Jan. 8, 2016

January 8, 2016

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‘Open the doors of your heart’

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Bishop Emeritus Curlin opens Door of Mercy in Greensboro, encourages people to see Jesus in the poor and unloved 3

THANK YOU!

‘What are your spiritual goals for 2016?’

MARCHING FOR

LIFE

Bishop Jugis offers 5 suggestions to grow in holiness this New Year

Be a voice for the voiceless at March for Life Charlotte

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14-15

2015: A look back at a year of joy and sorrow, 9-13

Year of Mercy

catholicnewsherald.com | January 8, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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MERCIFUL LIKE THE FATHER Jubilee Year of Mercy

December 8, 2015 - November 20, 2016

Prayer of Pope Francis for the Jubilee Year of Mercy

Pope Francis

Seek out signs God offers everyone for finding Jesus

G

o out and seek the signs God is offering everyone today that will lead to Christ, Pope Francis said. The thirst for God is present in everyone, and it’s the church’s task to help those with “a restless heart” by pointing them to the true light of Christ, the pope said Jan. 6, the feast of the Epiphany, which marks the manifestation of Jesus as savior to the world.

In his homily during Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope said the Church’s mission is to help people “know the face of the father” by first receiving “God’s light and then to reflect it. This is her duty.”

The Church must always remember, however, that the light it shares is the glory of the Lord. “The Church cannot deceive herself into thinking that she shines with her own light.

She cannot,” he said. “Christ is the true light shining in the darkness. To the extent that the Church remains anchored in Him, to the extent she lets herself be illuminated by Him, she is able to bring light into the lives of individuals and peoples,” he said.

It is only by receiving this divine light that Christians can be true to their vocation of proclaiming the Gospel, which is not proselytism, not a mere profession and “not simply one option among many,” but an obligation, he said.

The Three Wise Men who sought the promised king show that “the seeds of truth are present everywhere, for they are the gift of the Creator, who calls all people to recognize Him as the good and faithful Father,” he said.

“The Church has the task of recognizing and bringing forth more clearly the desire for God, present in the heart of every man and woman.”

“Like the Wise Men, countless people, even in our own day, have a restless heart, which continues to seek without finding sure answers,” he said.

“They, too, are looking for a star to show them the path to Bethlehem.”

But Christians must also keep asking and looking for the Christ Child as well, especially in today’s age, and “to seek the signs which God offers us, realizing that they require our diligence in order to interpret them and, therefore, understand His will.”

“And once we have found Him, let us worship Him with all our heart, and present Him with our gifts: our freedom, our intelligence, and our love.”

“True wisdom lies concealed in the face of this child. It is here, in the simplicity of Bethlehem, that the life of the Church is summed up.”

Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief. Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: “If you knew the gift of God!” You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests His power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified. You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God. Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind.

We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy; you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.

Amen.

In Brief Year of Mercy website Keep up to date on all Jubilee Year of Mercy events, download catechetical resources on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, watch videos on the theme of mercy, and much more, at the Diocese of Charlotte’s Year of Mercy website: www.yearofmercy.rcdoc.org.

Diocesan pilgrimage planned to Rome CHARLOTTE — Join the Diocese of Charlotte’s official pilgrimage to Rome for the Year of Mercy Oct. 12-21, 2016. The trip will include visits to Siena and Assisi, and will be under the spiritual direction of Father Michael Kottar, pastor of St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Shelby, and Father Carmen Malacari, pastor of Holy Spirit Church in Denver. (See more information on page 25.)

To receive the brochure or register, contact Jean Judge at jmjudge@charlottediocese.org or 704-487-7697, ext. 103.

‘Mercy is a Person’ talk to be held in Greensboro GREENSBORO — In partnership with Belmont Abbey College, St. Pius X Church will host the free lecture “Mercy Is A Person: Meditations on the Jubilee Year of Mercy,” exploring Jesus Christ as the Face of Mercy, presented by Dr. Alessandro Rovati, starting

at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16. St. Pius X Church is located at 2210 N. Elm St. in Greensboro. This is the first installment of the St. Pius X/Belmont Abbey Lecture Series. For details, go to www.stpiusxnc.com or contact Derek Rotty at drotty@stpiusxnc.com.

‘iMercy: The Divine Hotspot’ mission at St. Matthew CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church will host a three-day parish mission entitled ‘iMercy: The Divine Hotspot’ Jan. 25-27, presented by a team of Dominican priests.

Call the parish office at 704-5437677 or go to www.stmatthewcatholic.org for details.

Learn more about the ‘Gospel of Mercy’ MINT HILL — A discussion about the Jubilee Year of Mercy will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at St. Luke Church, located at 13700 Lawyers Road in Mint Hill. Led by Mercy Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin, the discussion will focus on the “Gospel of mercy,” examining both Old and New Testament understandings as well as other Church documents. Sister Mary Hugh will also review Pope Francis’ decree for the Year of Mercy, entitled “Misericordiae Vultus.” Reading the decree before the class is recommended. Please bring a Bible and a copy of the decree.

— Catholic News Herald

The rights and obligations of the People of God Editor’s note: We are gratified to introduce this series about the rights and obligations of the Christian faithful, as set forth in canon (Church) law, written especially for the Catholic News Herald by Mercy Sister JeanneMargaret McNally. Sister Jeanne-Margaret is a distinguished authority on canon law, author of the reference guide “Canon Law for the Laity,” and frequent lecturer at universities and dioceses. A graduate of The Catholic University of America with multiple degrees including a doctorate in psychology and a licentiate of canon law (JCL), she is a psychologist for the Tribunal of the Diocese of Charlotte and a judge in the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Miami.

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oo often canonists say that the people do not understand their rights in the Church. This series of articles will identify and explain the rights as found in the Code of Canon Law. The Code of Canon Law lists 15 canons on the rights and obligations of all the Christian faithful. An additional eight canons address the Rights and Obligations of the Laity.

A discussion of rights requires that we define the terms we are using. Foremost, we must note that with rights always come obligations.

The Christian faithful are those who have been baptized. A right is that which a person has a just claim to – power, privilege, etc. – that belongs to a person by law, nature or tradition (Webster). In civil law, a right indicates justice, ethical considerations, power, privilege, a faculty or demand inherent in one person and incident upon another (Black’s Dictionary of Law). The First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution are the backbone of individual liberty. They protect our freedom and right of each of us to express our own values and beliefs.

In addition to a right being inherent in a human person, rights can be acquired by administrative acts (a constitution, rule of order, etc.). A right can be harmed by an administrative act. Such acts are human acts and must be placed knowingly and freely and not be influenced by external force, fear or malice, by a legally competent person or body.

Respect for the rights of the faithful enables them to participate in the life of the Church, and to promote and strengthen the ecclesial community.

COMING NEXT: The Fundamental Equality of the Faithful

Your daily Scripture readings JAN. 10-16

Sunday (The Baptism of the Lord): Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11, Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7, Luke 3:15-16, 21-22; Monday: 1 Samuel 1:1-8, Mark 1:14-20; Tuesday: 1 Samuel 1:9-20, 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8, Mark 1:21-28; Wednesday (St. Hilary): 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20, Mark 1:29-39; Thursday: 1 Samuel 4:1-11, Mark 1:40-45; Friday: 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22, Mark 2:1-12; Saturday: 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 19, 10:1, Mark 2:13-17

JAN. 17-23

Sunday: Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, John 2:1-11; Monday: 1 Samuel 15:16-23, Mark 2:18-22; Tuesday: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Mark 2:2328; Wednesday (St. Fabian, St. Sebastian): 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51, Mark 3:1-6; Thursday (St. Agnes): 1 Samuel 18:6-9, 19:1-7, Mark 3:7-12; Friday (Day of Prayer for the Protection of Unborn Children): 1 Samuel 24:321, Mark 3:13-19; Saturday (St. Vincent, St. Marianne Cope): 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; Mark 3:20-21

JAN. 24-30

Sunday: Nehemiah 8:2-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-30, Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21; Monday (The Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle): Acts 22:3-16, Mark 16:15-18; Tuesday (Sts. Timothy and Titus): 2 Timothy 1:1-18, Mark 3:31-35; Wednesday (St. Angela Merici): 2 Samuel 7:4-17, Mark 4:1-20; Thursday (St. Thomas Aquinas): 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29, Mark 4:21-25; Friday: 2 Samuel 11:1-10, 13-17, Mark 4:26-34; Saturday: 2 Samuel 12:1-17, 10-17, Mark 4:35-41

Our parishes

January 8, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Lexington pastor removed from ministry following allegation

‘WHAT ARE YOUR SPIRITUAL GOALS FOR 2016?’

Bishop Jugis offers 5 suggestions to grow in holiness this New Year SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — For Catholics, New Year’s Day is more than just a day to make resolutions. It’s a day to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God and consider ways to imitate her virtues to grow in holiness and in deeper communion with her Son, Jesus Christ.

“Have you decided on your goals for the year 2016?” asked Bishop Peter Jugis during his homily Jan. 1 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. “We’ve got to have goals. We’ve got to have something to work toward to keep us moving forward – otherwise, we just stay in one place.”

For those who may be seeking HOLINESS, SEE PAGE 16

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter Jugis extends a New Year greeting to the faithful as they leave Mass Jan. 1 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

Bishop Emeritus William Curlin opens the Door of Mercy at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro Jan. 2. The holy door is one of three pilgrimage sites in the Diocese of Charlotte for the Year of Mercy.

Also pictured are Dan Curran and Pat Spivey, and in the background, Monsignor Joseph Showfety, the first chancellor of the diocese.

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘Open the doors of your heart’

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Bishop Emeritus Curlin opens Door of Mercy in Greensboro PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

GREENSBORO — The Diocese of Charlotte’s third Door of Mercy was swung wide open at St. Pius X Church Jan. 2 by Bishop Emeritus William Curlin, who encouraged people to similarly open their hearts to Jesus during this Jubilee Year of Mercy.

The rite to bless and open the Door of Mercy was celebrated at the start of Mass on the eve of the Epiphany. The celebration included Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church, and Monsignor Joseph Showfety, the diocese’s first chancellor.

St. Pius X Church is one of three pilgrimage sites in the diocese for the Jubilee Year of Mercy, which continues until Nov. 20, 2016. The other two holy doors are at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte and St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville.

St. Pius X’s holy door is commemorated with the Latin inscription HOLY DOOR, SEE PAGE 28

CHARLOTTE — Effective Dec. 19, Oblate Father Albert J. Gondek has been temporarily removed from ministry following an accusation of child sexual abuse alleged to have occurred about five years ago.

Father Gondek, a priest with the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales for nearly 50 years, served as pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary of Church in Lexington for the past 17 years. “In consultation with Bishop Peter J. Jugis,” head of the Diocese of Charlotte, his order placed him on administrative leave from his pastorate “in an abundance of caution” while an investigation of the allegation is conducted, a Dec. 19 statement from the province’s spokesman Father Kevin Nadolski said.

“The allegation was reported to the Oblates from an incarcerated man who claims Fr. Gondek touched him in a sexually inappropriate way about five years ago when he was 18.

The man also claimed that this occurred with minors, who have not come forth,” the statement said.

“The Oblates and the (Charlotte) diocese FILE will work with local Gondek law authorities to address this matter,” the Oblates’ statement continued.

Holy Rosary parishioners were informed of the allegation Dec. 19 by members of Father Gondek’s order who are staffing the parish.

During the investigation Father Gondek will not publicly celebrate Mass or the sacraments or exercise ministry.

“He will live in an Oblate community, outside of North Carolina, that is not connected to a church property,” the Oblates’ statement said.

The move to place Father Gondek on administrative leave follows the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, and does not imply guilt or innocence. The charter, adopted in 2002, codifies the Church’s commitment to respond effectively, appropriately and compassionately to cases of abuse of young people by priests, deacons or other Church personnel.

“Our commitment to protect children and create safe environments impels us to have Fr. Gondek step back from his ministry until a thorough investigation is conducted,” said Oblate Father James J. Greenfield, the order’s provincial, in the statement. “We make no judgment on either the accuser or Fr. Gondek. We await the results of the investigation and remain committed to guaranteeing the safety of children and advancing the truth.”

In a separate statement, Bishop Jugis said, “The abundance of caution GONDEK, SEE PAGE 16

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | January 8, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: JAN. 12 – 11 A.M. Presbyteral Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte JAN. 15 – 12 P.M. Charlotte March for Life JAN. 17 – 2 P.M. Mass for 50th Anniversary of Parish St. Barnabas Church, Arden

JAN. 20-23 March for Life Washington, D.C.

FEB. 4 – 11 A.M. Catholic Schools Week Mass Charlotte Catholic High School, Charlotte

JAN. 22 – 11:30 A.M. Mass Giving Thanks to God for Gift of Human Life Basilica of National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Washington, D.C.

FEB. 6 – 11 A.M. Mass for World Day of Consecrated Life St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

FEB. 1 – 10 A.M. Catholic Schools Week Mass St. Michael School, Gastonia

Diocesan calendar of events January 8, 2016

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS

Volume 25 • NUMBER 7

CHARLOTTE MARCH FOR LIFE 2016: Noon Friday, Jan. 15. Park and assemble at 11 a.m. in the parking lot at the corner of South Church and West Palmer streets across from the diocesan Pastoral Center (1123 S. Church St., Charlotte). A Mass for the unborn will also be offered at 9 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte. For details, go to www.marchforlifecharlotte. org.

1123 S. CHURCH ST. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

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

STAFF EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org ONLINE REPORTER: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER: Rico De Silva, 704-370-3375, rdesilva@charlottediocese.org

THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year.

NEWS: The Catholic News Herald welcomes your news and photos. Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org. All submitted items become the property of the Catholic News Herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC WOMEN’S GROUP MORNING REFLECTION: Mass at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 11, St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, followed by fellowship and reflection at 10:30 a.m. by Father Casey Coleman, parochial vicar of the parish. Questions?

Contact Connie Hudack at 704-488-6822 or email cshudack@gmail.com.

PROCESSION FOR LIFE: 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, Charlotte Catholic High School Chapel, 7702 PinevilleMatthews Road, Charlotte, hosted by the Charlotte chapter of Helpers of God’s Precious Infants. Procession followed by prayer at Family Reproductive Health on Hebron Road. For details, go to www.CharlotteHelpers. com.

HEALING MASS AND ANOINTING OF THE SICK: 2 p.m. every third Sunday of the month, St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr., Maggie Valley. Individual prayers over people after Mass by Charismatic Prayer Group members. For details, call the parish office at 828-926-0106.

HOLY SPIRIT CHARISMATIC PRAYER MEETING: Meets every Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m., St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr., Maggie Valley. For details, call Don Zander at 828-400-9291.

ST. JOSEPH INTERCESSORY PRAYER GROUP: 7:30 p.m. every Monday, choir room at St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro. For details, call 336-272-4681.

DIVINE MERCY CENACLE: 10 a.m. every first and third Wednesday of the month and 7 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Charlotte. For details, call Donna Fodale at 704-237-4820.

ADVERTISING: Reach 165,000 Catholics across western North Carolina! For advertising rates and information, contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.

DIVINE MERCY PRAYER SERVICE: Exposition and Benediction, sung Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and readings from the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, 7-8 p.m. every First Friday at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. For details, call Paul Deer at 704577-3496 or Deacon James Witulski at 704-960-3704.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year for all registered parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all others.

LECTURES & WORKSHOPS

POSTMASTER: Periodicals class postage (USPC 007-393) paid at Charlotte, N.C. Send address corrections to the Catholic News Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203.

CRS ADVOCACY TRAINING WORKSHOP: Saturday, Jan. 9, St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro. For anyone involved with local hunger initiatives, Respect Life, Hispanic Ministry, Prison Ministry, St. Vincent de Paul and Sister Parish ministries.

