Feb. 11, 1994

1

C

ATHOLIC

News & Herald Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

Lent 1994... A Time Of Peace

By MSGR. JOHN

J.

Volume 3 Number 23 » February

11,

1994

Ash Wednesday.

And Hope

MCSWEENEY

Diocesan Administrator

"Lent is a time of profound truth which brings conversion, restores hope, and by putting everything back in its proper place, brings peace and optimism," wrote Pope John Paul II. During Lent we are often reminded in our Mass prayers and readings of the need for repentance and renewal. The repentance envisioned is a change of mind and heart, to the extent that we need it, to become more holy, more Christ-like, in our attitudes and life.

Just as at times we need to change direction in our careers and in bur life endeavors, so in the spiritual life we need to examine and evaluate our status and perhaps make a change in direction. Sometimes it will have to be a complete or radical turning about.

Lent is a time for restoring our ideals. All women and men have a longing for meaningfulness in their lives. Goals and values we must have and pursue energetically, otherwise we lose sight of our ultimate end.. .our life in eternity with God. One of the great needs of humankind today is to return to a religious sense.

It is quite evident that there is a great need for all of society, including us, to return to God. Decide early on how you will keep Lent. No matter what you decide to do, remember 40 days is a lot of days and a lot of doing. Be sensible. Be specific.

Be simple. Likewise set a good example for those around you. Don't act gloomy or glum. Instead, be a sign of hope. You're not on your way to your favorite dentist, you're on your way to Easter.

Lent challenges us to face up to our shortcomings, and provides a new call, a new opportunity to put proper emphasis on the spiritual dimensions of life through prayer, self-discipline or penance, and acts of mercy.

Repentance is not simply a matter of avoiding sin. Hopefully we all do that to the best of our ability. True repentance or conversion means doing good, our faith bear

letting

fruit in

a harvest of charitable deeds.

Remember, Lent doesn't signal a 40-day cessation of celebration. It simply signals a new key. When you share meals, for example, you can still share them even

in joy,

if

those meals are of simpler fare. Plan

simpler eating.

can

I

make

Ask yourself, "With whom

Easter a time of joy for

will

I

how to use money

share the

someone who

is

saved by

money I save? How poor or homeless?"

Identifying your simple sacrifices with those in need brings special exhilaration

even the most modest meal.

Finally, as you travel the Lenten journey, keep your eyes open to the springtime things that are beginning to happen all around. Look and look again.

Recognize anew the meaning of God's activity that is taking place all around in so many "ordinary" ways. Make Lent truly a time of truth and my prayer for you is that Lent will bring you hope and peace.

to

"Turn away from your

sins, "

Move

World

nations themselves and repudi-

of the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for

ate this

abuse of American power," said

condemned

provide direct U.S. funding for abor-

4 statement.

She described the proposal as "an attack on the values and cultures of the

performed abroad as a method of

vast majority of developing nations

tions

a

the Clinton administration to

Alvare. in a Feb.

our country will not only continue to support the violence of

which strongly supported" a resolution at the 1984 United Nations' population conference that urged governments to

abortion,

"take appropriate steps to help

birth control.

"Simply it

put,

will export

it

to other nations

in the name of population control," said Helen Alvare, director of planning and

women

See Alvare, Page

1

New

She was commenting on the Clinton

method of family planning."

The administration submitted the retion as a

vised act to Congress Feb.

3.

"Congress should stand up for innocent life and for the wishes of Third

Matthew

3:2

JOANN KEANE

Catechism

more than a

was approved

in

the process said heads of bishops' con-

said Cardinal Joseph

ferences in English-speaking countries

Ratzinger, head of the Vatican's doctri-

had been notified. In Washington a spokesman for the U.S. bishops said Feb. 3 that only part of the final text had come in from Rome.

late January,

year,

nal congregation.

Cardinal Ratzinger spoke to Catholic

News

Service Feb. 3 in Jerusalem,

where he was attending the Feb. 1-4 Jewish-Christian conference on Reli-

"Until can't say

we receive the when it will be

full text

we

published,"

gious Leadership in Secular Society.

said Msgr. Francis

During his speech, he quoted from the catechism in English.

bishops' director of media relations.

At the Vatican, an

official at the

Congregation for the Doctrine of the

Diocesan Support Appeal The annual Diocesan Support Appeal, a major source of funding for 30 ministries, is now under way. The campaign began Feb. 6 and will continue through April 10 with a goal of $1,806,000. See story page

3.

J.

Maniscalco, the

"We need the full thing in hand" to determine the final layout before printing can begin, he said. "It's always been a minimum of 10 to 12 weeks from reception to publication," he added.

Cardinal Ratzinger said it would be available in bookstores by Easter, which is

U.S. foreign aid funds to pay for "abor-

near. "

approval was given.

One Church source familiar with

Foreign Assistance Act that would repeal a 1973 law prohibiting the use of

is

Faith would not elaborate on the date the

(CNS)

information in the pro-life office. administration' s proposed rewrite of the

Kingdom of heaven

— The En-

JERUSALEM

WASHINGTON (CNS) — An offimove by

the

glish-language Catechism of the Catholic Church, under review and revision for

Pro-Life Activities has

"For

Vatican Finally Approves English

To Fund Abortions Overseas cial

said.

Photo by

Version Of Pro-Life Official Criticizes

he

April 3 this year.

"I think

we're looking more for

Pentecost than Easter," said Claire Dube, director of Publications Service for the

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in Ottawa. Pentecost will be celebrated

May

22.

See Catechism, Page

)

1

February 11, 199

Catholic Relief Services Begins

Operation Rice Bowl Campaign On Ash Wednesday, lief

Services will begin

Catholic Re-

its

"It

Operation Rice Bowl, a comprehensive family-based parish program of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

This program, run in conjunction with dioceses throughout the U.S., is an both to raise awareness of the problems of global poverty and to provide the means to address them. effort

The program

DR.

MARTHA SHUPING

Respect

and parishes to connect with the Church worldwide in its efforts to address the needs of the poorest of the poor, to assist

MAGGI NADOL

Families are encouraged to fast for one meal each week, or eat a smaller meal,

Post-Abortion Healing Services By

CAROL HAZARD Associate Editor

many women who need

Sometimes the grief is immediate.

Sometimes it is manifested years later in

healing and forgiveness might be hesi-

nightmares or unshakable depressions.

tant to attend the reconciliation service.

What's certain

who have

is that

suffer emotional distress. is

many women

abortions will at

some point

What' s needed

healing.

so great that

The Respect such

women

them

to the service.

and offer

to

accompany

Diocese of Charlotte is offering two Post-Abortion Reconciliation prayer

pated in abortion in

services.

Maggi Nadol, Respect Life coordinator

The services are at Holy Family Church in Clemmons on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m., and at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte on Thursday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. They are for anyone who

for the diocese.

from the

effects of abortion.

abortions and for

all

who have

partici-

some way,"

says

to an

immediate problem, said Father

it

almost always creates bigger prob-

Father Walsh says. "People might think the problem

child or

nephew they

said Dr.

Martha Shuping, a Winstonand contract staff

Salem

will never see,"

psychiatrist

member with Shuping

Catholic Social Services.

"There's a lot of denial involved," is done and over with and But it's not true."

Abortion involves "unrecognizable hurts," he said. "The reality is that abortion takes a human life and people belatedly come to realize that." What's more,

that's

abortion

a violent act, not only to the

is

unborn child but also to the woman's body, he said.

Despite these and other hurts, "healing is possible and forgiveness is pos-

available after the services.

sible," Father

Moreover, the services will provide an opportunity for people to pray for women who have had abortions, particularly those

who do not feel forgiven. many women

"After an abortion,

are afraid to return to the sacraments, afraid that

God

could not possibly for-

give this," said Shuping.

The feelings of loss and grief can be

The

Walsh

said.

•

readings and music with attention given to lighting in the sanctuary.

Dimness

be replaced by light.

Sorrow has spoken, has broken our hearts ... Wake the morning light, make our living bright. Shine on our darkness, oh Lord. Ask God for His light.

(From "Send Us Your Spirit," a musical will

Pennsylvania Abortion —

Law

1989 but never enforced —

abortion providers to delay enforcement

receiving information on alternatives to

of the state's abortion law.

abortion and on fetal development; a re-

ceived the emergency request, refused to put the

law on hold while the high

court decides whether to review the case.

In January, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Philadelphia refused to allow the abortion providers to present

new

evidence that parts of the law placed an unconstitutional burden on women seeking abortions.

Among

other things, the law

—

in

C

available at pi

ishes throughout the Diocese of Chi lotte.

The time of Lent is to be observed by Catholics as a special season and works of charity.

Ash Wednesday and Good

Friday, in particular, are the

most

•

requires that a tion

woman seeking an abor-

must wait

at least

24 hours

after

minor must receive the consent of at least one parent or a judge before obtaining an abortion; and abortion providers must file detailed reports with the state.

Those provisions were upheld by the Supreme Court in 1992.

The abortion providers plan

to file

an appeal with the Supreme Court by early

The

meal a day can be maintain strength, are allowed

rule of fasting states that only one full

Two

small meals,

sufficient to

but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals breaks the fast, but drinking liquids does not. The rule of fasting obliges all Catholics from age 18 to 59.

Abstinence refers to the eating of meat. Under the present law, does not include egg or milk products, meat soups or gravies. The rule of abstinence binds all Catholics 14 years old or older.

•

it

•

March asking

view the

The

Substantial observance of the

laws of

fast

an abstinence

is

a

whose work or health would be impaired are excused from fasting and abstaining. The individual conscience can decide if there is a proper cause to excuse. A more serious reason should be present to excuse for the Ash Wednesday and Good Friday serious obligation. Those

• Self-imposed fasting on the other weekdays of Lent is recommended. Abstinence on all Fridays of the year is also highly recommended. The Peace Pastoral of the American Bishops, stating that

incomplete without penance, urges Friday abstinence as something all American Catholics should offer up for the sake of

prayer

is

world peace.

Parents and teachers should see to it that even those who are not bound by the laws of fast and abstinence because of age are brought

up

in

an atmosphere that is conducive

The

faithful

to a sense of penance.

should be clearly and positively encouraged to

receive the Sacrament of Penance during Lent. There should be

passed in

same day he

Bowl are

•

(CNS) SuDavid H. Souter denied a Feb. 7 request by Pennsylvania

Souter, acting the

Materials for participation eration Rice

important penitential days of the liturgical year. They are days of both fast and abstinence. All Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence.

•

Justice

international relief agencies.

penance.

Justice Souter Refuses To Delay WASHINGTON

t

service will include Scripture

selection for the service.)

preme Court

CRS projects in 80 countries around world. CRS is one of the world' s largi

it.

speak at both services and lead participants in prayer and meditations designed for healing and forgiveness. Individual confession will be will

Operation Rice Bowl raised mc last year to help fu

than $3 million

of prayer, penance

taken.

lems.

friends or healthcare workers.

deeply after an abortion for the grand-

main goal of Operati Rice Bowl is to provide a meaning] Lenten program for families. the U.S., the

Tom Walsh, pastor of Holy Family. But

have had abortions as well as family members,

"Sometimes family members grieve

hunger and disease, as well as assist efforts to support job-training and otl development projects overseas and

Guidelines For Lent

•

Abortion might seem like a solution

women who

That includes

Executive Director of CRS. Although the funds raised by 0 eration Rice Bowl are used to allevij

Life Office suggests that

process, the Respect Life Office of the

suffers

and donate the money they would have spent on food to CRS. Approximately 75 percent of the funds raised from Operation Rice Bowl are sent overseas; 25 percent are channeled into programs designed for the poor within each par-

connects us

friends and family extend invitations to

"We hope that everyone in the diocese will pray for women who have had

In an attempt to aid the healing

invites families

in the empowerment of those in distress, both here in our own country and abroad.

Sponsoring

Life Office

community. all by linking t prayer and Lenten sacrifice of famili and parishes with efforts at relief improve the lives of the poor in ve tangible ways," said Kenneth F. Hacke ticipating parish

17th annual

the justices to re-

adequate time scheduled for confessions before Easter. Group penance services should not be scheduled for the last days of Holy Week.

At no time is it permitted to schedule a group penance service for the purpose of giving general absolution without individual confessions.

The liturgical directions of the Sacramentary and the Lectionary must be faithfully observed regarding all the special Holy Week •

Rites.

Funeral Masses are not allowed on Holy Thursday, Good Friday Saturday. The funeral Rite outside of Mass can be held either Holy or in church or at the chapel on those days, with a Funeral Mass later.

•

The RCIA is incorporated into the liturgy during Lent. The Rite is celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent. On the second, third and fourth Sundays of Lent, the Scrutinies take place during •

of Election

entire case.

See Law, Page 16

Mass.

^

3

"

The Catholic News

February 11, 1994

Si

Time Ripe For Evangelizaton; Parishes Adopt Plan, Take Action Southerner By

Tells

About Her Conversion

CAROL HAZARD Associate Editor

No more

No more theorizing.

The time has come to

energy,

evangelize. fourth year of

Lady of Lourdes. "My hope and dream is that evangelization will be woven into

Decade of Evan-

the fabric of the ordinary life of the

talk.

In

the

its

gelization, the Dio-

Church."

cese of Charlotte has

ward

the

national plan gives practical

advice for sparking a parish-based evan-

unchurched

gelization program. Suggestions are as

in reaching out to

is

The

taken a giant step for-

people and inactive Catholics.

"This

new dynamism" for the Church, Our

says Father Vilkauskas, pastor of

moment; now

time," says Father

Ed

simple as providing more welcoming the

is

Vilkauskas, di-

Sunday liturgies or talking more openly about the Catholic

rector of the DS A-funded Office of Evan-

"We have the

meat and sub-

faith.

Sounds simple, but

it's

not. That's

Charlotte have adopted the plan. Sev-

because Catholics tend to be closed about their faith. "What' s the mystery?" says Father Vilkauskas. "We have nothing to hide. So invite your neighbor."

Inviting someone to church may be considered "politcally incorrect" in the North, but it's a gesture of hospitality in the South, he says.

More importantly, Southern Catholics have another hurdle. They have to deal with misunderstandings and prejudice toward the Catholic faith.

"In the South, misinformation about Catholicism has been passed from gen-

planning evange-

eration to generation since the Reforma-

gelization.

stance at our fingertips."

