May 11, 2012

May 11, 2012

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

Voters declare ‘I do’ on marriage N.C. vote to protect traditional marriage in the state constitution passes,

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INDEX Contact us.......................... 4 Events calendar................. 4 Our Parishes................. 3-11 Our Faith............................. 2 Schools......................... 18-19 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies...................... 20 U.S. news..................... 22-23 Viewpoints.................. 26-27 World news...................... 24

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Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | May 11, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope Benedict XVI

At audience, pope says he feels supported by Catholics’ prayers Pope Benedict XVI said knowing that Catholics around the world pray for him has given him strength and confidence since his election seven years ago.

“From the first moment of my election as the successor of Peter, I always have felt supported by your prayers, by the prayers of the Church, especially in the most difficult moments,” he said May 9 at his weekly general audience.

Interrupted by the applause of the estimated 10,000 people gathered for the audience in St. Peter’s Square, the pope told those who pray for him, “I thank you from the depths of my heart.”

Continuing a series of talks about examples of prayer in the Acts of the Apostles, the pope turned to the story of St. Peter’s imprisonment in Jerusalem and his miraculous liberation. The biblical account emphasizes how the entire Christian community was gathered for fervent prayers for the apostle while Peter slept in the jail, the pope said.

The episode, he said, “demonstrates the power of prayer.”

“With constant, trusting prayer,” the pope said, the Lord frees people from their chains, accompanies them through the dark night, and “He gives us the serenity of heart to face life’s difficulties, including rejection, opposition, persecution.”

“Constant, unanimous prayer is a precious instrument for overcoming the trials that arise in life,” because it is a sign of being united with God and one another, he said.

Pope Benedict said St. Peter’s liberation offers the Church today a lesson in the importance of both authentic prayer and unity in prayer.

While the Acts of the Apostles recounts a Christian community facing persecution, the Letter of St. James tells of a community in danger because of its internal divisions caused by selfishness – “the dictatorship of one’s desires” – and a lack of prayer, he said.

Even preaching and teaching about God risks losing its meaning and power to touch hearts and change lives if it is not supported by prayer, which is “a continuous, lively dialogue with God,” the pope said.

Pope Benedict said every community – “both small ones like the family and large ones like the parish, diocese and the whole Church” – need to remember the importance of being united in prayer.

‘Oracle of Palestine’ St. Epiphanius of Salamis celebrated May 12

The facts of faith

A saintly life

What are sins that cry to heaven for vengeance and sins against the Holy Spirit?

Benjamin Mann Catholic News Agency

On May 12 the Church honors St. Epiphanius of Salamis, an early monk, bishop and Church Father known for his extensive learning and defense of Catholic teachings in the fourth century.

During a 2007 visit with the Orthodox Archbishop of Cyprus, Pope Benedict XVI praised Epiphanius as “a good pastor” who “pointed out to the flock entrusted to him by Christ, the truth in which to believe, the way to take and the pitfalls to avoid.”

“At the beginning of this third millennium,” the pope reflected during the visit, “the Church finds herself facing challenges and problems not at all unlike those which Bishop Epiphanius had to tackle.”

Epiphanius was born in Palestine around 310 or 315, the son of Greek-speaking Jewish parents.

He is said to have been drawn to the Church after seeing a monk give away his clothing to a person in need. Not long after his conversion, he became a monk himself, spending time in the Egyptian deserts.

Around 333 he returned to the Holy Land and built a monastery near his birthplace in Judea. Epiphanius showed great dedication to the rigors of monasticism, which some of his contemporaries considered excessive, although he insisted he was only seeking to work faithfully for God’s kingdom.

The devoted monk was also a man of extraordinary learning, versed in the Hebrew, Egyptian, Syrian, Greek and Latin languages and literature. For more than two decades, until 356, Epiphanius was a disciple and close companion of St. Hilarion the Great, a monk known for his wisdom and miracles.

The spiritual bond between them remained unbroken after Hilarion left Palestine around 356. Hilarion’s influence within the Church of Salamis, in present-day Cyprus, led to its choice of Epiphanius as bishop in 367.

During his years in Palestine, Epiphanius had frequently offered guidance and help in the Church’s struggle against Arianism, the heresy which denied Jesus’ eternal existence as God. As a bishop, he went on to write several works arguing for orthodox teaching on subjects like the

Detail of a mosaic featuring St. Epiphanius in the Cathedral of St. Sophia in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Trinity and the Resurrection. He became known as the “Oracle of Palestine.”

Determined to protect the Church from error, Epiphanius became involved in various controversies and was known as a strong voice for orthodoxy. In some instances, however, his zeal was misguided or uninformed, as when he inadvertently became involved in a plot against St. John Chrysostom.

Likewise, some of Epiphanius’ apologetic works are regarded today as inaccurate or flawed on certain points. Nonetheless, he is revered among the early Church Fathers, and his writings – which contain important formulations of orthodox belief – are cited in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

St. Epiphanius of Salamis died in 403, while returning from Constantinople after distancing himself from the attempt to depose St. John Chrysostom. Sensing the approach of death, he gave his disciples two final pieces of advice: to keep God’s commandments, and guard their thoughts against temptation.

He was buried on May 12, after his ship’s return to Salamis. The Seventh Ecumenical Council, in 787, confirmed his reputation as a Church Father worthy of veneration.

Most Catholics are familiar with the term “mortal sin.” Mortal sins deprive the soul of grace. They are serious transgressions of God’s law, done freely and deliberately with a clear understanding of what they are. Their result is to deny a soul entrance to heaven.

There are particular mortal sins that are so evil that they are said to be sins that cry to heaven for vengeance: murder (Gn 4:10), sodomy (Gn 17:2021), oppression of the poor (Ex 2:23), and defrauding workers of their just wages (Jas 5:4).

Sins against the Holy Spirit are mortal sins that harden a soul by its rejection of the Holy Spirit. Six sins are in this category. They are despair, presumption, envy, obstinacy in sin, final impenitence, and deliberate resistance to the known truth.

— Catholic Answers, online at www.catholic.com

Your daily Scripture readings SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 13 - MAY 19

Sunday, Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48, 1 John 4:7-10, John 15:9-17; Monday (St. Matthias), Acts 1:15-17, 20-26, John 15:9-17; Tuesday (St. Isidore), Acts 16:22-34, John 16:5-11; Wednesday, Acts 17:15, 22-18:1, John 16:12-15; Thursday (The Ascension of the Lord), Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:17-23, Mark 16:15-20; Friday (St. John I), Acts 18:9-18, John 16:20-23; Saturday, Acts 18:23-28, John 16:23-28

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 20 - MAY 26

Sunday, Acts 1:15-17, 20-26, 1 John 4:1116, John 17:11-19; Monday (St. Christopher Magallanes and Companions), Acts 19:1-8, John 16:29-33; Tuesday (St. Rita of Cascia), Acts 20:17-27, John 17:1-11; Wednesday, Acts 20:2838, John 17:11-19; Thursday, Acts 22:30, 23:6-11, John 17:20-26; Friday (St. Bede, St. Gregory VII, St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi), Acts 25:1321, John 21:15-19; Saturday (St. Philip Neri), Acts 28:16-20, 30-31, John 21:20-25

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 27 - JUNE 2

Sunday (Pentecost Sunday), Acts 2:1-11, 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13, John 20:19-23; Monday, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Mark 10:17-27; Tuesday, 1 Peter 1:10-16, Mark 10:28-31; Wednesday, 1 Peter 1:18-25, Mark 10:32-45; Thursday (The visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary), Zephaniah 3:14-18, Isaiah 12:2-6, Luke 1:39-56; Friday (St. Justin), 1 Peter 4:7-13, Mark 11:11-26; Saturday (Sts. Marcellinus and Peter), Jude 17, 20-25, Mark 11:27-33

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In Brief Deacon joins Charlotte airport ministry CHARLOTTE — Deacon Patrick Devine was recently granted faculties for ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte and assigned to Airport Ministry at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport

by Bishop Peter Jugis.

Deacon Devine was ordained on Oct. 4, 1986, for the Diocese of Albany, N.Y. His work took him to Devine California, where he served in the dioceses of Orange and San Jose. Semi-retired in Charlotte with his wife Michele, he works as a Transportation Security Administration security officer on weekends. At the airport, he will work with Deacon George Szalony, director of the Airport Chaplaincy. The airport chapel now offers Mass on Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. as well as an interfaith service at 9:30 a.m.

Deacon candidate passes away MATTHEWS — John William Card III, of Matthews, a candidate for the permanent diaconate, died April 25, 2012. He was 56.

He was born Sept.

17, 1955, in Newport, R.I., to John William Card Jr. and Mildred Shepard Card. He worked as a law enforcement officer for the Casselberry Police Department in Card Casselberry, Fla., and other police departments, for 20 years.

He was a member of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte and was involved in prison and hospital ministry. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He also was an active volunteer in the Union County school system, and he was proud of being a descendant of William Ellery, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on April 28, 2012, by Monsignor John McSweeney at St. Matthew Church. Interment was at the church’s columbarium.

Survivors include his wife, Jo-Ann; two daughters, Jennifer Card of Charlotte, and Jacqueline Kutney and her husband Matthew of Hollywood, Fla.; and two brothers, Francis Jaycocks of Key West, Fla., and Robert Card of Sanford, Fla. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 222 S. Church St., #303, Charlotte, NC 28202; or the American Cancer Society of Greater Charlotte, 1901 Brunswick Avenue, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28207; or the LAMB Foundation in care of St. Matthew Catholic Church.

Photos by George Hoffman Jr. | Catholic News Herald

Parishioners at St. Ann Church in Charlotte stood along Park Road on May 6, holding signs and forming a prayer chain to demonstrate their support of the constitutional amendment to protect traditional marriage.

North Carolina voters say ‘I do’ to the marriage amendment Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

CHARLOTTE — North Carolina voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to define marriage, by a 3 to 2 margin, with heavy turnout to the polls on May 8.

In unofficial results calculated Tuesday night by the N.C. State Board of Elections, 1,303,952 people – 61.05 percent – voted for the amendment while 831,788 people – 38.95 percent – voted against it.

The ballot read, “Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State.” It enshrines the definition of traditional marriage in the state constitution, elevating it from what has been state law since 1996.

North Carolina is the 31st state to define traditional marriage in its constitution, and the last among the Southern states to do so.