Join other Catholics from the Triad area to learn how to engage with elected officials through legislative advocacy. Led by Matt Burkhart, Southeast Advocacy Specialist for Catholic Relief Services. Lunch provided,

along with childcare as needed. RSVP to Jeannine Martin at 336-294-4696, ext. 225, or jmartin@stpaulcc.org as space is limited.

‘REMEMBERING THE FUTURE AND RE-ENGAGING THE PEOPLE OF GOD – POPE FRANCIS AND VATICAN II’: 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Jan. 30, St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St. Charlotte. The 16th Annual Kennedy Lecture will feature Dr. Gerard Mannion of Georgetown University. In the past three years, the Church throughout the world has seen a whirlwind of activity, renewal and reform led by the pontificate of Pope Francis. Mannion will discuss some of the key areas in which the pope is encouraging a renewed, yet updated, commitment to Vatican II. SIDEWALK COUNSELING TRAINING: Learn how to be an effective and prayerful witness at Charlotte abortion facilities as well as get involved with the growing local pro-life movement. After the 8 a.m. Mass, Saturday, Feb. 6, in the Family Life Center at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road, Charlotte. Sponsored by C-PLAN of Charlotte. Register at www.prolifecharlotte.org/events.

6TH ANNUAL CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE: Saturday, Feb. 27, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Speakers: Brian Pusteri of Broken Door Ministries, Joe McClane, speaker, author, evangelist; Father Chris Alar, MIC, director of the Association of Marian Helpers; Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey; and Bishop Emeritus William Curlin. For details, visit www. catholicmenofthecarolinas.org.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING “Protecting God’s Children” workshops are intended to educate parish volunteers to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. Upcoming workshops are listed below.

For details, contact your parish office. To register and confirm workshop times, go to www.virtus.org.

Charlotte. For details, call Sister Marie Frechette at 704-543-7677.

MINISTRY OF MOTHERS SHARING: 9-11 a.m. every other Tuesday, at Queen of the Apostles Church, 503 North Main St., Belmont. A time for fellowship and study for spiritual growth.

YEAR OF MERCY ‘MERCY IS A PERSON – MEDITATIONS ON THE JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY’: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St. Greensboro. Presented by Dr. Alessandro Rovati. Sponsored by the parish and Belmont Abbey College, the lecture will explore Jesus Christ as the Face of Mercy. For details, go to www.stpiusxnc.com or contact Derek Rotty at drotty@stpiusxnc.com.

‘IMERCY – THE DIVINE HOTSPOT’ MISSION: Jan. 25-27, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte, presented by a team of Dominican priests.

Call the parish office at 704-5437677 or go to www. stmatthewcatholic.org for details.

THE ‘GOSPEL OF MERCY’: 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill. A discussion about the Jubilee Year of Mercy, led by Mercy Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin, examining both Old and New Testament understandings as well as other Church documents. Sister Mary Hugh will also review Pope Francis’ decree for the Year of Mercy, “Misericordiae Vultus.” Reading the decree before the class is recommended. Please bring a Bible and a copy of the decree. Discussion regarding the “how-to” will follow.

Light refreshments will be served. For details, call the parish office at 704-545-1224.

BELMONT: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

YEAR OF MERCY WEBSITE: Keep up to date on all Jubilee Year of Mercy events, download catechetical resources on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, watch videos on the theme of mercy, and much more, at the Diocese of Charlotte’s Year of Mercy website: www. yearofmercy.rcdoc.org.

HUNTERSVILLE: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road

YOUNG ADULTS

SUPPORT GROUPS WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: Weekends scheduled for Feb. 5-7 in Asheville, or April 29-May 1 in Chapel Hill. Early sign-up recommended. For details, go to www.NCMarriageDiscovery.org or call 704-315-2144.

POST-ABORTION HEALING: Rachel’s Vineyard is a weekend retreat for women and men to begin their healing journey after abortion. For details, go to www. rachelsvineyard.org or contact Jennifer Ganser, diocesan Respect Life coordinator, at 336-209-2161 or jmganser@ charlottediocese.org.

GRIEVING THE LOSS OF A SPOUSE: Support group for husbands and wives who are mourning. Meets the second Monday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.,

AQUINAS’ FINEST: A social group for Charlotte-area Catholics in their 20s and 30s, under the patronage of the Angelic Doctor. Go to www.stacharlotte.com/finest for details about upcoming events.

ASHEVILLE THEOLOGY ON TAP: For Catholics in their 20s and 30s in the Asheville area. For details, check them out on Facebook, Twitter or MeetUp.

IS YOUR PARISH OR SCHOOL hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.

January 8, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Reach out to help people throughout the world

EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME

Combined Mission Collection set for Jan. 16-17 Members of the Queen of the Apostles Church choir performed with the Festival of Faith choir Dec. 5-10 in Rome.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CHRISSY GLISSON

Queen of the Apostles Choir performs in Rome as Jubilee Year of Mercy begins SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

BELMONT — Divine Providence, God-given talent and hard work sent 23 choir members from Queen of the Apostles Church to Rome as part of the Festival of Faith Choir Dec. 5-10, performing for the festival commemorating the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. It was also the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, which opened Dec. 8.

Chrissy Glisson, liturgy and music director at the parish, learned about the opportunity through Music Celebrations International in Tempe, Ariz., which organized the concert tour. More than 100 choirs were invited to audition and of the dozen submissions received, Queen of the Apostles’ choir was selected along with three choirs from California to perform for the Festival of Faith.

“I was so excited to be able to offer this opportunity to the members of our choir and church community,” Glisson said. “It was such a memorable experience for me and everyone, including several members who made their first trip to Vatican City in their late 70s.”

Glisson and her choir members were part of the Festival of Faith chorus that sang at Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica Dec. 6 and a concert at Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva Dec. 8. Glisson was selected to sing solos. Both performances were directed by Monsignor Pablo Colino, retired Vatican music director. Under his direction, the choir sang “Ave Maria” by Tómas Luis de Victoria, “Alma Redemptoris Mater”

by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, “Locus Iste” by Anton Bruckner and “Ave Verum” by W.A. Mozart.

In all, 48 people made the seven-day trip to Italy from Belmont, many of whom are long-time choir members.

Mary Kane has served in the music ministry at the parish for 20 years and this was her first trip to Rome as well as her first time seeing the pope in person. And as Divine Providence would have it, she saw both Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict Dec. 8.

“I believe it was divine intervention which facilitated the week of our trip to coincide with the jubilee!” Kane exclaimed. “The church’s acoustics were spectacular and helped us fill the church with gorgeous sound. There we sang surrounded by ancient and magnificent artwork and holy statues. It was very humbling.”

She is thankful to have shared the experience with her church family.

“These are people that I have worshipped with for years and shared our daily lives with. There is no other group of people who could have made the trip any better for me. I am a very faith-filled person and my church means everything to me.

“The impact of Rome was the concrete example of how global a religion is Catholicism. A man said, while waiting with me to go through security for the jubilee, ‘This is Woodstock for Catholics.’

And he was right on the money!”

Lawton Blandford Jr. has also been a member of the parish for 20 years and has sung in the choir for eight years.

“This was my fourth trip to Rome,” he explained. “Singing in St. Peter’s Basilica was an extraordinary opportunity and privilege.

Our concert at Santa Maria sopra Minerva celebrating the historical significance of the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council was sung to a packed house.

“Every trip to Rome reminds me of our universal Church with the pope as its head. However, this particular trip underscored my having been raised with the documents of Vatican II. The notion of ‘We are the Church’ reverberated with me in St. Peter’s and Santa Maria’s like our voices in those sacred spaces. I was deeply moved by the experience. I have returned home with a bigger sense of Church and Pope Francis’ mission for Her: ‘A poor Church for the poor.’”

Catholic convert NeKae Liberatore, a choir member for nearly 10 years, believes it was an honor to sing in Rome.

“A friend recorded some of our music and I cried when I heard our voices at the basilica Mass,” she said. “Our voices echoed throughout the basilica and it sounded amazing – almost like it was others singing and not our choirs. I cannot say enough about what an honor and blessing it was to sing and raise our voices up to Our Lord.”

The group also attended the Jubilee Mass with Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict to proclaim the Jubilee Year of Mercy, where they witnessed the historic moment of Pope Francis opening the Holy Door at St. Peters’ Basilica.

Sister Mary Andrew, one of four Sisters of Mercy in Belmont who made the journey, passed through the Holy Door shortly after Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict, other clergy and dignitaries.

“It was a chance of a lifetime going through the Holy Door at the opening of the Year of Mercy,” she said. “I realized, as I went through the door, my call to be merciful and compassionate, and that is what we are all called to be.”

Liberatore was overwhelmed at the experience of being present for the Year of Mercy’s opening Mass: “It was overwhelming to be in St. Peter’s Square, participating in the jubilee celebration. After I received Communion, I was overcome with emotion, looking around at all of the people and knowing that only 16 years ago, I became Catholic and never thought I would be standing in the enormous crowd celebrating with others and being a part of such a beautiful and special day.”

— Julie Andrews contributed to this article.

CHARLOTTE — Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte have the opportunity to reach out to people throughout the world by supporting the worldwide effort of the missions in the United States and abroad by donating to the Combined Mission Collection that will be taken up in all parishes the weekend of Jan. 16-17.

This annual collection funds five separate initiatives: the Collection for the Church in Latin America; the Collection to Aid the Church in Central and Eastern Europe; the Catholic Home Missions Appeal; the United States Mission Collection; and the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa.

Here is how donations to the Combined Mission Collection help many people in need: n The Collection for the Church in Latin America funds formation programs for priests, religious, lay leaders, missionaries and pastoral workers, and supports the Church’s work with the poor in the poorest areas of Latin America. n The Collection to Aid the Church in Central and Eastern Europe helps to rebuild the Church in those countries where communism once prohibited public acts of religion. n The Catholic Home Missions Appeal provides funding for evangelization efforts in remote parishes throughout rural America. n The United States Mission Collection supports evangelization programs among African Americans and Native Americans in almost every diocese in the U.S. n The Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa supports the pastoral works of the Church through grants for projects like pastoral care for the sick, evangelization, youth ministry, religious education, and peacebuilding workshops.

In his letter to parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte, Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, urged Catholics in western North Carolina, “Please take the time to learn more about the many missionary works of the Catholic Church throughout our own country and the rest of the world and support their efforts through prayer, generosity and commitment.”

Last year, parishioners in the Diocese of Charlotte contributed $264,938 to the Combined Missions Collection.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 8, 2016 OUR PARISHES

Mercy Sister Jeanne Marie Kienast, Catholic education pioneer, leaves legacy of 70 years of ministry BELMONT — Mercy Sister Jeanne Marie Kienast, a distinguished citizen and leader in Catholic education, died Dec. 23, 2015, at Carolinas HealthCare System-Pineville after a brief illness.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 30, 2015, at Sacred Heart Convent, and interment followed at Belmont Abbey Cemetery.

Sister Jeanne Marie was born in Port Au Prince, Haiti, on April 2, 1927, to Charles and Sarah McGurk Kienast and was given the name Eileen Virginia. She received her elementary education in Bradenton, Fla., and completed high school at the former Sacred Heart Academy in Belmont.

As a student at Sacred Heart Academy, she was inspired by the compassion and understanding of the sisters, and their lifestyle touched her deeply. As a result she was attracted to this way of life and upon graduation became a Sister of Mercy and chose to be called Sister Jeanne Marie.

Early in her religious life, she became interested in education and earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Belmont Abbey College and a master’s degree in education administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Sister Jeanne Marie was a pioneer in Catholic education in North Carolina, and her ministries reflected her ability to serve as teacher, administrator and innovator.

Throughout her 70 years of ministry, she fulfilled many roles. She served as an elementary school teacher and administrator in Catholic schools throughout North Carolina, a theology professor at Sacred Heart College, director of formation, dean of student affairs at Sacred Heart College, and director of religious education for the Diocese of Charlotte. In most of these ministries she revised and implemented programs to educate people to Kienast meet their fullest potential.

When the sisters were asked to minister in post-war Guam, Sister Jeanne Marie volunteered to go and she worked with the school system there for three years, helping to upgrade the schools that had been damaged and disrupted as a result of Japanese occupation of the island. Sister Jeanne Marie served as the first principal of St. Gabriel School in Charlotte, and under her supervision the school grew and flourished to become the fine institution it is today.

While functioning in these various ministries, Sister Jeanne Marie continued to be involved in larger ways by presenting spiritual workshops and retreats throughout the state. When she herself was not planning workshops, she graciously responded to requests from groups to speak or be a part of their programs.

The Sisters of Mercy recognized Sister Jeanne Marie’s leadership ability and appointed her to a variety of administrative positions in the religious community. Along with her work with the Sisters of Mercy, she was involved in the Cursillo Movement for many years. In addition, she was instrumental in the early formation of Mercy Association and served as codirector of this group.

After so many years of involvement in education and in keeping with her pioneer spirit, she responded to the pastor’s invitation to serve as the first pastoral associate at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte. In this role Sister Jeanne Marie was responsible for many areas of ministry. She became the coordinator of outreach ministries to those with special needs, and she was an advocate for senior citizen groups, particularly for those working to lower the cost of medicine for those on fixed incomes. In an effort to address homelessness, she partnered with the Salvation Army and the Charlotte Housing Authority to establish Supportive Housing Initiative Partnership, a group working to provide independent living for homeless families. Her days were busy providing pastoral care training for volunteers, visits to the sick and home-bound, and just being a compassionate presence for those who needed assistance and a listening ear.

Sister Jeanne Marie served as a member of the National Catholic Educational Association and as secretary of the National Diocesan Religious Education Directors. In 2015, based on her years of work providing housing for the homeless, she was honored as one of Charlotte’s most influential women.

Sister Jeanne Marie was a consummate story teller and keeper of the early history of the Sisters of Mercy in the South. At the time of her death, she was in the process of writing human interest stories about the Sisters of Mercy and their history for future generations. She was noted for her quick wit and her inveterate use of puns.

Sister Jeanne Marie left her footprints everywhere she served and is remembered as a devoted Sister of Mercy, an impeccable teacher and administrator, and a spreader of joy.

Sister Jeanne Marie is survived by the Sisters of Mercy, her dear friend Sister Therese Galligan, brother Charles Kienast of Kinston, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be directed to the Sisters of Mercy, 101 Mercy Dr., Belmont, NC 28012.

McLean Funeral Home of Belmont was in charge of the arrangements.

— Catholic News Herald

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Look back at all of the colorful and festive Christmas celebrations ONLINE EXCLUSIVE across the diocese

RICO DE SILVA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Michael’s Colombian community celebrates Christmas ‘Novenas’ to the Child Jesus GASTONIA — Watch a video on the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel featuring members of the Colombian community from St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia praying “Las Novenas” Dec. 20. Participants pray a Novena to the Child Jesus for nine days at a different home every night until Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. Watch the Catholic News Herald’s very own Erika Moreno-Robinson, a Colombian native, explain the significance of the Novenas tradition in Latin American circles.

Santa Claus visits Holy Angels in Belmont, wraps up 60th anniversary celebrations BELMONT — Also check out a cheerful video of Santa’s visit to Holy Angels in Belmont Dec. 23.

“One day a year, he (Santa) comes here and spends his whole day here, about eight to nine hours, and sees every single resident that we have here,” Kerri Massey, chief program director at Holy Angels, said. Santa came bearing gifts donated from 12 local groups, including St. Matthew Church and St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. The event wrapped up Holy Angels’ 60th anniversary year. Holy Angels, founded in 1955 by the Sisters of Mercy, provides residential services and programs for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities with delicate medical conditions.