The "meat" zation

is

for Catholic evangeli-

the U.S. bishops' document,

Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization.

The document was

the center-

piece for a Southeast regional evangelilast fall

by

Our Lady of Lourdes Church Monroe, St. Therese Church

in

zation

workshop sponsored

the Diocese of Charlotte.

Mooresville and

St.

Matthew Church

eral other parishes are

in

in

tion," Father Vilkauskas says. "That's

lization strategies as well.

"new

Evangelization will lead to

several centuries worth of rumors."

Jerry and in

Diocese of Charlotte P.O. Box 36776 Charlotte,

NC

Kay Maiers on

their

wedding day

in

11,

Our Lady of Lourdes Church

1994

Davidson College was not Jews, blacks, Catholics and

"The point

is

information, under-

Our role grow in un-

standing and communication

open

with other Christians derstanding."

to

women. "That's inconceivable

to us

In the process,

says.

Father Vilkauskas recounts an inciChrist,

says.

prestigious

now," Father Vilkauskas

Dear Friends In

at

28236 Imagine: Three or four decades ago,

February

October 1993

Monroe.

is

to

some

. . .

are

drawn

to

discover deeper dimensions of the Catho-

and join the

RCIA

(Rite of

dent about placing an ad in a local paper.

lic

He wanted

of a

Christian Initiation for Adults) program.

For decades, the faithful put up thousands of crosses on a hill in Lithuania to commemorate victims of communist persecution. Then,

Bible. "Catholics believe in the Bible?'

asked the incredulous advertising man-

The following is the story of Kay Maiers of Monroe and her conversion to

one day, the Hill of Crosses was destroyed by Soviet authorities. But,

ager.

Catholicism, despite her family

"Every time we dispel some little bit of misunderstanding, that's evangelization," Father Vilkauskas says.

A devout Baptist Sunday school

proval.

the crosses reappeared. Despite further efforts to eliminate them,

they kept reappearing. The faithful Lithuanians who again and again

up the crosses at night are a remarkable witness of For these people, the Catholic Church has been a great light in an age of darkness.

Now that communism has fallen throughout Central and Eastern Europe, other challenges have to be faced. In some places, the horrors of ethnic cleansing have replaced the persecution of Communist regimes. Despite the chaos and upheaval surrounding them, however, Catholics have held o to one thing their faith.

The Church sees the spirit and conviction of the people, but it also sees their needs and their deep hunger for faith and truth. In attempting to respond to these needs, the Church is facing formidable challenges. Although people now have the freedom to profess their faith, obstacles still exist which prevent the Church from being able to minister fully to its people and counter secularism and rampant materialism now engulfing society. secretly raised faith.

—

The Collection to aid the Catholic Church in Central and Eastern Europe provides much-needed help in restoring Church institutions, teaching the laity through programs of religious and moral education, spreading the Word of God through the mass media, and restoring Catholic charitable organizations once outlawed by Marxist states.

to include a picture

Our Lady of Lourdes Church, because his wife' s family was Catholic and he wanted to learn more about the faith. He became a spokesman for the Catholic Church,

teacher attended inquiry classes at

about Catholic beliefs, Father Vilkauskas says. "Everything he had thought or heard before was con-

telling others

what he experienced."

"The goal of evangelization is not to

trary to

proselytize nor to

make

faith

His Will In Yours.

challenges that

lie

ahead.

Sincerely in Christ,

1963, learned the

"/ leave to the

The family may have been highly regarded, but not much was known about their faith in the Protestant South.

See Evangelize, Page

"A valid Will stands as a continuing expression of our concern for loved ones, as well as an ongoing commit-

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

Msgr. John

J.

McSweeney

Vice Chancellor

Todd

For more information on how to make a Will that works, contact Jim Kelley, Director of Development, Diocese of Charlotte, 1524 East Morehead St., Charlotte,

E.

Morehead

Catholic Diocese of (or percent of estate) for its religious, educational

and charitable works.

Rev. Mr. Curtiss P.

1524

Roman

sum of $

the residue of my

fas.

Street Charlotte. N.C. 28207

NC

Kennedy family was

Catholic.

ou can express your commitment to your Church by making a bequest to the Diocese of Charlotte. Simply have the following statement included in your Will:

Charlotte the

disap-

She traces her interest to the year John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

Maiers, who was in fourth grade in

We ask your support in continuing this important work. Through your generous support to this collection, to be taken up on February 16 (Ash Wednesday), we can help our brothers and sisters meet the

s

Born and raised in the South, Kay Maiers never had the opportunity to learn much about Catholicism. Even so, she was fascinated by it.

converts," he

Remember

'

28207, (704) 331-1709 or 377-6871.

1

olic

News

& Herald

February 11, 1994

Pro-Life Corner is*?*

As a

Hi

result of the

actions can protesters

Supreme Court's

now be

decision in

NOW

v.

Scheidler,

threatened against even peaceful pro-life

— or any human rights protesters — under the Rack-

eteer Influenced

and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)

expense to these groups, even

if

at great they are judged not guilty in the

end.

Editorial The Flame Of Hope As Lent begins next week,

the Catholics of the

The Respect Life Office

United States have an opportunity to keep the flame of hope alive in the formerly communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The fourth annual collection to aid the restoration of the

the

NCCB's

Office to Aid the Catholic Church in

(704) 331-1720

Pope: Suffering Of Religious Long Tradition VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope John POPE JOHN PAUL

Church in that area will

be taken up on Ash Wednesday in most U.S. dioceses, including the Diocese of Charlotte.

Catholics in the region already have begun to rebuild after decades of repression under communist rule. But their resources are slim and they desperately need help from outside. The Catholics of this copuntry are in the best position to provide that help.

The U.S. bishops recognized the need and established the special collection in 1990. They also set up

Diocese of Charlotte

Paul

the suffering of priests, nuns

and brothers

of former Yugoslavia

territories

made by

tradition of sacrifice

is

II

said

II

in the

within the long

religious orders around

the world.

The pope made the remarks during

a special

Mass

The Pope Speaks

for religious orders Feb. 2, the feast of the Presentation

of the Lord. Several thousand religious attended in

St.

Peter's Basilica, and 28 heads of religious orders

Central and Eastern Europe, under the direction of

concelebrated with the pontiff.

Msgr. George Sarauskas.

Since 1990, the annual appeal has raised $17 million for more than 450 projects in the region. But much more remains to be done in all three areas of Catholic life education of the laity, leadership training and social service.

One major obstacle is the obstruction by former

The pope called religious a "treasure of the Church" and said they offer a particular witness in the world, often paying for their efforts with enormous sacrifice and even martyrdom.

"With special affection I am thinking of the men and women religious present in the regions of exYugoslavia, victims of absurd fratricidal violence," he

Christians

said.

not always easy to accept.

—

communists who still hold power in many areas. They no longer call themselves communists but they remain hostile to religion in general and to the Catholic Church

of religious orders and said it was important to preserve

in particular.

this

some cases they have imposed heavy taxes on Church, further diminishing resources. They have

The pope

In

the

slowed the return of Church property confiscated by the old regimes. And they encourage anti-Catholic ideologies and religious cults and sects. In many cases they also control the mass media, making it difficult to spread the Word of God. Msgr. Sarauskas points out that Catholics in the region need many things that we take for granted

—

religious education texts, catechists, pastoral centers,

Your

Ash Wednesday

contribution to the

Church For those who would

collec-

to

(202) 541-3400.

Rev. Msgr. John

3,

Number 23

McSweeney

J.

Robert E. Gately

Editor:

Associate Editors:

Hispanic Editor:

Joann Keane, Carol Hazard

Dalmau

Sister Pilar

Advertising Manager: Editorial Clerk: Sheree

Gene Sullivan McDermott

—

Muslims and Jews.

"Everyone wants

1524 East Morehead

Mail Address: Phone:

PO Box

St.,

NC 28207 NC 28237

Charlotte,

37267, Charlotte,

Mullen Publications,

Inc.

& Herald, USPC 007-393, is pubby the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1524 East

The Catholic News lished

Morehead

St.,

Charlotte,

NC

28207, 44 times a year, weekly

except for Christmas week and Easter

weeks during June, July and August enrollees in parishes of the

Roman

Charlotte and $18 per year for

all

address corrections to

37267. Charlotte,

NC

week and every two for

$15 per year for

Catholic Diocese of

other subscribers.

Second-

NC. POSTMASTER: Send The Catholic News & Herald, PO Box

class postage paid at Charlotte

28237.

He

said that in the journey of family

life,

couples

must periodically stop to ask themselves: "What does the Lord want from us? What is the path he has indicated for our child?"

to

become a meaningful center to the prophetic

words of

will wipe every tear from their eyes," he said.

"The bishop of Rome looks toward Jerusalem with

the

love," he said.

in

1

communion," he said in the image of God and their joining in the sacrament of matrimony is

The

creation of

a reflection of the

man and woman

communion found

in the three

persons of the Trinity, the pope said.

Because God is the ultimate source of life, man and participate in God's creation when they have children, he said. "One can then affirm that the genealogy of every person finds its roots in the eternal," he

woman

said.

Pope Calls Family Life

After reciting the Angelus, the pope asked people

full

— Family

to life is

"an

of surprises," the greatest of which for

A

show

their solidarity "with the very

in Africa

who

still

tragedy of war.

many

suffer because of poverty

families

and the

We will not abandon them."

Matter Of Conscience

in the late 1930s, during the

Spanish Civil

BOB GATELY

War, there was a movie "Blockade" starring as I recall a young Henry Fonda. The story was about a Spanish city and its Loyalist garrison blockaded by Franco with the help of his German and Italian allies.

Finally a relief ship was to arrive. The movie ended

Editor's

with the ship being torpedoed as it entered the harbor.

Fonda spoke the last line of dialogue, "Where is the

Notebook

jtO

fe,

eel

ltd

Jie:

A

conscience of the world?"

(704) 331-1713

Printing:

it

— according Book of Revelation — God

It

Office:

Speaking Feb. 6 to visitors gathered in St. Peter's Square, the pope said the unknown and unexpected are

that of being a great journey of

as a place of encounter and reference for all descendants of the faith of Abraham Christians,

Back Volume

comes

II said.

lem

m

February 11, 1994

new way," Pope John Paul

also spoke about the significance of the city of Jerusa-

coming decades, he said. more young people hear the call to a religious vocation.

The pope, recalling the particulars of the feast day,

Of Surprises' VATICAN CITY (CNS)

News & Herald

"the surprise of God which always

The answers to such questions can only be found prayer and in listening to the Word of God, the pope said during his midday Angelus address.

"Sometimes, when the events of life are complicated, discerning God's will becomes difficult. But a family that prays will never forget its basic vocation

any way by our age" or in He prayed that more and

'Adventure Full

The Catholic

religious life

sure that such an important vocation

will not be "suffocated in

adventure

Publisher:

Synod of Bishops on

make

of peace so that

meet these challenges. like to do more, we suggest you contact Msgr. Sarauskas at the Office to Aid the Catholic Church in Central and Eastern Europe, 321 Fourth St. NE, Washington, DC 20017-1194 or call

tion will help the

fall's

should help

is

into our lives in a

also cited the long missionary tradition

evangelizing role.

This

vehicles so priests can cover vast distances over difficult terrain as they try to spread the faith.

i

seems to

me

that that question could well

tot

be

asked today in the light of what continues to happen in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The slaughter of innocent civilians continues unabated while the rest of the world wrings its hands and makes empty threats to "do something" if the combatants don't stop it.

At the rate things are going, by the time the United States, its NATO allies or the United Nations finally decide to take some action, the whole question will be moot. Everyione will be dead and nobody will have to take any action.

I never have been a great admirer of former British

lilt

Ud

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher but I think she is dead right on the issue of Bosnia. On David Brinkley's TV show last Sunday, she called again for action tc

^

stop the slaughter.

First and foremost, she says, the arms embargo, must be lifted so the Bosnian Muslims can obtain the weapons to defend themselves. That, she feels, will gc

a long

way toward ending

the fighting.

B4 See Notebook, Page

K

The Catholic News

February 11, 1994

&

Hera

Lincoln Revisited Feb. 12 will be the 185th anniver-

of Abraham Lincoln' s birthday. He vas an extra-ordinary man who gave his ife for his country. If you have ever had

drunk for the

o endure the slings and arrows of unfair ;riticism, consider the many humiliaions President Lincoln suffered during lis

years in office.

many of the made on Lincoln in an

ssay entitled, The Unpopular Mr. Lincoln.

The newspapers of

his times la-

jeled him a "baboon," "the Illinois beast"

jecause of his height (6'4") and his long irms. Lincoln

was

called an imbecile

preserve the Union, "a coward. .timid and ignorant for

'or his efforts to

political lis

.

vacillation. ..pitiable. ..shattered,

iazed and utterly foolish." wrote, ikull

"You could

is

One reporter

not.. .fill his

empty

with brains."

little

slander

not surprising, but in Lincoln's case

went to cruel extremes. For example, the Civil War was very unpopular in the North, more so than most people realize. Just before the 1 864 electhe malice

mm Light

One Candle

Wisconsin journalist had the audacity to write, "If Lincoln were reelected we hope that a bold hand will be found to plunge the dagger into the Tyrant's heart for the public welfare."

Honest Abe didn't get much respect from the other side of the ocean either.

Thomas Keiser, an American Lincoln scholar who analyzed nearly 200 English newspapers and magazines, found that the British, who had hailed his election in 1860 as a victory over slavery, turned against him when the South

They

seceded.

The Image ofLincoln in he South, Michael Davis wrote that

When

In his book,

luring the Civil

FATHER JOHN CATOIR

days."

tion, a

J.G. Randall collected

Ale assaults

last three

In the frenzy of war, a

sary

War

Delieved that Lincoln

all

Southerners

A

was a drunk.

Norfolk newspaper often reported the juration of his imagined binges: "It

-umored that Lincoln has

is

now been

him a butcher.

Union forces won the

called

the

Battle of Gettysburg, one English newspaper wrote: "President Frankenstein's thirst for war has not yet been quenched by the blood of thousands of his country men... he is as arbitrary and as unscrupulous as the most absolute des-

just stand there, say something.

pot."

Lincoln stood tall.

"I do the best I can," he said, " I mean to keep going. If the end brings me out all Against

all this,

what is said about me won't I'm wrong, then 10 angels swearing I was right won't make a difference." Lincoln gives us some good advice here. Anyone besieged by criticism and controversy needs to hang

right, then

matter. If

tough.

