some choose to forego a Catholic funeral in favor of more contemporary approaches often offered through the funeral business. In our consumer mentality, we sometimes only attach value to something if we have to spend money on it and if it seems flashy.

As a priest, I am particularly saddened when it is apparent that the deceased loved ones and family did not choose a Catholic funeral simply because they are no longer Catholic or they want to make things easier for themselves.

This does happen – more and more so.

I am saddened both for the departed who, in life, found great comfort in his or her Catholic faith, and I am saddened

for those left in their grief. I know they are missing an important opportunity to be nourished by the beauty and hope found in the Catholic funeral celebration. The Catholic funeral Mass – and all of the Church’s beautiful rituals surrounding the end of life – speak to us on many levels about the purpose of one’s life, God’s plan of salvation and the hope of eternal life, and how to handle the inevitability of grief and loss in our lives.

If there is a word that I think of in relation to the Catholic funeral, it is “commend.”

In the Catholic funeral – from wake to funeral Mass to graveside committal – we commend our loved one into the mercy of God and we also commend ourselves, praying for God’s comfort and peace in a time of loss. From the choices of readings and hymns to the rubrics for each aspect of the liturgical service, the Church offers insights and guidance on what is appropriate to perform this ritual that commends the loved one to God’s mercy. This structure of the ritual is not meant to deny or diminish the loved one or her or his life in any way.

A “celebration of life” (a popular expression these days) is all well and good, but such a celebration ends at the grave and can go no further. The Catholic funeral, however, in its

‘The Catholic funeral, in its depth of ritual and meaning, reminds us that the grave has been overcome not by our wishing it so, but by the death and resurrection of Christ our Lord.’

RITUALS, SEE PAGE 3B

November 10, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD I

RITUALS

died with our prayers, and they can also pray for us. The Mass offered for a deceased loved one is a way that the Church gathered offers prayers for a loved one as he or she is brought into the beatific vision – full life with God. Yes, we can pray for our deceased loved ones, and it is important to do so.

Scripture often testifies to the power of the prayers of the gathered community. If you wish to have a Mass offered for a loved one, contact your parish office. It is a holy thing to do and a spiritual act of mercy.

So, why is a Catholic funeral important?

The Catholic funeral is at the heart of who we are as Church – a people gathered, saved and redeemed by Christ our risen Lord. It is a witness to a secular world that there is a greater context to both life and death, given our relationship with God as our Father and Creator. A Catholic funeral speaks to the hearts of the people gathered and might even convert hearts that might be hurting or searching.

With His death and resurrection, Christ has conquered the tomb. Thanks to the gift of His Church and its poignant funeral rituals, we can put death in its proper perspective and gain a deeper understanding of our life’s ultimate purpose and the hope of eternal life with our Creator.

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depth of meaning and symbolism, reminds us that the grave has been overcome not by our wishing it so, but by the death and resurrection of Christ our Lord. The Catholic funeral reminds us and brings us into this greater and more important context because only the resurrection of Christ conquers the tomb, only the resurrection of Christ says death is not the final word, only the resurrection of Christ gives the true hope that comforts and heals us in our sorrows.

No person likes to think about death, but I encourage people to at least reflect on the beauty and meaning of the Catholic funeral and let your loved ones know your desires and wishes. Many parish offices can even help people plan out how they wish their funeral to be celebrated, and this information can be kept on file. In the end, the Church has no legal way to compel people to celebrate a loved one’s funeral in a particular way, even if there is information is on file at the parish office, but making one’s desires known and even keeping it on file at the church can be of valuable assistance during what is an emotional, very difficult time.

And it is important. A funeral should respect who a person is, and a person’s faith tradition is an essential component of who we are and the hope we have as Christians.

Beyond the funeral Mass, our Catholic faith has a wonderful tradition of having Masses offered for our dearly departed. This tradition is rooted in our firm belief in the Resurrection. In the Resurrection of Christ, death has been overcome – and just as we pray for one another while here on Earth, so too we can assist our loved ones who have

FATHER MICHAEL CUMMINS is a priest of the Diocese of Knoxville, Tenn. Ordained in 1995, he serves as pastor of St. Dominic Church in Kingsport, Tenn.

He holds a Masters of Divinity and Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake (Mundelein Seminary) in Chicago. He has a deep interest in Christian anthropology and the interaction between faith and culture. This article originally appeared on Word on Fire, online at www.wordonfire.org.

Grieving Loved Ones Are Not Alone

Catholic Charities helped 146 individuals receive a dignified burial last year through our Burial Assistance program.

Our goal is to support families who may struggle to provide a compassionate and dignified burial for their loved ones.

This program relies on the generosity of donors. To support the Burial Assistance program, please visit ccdoc.org/donate.

Without this service, some families would have no choice but to leave their loved ones unclaimed at the morgue.

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 10, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Catholic funeral rites explained Editor’s note: St. Mark Church in Huntersville has that each believer through baptism shares in the funeral Mass, those who read, since they are ‘At the death produced this guide to funeral planning that is Christ’s death and resurrection and can look for exercising a ministry of the Church, are to be applicable for Catholics. While each pastor sets his the day when all the elect will be raised up and practicing members of the Catholic Church. own guidelines within the Church’s “Order of Christian united in the kingdom of light and peace (“Order of a Christian, Funerals,” we offer this guide as a reference for your of Christian Funerals,” no. 129). family to consider and discuss: The funeral Mass includes the reception of LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST the body, the celebration of the Liturgy of the At the funeral Mass, the community having whose life of Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and final been nourished by the Word of God, turns for commendation and farewell. spiritual nourishment to the Eucharistic sacrifice faith was begun Introduction in which the community with the priest offers to Upon the death of a loved one, please contact the Father the sacrifice of the New Covenant. The the funeral home so that they may assist you in Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place in the usual RECEPTION OF THE BODY in the waters making the necessary funeral arrangements. manner. Members of the family or friends of the The rite of reception takes place at the We encourage parishioners to do pre-planning deceased should bring the gifts to the altar. beginning of the funeral liturgy or Mass. of baptism and to make a difficult time easier for your family.

Funeral home services are very willing to help in this process. strengthened at youNormally, the funeral home will contact the parish to secure the date and time of the funeral. the Eucharistic At St. Mark we will do everything we can to accommodate family needs, but please know that During a Mass of a busy parish the church may be in use for Christian Burial, table, the Church asother events during the time period first chosen. a pall is draped Once the date and time have been decided, the over the coffin family will be contacted by one of the parish of the deceased intercedes priests or deacons to plan the Mass of Christian to symbolize the Burial and other funeral rites. This involves baptismal garment, on behalf of choosing readings, hymnody and discussing and a crucifix and how family and friends might be involved in a Bible – symbols the funeral liturgy. While there is always an of Christian life – the deceased element of the funeral rites that are personalized are placed on top. to reflect the life of the deceased, it should Before the final because of its always be remembered that Christians celebrate commendation, the funeral rites to offer worship, praise and the deceased is thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which sprinkled with holy confident belief has now been returned to God, the author of water and incensed. life and the hope of the just. The Mass, the The sprinkling is memorial of Christ’s death and resurrection, is a reminder that that death is the principal celebration of the Christian funeral through baptism the (“Order of Christian Funerals,” no. 5). person was marked not the end, nor Catholic funeral rites consist of three principal for eternal life and parts or movements: the vigil or wake, the Mass incensation signifies Christian Burial, and the burial rites. Each of respect for the body does it break the ofthese is discussed briefly here: as the temple of the Holy Spirit. bonds forged in The Vigil for the Deceased life.’