RICO DE SILVA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

DOREEN SUGIERSKI | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

DENVER — Children participate in the Christmas Mass at Holy Spirit Church.

January 8, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Pope Francis and Vatican II topics of upcoming Kennedy Lecture CHARLOTTE — Dr. Gerard Mannion of Georgetown University, who has written extensively on the theology of the Church, ethics and public theology, will deliver the 16th annual Kennedy Lecture, “Remembering the Future and Re-engaging the People of God: Pope Francis and Vatican II.” The annual Kennedy Lecture, sponsored by St. Peter Church in Charlotte, will be held starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. The public is invited.

Mannion is the Joseph and Winifred Amaturo Chair in Catholic Studies at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He is also a senior research fellow of the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs, co-director of the Church and World Program and heads the “Church and the Ecumenical Future” project. His philosophy and theology degrees were earned at King’s College, Cambridge, and New College, Oxford. He is the founding chair of the Ecclesiological Investigations International Research Network, which last May sponsored “Vatican II: Remembering the Future: Ecumenical, Interfaith and Secular Perspectives on the Council’s Future and Promise.”

One of the key inspirations behind Francis’ transformative vision has been the enduring spirit of the Second Vatican Council – itself one of the most significant periods of reform in the Church’s history. In the 2016 Kennedy lecture,

OUR PARISHESI

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Mannion considers some of the key areas in which Pope Francis is encouraging a renewed, yet updated, commitment to Vatican II.

CRS Rice Bowl begins with Lent on Feb. 10 During Lent, through Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowl, parishes and schools engage in global solidarity through activities that promote prayer, fasting, learning and giving. Participating parishes and schools receive small “rice bowl” cardboard collection boxes to distribute to parishioner and student households. Rice Bowl coordinators also receive a poster, a Lenten calendar, and an implementation guide. The 2016 CRS Rice Bowl theme is “For Lent, For Life – What Your Give Up For Lent Changes Lives.” CRS Rice Bowl begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10.

If a diocesan parish or school did not participate in the 2015 CRS Rice Bowl, but would like to do so during Lent of 2016, e-mail jtpurello@charlottediocese.org or call 704-3703225.

Parishes and schools that participated in CRS Rice Bowl in 2015 need not submit an order for 2016 CRS Rice Bowl materials, and should expect the same number of Rice Bowl items as received for Lent in 2015.

For every $3 in CRS Rice Bowl funds that go from the Diocese of Charlotte to CRS for its global projects, $1 remains in the diocese for local poverty and hunger alleviation projects funded by Catholic Charities’ CRS Rice Bowl Mini-Grants Program.

Pro-life vigil to be held in Charlotte Jan. 30 CHARLOTTE — The Helpers of God’s Precious BRIEFS, SEE PAGE 8

PHOTOS BY TRAVIS BURTON, TO SQUARED PHOTOGRAPHY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Advent revival CHARLOTTE — Redemptorist Father Maurice J. Nutt, director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans, led an Advent revival at Our Lady of Consolation Church Dec. 13-16. The St. Louis native specializes in preaching, evangelization, African-American culture, spirituality and community and church development, in addition to his work at Xavier University, the only historically black Catholic university in the U.S. The Institute for Black Catholic Studies was established in 1979 to help sustain and support the pastoral and intellectual needs of black Catholics throughout the U.S.

16th Annual Kennedy Lecture Remembering the Future and Re-engaging the People of God:

Pope Francis and Vatican II

GERARD MANNION Amaturo Professor of Catholic Studies at Georgetown University; Senior Research Fellow of the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs

Saturday, January 30, 2016 8:30a.m. coffee 9:00–12:00 Lecture St. Peter Catholic Church | 507 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC Parking is free underground at “The Green” (enter to the left of the church) for information: www.stpeterscatholic.org

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 8, 2016 OUR PARISHES

BRIEFS FROM PAGE 7

Infants – Charlotte chapter will host its next Procession for Life at the Charlotte Catholic High School chapel on Saturday, Jan. 30. Mass will be offered at 9 a.m. followed by prayer outside Family Reproductive Health on Hebron Road. Eucharistic Adoration in the high school chapel will also be held during the sidewalk vigil.

The Charlotte Helpers organizes prayerful, Eucharist-centered processions at local abortion facilities four times a year. Go to www. charlottehelpers.com for details.

Maronite Divine Liturgy now offered in Waxhaw WAXHAW — The Maronite Mission of Charlotte, an Eastern Rite Catholic Church, is now offering weekly Masses on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. at St. Matthew South Campus, 4116 Waxhaw-Marvin Road in Waxhaw. The mission’s pastor is Father Elie Mikhael, who can be reached at 704-543-7677, ext. 1043, or abouna@mmocnc.org.

Knights help out childhood education program KING — Knights of Columbus Council 12267 from Good Shepherd Mission in King recently helped out the PAT (Parents As Teachers) program by providing and serving drinks and food at their annual holiday meal. PAT is one of several programs directed and funded by the non-profit Stokes (County) Partnership For Children. The PAT program is an early childhood parent education and family support program.

The Knights of Good Shepherd regularly support SPC programs with donations of time, treasure and good food.

— Annette Tenny, correspondent

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AL TINSON

Santa’s Helpers bring food, clothing to more than 350 families in need CHARLOTTE — Volunteers from several ministries at St. John Neumann Church and led by pastor Father Pat Hoare and more than 30 students from Charlotte Catholic High School, along with coaches Bo Turner and Mike King, were among nearly 100 Santa’s helpers who participated in the annual Operation Santa’s Helpers program Dec. 19. They helped brighten Christmas for nearly 350 needy families in the Charlotte area distributing food, clothing and Christmas presents.

“Santa” Bob Bowler, founder of Operation Santa’s Helpers, said “a lot of work by many organizations was all worth it when we saw smiles on the faces of the children.”

Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of January: Rev. Francis T. Connolly 2008 Rev. Tom Stott 2005 Rev. Vincent Erb 2005 Rev. Msgr. Eugene H. Livelsberger 1987 Rev. Msgr. Lawrence Newman 1981

Knights organize tree sale Knitters help needy children in Arden ARDEN — Father Adrian Porras, pastor of St. Barnabas Church in Arden, recently blessed more than 300 knitted and crocheted hats that the parish’s knitting and crochet groups recently completed. The hats were all made from donated yarn and were distributed to needy children in seven elementary schools in the area.

HUNTERSVILLE — The St. Mark Knights of Columbus Council in Huntersville organized its annual Christmas tree fundraiser Dec. 5. On a chilly December morning, Knights gathered in the parish parking lot to help load Christmas trees into the cars and trucks of St. Mark parishioners. More than 100 trees and wreaths were distributed to parishioners.

— Mike FitzGerald, correspondent

— Suzanne Daley

Rev. Arthur J. Racette 1975 Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus www.kofcnc.org

Pet blessing held in Denver

Knights donate coats for kids

Wills and Trusts Probate PLANNING TODAY FOR YOUR FAMILY’S TOMORROW St. Matthew’s Parishioner

704.843.1446 | www.ncestateplanninginfo.com

15720 Brixham Hill Ave, Suite 300

|

Charlotte/Ballantyne

The Knights of Columbus Father James Wilmes Council 14087 recently donated three cases of girls and boys coats to Appalachian Angels, an organization that works with children in foster care. Locally, Appalachian Angels works with children in Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties. Pictured are (from left) Anthony El-Khouri, Anise Terry, Nancy Allen, Ann Mansbridge and Steve Jersey.

Knights Council 14087 includes members from Holy Redeemer Church in Andrews, St. William Church in Murphy, Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville and Prince of Peace Mission in Robbinsville.

— Pam Carman

DENVER — Parishioners brought their furry friends to a pet blessing recently at Holy Spirit Church. Among those receiving blessings were Father Carmen Malacari’s dog Random, who is now blind but still serving the parish, and John Paul the poodle (named for St. John Paul II), who passed away not long afterwards.

— Doreen Sugierski, correspondent

WE WELCOME your parish’s news! Please email news items to Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle at catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org.

January 8, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

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2015 A look back at a year of joy and sorrow

CNS | PAUL HARING

Pope Francis arrives to the altar to celebrate the closing Mass of the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia Sept. 27.

Pope’s U.S. visit: Six full days in September and the impact continues The highlight of 2015 was Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to the U.S. in September – an inspiring visit that was so full, “each day was like a week,” said the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Any one of his public events would have made the trip worthwhile, said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., but he noted that what will stand out the most from the visit were the pope’s “personal opportunities to be with people that are not the influential, but the forgotten.” The archbishop said the pope brought Catholics together with a “sense of fervor and enthusiasm” that will continue to benefit both the U.S. Church and the pope, who was “encouraged by his interaction with us.”

The pope’s visit was a joyful moment during a year that otherwise saw much tragedy: particularly terrorist attacks, unprecedented migration of refugees, and persecution of civilians and Christians in the war-ravaged Middle East. This weighed on the mind of the Holy Father, as well, as he celebrated Christmas.

Christmas is a reminder that through the birth of Christ, hope and peace are possible and that only through His grace can humanity find peaceful solutions to the world’s problems, Pope Francis said Dec. 25.

“Only God’s mercy can free humanity from the many forms of evil,

at times monstrous evil, which selfishness spawns in our midst. Where God is born, hope is born. Where God is born, peace is born. And where peace is born, there is no longer room for hatred and for war.”

As the year came to a close, the pope prayed again for an end to the wars in Syria and Libya and the atrocities in Iraq, Yemen, Congo, Burundi, South Sudan and Ukraine.

Victims of terrorism were also in his thoughts and prayers, and Christians persecuted for their faith were remembered as he prayed that “the Child Jesus grant consolation and strength” to those suffering.

Recalling the thousands of refugees and migrants fleeing poverty and war, Pope Francis compared the lack of respect for their dignity to the situation of Christ who was born into the world suffering “cold, poverty and rejection.”

“May our closeness today be felt by those who are most vulnerable, especially child soldiers, women who suffer violence, and the victims of human trafficking and the drug trade,” he said.

As 2015 came to an end, the Church opened an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, and in the Diocese of Charlotte, three Doors of Mercy were designated as pilgrimage sites for the faithful.

Pope Francis said mercy is the “most precious gift which God gives us” and that Christians “are called to discover that tender love of our heavenly Father for each of us.”

— Catholic News Service and Catholic News Herald

TAKE A LOOK BACK: MORE PHOTOS, VIDEOS AND STORIES ONLINE At www. catholicnewsherald.com: Review the year’s big local, international and national news, read a past print edition you may have missed, and check out some of our favorite videos from 2015 At www.facebook.com/ catholicnewsherald: Tell us: What was your favorite story of 2015?

At www.pinterest.com/ charlottecnh: Read all these stories and see more photos and videos, all in one place, on our Year in Review board

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 8, 2016 FROM THE COVER

2015: A look back at a year of joy and sorrow In memoriam

GEORGE REPASS, the longtime principal of Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville, died unexpectedly Nov. 8, 2015. The entire Catholic school community mourned his loss, and the school established a scholarship fund in his honor.

Unconditional love is better path to peace The June 17 shooting at a historically black church in Charleston, S.C., was still weighing on the hearts of the region’s Catholic bishops as they gathered in Charlotte June 22-23 for a previously scheduled meeting. Seven of the bishops of the Atlanta Province – which encompasses the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the dioceses of Charleston, S.C., Charlotte and Raleigh, and Savannah, Ga. – concelebrated Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral June 23.

Prayers were offered for the nine victims of the shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church June 17, and in his homily, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta (pictured above giving the sign of peace to Charleston Bishop Robert Guglielmone) urged people to seek the path of peace through compassion and mercy. Jesus’ advice to His disciples, “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you” in the Gospel of Matthew is “the best way to approach peace is with compassion and mercy,” Archbishop Gregory said. “It’s an important Gospel for us to listen to because our whole nation during this past week has been caught up with the results of the lack of peace, the lack of understanding, the lack of compassion, the lack of tolerance. We could solve the problem by separating, being removed from each other, or we can solve the problem by learning how to love each other more compassionately.”

Similar messages of peace were reiterated time and again by Pope Francis and other Church leaders throughout 2015, in the wake of numerous other incidences of violence, including terrorist attacks in Paris, Chattanooga and San Bernardino, Calif.

CAPUCHIN FRANCISCAN FATHER JUDE DUFFY, who was last in parish ministry at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte, died Jan. 15, 2015, aged 87.

MERCY SISTER CLARA VIRGINIA KELLY, long-time advocate for the sick, poor and elderly, died Jan. 23, 2015.

MERCY SISTER JEANNE MARIE KIENAST, a leader in Catholic education in North Carolina and the nation during 70 years of ministry, died Dec. 23, 2015.

MONSIGNOR ANTHONY KOVACIC, one of the diocese’s “founding fathers” who ministered to the people of North Carolina during more than 67 years of priestly ministry, died Feb. 8, 2015, aged 95.

SISTER JEAN LINDER, of the Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin, Ohio, who served as vicar of religious and other leadership roles with the Diocese of Charlotte, died April 5, 2015, aged 88.

DEACON JOHN PARRISH, who served St. John Neumann Parish, died June 6, 2015, aged 77.

MERCY SISTER ELIZABETH ROBERTSON, who taught in Catholic schools in North Carolina and other states, died May 1, 2015, aged 87.

MERCY SISTER JOSEPHINE MARIA THOMAS, longtime Catholic educator, died Nov. 25, 2015, aged 101.

FATHER JOSEPH WATERS, a pioneer of Hispanic ministry in the diocese, died Feb. 18, 2015.

SISTER CAROL ANN ZURLO, OSF, who formerly served at Good Shepherd Home Health Agency in Hayesville, died April 25, 2015, aged 78.

Top stories online In 2015, 130,131 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com viewed a total of 292,182 pages. The 10 most popular stories last year were: n The Nicene Creed and its origins .........................................11,065 n Triad mother recounts miraculous events surrounding highrisk pregnancy, healing .................................................................7,021 n 2015 priest assignments announced .................................5,508 n Retired teacher announces gay ‘marriage’ plans ........... 5,363 n Father Patrick Winslow: The greatest lie ............................4,755 n Bishop McGuinness Principal George Repass dies ........3,464 n Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration announce merger .3,082 n 11th Eucharistic Congress coverage blog ........................... 2,351 n Nourish the faithful, diocese’s newest priests told ........... 1,751 n Woodworker uses gifts to make crosses, encourage families .. ........................................................................................................................

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Pilgrims from the Diocese of Charlotte traveled to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families and Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to the U.S., including Joe Rybak and his son Nathan (pictured right). In one of his homilies, Father Michael Kottar of St. Mary Church in Shelby preached, “Our purpose in this life is to give glory to God.” We don’t have to be impossibly perfect, but we should strive to reach out to the weak, the vulnerable and the poor – starting with the members of our own families, he said. “We don’t have to go to Africa, we don’t have to go to Central America – we start with our own families. There’s your weak, your poor, your opportunities to be saints.”

At phillyandfrancis.tumblr. com: Look back through the diocesan pilgrims’ experiences in Philadelphia

January 8, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

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2015: A look back at a year of joy and sorrow

Images of joy Smiling faces filled the pages of the Catholic News Herald in 2015. Here are just a few of our favorites (above, from left): students enjoy the first day of class Aug. 19 at Asheville Catholic School; Shainon Ruiz is baptized by Father Paul Dechant during the Easter Vigil Mass at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville April 4; Sister Edeva Jover, O.P., and youth from around the diocese came to Belmont Abbey College April 11 for the Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage; and Missionary of Charity Sister Edward is delighted by members of the Hidden Dragon Lion Dance team during the three-day Tet Festival at St. Joseph Vietnamese Church in Charlotte.