The

virtue of fortitude

is

defined

as the strength to bear misfortune, calmly

and

courage

unfairly

a

by mean-spirited

torn

down

critics,

don't

is

is

unfair,

you

your self-respect.

Defending a good person is certainly a noble deed, and standing tall in the face of opposition is true heroism. ( For a free copy of the Christopher News Note, "Words Can Hurt, " send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to The Christophers, 12 East 48th Street, New will at least preserve

York,

NY 10017.)

Father John Catior

good person

Your

not be appreciated, but if

you believe the detraction

patiently.

When

may

is

director of

The Christophers.

Post-Abortion Healing Q. A friend of mine had an abora few years ago. I know she feels bad about it, and I feel guilty because [ drove her to the abortion clinic. I showed her what you wrote about praying about it and having something at church about this. She was interested but says she feels afraid to tion

go to church. I didn't

know what

to

self.

The services will be held at Holy Family in Clemmons on Thursday, Feb. 24 and at St. Gabriel in Charlotte on Thursday, March 3, both at 7:30 p.m. If she has concerns about people seeing her

at the service,

may

she

attend whichever service

say to her.

MARTHA W. SHUPING, MD

attend with you she would be more comfortable than if she attended by her-

is

Crosswinds

prefer to

further from

We also plan to use very dim which can be symbolic of the

her home.

A. It's common for many people to lave various fears after an abortion ear that God won't forgive them, fears what other people may think, fears of what a priest might say to them. Be-

—

ause of these very fears, the diocese

is

sponsoring two prayer services specifi-

people

who have

concerns related to abortion. I have worked with the Respect Life office and the priests involved to plan services which we truly cally for

be a way for people to experince God's peace and healing.

Perhaps if you invited your friend to

liope will

lighting

darkness experienced after an abortion and which may also give a sense of

a person in this situation, as well as

protection and privacy.

friends or others

The

services are not exclusively for

women who have had abortions, but for anyone connected with an abortion in any way who feels a need for healing and reconciliation. Just for example, there are doctors and clinic employees who have been involved in abortions who have later experienced regret and in fact a number of these people have become well-known pro-life leaders. But

may

would be welcome and

God's forgiveness, not

Even if your friend does not attend, you could attend and pray for her. It may also be helpful to you since you still have some guilt from your part in the abortion.

Individual confession will be avail-

fears don't prevent her

Upward of 35,000 of them descended on the ellipse in Washington, D.C., for the annual March for Life, despite bitterly

cold weather.

sheet of ice hidden under powdery

A

snow

day aptly symbolized the hazardous [jissues that concerned the march.

As the march to the Supreme Court bommenced, I prayed that the marchers' efforts would cause the message inscribed in its sculptures, its bronze doors (that

||and its

and

adorning friezes to ring out loudly

the entrance to an ancient

emperor's court.

Two art deco statues guard it: A J mwoman who is seated holds a small Jstatuette of a child in :

one arm and a book

pn the other. She looks as if she is brooding. Across from her is a spartan

ijjman, also seated.

He

holds a tablet with

word "law" on it. Behind him a sword is seen. The woman is the con-

the

man

God

wants for her.

Dr. Shuping

is contract staff with Catholic Social Services and also has a

private practice as a psychiatrist in

afraid of confession,

umn may be

priests involved will

be there to extend

Shuping, 1400 Millgate Drive, Suite B,

rep-

Winston-Salem. Questions for this colsent to: Dr. Martha W.

NC 27103.

Life

FATHER EUGENE HEMRICK

resents the authority of law.

A handsome bronze door at the top of the

stairs

contains eight low-reliefs

depicting major breakthroughs in the history of law.

One

relief portrays the

The Human Side

shield of Achilles. That scene, the stat-

ues and a frieze with Moses deliver a simple but powerful message that, in fact, reflects

ment

is

what the

pro-life

move-

ultimately about.

Several scenes are depicted on the The first is that of a

shield of Achilles.

woman

clearly.

With its expansive marble paveJ ment and majestic steps and pillars, the Supreme Court's entrance might re-

semble

templation of justice, and the

from receiving

Some people are but I know that the

able after the services.

The 1 994 March For Pro-life advocates are not fair-

judge-

the healing and restoration that

Winston-Salem,

weather people.

sit in

Please pray for your friend that her

find this to be an opportunity for

healing.

to

ment.

about to be married. This is followed by two men arguing a case before a judge.

Next is a city under siege with people being killed. From this bloody scene we are transported to a field where a man is plowing. field

him

he

When he comes to a turn in the is

met by a person who gives

a glass of wine.

This is followed by a scene in which a king looks upon a rich harvest. The final scene is that of a farmer watering

Unexpectedly the cattle are attacked by lions and killed as he looks his cattle.

on

helplessly.

For the Greek poet Homer, who wrote of Achilles' shield, life is subject to universal laws represented by marriage, strife, war, labor, harvests and the unexpected, which can leave us helpless. To cope with these realities, civilizations over time have generated wise laws.

The symbolism of Moses adds an indispensable ingredient. He is not seated

Rather he respectfully stands with God's commandments in hand, pointing us heavlike Authority or Contemplation.

enward and symbolizing the law's need for the transcendent the need to appeal to a higher authority if law is to have real authority.

—

Moses turns our thoughts to the beauty of divine law depicted in Psalm 119: "Lord, how I love your law! It is ever in my mind. Your commands makes

me

wiser than

my

foes; for

it

is

mine

have more insight than all who teach me, for I ponder your will. I have forever.

I

more understanding than

the old, for

I

keep your precepts."

See

Human, Page 6

olic

.

News

& Herald

February 11, 1994

Respect good

...what

is it

to profess faith

without practicing it? Such faith has no power to save one, has it? If a brother or sister

has nothing to wear and no food

and you say to them, 'Goodbye and good luck! Keep warm and well fed,' but do not meet their bodily needs, what good is that? So it is for the day,

with the faith that does nothing in practhoroughly

tice. It is

lifeless.

(James

2:

The

Epistle of

James

is

a sobering

reminder that respect for life begins with faith but ends with works. "Faith without works," James reminds us, "is as dead as abody without breath." (James 2:

Because Lent is a special time for us to reflect on our own sinfulness and to draw closer to god, the Church recom-

mends the practice of mortification. This is

I

usually done through fasting and ab-

staining

from meat on Fridays. Tradi-

tionally,

it

also includes the practice of

we

"giving up" something

I

have known. I cannot say that I practice of them but each Lent I try to do at

all

Lifeline

least one.

•

Do you know someone who

we can do

unemployed and really hurting? Instead of asking how you can help, do something really constructive. Put some cash tell

envelope and mail it to him. Don't else. You and God know.

anyone

That's

all that

• If

you

how much money you

are in the habit of dropping

This

a quarter into the hands of a homeless

•

Do you

feel

make

it

five.

good about giving

your old clothes to the poor? You'll feel even better if you give brand new clothes instead. After all, if you are doing it for the Lord, doesn't he deserve the best?

• On the same theme: when your church collects food for the poor, buy

same groceries for the collection that you would buy for your family.

•

saved. Double

and donate that amount to a

matters.

person, give a dollar instead. If you

Lenten season.

this

is

Skip one meal a week. Figure out

is

• Is

who

it

charity.

a great family project.

is

there

•

someone at work or school

really boring, or a pain to

Do you know someone who hasn' them to you have a

been to church

in years? Invite

join you. This

shows

that

respect for their eternal

What

I

am

life.

saying here

spect for life involves

is

that re-

much more

concern for the unborn.

It

ing to imitate Christ every day of our lives.

Lent is a good time to remind us of

that.

be around? Make an honest effort to be friends. If you can't be friends, then at least refrain from speaking or listening to negative talk about them.

the very

like.

The following is a list of some other things

JIM MCINERNEY

gleaned these items over the

years from the example of good people

usually give a dollar,

26)

Suggestions For Lent

You might consider some of them to be radical.

in an

14-17)

Life

than

involves try-

Don't get me wrong. We have to keep fighting abortion, now more than ever. It is the single most important civil rights battle facing this generation. If we

give up on this front, the others aren't

going to matter much. Which leads to

one

me

final suggestion.

Do pro-lifers annoy you? Make you uncomfortable? Good! Lent is the per feet time to practice this bit of mortification. Volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center, join a picket line, or send a check to a pro-life agency or advocacy group.

ii

;

Wording At Conclusion Of Mass Readings Q. Lectors in our parish were told some time ago that we should end the readings with "The word of the Lord" rather than with "This is the word of the Lord." The priest or deacon also says simply, "The Gospel of the Lord."

What is the reason for this slight change? Some parishioners have asked me and I couldn't tell them.

Our

pastor isn't too sure either. In other churches we visit some lectors say it the new way, some the old way.

Word "This

more

Three reasons have been offered for change, with which I imagine most

English-speaking Catholics are

now fa-

FATHER JOHN DIETZEN

of God. is

the

Word

of the Lord"

is

a descriptio than an accalamation

inviting the congregation's response:

"Thanks be to God," or, "Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ." The newer recommendation seems to fit the situation better than the former way.

The third reason is perhaps the most important. It emphasizes that the Word

book up or gestures

toward it and says, "This Gospel) of the Lord."

The "word" released at

is

the

Word (or

acclaimed and these times is not circumthat

is

scribed by, or identified with, the printed

miliar.

One

to

is

Latin text.

be more

faithful to the

The missal gives "Verbum

Domini," the Word of the Lord, as the conclusion of all three readings, includ-

words

even by that particular proclamation of the Gospel in the Lectionary, or

passage.

We are accustomed to thinking of "Gospel" as one of the four books at the

to

honor the (often

Word of God and our reception of

body of the Lord.

Obviously there are enormous differences between these two presences of the eucharistic

Jesus Christ in our prayer and worship.

A

profound similarity between them, however, is a long and sacred part of the Church's tradition.

"The Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures just as she vener-

body of the Lord,"

ates the

bishops

said the

Vatican Council II, "since from the table of both the Word of God and the body of Christ she unceasingly at

receives and offers to the faithful the

Bread of

Life, especially in the sacred

liturgy" (Constitution elation,

on Divine Rev-

No. 21).

At Communion, when the minister proclaims, "The body of Christ,"

respond

Amen,

in

it is

an acclamation of

so,

I

ways

tain

the book, and the proclama-

prayers, beliefs

and practice

is

avail

even our response to them, can be called the word of God. The first and essential meaning, however, goes beyond all those. The change you ask about, however small it may seem, is intended to help us realize

able by sending a stamped self-ad-

that.

Service

tion of the readings,

dressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, 704 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL 61 701

Questions for this column should be sent to the

same

Copyright

address.)

© 1 994 by Catholic News

Maybe we can grasp the idea a little clearly if we focus on the Gospel.

for-

of the

I

m

(A free brochure outlining Catholic

gotten) parallel between our "reception"

is

.:

more

ing the Gospel.

Another

Question Box

of God is not a book or printed page.

This impression could be given when the reader holds the

(Florida)

this

the

believe

it.

It is

ate that a similar proclamatio

mation take place when

we

faith:

appropri-

and accla-

we are fed with

Human (From Page 5) The annual March message of warning

to

for Life sends a

lawmakers who

contemplate justice without reflecting on God's law. The marchers' justifiable

beginning of the

The word

New

itself,

Testament. however, in Greek the origins of our

and Latin, and in English word, literally means "good news," the good news of the Father's love for us, revealed and carried out in the person of our Lord, and in his death and resurrection.

You notice, for example, that the heading for the first book of the New Testament, in most if not all Bibles, is The Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ "according to Matthew."

Each of the four evangelists, of course, has his own interpretation and theology, and way of presenting that "good news."

Obviously, we may miss much of this reality when, by word or gesture, we locate the primary "place" of that word

book itself, rather than in God speaking and empowering his word in our hearts. in the

Common

rage

is

sense

tells

us that in cer-

a reminder to our culture that

America was founded by people able to look heavenward as they contemplated justice and the law.

Copyright © 1 994 by Catholic News Service

-the

saints

!>

arounp the year 750, CT DCHCl/IWI RFNFDIPT D0RN BENEPICT WAS THE SON OF

OFANIANE

AIGULF OF MAGUELONE. HE WAS CUP-BEARER TO KING PEPIN AND CHARLEMAGNE ANP SERVED THE ARMY AND ENTERED RELIGIOUS LIFE AND BECAME A BENEDICTINE MONK AT ST. SEINE, NEAR DIJON, FRANCE. HE IN

REFUSED THE ABBACY THERE AND RETURNED TO LANGUEDOQ WHERE HE LIVED AS A HERMIT. BENEDICT ATTRACTED MANY AND BUILT A MONASTERY ANP A CHURCH. SUPPORTED BY EMPEROR LOUIS THE PIOUS, WHO BUILT A MONASTERY FOR HIM AT INDE. NEAR AACHEN, HE BECRME DIRECTOR OF ALL THE DISCIPLES

MONASTERIES

IN

THE EMPIRE

ANP INSTITUTEP WIDESPREAD REFORMS. BENEDICT'S "CAPITULARE MONASTICUM," A SYSTEM IZATI ON OF THE RULE OF ST BENEPICT WAS APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL OF AACHEN. BENEPICT DIEP IN 821. HE IS CONSIDERED THE RESTORER OF WESTERN MONA STICf SM AND IS OFTEti CALLED THE "SECOND BENEPICT." HIS FEAST IS FEB. © 1994 CNS Graphics

II.

1994

bruary 11,

&

The Catholic News

Herald

Entertainment

"Body And Soul," A Nun's Sensitive On Masterpiece Theatre

Story,

"Body and Soul," which drayoung nun's struggle reconcile her independent pirit and lust for life with her ligious vows, airs on MobilMasterpiece jnded Theatre atizes a

undays

at

9 p.m. beginning Feb. on PBS (check lo-

3 nationally

PBS

al

listings).

Kristin Scott Thomas, who layed the young wife in John lortimer's Titmuss Regained" n Masterpiece Theatre, stars in Body and Soul" as Sister Gabriel/ nna Gibson. Sequestered in a

Welch moun-

invent deep in the

16 years, she's thrust idely back into real life in modrn England. When her brother ies suddenly, she obtains leave om the convent to return home for

lins

help straighten out her family's

>

ffairs.