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER

Order of Christian Funerals, no. 4

(sometimes called the Wake)

At www.usccb.org/ prayer-and-worship/ sacraments-andsacramentals/ bereavement-andfunerals: Get more information on Catholic funeral guidelines, prayers, suggested readings at funeral Masses, and more

The Vigil for the Deceased is the principal rite celebrated by the Christian community in the time after death and before the funeral liturgy.

“At the vigil the Christian community keeps watch with the family in prayer to the God of mercy and finds strength in Christ’s presence,” “Order of Christian Funerals,” no. 56.)

The Vigil can be celebrated at the funeral home, the home of the deceased or at the parish church.

During the course of the Vigil service, there will be a brief proclamation of the Word of God, intercessory prayer, and blessing. If someone in the family would like to offer a personal remembrance of the deceased (eulogy) this may be done at the conclusion of the Vigil service.

At www. catholicsensibility. wordpress.com/ funeral-rites: Read the entire Order of Christian Funerals as well as explanations of each section

The Funeral Liturgy/ Mass of Christian Burial

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On the cover Detail from a grave at Northlake Memorial Gardens in Huntersville.

TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The funeral liturgy is the central celebration of the Christian community for the deceased. At the funeral liturgy the community gathers with the family and friends of the deceased to give praise and thanks to God for Christ’s victory over sin and death, to commend the deceased to God’s tender mercy and compassion, and to seek strength in the proclamation of the Paschal Mystery. Through the Holy Spirit the community is joined together in faith as one Body in Christ to reaffirm in sign and symbol, word and gesture

It begins with the greeting of the family, the sprinkling of the coffin with holy water as a reminder of baptism, and the placing of the pall which symbolizes the baptismal garment. If the family so chooses, they may drape the pall over the coffin of the deceased. The entrance procession follows with the ministers leading the coffin and family members into the church.

During the procession an entrance hymn will be sung. The family remains standing with the remainder of the congregation in the pews until the conclusion of the opening prayer. It is our practice at St. Mark to place a crucifix and Bible on the coffin at the conclusion of the entrance procession. These symbols of Christian life are carried in the entrance procession and can be placed on the coffin by family members of the family chooses to do so. Otherwise, they will be placed by one of the ministers.

LITURGY OF THE WORD

After the opening prayer, the Liturgy of the Word begins. The readings include an Old Testament reading (during the Easter season the first reading is taken from the Acts of the Apostles or the Book of Revelation), a Responsorial Psalm (sung), a New Testament reading and a Gospel reading.

The Order of Christian Funerals provides a complete listing of the Scripture readings that can be used in the funeral rites, and the family is encouraged to assist in making the selections of readings for the funeral. In addition, members of the family or friends of the deceased are invited to assist by serving as readers. During

FINAL COMMENDATION AND FAREWELL

The final commendation is a final farewell by the members of the community, an act of respect for one of their members, whom they entrust to the tender and merciful embrace of God. During the rite, the body is again sprinkled with holy water and incensed. The sprinkling is a reminder that through baptism the person was marked for eternal life and incensation signifies respect for the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.

PROCESSION TO THE PLACE OF COMMITTAL

At the conclusion of the funeral liturgy, the procession is formed and the body is accompanied to the place of committal. This final procession of the funeral rite mirrors the journey of human life as a pilgrimage to God’s kingdom of peace and light, the new and eternal Jerusalem.

Rite of Committal The rite of committal, the conclusion of the funeral rites, is the final act of the community of faith in caring for the body of its deceased member. In committing the body to its resting place, the community expresses its hope that, with all who have gone before marked with the sign of faith, the deceased awaits the glory of the resurrection. It normally takes place beside the grave or mausoleum where the remains of the deceased are to be placed.

— “Funeral Planning Guide for the Mass of Christian Burial,” St. Mark Church in Huntersville

November 10, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD I

The right to a funeral liturgy Church law stipulates that funeral services are a right, not a privilege, of all members of the Church, both the faithful and the catechumens (Canons 1176; 1183, §1). The Order of Christian Funerals also provides for the celebration of funeral rites for children whose parents intended them to be baptized (Canon 1183, §2).

“Christians celebrate the funeral rites to offer worship, praise, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a life which has now been returned to God, the author of life and the hope of the just. The Mass, the memorial of Christ’s death and resurrection, is the principal celebration of the Christian funeral.” (“Order of Christian Funerals,” no. 5) “At the funeral liturgy the community gathers with the family and friends of the deceased …

– to give praise and thanks to God for Christ’s victory over sin and death, – to commend the deceased to God’s tender mercy and compassion, – and to seek strength in the proclamation of the paschal mystery.

Through the Holy Spirit the community is joined together in faith as one Body in Christ to reaffirm in sign and symbol, word and gesture that each believer through baptism shares in Christ’s death and resurrection and can look to the day when all the elect will be raised up and united in the kingdom of light and peace.” (“Order of Christian Funerals,” no. 129)

‘As you consider the funeral, try to remember that planning a funeral is not a burden, but a privilege. Think of the funeral as a gift to the person who died as well as his friends and family.

It is a chance for all to think about and express the value of the life that was lived.

It is also a chance to say goodbye.’ “Preparing for Funeral Liturgies,” St. Matthew Church in Charlotte

A mourner has some quiet time at the grave of a loved one at Northlake Memorial Gardens in Huntersville.

Non-practicing Catholics may receive Catholic funerals It is an unfortunate reality that many baptized Catholics no longer practice their faith and may consider themselves to have been away from the Church for too long to be ever welcomed again by the Church.

Such individuals or their families may feel uncomfortable in a church and ultimately decide against having a Catholic funeral.

By our baptism, however, we have been made equal in dignity before the Lord, and the Church, our Mother, bears the suffering of all those who became her sons and daughters through baptism.

Thus, the Church offers funeral rites (including a funeral Mass) even for nonpracticing Catholics and, under certain circumstances, for non-Catholic Christians.

Although the deceased may not have participated fully in the life of the Church on earth, the Church longs for her separated children to share in Christ’s blessings. She desires to pray for them and with their loved ones so that their sins may be forgiven and they may dwell forever in the presence of God in heaven.

— “Catholic Funeral Planning Guide,” Diocese of Portland, Maine; Canon 1183, §3

What about miscarried or stillborn babies?

Depending on the possibility of your collecting the remains, the baby should be named and buried. If you are in a hospital, the remains of the baby will be sent to the pathologist. You should request that you receive the remains. Most hospitals have little caskets which they offer you. If the baby is more developed you may need to obtain a larger casket from a funeral director. You should ask your pastor for a Mass of Christian Burial and bury the baby appropriately and in a marked grave.

— “Catholic Funeral Guide,” St. Michael Church in Gastonia

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PHOTO PROVIDED

BY AMY BURGER

‘Now and at the hour of our death’ We prepare for eternal life by choosing to love and follow God now, in our daily lives and decisions.