Only seven of the state’s 100 counties (Buncombe, Chatham, Durham, Mecklenburg, Orange, Wake and Watauga) voted against the amendment, and those counties generally encompassed the major cities of Charlotte, Raleigh and Asheville.

Smaller cities and every rural county voted for the amendment, according to the state

elections board results.

The controversial amendment attracted large numbers of people to the polls on Tuesday, with 2.1 million (34 percent) of the state’s 6.3 million registered voters casting a ballot on the question, according to the state elections board results. Turnout was as high as 50 percent in some counties.

And more than 467,000 people voted early, either in “one-stop” polling locations set up in each county or by absentee mail ballot, in part due to heavy campaigning by both amendment supporters and opponents in an advertising blitz that ran for months.

Reactions from local leaders who supported the amendment were quick and enthusiastic.

Bishop Peter Jugis of Charlotte and Bishop Michael Burbidge of Raleigh had both championed the amendment, which they said would protect any arbitrary redefinition of marriage. Marriage, they reminded Catholics, is based in natural law

by God and instituted as a sacrament by Jesus Christ. It binds together a family, the fundamental building block of all societies, and provides the most stable and nurturing environment to raise children.

Said Bishop Jugis on May 8, “I am pleased that the people of North Carolina voted for marriage. The Church consistently teaches

that marriage is created by God as the faithful and exclusive union of one man and one woman, open to the gift of children.”

Bishop Jugis had mentioned the marriage amendment battle during his “ad limina” trip with Pope Benedict XVI earlier that same day. In his homily at Mass at the altar of the tomb of Blessed John XXIII in St. Peter’s Basilica Tuesday morning, Bishop Jugis said he and Bishop Burbidge had endured scorn for their efforts to uphold Church teaching on marriage. It was a cross worth bearing, he said, “to be courageous in witnessing to the Gospel.”

“I shared with another bishop my sadness over this criticism of our support for something as beautiful and foundational to society as traditional marriage,” he said.

The other bishop “encouraged me by saying, ‘Wear it as a badge of honor.’”

Ever since the amendment was put on the ballot by the Republican-led legislature last fall, the bishops had urged Catholics to vote for it. They communicated with parishioners in print and online diocesan news media, TV and radio ads, parish bulletins and postcards, billboards and yard signs, and letters read from the pulpit Amendment, SEE page 7

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 11, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events ASHEVILLE

Mass for U.S. military personnel

st. eugene church, 72 CULVERN ST. — “Medicare choices made easy,” 2-4 p.m. May 22. RSVP with Council on Aging at 828-277-8288 or Catholic Social Services Elder Ministry at 704-370-3220.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the next two weeks: May 5-12 Ad Limina Visit Rome, Italy

— Presentación para explicar el programa de Medicare, 2-4 p.m. 23 de mayo. Registrese con Council on Aging al 828-277-8288 o con el Ministerio Católico de Servicios para Ancianos al 704-370-3220.

BELMONT belmont abbey college, 100 belmont-mt. holly road — IHM Carolina Homeschool and Parent Conference, Student Commons, noon-8 p.m. May 25. Contact info@ihmconference.org or 540-636-1946. Visit www.ihmconference.org.

May 17 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Dorothy Church, Lincolnton May 18 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury

queen of the apostles church, 503 n. main st.

— Adult Faith Formation Series: “When Yes means Yes and No means No- Making Moral Decisions,” Family Life Center, 7:30 p.m. May 15 and 22.

May 20 – 10 a.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Francis of Assisi Church, Lenoir

CHARLOTTE our lady of consolation church, 1235 Badger ct.

— Fourth Annual Ladies Day of Reflection, Parish Life Center, 8 a.m.-noon May 19. Registration required.

Contact olcladiesguild@gmail.com, Deborah Wadsworth at 704-568-8415, or Catherine Gomez at 704-509-2199.

May 22 – 4 p.m.

Blessing of Cemeteries Canton and Waynesville May 22 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. John the Evangelist Church, Waynesville

pastoral center, 1123 s. church st.

May 24 – 7:30 p.m.

Baccalaureate Mass for Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School St. Pius the Tenth Church, Greensboro

— Estate planning seminar, 7-8:30 p.m. May 23.

Refreshments served. Contact Judy Smith, to register and for details, at jmsmith@ charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3320.

— Entrenamiento de Catequista en español, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 26 de mayo

May 26 – 5:30 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

— Catechist training in Spanish, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 26 ST. ann CHURCH, 3635 park road — Missa Cantata for the Feast of the Ascension, 7 p.m.

May 17. Visit www.stanncharlotte.org.

— John Paul II Culture Day, 3:30 p.m. May 20. Contact Tina Witt at 704-846-7361.

Correction Identifying captions were misplaced under two photos accompanying the story “Bishop Begley conference highlights sustainable agriculture” in the April 27 edition of the Catholic News Herald. We regret the error.

— Missa Solemnis for the Feast of the Holy Trinity, 2:30 p.m. June 3. Visit www.stanncharlotte.org.

ST. basil eastern catholic mission, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road — Great Vespers for the Feast of the Ascension, 6 p.m. May 16, followed by a Typica Service with Holy Communion. Visit www.stbasil.weebly.com.

ST. john neumann CHURCH, 8451 Idlewild Road — Blood Drive, sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 7343, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. May 20. Sign up on May 12 and 13. Contact Dennis Schoen at 704-708-6338.

May 11, 2012 Volume 21 • Number 14

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

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

bishop peter j. jugis will celebrate a Mass for U.S. military personnel, 3:30 p.m. July 15 at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Rosary will be recited at 3 p.m. All military personnel are encouraged to attend in uniform. Photos of those who have died or who are now serving will be displayed at St. Patrick

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY. — Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Information Meeting, NLC 202, 7 p.m. May 14.

— Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course, 1-5 p.m. May 19. RSVP to Batrick Adcock, MSN, RN at cssnfp@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3230 — St. Peregrine Healing Prayer Service, 7:30 p.m. May 24. Contact 704-543-7677.

— Seminar: “Understanding Addiction & Recovery Within the Faith Community,” for clergy, religious, and industry professionals, NLC Banquet Room, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

June 1. Contact and registration with Margaret Larrea at mlarrea@dilworthcenter.org or 704-372-6969.

— Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop, NLC Banquet Room, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 16. Register at www. cpcharlotte.org. Contact Michael Burck at mburck@ stmatthewcatholic.org ot 704-541-8362, ext. 4.

— “Alive in the Spirit,” Charismatic Prayer group, 7:30 p.m. third Mondays. Contact Barbara Gardner at chlt5nc@aol.com.

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

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS church, 1400 suther road — Parish Mission: “Bring the Fire Home,” 7 p.m. May 2023. Visit www.sacredheartapostolate.com. Contact Geri King at 704-455-6819.

CONCORD ST. JAMES THE GREATER CHURCH, 139 Manor Avenue, S.W. — Natural Family Planning Bilingual Instructor training, 6-9 p.m. May 18. Contact Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at cssnfp@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3230.

DENVER HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, 537 N. HIGHWAY 16 — HOPE Cancer Support Group: “Manage stress so stress doesn’t manage you,” 11 a.m.-noon May 17.

Contact parish office at 704-483-6448.

— HOPE Cancer Support Group: “Get health tips for mind and body wellness,” 11 a.m.-noon May 24. Contact parish office at 704-483-6448.

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Cathedral. Please mail a color or black and white photocopy of them with their name and military rank on the back to: Nancy Weber, Office of the Bishop, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, to be received no later than July 2. Please do not send original photographs, as they cannot be returned.

GREENSBORO our lady of grace CHURCH, 2205 W. Market St. — “Awakening Faith: Reconnecting with your Catholic Faith,” school library, 10-11:30 a.m. Saturdays through May 19. Contact Rebecca Toner at 336-497-4439.

— Women’s Mass and Reflection, 7 p.m. May 17. Nursery reservations available. Contact volarewomen@ hotmail.com. st. PAUL THE APOSTLE CHURCH, 2715 HORSE PENN CREEK ROAD — The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians welcomes all women who are practicing Roman Catholics, and who are Irish by birth descent, who are the wife of a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, or the mother of a junior member. Meetings are first Thursdays. Contact marylisk @aol.com. st. PIUS X CHURCH, 2210 N. ELM ST. — “Remembering we are Mortal: Death & End of Life Decisions in the Catholic Tradition,” 7 p.m. May 18.

Presented by the St. Pius X – Belmont Abbey College Lecture Series. Reception to follow. See details on page 8.

HIGH POINT IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, 4145 johnson st.

— Blood Drive, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. May 19. Contact Lisa Hubbard at 336-306-0606 to schedule donation appointment.

— International Festival: “Many Voices, One Spirit,” 3:30-7:30 p.m. May 27. Bring a favorite ethnic or local family-sized dish to share.

HUNTERSVILLE ST. MARK CHURCH, 14740 STUMPTOWN ROAD — The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians welcomes all women who are practicing Roman Catholics, and who are Irish by birth descent, who are the wife of a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, or the mother of a junior member. Meetings are in room 200, 7:30 p.m. first Thursdays. Contact Bernadette Brady at mcbernie38@msn.com or 704-210-8060.

Is your parish or school hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions for the Diocesan Calendar is 10 days prior to desired publication date.

Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.

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.

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May 11, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

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Special collection for national, international ministries set for May 20

Holy. Catholic. Apostolic.”

The event also included a convocation of youths surveyed for their opinions on what the diocesan youth ministry should be doing moving forward, both at the parish as well as the diocesan level.

Katie Herzing, youth minister at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte and a member of the Youth Ministry Convocation team, said more than 470 youths participated in the survey earlier this spring.

“We found some results particularly interesting,” she reported: 84 percent of teens surveyed attend Mass at least once a week, 60 percent said they enjoy going to Mass, 67 percent volunteer at least once a month, 44 percent feel closest to God in the Eucharist, and more than half attend their parish’s youth ministry program “quite a bit.”

Yet, she added, 65 percent of teens said they are scared most about their life’s purpose and their future, and 75 percent said they have never considered a religious vocation.

Many teens said they don’t know how to share their faith, and are scared to do so because of lack of knowledge or out of fear of what others might think.

Teens discussed the findings and how they could gain a better understanding of the needs of the youths in strengthening their faith.