She finds her helpless l-law,

sister-

Lynn (Amanda Redman)

regnant and unable to cope with

oubles confronting the family's arn-spinning mill. The mill rings her into contact with

the first time in years

)r

le

friendly

service

men

— Hal,

manager

3ary Mavers); Daniel Stern ohn Bowe), a banker who helps nna refinance the mill, and Stan eattie (Anthony Valentine), the irrupt mill manager. Never be>re did she have to choose beveen her identity as a sexual

HAVE YOU HEARD HIM CALL?

MATERIAL MATTERS

occupy the time and energies of Sister Gabriel (Kristen Schott Thomas) when a family the convent in "Body and Soul" on Mobile-funded Masterpiece Theatre Sunday evernings beginning Feb. 13 on PBS. Gary Mavers plays Hal, whose life has become intertwined with hers.

emergency sends her out of

woman and

her cloistered persona.

Paul Hines adapted "Body and

Soul" from a novel by Marcelle Bernstein. To research her story, Ms. Bernstein traveled across Europe and the U.S., interviewing more than 500 nuns. Among these were a former Chicago police officer and a mini-skirted sister who worked for Cesar Chavez's labor

movement.

To make

1

She had spent 25 years

advisor.

an .enclosed

"Body and

certain

fh

Carolina

§ J Catholic — Bookshoppe i

U09McAlwayRd.

work in the community 10 years ago. To make the convent scenes look authentic, she demonstrated such things as how the actress/nuns should sing psalms and how to tuck up their habits when they knelt. follows Anna's sexual and emotional awakening.

She also reveals an astute business sense as she takes over the mill, relying on yarn-dyeing skills series

learned in the convent, where she returns several times for advice her Mother Superior, from Emmanuel (Dorothy Tutin) and tips

from

Sister

"Body and Soul" had of humor,

Providing free shelter and care to incurable cancer Sisters

Saturday 9:30

come from

all

walks of life.

-

-

5:00

1:30

reflecting

& Gift Items

Special Orders/Mail Orders

Prior nursing experience not required.

Welcome

Contact: Sr. Marie Edward Rosary Hill Home • 600 Linda Avenue Hawthorne, NY 10532

share

its

the

young

nun's cultural shock when she first ventures out into the real world.

Her taxi-driver is a young miniskirted woman. The ads she sees

on billboards and

Books

patients.

Our

our 13 th year of

Serving the Carolinas

Monday - Friday 9:30

Godric (Madeleine

fore taking her vows.

NC 28211 (704) 364-8778

DOMINICAN SISTERS OF HAWTHORNE

order before coming

Christie), a financial director be-

Charlotte,

///

filled

happy

in

magazines are

with blatant sex. But she's to

once more eat

fish

and

chips and to drive her brother's

The Franciscan Center

(914) 769-4794

in

out to

The

Soul" handled convent scenes accurately, the producers employed

f±i

a real-life nun, Sister Giles, as an

Aston Martin car

—

she initially drives

at

even though 5 miles per

hour, the speed of her tractor at the convent farm, frustrating a string of

highway

drivers.

A

British critic praised Ms. Scott Thomas as being "perfect in the role," with a "beautiful medieval face." Another wrote that she's "beautiful enough to make a bishop kick a hole in a stained-

glass

window." The program was drama of the

hailed as "the best

new

season," "captivating to watch" and as a "luminous series from strength to that goes strength."

"Body and Soul" was directed

by Moira Armstrong, who previMasterpiece directed ously Theatre's acclaimed "Testament of Youth" and "Countess Alice."

She also directed Lady Antonia "Quiet As a Nun" on Mobil-funded "Mystery!" A Red Fraser's

Rooster Films & Television Enfor tertainment production Carlton Television, the series was

produced by Jackie Stoller, with Linda James and Jenny Reeks as executive producers.

Masterpiece Theatre is presented on PBS by WGBH, Boston, where Rebecca Eaton is series executive producer. Russell Baker is

host.

Catholic Gifts Book Store Name

We carry 150+ Book Titles & Gifts for all occasions: Bibles Rosaries Medals Tapes

Address_

City

State_

Home

Zip_ Tel. (

)_

[910] 273-2551 Hon.— Fri. 5PM

g^9AH -

Statues Religious Plaques Anniversary/ 1st Communion/ Confirmation Gifts & Cards

Advertise in

The Catholic News & Herald call Gene Sullivan 704-331-1722 for details

233 N. Greene St.» Greensboro. NC

27101

holic

News

& Herald

February 11, 1994

contents copyright

All

©1994 by CNS

"What's

the catechism for the average lay Catholic?...

in

Anyone who

actually reads the catechism is conversing

with the Catholic people of the universal church. This

alone should strengthen the sense of belonging to the universal church."

This

By Father Robert Catholic

News

L.

summary

not a comprehen-

is

sive survey of every opinion held by Catholics. Other viewpoints and ways of expressing the faith exist.

But the catechism sets forth those that most clearly represent the faith

Kinast

Service

"What's this I hear about a new catechism?" my disgruntled friend asked.

"I thought we got rid of the questionand-answer approach at Vatican Council II. Why bring it back?"

I tried to assure my friend that the new catechism does not repeat the approach he recalled. It doesn't use questions and answers, and it doesn't expect readers to memorize its contents.

This only delayed his real question.

"Well, what's in it for me? What will I get out of reading it?"

It would be easy to avoid his question by saying: "That depends. It will be different for each person." While true, this does not do justice to the catechism itself.

Although the new Catechism of the Catholic Church primarily is intended for bishops in their role as teachers, and for professional religion teachers and writers in their related roles, the catechism is also being welcomed by the body of the faithful and sales in France and other parts of Europe confirm this expectation.

What's in the catechism for the average lay Catholic?

The primary benefit of the catechism is that it brings together in one book a summary of the beliefs of the Catholic Church.

shared in common by Catholics around the world and through the ages.

The final text of the catechism is the result of consultations held throughout the world over the last few years involving Catholics at every level of the church.

Consequently, anyone who reads the catechism is actually conversing with the Catholic people of the universal church. This alone should strengthen the sense of belonging to the universal church.

At the same time the individual teachings in the catechism do not stand alone. Every important point is accompanied by cross references and indexes which lead a reader to related teachings.

These connections help to build a sense of the whole faith and broaden the understanding of any single point.

Given this unified structure, it is less important where a person starts and more important that a person move around tbe whole catechism.

—

FAITH IN THE

However, if someone were to ask me where to start, I would recommend the last part, Book 4, on prayer.

This is one of the most personal aspects of the faith for most people, and

MARKETPLACE

the catechism treats it in a clear, inviting way. It first discusses prayer in the Christian life and then the Lord's Prayer.

From Book 4

What

is

your main reason for wanting to

know more about

moving

to

Book

tian Mystery.

"By nature I'm curious! Like anything else I'm involved in, about it. And my faith is the most important thing in my life."

want to know more Tim Prudhomme,

I

—

Colorado Springs, Colo.

have a son and want to keep him abreast it and practice" it better, hopefully he I

internalize

"First,

I

it."

— Kathy Pallante, Apple Valley,

think of

my

personal growth.

I

will

learn from

faith.

If

I

know

my example and

Calif.

God

find

and

of his religion

in

my

everyday ordinary

need material that helps me better tap into and understand my own experience.... Second, want to know more about my faith because it will enhance my ministry and life in community."

Rick Connor, Sykesville, Md.

experiences. But

...

I

I

"I'm

would recommend which discusses the

The

eminent prayer

"I

I

2,

liturgy, the Celebration of the Chris-

Christian faith?

more about

me?

the catechism for

Is

a catechist, so

I'm

—

always wanting

to

—

know more about my

faith.

—

I

want

to

second- and third-graders are at the the Bible. My students sacramental age, so anything can do to deepen my understanding of the sacraments will help me teach them."

Sue Strickland, Castle Rick, Wash.

know more about

I

—

personal prayer

liturgy

is

the pre-

of the church, is

and

oriented to the

urgy.

These two books address the core experience of faith for practicing Catholics. From this perspective the discussion of beliefs (Book 1) and moral living (Book 3) is best understood.

Perhaps the most surprising section would be Book 3, which treats morality. It will surprise a reader who expects to find only a list of what not to do. If a reader is looking for guidance and the rationale for moral action, this will be a most fruitful section.

No matter where a person begins, however, it is important to bring to the catechism an attitude consistent with its

purpose.

The catechism does not address "I'm

a deacon, so

I

must know as much as

and teach.... The more understand my and carry out the will of God in my life."

I

faith,

—

Bill

I

my faith so can preach able am to understand

can about

the better Riehl,

I

I

Sacramento,

Calif.

all lit-

ev-

ery question a person may have. Its subtitle is not "Everything You Always Wanted to Know about the Catholic Church...."

An upcoming to think

edition asks:

What steps do you

something through?

If

you would

take

like to

when you

respond

really

need

for possible

publication, please write: Faith Alive! 3211 Fourth St. N.E. Washington,

D.C. 20017-1100.

It presents the essential beliefs of the church in a concise formulation. Its purpose is not to convince a skeptical reader or argue against objections to Catholic belief and practice.

Its purpose is to witness to the faith

shared by Catholics.

In this sense, it presupposes that the reader is disposed to the faith and is searching for insight, clarification, affirmation.

Reading the catechism with this disposition should, therefore, be a positive experience for a believer. It might even be prayerful in the way that studying biblical or theological books can move a person beyond "talk about" God to an "experience of" God. The way material is presented in the catechism provides another service to the reader. Because it is a summary of essential Catholic beliefs, it is a standard by which individuals can measure what is important.

If the catechism does not treat a question of burning interest to an individual, that may well be an indication that the question is not a priority for the life of the whole church although it remains important for the individual and deserves to be answered.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is an invitation addressed to each member of the church to recognize and reaffirm the faith that makes us a united people.

To accept that invitation is to rediscover what it means to be Catholic and

why Vatican II would never do away with catechisms. to realize

(Father Kinast is director of the\ Center for Theological Reflection, Madeira Beach, Fla.)

The Catholic News

February 11, 1994

&c H.e;

FAITH IN ACTION But Jack knew he was coming back

Thumbing through the

church that not only has its faith, but also has a number of teachings that are not just matters of approach or focus and which it takes seriously. to a

catechism

By Father David Catholic

K.

O'Rourke,

News

the basic faith. But there is a lot more.

The church teaches so much. I want to know what that is."

So we agreed to meet periodically to discuss his religious questions, and he also decided to meet with our group of

OP

Service

This year will see the publication in English of the church's new catechism.

For those of us in parishes, this is gong to be helpful.

inquirers.

In our parish, as in

Christ....

We believe We believe

returnees gather with our staff to discuss their new or rediscovered faith will the catechism These people find the discussions helpa of the

in one Lord, Jesus

n the Holy Spirit...

Ve acknowledge

Not only

We

"provide

>ne baptism....

many others, we

have a group that meets after Mass most Sunday mornings. Newcomers and

Every Sunday at Mass we all recite, We believe in one God, the Father alnighty....

He wanted

summary

both because they church's faith and its enjoy meeting others teachings about the faith, who are religious atechism takes seekers and because hese statements of but it will present them in they all benefit from aith and rearan orderly way. That very the questions that ranges them, preare asked. senting them in an order can be a helpful way But discussions irder that is more of knowing what is can involve a lot of isable to us with opinions. And sooner he problems and important and what or later many people ruestions we have connects with what." are going to get oday. around to asking, Last summer a "What does the church teach?" nan came to see me. Ill call him Jack, That's where the catechism comes ie had been baptized a Catholic but in handy. ladn't practiced his faith in any public Jack already is using one of the vay for at least 20 years. many catechisms that have been pubNow, he said, he wanted to "come lished by the different religious puback to the church," as he put it, "and I lishing companies. When we first beeel the need to study my faith." gan our sessions together, he wanted a He added, "I'm going to need help. I reference guide, so we looked over the eally don't know where or how to available catechisms. tart."

Each one of those catechisms has First Jack asked me about what he its own approach, and each one foailed "the basic faith of the church." cuses on a different kind of audience. o I began, "We believe in one God, the He chose the one that seemed to meet ather almighty.. his own needs best.

"OK," he laughed. "I guess I know ook to the resurrecion of the dead." A

to know what these are.

That is where the catechism will help. Not only will it provide a summary of the church's faith and its

teachings about the faith, but it will present them in an orderly way. That very order can be a helpful way of knowing what is important and what connects with what.

As of this writing, we have not yet received our catechisms in English.

But Jack and I hope the catechism will be a source of learning and of good discussions.

(Father O'Rourke is pastor of St. Dominic's Church in Benicia, Calif.)

Matthew's

in

a variety

of

ways and

for

a variety

One way to acquire knowledge

is

through reading.

One reason

to acquire

knowledge is to put it to use.

That's good for me. Why? First, because make I

things that people read.

And second,

part of

my living by producing my job is to produce a

documentation resource called Origins that people draw ideas from to use their

work

in

for

the church.

Naturally, people also acquire knowledge through conversations, experience, meditation and via television. And sometimes their motivation is simply that they want a response to a question.

What does this have to do with the new Catechism of the Catholic Church?

Just this:

— very existence expresses a that one way people electronic age by reading.

—Second, predict people often use the catechism to acquire trust

First, its

this

still

learn

in

is

will

I

information they intend to use.

But use where? Parents will use it in discussions with children. Parish will draw ideas from it for ministry to youth, the sick and others.

Parish council members will consult it when preparing to discuss parish

Gospel

you

this:

I

am thankful to have learned do they

still

want

By Father John

from

many conversations

Catholic

News

5

David Gibson, Editor, Faith Alive!

its

is

vision of spirituality, beginning

human person's hunger something beyond, something transcendent." (The catechism is expected to be available in English in the next few months. One source from which it can be ordered is the USCC Office of Call:

1-800-

what area would I like

Castelot

Service

All four of the Gospels

echisms of a

were

cat-

Their authors, people of mature Christian faith, wrote in order to share that faith with their brothers and sisters, to deepen it, and sometimes to correct ideas they considered unacceptable.

Mark, for instance, emphasized the central importance of the cross for a true knowledge of Jesus. He did this because some had so overstressed Jesus' resurrection as to ignore the place of the cross in his work and in their sort.

dressed considered themselves the only valid Christians. They were upset over the increasing number of gentiles in the Christian communities.