For example, through prayer and regular reception of the sacraments, especially confession and the Eucharist, we obtain grace to live in ever-deeper communion with God and with one another in lives of faith, charity and justice. We ask for Our Blessed Mother’s help now, and we entrust ourselves to her further as we “surrender ‘the hour of our death’ wholly to her care.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2677) — USCCB

What is the ordinary manner of preparing for death and burial? n Save and/or purchase insurance to properly provide for a casket, funeral services and burial.

sick, and Communion as “Viaticum.” Make sure someone calls the priest. If you are going to have surgery which requires general anesthetic, ask the priest to hear your confession and administer the sacrament of the sick before you go to the hospital.

n Remember that the Church desires the full body to be present for the Mass of Christian Burial and for the body to be buried in a cemetery.

n If you are going to be in the hospital or any nursing care facility, be sure to list the parish priest, deacon and others from the parish whom you wish to visit; otherwise, they will not be able.

n Leave instructions that someone will call the priest when death seems close.

n Make advanced plans with your parish priest for the funeral rites; read the policies of your parish for funerals.

n Ensure that someone will call the priest for the last rites (confession, anointing and Communion) before death.

n Save for the expenses of a proper Catholic funeral; most people have insurance policies for this.

Joseph, Patron of Dying and Solace of the Afflicted

n Ensure that someone will call the priest when death occurs.

n Talk with family members and your attorney. Be sure your legal documents give a Catholic understanding of caring for the sick and dying. Be sure your will provides for food and water to be given until you cannot assimilate it as a part of ordinary care when appropriate.

Appropriate ordinary means of life support should also be given where there is hope of cure. Think of appointing a Health Care Power of Attorney with your instructions to be followed. (Editor’s note: See pages 13-15B for more info.)

What a blessed death to see God before you die and for God Himself to tell you to go. This was Joseph’s gift from his Son, who would hand His father over to His Father. Thus has Christ entrusted Joseph to have particular intercessory power for all those at the moment of death.

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n Live a Catholic sacramental life.

n Make provisions for your funeral in your will; remember that your requests must be in agreement with your parish priest and the Church.

n Develop a Catholic understanding of life and death.

n Contact a funeral home to make pre-arrangements.

n Pray to St. Joseph, patron of a happy death.

n Purchase a burial site.

n The Prayers for the Dead are to be prayed. (Editor’s note: See pages 10-11B for more info.) n The body is prepared for burial by the funeral directors. n Arrange for someone to meet with the funeral director to begin preparing for the funeral rites.

How should I prepare for a good death?

n Develop an understanding of the Catholic funeral rites. n Prepare with a good confession, the anointing of the

— “Catholic Funeral Guide,” St. Michael Church in Gastonia

At www.yearofstjoseph.org: Learn more about St. Joseph’s virtues and titles, find intercessory prayers to St. Joseph, and more educational resources from the Diocese of Charlotte’s Year of St. Joseph

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 10, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

BURIAL VS. CREMATION

Catholic cemeteries are important in the life of the Church.

Cemeteries St. James the Greater Church, Concord St. Frances of Rome Mission, Sparta St. Helen Mission, Spencer Mountain (parishioners only) St. Francis of Assisi Church, Jefferson

Cemeteries with columbaria Our Lady of Annunciation, Albemarle Immaculate Conception Mission, Canton (Right) St. Aloysius Church in Hickory is one of about two dozen parishes in the diocese with a columbarium. Other parishes have traditional cemeteries or a combination of both options.

Holy Family Church, Clemmons (parishioners only) Holy Cross Church, Kernersville Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury St. John the Evangelist Church, Waynesville

PHOTO PROVIDED

Cemeteries vs. columbaria in the Diocese of Charlotte?

Did you know?

In general in the United States, burial options include: in-ground burial with monument graves, flush marker graves, lawn crypts or family estate lots; above-ground burial in mausoleums; and cremation with interment in mausoleum niches, columbaria, or in-ground in cremation graves or lawn crypts.

Church law (Canon 1240) stipulates, “Where possible, the Church is to have its own cemeteries or at least areas in civil cemeteries that are designated for the deceased members of the faithful and properly blessed.”

Because of limited space at many parishes across the diocese, a cemetery on parish grounds is not always practicable. Identifiably Catholic sections in public cemeteries have become an alternative option, as well as columbaria on parish grounds. But columbaria for cremated remains cannot be the only option provided.

Diocesan policy states: “If a parish wishes to make a columbarium available to the faithful, it will also make available at the same location as the columbarium, spaces for burial of the bodies of the deceased. The number of spaces available for placing cremated remains in a columbarium shall not be more than the number of spaces available for burial of bodies of the deceased.

The expectation is that more spaces will be available for burial of the bodies of the deceased than spaces in a columbarium for the placing of cremated remains, since burial of the body is the norm of Christian burial.”

Columbaria only St. Eugene Church, Asheville (parishioners only) St. Elizabeth Church, Boone Sacred Heart Church, Brevard (full) St. Joan of Arc Church, Candler (full) St. Gabriel Church, Charlotte (full) St. Matthew Church, Charlotte St. Peter Church, Charlotte St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte (full) Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission, Hayesville St. Aloysius Church, Hickory Christ the King Church, High Point Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, High Point (full) Our Lady of the Mountains Mission, Highlands St. Paul the Apostle Church, Greensboro St. Pius X Church, Greensboro (full, with waiting list) St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Maggie Valley (full) St. Luke Church, Mint Hill (full)

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read the Diocese of Charlotte’s policy on cemeteries and columbaria Every Catholic cemetery features a crucifix as a reminder of Christ’s victory over death and the promise of our own resurrection. Pictured is Sacred Heart Parish cemetery in Salisbury.

FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. William Church, Murphy St. Margaret Mary Church, Swannanoa St. Leo the Great Church, Winston-Salem (full)

Public cemeteries with Catholic sections

‘The Church earnestly recommends that the pious custom of burying the bodies of the deceased be observed; nevertheless, the Church does not prohibit cremation unless it was chosen for reasons contrary to Christian doctrine.’

Stanly Gardens, Albemarle

Canon 1176, §3

Forest Lawn East Cemetery, Matthews

Sharon Memorial Park, Charlotte Westlawn Cemetery, Clemmons Mt. Zion Community Cemetery, Cornelius Northlake Memorial Gardens, Huntersville

November 10, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD I

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BURIAL VS. CREMATION

If cremation is desired for legitimate reasons, the Church prefers that the funeral liturgy occur before cremation. Cremated remains are always to be buried or interred.

‘Although cremation is now permitted by the Church, it does not enjoy the same value as burial of the body.

The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in those rites.

How should a Catholic plan for cremation?

First , discuss your questions with a knowledgeable pastor or parish staff person.

Second, if your decision is to be cremated, make your wishes known in your will or in documents designed to help plan your funeral and burial. Provide copies of these documents to family members, your pastor, funeral home, or Catholic cemetery.

Lastly, as you plan, keep in mind the therapeutic value to your family of celebrating the full funeral liturgy with the body present.

When should cremation take place?

The Church prefers that cremation take place after the full funeral liturgy with the body. Sometimes, however, it is not possible for the body to be present for the funeral liturgy. When extraordinary circumstances make the cremation of the body the only feasible choice, pastoral sensitivity must be exercised by all who minister to the family of the deceased.

Think of cremation of the body and committal of the remains as the conclusion of a funeral with the body.

What does a Catholic do with the cremated remains after the funeral liturgy is completed?