‘Intentional Catholicism’: Cardinal Dolan, Bishop Jugis praise devotion to the Eucharist “You need to be ready to continue your work of bringing Christ to others, of evangelizing this culture.”

In his homily for the closing Mass of the Diocese of Charlotte’s 11th Eucharistic Congress Sept. 12, Bishop Peter Jugis entreated more than 14,000 people in the Charlotte Convention Center – the largest crowd ever recorded at the annual event – that their faith in the Eucharist can sustain them in what he called these “challenging” times.

Catholics must proclaim the Gospel with joy, and to do that they must be nourished with the Eucharist, he said. Jesus, he reminded everyone, “is always with us in the Eucharist.”

Catholics must go forth with “renewed hearts,” a stronger understanding of their faith, and deeper gratitude to the Lord

for the blessings they receive, he said.

With that renewed strength, joy and faith, Catholics can confidently evangelize the culture, he emphasized.

Earlier that day, more than 9,000 people joined Bishop Jugis, New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan and other clergy and religious in a Eucharistic procession through uptown Charlotte.

The Eucharistic procession, Cardinal Dolan said, is one way Catholics intentionally express their faith publicly.

What does the phrase “intentional Catholic” mean? he asked. “One who has freely said yes to Jesus.”

“You are professing the fact that He is really and truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. And you are professing that your faith in Him and in the Eucharist is

sustained and fortified and nourished by membership in His Body, which we call the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.”

(Above) Fifteen men were formally accepted into the diocese’s permanent diaconate program July 31.

The 2015 Quo Vadis Days vocation discernment retreat at Belmont Abbey College attracted a record number of participants, more than 80 young men, all mulling over the question: “Where are you going?”

To widen the diocese’s efforts to grow vocations, Bishop Jugis appointed Father Jason Barone diocesan vocations promoter, where he will assist Director of Vocations, Father Christopher Gober, in fostering vocation awareness and encouraging people to listen to God’s will for them.

In other news, several Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul moved into a new convent on the campus of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, and the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration merged with a sister community in Hanceville, Ala., and left the diocese after five years.

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 8, 2016 FROM THE COVER

2015: A look back at a year of joy and sorrow n (Left) St. Frances of Rome Mission in Sparta opened a cemetery, and Holy Cross Church in Kernersville opened a cemetery and columbarium. n Belmont Abbey College launched a new degree program for Catholic educators, and renovated its library. n (Above) St. Pius X Church and School broke ground on the DeJoy Primary Education Center, which will add a pre-kindergarten program to its K-8 school this fall, and a 23,000-square-foot Simmons Parish Life Center, which will consolidate parish operations on the North Elm Street campus.

n (Above) St. Ann Church in Charlotte installed a largerthan-life apse mural of heaven, inspired by the famous Ghent Altarpiece. St. Mark Church in Huntersville renovated its Adoration Chapel, and Divine Redeemer Church in Boonville renovated its sacristy.

n St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte built a 10,600-square-foot parish activity center, and Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro remodeled and expanded its parish life center and banquet hall.

n Mother Teresa Villa opened in Charlotte Aug. 25 to house adults with developmental disabilities. It is the third project spearheaded by the Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corp. n Holy Angels in Belmont opened LifeChoices, an adult day vocational program.

Building for the future of a growing Church in western North Carolina n (Above) St. Eugene Church in Asheville installed 146 solar panels on the roof of its parish activity center, in response to Pope Francis’ call to help protect creation. It is one of only two such projects of its kind in the diocese. n (Right) Christ the King High School in Huntersville graduated its first class of 29 students. n Charlotte Catholic High School completed construction on a 672-space parking deck and made improvements to its stadium to conform to state 4A specifications. n Immaculate Heart of Mary School achieved LEED certification and launched an innovative STEM program.

The year 2015 saw several major building projects at parishes and schools. One of the most joyful was the dedication of a new 21,000-square-foot St. Thérèse Church March 28. The new church seats more than 1,200 for the growing Mooresville community.

Sacraments As of Dec. 31 in the diocese, there were: 6,557 Baptisms 5,418 First Holy Communions 4,250 Confirmations 928 Marriages 783 people received into the Church

January 8, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

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2015: A look back at a year of joy and sorrow Public witness of faith

Jubilarians

Thousands of people packed into Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro and St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte to venerate the relics of St. Maria Goretti during the “Pilgrimage of Mercy” tour that passed through the Diocese of Charlotte Oct. 23-25.

The national tour brought the remains of the Church’s youngest saint to the U.S. for the first time, just weeks before the Church began the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, and St. Maria was held up as a model of the virtues of forgiveness, mercy and purity.

But the relics pilgrimage was just one of many public expressions of the faith in the diocese. Nearly every month, parishioners across western North Carolina went out into their communities praying, marching and evangelizing – following Pope Francis’ advice to go out and be public witnesses to the Gospel.

60 YEARS: Monsignor Joseph Showfety, Father James Solari and Father Thomas Clements; Sister Mary Hugh Mauldin, RSM, and Sister Rosalind Picot, RSM

70 YEARS: Sister Maureen Dees, RSM

55 YEARS: Father Kieran Neilson, OSB, and Father Francis Reese, SJ 50 YEARS: Father Joseph Angelini, OFM Conv, and Father Joseph Zuschmidt, OSFS; Sister Ana Celestial, OP, Sister Marie Frechette, MSBT, Sister Loretta O’Connor, SMG, Sister Betty Paul, SP, and Sister Antonette Schmidt, RSM 45 YEARS: Monsignor Richard Bellow and Father Donald Ward, SJ 40 YEARS: Father Lawrence Heiney, Father Richard Hanson, Father Joseph Mulligan, Father Francis O’Rourke and Father David Brown, OSB 35 YEARS: Father Joseph Dionne, CSsR, Father Christopher Kirchgessner, OSB, and Abbot Placid Solari, OSB; Deacon Francis Camacho 30 YEARS: Father Brian Cook and Father Vincent Smith, OSFS 25 YEARS: Father Paul Dechant, OSFS; Sister Archana Nariparayil, SCV, and Sister Eileen Spanier, GNSH 20 YEARS: Father James Collins, Father Eric Houseknecht and Father Mark Lawlor; Deacons Wayne Adams, Mike Langsdorf, Carlos Medina, Ronald Steinkamp, Rafael Torres and John Weisenhorn

The faithful honored the Blessed Virgin Mary for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12.

The devotion to Our Lady’s appearance to St. Juan Diego in 1531, popular among Latino Catholics, has come to be embraced by nearly every cultural group in the diocese. Latino Catholics’ Good Friday and Easter devotions, including dramatic and emotional Passion plays (such as this one at St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville), also attracted thousands of parishioners.

Boy Scouts Matty Gates, Hamilton Dulin and Christopher Silvestri tackled the St. George Trek, a challenging 12-day backpacking trip and vocation retreat at Philmont Scout Ranch in the American Southwest. Hosted by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting every two years, the St. George Trek enables Scouts to grow in their faith.

Several hundred people came to protest outside the four Planned Parenthood facilities located in western North Carolina Aug. 22 – part of a nationwide “Protest Planned Parenthood” rally calling for an end to support for the nation’s largest abortion provider.

Anti-abortion protesters prayed, gave speeches and held signs outside Raleigh-based Planned Parenthood South Atlantic’s branches in Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro and Winston-Salem.

Nationwide, more than 300 protests were organized that day. Planned Parenthood came under fire in 2015 with the release of undercover videos showing their officials describing the harvesting and sale at their clinics of body parts from aborted babies – some purportedly born alive.

Parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi Church, led by Father Tien Duong, pastor, celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi with a Eucharistic procession around the church grounds in Franklin June 7. The procession featured elaborate, brightly colored sawdust carpets (“tapetes de aserrín”) laid out in large, intricately chalked designs on the ground.

In October, the faithful honored the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title as Our Lady of the Rosary. Many parishes and schools, including St. Gabriel School in Charlotte, formed living rosaries and prayed together as a community.

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iiiJanuary 8, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

MARCHING FOR

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Come to the 10th annual March for Life Charlotte Jan. 15 CHARLOTTE — Parishioners in the Diocese of Charlotte are encouraged to attend the 10th annual March for Life Charlotte that will be held Jan. 15 to mark the 43nd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion.

The march is meant to be a time of prayer to call attention to the more than 57 million lives lost to abortion since 1973 and the need to end the tragedy of abortion.

On Friday, Jan. 15, a Mass for the Unborn will be offered starting at 9 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, located at 6828 Old Reid Road in Charlotte.

The 10th annual March for Life Charlotte will be held not long after the conclusion of the Mass. Marchers will gather starting at 11 a.m. outside the Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center, located at 1123 South Church St. At noon the march will kick off and head from the Pastoral Center towards Independence Square at the corner of Trade and Tryon streets. Father Casey

Coleman, parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Church, will then deliver the keynote address.

After the addresses and testimonies by local representatives from the national Silent No More Campaign, the march will proceed to the Charles R. Jonas Federal Building and Courthouse on West Trade Street, where a rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be prayed outside the courthouse.

March for Life Charlotte billboards will again be placed around the Charlotte area to create awareness about the 10th annual March for Life.

See all schedule details at www. marchforlifecharlotte. org.

For inquiries, contact Tina Witt with March for Life Charlotte at 704-301-2531 or email marchforlifecharlotte@ windstream.net.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Follow the march online On Facebook and Twitter: View live coverage from the March for Life Charlotte on the Catholic News Herald’s Facebook page and Twitter (@CatholicnewsCLT) starting at noon Friday, Jan. 15

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The 10th annual March for L start at noon Friday, Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. outside the dioces parking lot at the corner of South Church streets. Free the overflow lot accessible Street, across from the Pas MACS buses cannot park in – instead, buses should par along the sides of West Pal elsewhere nearby. The LYN

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January 8, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

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‘Pro-Life and Pro-Woman Go Hand in Hand’

END HERE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The March for Life Education and Defense Fund has announced the details for the 2016 March for Life to be held on Friday, Jan. 22. “Pro-Life and Pro-Woman Go Hand in Hand” will be the theme of the 43rd annual march, and seeks to draw attention to the pre-born populations that are at the greatest risk for abortion: those who receive a prenatal disability diagnosis.

The March for Life will begin with a rally at noon on the National Mall, followed at 1 p.m. by the march to the U.S. Supreme Court.

A Mass for pro-life advocates from North Carolina will be offered at the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22. Bishop Peter Jugis will be the principal celebrant. Raleigh Bishop Michael Burbidge will give the homily.

Marchers will then proceed down West Trade Street toward the federal courthouse. After the recitation of the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the march will conclude.

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At the corners of Trade and Tryon streets, presentations and testimonies will be given, including preaching by Father Casey Coleman, parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Church. A time of quiet prayer will conclude the presentations. March organizers caution everyone to be mindful of the busy uptown traffic and obey all laws for pedestrians.

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Marchers will proceed up South Church Street, turning right onto West Carson Boulevard.

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Marchers will then turn left at the intersection of South Tryon Street and West Carson Boulevard, towards uptown Charlotte, and will continue past St. Peter Church to the corner of Trade and Tryon streets.

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A Youth Rally and Mass for Life hosted by the Archdiocese of Washington will be held Jan. 22. The ticketed event will be held at the Verizon Center and the D.C. Armory, both in Washington. For details, go to www.youthrallyandmassforlife.org.

The Paulus Institute for the Propagation of Sacred Liturgy, Washington, D.C., will hold the Third Annual Nellie Gray Mass after the March for Life, at 4 p.m. in the Extraordinary Form (traditional Latin Mass) at St. Mary Mother of God Church at 5th and H Sts. N.W. in downtown Washington, D.C. On Saturday, Jan. 23, Latinos Por La Vida will host its third Annual ProLife Conference in the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center after the March for Life.

Events in Raleigh

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Other D.C. march events

Carson Boulevard is also one block away.

Restrooms are available on the first floor of the Pastoral Center.

The crucifix will lead the march with participating priests and deacons, followed by the Divine Mercy image carried by the Missionaries of the Poor, the Blessed Mother statue carried with the Knights of Columbus, followed by all other religious and lay people.

PHOTOS BY SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD GRAPHIC BY TIM P. FARAGHER | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The Diocese of Raleigh Mass and March for Life will be held starting at noon Saturday, Jan. 16, at Halifax Mall in downtown Raleigh. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge will celebrate the Mass under a tent at Halifax Mall for youth and adults. The Rally and March for Life with North Carolina Right to Life will follow the Mass at 1:15 p.m.

For details, go to www. dioceseofraleigh.com.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Can’t attend the national March for Life?

Pray the online novena!

Join thousands of Catholics across the country in prayer for a Culture of Life from Saturday, Jan. 16, to Sunday, Jan. 24, through the U.S. bishops’ novena “9 Days for Life.”

Through this online novena, pray for the respect and protection of all human life with new intentions, brief reflections, and more each day. Download the novena online, or participate through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, email, text message or the free mobile app (English and Spanish).

Join at www.9daysforlife.com.

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 8, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

HOLINESS

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Discover Natural Family Planning Modern Natural Family Planning (NFP) provides a practical and empowering alternative used to achieve or avoid pregnancy. It upholds the dignity of the person within the context of marriage and family and promotes openness to life by respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage.

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January 23rd - St. Vincent de Paul, Charlotte February 20th - St. Matthew Catholic Church, Charlotte March 19th - St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Hickory For more information visit our website or contact Batrice Adcock, MSN at 704.370.3230 or bnadcock@charlottediocese.org.

FROM PAGE 3

spiritual goals during 2016 Bishop Jugis offered these five suggestions: “Read the Bible more often or do spiritual reading.

Pray the rosary more often, or other prayers or novenas. Make a Holy Hour at the Adoration Chapel. Make more frequent confessions to grow in holiness. Make a better preparation for Mass by reading the scripture readings and thinking about them before coming to Mass.”

It’s important to remember that the ultimate goal of our lives is heaven, he stressed. It’s essential we make progress every day towards attaining that goal, because we never know when God may call us from this life.

Bishop Jugis recalled that St. John Paul II said at the beginning of the new millennium, the Jubilee of 2000, the first priority of every person should be holiness.

“To achieve that goal of holiness, he said that all of our parishes should be schools of prayer where we are constantly growing in holiness,” Bishop Jugis noted.

“So, taking a cue from our beloved St. John Paul II, how about holiness as a spiritual goal for 2016?”

Holiness is a gift we receive at our baptism when sanctifying grace is infused into our souls and we become followers of Christ, he explained. At that moment we are joined to Christ and a life of holiness – very different from other paths available in this world.

As we grow and practice our faith, we build upon that foundation of holiness, he continued – every time we go to confession, every time we receive the Eucharist, every time we pray.

“The Blessed Mother, whom we honor today on her feast day, also received holiness as a gift, a most extraordinary gift that she above all other humans received – the gift of perfect holiness,” he said. “From the very first moment, she is the Immaculate Conception, entering life

GONDEK FROM PAGE 3

approach that is being taken in this matter is best for everyone. In the meantime my prayers are with Fr. Gondek and with all victims of sexual abuse.”

This abuse allegation is not the first one made against Father Gondek. In an unrelated case, in October 2007, a 59-yearold man claimed that when he was a teenager he was fondled by Father Gondek, then a seminarian, while both were swimming at a summer camp in Maryland in 1960.

In December 2007, Father Gondek returned to ministry in Lexington, after two independent review boards and an investigation led by a retired judge from Baltimore cleared him of any wrongdoing.

The investigation included interviews, a polygraph examination and a review of documents. It found that the camp did not open until 1961, and Father Gondek was not assigned there until 1962. The investigation also confirmed Father Gondek’s statement that he did not know how to swim.