Matthew had to convince the Jewish Christians that the newcomers were there because God called them and wanted them there. But while this may have been his overriding concern, he was intent on writing an instructive a catechism. guide for all Christians In a way, Matthew's Gospel is the most "catechetical" of all in its arrangement. His portrait of Jesus is that of a teacher.

The body of the Gospel is arranged as a series of five booklets, each with a narrative section followed by a long in-

—

the reign of God.

information as a building block.

computer aids, art, etc., he commented. Among the catechism's strengths, he said,

understanding I want?

J.

In these instructions Jesus develops

written information, they are using

Department has said. The catechism is a means of education to use together with other tools such as audiovisual aids,

me as resources in acquiring the

some aspect of his central theme about

tell

the Second Vatican Council," Father John Pollard of the U.S. Catholic Conference Education

add to my grasp of the meaning of faith? Who and what might serve

objectives.

can

the reference

to

struction.

I

in

a theological dictionary, a biblical commentary and the documents of

Reflection: In

ministers

with readers that not only

belongs

section of one's library, along with

"catechetical"

Matthew, too, wanted to correct a seridamaging attitude in his church.

The Jewish Christians whom he ad-

of

It

of the

a reference

Publishing Services.

235-8722.)

ously

People acquire new knowledge

book.

"is

for

own lives.

reasons.

Catholic Church

with the

ful,

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The new Catechism

A

similar refrain

closes each instruction: "When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority,

and not as their scribes" (7:28-29).

The Sermon on the Mount is universally known, but it is only the first of the five booklets in this catechism. It treats a variety of subjects, like prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

The Beatitudes, which introduce the sermon, spell out the basic attitudes and actions that should characterize those who want to be a part of the reign of God's saving love.

The fourth booklet has to do with life in the Christian community and emphasizes the need for mutual forgiveness. It warns against scandal, especially on the part of those in leadership positions.

A good catechist knows the importance of aids to remembering. This was especially important in an age when few people had books or could read, for that matter.

Grouping things in set numbers was a

common teaching device.

If one knew that there were eight (or nine) Beatitudes, one would know he had missed something if he could come up with only seven.

Seven was a popular number, and so Matthew gave us seven parables in There are seven petitions in Father. We are to forgive, not seven, but 70 times seven times (18:22).

A good catechist must be open to the new as well as respectful of the old, and Matthew has left us a subtle selfportrait in Chapter 13:52: "Thus every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old."

Chapter

the

13.

Our

(Father Castelot

is

a Scripture

scholar, author and lecturer.)

from a Christian tombstone in the catacombs of Domitilla in reproduced on the cover of all editions of the new Catechism of the Catholic Church. The design dates from the end of the third century A.D. This pastoral image, of pagan origin, was used by Christians to symbolize the rest and the happiness that the soul of the departed finds in eternal life.

This logo, taken

Rome,

is

le

News

Catholic

& Herald

February 11, 1994

People

In

Vatican Officials, Eastern-Rite Romanians Seek Canonizations VATICAN CITY (CNS) Vatican officials and leaders of the Eastern-rite Church in Romania have asked for quick

Higgins, a veteran social justice fighter

completion of the sainthood causes of those who suffered for their faith under

lions

known

—

to

many

as "the labor priest." In

his acceptance speech

Msgr. Higgins

said the cruelties, injustices and depri-

on countless milof the world's workers at the close

vations

still

inflicted

The News ing from God. "God absolutely had to have a hand in this," Mrs. Slivnik told the Saint Cloud Visitor, diocesan newspaper. "You think why did he pick us?

What have we done to deserve this? But

we're very grateful."

of the 20th century are "mind-boggling."

was made

"Effective labor unions remain the most

Pope

powerful force in society for protecting workers' rights and improving their living conditions," he said.

Stays Off Ski Slopes

John Paul

persecution.

New President Named For

to avoid reinjuring a shoulder.

ment in Romania outlawed the EasternChurch in 1948.

Catholic Medical Mission Board

year-old pope,

communism. The

request

during a late January meeting

at the

Vatican to discuss the pastoral and practical rite

challenges faced by the Romanian-

church after more than 40 years of The communist govern-

ther

Catholic Actor Claude Akins Dies

ALTADENA, funeral St.

Mass was

—A

(CNS)

Calif.

celebrated Jan. 29 at

Elizabeth Church, Altadena, for vet-

eran actor Claude Akins,

who

gained a

guys and burly gentlemen. Akins died Jan. 27 of complications from stomach at his

home

in Altadena.

The

Georgia-born Akins converted to Catholicism when he married in 1952.

Varying accounts listed his age at either 75 or 67. Akins appeared in more than 50 movies and more than 400 episodes of television shows. recent acting jobs

One of

a staff mem-

a few aides

areas.

A

Father

McMahon

native of Bergenfield, N.J.,

served 20 years as a

Navy

before his

assignment to the Jesuit Retreat House.

St.

Cloud Catholic Couple

Wins $10 Million Sweepstakes ST. CLOUD, Minn.

was playing a priest in

(CNS)— When

sweepstakes officials choose winning does God sometimes offer a

entries,

guiding hand in the selection? Maybe,

Labor Honors Msgr. Higgins WASHINGTON (CNS)

say Alfred and Diane Slivnik of St. Cloud, the newest $10 million winners in the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. The Slivniks, members of St. Michael Parish in St. Cloud, said they

International

—

The

Washington office of the International Labor Organization gave its highest award Jan. 27 to Msgr. George G.

tVOCZ

dislocated his right

last

Mission Board. The board, which has offices in New York, provides medicines and other assistance for churchrelated medical programs in mission

chaplain in the U.S.

the Family Theater drama "The Search."

who

November, walked for about two hours Feb. 1 near the shoulder

Montecristo resort area in the Abruzzi mountains east of Rome. The pope re-

more

his

slipped off to the Italian

II

ber at the Jesuit Retreat House in Auriesville, N.Y., since 1990, has been named president of the Catholic Medical

reputation for playing blustery tough

cancer

Edward J. McMahon,

— Pope

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

mountains, but stayed off the ski slopes The 73-

NEW YORK (CNS) — Jesuit Fa-

rite

Mountains,

Visits

feel their financial windfall

Funeral

Home,

was a bless-

portedly stopped to eat a sack lunch with

who accompanied

who came seeking something better for themselves and their families."

China Bishop Detained After Meeting With Congressman WASHINGTON (CNS) An un-

—

derground Chinese Catholic bishop who met with an American congressman visiting China was arrested and detained for more than a week, possibly because of that meeting. Coadjutor Bishop Su Zhi Ming, 62, of Baoding was arrested

by Chinese authorities Jan. 20 and detained in an undisclosed location until the weekend of Jan. 29-30, according to a Jan. 31 statement from the office of

Rep. Christopher Smith, R-N.J.. Smith called the arrest evidence that China was "backsliding" on human rights.

"Human

him.

rights conditions continue to

deteriorate at a rapid pace," he said.

Anti-Immigrant Hostility Misplaced, Forgetful, Says Bishop

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (CNS)

— Modern

California could not have been built without a period of migration such as the state is undergoing today, said San Bernardino Bishop Phillip F. Straling in a pastoral statement on immigration. In the latest statement by one of California' s Catholic bishops on hostility toward immigrants, Bishop Straling said claims that immigrants are responsible for the state's economic and social ills are "wholly unjust and statistically unfounded." "Ignored in the xenophobic rhetoric

is

those

who

said.

"Nearly

the very family history of

are leveling the assault," he all

family history to

of us can trace our

Cardinal Krol Hospitalized With Respiratory Infection

PHILADELPHIA (CNS) John

nal

J.

was recovering

Philadelphia,

mas

— Cardi-

Krol, retired archbishop of

which followed a recent respiratory infection. The 83-year-old cardinal was admitted to the Philadelphia hospital Jan.

29 with symptoms of severe dehy-

dration, according to Dr. Joseph F.

Majdan. "For a week or so a lingering viral illness,"

prior,

Telephone 252-3535

1401

Asheville,

Patton

Avenue

NC 28806

Dr., Matthews, N.C. 28105

Minutes from The Arboretum Serving the people of Mecklenburg and Union Counties

Groce

-

St.

John M. Prock

-

St.

H. Dale

Joan of Arc Parish Joan of Arc Parish

Steve Kuzma, Director

Member of St. Matthew

Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus

Employment Opportunities Director of Liturgy: Would you like to serve full time beginning July 1, 1994 in a welcoming and prayerful community as the primary developer and coordinator of all parish liturgical programs? Vatican II community, 1 ,200 families located in central North Carolina. Work with Director of Music Ministries and other staff members. Qualifications: Master's degree or equivalent. Salary commensurate with degree and experience. Send resume and transcript to: Rev. James W. O'Neill,

St. Paul the Apostle Parish; 2715 Horse Pen Creek Rd.; 27410.

OSFS;

Greensboro,

NC

MONASTIC GUEST PROGRAM Month long monastic contemplative experience Within the enclosure of a Trappist-Cistercian community Requirements: Ability to live the

full

monastic schedule

Prayer

Work

Readings for the

Week of February

13

-

Community Events

February 19

Silence -

Sunday: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46;

Monday: James

1:1-11;

Mark

1

Corinthians 10:31-11:1;

Mark

& Solitude

All lived within the

Community

Because of the nature of the Monastic Guest Program, it is available only to men. Our Retreat Program, however, is open to both women

and men for private

Tuesday: James 1:12-19;

Mark

Joel 2:19-18; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2;

Thursday: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Luke 9:22-25.

Friday: Isaiah 58:1-9;

Mark

retreats

8:14-21.

No

Ash Wednesday:

9:14-15.

Mark

offering required

6:1-6, 16-18.

Monastic Guest program: Br. John Corrigan, O.C.S.O.

Retreat Program: Br.

Stephen Petronek, O.C.S.O

Mepkin Abbey

HC 69, Box 800 lay: Isaiah

58:9-14;

-

1:40-45.

8:11-13.

Luke 5:27-32.

said.

"Because of the protracted nature he became weakened and not able to take an adequate amount of food or liquids."

Funeral Service

Lawn

he had

Majdan

Williams-Dearborn 3700 Forest

Tho-

early February from complications

some brave immigrant

Inc.

at

Jefferson University Hospital in

Moncks Corner, SC 29461 (803) 761-8509

:

The Catholic News

ebruary 11, 1994

Catechism (FromPage

Dube, who said she thought the and U.S. bishops' publishers

same

date, said they

lad received two of four parts of the atechism on diskette and hard copy.

draft

on

lig was done on the hard copy, not

computer version.

Vatican officials were dissatisfied with the translation and have been redoing

l

Vocation Update

Reflections

since then.

By KEITH NESBITT

The U.S. Catholic Conference Office of Publishing

and Promotion Ser-

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom.. (Isaiah 35:1-10)

other U.S. publishing companies as co-

Advent, Christmastide and now the first few Sundays in ordinary time, then Lent. In Advent, St. John

publishers.

the Baptist cried out his

for the English text.

It

has signed on 12

desert.

At

(and probably in their hair.)

Slovenian, Maltese and, in part,

ing would probably be more than 300,000

wisemen knocked through some of the desert stuff too.

So what's the deal with the desert?

There's no denying it. The Middle East has a lot of it; desert, that is. And that is, after all, where God chose to become manifest. And in the fullness of time, ... (St.

is

,

copies, since 265,000 the only major

were already on

Western

order and several co-publishers have

A

recently said they plan to increase their orders.

DUA Thanks Diocese or Contribution Christian Schools Brother Patrick

of The Catholic Univerof America, has thanked the Dio;se of Charlotte for its contribution of 28,370.88 to the annual collection.

In a letter to Msgr. John J. lcSweeney, diocesan administrator, he lid, "We gratefully acknowledge your Dmpelling logic to make your univerty worthy of its proud name and to love us to benefit you and your diocese His, president

ty

multiple ministries.

we

message from the

Christmas, the Holy Family had sand on their sandals

Daniel E. Juday director of the pub-

uiguage in which it has not appeared.

I

strive daily to

Juday also declined to predict a date "We have less than half the text right now and no description of what's still to come or any confirmation of when it will come," he said.

He said the Vatican agency overseeing the catechism has indicated the rest would arrive "sometime in Februof publication.

ary."

But

after that,

he

text will

have to be

laid out for pagina-

tion, the footnotes

rechecked and the

make

this

whole

can be sent to the printer.

Once it is

at the printer, the publica-

tion date will

minimum print

eeds."

said, the

paragraph numbers and cross-references in the margins added before anything

assure you

an lvestment in the solutions to your

lat

And Sand

lishing office, said the first U.S. print-

it

Romanian.

its

Lent

Spanish, Portuguese, German,

English

l

On

it

has been published in

ince then

!atalan,

to

for approval in early 1993, but

vices holds all U.S. publication rights

The new catechism was formally isued in its original French edition by ope John Paul II in December 1992. :alian,

was completed and submitted

Rome

Itowever, she noted that cross-referenc-

ie

Hera

1)

.ustralian

/ere targeting the

&

be determined by the

of eight weeks

and bind the cloth

it

will take to

edition,

he

said.

And

at

Epiphany, the

Paul, Galatians 4:4)

But there's not much desert here. There's not any in And while there's sand on Ocracoke, we've just got a lot of red clay and black bogs.

And so, it really must have been "in the fullness of time," that God came when and where God chose to come, because if God had chosen to come here, we would have offered pine trees, "black ice," and the Blue Ridge mountains, all of which have their merits (well, two of them anyway), but we wouldn't have the desert.

Some will say it's a strange religion that has its heroes and heroines traipse into the desert: Moses and the Israelites for 40 years, Rachel and her children, and Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Not even Jesus was spared the human need of the desert. And if our journey is toward Jerusalem, as was Christ's, there's no other

Buncombe

or Henderson counties.

way of getting

there except through the desert.

But no one likes it in the desert. We understandably prefer Christmas and grandma's house to all the sand and quiet.

"You neglect and belittle the desert," wrote T.S. Eliot. It was thousands of years ago that the Bible was written, and the farther we come away from the symbols and metaphors that religious people used for so long, the more we are in danger not of leaving grandma's house, but of neglecting and belittling the desert.