The Church requires that the cremated remains be either buried in the ground in a cemetery or placed in a mausoleum or columbarium, preferably in a Catholic cemetery.

The Church recommends that the place of burial or entombment be permanently memorialized with a traditional memorial stone, crypt/niche front, or bronze plaque, minimally marking the name and dates of birth and death of the deceased person.

Since the human body was the temple of the Holy Spirit during life, was fed at the Eucharistic table, and will share in the bodily resurrection, contemporary cultural practices like scattering the cremated remains over water or from the air or keeping the cremated remains at home are not considered reverent forms of disposition that the Church requires. Other practices such as commingling cremated remains or dividing up cremated remains among family members or friends are not acceptable for Catholics.

— www.catholic-cemeteries.org

Order of Christian Funerals’ Appendix on Cremation, no. 413 PHOTO PROVIDED

The entrance to the columbarium at St. Peter Church in Charlotte.

CREMATION: Q&A on the proper handling of ashes CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In 1963, the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued an instruction permitting cremation as long as it was not done as a sign of denial of the basic Christian belief in the resurrection of the dead.

The permission was incorporated into the Code of Canon Law in 1983 and the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches in 1990.

Church law, however, had not specified exactly what should be done with “cremains,” so several bishops’ conferences asked the congregation to provide guidance.

That request led to “Ad resurgendum cum Christo” (“To Rise With Christ”), an instruction “regarding the burial of the deceased and the conservation of the ashes in the case of cremation,” issued Oct. 25, 2016. The document was approved by Pope Francis after consultation with other Vatican offices and with bishops’ conferences and the Eastern Churches’ synods of bishops.

The document has prompted many Catholics to ask whether it changes any regulations about cremation. Catholic News Service provided some of those questions to the staff of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Divine Worship to be answered: Q: The 2016 document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith spells out regulations regarding cremation. Does it change anything in how the Church in this country has regulated this issue?

A: No, the document from the CDF doesn’t change anything for us in this country. For example, we already have permission to have a funeral Mass in the presence of cremated remains. What the instruction does do, however, is reiterate the Church’s preference for the burial of the body in normal circumstances, and, when cremation is necessary, its insistence that the remains be properly interred.

Q: If the document says that traditional burial is preferred, does that mean cremation is wrong?

A: If the Church saw cremation as “wrong,” it wouldn’t permit it. Sometimes cremation can truly be necessary. However, the ancient custom and the preference of the Church is to bury the body, whenever possible.

Q: What should I do if I’ve already scattered the ashes?

A: We can’t change the past, of course, and if you truly didn’t realize at that time that it shouldn’t be done, then you shouldn’t burden yourself

with guilt. Remember that what happens to a person’s body after death has no bearing on what happens when that person’s soul meets the Lord on judgment day. However, you might wish to offer extra prayers for the person’s happy repose.

Q: If I plan to donate my body to science, after which it will be cremated, is that OK? What if the laboratory disposes of these ashes?

A: This would seem to be a valid reason for cremation. However, it would be important to make sure that arrangements are made for a funeral Mass, and that a trusted relative or friend is able to receive the remains and see to their proper burial.

Q: How do I convince my dad to let me bury my mother’s ashes, which he now has at home?

A: Only you would know the best way to approach a situation like that, and it would depend a lot on his reasons for keeping the remains and on his own personal faith. Perhaps making him aware of the Church’s preference would be enough to convince him? Or the assurance that his own earthly remains will one day be buried alongside those of his wife? Also, the Vatican’s instruction itself articulates some compelling reasons: “The reservation of the ashes of the departed in a sacred place ensures that they are not excluded from the prayers and remembrance of the Christian community. It prevents the faithful departed from being forgotten, or their remains from being shown a lack of respect…” (5).

Q: Many people die and are never buried properly.

Perhaps they die at sea or in an explosion or whatever.

Why is the Vatican worried about something like this when there are so many other problems in the world?

A: This instruction isn’t concerned with those kinds of situations. Burial at sea is necessary at times, as is cremation. The main purpose for this instruction is to help foster a healthy respect for the human body, even after death, especially in light of the move in recent years away from traditional burial in favor of more expedient and economical means. Where contemporary culture today may well question what difference it makes, the Church is reminding us to recall that the human body is an integral part of the human person deserving of respect even after death. The earliest Christians buried the bodies of their dead, and this set them apart from many of their contemporaries. We bury our dead out of reverence for God our Creator, and as a sign that we look forward to the resurrection on the last day.

‘The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they come.

This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, and the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition. The cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains at the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires.’

Order of Christian Funerals’ Appendix on Cremation, no. 417

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catholicnewsherald.com | March 16, 2018 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Funeral pre-planning guide Use these worksheets to plan your funeral service or as a guide to discuss your wishes with your family Preparing and planning now can assure the type of funeral service appropriate for your loved one. Often times pre-planning and even pre-

funding your funeral arrangements can not only provide peace-of-mind to you, but also to those who suffer emotionally at the time of their loss.

Full name: _____________________________________________________________________________ Social Security Number: __________________________________________________________________________ Date of birth: ________________________________________________________ Place of birth: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Father’s name: _________________________________________________________________________ Mother’s maiden name: __________________________________________________________________________ Education: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Marital Status: ____ Married

____ Never Married

____ Widowed

____ Divorced

Married to: _____________________________________________________________

Date: ______________________________

Place: ______________________________________________________

Children: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Places lived: ___________________________________________________________

Employment: __________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Civil, fraternal and other involvement: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If you are a veteran, complete this information or attach copy of discharge: Veteran of which war? _________________________________________________

Place of Enlistment: _______________________ Date of Enlistment: __________

Service Number: _____________________ VA Claim Number: ______________

Place of Discharge: ________________________________

Branch of Service: ____________________ Rank: __________________________

Date of Discharge/Retirement: __________________________________________ County in which my discharge is on file with Clerk/Registrar of Deeds: ______

People to be notified immediately: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Obituary announcement to be sent to: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS Collect the following important papers and documents, and tell your family where they are kept: * Military discharge * Mortgage(s) and deeds * Will * Birth certificate * Attorney * Bank account information * Insurance policies * Stocks/bonds

* Safe deposit box * Cemetery deed * Living will or advance directive * Durable Power of Attorney

* Health Care Power of Attorney * Computer/website passwords

FUNERAL PRE-PLANNING DETAILS I have a pre-need funeral trust established with: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I have a funeral insurance policy with: __ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I have looked at caskets/urns/burial vaults and would prefer: ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ I have considered a marker or monument and would prefer: ___________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Memorials may be made to: ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CEMETERY INFORMATION Cemetery preferred: _________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________

Phone: _________________________________________________________________ I ____ own ____ prefer Type of burial rights: ____ Ground burial

____ Columbarium

____ Mausoleum

____ Lawn crypt

If owned, name of burial right holder is/are: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Legal description of burial rights: ____ Lot # ____ Section ____ Row

____ Block

Grave number: __________________________________________________________________

CREMATION I would prefer to be cremated.