CHARLOTTE — It doesn’t take much, but any contribution you make for a second collection slated later this month will go towards some of the Church’s most crucial national and international ministries: such as supporting the Church in the Holy Land, Catholic college scholarships, disaster assistance and emergency response, immigration legal aid and refugee support.

This second collection, which will be taken up in all parishes of the Diocese of Charlotte during Masses May 19-20, actually combines five collections in one: the Catholic Relief Services Collection, Collection for the Holy Land, Collection for the Works of the Holy Father, Catholic University of America Collection, and Catholic Communications Campaign. Called the International-National Combined Collection, funds raised through it go to support the following: n Catholic Relief Services Collection: Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian organization of the U.S. Catholic Church. It provides assistance to people in 98 countries and territories based on need – not race, creed or nationality. The collection funds Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc., providing a full range of legal and support services to Catholic programs directly representing poor immigrants, with a focus on reunification of families and protection of those fleeing persecution or civil unrest. It also funds Migration and Refugee Services, which annually resettles a quarter of the refugees admitted to the U.S. and provides advocacy and pastoral care; funds the Holy Father’s Relief Fund, which assists victims of natural disasters and other emergencies; and funds the U.S. bishops’ Justice, Peace and Human Development Department, which advocates for poor and vulnerable people and for international peace and justice; and funds the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church, which supports a network of national pastoral centers and personnel who minister to various ethnic groups. n Holy Land: The Collection for the Holy Land, in the words of Paul VI, is “not only for the Holy Places but above all for those pastoral, charitable, educational, and social works which the Church supports in the Holy Land for the welfare of their Christian brethren and of the local communities.” More than 300 Franciscan priests and brothers together with 130 sisters from Franciscan and other religious communities serve all God’s people in the Holy Land. Since 1342 these friars have been the official guardians of the Holy Places for the whole Church. They also staff a seminary in Jerusalem, the Holy Land delegation in Rome, and hundreds of shrines, basilicas, churches and parishes in the Holy Land; as well as schools and catechetical centers, homes for the aged, summer camps, medical dispensaries, orphanages, and special housing projects for the poor. n Collection for the Works of the Holy Father (formerly called Peter’s Pence): The Peter’s Pence Collection unites us in solidarity to the Holy See and its works of charity to those in need. Your generosity allows the pope to respond to our suffering brothers and sisters with promptness, love and compassion, so God’s people will not feel alone in their time of misfortune. Visit www.usccb.org/ppc for details. n Catholic University of America: The Catholic University of America is unique as the national university of the Catholic Church. Located in Washington, D.C., it was founded in 1887 and offers students an excellent education in a faith-filled atmosphere grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition. The Collection for the Catholic University of America underwrites scholarships to assist financially deserving students in completing their education in more than 50 disciplines. Visit www.cua.edu for details. n Catholic Communication Campaign: The Catholic Communication Campaign supports projects that use the entire array of media tools available today to evangelize and promote Gospel values. Half of the collection supports local communications efforts, and the other half supports the production of national media programming. Visit www.usccb. org/ccc for details.

In a letter shared with parishioners across the diocese this month, Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, writes, “‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.’ (Mark 16:15) These words, spoken

by Jesus before his Ascension into Heaven, remind us that we are called to reach beyond the boundaries of our local parishes and missions to share the good news throughout the world.

One way to put Jesus’ words into action and participate in the mission of the universal Church is through contributions to those organizations that address diverse needs of countless people throughout the world. ... Your prayers and generosity to this combined collection do make a difference in the lives of others both here in our own diocese and throughout the world.”

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

Photos by Ruben Tamayo | Catholic News Herald

Hundreds gather at annual Diocesan Youth Conference BLACK MOUNTAIN — Youths from 33 churches across the Diocese of Charlotte participated in the 35th annual Diocesan Youth Conference April 27-29 at the Ridgecrest Conference Center in Black Mountain.

The theme for the annual conference was “Stand Firm: One. Holy. Catholic. Apostolic.” That theme was carried through all of the talks, workshops, activities, music and worship services held during the conference.

Paul Kotlowski, director of the diocesan Youth Ministry Office, stated in his welcome message for the youths: “Let us be one. Let us work with a like mind and a like Spirit in the Lord. We put aside any differences in race, customs, views, and appearance and stand as a people in one accord.

Let us be Holy. Holy is difficult in the year 2012.

Let us become what we receive in the Eucharist and be walking tabernacles for Christ. Let us be Catholic. The adjective ‘catholic’ means all-inclusive and useful to all. Let us embrace the stranger and welcome everyone to our faith. Let us be apostolic.

This means that we are relating to the Apostles and their teachings. As we carry on the tradition of the first Christians, let us exemplify their dedication to Jesus. As you stand firm this weekend, I encourage you to always remember that we are rooted together in faith. We believe and trust in God’s will as we stand firm as Catholic brothers and sisters: One.

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 11, 2012 OUR PARISHES

‘BIGGER THAN JUST PROVIDING PEW SPACE’

Ty Reamer | Catholic News Herald

Parishioners crowd into Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont during a recent Sunday Mass.

Growing Belmont parish plans ahead to build new church Christopher Lux Correspondent

BELMONT — For nearly 50 years parishioners of Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont have used a converted gymnasium as their church, but within a few years that could change. The parish is getting under way with a campaign to build a new church to serve the growing Catholic community just west of Charlotte. It will be a long, detailed process, but it’s one the parish thinks will be well worth the effort.

The old gym has “served the community well for a lot of years,” says Father Frank Cancro, pastor, because for decades Belmont had been “a bit of a sleepy community.” Then, in the 1970s “when the mills closed down, there didn’t seem like there was going to be much growth in the area…so the parish still wasn’t very large. But with the development that has happened, especially in the last 15 years or more, Belmont has seen some significant growth and the parish has grown significantly.”

In 2007, the parish was comprised of about 460 families. Now, there are almost 900 families. Current growth in the parish is projected at between 80 and 100 families each year.

With the 50th anniversary of the parish approaching in 2015, Father Cancro says, he would like to plan ahead for a new building that could house the growing congregation. “I would like to have something significant here, at least a big significant hole in the ground or a building,” he says.

Parishioners have been meeting and forming early plans for a potential building campaign. But there are still many steps

ahead for the parish community before any plans can be realized and shovels can be dug into the ground. Those steps cover both the planning as well as the construction of any new church or parish building, and involve many parish and diocesan leaders throughout the process.

First, a pastor must get approval from the chancellor, Monsignor Mauricio West, to begin the planning process and develop a master site plan. Then the design plans for the new worship space must be approved by the diocesan Office of Worship, and a financial plan must be approved by the diocesan Properties and Finance offices.

Then the entire project has to go before the diocesan Building Committee for its review. Only after all those steps have been completed may the parish start a capital fund-raising campaign – and even after all that, the parish must have half the cost of the total project in cash in the bank, and at least another 30 percent raised in pledges, before it can break ground. Only 20 percent of a large capital campaign can be financed through a loan, and it must be planned to be paid off within 10 years.

No matter the work involved, though, those who see firsthand the increasingly crowded Belmont parish think the goal is worth working toward.

The parish received permission in 2010 from the diocese to begin the project. The parish hired WKWW Architectural Firm in Charlotte, a firm that exclusively designs churches, and drew up a rough master site plan. No detailed architectural plans have been decided yet, though, and the parish still has to explore how it would pay for the entire project. These decisions will require more committees, more input from the parishioners and more guidance from

diocesan leaders.

Parishioner Austin Berrong has attended Queen of the Apostles Church since 2008, and a year later he came into the Catholic Church along with his mother and sister.

He remembers, “It was crowded when I first came to the parish, but we only had two Masses on Sunday. Now we have more Masses and it’s still crowded. It’ll be nice to have more space for the growing parish.”

“Right now we’re maxed out. We have five Masses on the weekend,” Father Cancro adds. “We, unfortunately, have to turn people away some Sundays because of fire regulations. That’s terrible. On the one hand, I guess, that’s good, but on the other hand that’s terrible.”

But Father Cancro is also quick to point out that the project is “certainly much bigger than just providing pew space.”

Not only is the space in the church too small, but, he adds, “the worship space we have now is just not adequate. It’s not just an issue of room for seating, there’s not adequate room to move around to do rituals well. The sidelines are not adequate, the choir is not in an appropriate place, and some of the furniture is too big. So there’s a need not just to create more seating, but to create a worship space that has a certain harmony to it that not only worships God but gives the community that sense of gathering to be church for its sacraments.”

The parish would also like appropriate space for faith formation programs.

“Right now the education takes place across the street,” Berrong says. Faith formation leaders use the Sacred Heart building on the Sisters of Mercy campus nearby because they lack their own space.

The majority of this growth is from new families moving into the Belmont

Learn more So just what does it take to get a new church built? Go online to www. catholicnewsherald.com to read more.

area. “In fact,” Father Cancro notes, it is “young families. The median age of the parishioners has shifted down considerably – it’s about 35, which means we have a lot of young families with a lot of young kids.”

So the building of a new church would pay special attention to the needs of these young families, particularly regarding faith formation.

And, of course, “practically speaking, we need more bathrooms and we need more parking,” he adds. The parish also hopes, among other things, for a church library, more storage, and better ways to get on and off the property.

The Belmont Abbey basilica was the only active church for Catholics in and around Belmont until 1965, when Queen of the Apostles began providing a spiritual home for Catholics in Gaston County. With continued population growth in the area, the parish is expecting a steady rise in its numbers. Besides offering multiple Masses during the Christmas and Easter seasons, Father Cancro says, “we have to use TV screens in the hall for overflow.” And they may have to start using TV screens every weekend, he suspects. “We’re at the point where we’re going to have overflow at two of the Masses every weekend. That’s just not a good way to be church.”

May 11, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish plans Enthronement of the Sacred Heart Geri King Special to the Catholic News Herald

CHARLOTTE — The diverse and multicultural parish family of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, in preparing for an upcoming parish mission later this month, is planning for an Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The parish has reached out to both national and international prayer groups and religious communities around the world. More than 125 prayer groups have been solicited and have made a commitment to be in prayer for the success of the church’s mission planned for May 20-23. The mission, offered by the National Office of the Sacred Heart Apostolate, has the theme “Bring the Fire Home,” through the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The Sacred Heart mission will address the greatest crisis in the Church today: the breakdown of family life. The mission will speak about

More online Learn more about the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart: www.sacredheartapostolate.com

a way of life that calls families and individuals to have the Sacred Heart of Jesus “enthroned” in their homes as a sign of their commitment to live out the truths of the Gospel and to pattern their hearts after the Heart of Jesus.