No, not even Jesus, the son of God, could escape the cosmic order of things;

The resurrection was after the you can't really live until you've been alone somewhere, really alone, with no one but God, yourself and the devil. Alone in the dry heat and the quiet, your bare feet sifting through the hot sand, your body enduring the cold desert nights, huddled next to nowhere, but everywhere nearer to Jerusalem for all of it, like Christ. Nearer the resurrection, because what the prophet said is true: The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom. Jerusalem is just on the other side.

KeithNesbitt, a seminarian for the Diocese of Charlotte, is on a pastoralyear assignment at St. Barnabas Church in Arden.

the desert, then Jerusalem, death, then resurrection. desert, as if to say

CENfER j

—

Father/Son Program Sunday, Feb. 20 11-14

for boys

and

years old

their fathers

1:00 -4:00 p.m.

St.

Ann

Alvare (From

Parish Center

Page

1)

632 Hillside Avenue, Charlotte, N.C. God's

gift

of sexuality, fatherhood, chastity and

fertility.,

$10 per father/son team, each additional son

to legalize abortion as a population con-

be promoted as a method of family

trol

planning."

can attend for $2.50 more per person.

Reservations required. Call for reservation.

Office of Faith Formation

avoid abortion, which in no case should

(704) 331-1723

Strong criticism of the Clinton administration's proposal also came from Rep. Chris Smith, R-N. J., co-chairman of the House Pro- Life Caucus.

"Most less-developed nations have laws protecting unborn children from said Smith. "But the Clinton adminis-

during the month of February:

tration appears poised to

Reverend Reverend Reverend Reverend Reverend Reverend Reverend Reverend Reverend Reverend Reverend

Lawrence

embark on

a

crusade to pressure foreign governments

1985 Edward Beauty, 1990 George A. Watkins, 1948 Richard E. Barrett, 1959 Francis K. Brennan, 1962 Clarence F. Hill, 1966 James W. Kennedy, 1970 Vincent J. Mahoney, 1977 Francis J. Tait, 1988 Melchior Reichert, OSB, 1940 William Regnat, OSB, 1953 Hill,

Congress shortly after Clinton and other top officials heard an appeal to end abortion in this country from Mother Teresa of Calcutta at the National Prayer Breakfast.

"Any country

that accepts abortion

people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want," Mother Teresa said Feb. 3. is

not teaching

its

Have you given thought to being a priest

in the Diocese of Charlotte?

Come join us as we attempt to simplify our lives and serve

GOD in the manner of St. Francis of Assisi.

MAXMILIAN KOLBE FRATERNITY of the SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER invites you

ST.

to an

INQUIRY SESSION,

2 p.m. Feb. 13

at St.

John Neumann Church, 845 1 Idlewild Road, Charlotte

that

the administration submitted the bill to

abortion except in rare circumstances,"

Please pray for the following deceased priests

method."

Both Alvare and Smith noted

Contact Father Frank O'Rourke, Vocation Director 1621 Dilworth Rd. East Charlotte, N.C. 28203 (704) 334-2283

e Catholic

News

& Herald

February 11, 1994

'(^muniquemorwj Historia

De

Mi Vida

Por CARLOS M. CORTES Nacf en Santurce, Puerto Rico, en agosto de 1964. Unico hijo del primer matrimonio de mi padre me crie sin hermanos. Como mis padres ambos trabajaban me cuidaban mis abuelos todos los dfas. En la casa de mis abuelos di mis primeros pasos en el sector de Santurce conocido como el Barrio Obrero. Alia en casa de mi abuela Tata fui creciendo hasta que empece la escuela.

Me acuerdo de lo bello que es Puerto Rico, con el canto de los gallos

levantaba por la manana; en

el patio

me de

casa tenfamos un palo de ciruelos, otro de guanabana, uno de mango y uno la

de aguacate. Como no hace frio en Puerto Rico, podia salir a jugar beisbol o ir a la playa para nadar o jugar en la arena. Asf tuve una infancia

feliz.

Nada me

falto

hasta graduarme en la escuela superior.

cosas se estaban poniendo malas en Puerto Rico. Habfa mucho desempleo y si consegufas trabajo, solo te pagaban a $3.25 la hora.

Mi abuela me sugirio que ingresara en el ejercito de los Estados Unidos. Me dijo que saliera del pais a buscar iin buen porvenir en el Norte, donde habfa mas oportunidades de empleo.

En febrero de 1985 le di la sorpresa a mi abuela de haber pasado el examen de ingreso en el ejercito y le dije que salfa en dos semanas para en entrenamiento basico. Ella se alegro tanto que hasta lloro de alegria. Nunca me olvido del dfa que nos despedimos, fue diffcil separarnos, pero yo le prometf escribirle con frecuencia. Con un ultimo beso y abrazo me dio su bendicion y parti a una nueva etapa de mi vida.

El ejercito es fuerte ffsica y

Entonces

mentalmente,

las

el

entrenamiento es

constante siete dfas a la semana todo dia.

Fui aprendiendo cada dia

el

mas y

poniendome mas fuerte y resistente. Por fin llego la graduation y me dieron una semana libre. Sin decide nada, a mi abuela, compre un pasaje para Puerto Rico y le di la gran sorporesade visitarla.

Entre con la puerta abierta sin hacer ruido hasta la cocina, donde ella colaba el cafe, que felicidad sintio de verme de nuevo, vestido con el uniforme, un poco mas fuerte y sin pelo, como se acostumbra en el ejercito. Yo daba muchas gracias a Dios por las bendiciones que diariamente nos brinda.

Ahora me tocaba ir al entrenamiento avanzado en Ft. Gordon, Ga. A1H todo era mas suave y llegue a completar las veinte semanas. Pase entonces a Ft. Stewart, donde me entrenaron en "desplazamiento rapido" en caso de algun conflicto internacional Despues estuve trasladandome a distintas bases militares por un periodo de cuatro anos.

Al fin llego el dia en que se vencio mi contrato y en febrero del 91 acabe mi deber con el ejercito.

Viaje al estado de New York a visitar a unos primos y ver si consegufa trabajo.

Alia no me gusto el estilo de vida, mucha gente, poco trabajo y costo de vida muy caro. Entonces me encontre

mama

de un amigo que se crio conmigo en Puerto Rico y hacfa siete anos que no lo vefa. Su madre me dijo que el estaba trabajando en el departamento de radiologfa en el hospital Mercy en Charlotte, Carolina del

con

la

Norte. Conseguf su telefono y lo llame.

Jaime se alegro mucho al saber de ml y me invito a venir a visitarlo y si me

Janizel Espinosa, Angelina Rodriguez, Cristina y su

Arrepientete

En

Decidf viajar a Charlotte, pues no nada que perder, tome el autobus y llegue a visitar a mi amigo Jaime. Esto sucedio en marzo del 9 1 Esta ciudad me .

gusto mucho,

mas

tranquila que

New

York y la temperatura bastante agradable.

Mi amigo me ofrecio uno de sus cuartos, pues era soltero y vivfa en un apartamento

de dos cuartos muy comodos y con acceso al uso del gimnasio y de la piscina.

Asf empece a conocer a otras personas que trabajaban en el hospital Mercy con Jaime y a la semana siguiente ya conseguf trabaj o en una tienda de equipos de oficina. Un dfa conocf a Leshia, una de las amigas de Jaime que trabajaba en el hospital, sentf que de verdad habfa conocido a una persona especial. Ella en seguida me busco conversation y me

Seguimos saliendo por varias semanas y compartfamos mucho. Yo le lavaba el carro y ella me ayudaba con mi tanda de ropa para lavar.

Algunas veces le cocinaba comida invito a almorzar.

El

Y Cree

Evangelio

Jesus nos ensena a veneer el mal con la

tenia

hijos

Providencia, Patrona de Puerto Rico.

gustaba Charlotte podrfa conseguir trabajo tambien.

hermano Christopher Miranda,

de familias puertorriquenas, aparecen en la fiesta en honor a Nuestra Sefiora de la

oracion y la Palabra de Dios.

Cada

aho la Iglesia nos lleva al desierto con Jesus al comenzar la Cuaresma.

Necesitamos ese desierto, pero con Jesus.

Necesitamos alejarnos de tantas preocupaciones inutiles, de esa afanosa b-squeda de bienes materiales y de comodidades. Necesitamos olvidarnos un poco de nosotros y acordarnos mas de Jesus y de los hermanos y hermanas.

La Cuaresma es tiempo para profundizar nuestra fe. Para detenernos en el camino y ver por donde vamos. Para hacer un balance de nuestra vida espiritual. Y, sobre todo, es tiempo para llenar nuestra vida de oracion, de escucha y meditation de la Palabra de Dios, tiempo de arrepentimiento y conversion.

Cristo vivo, Cristo Maestro, Cristo

Redentor, tiene que ser nuestra Cuaresma. lo

el

Ya a ese

centro deu Cristo vivo

encontramos siempre en nuestros

hermanos, le servimos en ellos y ademAs de encontrarlo a El, nos encontramos a nosotros mismos.

La Cuaresma

es tiempo de la

preparation a la gran fiesta pascual de la

muerte y resurrection de Cristo y no podemos permitir que nuestro excesivo apego a los afanes de este mundo nos Dt impida morir y resucitar con Cristo.

Cristo muerto y resucitado es el centro y el objeto de nuestra fe y de nuestro amor.

El en sacramento del bautismo, celebramos los cristianos, en nuestra vida, el misterio de la Pascua de Jesus.

En el bautismo morimos a nosotros mismos y a nuestros pecados y malos habitos para resucitar con Cristo. El bautismo exige de nosotros una vida pura, una vida en lucha por la justicia, una vida como la vida de Jesus. ( Con permiso de los Padres de San

....

'

Pablo)

Noticias Diocesanas

"criolla" y le encantaba salir al teatro y a conciertos, en fin, la pasamos siempre

bien alegres.

Leshia era soltera,

que yo y trabajaba en

tres

anos mayor

el hospital

hacia

cinco anos, natural del Carolina del

Con

tiempo yo

ensene a hablar y a leer espafiol y tambien a cocinar comida latina. Por mi parte yo aprendf mucho de su cultura y con el tiempo nos enamoramos y nos casamos en agosto del 92. Ahora vivimos en Carmel Road. Mi esposa sigue trabajando en el hospital y yo en una de

Norte.

las

el

el

area de Charlotte.

Estamos esperamos con mucha ilusion a nuestro primer bebe para el mes de marzo.

Mientras tanto mi abuela tiene ya ochenta anos y nos ha visitado aquf en Charlotte. Yo le doy gracias a Dios todos los dfas por sus bendiciones.

Siempre

le

Ayuno y Abstinencia Dos dfas al ano hay ayuno

y abstinencia: el Miercoles de Ceniza y el Viernes Santo. Todos los viernes de

Cuaresma hay abstinencia de

carne.

To Our Friends

mas grandes de

companfas

construction en

le

Miercoles de Ceniza La proxima semana comenzara la Cuaresma con el Miercoles de Ceniza, 16 de febrero y en todas las iglesias catolicas los fieles pueden participar en la liturgia especial de este dfa e ir a recibir la imposition de la ceniza con las palabras: "Arrepientete y cree en el Evangelio" o bien: "Acuerdate de que eres polvo y al polvo has de volver".

hablo a mis amigos del amor

de Dios. Aunque uno este pasando por tiempos malos y pruebas, no hay que perder la fe en el Senor. Si oramos cada dfa, dedicamos nuestro hogar a Dios,

ayudamos

a nuestro prqjimo,

ponemos

problemas en manos de Dios y le servimos deseando el bien para todos, les aseguro que seremos felices y nuestros suenos se veran realizados. los

Carlos Cortes tells us

how he was

born and lived in Puerto Rico with his grandmother until he joined the Army for several years, then

York and

moved to New

finally to Charlotte

where

he got married and is very happy. We are reminded that Lent will begin Feb. 16 with

Ash Wednesday.

The Catholic News

ibruary 11, 1994

Prayer Breakfast...

pope Says Heart 'Broken' By Jews Of Latest Bosnia Atrocity — Pope

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

hn Paul II, saying his heart was broil by news of a lethal mortar attack on Sarajevo market, urged international ders to "try everything" to reach an fective cease-fire in Bosniaerzegovina.

The pope made

the remarks while

aying the rosary Feb. 5, several hours

slammed

a mortar shell

ter

into the

outdoor market in the Bosnian ipital, killing 68 people and injuring ain

Granic and explored the chances for peace.

"The Holy Father pleaded with Granic to do everything possible to arrive at a cease-fire, which is an indispensable condition for arriving at stability in the area," said Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro- Vails.

For his part, Granic thanked the pope for his peace efforts in the former Yugoslavian republics, the spokesman said.

On

)0.

Feb. 7, speaking to students of Defense College, the pope

NATO

The pope, who has made countless peals for peace in the former Yugo-

the

avian republics, appeared to be deeply

excuses sometimes given for the fighting in ex- Yugoslavia.

oved by the marketplace bombing, levision news reports in Italy and ound the world showed bodies of cilians lying in pools of blood, with sterical

family members trying to find

Ip.

'With a broken heart, all

I

am forced to

on the

reflected with disappointment

"We

are told that the indescribable

horrors being perpetrated daily on inno-

cent people are the inevitable result of

longstanding ethnic hostility and hatred

—

the hatred of one group for another,"

he

said.

"But this cannot be the whole expla-

the slaughter that occurred today

War

Sarajevo. Criminal hands continue to

nation.

It is

the

stematically destroy and massacre,"

result of a series of concrete policies

and

told several

hundred people present

"No one and no cause can

justify

ponsible for such an unworthy act to

They

will

answer

to

od for this," he said.

Bosnian leaders immediately amed Serbs for the massacre. Bosnian ,rbs

Someone, somewhere makes which bring a terrible aftermath of death, injury, destruction and sorrow," he said.

He added that the cruel and dehumanizing conflict shaking Europe shows that the continent is unsure of itself and needs to "recover its soul."

Mother Teresa clasps her hand in prayer as (1-r) Rep. Earl Hutto, D-Fla., Vice President Al Gore and Tipper Gore applaud during the National Prayer Breakfast. Mother Teresa told 4,000 breakfast guests including President and Mrs. Clinton that "the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion." (CNS photo from Reuters)

denied responsibility and accused

uslims of massacring their own people

Pro-life

peace talks. U.N. officials could immediately determine who fired

derail t

not inevitable:

decisions.

ch abominable actions. I beseech those these crimes:

is

the decisions

the rosary recital.

id

Workshop

MOORESVILLE — A

Evangelize (From Page

in the

Workshop for all parish coordinators

"People from the South have a tendency to believe something because their

arket only increases pressure

on the

and

grandfather said

ternational

even

community

at the price

for the

of the greatest

|\[

those interested in speaking

unborn will be given at St. Therese Church on Saturday, Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. -1:30 p.m. The presenter is Maggi Nadol, Respect Life coordinator for the Diocese of Char-

to "try every-

rifices, so that an effective cease-fire n be reached."