____ Yes

If cremation, what type of disposition? ____ Burial

____ No ____ Niche

Cremation vault: ____ Yes

____ No

Donation of organs or body? Describe: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Funeral rites planning form FUNERAL HOME: _________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _________________________________________________________________________________________

PLACE OF SERVICE: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Church name) (Address)

____ Funeral Mass Casket:

____ Memorial Mass

____ Open during Wake

____ Church Service

____ Cemetery/Chapel

____ Graveside

____ Closed during Wake

Type of casket:

____ Wood

____ Metal

____ Cremation coffin

____ Other: ______________________________________________

Cremation – Type of urn:

____ Wood

____ Bronze

____ Marble

____ Other: ______________________________________________

Clergy (if preferred): _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Musical selections (in keeping with the liturgy; please consult priest or music minister): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Liturgy of the Word desired readings (please consult priest or parish office): Old Testament: ______________________________________________________________ Responsorial Psalm: _________________________________________________________ New Testament: _____________________________________________________________ Gospel: _____________________________________________________________________ Will family place a pall on casket?

Use incense?

____ Yes ____ Yes

____ No ____ No

Lector 1: __________________________________________________________________________________ Lector 2: _________________________________________________________________________________ Prayers of the Faithful: _____________________________________________________________________ Offertory Gifts: ____________________________________________________________________________

____ Cross or Bible placed on casket?

WAKE/COMMITTAL SERVICE Wake/Rosary Service: ____ Yes Viewing: ____ Public

____ No

____ Private

Location: _______________________________________ Officiant: _________________________________________________________________________________

____ None

Participating organizations at Wake or Committal Service (military, fraternal, lodge, etc.): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Flag (Committal Service only): ____ Draped

____ Folded

Clothing preference: ____ From current wardrobe

____ New

Presented to: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____ Other: ___________________________________________________

Description/color: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Personal accessories:

____ Wedding band ____ Eyeglasses ____ Other

____ Stays on ____ Stays on ____ Stays on

____ or Returned to: ___________________________________________ ____ or Returned to: ___________________________________________ ____ or Returned to: ___________________________________________

Pallbearers: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Name) (Relationship) (Phone #) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Name) (Relationship) (Phone #) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Name) (Relationship) (Phone #) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Name) (Relationship) (Phone #) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Name) (Relationship) (Phone #) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Name) (Relationship) (Phone #) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Name) (Relationship) (Phone #) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Name) (Relationship) (Phone #)

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS (Include floral preferences, notes, awards, life achievements, pictures, obituary requests, items to be placed with the remains, etc.) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NOTE: Share a copy of this funeral Mass plan with your family, your funeral home (if you have a pre-plan), and your parish office.

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Download a copy of these forms to use with any funeral home or funeral pre-planning guide

catholicnewsherald.com | November 10, 2023 10B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

MEMORIALS

Many parishes have bereavement ministries or grief support groups.

Check your parish’s website or bulletin, or call the parish office.

Offering Masses for the dead The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic Sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God” (1032).

It is normal to have a Mass offered as soon as possible for the deceased. Most people leave provision for this in their wills. When possible the “month’s mind,” a Mass on the one-month anniversary and then on other anniversaries, is a good practice. If Masses are not available on those days in your parish, your parish priest may be able to send them to be offered in the missions.

Arranging a Mass for a deceased loved one is easy. Simply contact a Catholic church in the community where you would like to have the Mass celebrated, or at your own parish if you would like to attend the Mass.

A stipend of usually $5-$20 per Mass is offered for the priest who will offer the Mass. Every parish has a Mass offering book, usually kept at the parish secretary’s desk, so that when you call or stop by the parish it is easy to ask for a Mass intention.

Sometimes you may be able to pick a specific day to have the Mass celebrated in memory of the deceased, but at times you may have to accept whatever date is available.

You will receive a Mass card from the parish with the time, date and church name where the Mass will be offered.

You can give the Mass card to the family of the deceased so they know when the Mass will be offered in their loved one’s honor.

Don’t forget to mark down the details on your own calendar so that you can attend the Mass or remember to offer your prayers on that day.

Why is it important to have a grave?

Our cemeteries are places of great sign value as were the catacombs of old.

The grave and the marker are visible signs that a person did live and that it mattered that he or she lived. Years from now someone will walk by our graves and remember us and that it was important that we lived and died. Cemeteries are places of catechesis about death and they are places of prayer in the context of the communion of saints and our waiting for the final coming of the Lord.

We visit the grave often to pray for the deceased and we decorate the graves regularly, especially on Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day. — “Catholic Funeral Guide,” St. Michael Church in Gastonia

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER

Praying for the dead is a spiritual work of mercy.

Why do we pray for the dead?

CAROL ZIMMERMANN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Praying for the dead might not make sense to nonbelievers but for Catholics it is part and parcel of the faith tradition, rooted in Old Testament readings and supported by the Catechism and the Church’s funeral liturgy.

“Our faith teaches us to pray for the dead,” said Bishop Edward K. Braxton of Belleville, Ill., in a 2015 All Saints’ Day reflection, stressing that although people hope that those who die are with God and the angels and saints, it is not necessarily a guarantee.

“Scripture teaches that all of the dead shall be raised. However, only the just are destined for the kingdom of God,” the bishop wrote.

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the clearest Bible reference about prayers for the dead is from the Second Book of Maccabees.

When soldiers were preparing the bodies of their slain comrades for burial they discovered they were wearing amulets taken from a pagan temple which violated the law of Deuteronomy so they prayed that God would forgive the sin these men had committed.

The New Testament echoes this notion in the second letter of Timothy when Paul prays for someone who died named Onesiphorus, saying: “May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also has something to say about prayers for the dead, stating: “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven” (1030).

The Roman catacombs where early Christians were buried also were places of prayer.

Today, prayers for the dead begin at the moment of death, often when family members are gathered around the bedside of the person who has died.

Prayers for death and grieving are among the “Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers,” published in 2007 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, that includes prayers immediately after death, prayers for mourners, prayers at the graveside and a more general prayer for the dead.

Of course these prayers continue in the funeral liturgy, which is the “central liturgical celebration of the Christian community for the deceased,” according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’

Did you know?

overview of Catholic funeral rites, online at www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/ The acronym “RIP” or bereavement-and-funerals/overview-ofR.I.P. is an abbreviation catholic-funeral-rites.cfm. of the Latin phrase The funeral liturgy, the website points “requiescat in pace” out, is “an act of worship, and not merely or the English “Rest in an expression of grief.” peace.”

It is a time when the Church gathers with the family and friends of the deceased “to give praise and thanks to God for Christ’s victory over sin and death, to commend the deceased to God’s tender mercy and compassion, and to seek strength in the proclamation of the Paschal Mystery,” it adds.

The prayers in the funeral liturgy express hope that God will free the person who has died from any burden of sin and prepare a place for him or her in heaven.

“The funeral rite is a prayer for the dead, designated by the Church as the liturgy of Christian burial,” wrote Bishop Braxton in his reflection.

He noted that many parishes “regularly disregard” the emphasis of this liturgy by printing funeral programs which say: “the Mass of the Resurrection: A Celebration of Life,’ even though the person has obviously not yet been raised from the dead.”

According to the Catechism, most Catholics who don’t merit hell still need purification before entering heaven and pass through a state when they die that the Church describes as purgatory.

In a question-and-answer page on www.BustedHalo.com, a Paulist-run website, Paulist Father Joe Scott said praying for the dead has “further origins in our belief in the communion of saints.”

The priest, an associate pastor at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Community in Los Angeles, added that living members of this communion can “assist each other in faith by prayers and other forms of spiritual support.”