The ritual of the Enthronement itself is a two-fold action of installing a blessed image of the Sacred Heart and making a covenant of love with Him. Our Lord in turn will honor this covenant of love by bestowing significant graces and blessings as told to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque: “I will bless every dwelling in which an image of My Heart is both exposed and honored.”

The recognition of the Heart of Christ in our midst through the Enthronement ceremony is not reserved just for families. It is open to individuals, parishes, communities and institutions.

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish also plans to have the church Enthroned on the Feast of the Sacred Heart on June 15.

Among the many fruits to follow from the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart are a revitalization of faith and love in the home, along with reconciliation and forgiveness, a reconnection of the family with the parish, reverence for the Eucharist, greater appreciation of the Word of God, renewed awareness of the truths of the Catholic faith, and the family once again becoming the seed-bed of vocations.

The parish mission will be held starting at 7 p.m. nightly from May 20 to 23 in the church. For more information about the parish mission, call Geri King at 704-455-6819.

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AMENDMENT: FROM PAGE 3

during Sunday Mass the weekend before the vote.

Their efforts ran parallel to the campaign by Vote For Marriage NC, a non-partisan coalition of churches, groups and individuals that organized public support for the amendment, which even at the start of the campaign last fall was considered widely popular among North Carolina voters. Each diocese also donated $50,000 to the Vote for Marriage NC campaign for its advertising blitz and voter education efforts.

In a written statement released on election night May 8, Tami Fitzgerald, chairwoman of Vote For Marriage NC, said, “We are thankful to God and to the people of North Carolina for joining together today to preserve marriage as the union between one man and one woman in our state constitution.

North Carolinians have been waiting for nearly a decade to protect marriage – a sacred institution authored by God – from being redefined against the will of the people. The marriage protection amendment ensures that it will always be the people of our state who determine what marriage is in North Carolina, not an activist judge or future politicians. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the thousands of supporters who rallied behind protecting marriage in our state. Our victory tonight could not have been possible without their tireless support.”

The Saint Pius X / Belmont Abbey College Lecture Series Presents

Dr. David Williams

Associate Professor & Chair, Dept. of Theology at Belmont Abbey College

B.A. Georgetown University, PhD (Theology) Boston College, PhD (Political Science) Boston College

Remembering We are Mortal: Death & End of Life Decisions in the Catholic Tradition

May 18, 2012 at 7 p.m. at Saint Pius X Catholic Church 2210 North Elm Street Greensboro, North Carolina 336-272-4681

The Saint Pius X / Belmont Abbey College Lecture Series consists of three lectures a year (May, September, January) featuring distinguished Belmont Abbey College faculty on issues of faith, religion, and the humanities from a Catholic perspective.

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 11, 2012 OUR PARISHES

New lecture series begins with end-of-life discussion Ryan Murray Correspondent

GREENSBORO — On Friday, May 18, at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro, Dr. David Williams, associate professor and chair of the theology department at Belmont Abbey College, kicks off a St. Pius X/Belmont Abbey College Lecture Series with the presentation “Remembering We are Mortal: Death and End of Life Decisions in the Catholic Tradition.” The program is open to the public and begins at 7 p.m.

Williams “Quite beyond issues of specific technologies or medical interventions, there’s a theological perspective on death and dying that ought to inform our decision-making as Catholic Christians,” Williams said. “It’s especially good to consider this in advance of our actual encounters with those situations, which can often take place suddenly or under great emotional distress.”

Williams, who has a Ph.D in theology, a Ph.D in political science and an M.A. in Christian ethics, all from Boston College, was born Methodist and received into the Roman Catholic Church in 1986 during his undergraduate studies at Georgetown University.

While the subject matter of this particular lecture may not be the easiest to discuss, Williams does feel that the presentation holds much value, both from a theological perspective as well as

specifically being designed to help in actual decision-making.

“Death will come to us all, the common lot of our fallen humanity, and failing to consider or discuss it just leaves us unprepared,” Williams said. “I’d hope that people come away with a better theological perspective, one that sees our deaths as part of that dying and rising with Christ that begins in our baptism. Grief and sadness there will be, but only in our dying with Him is there hope of rising. Closer to home, I’d also wish for people to leave with a better sense of the Church’s principles that are in play when we’re called to make end-of-life decisions for ourselves or families.”

Tracy Earl Welliver, pastoral associate at St. Pius X Church, helped put the lecture series together with Williams and was excited to have him kick it off.

“We’re really excited to bring some quality teaching to the parish as well as the Greensboro community,” Welliver said. “I also think it will be a great opportunity for visibility for Belmont Abbey College in the northern region of the diocese.”

Throughout his career, Williams has had the opportunity to learn a variety of things regarding death, end-of-life decisions and Catholicism.

“I’d say the biggest thing I’ve learned is the depth of what our faith has to offer in Scripture and in the teachers of the Church through the ages,” Williams said. “It’s very easy for us, with all of our DISCUSSION, SEE page 17

‘Breakfast with Benedict’ provides casual setting for learning about the Rule of St. Benedict Mary B. Worthington Correspondent

BELMONT — To hear a lecture while dining is nothing new in the Benedictine tradition.

“Reading will always accompany the meals of the brothers,” says St. Benedict in his Rule. “The reader should not be the one who just happens to pick up the book, but … brothers will read and sing, not according to their rank, but according to their ability to benefit their hearers.”

In a series of five breakfasts throughout the academic year, “Breakfast with Benedict” has provided this same opportunity to students, staff, coaches, faculty and monks of Belmont Abbey College in Belmont.

Organized by Patrick Ford, director of Catholic Student Leadership and Formation, the final breakfast April 18 featured Dean of Students Dr. Lucas Lamadrid talking about the Benedictine hallmark of humility, explained in chapter 7 of the Rule.

“We all want to be CEOs of our own lives,” Lamadrid said, “but really, we have very little control. There is a freedom in handing over to God. Knowing that you are not the measure of all things, that you have a place before God, is the first step to humility – the first step to wisdom.”

That place before God, Lamadrid explained, applies to all created things, not just humans. Illustrating his point

Mary B. Worthington | Catholic News Herald

Dr. Lucas Lamadrid, dean of students, gave the last in a series of breakfast lectures this academic year at Belmont Abbey College. “Breakfast with Benedict” enabled students, staff, coaches, faculty and monks of Belmont Abbey College in Belmont to gather and learn more about a particular topic of faith, in the Benedictine tradition. through a diagram of the hierarchy of beings, Lamadrid placed God on the top rung with the distance of infinity before angels on the second rung, followed by man on the third, and with the lesser beings such as “Harvey the Platypus, BENEDICT, SEE page 17

Altar Rosary Society at Our Lady of Consolation: giving spiritual, material support for 60 years Mary B. Worthington Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte may be just 40 years old this year, but a group of lay women and men from Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte boasts nearly 60 years together.

The parish’s Altar Rosary Society, founded in the 1950s, serves both the spiritual and material support of the small congregation north of uptown Charlotte.

“We pray the rosary before every Mass, and they organize that,” said Capuchin Franciscan Father Martin Schratz, pastor, in describing — Shirley Fowler the primary role of Member of Our Lady of the society.

The society also Consolation Church’s Altar Rosary Society gathers monthly to respond to prayer requests, welcome new members and discuss their charitable works such as scholarships for single mothers.

Although the society now welcomes male

‘Under the Blessed Mother, you cannot fail.’

members, longtime member Shirley Fowler explains that, “it is about charity and being sisters. We have grown tremendously. The youngest member is 15, and the oldest is 86. We like to give back to the church around us, for example, through the Martin de Porres ministry to feed the poor and outreach to the mentally challenged, a population who is often forgotten.

“Once someone is a member, we make sure to assist that family 24/7 when necessary,” Fowler continues. “We socialize sometimes, but primarily, we are a praying group.”

On April 22, the society held its annual fundraising dinner in honor of a founding member Clara Patterson, who recently passed away. The dinner – now in its 36th year – is a means of gathering community members, of any faith, together as well as generating donations for their charitable work. Recently, the money they raised was used to purchase pew cushions, chairs for the altar and new carpeting for the church.

“It isn’t about the glory,” Fowler says, “it’s about helping. Seeing something that needs to be done so the parish doesn’t have to pay is rewarding. We try to offset the costs.”

The annual one-day fund raiser takes about one week to plan. This year, meals for 600 people were prepared, with everything being made from scratch.

“It has been so special to be in this

Mary B. Worthington | Catholic News Herald

Members of Our Lady of Consolation Church’s Altar Rosary Society, founded in the 1950s, talk with Capuchin Brother Doug Soik during a recent fundraising event. group,” says long-time member Marie Scott, and she jokes, “But they work me to death!”

“It blesses me to be a member of this group for all these years,” explains Gladys

Hood, who is also a founding member. “We all work well together.”

“When you give back, so many blessings come to you,” Fowler says. “And under the Blessed Mother, you cannot fail.”

May 11, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

Photo provided by Tracy Winsor

James Reid is pictured with children in Ethiopia.

WELCOMING THE STRANGER

Refugee Resettlement Office volunteer shares experiences working with refugees in Africa Editor’s note: This is an ongoing series of articles showcasing how the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte welcome and support refugees through Catholic Social Services’ Refugee Resettlement Office.

TRACY WINSOR SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The United Nations High Command for Refugees estimates that there are 15.4 million refugees worldwide who have fled their homelands because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political beliefs or membership in a particular social group. This number is greater than the populations of North and South Carolina combined.

Perhaps even more startling is that despite the desperate circumstances refugees encounter daily, less than 1 percent are ever given the opportunity for resettlement. Most never get the chance to begin a new life in a new country. Having fled violence for relative safety, usually in a neighboring country, refugees wait for years and sometimes even a lifetime for a solution to their situation. James Reid, a Catholic Social Services Refugee Resettlement Office volunteer, worked on the front lines of that reality in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, working for the UNHCR. “I interviewed refugees for resettlement purposes,” explains Reid. “The community services section of the UNHCR would interview them first and determine their status as refugees. Those interviews were completed in the refugee camps near the Ethiopian border. After getting refugee status, some would be given a pass to move from the camps into Addis Ababa. If they met the resettlement criteria, they would then come to me for a more extensive interview process to meet the requirements of the countries who will accept refugees for resettlement.”