The Balkans are moving "toward abyss," he said, and Europe cannot lerate whole cities being destroyed d populations exterminated.

On Feb. 4, the pope met privately ith Croatian Foreign Minister Mate

\['

all

Pro-life

lotte.

To register or for more information, call Maggi Nadol at (704) 377-

it,"

says Maiers.

side of Union

County except for Myrtle Beach, was raised Advent Christian by strict parents. Her father was a deacon in the church. Yet, Maiers felt

THIS 1994 MINI VAN

OR ONE OF THREE CASH PRIZES

little

started

back

at

Our Lady of

Lourdes, and again joined the RCIA program. She stayed with the program this time, and was received into the Church at Easter 1992.

Maiers, who's rarely ventured out-

knew

"I it

would be

life,"

if I

didn't follow the route,

my my doubts were

the biggest mistake of

says Maiers. "All

always erased."

The Sunday she was

attach-

to state her

Church was the same day her family had planned their

ment to the Advent Christian religion.

The older she grew, the more she yearned

intentions to join the

for spiritual nourishment.

traditional Christmas dinner.

Maiers, 40, visited

6871.

She

all.

3)

The pope said the carnage

e shell into the marketplace.

ing,

& If

Our Lady of

Lourdes Church. She'd go to 8:30 a.m.

Mass and, as a formality, she'd attend an 1 1 a.m. Protestant service. She joined the RCIA program, but quit after her husband brought home anti-Catholic propaganda.

The marriage ended, and for another year, Maiers didn't go to church at

Knowing

her family would never understand, she to skip church. However, was postponed for other reaseemed as if God were paving

had decided the dinner sons.

the

It

way

for her.

Maiers wondered if she would ever meet and marry someone who shared her faith. After receiving an annulment of her first marriage, she was married in the Church this past October to Jerry Maiers, a cradle Catholic. He had fallen away from his faith and she brought him back. His mother wept with joy.

"I believe that the Catholic is

the

Church Christ

believe that with

BENEFIT SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH BUILDING FUND

_H0HK_

SEND THIS COUPON AND CHECK TO: (CHECK NO CASH PLEASE) $25.00 PER TICKET DESIRED

FILL IN THE ABOVE COUPON WITH YOUR NAME ADDRESS AND PHONE AS PURCHASER. RULES G TICKET STUB/S WILL BE MAILED TO THE ADDRESS ON THE COUPON ABOVE. DRAWING SCHEDULED FOR 3/26/94 (SEE RULES) WINNER NEED NOT BE PRESENT. RETURNED UNPAID CHECKS WILL VOID TICKET ENTRY WITHOUT NOTICE.

ONLY EL

4000 TICKETS TO BE SOLD

Wedding

let

you

them be."

Invitations

Dean Of Students

and

Full-time

Related Social Stationery

Dean of Students

Catholic High

for Charlotte

School needed beginning

with the 1994-95 school year. Applicants

DORADO INTERNATIONAL SPECIALTY LATIN AMERICAN FOOD

heart," says

lot

things are meant to be and

have to

OF TICKETS.

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH "RAFFLE" 1400 SUTHER ROAD CHARLOTTE. NC. 28H13

my

of comfort in knowing you are where you belong.

Maiers. "There's a

Some PHONE NUMBERS HOME

all

Church and I

instituted,

must have a B A or BS degree, a minimum Personal

&

Professional Service

of two years

work experience

in

an edu-

cational institution; strong administrative,

PRODUCTOS

de

MEXICO CENTRO

211 Kverson Charlotte, N.C.

y

SUR AMERICA

Way

28203

(704)552-8845 Charlotte, North Carolina

Member (daily)

1:30 p.m. -5 p.m. (Sunday)

tions

and request for application

Paulette Williams.

Phone (704) 522-9014 )pen 9:30 a.m. -8:30 p.m.

and communication skills; and knowledge of curriculum for secondary education. Send resume, salary expectaclerical

Cissy Carr

of

St.

Patrick Cathedral

lic

RSM.

lo: Sisler

Charlotte Catho-

High School, 3100 Park Road, Char-

lotte,

NC 28209.

Catholic

& Herald

News

February 11, 195

Diocesan News Briefs OWLS Club News CHARLOTTE

—

St.

OWLS. Club will not meet Feb. club will meet March

1

16.

The

6 for lunch and a

new senior center on Ty vola Road. Members will be contacted.

tour of the

Bishop Howze To Visit

ASHEVILLE— Parishioners of the Basilica of St.

Lawrence

(704) 331-1723. For more information, call Jay Hamilton at (704) 663-

a friend. Donations will be accepted.

fice,

CUF Meeting CHARLOTTE — All are invited to

6411.

The on Friday, Feb. 18 at the Catholic Center, 1524 East Morehead St. The program begins at 7:30 p.m.

Post Abortion Reconciliation CHARLOTTE Post Abortion Reconciliation Services will be offered on Thursday, Feb. 24 at Holy Family Church in Clemmons and Thursday, March 3 at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte. Services will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Martha Shuping will speak at both.

Gabriel's

will

welcome

and honor their former pastor, Bishop Joseph Howze of Biloxi, Miss., on Saturday, Feb. 12 with a reception hosted by the St. Anthony Society from 1 p.m.3 p.m. in Laurentine Hall.

On Sunday, Feb. 13, Bishop Howze will celebrate 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Masses. A dinner and program of African-American cultural recognition will be sponsored by the St. Anthony Society at 3 p.m. in Laurentine Hall. For more information, call (704) 658-0318.

Lenten Retreat Day

CHARLOTTE — "The Message of

Book of Revelation for Today" is the theme for a Lenten Day of Reflection at the

Gabriel

St.

Church

in the

community center on Satur-

attend the Catholics United For

with the Stations of the Cross, followed 8:30 p.m. by guest speaker, Father

Alfred McBride, a teacher at Pope John XXIII Seminary in Massachusetts. His

For information,

call

—A

weekend

"Clothed With the Sun: Women of the Bible and Us," is April 8- 1 0 at the Va'lle Crucis Conference Center near Boone. Participants will study Scriptural references to women and reflect on the meaning of the stories in their lives.

The retreat will conclude with a healing ritual of remembrance.

The cost is $95 and includes housing accommodations and meals for the weekend beginning with supper on Friday and ending Sunday after lunch. Early registration is encouraged. For information, call (704) 963-4453. retreat,

Belmont Abbey Receives Grant BELMONT Belmont Abbey

—

College has received a $20,000 grant

GREENSBORO Mass

— The

teachers in Gaston

p.m. The Korean Catholic community

guide,

will

The day will begin with a

morning

ses-

sion from 9 a.m.-noon followed

Duke

St., is

—

at The

Depot on Feb. 19 from 6:30 p.m.midnight. There will be a buffet dinner, dancing and fellowship for all adult members. Tickets are $5 and available

Saturday, Feb. 19 at 7:30

Masses.

after all

Father/Son Fertility Program

— The annual

MOORES VILLE — The sufferings

ther/Son Fertility Appreciation Program

of Christ will be remembered through

for

boys 1 1-14 years old and is Sunday, Feb. 20 from

their fa-

prayer, dialogue and meditation at St.

p.m. -4

Charlotte and the Natural Family Plan-

Therese Church each Friday evening beginning Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. The last session will be on Good Friday, April 1 at 3 p.m. outside the church, weather

2738.

ning Center, the program addresses the

permitting.

thers

at St.

center.

Ann Church

1

in the activity

Sponsored by the Diocese of

physical and emotional changes of early

S

W ANNANOA — The Men'

of St. Margaret

Annual

adolescence.

Club

The cost is $ 1 0 per family. Refresh-

Mary Church will spon-

ments will be served. Reservations are required by Feb. 16. To register, call Pam Smith at the Faith Formation Of-

s

sor a chili/sandwich dinner in the parish

on Sunday, Feb. 13 after 11 a.m.

Mass. All are invited to come and bring

hall

limited an

suggested. For

formation, write to

more

ii

Newman

Lectun The Oratory, P.O. Box 11586, Roc Hill, SC 29731 or call (803) 327-209

Heart For The Harvest

—

GREENSBORO

will host three

St.

Pius

workshops

c

relational evangelization beginning Sui 1 3 at 6:45 p.m. John Willett ( Search Ministries will help participan to reach out to people and share the faith. For more information, call Wa Edwards at (910) 282-4147.

The Catholic News & Herald we comes parish news for the diocesan ne

Good photographs, preferab, black and white, also are welcom Please submit news releases and photi at least 10 days before date of publici briefs.

Lenten Meditations fa-

CHARLOTTE

p.m.

Chili/Sandwich Dinner

is

tion.

encouraged. Participants should bring Bibles. For registration and information, call Sharon Mease at (704) 366is

is

car pooling

r<

quired. Parkin

X

GREENSBORO St. Pius is hosting a parish party, Celebration '94,

have a Korean Mass every second Saturday of the month. All are welcome.

by a

brown bag lunch with beverages available. The afternoon session is 2 p.m.-4 p.m. The fee is $15 and pre-registration

at St.

lecture

tration is not

FATHER ROHR

day, Feb.

I

Celebration '94

KoMary Church, 812

The

free. Pre-regi:

will support a reading certification pro-

for Chapter

Contempla tion."

Church

County.

first

and Holy Land tured presenter.

FATHER DOYLE

Korean Mass rean

the fea-

and Liberation and "Action an

from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, Inc. of Winston-Salem. The grant

gram

pre

sent "Scriptui

—

Retreat

Doyle, lecturer, teacher, author is

Albuquerque N.M., will

|3

Natural Family Planning SHELBY The Couple to Couple League will teach a series of four classes on the sympto-thermal method of Natural Family Planning on Sunday, Feb. 27 beginning at 3 p.m. at St. Mary Church in the parish hall. For information and registration, call Frieda Ashworth at (704) 484-0997.

(704) 364-9568.

'Women Of The Bible' VALLE CRUCIS

Stephen

ther

and Cor templation

tion

topic will be the new Catholic catechism.

day, Feb. 26.

Franciscan Fa-

Center for At

—

Faith meeting

at

Mass will be celebrated at nooi followed by a bag lunch. The afternoo session is from 2 p.m. -4 p.m.

Father Richard Rohr, founder of th a.m.

Newman

ROCK

Lecture HILL, S.C. The Rock

—

Newman

Hill Oratory will host the 14th

Lecture on Saturday,

Church, 1694 Bird

March 5

St.,

at St.

beginning

Ann

at

10

FOUR GREAT NAMES to

KNOW

Upcoming Dloceean Events Feb. 12

Regional Assembly

St. Ann, Charlotte

9 am

Sister Jean Under, (704) 331-1712

OSF

Feb. 12

Kickoff

-

MITSUBISHI DIXIE

4 pm

INSURANCE AGENCY,

INC. EXECUTIVE OFFICES 1373 WESTGATE CENTER DRIVE WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27103 PHONE 91 9 760-0565

MITSUBISHI

6951 E. Independence 531-3131

-

Agents

Sunday

•

Brokers

•

Consultants

•

Self-Insurance—Administrators

Campaign for Putting Children & Families First Parishes throughout Diocese Sister Miriam Flduccla, MSBT

(704)

343-9954

Scott Spivak

nmxnn

7001 E. Endependence

5354444

JIIjxectronic organ service

c*u?*.zh

(704) 331-1714

ffrgL Bono Feb.

19 Lay Ministry Training

Christian Morality, Session 2 St. Barnabas, Arden

10 am - 4 pm Sister Timothy Warren, (704) 334-1505

4100E. Independence

-ALL MAKES-

5354455

Rodgers - Hammond - Baldwin- Conn Lowery-Thomas-Kimball-Wurlitzer All Chimes-Carillons

PSM

19 Dollars and Good Sense Workshop for Pastors, Parish Finance Councils and Parish Finance Personnel St. Chares Dorromeo 10 am - 3 pm Sister Jean Under, OSF [704) 331-1712 Feb.

HYunoni

QUALITY SERVICE TO CHURCHES FOR OVER 3 1 YEARS 1337 CENTRAL AVE.

CHARLOTTE, NC 28205 n}usic§Electronics,Inc.

(704)375-8108 1-800-331-0768

THE

hpOlNjE

J.

DEALERSHIPS

WHERE YOU ALWAYS GET YOUR MONEY'S WORTH! F.J. LaPointe, President

Member of St.

Gabriel's

i

February 11, 1994

World and National Briefs Bishops Stress Link Between

appeals separately rather than as a group

the political

Environmental Justice, Poor WASHINGTON (CNS)

after

being convicted of trespassing and blocking pedestrian traffic at Indiana

can Army, appealed for "all those in civic, political and industrial leadership" in the United States to work for a settlement in Northern Ireland.

— Envi-

ronmental justice

is

inextricably linked

to the traditionally Catholic

on

the judicial process for the pro-life group,

according to their lawyer. "Unless we get a couple of miracles, these people

a national

The teleconference, called "The Environment: Hope for a Renewed Earth," aired Jan. 27 from the Washington headquarters of the Catholic Telecommunications Network of is at

the heart

of the solution to the environmental problem," said Walt Grazer, manager of the U.S. Catholic Conference's new environmental justice program. "Without justice for the poor there is no justice for the earth," he added.

are in effect denied their right to appeal," said Robert

Biggest

Numbers Down;

Drop In Theology Students

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The to-

number of U.S. Catholic seminarians dropped by 2.2 percent last fall, from 6,383 in 1992 to 6,244 in 1993. The decline stemmed from a sharp drop in the most significant group theology tal

—

students,

who

final years

are seminarians in their

of study before ordination.

Their numbers declined from 3,178 to

Henke

in an inter-

view with the Northwest Indiana Catholic, newspaper of the Gary Diocese.

Court Asked To Throw Out ChurchState Precedents In School Case WASHINGTON (CNS) In a potentially significant New York school case, the Supreme Court is being asked

—

to reject several of its previous church-

The U.S. CathoConference and the Knights of Co-

state separation rulings. lic

U.S. Seminary

ruling could halt

and

teleconference.