“Christians who have died continue to be members of the communion of saints,” he wrote. “We believe that we can assist them by our prayers, and they can assist us by theirs.”

Pray regularly for the faithful departed, especially on Nov. 2 (All Souls’ Day).

November 10, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD I

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MEMORIALS Prayers for the dead The Mass is the highest form of prayer in the Church, and the most effective prayer that could be said on behalf of those who have gone before us. In Masses for the dead, and especially funeral Masses, “the Church offers the Eucharistic sacrifice of Christ’s Pasch for the dead so that, since all the members of Christ’s Body are in communion with one another, what implores spiritual help for some, may bring comforting hope to others.” (“General Instruction of the Roman Missal,” 379)

PRAYING WITH THE DYING

OSV NEWS | JON CHERRY, REUTERS

Peter Johnson visits the grave of his best friend’s son, Mark Goyet, in Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on Memorial Day May 29, 2023. Commemorating death anniversaries can be an important part of the grieving and healing process.

With death anniversaries, many find comfort in rituals time,” it adds.

Many cultures celebrate the death anniversary of loved ones by gathering together as families and sharing special foods.

Catholics often mark the anniversary of a loved one’s death by attending Mass or having a Mass offered for the deceased.

Catholics also celebrate feast days which are the anniversaries of saints’ deaths. The anniversaries of deaths of loved ones will likely not be celebrated in the same manner as they are for major saints: with festivals and parades through streets, but recollections on this day share the same idea: recalling when one’s life on earth ended and eternal life began.

For many people, the idea of being festive on the anniversary of someone’s death is hard to imagine and might never happen, but for those grieving a loss there are signs that healing has begun and that comfort or renewed strength is present.

Father Eamon Tobin, pastor of Ascension Catholic Community in Melbourne, Fla., who wrote a parish column about coping with loss, says signs of healing after grief include:

CAROL ZIMMERMANN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A tricky thing about grief is that it is not a one-shot deal. Although it is often strongest when it’s first experienced, it can sneak up at any time. It especially reappears on the anniversary of the death of a loved one.

Some have labeled these days as “deathversaries” and even though they are days that can bring up painful memories, they should not be ignored nor do they need to be completely depressing.

The internet, which is not always a place of solace, actually has plenty of advice for coping with anniversaries of a loved one’s death.

Websites including www.modernloss.com or www.whatsyourgrief.com offer the following suggestions: n Take flowers to the gravesite or other place where you remember your loved one. n Look at old photos and home videos or put digital photos into photo album. n Volunteer with a charity or cause your loved one liked, or make a donation to the charity in his or her name. n Host a dinner party and invite those who knew this person best and cook foods they liked or gather at the person’s favorite restaurant. n Do something your loved one would have enjoyed. n Write about your loved one; write them a letter or plant a tree in their name. n Take the day off work. n Ask friends or family members for help.

The Mayo Clinic, based in Rochester, Minn., notes on its website, www.mayoclinic.org, that reawakened grief can occur years after a loss, particularly when people are confronted with reminders of their loved one’s death.

The site advises people to be prepared,

FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pictured is a statue of St. Joseph at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. St. Joseph is patron of the dying. especially for anniversary reactions and to plan a distraction for the day or reminisce about the relationship. It reiterates some of the suggestions previously mentioned and also urges people to allow themselves to “feel a range of emotions. It’s OK to be sad and feel a sense of loss, but also allow yourself to experience joy and happiness. As you celebrate special times, you might find yourself both laughing and crying.”

“There’s no time limit for grief, and anniversary reactions can leave you reeling.

Still, the intensity of grief tends to lessen with

n Being able to talk about your loved one in a more comfortable manner. n Realizing that while “life is not the same, it can be good again.” n Grief becomes less engrossing. n New inner resources are developed or strengthened.

“Grief work, though very painful,” he writes, “is good and holy.”

The priest also wrote that “grief is the way God intended for us to deal with loss.”

He said the “world’s way is denial. It tells us to ‘move on’ even before we have started to grieve. Grief work (and it is work) is the only thing that will heal our loss or at least help us to live with it.”

As death approaches, the Church stays close to the one who is dying, to give comfort and support. The family should ask that Communion be brought to the dying (this is called “Viaticum,” Latin for “food for the journey”).

Members of the local church may wish to join the family in a vigil of prayer. After the person’s death, the family is encouraged to continue praying, and to participate in the preparation of the vigil (wake) and funeral liturgies.

The following prayer may be recited with a dying person, alternating with times of silence. The Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be are also appropriate. The dying person may also be signed on the forehead with the cross, as was done at baptism.

Holy Mary, pray for me.

St. Joseph, pray for me.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER DEATH The following prayer may be recited immediately after death and may be repeated in the hours that follow: V. Eternal rest grant unto him (her), O Lord.

R. And let perpetual light shine upon him (her).

V. May he (she) rest in peace.

R. Amen.

V. May his (her) soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

R. Amen.

AT THE GRAVESIDE O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, send your holy Angel to watch over this grave.

Through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

At www.usccb.org/prayers/ prayers-death-and-dying: Find more prayers and Scripture readings for the dying and for the dead At www. catholicnewsagency.com/ resources/prayers: Find more prayers, including a prayer to St. Joseph for a holy death

catholicnewsherald.com | November 10, 2023 12B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

What is pre-planning?

Pre-planning is making your cemetery and funeral arrangements before your death. This allows your wishes to be known, thus eliminating an incredible burden on your loved ones during the very stressful and painful hours after your death. Pre-planning is a concrete sign of your love for surviving family members.

What are the benefits of pre-planning?

The most obvious benefit is that you will relieve your loved ones of the burden of making your cemetery and funeral arrangements at a time of tremendous grief. Your advance planning will give your family the guidance they need to feel comfortable that they are carrying out the decisions you made.

Pre-planning may prevent disagreement among survivors at an emotionally charged time and can assure that emotional over-spending does not occur. By pre-planning and pre-funding cemetery and funeral arrangements, you might be creating exempt assets should you ever have to go on public assistance.

The costs of cemetery property have been escalating at the rate of 100 percent every 10 years. By purchasing in advance, you are locking in today’s pricing.

At what age should I consider pre-planning cemetery and funeral arrangements?

Adults of any age who make their own decisions should have a plan. Like your will, it can be revised throughout your life as needs change. In general, the earlier you preplan the more options you have. Your cemetery and funeral options

will probably never cost less than they do today. Statistics show that 43 percent of all deaths are unexpected; we are not guaranteed any tomorrows.

In our culture, few families are comfortable discussing death and loss. This is just one of those things that does not get easier as time goes by. Now is the best time for you to get your plan in order.

Why should I choose to be buried in a Catholic cemetery?

First and foremost, Catholic cemeteries are a vital part of our Church’s heritage of caring for and burying the bodies of the dead in blessed ground — one of the corporal works of mercy.

— www.catholic-cemeteries.org

Can I donate my body to a university?

Yes. But you must be sure that the body will be buried properly when the experimentations are completed. In this case a Mass should be offered for the deceased.

Also online At www.ncbfs.org: Learn more about preneed funeral trusts, funeral insurance, cremation vs. burial costs, and how to calculate funeral costs At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See a list of local parishes’ funeral planning guides

‘A person tends to die as he has lived.