Twenty-five countries are currently involved in the resettlement of refugees,

with half coming to the U.S. The process of approval for resettlement in the U.S. also involves a series of security and health screenings conducted by the U.S. State Department and the Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Those refugees approved are then allocated to voluntary resettlement agencies like the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The USCCB in turn maintains a network of affiliate refugee resettlement agencies such as the RRO. These local offices coordinate the resettlement of refugees in local communities.

There is a refugee admissions ceiling established each year in the U.S. by the president in consultation with Congress and the State Department. This year the ceiling is 76,000. Most refugees coming to the U.S. will come from Asia and Africa.

“It was intense work,” observes Reid, “and the interviews were demanding because the refugees’ stories are horrifying…many times they would break down sobbing during the interview. These are stories of war and genocide and torture and rape…and then of course the story of the flight, with often nothing more than the clothes on their backs.”

After completing the interview process, Reid was responsible for writing a full report making the case for resettlement.

He would research and document socalled country of origin information (e.g., historical details like regime change or instances of ethnic violence) that would corroborate the stories offered by the refugee. The UNHCR maintained a database for that purpose filled with comprehensive, approved articles on the countries from which refugees were coming. For Reid, the personal experiences of refugees and the suffering they endured remained most haunting.

REFUGEES, SEE page 17

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 11, 2012 OUR PARISHES

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

St. Peregrine healing prayer service set for May 24 CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church will offer a St. Peregrine healing prayer service on Thursday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the church.

St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer and grave diseases. The healing prayer service will be offered for all those suffering with cancer or other diseases. For details, call 704-543-7677.

— Jenny Cox

Free seminar: Understanding addiction and recovery

Shelby women attend spring CCWG luncheon SHELBY — Parishioners from St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Shelby attended the Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group spring luncheon April 16 in Charlotte, where Bishop Peter Jugis gave a reflection and celebrated Mass. Pictured above with Bishop Jugis are (back row, from left) Cindy Burk, Peggy Collins, Mary Allen, Laurie Johnston and Pat Mullen; and (front row, from left) Ann Quire, Dianne Humphries and Dianne Pasco.

— Jean Judge and Mary Sample

Holy Angels receives Arc ‘Pioneer’ Award BELMONT — During a recent “Shamrock the House” event sponsored by The Arc of Gaston County, Holy Angels’ newest program, Life Choices, received the Pioneer Award. The award honors a person or business that has pioneered new opportunities for people with intellectual developmental disabilities. Presented to Holy Angels’ CEO Regina Moody by The Arc’s executive director, Sarah Goodman, the award recognized the innovative program for providing skills based learning in a fun and unique atmosphere.

Holy Angels developed Life Choices primarily for Gaston County residents, to serve a growing number of adults needing day services.

The program helps adults with intellectual disabilities gain knowledge in daily living skills, healthy living and find the creativity within them through visual art and music. The program’s goal is to support and guide the participants to help them be as independent as possible and reach their full potential. As the program grows and develops, Life Choices could eventually have up to 20 participants.

Holy Angels was founded in 1956 by the Sisters of Mercy. The private, nonprofit corporation, located in Belmont, provides residential services and innovative programs for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities, many who are medically fragile.

— Sister Nancy Nance

JustFaith Ministries planned at St. Matthew Church CHARLOTTE — JustFaith Ministries is coming to St. Matthew Church this fall Information sessions will be held Monday, May 21, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in New Life Center Room 234/235 and Sunday, June 3, from 2 to 2:30 p.m. in Room 203. JustFaith provides programs that transform people and expand their commitment to social ministry. Through these life-changing opportunities, members of a parish can study, explore and experience Christ’s call to care for the poor and vulnerable in a lively, challenging, multi-faceted process in the context of a smallfaith community. This program is open to all parishioners in the Charlotte area. Details are available at www.justfaith.org/programs.

— Jenny Cox

CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church will host a free training seminar “Understanding Addiction & Recovery Within the Faith Community” for clergy, religious and industry professionals on Friday, June 1, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the New Life Center Banquet Room. Topics include “The Science of Addiction: What Clergy Need to Know” with Dr. John Roberts; “Substance Use Disorders: Intervention, Treatment and Recovery” with Charles Odell, LCAS, ICAADC; “A Personal Story of Experience, Strength and Hope” with Rt. Rev. Porter Taylor; and a panel discussion on “Next Steps: Turning Knowledge into Action” featuring Sr. Eileen McLoughlin, MSBT, among others. The seminar is being sponsored by St. Matthew, Dilworth Center and Pavillon. For details or to reserve a space, contact Margaret Larrea at mlarrea@ dilworthcenter.org or 704-372-6969.

— Jenny Cox

Columbiettes sponsor retreat MOUNT AIRY — The Columbiettes of Holy Angels Church in Mount Airy (Auxiliary 11406), sponsored their annual half-day Confirmandi Retreat on April 14. The workshop included prayers, rosary, group discussion and music.

After the workshop, a pizza party was held.

Pictured are (kneeling, from left) Keara Halpern and Ailia Halpern; (front row, from left) Eric Carrasco, Elijah Ethier, Grecia Lopez, Ashley Bowman and Celeste Garcia with Geri Rushing (instructor); and (back row, from left) Michela Coppola, Brian Reale and Grace Halpern with Gen Poe and Marge Johnson (instructors). Not pictured are Alondra Carrasco and Mary Bryer (instructor).

— Geri Rushing

Abbey earns military award BELMONT — Belmont Abbey College recently received the “Above And Beyond” award from the N.C. Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR). The award “gives thanks to businesses and government agencies who go further than the law requires to support the families and members of the National Guard and Reserve forces while they are away for training, deployed to the combat zone or deployed to a foreign country for duty.”

Christopher Egan, special assistant to the president, accepted the award on behalf of the college.

Aaron Harper, BAC’s associate director of strategic development and grants, nominated the college. Harper is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and president of Carolina Marines. His wife, Michele, is a North Carolina Army National Guard major who flies Blackhawk helicopters and serves as a brigade administrative officer.

— Belmont Abbey College

May 11, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Ordination, Holy Hour for priest candidates set CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis invites the faithful of the diocese to a Holy Hour of Prayer for the three priesthood ordination candidates Jason Kemble Barone, Matthew Paul Codd, Peter James Shaw and their families starting at 5 p.m. Friday, June 1, at St. Patrick Cathedral, located at 1621 Dilworth Road East in Charlotte.

The faithful are also invited to attend the Liturgy of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood for the three candidates starting at 10 a.m.

Saturday, June 2, at St. Mark Church, located at 14740 Stumptown Road in Huntersville.

of Recollection” at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory. Presenters were Dr. William Thierfelder, president of Belmont Abbey College, and Gertrude Gillette, who runs a private association of the faithful called the Benedictines of Mary Queen of Peace.

Thierfelder discussed the 2011-’12 Catechetical Theme: “Do This in Memory of Me: Building a Culture of Holiness and Salvation With Faith, Reason, Grace and Excellence in Virtue.” Gillette gave a presentation on the theme “That in All Things God May be Glorified.”

— Dr. Cris V. Villapando

Catechists attend Catholic ‘identity’ workshop HENDERSONVILLE — More than 75 catechists and other adults from the Asheville vicariate attended a day-long workshop about “Catholic Identity” presented by Dr. Joseph Paprocki of Loyola Press, during the “Alive in the Promise Conference” at Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville April 21.

Paprocki described five unique characteristics that define Catholic identity: a sense of sacramentality, a commitment to community, respect for the dignity of human life and commitment to justice, a profound reverence for tradition, and a disposition to faith and hope.

The conference was organized by the Asheville vicariate parish catechetical program leaders, under the leadership of Christopher Beal, the faith formation coordinator in Asheville. A parallel offering in Spanish was offered to Hispanic catechists by Deacon Dario Garcia through the assistance of Juan Antonio Garcia, who serves as the Asheville Vicariate Hispanic Coordinator.

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Homeschool conference planned BELMONT — The Immaculate Heart of Mary Carolina Homeschool and Parent Conference will be held from noon to 8 p.m. May 25 at Belmont Abbey College’s Student Commons.

Speakers will include Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte; Professor Joseph Pearce, Ginny Seuffert and John Clark.

Free admission. For details, go online to www. ihmconference.org, email info@ihmconference. org, or call 540-636-1946.

— Sarah Daley

— Dr. Cris V. Villapando

Hero for Life Award applications sought

Boone catechist wins national award

‘Day of Recollection’ held for education staffs HICKORY — Members of the diocesan Education Vicariate recently attended a “Day

BOONE — St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country’s Ellisa Miller was recently awarded the Excellence Award by the National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors at the National Catholic Education Association’s Conference in Boston last month. The Excellence Award is presented to a parish catechetical leader who exemplifies excellence in catechesis. Miller has been faith formation director at St. Elizabeth Church for more than three years and a volunteer catechist for 20 years before that.

— Amber Mellon

Applications for the 2012 Hero for Life Award, sponsored by Room at The Inn, are due May 31. The Hero for Life Award grants a $2,000 educational scholarship to the winning applicant whose service project best champions the unborn or respect for human life. The scholarship is open to students aged 14-18 who live in North or South Carolina who have performed exemplary pro-life service or leadership project work sometime between May 1, 2011, and April 30, 2012. For details, contact Debbie Capen, assistant director of Room at The Inn, at 704-525-4673, ext. 14, or debbiecapen@rati.org.

Mooresville Boy Scouts attend Scout Sunday MOORESVILLE — Members of Cub Scout Pack 316, affiliated with St. Thérèse Church in Mooresville, attended Mass Feb. 5 for the annual celebration of Scout Sunday. Also pictured are the Catholic Scouts in Boy Scout Pack 171, Boy Scouts Troop 171 and Venture Crew 171, affiliated with Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church.

— Debbie D’Auria

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 11, 2012 FROM THE COVER

The bishops process through St. Peter’s Basilica before Bishop Jugis celebrates Mass on May 8.

CNS | L’Osservatore Romano

TO THE THRESHOLD OF THE APOSTLES

Bishops bring news of ‘dynamic’ dioceses to Rome SueAnn Howell Staff writer SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Pope Benedict gave each bishop a pectoral cross as a memento of their visit.