America. "Social justice

The

cause of

justice for the poor, said bishops

other Catholic officials

abortion clinics.

theology students since 1981,

when the-

Minister Viktor S. Chernomyrdin spent

almost an hour together in a private meeting Jan. 28. Details of their conversation, conducted in Russian, were not released. A Vatican spokesman said later

policies will affect the approximately

3,400 lay employees of the Vatican and its city-state. An official of the Vatican lay employees' association expressed satisfaction with the steps.

Holy

Catholics are "on the brink of extermi-

courts said the Legislature vio-

lated the Establishment Clause of the

Constitution and created an impermis-

"symbolic union of church and state," the primary effect of which is "to advance religious beliefs." sible

—

NEW

New York

lege and pre-theology levels of study.

ban, appealed for continuing U.S. ef-

conference Feb.

ended

1

his visa

forts to help resolve the conflict in North-

to the

Father the position of his government

—

ern Ireland. "The U.S. government can

play a significant and positive role in encouraging the peace process by helping to create a climate which situation on," he said.

moves

the

Adams, who heads

Not Be Silenced Again

nation" while the world community does

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Church

nothing to stop the violence, said Arch-

law should be applied with respect for the truth and cannot be bent to fit supposed pastoral interests, Pope John Paul II told Vatican jurists. In marriage cases specifically, charity or mercy cannot be separated from the "demands of the truth" about valid matrimony, he told members of the Roman Rota Jan. 28.

The Rota, a Vatican court of appeals, handles annulment cases. A valid marriage must be respected as such, even if troubled, he said. To do otherwise would ultimately do pastoral and social damage, the pope said.

bishop VinkoPuljic of Sarajevo, Bosnia-

Herzegovina. In the three-sided civil war, Catholics first faced the onslaughts of Serbs and article in lic

Some French

Almost

all

Bosnian

Catholic Hospitals

Stop In Vitro, Others Continue ROME (CNS) Two French Catholic hospitals have agreed to stop

—

providing in vitro fertilization services, but several others continue the practice, said Father Olivier de Dinechin, French

bishops' spokesman on bioethical

to

is-

The

doing

in vitro fertilizations are

individuals and institutions gave the

nicating with the Vatican or with local

three or four hospitals

still

commu-

own discretion,

bishops about the situation, he said.

according to the Pontifical Council Cor

Father De Dinechin discussed these cases

Unum, which distributed the aid. Cor Unum, the Vatican's aid coordinating agency, said Jan. 28 that the money

ted

at his

in written

answers to questions submit-

by Catholic News Service. In vitro fertilization is the uniting of sperm and eggs

in a laboratory dish.

®

over Central

This newspaper is printed on recycled newsprint and is recyclable,

age of darkness.

struggles hard to revive the faith after decades of forced atheism.

strives against great

charities

A vvenire, Milan-based Catho-

newspaper.

sues.

Now communism has fallen, but the Church continues to raise the cross.

To succeed

by

bylined

Catholics," he added.

and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. The Church held up the

It

1

Pope John Paul II, no world leader "makes his voice heard in defense of us

went to help victims of natural disasters, war and extreme economic crises.

Among the individual sums listed was a $300,000 gift from the pope to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees' work in the former Yugoslavia. He also gave another $270,000 for assistance to the victims of war in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

light of faith in an

in a Feb.

war victims in 1993. The donations came from money that religious orders, pope for spending

era, the faithful raised the cross all

are being attacked

Catholics are ethnic Croats. Except for

—

and assistance

now

Muslims, he said

Pope Gave More Than $1.3 Million For Disaster Relief In 1993 VATICAN CITY (CNS) Pope John Paul II gave more than $1.3 million for disaster relief

During the communist

the other provisions

Church Law Not To Be Bent For 'Pastoral' Reasons, Pope Says

Lower

after President Clinton

Them

Among

were educational subsidies for employees with children, expansion of maternity leave and special provisions for families with disabled members. The

cation in a small Jewish community.

pate in a

Let

Jan. 28.

Archbishop Says Bosnian Catholics Face Death, World Does Nothing MILAN, Italy (CNS) Bosnian

created to provide special edu-

showed slight increases in the total num-

—

Pope John Paul II to mark the 1994 International Year of the Family.

They were announced by the Vatican lished by

meeting Russia's prime minister, expressed his hopes for better economic times in Russia, but focused his attention on the need to ensure religious freedom in the former center of the Soviet Union. The pope and Prime II,

on the principal problems of national and international life."

district

bers of seminarians at high school, col-

Judge's Ruling May Prevent Appeal Of Abortion Protest Sentences GARY, Ind. (CNS) A judge has ruled that 36 members of Collegians Activated to Liberate Life must file

among a package of new benefits estab-

—

peals in a case involving a public school

ology enrollment dropped 8.8 percent from the previous year. The new figures

the largest loss of

Pope Expresses Hopes For Better Economic Times In Russia VATICAN CITY (CNS) Pope John Paul

— The

Vatican has begun paying its employees a "baby bonus" equal to two-thirds of their monthly paycheck every time a child is born or adopted. The policy is

Chernomyrdin "explained

Sinn Fein Leader Urges Continued U.S. Efforts For Irish Peace YORK (CNS) Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, allowed to partici-

was

To Pay Lay Employees "Baby Bonus" VATICAN CITY (CNS) Vatican

the Irish Republi-

lumbus have filed briefs urging the court to reverse the New York Court of Ap-

2,915, for a one-year loss of 263, or 8.3 percent. That

wing of

odds

THE OMTOKV

It

to rebuild Catholic institutions.

in this mission, the

Church needs

434 Charlotte Avenue P.O. Box 11586 Rock Hill, SC 29731 (803) 327-2097

to restore its parishes,

and seminaries. With faith and determination, Eastern European

Catholics are

The 14th Annual

moving ahead.

Cardinal Newman Lecture Saturday, March 5, 1994

—

especially At the same time, they look to the faithful of other countries for all. cross of faith, and raise the once the United States them to help

—

9:30 a.m.

Fr.

-

4:00 p.m.

Richard Rohr, O.F.M.

Topics: Scripture and Liberation

Please keep them in your prayers and give generously to the

Action and Contemplation

Collection to Aid the Catholic in

Collection -

Church

Central and Eastern Europe

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 16

Father Rohr lives and works at the Center for Action and Contemplation in All are

welcome

as guests of

PLEASE NOTE: This year's lecture will be held at St. Anne's Church, Rock

Hill, S.C.

New Mexico.

The Oratory 1694 Bi

& Herald

News

16 Trie Catholic

Blacks

Still

February 11, 1994

—

CHICAGO (CNS) Blacks in the United States are still victimized by racism, and whites are slow to realize that, said speakers at a conference on racism sponsored by the Illinois Cathobishops.

lic

By Racism, Conference Told

Victimized

"The legacy of white supremacy

is

"People ask me why I write so much about race," said Page Feb. 3. "I think they're asking why I write about race at all."

The conference launched a threeyear initiative by Illinois bishops to address racism. The effort is being led

the fundamental crisis that sits at the

by the Catholic Conference of

very core of the experiment called

West said white immigrants to the United States found a country much

said Cornel

American democracy,"

West, author and professor, at the Chicago conference Feb. 2.

West, a Princeton University professor who wrote the best seller Race Matters, linked poverty, unemployment

and other social

ills

among blacks to the

long history of racism in the United States.

Clarence Page, a journalist with the Chicago Tribune daily newspaper, said whites are reluctant to acknowledge the

importance of race in politics, housing and many other aspects of U.S. life.

more

friendly to

blacks. Whites

them than

were able

Illinois.

it

was

to

to join the

middle class partially through substantial government assistance, such as the GI Bill, he said. Blacks on the other hand were viewed with hostility from day one, West said.

"Ever since the first skilled black worker got off the boat, the talk was there were too many poor black people," he said. A legacy of the white supremacy mentality? he added, is cultural decay, evident in U.S. consumerism.

Cardinal Says Major Religions

Share Responsibility For Peace VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Major

The monotheistic

religions have a

religions are obliged to help reduce con-

special responsibility to

and misunderstanding in the world by promoting respect for others and for

more aware of This

their beliefs, a top Vatican official said.

peace, love and

flict

"We savage

need

to

is

the

make people

this basic fact,

he

said.

way to build "a civilization of life

—

the only alterna-

go beyond the age of

tive to war, violence and death," he said.

become

The cardinal noted that the theme of tolerance was an important one, and that

pluralism in order to

aware of the existence of an indivisible human community," said French Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

He made the remarks Feb. 8 at the opening of the Conference on Peace and

expected to declare 1995 the International Year of Tolerance. But he said the basis for religious harmony is not merely enduring or supporting the existence of oththe United Nations

but respecting individual freedom

ers,

by Christians, Muslims and Jews, was co-sponsored by ecuPatriarch Orthodox menical Bartholomeos I and by the New Yorkbased Appeal of Conscience Foundation, an ecumenical organization.

Cardinal Etchegaray said the common mission of peace shared by all

of conscience.

Instead, this reciprocal respect

ing, attended

religions

makes

interreligious dialogue

A durable peace can only be built upon respect for others, including their religious beliefs, he a duty in today's world.

said.

above all in the hands of believers, those who have a "This durable peace

unitive vision of the

which everyone God," he said.

is

human

should be built on ticularly religious

human

rights, par-

freedom expressed in

society's laws, he said. In this sense, he said, tolerance

to spiritually

whites in reality do not want to accept

high percentage of whites, whereas whites are not willing to live among

—

should be an attitude

forged in deeply held religious convictions.

The reluctance of whites with blacks

that blacks are willing to live

blacks.

"Where you live determines so many life choices you face," he said.

Chicago said blacks confront obstacles not faced by other ethnic groups because of racism and that individual efforts alone cannot overcome these barri-

ethnic group ever was, said Massey.

"Housing markets

distribute not only houses but also quality of education, insurance rates, wealth in the form of home equity, exposure to crime and drugs and the peer group your children

associate with."

Blacks are segregated as no other Hispanics typically live in areas that are

50 percent Hispanic, whereas blacks commonly live in areas 90 percent black, he said.

ers.

and cut off neighborhoods will go downhill," said Douglas Massey. "It has nothing to do with the individual characteristics of people. Calling people

"Other groups never lived in such poor neighborhoods," he said. "As you

"If you segregate people

capital, those

concentrate poverty, you concentrate

anything correlated with poverty: crime, joblessness, single parenthood, welfare.

we

"Unless segregation

Law

face the fact that racial

is still

we

with us,

solve the problems before us,"

(From Page

2)

cannot

Massey

added. "These institutional problems are external, powerful and

The request for the emergency stay was aimed at preventing the law from taking effect while that appeal was pending. They said that making women wait

beyond the

control of any individual."

law takes effect before they it imposes "serious irreparable harm."

Souter, the justice who handles emergency matters from the 3rd Circuit, rejected their arguments in a six-page

Notebook

opinion.

in the area

until the

(From Page 4)

challenge

attorney general, Ernest Preate

ance strongly held individual beliefs with an openness to the truths of others,

all," said the

A

spokesman

As

air strikes against

by the

Serbian

positions, she feels that should be left to

commanders on the ground

the military

UN peacekeeping They're the experts and know what can be done and what should be done.

Unless someone comes up with a with the

forces.

indi-

Jr.,

for military intervention

West, such as

for Pennsylvania's

cated that the law will take effect within days. "It's time to end this once and for

which will stop the killing, I have to go along with Lady Margaret. better idea

spokesman, Robert Gentzel.

"There's got to be some finality."

said.

If 11!:

family in

The Right Direction For Healthcare.

Your child might be sick with the

to

have

a

work-related physical

exam. Whatever your healthcare needs,

choosing the physicians

St

£ y and start at Mercy

Delicious Dining

Medical SouthPark's

Maid, Maintenance

Board

Laundry Services

<*

^

}effrey '

CM*>

^

Baratta

and Receptionist, Lisa Cajuste

,

,

•

ill:

flu or

one of your employees

Care Facility

&

a

of the

One and Two Bedroom Homes

•

among

equally loved by

is

24 Hour Security

to live

a factor in segregated

is

be colorless," he said, adding that assimilation ought to be a two-way street.

"To close our racial divide we have to change our views of integration," Page said. "It's wrong to see the white way as the right way."

Later in the Feb. 2-5 conference, a sociology professor at the University of

Park. Like Setting • Triad Location

•

he

can Apartheid: Segregation and the Making ofthe Underclass. Surveys show

may need

•

ills,

housing, said Massey, author of Ameri-

when we people of color tend to

Community Offers Peace of Mind Life

to dire social

said.

—

Maryfield Acres Retirement

•

which leads

erty,

are disproportion-

means concentrating pov-

ately .poor,

"White people tend to be most com-

Absolute religious beliefs should not be understood as exclusionary, Cardinal Etchegaray said. The challenge facing interreligious dialogue is to bal-

he

who

rating blacks,

blacks and their culture, he said. fortable

housing results in segregation. Sepa-

in

—

—

to

work harder will not work."

Massey argued that discrimination

is

Tolerance in Istanbul, Turkey. The meet-

renew themselves or

"Love, care, concern, service for remember those?" asked West.

"It' s hard to stay in contact with those in a marketing culture."

As a solution, West called for "relearning the art of public conversation."

He urged reliance on two traditions the prophetic Christian and the radical democratic traditions.

Page said whites assume from the success of such black stars as Oprah Winfrey and "the two Michaels Jordan and Jackson" that race is no longer a factor in the United States. But others

office

is

a step in the right direction.

certified in family practice, Dr. Pat Baratta

routine a member of Mercy Medical Group and offers and pre-employment physicals and examinations, treatment is

Transportation

•

Priority

admission

to

of illness, disease or injury and drug screening collections.

nursing

Convenient facility

and recuperation care are

SouthPark

guaranteed. '

3 Floor Plans Available or Build

Your Let's

to your

home

or office,

located off Fairview

Mercy Medical

Road and

offers flexible

hours to meet your busy schedule. Call today and let Mercy Medical SouthPark's caring staff help you with

your healthcare needs.

Own Home.

Get Acquainted!

(919) 454-5211 1315 Greensboro Road

High

is

Point, N.C.

27260

Mercy Medical Gojp Mercy Medical SouthPark 6725-A Fairview Road 365-0677

fci