“During the 2007 investigation parishioners at Holy Rosary were likewise invited to come forth with any information they may have and to report observations of sexual misconduct to local authorities.

None came forward,” the Oblates’ Dec. 19 statement noted.

‘May the Blessed Mother pray for us as we pursue the worthy goal of holiness this New Year 2016.’

Also inside Read what one survivor of the “Miracle on the Hudson” has to say about the power of devotional prayer: “Beyond gifts of grace and blessings, we engage in something profound through prayer: we oppose evil directly.”

SEE PAGE 26 without sin.”

Mary is the perfect example of holiness and the best teacher for our “schools of prayer,” he said.

He pointed out that the Gospel reading describes how the shepherds heard the angel’s message and sought out the infant Jesus, adding, “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”

“What is she reflecting upon?” he asked.

“Really, she is reflecting on the Mystery of Christ that she has been privileged to carry and bring into the world. If you think about it, that is what we are privileged to do every time we pray the rosary. We are reflecting on the Mystery of Christ, the same Christ whom we have been privileged to welcome into our own soul, into our own lives at our baptism, and every day that we receive the Holy Eucharist – Jesus really, substantially, coming to live in our souls, into our lives.”

“May the Blessed Mother pray for us as we pursue the worthy goal of holiness this New Year 2016,” he prayed. “Life is so much better with Jesus as an active presence in our daily life.”

Father Gondek has served as pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church since 1998.

He entered the Oblates in 1957 and was ordained to the priesthood on Oct. 1, 1966.

Besides Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Lexington, he served at Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia; at Father Lopez High School in Daytona Beach; as parochial vicar at St. Brendan Church in Daytona Beach; and pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Whiteville, N.C. The Oblates’ Wilmington-Philadelphia Province works in schools, parishes and other ministries from Boston to southwest Florida, including staffing four parishes in the Charlotte diocese.

The province is accredited by Praesidium Inc., an independent agency that evaluates the personnel, policies and structures of organizations that work with children.

In their Dec. 19 statement, the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province asked that anyone with information that could be helpful to the investigation contact the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales at 302-6568529 or local law authorities.

“The Oblates strongly encourage anyone who has been sexually exploited or abused by a priest, religious brother or sister, or any lay person employed by their community to seek help, and to report the abuse to law enforcement authorities and to the Oblates,” the Dec. 19 statement said.

The Oblates reiterate their commitment to care for the emotional, pastoral, and spiritual well-being of those who have suffered abuse by their members.”

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¡Feliz navidad y próspero año nuevo!

FOTOS POR SERGIO LOPEZ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Divino Redentor en Boonville celebra a los Reyes Magos BOONVILLE — Este fin de semana se celebró en la Parroquia del Divino Redentor, la Epifanía de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo.

Desde hace años atrás, existe una tradición en esa parroquia en la cual, voluntarios se disfrazan de los Reyes Magos, y se presentan en las celebraciones de la Epifanía, acompañando al sacerdote en la procesión y llevando las ofrendas al altar. Al terminar la ceremonia, los voluntarios reparten obsequios a los niños de la comunidad. Esta tradición comenzó alrededor del año 2007, en aquel entonces se pedía la ayuda de la comunidad para que donara juguetes para esta actividad, la cual se nombró como “Juguetón.” Sin embargo, este año se decidió que en vez de “juguetes” serian “galletas” y lo denominaron “Galleton”.

En los países Latino Americanos aún existe una gran influencia entre los niños para celebrar el Día de los Reyes Magos, los cuales los niños relacionan con “Santa Claus,” personaje que lleva obsequios a los niños. Esto ha sido una manera de permitirles a los hijos de inmigrantes nacidos en este país, de conocer un poco de sus tradiciones. Tambien, el 6 de Enero, la parroquia celebrará el Día de los Reyes Magos. Los participantes también partirán una rosca de pan. Dentro de la rosca se esconderán unas figuras del Niño Jesús. Tradicionalmente se dice que, la familia que encuentre esta figura, tendrá que compartir la cena el día 2 de Febrero, día de la Candelaria. Dichas prácticas se han convertido en una formación cultural para los hijos de los inmigrantes Hispanos de Boonville.

Parroquia de la Santa Cruz celebra Las Posadas KERNERSVILLE — Miembros de la Parroquia de la Santa Cruz en Kernersville celebraron Las Posadas el pasado Diciembre en preparación para el Nacimiento del Niño Jesús el 25 de Diciembre. Miembros de la comunidad Hispana de esa parroquia acompañaron al Padre Paul Dechant, OSFS, Párroco de la Santa Cruz durante las celebraciones. Los participantes también tuvieron la oportunidad de romper una piñata. Las Posadas contaron con una gran participación de la comunidad como también de los jóvenes de esa parroquia.

FOTOS POR JOHN BUNYEA, BLUE RIDGE PHOTOGRAPHY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Divine Redeemer in Boonville celebrates Three Wise Men during Epiphany BOONVILLE — Divine Redeemer Church in Boonville celebrated Epiphany Sunday with its traditional “Reyes Magos” (Three Wise Men) celebration Jan. 3. Since 2007, there has been a tradition in the parish during which, volunteers dress up as the three Wise Men during the Epiphany celebrations. The volunteers process in with the priest at the beginning of Mass, bringing gifts to the altar. After the ceremony they then distribute gifts to the children in the community. During the first years, the parish would ask the community to donate toys for this activity, which was named as “Jugueton” (Toyton).

However, this year it was decided that instead of “toys,” cookies would be distributed and the name was changed to “Galleton” (CookieTon). In Latin American countries children are accustomed to receive gifts from “Los Reyes Magos” on January 6, the traditional date for celebrating the Epiphany. This custom is similar to a more world-wide custom of “Santa Claus” bringing toys to children. This yearly tradition at Divine Redeemer parish has served as a way to teach children of immigrants born in the U.S. learn more about their parents’ traditions. Also, Jan. 6 the parish will celebrate “Dia de los Reyes Magos” with a giant loaf of bread, shaped as a wreath, representing the Baby Jesus. The family who finds the figure hidden inside the loaf, will have to share dinner on February 2, Candlemass Day.

Our schools 18

catholicnewsherald.com | January 8, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief OLG students aid St. Jude Hospital GREENSBORO — Students at Our Lady of Grace School recently raised $5,208 to benefit St. Jude’s Research Hospital, exceeding their goal. The school has been participating in the St. Jude’s Math-a-Thon since 1986. The top fundraisers were Santi and Diego Mendoza, Noah and Marian Waterman and Grant Juchatz.

— Amy Pagano

Charlotte Catholic students help provide Christmas gifts CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School students donated and raised more than $14,000 to provide Christmas presents for local needy children. This is the 28th year the high school has partnered with Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte to identify children and families who have very little and help bring them Christmas. Led by Student Council members and their faculty liaison, Shawn Panther, students collected toys and money in homeroom and then went shopping to meet the wish lists of 71 children. They delivered the toys and gifts to the Catholic Charities office Dec. 16 to be distributed to families in time for Christmas.

MACS enrollment opens for upcoming year CHARLOTTE — Enrollment for the 2016-’17 academic year has opened for the nine schools in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system.

Applications are being accepted for: St. Ann School (PK-5), St. Gabriel School (K-5), St. Matthew School (K-5), St. Patrick School (K-5), Our Lady of the Assumption School (PK-8), St. Mark School (K-8), Holy Trinity Middle School (6-8), Charlotte Catholic High School and Christ the King High School.

MACS is committed to instilling faith, service and academic excellence in students, believing that a solid Catholic foundation and prayer life – along with top-notch academics, cutting-edge technology, service and outreach opportunities, ranked athletics and creative fine arts programs – can give students the keys they need to excel.

Standardized test scores for MACS students in both elementary and middle school significantly exceed the median national and local average in every category. Over 70 percent of fifth-grade students and over 70 percent of eighth-grade students scored over the median in standardized tests.

Students at both Charlotte Catholic and Christ the King high schools scored significantly higher than state and national averages in all categories in SAT testing. Both high schools graduate 100 percent of their students. Last year, seniors at both high schools collectively earned more than $20 million in scholarships.

MACS also offers four special needs programs at various locations: n Providing Appropriate Academic Catholic Education (PACE): A self-contained program designed for students in grades 2-6 with average to above average cognitive ability and a diagnosed specific learning disability. PACE’s goal is to return students to the general

classroom once they have mastered the necessary skills to achieve at grade level. n Modified Academic Program (MAP): A program for grade K-12 students whose learning needs can best be met in a modified academic environment. Students receive specialized instruction in reading, math and writing while on a case-by case basis learning with their peers in social studies, science and religion classes. n The Matthew-Morgan program: A program that provides an inclusive educational experience for students in grades K-4 with Down Syndrome. Students are included in the general classroom with support from a teaching assistant. n Learning Support: Learning Support is offered to provide additional academic support to students in the general classroom who are struggling academically because of learning challenges.

Tuition rates for 2016-’17 will be announced later this month.

Tuition discounts are provided to participating Catholic parishioners. Current tuition rates for participating Catholic families are: $5,973 for elementary school, $6,618 for middle school, and $9,633 for high school. (Tuition for non-Catholic or non-participating Catholics is higher.) A discount for families with two or more students in the school system is available.

Financial assistance is available to qualifying families based on need. Additional financial scholarships are available through the state. Families considering MACS but are concerned about their finances are strongly encouraged to apply for financial assistance.

For enrollment information email Admissions Director Shannon Fortin at sfortin@charlottediocese.org or call 704-3703273.

— Catholic News Herald

— Sally McArdle

Mercy shares the Christmas Spirit

CCHS choir performs at The Ivey CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School Honors Choir visited The Ivey Memory Wellness Day Center in December for songs and holiday cheer. The Ivey provides daytime care for people living with memory loss from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and mild cognitive impairment. Under the direction of Dottie Tippett, the choir sang familiar carols and some new holiday songs with members. One highlight was a beautiful version of “It’s a Wonderful World.”

— Andrea Cooper and Jen Sexton

WINSTON-SALEM — Giving was the goal for the holiday season at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem. The Helping Hands of Mercy group coordinated several holiday outreach projects for the school. This school-wide service organization, led by middle school students, plans and organizes outreach efforts to help others, especially other children.

Fifth- through seventh-graders gathered Nov. 10 to assemble several hundred luminary kits that the Ronald McDonald House sells through their Light A Luminary Project. These kits are a major fundraiser for the Winston-Salem Ronald McDonald House.

Each class also provided a Thanksgiving basket filled with non-perishable food items. Father Carl Zdancewicz, Father Joe Angelini, Deacon Joe Schumacher and student representatives from each class gathered Nov. 20 to bless the 11 Thanksgiving baskets, which were given to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte to be distributed to local families in need.

Throughout December, students participated in a Christmas raffle that auctioned off a dancing snowman. All money raised was used to purchase $5 McDonald’s gift cards. The gift cards were donated to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte and distributed to homeless members of the community. During these cold winter months, this service project allows members of our community to get a hot meal or a warm cup of coffee.

Last but not least, the Helping Hands of Mercy group and Our Lady of Mercy students worked together to collect 83 coats, hats and scarves for the “Give a Kid a Coat” drive, a project run by the Salvation Army and A Cleaner World.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY KATIE SMITH

January 8, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MARY STAPLETON

Adorable Christmas pageantry

On the Catholic News Herald’s Facebook page: See more cute photos from holiday celebrations at our Catholic schools

HUNTERSVILLE — Students at St. Mark Preschool performed their annual Christmas pageant Dec. 16.

Diocesan Residential Housing Director

YOU’RE INVITED!

Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy

Official Pilgrimage of the Diocese of Charlotte —

A Spiritual Journey to Rome, Siena & Assisi October 12 – 21, 2016

More photos online

Under the Spiritual Direction of

Fr. Michael Kottar St. Mary Help of Christians Parish, Shelby, N.C. and

Fr. Carmen Malacari Holy Spirit Church, Denver, N.C. Program Pricing $3,299 from Charlotte, N.C. plus $650 in airport taxes and $150 in tips

To receive the color brochure and registration, please contact our Group Coordinator, Mrs. Jean Judge: jmjudge@charlottediocese.org / (704) 487-7697 x 103

The nonprofit Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corporation seeks an experienced housing professional for the promotion, development, maintenance and operation of diocesan-owned or partnered affordable and market rate housing facilities and the provision of accompanying social services for seniors, families and individuals with special needs.

Visit our website for a complete job description: www.charlottediocese.org/ministries-a-departments/housing Cover letter and resume must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2016 to JVWidelski@charlottegiocese.org No phone calls please.

The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 8, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A Gift for the Ages Our daughter’s baptism. Her first Ccommunion and confirmation. Last week she was married. We are grateful that we were able to establish a charitable gift annuity with the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte to benefit our Catholic school.

To receive the free brochure, “A Simple Guide to Gift Planning” contact Judy Smith, Director of Planned Giving at 704-370-3320 or jmsmith@ charlottediocese.org

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

(803) 327-2097

rockhilloratory.org

roster. He joins Cougar alumni Ben Herlocker, who played in 2006, Mark Harrell, 2011, and Elijah Hood, 2013. Legendary Catholic Coach Jim Oddo coached the Shrine Bowl in 2009 and was assisted by Coach Randy Belk.

Gagnon, who has a 3.5 grade-point average, has committed to play at Duke this fall. According to Head Football Coach Mike Brodowicz, “Xander has been a three-year starter for us and was an anchor on this team’s defense which only gave up 8 points per game.”

He is the son of Mark and Christy Gagnon of Charlotte, parishioners of St. Matthew Church.

— Sally McArdle

Homeschoolers sing at Pennybyrn GREENSBORO — Members of the Greensboro Catholic Home Educators group recently visited Pennybyrn at Maryfield in High Point to sing Christmas carols and visit with the residents.

— Pamela Gaylord

Charlotte Catholic’s Gagnon plays in Shrine Bowl CHARLOTTE — Alexander (Xander) Gagnon, a senior 6’ 4” outside linebacker for the Charlotte Catholic Cougars, was selected to play in the prestigious Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, played Dec. 19 at Gibbs Stadium in Spartanburg, S.C. He was part of the North Carolina team that bested the South Carolina team, 54-39.

Gagnon helped Charlotte Catholic to a 15-0 season. The Cougars then went on to defeat Greenville J.H. Rose 27-20 for the 4A Football State Championship title.

Begun in 1937, the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas is the oldest high school football all-star game in the nation. The annual game features top players from North and South Carolina and benefits Shriners Hospitals.

Gagnon is the fourth Charlotte Catholic player over the years to have been selected to the

Debate team members compete CHARLOTTE — Ten members of the Charlotte Catholic High School Debate and Speech Team competed in Fairfax, Va., in the Patriot Classics hosted by George Mason University Tournament Dec. 5-6. This highly competitive national level tournament was attended by more than 2,500 students from 113 schools across the nation.

Five team members received awards and recognitions: Ryan Kennedy, Student Congress Finalist, eighth place; Uwa Akhere, Dramatic Interpretation Quarter-Finalist, 15th place; Darlene Singui-Tanyi, Dramatic Interpretation Quarter-Finalist, 23rd place; and Charles Nenichka and Connor Ruff, Public Forum Triple Octa-Finalist.

— Mary A. Morales

oratorycenter@gmail.com

An Overview of the New Testament Thursday, January 21 OR Saturday, January 23 9:30am – 4:00pm Mary Ann Getty-Sullivan

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During the day we will examine the kinds of literature found in the New Testament: when, where, how and why these 27 books were written: and the audiences and problems they addressed as well as images of the church that emerge from them.

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We will consider some of the main theses of the Gospels, Acts, the letters and the Book of Revelation and try to discern how these books can serve as a foundation for our own biblical spirituality in the 21st century.