If my life has been a journey with the Lord, a journey of trust in His immense mercy, I will be prepared to accept the final moment of my earthly life as the definitive, confident abandonment into His welcoming hands, awaiting the face to face contemplation of His Face. This is the most beautiful thing that can happen to us: to contemplate face to face the marvelous countenance of the Lord, to see Him as He is, beautiful, full of light, full of love, full of tenderness.’

— Pope Francis

General Audience of Nov. 27, 2013

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For more information on how to leave a legacy for your parish, please contact Gina Rhodes, Director of Planned Giving at 704/370-3364 or gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org.

November 10, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD I 13B

END-OF-LIFE CARE

Life itself is always a good, and is a quality that can never be lost.

Ordinary/ proportionate vs. extraordinary/ disproportionate means of preserving life Ordinary or proportionate means are those that (in the judgment of the patient assisted by health care professionals) offer a reasonable hope of benefit and do not entail an excessive burden or impose excessive expense on the family or the community. A person has a moral obligation to use ordinary means.

Extraordinary or disproportionate means are those that (in the judgment of the patient assisted by health care professionals) do not offer a reasonable hope of benefit, do entail an excessive burden, or do impose excessive expense on the family or the community.

A person may forgo extraordinary means.

Nutrition and hydration In principle, there is an obligation to provide patients with food and water, including medically assisted nutrition and hydration for those who cannot take food orally.

Medically assisted nutrition and hydration become morally optional when they cannot reasonably be expected to prolong life or when they would be excessively burdensome for the patient or would cause significant physical discomfort.

Euthanasia and assisted suicide Euthanasia is an act or omission that of itself or by intention causes death to alleviate suffering. Catholics may never condone or participate in euthanasia or assisted suicide in any way.

Dying patients who request euthanasia should receive loving care, psychological and spiritual support, and appropriate remedies for pain and other symptoms so that they can live with dignity until the time of natural death.

— National Catholic Bioethics Center. Learn more online at www.ncbcenter.org.

A note on general principles regarding end-of-life care The Church affirms the inviolable dignity of every person, regardless of the duration or extent of the person’s incapacity or dependency.

No summary can substitute for thorough catechesis, but some general principles are clear. We are entrusted by God with the gift of life, and in response, we care for our lives and health in obedience and gratitude to our Creator.

This obliges us to make use of appropriate, effective medical care. However, even effective treatments may at times impose such a great burden that we, in good conscience, may forgo or discontinue them. This applies even to life-sustaining treatments. Of course, nothing should be done or deliberately omitted to hasten death.

The Church affirms the inviolable dignity of every person, regardless of the duration or extent of the person’s incapacity or dependency. Nothing diminishes the unchangeable dignity and sanctity of a person’s life, or the obligation to protect and care for it. In principle, assisted feeding and hydration should be provided unless it cannot sustain life or is unduly burdensome to the patient, or if death is imminent whether it is provided or not.

Moreover, no one should choose suicide, nor counsel or assist another to take his or her own life.

DISCERNING TREATMENT OPTIONS

Judging the effect and burden of treatments can be difficult, especially as death draws near. To understand health facts and treatment options, we need professional medical advice. To understand Catholic moral teaching, we need to consult Church teaching and those who can faithfully explain it.

SPEAKING WITH LOVED ONES

After informing our consciences, we need to inform our families. If we are unable to make decisions, they

most often have legal authority to make surrogate decisions on our behalf. Or we may designate a health care agent by a durable power of attorney.

Though it is often helpful to also have written, signed documentation, no living will “check box” can ever replace clear conversations about our faith-guided principles. The best option is to choose an agent who will make medical decisions on our behalf in accord with our Catholic faith and Church teaching.

We should also inform family of our pastoral care preferences, and make clear that after death, we desire prayer, funeral rites and Christian burial.

ACCOMPANIMENT BEFORE AND AFTER DEATH

Those who are sick should not be alone, as multiple popes have reminded us in messages for the annual World Day of the Sick. Patients who have serious or life-threatening illnesses, as well as their families, can be provided with physical, psychological and spiritual care through team-based palliative care. Hospice care can provide similar integrated care for those nearing death and for their families.

Pastoral care is integral to both palliative and hospice care, and includes making available the sacraments: Eucharist, confession, anointing of the sick and Viaticum. It also includes supportive prayer and support for decision-makers. It may be helpful to familiarize ourselves with local services available in preparation for our own passing or that of loved ones.

Even after death, accompaniment continues. Our prayers can help those who are being purified in purgatory, so it is a spiritual work of mercy to pray for those who have died.

— USCCB

catholicnewsherald.com | November 10, 2023 14B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

END-OF-LIFE CARE

What kind of legal documents or arrangements about your end-of-life medical care should you have?

An “Advance Medical Directive” and “Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care” (or “Health Care Proxy”) are legal documents that take effect if the patient becomes incompetent. Even though these documents can be written without the assistance of an attorney, some states give them considerable legal weight.

An Advance Medical Directive specifies what medical procedures the patient wishes to receive or to avoid. (An Advance Medical Directive sometimes is called “A Living Will,” but because of its association with the advocacy of euthanasia, we have chosen to avoid this phrase.)

Durable Power of Attorney specifies a particular individual (variously called a “proxy,” “agent,” or “surrogate”) to make

medical decisions on behalf of the patient (or the “principal”) when the patient is no longer able to do so.

When neither of these instruments is drawn up, the task of making important medical decisions usually falls to the family.

Most states have laws governing the use and implementation of the Advance Medical Directive and Durable Power of Attorney.

All hospitals and health care facilities are required by law to provide written information to the patient about the right to accept or refuse medical treatment and the right to formulate an Advance Directive and/or designate Durable Power of Attorney. The health care facility must also provide written policies stating how the patient’s Advance Directive or Durable Power of Attorney will be implemented.

People should remember that they do not have to sign any Advance Directive given to them by the hospital.

WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Make certain that your Advance Directive forbids any action that the Catholic faith considers to be immoral, such as euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide. (A Catholic hospital, in any case, will not follow a directive that conflicts with Church teaching.)

Once a directive is made, copies should be distributed to the agent and anyone else the patient deems appropriate. One should periodically review the provisions of an Advance Directive and, when there is a revision, all previous copies should be destroyed.

The usefulness of an Advance Directive, which gives specific instructions for

DISCOVER THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCE

care, is limited because of its inflexibility.

If circumstances change significantly between writing the Advance Directive and its implementation, the instructions may be of little value to those acting on a patient’s behalf, or may even hinder their freedom to make good decisions. There may also be a problem of interpreting the document when it is not clearly written. An Advance Directive oftentimes does not allow for adequate informed consent because one must make a decision about a future medical condition which cannot be known in advance.

When drawing up an Advance Directive, therefore, one should focus on general goals rather than on specific medical procedures.

Assigning Durable Power of Attorney is preferable to an Advance Directive because it leaves decisions in the hands of someone whom the patient has personally chosen.

A proxy agent also can be more sensitive and responsive to the decision-making that is necessary for a given case. When assigning Durable Power of Attorney one should choose an agent of good moral character – someone who is known to be capable of making sound decisions under stressful circumstances. The agent should know the teachings of the Church and possess the practical wisdom to apply them to changing circumstances.

An agent, of course, must also survive the patient. One may designate alternate agents in case one’s first choice, for some reason, is unable to act.