More online Hear a reflection from Bishop Jugis after meeting Pope Benedict XVI See photo galleries and read news reports about the bishops’ ad limina visit Online at www.charlotteadlimina.tumblr.com and www.catholicnewsherald.com

VATICAN CITY — The bishops of North and South Carolina, Florida and Georgia made their ad limina visits to the Holy Father and to the tomb of St. Peter this week, bringing reports of their flourishing dioceses and praying for courage in their work to build up the Church across the South.

“Ad limina apostolorum” means “to the thresholds of the apostles” Peter and Paul.

The heads of dioceses are required to make the visits every five years or so to celebrate Mass at the tombs of the apostles martyred in Rome, meet with Pope Benedict XVI to report on the status of their dioceses, and hold discussions with Vatican officials on issues of common concern.

Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta led the contingent of prelates from around the Atlanta Province, who kicked off their week-long visit with Mass at the tomb of St. Peter below St. Peter’s Basilica on May 7. Archbishop Gregory was the principal

celebrant and homilist.

Archbishop Gregory told his brother bishops, “As we go about our ministries as bishops, we have to remember that what we do is to glorify the Lord in our service of the people that we are privileged to care for, the people who come to us looking for guidance and direction and hope,” he said.

While Christian charity demands efforts to meet the material and physical needs of the poor and suffering, Christians must offer more in response to requests for help, he said. Christians, especially bishops, are called to “provide faith and hope and encouragement, joy and possibility. As we gather this morning around the tomb of Peter, we ask the Lord to give us a share of His courage, a share of His witness and a share of His capacity to love.”

The ad limina activities continued with the official meeting on May 7 with Pope Benedict, who heard from the bishops that the Church in the South is dynamic and growing, Bishop Peter Jugis said.

For example, the Charlotte diocese’s population has grown more than 21 percent

in the past eight years, to 64,281 registered households in 2011. The total estimated number of Catholics, registered and unregistered, also grew 22 percent over the same period: from 145,148 in 2004 to 177,364 in 2011. Average weekly Mass attendance also grew nearly 16 percent, from 83,000 people in 2004 to 96,000 in 2011. More than 27,000 children were enrolled in schools and faith formation programs in 2011.

This was the first ad limina meeting with Pope Benedict for Bishop Jugis, who made his last ad limina visit in 2004 to meet with Pope John Paul II. Accompanying him this time was Father Roger Arnsparger, diocesan vicar of education and chair of the diocesan Eucharistic Congress planning committee.

Education and communication were key topics during the bishops’ Vatican visit: the pope has repeatedly emphasized the importance of using social media, strengthening Catholic colleges and evangelizing in the public sphere to spread BISHOPS, SEE page 17

May 11, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Photos by SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Pilgrims from the Charlotte diocese and Atlanta archdiocese traveled to Italy as part of the ad limina visit, touring Assisi, Siena, Orvieto and Rome.

(Top left) Father Christopher Roux, rector/pastor of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, prays at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi.

(Top middle) Brice and Mike Griffin of Charlotte stop to talk in ancient Rome.

(Top right) Pilgrims pray at the altar of the tomb of Blessed John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica on May 8.

(Left) Bishop Jugis greets Joyce McCormick of Atlanta during the pilgrims’ first night in Rome May 7.

(Above) Pilgrim Nancy Weber, executive assistant to the bishop, gets a hug from seminarian Jason Christian during dinner May 7.

(Below) Pilgrims get their first daytime look at St. Peter’s Square May 8.

Pilgrims journey to Italy to pray, eat, love ASSISI, Italy — About two dozen people from Charlotte and Atlanta made the pilgrimage to Italy this past week in conjunction with the ad limina visit of the bishops from North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

They logged thousands of miles as well as thousands of prayers while touring Assisi, Siena, Orvieto, and finally Rome – experiencing magnificent and sacred art, architecture and history, and appreciating the timelessness of the Church and our Catholic faith.

Father Christopher Roux, rector of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte; Father John Eckert, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro; and Father Michael Silloway from the Atlanta Archdiocese served as chaplains on the trip, celebrating Mass each day for the pilgrims and leading the spiritual journey following in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Peter, St. Paul and more.

Retrace the footsteps of the pilgrimage each day Photos, audio, video, virtual tours and more: Online at www.charlotteadlimina.tumblr.com and www.catholicnewsherald.com

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iiiMay 11, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

AT THE TOMB OF ST. PETER

Bishops pray for courage, love at start of ‘ad limina’ visits Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

Photos by SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Led by Atlanta Archbishop Wilton Gregory, the bishops celebrated Mass at the tomb of St. Peter, located below St. Peter’s Basilica, on May 7. The Masses at the tombs of Sts. Peter and Paul are the spiritual basis for the ad limina visits.

More online See photo galleries from the Masses celebrated in historic basilicas during the pilgrimage, from Assisi to the Rome Online at www.charlotteadlimina.tumblr.com and www.catholicnewsherald.com

VATICAN CITY — The bishops of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina began their “ad limina” visits at the tomb of St. Peter, praying for the courage and love they would need to bring others to faith.

Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta was the main celebrant and homilist at the bishops’ morning Mass May 7 in St. Peter’s Basilica.

“As we go about our ministries as bishops, we have to remember that what we do is to glorify the Lord in our service of the people that we are privileged to care for, the people who come to us looking for guidance and direction and hope,” the archbishop said.

While Christian charity demands efforts to meet the material and physical needs of the poor and suffering, Christians must offer more in response to requests for help,

he said. Christians, especially bishops, are called to “provide faith and hope and encouragement, joy and possibility,” he said.

Archbishop Gregory told his fellow bishops, “As we gather this morning around the tomb of Peter, we ask the Lord to give us a share of His courage, a share of His witness and a share of His capacity to love.

“Let this week and all that we do strengthen our own faith and deepen our love for the Lord Jesus,” he said.

In Rome May 7-11, the bishops made their visits “ad limina apostolorum,” which means “to the thresholds of the apostles” Peter and Paul.

The heads of dioceses are required to make the visits periodically to celebrate Mass at the tombs of the apostles martyred in Rome, meet with Pope Benedict XVI to report on the status of their dioceses, and hold discussions with Vatican officials on issues of common concern.

‘These days of our pilgrimage give us a special opportunity to pray for our diocese at the holy shrines of Rome.’

— Bishop Peter Jugis of Charlotte

HE COVER

May 11, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

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Photos by SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald and Paul Haring | CNS

Bishop Jugis was the principal celebrant at Mass May 8 at the altar of the tomb of John XXIII (above and below). They prayed afterwards at the tomb of Blessed John Paul II (left), who ordained Bishop Jugis to the priesthood in 1983 at St. Peter’s Basilica.

More online Listen and view clips from Bishop Jugis’ homily at the altar of Blessed John XXIII, and Father John Eckert’s homily at the altar of Blessed John Paul II Online at www.charlotteadlimina.tumblr.com and www.catholicnewsherald.com

Bishop Jugis celebrates Mass at St. Peter’s Courage, sense of humor save the day SueAnn Howell Staff writer

VATICAN CITY — When Bishop Peter Jugis and the other 14 bishops from North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida stepped out into St. Peter’s Basilica, walked past the baldacchino (canopy) over the tomb of St. Peter and processed through the main nave, they caught the attention of the thousands of visitors who were visiting the basilica on May 8.

But as they walked closer to their destination of the altar of Blessed John Paul II, where Bishop Jugis was to be principal celebrant and homilist at Mass, they had to make a quick turn left. Another priest had unexpectedly co-opted that altar for Mass, so the basilica’s ushers directed the bishops to keep walking until they reached the altar over the tomb John XXIII. It was a humorous moment for the group, one that “Good Pope John” would surely have appreciated. His preserved body lay beneath the altar, on display behind glass, and it was almost as if he might sit up and wave at the group of bishops who had gathered around him.

The abrupt change in plans drew a big smile from Bishop Jugis.

The prayers and his homily were prepared for a celebration in memory of Blessed John Paul. Smiling broadly to the accompaniment of a bit of laughter from his fellow bishops, Bishop Jugis adapted his remarks to refer to both of the beatified

popes as sources of inspiration for their ministry.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis reminded the bishops that they had come to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul during the ad limina visit “to draw inspiration and courage from the faithful witness of these shepherds of the flock, each of whom in his own time shed his blood in witness to the Gospel.”

He then spoke of the Cross and the suffering that is experienced when standing up for the Gospel. He shared all of the hardship and resistance he and Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh have endured as a result of the marriage amendment battle in North Carolina.

“I shared with another bishop my sadness over this criticism of our support for something as beautiful and foundational to society as traditional marriage,” he said. The other bishop “encouraged me by saying, ‘Wear it as a badge of honor.’”

He reminded his fellow bishops of how Blessed John Paul II, citing the words of late Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski of Warsaw, Poland, said being a bishop often involves taking up Christ’s cross.

“Taking up one’s cross is not easy, even if it is made of gold and studded with jewels,” he said, quoting the late pope. “All of us bishops have experienced the suffering of the cross.”

ST. PETER’S, SEE page 17

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 11, 2012 FROM THE COVER

Photos by SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

(left) Seminarian Paul Buchanan describes St. Peter Square to Tom and Nancy Weber. (top) Father John Eckert, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, says grace at a restaurant in Assisi on May 3. (above) SueAnn Howell joins the pilgrims’ tour of the Sportoletti Cantina & Winery near Montalcino on May 5.

Bishop Jugis meets with seminarians (from left) David McCanless, Noah Carter, and Paul Buchanan during his May 6 visit to the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Bishop studied there from 1979 to 1984.

More online See photo galleries and news from the pilgrims’ tour of Assisi and Siena, the winery in Montalcino, and the Mass and tour of the Pontifical North American College in Rome

(Above) Father Christopher Roux, rector/pastor of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte and chaplain for the pilgrimage, celebrates Mass at the Basilica of St. Clare in Assisi.

Read Bishop Jugis’ memories of his days at ‘the NAC’ Online at www.charlotteadlimina.tumblr.com and www.catholicnewsherald.com

(Right) Pilgrims tour the medieval streets of Assisi.

May 11, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

BISHOPS: FROM PAGE 12

the Gospel. He also has declared a Year of Faith that will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council in October – a time to highlight the historic council as well as encourage catechesis.