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January 8, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

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On TV n Saturday, Jan. 9, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “The War of the Vendee.” Deeply rooted in their Catholic faith, as preached generations earlier by St. Louis de Montfort, the people of the region of Vendée rose against the French Revolution, clamoring for their faith and throne.

In theaters

n Tuesday, Jan. 12, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Hearing God.” The uplifting story of Father Christopher Klusman from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, his call to the priesthood and the obstacles he faced, as one of only a handful of deaf priests.

‘Concussion’ Fact-based profile of Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith), the Nigerian-born, Pittsburgh-based coroner whose autopsy of a retired professional football player (David Morse) led to his discovery that repeated jolts to the brain, such as those sustained on the gridiron, can cause a degenerative disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE. Together with his supportive boss, famed pathologist Cyril Wecht (Albert Brooks), he publishes his findings, which gain him the backing of the Steelers’ former team physician (Alec Baldwin) but draw fierce opposition from the NFL whose in-house medical staff schemes to vilify the outsider and discredit his research. Helping him endure these attacks is a recent immigrant from Kenya to whom he first gives shelter and then his heart. Working from a 2009 magazine article

by Jeanne Marie Laskas, writer-director Peter Landesman presents viewers with the portrait of a generally admirable character shaped, more than anything else, by his devout Catholic faith. Earnest and idealistic. Gory medical images, a couple of rough terms, occasional crude language.

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

‘Joy’ Loosely based on the life of Joy Mangano, inventor of the self-wringing “Miracle Mop” and a cable television sensation, this madcap tale about a dysfunctional family hoping to hit the big time. Jennifer Lawrence plays the divorced mother of two who struggles mightily to keep a roof over the heads of four generations of her extended clan. Her father (Robert De Niro), a mechanic and tinkerer, has always encouraged her creative streak, even after splitting from her mother who suffers from agoraphobia, the fear of being trapped in public places. With the backing of Dad’s latest girlfriend (Isabella Rossellini), a wealthy widow and shrewd businesswoman, Joy lands a segment on QVC, the fledgling shopping channel run by a visionary executive (Bradley Cooper).Thousands of mops are sold and a star is born, but success proves bittersweet. Domestic discord, mature themes, some crude language.

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

Other movies n ‘Daddy’s Home’: CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘Point Break’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘The Big Short’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: R n ‘The Revenant’: CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: R

ANNETTE TENNY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Olivia Moore, Trevor Neal and Tyler Wall performed solo vocals during the Weaver Chorale’s fall concert featuring Franz Schubert’s “Mass in G” (Mass No. 2 in G major, D 167). The choir from the Greensboro magnet school will perform in Rome this summer.

Weaver Chorale in Greensboro invited to sing at the Vatican ANNETTE K. TENNY CORRESPONDENT

GREENSBORO — A high school chorale in Greensboro is headed to Rome this summer for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: singing at the Festival Corale Internazionale Di Roma, an invitationonly event and one of the premiere musical events held in Rome each year.

Chorale students from the Weaver Academy for Performing and Visual Arts and Advanced Technology, a magnet school in Greensboro, will perform during a Solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and in a full concert at the Basilica di Sante Maria sopra Minerva.

For these students, the upcoming performances in Rome follow a series of other notable performances over the past year that include singing in the National Youth Choir at Carnegie Hall in New York City and performing as the feature solo choir to open the Spring 2015 National Youth Choir performance at Carnegie Hall.

Chorale director Donna Brotherton said the Carnegie Hall performances may have caught the eye of the Rome festival organizers, who sent her an invitation via email “out of the blue.”

“Someone in the chorale conducting world had heard us, perhaps at a competition or at Carnegie Hall,” she said. “It’s a small world and word gets out about a choir.”

The Weaver Chorale will join choirs and mixed voice groups from all over North America under the direction of maestro Z. Randall Stroope, an internationally known composer and conductor whose works are performed

all over the world.

“I’ve been performing his pieces for years with my choirs,” said Brotherton.

To have the opportunity to sing under the direction of someone as renowned as Stroope is rare for a high school group, she added.

The Weaver Chorale group will perform as part of a larger choir, and the singers will have only three rehearsals before the late afternoon Mass at St. Peter’s. They will have one dress rehearsal before the Festival Finale concert at the Basilica di Sante Maria sopra Minerva.

“I think the most difficult thing about this trip will be learning how to blend with the other singers – people with different accents, different languages, different cultures,” noted Alexandra Little, who sings alto. “We only really have a few hours to rehearse with them.”

The Weaver Chorale is beginning rehearsals this month, and in March they plan to have a public concert previewing the entire repertoire they will sing in Rome.

Though the magnet school is small, graduating around 60 or so students each year, it aims to give students exceptional experiences at more than a high school level. Students are challenged musically and the academics are as rigorous as the training in the arts.

“The kids have to do a lot to get into Weaver, write an essay, audition – but their hard work has obvious results,” said Deborah Little, Alexandra’s mother.

“We have been blessed with exceptional opportunities here at Weaver Academy,” Brotherton said. “The level of talent here is amazing. We are very excited at the opportunity to sing in the Vatican.”

n Wednesday, Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Gianna Beretta Molla: A Modern Day Hero of Divine Love.” St. Gianna Molla was a physician, wife and mother who refused an abortion, despite knowing that the pregnancy could result in her death. n Saturday, Jan. 16, 9:45 p.m. (EWTN) “Made for Life.” A look at the gift of children and the need for a child to have both a mother and father present in their lives. Produced by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. n Saturday, Jan. 16, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Maria Goretti.” St. Maria Goretti, one of the youngest saints in the history of the Church, gave up her life to protect her purity. A remarkable film that explores her life in the gritty detail of family poverty and harsh living conditions. n Wednesday Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Napro.” Groundbreaking documentary informing women of a natural alternative to mainstream women’s health care, vis-à-vis hormonal contraceptives. n Friday, Jan. 22, 9 a.m. (EWTN) “March for Life.” Live and complete coverage of the biggest pro-life event in the United States: the 2016 March For Life, in Washington D.C.

Our nation 22

catholicnewsherald.com | January 8, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

March for Life changes venues, but strengthens its message of ending abortion KURT JENSEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The annual March for Life, set for Jan. 22, will convene in a new location in the nation’s capital for the traditional midday rally.

Because of the ongoing refurbishment of the National Mall and strict new regulations that require temporary flooring to protect the grass, the rally has been moved from the West Front of the Capitol to the Washington Monument grounds.

“We were lucky to get that. It’s going to cost us $70,000, and it’s not something we budgeted for,” said Jeanne Monahan-Mancini, president of March for Life. “It’s the most economical wideopen space we could afford.”

Other than the venue, the event, which draws busloads of Catholic parishioners and parochial school students, is expected to remain much the same.

Held since 1974, the march marks the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v.

Wade decision in 1973, which legalized abortion.

“Pro-Life is Pro-Woman” is this year’s theme.

“We know that abortion takes the life of one and wounds the life of another, so we always try to emphasize ... that there’s always hope and healing for anyone who’s made that sad decision, and it’s very important in terms of our messaging,” Monahan-Mancini said.

It’s also intended as a way to blunt critics, “because of the (presidential) election and a lot of the rhetoric about the false ‘war on women,’” Monahan-Mancini added.

Retired Baltimore Ravens football player Matt Birk is the headline speaker at the rally and that evening’s Rose Dinner. Monahan-Mancini said she expected at least a couple of Republican presidential candidates to speak at the rally as well, but that any announcement would come just before the event.

The day before the march, Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, will lead a prayer rally at the Planned Parenthood offices in Washington. A youth rally at the Renaissance Hotel follows.

Other march-related activities include a Mass opening the overnight National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Jan. 21 and a Mass the next morning at the Basilica; a Mass and interdenominational prayer service at Constitution Hall prior to the march; and two similar events, Youth Rally and Mass for Life, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Washington at the Verizon Center and the D.C. Armory.

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback will be honored at the Constitution Hall event for being the first governor to sign the Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act. The legislation is under review in a state appeals court.

Two recent events loom over this year’s march. Last summer, an anti-abortion organization in California, the Center for Medical Progress, released a series of secretly recorded videos that it claimed show representatives from Planned Parenthood clinics discussing the use of aborted infant parts for profit. In November, a gunman opened fire at a Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood clinic, killing three and wounding nine. The suspect, Robert Dear, was reported as telling police, “No more baby parts,” in an apparent reference to the videos.

The videos are the subject of litigation in U.S. District Court, Northern District of California,

where a judge will decide whether the videos should be permanently suppressed because they violate California laws about secret recordings and also contributed to clinic arsons. Excerpts of the videos remain available on YouTube.

Even in truncated form, they videos have had an effect, said Michael Ciccocioppo, executive director of Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, a march participant.

“I haven’t seen every single video from start to finish, but I’ve seen parts of all the videos,” he said. “When you listen to these doctors sitting around eating their lunch, eating their salad, drinking their wine and talking so callously about what they do and how much they can get for these body parts, I mean it really has exposed to the nation how horrendous these things are that are going on.”

Monahan-Mancini agreed that the videos are “very hard to watch.” However, she finds them helpful to the pro-life effort.

“The thing with abortion is, it’s very much in the dark. It’s a violent kind of thing,” she said.

“The great gift, regardless if you agree with the (recording) approach, is bringing into the light what happens behind closed doors. It was just so clear that there was a lack of respect for these little babies. They were just objects – objects for material gain.”

As for the Colorado shooter, “That’s their responsibility when people like that act in that way,” Ciccocioppo said. “It’s not the responsibility of the (anti-abortion) movement.

This man has nothing to do with us.”

“The truth is going to come out one way or the other,” Father Pavone said. “The safest way to proceed for the vast majority of those involved in the march is through the peaceful, prayerful activities and legitimate avenues of government.”

Nationally, support for legalized abortion remains strong. An Associated Press poll taken shortly after the Colorado incident showed support at its highest level in two years.

The poll found that 58 percent of the respondents thought abortion should be legal in most or all cases. That’s an increase from 51 percent who said so at the beginning of 2015.

The poll showed equal support among both Democrats and Republicans.

“I don’t think that poll is fair,” MonahanMancini said. “And I don’t think it’s reflective of the average American and what they think.”

Reversing the landmark Supreme Court decision remains the long-term goal of the march. But organizers said they prefer to focus on changing the nationwide conversation.

“I think we have a much loftier goal, and that’s to change the hearts and minds of Americans. That no woman, in her right mind, would ever choose abortion. Because we really have a deprived culture when any woman thinks that’s an empowering act,” Monahan-Mancini said.

Ciccocioppo said the challenge to the pro-life movement in its quest to overturn Roe v. Wade is “that the court is still stacked against us.”

“But we’re in this for the long haul. This is going to be going on for as long as it takes,” he said.

“First of all, to recognize the humanity of the unborn child in law,” he continued. “But also, another focus of the march is obviously to help get the truth out there about how abortion harms women physically, emotionally and mentally, and kills living human beings, so we can get the hearts and minds of the culture to really accept the fact that this is killing of little human beings, citizens of our country.”

CNS | KATE MUNSCH, REUTERS

Submerged roads and houses are seen Dec. 28 after several days of heavy rain led to flooding in Union, Mo.

St. Louis area parishes respond to victims of record December flooding DAVE LEUCKING CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VALLEY PARK, Mo. — At about 8:30 on a chilly morning Dec. 30, Mickey Downing of the Valley Park Fire District went house to house in lower Valley Park, knocked on doors and asked people to evacuate for their safety with the Meramec River nearing the top of the levee protecting the small town.

The levee gate was built to withstand a crest of 42 feet and 6 inches, a foot lower than the Army Corps of Engineers predicted crest of 43 feet and 6 inches between midnight of that day and 6 a.m. Dec. 31. The levee itself could withstand a 44-foot crest. The record crest was 39, set in 1982.

Most of Downing’s knocks in the community 20 miles southwest of St. Louis went unanswered, which was good news – residents already had sought higher ground. Most of the few who answered were packed and ready to leave. A few diehards were staying behind, hoping to stay dry.

However, Dixie Freeman was neither a diehard nor an evacuee.

She was stranded, with her disabled 94-year-old mother, a couple of dogs and a cockatiel. She also was cold, shivering in the 33-degree air as she approached Downing a couple of blocks from her home. “Can you help?” she asked Downing.

He quickly learned how dire her situation. She had no phone and a broken-down car. Freeman, her mother Nora Dell, dogs Rocky and Fifi, and the cockatiel were stuck.

Downing quickly offered advice.

“I am recommending you go to City Hall for transportation and then go to (Sacred Heart) Church as a shelter, especially since you don’t have wheels to get out,” he said.

A couple of bystanders

volunteered to take Freeman, her mother and the pets to City Hall, where buses were waiting to evacuate residents. After a few phone calls and help from city workers, bus driver Tamekia Davis drove Freeman to her home to gather up everyone before heading over to Sacred Heart Church.

There, pastor Father Denny Schaab greeted them with open arms. Vehicles from lower Valley Park, including U.S. Postal Service trucks and vans from a food pantry, already filled the parking lot.

In an agreement with Fire Chief Rick Wilken, a parishioner, Father Denny had opened the church basement for a shelter, as the parish had done during previous floods.

Elsewhere, parishes in areas of the St. Louis Archdiocese affected by flooding responded to people in need and made plans for a coordinated community response.

Pope prays disaster victims VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis called on Christians to pray for victims of several natural disasters that have hit parts of the U.S., Great Britain and Paraguay. “I invite you to pray for the victims of disasters that in recent days have struck the United States, Great Britain and South America, especially in Paraguay, and that unfortunately have caused casualties, many displaced persons, and extensive damage,” he said Dec. 30. Severe weather affected the southern and central U.S., causing massive flooding that claimed the lives of dozens of people in 13 states. Missouri was the most severely affected. Storms also rocked Latin American countries, with Paraguay being the hardest hit, forcing an estimated 150,000 people to evacuate.

January 8, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Retired Bishop Lessard of Savannah dies at 85 SAVANNAH, Ga. — A funeral Mass will be celebrated Jan. 12 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Savannah for retired Bishop Raymond W. Lessard, who died Jan. 3 at his residence at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida. He was 85. Bishop Lessard, who was 42 when he was ordained bishop of Savannah in 1973, served as diocesan bishop until 1995, resigning because of health reasons.

Religious leaders decry notion of limiting Muslim immigration to U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to suggestions made by some Republican presidential candidates in the wake of the terror attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif., that the United States refuse entry to Muslim refugees or that U.S. mosques be surveillance targets, several religious leaders have rejected the idea. “We underplay the fact that the pregnant Mary and her husband, Joseph, were turned away from the inn. We forget the slaughter of the Holy Innocents – and that the infant Jesus was spared their fate only through the hurried flight into Egypt where the Holy Family lived for years as what today we would call ‘political refugees,’” said Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami in a Dec. 13 op-ed article in the Miami Herald. “Today there are more than 60 million refugees and internally displaced persons living in our world – the greatest number since the end of World War II. Close to one-third of these people are from Syria and Iraq. And most are surviving in desperate circumstances. And, truth be told, many fail to survive at all. Yet, in spite of this profound human suffering, many here in our country would shut our doors in the faces of those looking for a safe haven. We cannot give in to our fear and retreat into the mindset of a ‘fortress America.’”

Msgr. Lynn’s conviction overturned; court calls for new trial PHILADELPHIA — The landmark trial of Msgr.

William Lynn, the first high-ranking American Catholic churchman convicted of a crime in connection with the clergy sexual abuse scandal, will play out again as Pennsylvania Superior Court threw out his July 2012 conviction and ordered a new trial. The threejudge panel said in its 43-page split opinion Dec. 22 that Common Pleas Judge Teresa Sarmina, who presided over the original trial, erred by admitting evidence of sexual abuse of minors by priests of the Philadelphia Archdiocese in the years before Msgr. Lynn served as secretary for archdiocesan clergy from 1992 to 2004.