A good agent makes decisions for the patient in light of what the patient would choose if able to do so. The proxy, therefore, should be very familiar with your moral convictions and wishes. When there is an Advance Directive from you, this should be the guide. When there is not, the agent must act on the oral instruction that has been given. Sometimes, however, acting in your best interests means ignoring instructions that are obviously unwarranted or clearly immoral. No agent is bound to carry out actions that conflict with morality and the faith.

ALSO NOTE

When formulating any Advance Directive and discussing end-of-life issues,

The details of a patient’s medical condition at a specific time need to be considered.

More online At www.ncbcenter.org: What are the Church’s teachings on end-of-life decisions and how difficult will it be to follow them?

Must we endure a great deal of pain? What if I am no longer able to make medical decisions for myself? Order or download a copy of “A Catholic Guide to End-of-Life Decisions,” which describes how you might approach end-of-life decisions in light of the teachings of the Church. avoid using the expression “quality of life” because it is used by advocates of euthanasia to suggest that some lives are not worth living.

While illness and other circumstances can make life very difficult, they cannot diminish the inestimable worth of each human life created by God. Life itself is always a good, and is a quality that can never be lost. Still, we need not cling to this life at all costs (what’s called “therapeutic obstinacy”), since the life to which we have been called in Christ is incomparably better.

— National Catholic Bioethics Center

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November 10, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD I 15B

END-OF-LIFE CARE

Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between foreseeing death and intending death?

physician, in line with the patient’s known wishes and best interest (not by health care workers who are strangers to the patient but have access to his POLST).

The details of a patient’s medical condition at a specific time need to be considered when such decisions are made, including the imminence of anticipated death, the likely risks and side effects of treatment, the suffering treatment is likely to cause, and the expense to the patient’s family and community.

An optimal advance directive is written in very general terms. Instead of specifying treatment, it designates a health care proxy or surrogate who will make decisions if the patient is incompetent, someone who knows the will of the patient and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

The difference ultimately lies in the intentionality of the patient or health care professional. A person should never intend in any way the death of a patient or the hastening of a patient’s death. Sometimes it is difficult to determine whether a medical decision made during end-of-life care includes such an intention. Certain means can be used to alleviate a patient’s pain, for example, by a physician who foresees that the patient’s life may be shortened as a result (as an indirect, non-intended but tolerated effect of the therapy), but similar means could be used to intentionally shorten a patient’s life.

What is the difference between an advance directive and a POLST?

Are proportionate or ordinary means the same for everyone?

Basic care (such as nutrition and hydration, pain relief, antibiotic treatment, and postural change) is generally the same for all patients and should always be provided. The evaluation of proportionate or disproportionate means, however, is based on objective and subjective factors for an individual patient.

For example, total parenteral nutrition may be a proportionate means in an industrialized country but a disproportionate means in a developing country, where it is not affordable or is technically too difficult to administer.

A treatment may also be disproportionate because it is futile or because it causes complications that are too hard for the patient or the patient’s family to bear.

An advance directive is a legal document that allows a person to identify a proxy or surrogate decision maker and express his wishes about receiving or forgoing health care, including life-sustaining treatment, in the event that he is no longer able to communicate such wishes.

An optimal advance directive is written in general terms that identify principles on which a surrogate is to base decisions, made with the assistance of a physician, in the specific health care situation encountered by the patient.

A POLST is a medical order about receiving or forgoing life-sustaining treatment that takes effect from the moment the health care provider signs it, even if the patient is competent and not terminally ill.

What ethical problems are there with advance directives?

The right of patients to self-determination can lead them to include morally illicit requests in advance directives, such as requests to have ordinary care withdrawn.

An effective therapeutic alliance between a physician, a patient and the patient’s proxy is the best way to address end-of-life issues.

Requests made by a patient in an advance directive may preclude therapeutic dialogue, preventing such an alliance.

A patient may react to an illness or a specific therapy differently than expected, or medical advances occurring after a directive was written may change the patient’s treatment options in unexpected ways. In such situations, an advance directive may prevent objective moral analysis.

Advance directives are often difficult to interpret and apply in the actual circumstances encountered by health care professionals, relatives and proxies.

Advance directives that do not differentiate between proportionate and disproportionate treatments may be promoted by pro-euthanasia associations as a first step toward acceptance of euthanasia.

Why is the designation of a health care proxy or surrogate morally preferable to use of a POLST?

What is a Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)?

A Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is a medical order specifying whether life-sustaining treatment is to be used or withheld for a specific patient in various circumstances. It carries the signatures of the health care provider and sometimes the patient.

It differs from a do-not-resuscitate order and a traditional advance directive in that it is

actionable from the moment it is signed by the health care provider, even if the patient is still competent and is not terminally ill.

One reason given for use of a POLST and similar instruments is the avoidance of futile or unwanted treatment. Even without a POLST, however, patients are never obligated to submit to health care procedures whose burdens outweigh therapeutic benefits.

Decisions about forgoing life-sustaining treatment should be made at the time and in the circumstances in which the decisions are needed (not years ahead), and they should be made by the patient or the patient’s surrogate in consultation with the patient’s attending

Unless death is imminent, it is virtually impossible to compare the benefits and burdens of treatment before a patient has encountered a specific health care situation. Thus, pre-signed checklists of treatments to be received or withheld are not helpful for making decisions based on the best interest of the patient and consistent with the patient’s wishes.

A well-informed proxy who knows the patient, understands the values held by the patient, and respects the natural moral law can provide a far better understanding of how the patient’s wishes are to be respected than can a general checklist that is not tied to any specific patient care situation.

— National Catholic Bioethics Center

More online At www.ncbcenter.org: Find more resources and helpful guidelines on end-of-life care

catholicnewsherald.com | November 10, 2023 16B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Our Final Act

Kings Mountain Preserve’s Commitment to God’s Creation Why Choose Green Burial at Kings Mountain Preserve?

Eco-Friendly: Your final act contributes to a greener, healthier planet Peaceful: Rest in a natural setting that’s serene and spiritually enriching.

Consecrated: Each grave may be individually consecrated by the Priest.

Honoring Tradition: Provides a way to honor religious traditions and practices.

Stewardship: Committed to leaving a positive impact on the planet.

Customizable: Personalized to reflect your values and beliefs.

Reduced Cost: More cost-effective than traditional burials.

St. Francis at The Preserve

“Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society.”

How does Green Burial intersect with Catholic ideology?

- Pope Francis

Father Charles Morris summed it up this way in his 2012 article: “Nature, the gift God has given us, is intended to shelter us during our lifetime, and again after we no longer inhabit our bodies….Nature doesn’t create waste, and when we bury our bodies without anything that slows down the natural processes, our bodies become one with the earth and with nature—and thus with God...There is no more appropriate way to honor our Catholic Christian tradition of Resurrection faith than by fitting into a natural cycle of death and rebirth where we honor both our loved ones and God’s good earth.”

Robertson Funeral & Cremation Service and Kings Mountain Preserve are the industry leaders in environmentally sustainable funeral options. We are family-owned and have provided fair, transparent pricing to the residents of Charlotte and the surrounding areas for over 15 years, www.throbertson.com.

To learn more about Kings Mountain Preserve, please watch our video at www.KingsMountainPreserve.com

Kings Mountain Preserve Respecting All Life 321 Indian Springs Rd., Blacksburg, SC 29702 877-375-2495 www.KingsMountainPreserve.com

Contact us today to schedule your free tour!