During their visit with the pope on May 7, the bishops spoke for a few minutes about their dioceses and had their photos taken with him. Each talked about how they are using communication to spread the Gospel and foster education.

“The Holy Father was very engaging and very interested in all we had to say,” Bishop Jugis said.

Bishop Jugis spoke about Catholic Voice NC, the legislative advocacy organization of the two bishops of North Carolina.

Through Catholic Voice NC, the bishops are kept apprised of legislative matters before the General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. When the situation warrants, the bishops inform Catholic Voice NC participants, via e-mail alert, of an important matter. Participants are often asked to contact their elected representatives to ensure that a Catholic viewpoint is taken into consideration.

ST. PETER’S: FROM PAGE 15

“We know the lines in the sand are drawn not only on this issue of the definition of marriage, but also on other issues such as religious liberty, and the culture of abortion, and that the bishop is called upon to be courageous in witnessing to the Gospel.”

He then recalled the courageous witness to the truth in the ministry of St. Peter, St. Paul and Blessed John Paul II. “We recall the words from the Acts of the Apostles regarding the Apostles’ courage in the face of opposition: ‘The apostles left the Sanhedrin full of joy that they had been judged worthy of ill-treatment for the sake of the Name. Day after day, both in the temple and at home, they never stopped preaching and proclaiming the good news

The organization enables the faithful to get informed quickly and participate in the public sphere “so that Catholics can bring Catholic social teaching to the decisionmaking process of our government,” Bishop Jugis said.

Bishop Michael Burbidge of Raleigh discussed the state’s constitutional amendment to protect marriage, which was approved by voters May 8, and how Catholic Voice NC worked on that issue as well as advocating for the 2009 Racial Justice Act, which enables death-row inmates to appeal their sentences in instances of racial bias.

“It was a very relaxed meeting,” Bishop Jugis noted – more like a conversation than a formal meeting.

At the end of the visit, the Holy Father gave each bishop a pectoral cross and rosaries as mementos.

The rest of the week the bishops spent in a series of meetings with Vatican offices. They included the congregations in charge of doctrine, clergy, bishops, worship, education and religious orders, and pontifical councils that deal with ecumenism, the family and laity. The bishops also met with the council for new evangelization.

— Cindy Wooden of Catholic News Service contributed.

of Jesus the Messiah’ (Acts 5: 41-42).

“As shepherds of our respective dioceses, we ask for the grace to ‘never stop preaching and proclaiming the good news of Jesus the Messiah.’”

During his closing remarks, Bishop Jugis reminded the bishops, “During these days of our ad limina pilgrimage we have the opportunity for prayer and renewal. Every day during our ministry we already carry all the faithful of our diocese in our heart, but these days of our pilgrimage give us a special opportunity to pray for our diocese at the holy shrines of Rome. May we be renewed in our commitment to Christ and His Church, and to the proclamation of the Lord’s Gospel.”

When they had finished the Mass, the U.S. bishops walked in procession back to the tomb of Blessed John Paul II, knelt there in silent prayer for several minutes, then sang a Marian hymn.

DISCUSSION:

BENEDICT:

FROM PAGE 8

FROM PAGE 8

wonderful technologies, to dismiss anything thought or written in days gone by, but given time and attention, I’ve seen that our basic human situation in the face of death remains the same as theirs – whatever century we’re called to live in.”

Williams has also learned many important facts about his self-understanding throughout his career, as well.

“Activities outside the classroom are an essential part of my self-understanding as a theologian,” he said. “I love teaching at a Catholic college because it’s a privilege to help in the formation of young people, but I’m never more a theologian than when I’m responding to people’s questions or putting the gifts of my education and training to work in a church setting.”

For more about the St. Pius X/Belmont Abbey College Lecture Series, call the parish office at 336-272-4681.

celery, and pond scum.”

“What really stood out to me was the analogy,” said Jordan Spinharney, a FOCUS team member.

“I never heard it described in that way – that we are not compared with other humans, but with God, who is infinitely greater than us.”

Sophomore elementary education student and cross country runner Tim Gill appreciated the ongoing opportunity to learn more about St. Benedict and the Rule.

“Since Breakfast with Benedict is in the morning… there is one Christ-related phrase or thought that resonates in my mind throughout the rest of that day,” said Gill, showing that the lecture during a meal was truly “beneficial to the hearers” as St. Benedict himself desired.

REFUGEES: FROM PAGE 9

“You are listening to men and women describe these horrible acts, and it is like listening to the movie script except it was their lives and you know that their whole lives will be affected by the brutality,” he says.

The refugee camps around Addis Ababa are inhabited by Somalian, Eritrean, Sudanese, Burundian, Rwandan and Congolese refugees. Reid also once encountered a refugee from Yemen.

In Ethiopia, it is illegal for refugees to work so life in the camps can be difficult if not impossible, and most refugees are seeking resettlement.

“Because of the small number of those resettled, most refugees around the world remain in crowded, inadequate refugee camps,” adds Reid. “They get a miniscule living stipend that won’t always cover living expenses, and they have little access to the kinds of goods and services that Americans consider basic. Their living circumstances are dire.”

Reid’s experience with refugees in

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Africa has made him more aware of and more thankful for the basic assistance available to Americans in need.

“In this country we have counselors and help-lines for victims of violence. We have food stamps and government assistance for those who do not have enough income to make it on their own,” he observes. “We have assistance for people to go to school and educate themselves, and, even with the current economy, more employment opportunities than could ever be imagined by the refugees I interviewed in Africa.”

Reid recently became a volunteer with the RRO. He supports newly resettled refugees in Charlotte as a mentor.

“Yesterday, I met for almost four hours with the two Iraqi refugees I mentor. It was a great time and I look forward to seeing them again this week,” Reid says.

“They are looking for what all refugees want…clarity, dignity and the hope for a better tomorrow. They need assistance with a few things, so I will do my best to help.”

Tracy Winsor is a volunteer coordinator with Catholic Social Services. The next article in this series will be an interview of Father Timothy Reid, pastor at St. Ann Church, about his work as a staff member with the USCCB working in refugee resettlement.

How you can get involved To schedule a presentation, request information regarding refugee apartment sponsorship or to volunteer with the Refugee Resettlement Office, call 704-370-3283. To learn more about Catholic Social Services, go online to www.cssnc.org.

Our schools 18

catholicnewsherald.com | May 11, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

photo provided by Allana-Rae Ramkissoon

MACS Academic Team wins national titles WHEELING, W.Va. — The Academic Games National Team for Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools recently competed in Wheeling, W.Va., taking the national titles in both the Elementary and Middle School Divisions and bringing home the gold in the President’s Competition. The Middle School Propaganda Team also placed eighth nationally. In addition, several players from both Holy Trinity Middle and Our Lady of the Assumption schools were honored as top 10 national players in both divisions. Pictured above are (back row, from left) Melanie Vandenberg, Christenia Westbrook, Adam Phan, Uwa Akhere, Luke Santschi, Michael Marcoux, Matt Curry, Heather Mitchell, Troy Smith and Tori Pratt; (front row, from left) Daniel Bertsch, Nikkie Tan, Sydney Roux, Elizabeth Bradford and Jacob Santschi.

Members of the MACS Academic Games National Tournament Team are: (Elementary Division) Sydney Roux, Christenia Westbrook, Daniel Bertsch, Heather Mitchell, Tori Pratt Nikkie Tan, and Jacob Santschi; (Middle Division) Michael Marcoux, Matt Curry, Troy Smith, Uwa Akhere, Melanie Vandenberg, Elizabeth Bradford, Luke Santschi and Adam Phan.

Results from the tournament are: Elementary Division – First-place team: Presidents (Holy Trinity Middle and OLA students). Top 10 individual awards for Presidents: first place, Sydney Roux of Holy Trinity Middle; second place, Daniel Bertsch of Our Lady of the Assumption; and fifth place, Nikkie Tan of Holy Trinity Middle.

Middle Division – National First-place Team: Presidents (Holy Trinity Middle students). Top 10 individual awards for Presidents: third place, Matt Curry, Melanie Vandenberg and Troy Smith of Holy Trinity Middle; and eighth place, Uwa Akhere and Michael Marcoux of Holy Trinity Middle.

The team is led by Head Coach Mary Morales, Coach Yasmin Santschi, Assistant Coach Suzanne Marcoux and Team Assistant Michelle Pratt. Amy Vandenberg also helped prepare the two teams.

“As head of the MACS Academic Games League and coordinator of the national tournament effort, I am very proud of our accomplishments and the overwhelming support given by CSO, School PTOs and especially the MACS Education Foundation,” said Allana-Rae Ramkissoon, principal of Our Lady of the Assumption School.

Karen Wenker and Ilse Cardelle couldn’t have been more pleased with the results.

“Our student body is such an outstanding group, and they never fail to come through when it comes to meeting the needs of others.

This was no exception,” Wenker said.

The winning class was the sixth grade, led by teachers Daniel Scullion and Hillary Shores.

Their class raised a combined total of just over $1,600 and won a pasta party at The Olive Garden.

“Since my sister had leukemia, it felt really good to raise the money for other kids with leukemia,” said sixth-grader Lily Hain.

— Frank Cardelle

Kroeger places third in state essay competition CHARLOTTE — Alex Kroeger, an eighthgrade student at Holy Trinity Middle School in Charlotte, placed third in the 2011-2012 Patriot’s Pen Middle School written essay competition, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of North Carolina. The theme was “Are You Proud of Your Country?”

Winners were honored at a dinner in Raleigh Feb. 3. Kroeger was awarded a $300 savings bond along with a Patriot’s Pen plaque. He and the other winners also were able to tour the State Capital Building and the State Legislature Building, and visit the North Carolina Museum of History.

— James Ryan

ACS wins first place in regional Battle of Books ASHEVILLE — Asheville Catholic School Battle of the Books team won first place in the Region 9 competition April 17 in Chapel Hill.

They compete in the state Battle of the Books competition May 9 in Greensboro. Members of the team include Lana Camille, Melissa Cavagnini, Claire Cole, Milly Etheridge, Ben Greever, Ilze Greever, Hailey Judson, Annalise Mangone, Elizabeth Mangone, David Mathews, Sarah Michalets and Genevieve Wiedeman. The Battle of the Books program is a competitive event sponsored by the N.C. School Library Media Association. Its goal is to encourage reading among middle school students.