In that role, he oversaw priests assigned by Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua to ministry in archdiocesan parishes, schools and institutions.

Evidence presented during the three-month trial documented the abuse of minors by some of those priests over the course of many years.

Prosecutors presented evidence to argue that Msgr. Lynn endangered the welfare of a boy by failing to supervise his attacker, former priest Edward Avery. Msgr. Lynn was convicted during the trial under the state’s child endangerment statute and sentenced to three to six years in prison. In its opinion, the Superior Court said the common pleas court under Judge

Sarmina “abused its discretion by admitting a high volume of unfairly prejudicial other-acts evidence.”

Nebraska bishops urge support for ‘at-birth’ gender identity OMAHA, Neb. — The Nebraska Catholic Conference has urged people to support a proposal being considered by the Nebraska School Activities Association that would formalize the current practice of basing high school sports participation on students’ sex at birth. Time is critical, because representatives in one of NSAA’s six districts were to vote Jan. 6 on the “at-birth” proposal as well as another bylaw proposal that is similar but raises serious concerns because it would allow some exceptions, said Sheri Rickert, policy director and general counsel for the conference.

Representatives of the other five districts were to vote Jan. 13. Approval of the at-birth proposal at the January meetings is necessary to prevent adoption of a policy by the NSAA board Jan. 14 that would allow participation based on subjective gender identity, Rickert said.

The conference urged parents – particularly of students in public schools – to contact school superintendents and school board members to express their concern and call on officials to vote for the bylaw proposal that would continue the practice of basing sports participation on a student’s sex as stated on their birth certificate, Rickert said.

Federal judge says state can cut contract with Planned Parenthood SALT LAKE CITY — A federal judge said the state of Utah can end its contract with Planned Parenthood, which is paid for with federal funds.

U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups issued the

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order Dec. 22. In October, he had blocked an effort by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert to defund the Utah affiliate of Planned Parenthood. Herbert had issued an order in August to cut the funding based on secretly recorded videos released earlier in the year by a California organization, the Center for Medical Progress, that describe Planned Parenthood leaders as selling fetal tissue from abortions for research purposes.

“These are the types of decisions that should be left to elected officials,” Waddoups wrote in his order, “and not managed by the courts.” The money at issue comes to about $275,000. The programs that had been funded with the money were an after-school sex education program, a program that tests for sexually transmitted diseases, and a network that monitors STDs. Under the Hyde Amendment, federal funding cannot be used to pay for abortions.

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-- of the people. Iafrate and the others involved in preparing the document over the last three years explained that they moved forward with the project out of a sense of urgency because people felt that the issues they face daily were not being actively or forcefully addressed by the Catholic Church. “The Telling Takes Us Home: Taking Our Place in the Stories that Shape Us” is available online at www.ccappal.org/ thetellingtakesushome2015.pdf. Printed copies can be ordered through the Catholic Committee of Appalachia website, www.ccappal.org.

— Catholic News Service

‘People’s pastoral’ shares struggles, hopes, dreams of Appalachians WASHINGTON, D.C. — Everyone has a story.

A new pastoral letter emerging from the hollows, farms, mountain communities and urban enclaves of Appalachia is giving everyday people a chance to teach anew their stories in their journey to overcome the social injustice that they find deeply entrenched in the region.

Titled “The Telling Takes Us Home: Taking Our Place in the Stories that Shape Us,” the document comes from the Catholic Committee of Appalachia and reflects the dreams, desires and disappointments of Appalachians at a time when the region’s plight is often overlooked.

Organizers describe the document as a “people’s pastoral” that gives voice to those who are rarely heard above deeply partisan political debates. Michael Iafrate, chair of the committee’s board and the document’s primary author, said the letter showcases the teaching authority -- what he called the “magisterium”

General Counsel Diocese of Charlotte The Diocese of Charlotte has an opening for the position of General Counsel.

The successful candidate should possess a thorough understanding and appreciation for the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as well as the ecclesiastical structure of the Catholic Church. The successful candidate must have Bar admission to practice in the State of North Carolina and should have at least 10 years’ experience as a practicing attorney.

Qualified candidates should provide a resume and letter of interest by January 31, 2016, to: Human Resources Director Diocese of Charlotte 1123 South Church Street Charlotte, NC 28203 Or email: employment@charlottediocese.org The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Our world 24

catholicnewsherald.com | January 8, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Mercy enlightens past year, gives hope for new year, pope says JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — The gift of mercy is a light that helps Christians reflect on the past year and radiates hope at the start of the new year, Pope Francis said.

While retracing the events of 2015 may recall moments of both joy and sorrow, it also offers a moment to understand the presence of God who “renews and sustains with his help,” Pope Francis said during an evening prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica on New Year’s Eve. The prayer service included eucharistic adoration and Benediction, as well as the singing of the “Te Deum,” a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God, for the closing year.

The “Te Deum,” he said, is the Church’s way of giving thanks and recognizing the loving presence of God throughout history.

“With this hymn, we look back at the history of salvation where, through God’s mysterious plan, the various events of our life in this past year find” their place and meaning, the pope said.

Although the past year may bring both happy and painful memories, he said, it also challenges Christians to ponder on whether world events occurred according to God’s will or through people’s plans, which are “often loaded with private interests, an unquenchable thirst for power and gratuitous violence.”

The pope said Christians must interpret the signs given by God to truly see His merciful love. Even though the year was marred by violence and the suffering of people fleeing for better living conditions, there were also gestures of goodness, love and solidarity, even if they are not covered by the news.

“Good things,” he said, “never make the news.”

“These signs of love cannot and should not be obscured by the strength of evil,” the pope said. “Good always triumphs, even if in some moments it may seem weaker and hidden.”

Addressing those present as the bishop of Rome, the pope called on Romans to move beyond the present difficulties. The city has faced challenging moments as public services such as transportation and maintenance have deteriorated. In October, Ignazio Marino resigned as mayor following accusations that personal expenses were covered through city funds.

Pope Francis encouraged the people of Rome, saying that the commitment of recuperating the fundamental values of service, honesty and solidarity, can “overcome the serious uncertainties that have dominated this year ... symptoms of a poor sense of dedication to the common good.”

Recalling the Marian icon known as “Salus Populi Romani” (health of the Roman people), the pope invoked Mary’s intercession so that the people of Rome may become “privileged interpreters of faith, hospitality, brotherhood and peace.”

Despite the 40-degree temperature – cold for Rome – Pope Francis visited and prayed before the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square. He also spent time greeting the crowds gathered, wishing them all a “Happy New Year.”

Pope Francis visits the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square after vespers New Year’s Eve in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 31.

CNS | PAUL HARING

Families must open home to God or selfishness will reign, pope says CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — Families need to open their doors to God and his love or they will harbor an individualism that endangers peace and joy, Pope Francis said on the feast of the Holy Family.

Recognizing and encouraging the importance of strong and unified families is especially needed today when “the family is subjected to misunderstanding and difficulties of various kinds, which weaken it,” he said Dec. 27 before praying the Angelus with visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Marking the Jubilee of Families during the Holy Year of Mercy, the pope dedicated a morning Mass and his noon Angelus address to the example and witness of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

The day’s Gospel reading “invites families to welcome the light of hope originating from the house of Nazareth,” he said in remarks before the Angelus.

The Holy Family demonstrates what God desires for all families – that they be “a special community of life and love,” he said.

Mary and Joseph teach men and women today to welcome children as a gift of God, to raise them in a way that cooperates with God’s divine plan, and to give “the world, with every child, a new smile.”

“The true joy that’s experienced in the family isn’t something random or accidental. It is a joy that is the result of the deep harmony between people, who savor the beauty of being together, of supporting each other on life’s journey,” he said.

That joy also is always rooted in “God’s presence, His welcoming love, mercy and patience toward everyone. If one doesn’t open the door of the family to God’s presence and His love, the family loses harmony, individualism prevails and joy is extinguished,” he said.

The pope prayed that the Holy Family protect the world’s families so that they may live in “serenity and joy, justice and peace.”

Earlier in the day, the pope celebrated a special Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica dedicated to families.

In his homily, he said the Holy Family show the importance of prayer, sacred Scripture, worship and praising God together as a family.

The pope suggested mothers and fathers bless their children at the start and end of each day, by making the sign of the cross on their children’s foreheads like they did at their baptism. “Bless

them, that is, entrust them to the Lord,” he said, “so that He can be their protection and support throughout the day.”

It’s also important families pray before meals, thanking God “for these gifts and to learn how to share what we have received with those in greater need.”

Family life is a shared journey of ups and downs, and mistakes can become occasions for forgiveness and growth, the pope said.

“In the Year of Mercy, every Christian family can become a privileged place on this pilgrimage for experiencing the joy of forgiveness,” he said.

“Forgiveness is the essence of the love which can understand the mistakes and mend them,” he said. In fact, “how miserable we would be if God did not forgive us.”

That is why people learn how to forgive starting in the family, he said, because it is in the family that people can be sure they are understood and supported no matter what mistakes are made.

“Let us not lose confidence in the family,” he said, since it is “beautiful when we can always open our hearts to one another, and hide nothing. Where there is love, there is also understanding and forgiveness.”

Pope Francis also focused on the importance of forgiveness the previous day, Dec. 26, the feast of St. Stephen, who is remembered as the first Christian martyr.

Like Christ forgave those who crucified Him, Stephen forgave those who stoned him to death, the pope said before reciting the Angelus.

A true witness of Christ is someone who acts just like Jesus – someone “who prays, loves, gives, but above all who forgives, which, just like the word says, is the highest expression of giving.”

“If we want to grow in the faith, first and foremost, it’s necessary to receive God’s forgiveness; to encounter the Father, who is ready to forgive everything and always.”

“We must never tire of asking for divine forgiveness because only when we are forgiven, when we feel forgiven, we learn to forgive.”

It’s not easy to imitate Christ and forgive the small or significant wrongs and injustices experienced in life, the pope said. But like Christ and St. Stephen, it can be done starting with prayer and entrusting the person who has done wrong to God’s mercy, he said.

“One then discovers that this internal struggle to forgive is cleansed of evil and that prayer and love free us from the internal chains of rancor.”

January 8, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Vatican says 3.2 million pilgrims visited in 2015 VATICAN CITY — More than 3.2 million pilgrims visited and attended papal events, liturgies or prayer services at the Vatican in 2015, the Vatican said. The statistics, released Dec. 30, were compiled by the Prefecture of the Papal Household, which coordinates papal events and distributes free tickets to papal audiences and liturgies. The prefecture said more than 3.2 million people attended a papal event in 2015. The total was a significant drop from the 5.9 million visitors received by Pope Francis in 2014. It was also slightly more than half the 6.6 million pilgrims who visited the Vatican during the first nine and a half months of his pontificate in 2013. During 2015, at least 704,000 people attended the pope’s 42 weekly general audiences; more than 408,000 attended a special group audience; at least 513,000 pilgrims participated in papal liturgies in St. Peter’s Basilica or St. Peter’s Square; and more than 1.5 million attended the pope’s Angelus address on Sundays and major feast days in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope recognizes miracle needed to declare Mother Teresa a saint VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has approved a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, thus paving the way for her canonization. Pope Francis signed the decree for Blessed Teresa’s cause and advanced three other sainthood causes Dec. 17, the Vatican announced. Although the date for the canonization ceremony will be officially announced during the next consistory of cardinals in February, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Vatican office organizing the Holy Year of Mercy events, had said it would be Sept. 4. That date celebrates the Jubilee of workers and volunteers of mercy and comes the day before the 19th anniversary of her death, Sept. 5, 1997.

Baby Jesus teaches people to let go of ego, be humble, kind, pope says VATICAN CITY — The Christmas season is

a time to learn from baby Jesus to let go of selfishness and be humble and giving as He is, Pope Francis said. In fact, people should take the little figurine of Jesus from their Nativity scene and kiss it, “and tell Jesus, ‘I want to humble like You, humble like God,’” the pope said Dec. 30 during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square. The pope dedicated his catechesis to the importance of contemplating baby Jesus. The Christmas season offers a timely occasion for this reflection, since many people customarily set up a Nativity scene at home, he said. Pope Francis said the figure of the holy Infant in His simple crib invites people to adore the child Jesus and to contemplate the mystery of the incarnation as a revelation of God’s saving love. “In order to grow in the faith, we need to reflect more often on baby Jesus,” who came into the world in such a humble way “for us,” he said. “This is a great mystery: God is humble. We, who are proud, full of vanity, who think we’re a big deal, yet we’re nothing. He is great, He is humble and He became a child. This is a true mystery.”

Over 8,000 babies killed in Mecklenburg County alone last year!!

Come and save our children today… join the 10th Annual March for Life Charlotte and pray.

Save the date! Friday, January 15

Be a witness for the sanctity of human life and an act of reparation for an end to abortion.

March for Life Schedule

Mass for the Unborn 9:00am St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 Guest Preacher Fr. Casey Coleman, Parochial Vicar, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

Pope to Vatican employees: Take care of your marriage, grandparents VATICAN CITY — Take care of your marriage and aging parents, play with your kids, and always make peace at the end of the day, Pope Francis told Vatican employees and their families. Try to live out the Year of Mercy every day in the hopes that everyone can “experience the joy of mercy, beginning with your families,” he said during a special audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall Dec. 21.

The pope continued a tradition he started last year of inviting people who work at the Vatican, along with their family members and loved ones, to receive pre-Christmas greetings.

Pope Francis thanked the Vatican employees, most of them laypeople, for their hard work and dedication, even when carrying out their duties often comes with no recognition or appreciation.

“And while I am thanking you, I want to also ask your forgiveness for the scandals there have been in the Vatican,” he said. He asked that they pray “for the people involved in these scandals so that those who erred may mend their ways and can end up again on the right path.”

But the most important thing he wanted to tell them, he said, is to take care of their marriage and never take it for granted. A marriage “is like a plant. It’s not like a cabinet that you put over there, in a room, and dust it every now and then. It’s a living plant, it has to be taken care of every day,” he said.

11:00am Start to gather in overflow parking lot across from the Pastoral Center at 1123 S. Church St. to prepare for march Fr. Casey Coleman Parochial Vicar

11:45am Instructions for march and prayer before march 12:00pm Begin march to Trade and Tryon Streets where Fr. Casey Coleman will preach; then to the courthouse at 401 W. Trade St. to pray the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Go to www.marchforlifecharlotte.org for details on parking and signs

CCDOC.ORG

— Catholic News Service

Help to end hunger Depression/Anxiety Digestive Disorders High Cholesterol Hormonal Imbalances

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Catholic Charities has food pantries in Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem. Each pantry provides walk-in assistance on a first-come, first-served basis during scheduled hours. At the pantries, clients can help choose their food items – because providing food and assistance with dignity is what we believe in.

Looking to give back this holiday season? Drop off a food donation today and make a difference in a neighbor’s life.

Asheville: 828-255-0146 Charlotte: 704-370-3232 Winston-Salem: 336-727-0705

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 8, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Sister Constance Veit

Fred Berretta

The power and promises P of devotional prayer F or “Star Wars” fans, eager anticipation preceded the seventh film which continues the sci-fi epic of good versus evil, “The Force Awakens.”

Unfortunately, we see this real battle on the world stage daily, and it is no Hollywood fantasy. Unlike the Jedis, we have no ethereal “force” to tap into for extra support. Or do we?

Throughout the centuries we have been given many devotional prayers, such as the rosary, revealed to St. Dominic by the Virgin Mary in 1208.

On Sept. 12, 1213, after reciting the rosary, massively outmatched Christian knights won a spectacular victory against the Cathars in the Battle of Muret in southern France.

They attributed the miraculous outcome to the intercessory power of the rosary.

Again centuries later, on Oct. 7, 1571, vastly outnumbered Christians defeated the impressive Ottoman navy at Lepanto, off Greece. Again, the rosary was credited as instrumental.

Many historians agree this outcome preserved European civilization and was perhaps the greatest naval battle ever fought, and the Church still celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on Oct. 7 in memory of this victory.

I became more interested in devotional prayer after I survived a plane crash on the Hudson River in 2009, on U.S. Airways Flight 1549. When the captain told us to “brace for impact,” I said mental goodbyes to my family and then my only solace became contemplating the Divine Mercy image. I had rekindled this devotion to the Divine Mercy, along with the rosary, in my New Year’s resolutions that year. My

‘Lest we get discouraged and wonder what we can do to counter great evils in the world, we can take up devotional prayer with faith, humility and courage.’

faith became paramount before we hit the icy waters, and it gave me peace amid dread and fear. We were very fortunate to have no fatalities, and the crash was dubbed the “Miracle on the Hudson.”

One of the aspects of devotional prayer that I have found intriguing are the extraordinary promises attached for those who pray with heartfelt dedication, such as the 15 promises of the rosary, including one against misfortune; the 12 promises of the Sacred Heart as revealed to St. Margaret Mary Alocoque, including peace in the home, and those of forgiveness of the Divine Mercy given to St. Faustina. There are others even less well known, such as the promises of the Way of the Cross revealed to Brother Estanislao, in which Jesus promised to be “a protective shield”; those of the Holy Face of Jesus given to Sister Mary of St. Peter, for preservation of the faith, and the Green Scapular promises revealed to Sister Justine Bisqueyburu, for health and conversion.

Information about these and others can be found easily on the internet.

Jesus said: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.” If we take our faith seriously, we know we have a small, but critical, part to play in our salvation. We are called to a loving, trusting relationship with God, and devotional prayers offer an easy way to foster these sentiments. It takes a degree of humility to realize our need for mercy. To believe in the power of prayer and, further, to believe in the promises attached to certain devotional prayers, requires a bit more: a simple, childlike faith. In Scripture, Jesus said there is something key about being childlike, as did great saints like St. Therese of Lisieux.

Beyond gifts of grace and blessings, we engage in something profound through prayer: we oppose evil directly. It was the “secret” of the saints. Padre Pio even called the rosary “the weapon.” Lest we get discouraged and wonder what we can do to counter great evils in the world, we can take up devotional prayer with faith, humility and courage. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers...against spiritual wickedness...” (Eph 6:12). Long ago, no doubt the armies of Jericho thought absurd the methodical marching of the Israelites around the walls of their city, but amid blasting horns on the seventh day the walls indeed fell. A biblical foreshadowing of modern day devotional prayer? May this Jubilee Year of Mercy inspire us to seek out the mercy and power of these treasured devotions, and may the force (of prayer) be with you, always.

FRED BERRETTA is a member of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.

ope Francis has a “burning desire” during this special Jubilee Year of Mercy. He wants us to reflect on and practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy so that we may “enter more deeply into the heart of the Gospel where the poor have a special experience of God’s mercy.”

Many of us memorized the works of mercy as children, but a little review might help us to “rediscover” them as this jubilee year gets underway. The corporal works are feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, healing the sick, visiting the imprisoned and burying the dead. The spiritual works of mercy are counseling the doubtful, instructing the ignorant, admonishing sinners, comforting the afflicted, forgiving offenses, bearing patiently with those who do us ill and praying for the living and the dead.

Let’s take a look at how we can practice the first two corporal works of mercy toward the elderly, both on a material and spiritual level. We’ll begin with our bodily needs.

Many people on fixed incomes subsist on foods that are less than ideal from a nutritional standpoint. Fast foods and other processed items are generally cheaper than wholesome fresh food, but they are also lower in nutrients and higher in unhealthy ingredients such as sugar, fat and sodium. This is not good for seniors.

The elderly may also experience mobility issues or lack the transportation needed to get out shopping on a regular basis, so it’s much harder for them to obtain fresh foods. Here are a few ways we can practice mercy by helping to feed and give drink to the elderly: n Take your elderly loved one or neighbor grocery shopping with you. If that is not possible, offer to shop for them on a regular basis. n Gift the elderly with nutritious, homecooked meals. n Besides delivering meals to them, take the time to dine with your elderly neighbor or relative at home, or take them to their favorite restaurant from time to time. Many widows and widowers lack the motivation to cook for themselves when they live alone. Having a dinner companion on a regular basis could both improve their health and lift their spirits (and yours as well). n Help a senior sign up for Meals on Wheels or access other similar resources. n Become a Meals on Wheels volunteer. n If your loved one is hospitalized, try to be present at mealtime whenever possible to ensure that they receive proper nutrition. n If your loved one resides in a longterm care facility, bring favorite treats or nutritional supplements to stimulate

Practicing works of mercy for elderly their appetite. The care team can give you recommendations. n Ask your elderly loved one to share their recipes or expertise for making their favorite holiday or ethnic specialties.

Besides nourishing them, this will celebrate family traditions, honor their heritage and experience and create new memories. Sharing in this way could be even more enriching for you than for them.

These are just a few of the ways we can practice mercy by feeding the elderly.

But as Christ said, no one lives on bread alone. Only Jesus can satisfy our ultimate hunger, since He is the Bread of Life. Just as it is often difficult for the elderly to get out grocery shopping, they may also be

unable to get to church to satisfy their spiritual hunger. An important way of feeding our older friends and relatives is to ensure that they are able to get to weekly or even daily Mass. If they are housebound, make sure someone in the parish brings them Holy Communion, or take responsibility for this yourself; it’s a beautiful ministry.

Whether we bring an older person a pot of soup, a batch of homemade cookies, a bowl of fresh fruit or Holy Communion, we also bring them the warmth of our presence, our friendship and our solidarity. At the same time we encounter Jesus Christ Himself, who will one day say to us, “When I was hungry you gave me to eat; when I was thirsty you gave me to drink. Come to the banquet in my Kingdom of Love!”

SISTER CONSTANCE VEIT is the communications director for the Little Sisters of the Poor in the United States.

January 8, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Parish spotlight

St. Ann Church offers Rorate Mass Deacon James H. Toner

What we know that ain’t so:

“What you think is the right road may lead to death” (Prv 14:12)

Are you happy?

WHAT WE THINK IS THE RIGHT ROAD

W

hat is happiness? We are happy when we drink champagne, when our favorite team wins the Super Bowl, or we receive a high grade in a challenging class. We are happy when we are rewarded with a big promotion at work, or when we find recognition or fun in various activities.

The dictionary says, simply, that happy means “feeling or causing pleasure.” We have the right to the pursuit of happiness, just as it says in the Constitution.

BUT IT’S THE WRONG ROAD Actually, no, it ain’t so: It’s the Declaration of Independence that discusses the “pursuit of happiness” – and it’s wrong.

By “wrong,” I mean that Thomas Jefferson probably should have mentioned that we must not pursue pleasure by any means or by every means, but let’s cut him a little slack because, after all, his chief purpose was not to argue philosophy but to justify revolution.

In teaching philosophy or ethics to college students, I have found that the subject of happiness is a particularly difficult one to raise to abstract standards.

Students just plain know when they are happy, and they initially defy the need for any analysis of it.

But upon Isaiah 12:2 (GNB) reflection and interrogation (which is, after all, what philosophy is all about), they begin to admit that there have been “FINDING TRUE occasions when HAPPINESS,” by Jesuit they thought they Father Robert Spitzer (San were happy, but Francisco: Ignatius, 2015) certain results, consequences and after-effects led to a sometimes agonizing re-appraisal.

So: sometimes we think we’re happy when, really, we aren’t? Would it be helpful if we could predict that what we were going to do would result in genuine, and not counterfeit, happiness?

Counterfeit happiness? That’s the giddiness that often results after a few drinks. And the philosopher (or deacon) is obligated to say that the purposeful destruction of reason is (a) never a good thing and (b) always sinful.

But wait, you may object: How did you sneak in a homily here? What does “sin” have to do with all this?

Here, exactly, is fertile and fruitful

‘As fresh water brings joy to the thirsty, so God’s people rejoice when He saves them.’

Suggested reading

ground for the Catholic philosopher, who goes on to say something like this: Have you ever thought that happy means blessed?

If you read Matthew, Chapter 5: 1-12, you encounter the Beatitudes: “Blessed are those...” But some sources give the translation not as “blessed” but as “happy.” Suppose the philosopher then said: If you want to be happy, strive to be blessed – that is, to be holy.

But you may say that you “know” what it means to be happy, and holiness has nothing whatever to do with it. Until now.

Are you happy when you love your mom and dad? Your brothers and sisters? Or would you put certain bodily pleasures above such love?

Isn’t the greatest pleasure the joy we receive from thinking and saying and doing those things we ought to (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1780)? (“Ought” may be the most important word in ethics, for it implies a standard beyond our own appetites and urges. Those are what I want; doing God’s will is what I ought to want.)

So, you may object, you’re telling me that to be really happy I have to be a “holy roller”?

No, not at all. But I am saying that to be happy we have to conform our ways and wills to God’s. St. Paul tells us that in his Letter to the Romans (12:2). When we indulge our appetites despite knowing what we ought to do (from good education and formation), we will not be happy, we will be miserable. Maybe not immediately, but later, for sure. That’s not being a “holy roller,” it’s being reasonable.

Think about this, too, please. I won’t ask for your definition of freedom, but let me give you someone else’s (actually, Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s definition): Freedom is sinlessness. This definition is also in John 8:34. We do what we are, and we are what we continually do. (That’s Aristotle.) Do-be-dobe-do. (That’s Frank Sinatra.)

When we regularly sin, we condition ourselves to sin; we habituate ourselves to evil. Can evil bring anything except counterfeit happiness?

Shouldn’t we try very hard to find the best thoughts, words and deeds – and practice them? Isn’t it logical that these lead to real and lasting happiness, and that freedom means doing what we ought to do?

There is a close – a very close – connection among happiness, freedom and holiness. Joy ultimately means knowing, loving and serving God. A long time ago, Dante told us that “In His will is our peace.” Knowing and doing God’s will-holiness-happinessfreedom-peace: it’s of a piece. St. Thomas Aquinas, as is so often true, put it well: “Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures.”

And we can do better than that, can’t we?

Philosophy tells us we can. We should. We must.

DEACON JAMES H. TONER serves at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro.

MIKE FITZGERALD | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — St. Ann Church hosted a Rorate Mass at dawn Dec. 19. Father Timothy Reid, pastor, offered the Mass and noted in his homily that the candlelight liturgy, which is celebrated during the darkest days of the year, symbolizes the anticipation and coming of Christ and His light at Christmas. Approximately 125 faithful braved the chilly, dark December morning to attend the Mass. In the background can be seen part of the new mural that was recently installed on the apse wall.

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‘War is not the only enemy of peace, but also indifference, which makes us think only of ourselves and creates barriers, suspicions, fears and closures.’

Pope Francis

From online story: “God’s mercy knows ‘no limits,’ frees people from despair, pope says” Through press time on Jan. 6, 11,026 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 22,681 pages. The top 10 headlines in December and January so far were: n Pray the Holy Infant of Prague nine-day novena, Dec. 16-24......................................................... 1,159 n Lexington pastor removed from ministry following abuse allegation...........................................677 n Jubilee Year of Mercy: Called to be ‘a witness of mercy’.................................................................486 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald............................................................440 n Celebrating Advent in a big way...............................................................................................................373 n Parochial vicar joins St. Matthew Church...............................................................................................317 n OLG youth ministry brings saints alive.................................................................................................. 269 n Two local priests named ‘Missionaries of Mercy’................................................................................ 230 n Father O’Rourke celebrates 40th anniversary as a priest............................................................... 224 n Catholic Campus Ministry inspires Wingate student...........................................................................152

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 8, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

HOLY DOOR

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Learn more about the Jubilee Year of Mercy and how to make a pilgrimage to the diocese’s Doors of Mercy

FROM PAGE 3

“Iubilaeum Extraordinarium Misericordiae Anno MMXVI” (Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy 2016) on the transom.

In his homily, Bishop Curlin asked the faithful to look beyond the ceremony and consider the meaning of the holy door itself.

“This holy year is more than just opening a door,” he said. “We have to get (the) heart involved. Otherwise, it’s just words. It’s just moving around.”

Bishop Curlin encouraged people to open their hearts to the most vulnerable among us: the poor, the unwanted, the hungry, the homeless, the sick and the dying. Those who are most easily forgotten or discarded, he said, are the ones he has worked to serve throughout his life, inspired by the ministry of his “very dear friend” Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Bishop Curlin recounted several memories of working alongside Mother Teresa, who is to be canonized later this year by Pope Francis.

During one of his visits to India, he recalled, Mother Teresa took him to a leper hospital. A man there was dying, and she asked Bishop Curlin to bless him. Then she asked him to help her bathe the man.

“I had never bathed a leper, so I didn’t know what to do,” he said. “Suddenly she looked at me and she smiled and she said, ‘Father, don’t fear. Open the gates of your heart and see God there, as Jesus.’”

He continued, “Well, this is a holy year, and God is saying to us, ‘Open the gates of your heart and then see Jesus all around you.’”

“If you just look with your eyes, you’re

Now Enrolling!

At www.yearofmercy.rcdoc.org: Download educational resources about the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, view the calendar of Year of Mercy events, and much more blind. If you look with your heart, if you open the doors of your heart as we open the holy door, everything changes. You see Jesus in that person that nobody wants.”

He emphasized, “My heart expands when I go through that door and suddenly I see Jesus all around me. I see Him in the poor, I see Him in others who are lonely.”

Bishop Curlin specifically urged people to honor their parents and to reconcile with estranged family and friends, and he asked them to give up pride, vanity and materialism in order to grow closer to Jesus. The Year of Mercy is more than just accepting God’s mercy for us, he said – it is about extending that same mercy towards everyone else.

“When you walk through that door, then, you’re making a pledge. You’re making a pledge not just to walk through the doors and pray, but to walk through the doors to the heart of Christ,” he said.

He then asked, are we visible examples of Christ? Can others tell that we are Catholic, by the kindness in our hearts?

“The way you speak to one another, the way you sacrifice for your loved ones, the way you reach out to people who are hungry or people who are lonely and depressed. It’s Jesus in you, it’s Him acting through your heart,” he said.

When we act with love, “it’s Jesus acting

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PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Parishioners walk out through the Door of Mercy at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro Jan. 2 after Mass. The holy door, one of three pilgrimage sites in the diocese, was blessed and opened by Bishop Emeritus William Curlin (left). Also pictured (right) is Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor. Over the door are inscribed the Latin words “Iubilaeum Extraordinarium Misericordiae Anno MMXVI” to commemorate the Jubilee Year of Mercy. through your heart,” he said. Use your hands, your hearts, your eyes, your words and your actions to act as Jesus would.

He said Mother Teresa once asked him, “People talk about being possessed by the devil. Why aren’t we being possessed by Jesus? Those are harsh, strong words, aren’t they? What a challenge!”

“This holy year is more than just opening a door. Walking through that door is a

symbol of ‘God, walk through the door of my heart, and use me and my voice and my eyes and my lips, my hands, my feet. Jesus, walk through the doors of my heart.’”

As we commemorate the Epiphany, Bishop Curlin pointed out, we must do as the Magi did: bring Jesus “the greatest gift we have – the love in our hearts.

“And once you give that to Him, the doors open up and He’s everywhere.”

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