— Debbie Mowrey

Immaculata seventh-grade team to compete at national level Sacred Heart collects ‘pennies for pasta’ SALISBURY — Students at Sacred Heart School in Salisbury emptied out pockets, broke piggy banks and turned in entire allowances to make a recent Pennies for Pasta fundraiser a huge success, raising a little more than $3,150 in two weeks. Pennies for Pasta is a official fundraiser of the N.C. Leukemia/ Lymphoma Society.

SHCS’s 242 students engaged in a Battle of the Genders, a Dress Down Day and a classroom competition to motivate each other to give more. The Student Government Association sponsored the fundraiser, and SGA advisors

HENDERSONVILLE — A team of seventhgrade boys from Immaculata School in Hendersonville recently placed second at the National History Day state competition in Raleigh. Their achievement in the “Junior Documentary” division allows them to compete in the national contest in College Park, Md., next month. Sean Auwater, Archie Case, Will Kater, Quinn Kelsch and Kolbe Murrey produced a 10-minute documentary based on the National History Day 2012 theme “Revolution, Reaction and Reform.” The documentary, titled “Riveting Revolution,” focused on the social changes brought about when women entered the BRIEFS, SEE page 19

May 11, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

BRIEFS: FROM PAGE 18

U.S. workforce during World War II. The boys interviewed Immaculate Conception parishioner Rose Marie Shema, who worked riveting B-52 airplane wings during the war. The team was also required to write a process paper and answer judges’ questions at the regional and state level. The boys, their parents and teacher Jeni Kelsch will travel to Silver Springs, Md., on June 10. They will compete against teams from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Department of Defense schools.

— Karen Kater

School-wide science fair returns to IHM HIGH POINT — Students of Immaculate Heart of Mary School participated in a school-wide science fair March 29. Projects were on display and judged by High Point University professors and students as well as a local physician.

Some of the topics explored during this event included: wind tunnels, catapults, hover crafts, laser beams, volcanoes, weather, habitats and milk protein.

The eighth-grade students (pictured at left, helping kindergarten students make silly putty) planned the event under the direction of instructors Dave Rad and Sigrid Couch. The day was filled with displays and hands-on learning stations. There was a silly putty making station, a states of matter station, a recycling shuttle run game, and a volcano bean bag toss. Fourth through eighth grades competed in the fair, while prekindergarten to third grades made class displays.

The judges evaluated the projects and interviewed students to determine how the scientific method was implemented during this process.

Fourth- and fifth-grade award winners were: Eli Bragg, Alex Ware, Will Steinkamp and Gabby Mejia, first place; Lydia Cortes, Ofilia Cudd, Blake Davis and Brandon Cecilio, second place; and Conor Coxwell, Lieannah Dorsett, Will Lorenz and Hanuel Cha, third place.

Sixth-grade award winners were: Caroline Dau, first place; Tony Testa and Drew DeSalvo, second place; Caitlin Burke, third place; and Alex Sargeant, Thomas Powell, Connor Cortes and Emily Elliott, honorable mentions.

Seventh- and eighth-grade award winners were: Kristen McCain, first place; Clay Fetner, second place; Sager Eilliot, third place; and Jack Lorenz and Molly Bernard, honorable mentions.

It has been several years since IHM has had a science fair of this magnitude. It was well received by the school community and will become a permanent event again for years to come.

— Mendy Yarborough

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Mix 20

catholicnewsherald.com | May 11, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

On TV n Saturday, May 12, 2 p.m.

(EWTN) “Eldest Daughter Of The Church: Part 1.” This is the first part of a four-part mini-series that chronicles the history of Catholicism in France. From the seeds of the Gospel planted by St. Mary Magdalene in Provence to the churches – most notably Paray-le-Monial, where Jesus revealed the treasure of His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.

In theaters

‘The Pirates! Band of Misfits’ Despite many failed attempts to do so, the warmhearted and enthusiastic, but not overly successful, captain of a motley shipload of 19th-century buccaneers still dreams of winning accolades. Very mild action violence, a brief scene involving obscured nudity.

CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents), MPAA: PG

‘Marvel’s The Avengers’ Seemingly destined to haul in wads of cash at the box office, this ensemble adventure will not disappoint fans of the comic books on which it’s based, but may prove problematic for the parents of some excited youngsters anxious to ride the juggernaut. Intense but largely bloodless violence, a few mature references, including suicide and drug use, and a handful of crass terms.

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

Photos by Mary B. Worthington | Catholic News Herald

Preservation Specialist Alexandrea “Ali” Pizza leads a discussion during an exhibition of rare books at Belmont Abbey College’s Abbot Vincent Taylor Library. The exhibition, coinciding with the American Library Association’s “Preservation Week,” was the first public display of the college’s rare book collection in many years.

A rare look at some rare books ‘Impressive’ collection at Belmont Abbey on display during ‘Preservation Week’ Mary B. Worthington Correspondent

BELMONT — On April 23, the Abbot Vincent Taylor Library at Belmont Abbey College participated in the American Library Association’s “Preservation Week” by hosting an information exhibition and book preservation demonstration by preservation specialist Alexandrea “Ali” Pizza. It was the first look in years that many people had of the Benedictine college’s extensive rare books collection.

“This exhibition is a pleasant surprise,” said junior John Frisby, who wasn’t aware of the rare books collection housed on the ground floor of the 54-year-old library.

Throughout the six-hour exhibition, which included a one-hour workshop about how to make your own sewn-binding journal, Pizza, monk/librarian Brother Andrew Spivey and a student intern offered tips about how to preserve rare books, what classifies a book as being rare, and when to get rare books appraised and insured. She recommended that rare books be laid flat on a shelf, damaged side up, or be stored in a box made of archival paper.

“First editions depending on the printer, where published, the age, whose hands they have been in, the binding style, whether there are fancy clasps, gold leaf or velvet: these all

affect the quality and value of an old book,” explained Pizza, as she worked on preserving the pages of a 1736 work by Thomas Prince. The cover of Prince’s “Chronological History of New England” had fallen off.

“Right now, we are focused on stabilizing the environment through humidity control and temperature. Thankfully, we have no pests to worry about, but we do need much more room for proper storage and further facilities to keep up with conserving the books,” Pizza explained.

Students and scholars are always welcome to make an appointment to see and study the works housed in Belmont Abbey College’s rare book collection, whether to analyze a particular binding style or read the texts. However, the Preservation Week exhibition was the first public display of the college’s rare book collection in many years.

In fact, it was the rare books collection that was the “deal-maker” when Pizza’s husband, Dr. Joseph Pizza, was offered a position as assistant professor of English.

“He came home from the interview with a job offer and said, ‘Honey, they have a rare book collection!’” Pizza recalled. “I said, ‘Oh yeah, how big?’ I didn’t expect such an impressive collection.”

After Pizza earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and they were married, the couple set off for Oxford University in England where Joseph earned his doctorate. Meanwhile, Ali spent three years as an apprentice to the conservation binders at Oxford’s famed Bodleian Library, including Christopher Clarkson, the world’s leading authority on the conservation of medieval manuscripts.

The Bodleian and the Vatican Library recently announced a $3 million collaboration to digitize approximately one million pages of BOOKS, SEE page 25

As described by Don Beagle, library director, “The Padua Missale (1522) was used by Catholic priests in the diocese of Padua in Northern Italy during the early 16th century, and remains an important example of local texts that came into vogue after the invention of the printing press, but before the Missale Romanum was formalized to be the most widely used for the Canon of the Mass. Only three copies of the Padua Missale are known to exist, and the many miniature block print illustrations it contains are of unique artistic and typographical interest.”

n Sunday, May 13, 2 a.m., Friday, May 18, 10 p.m., and Saturday, May 19, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Eldest Daughter Of The Church: Part 2.” The second in a four-part series examining the growth of Catholicism in France. Throughout history, the blood of French martyrs and the outstanding lives of her saints, has been the bedrock of a renewal of faith in France, which continued through each generation to be called upon God to fulfill her destiny as the “Eldest Daughter of the Church.” n Sunday, May 13, 10-11 p.m.

(EWTN) “EWTN Theology Roundtable.” Host Colin Donovan leads a discussion about the theology of vocations and vocational discernment. n Wednesday, May 16, 2-5 p.m.

(EWTN) “Mass of Installation of Archbishop William Lori (Live).”

Archbishop William E. Lori will be installed as the 16th archbishop of Baltimore during this liturgy. Part of the series “Cathedrals Across America.” n Sunday, May 20, 2 a.m., Friday, May 25, 10 p.m., and Saturday, May 26, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Eldest Daughter Of The Church: Part 3.”

The third installment of the fourpart mini-series that chronicles the history of Catholicism in France. It is estimated that 60 percent of France’s population are Catholic, and this can be attributed largely to the early days in which St. Mary Magdalene lived in Provence, in southern France and the churches where Jesus revealed the treasure of His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. n Sunday, May 27, 2 a.m., Friday, June 1, 10 p.m., and Saturday, June 6, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Eldest Daughter Of The Church: Part 4.”

The riveting conclusion of a fourpart documentary on the spiritual destiny of France as the “Eldest Daughter of the Church.” The first written records of Christians in France date from the second century when St. Irenaeus detailed the deaths of 90-year old bishop Ponthinus of Lyon and other martyrs of the 177 persecution in Lyon. Follow the history of the Church in France with haunting, inspirational, classical music, and a wonderfully narrated story of the spiritual destiny of France.

May 11, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Our nation 22

catholicnewsherald.com | May 11, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Conn. governor signs death penalty repeal bill HARTFORD, Conn. — In what he called “a moment of sober reflection, not celebration,” Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy recently signed into law a bill outlawing the use of capital punishment in the state. The law, which takes effect immediately, makes life imprisonment without the possibility of release the highest punishment possible in Connecticut.

Connecticut is the 17th state to abolish the death penalty.

Catholics urged to invite inactive members to practice faith once again WASHINGTON, D.C. — A document on the new evangelization from the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis exhorts Catholics to at all levels in the Church to step up to invite Catholics who have stopped practicing their faith to do so once again.

“Bishops, eparchs, pastors, catechists and indeed all Catholics reaching out to our missing brothers and sisters must touch the lives of others, interact with them, and show them how the faith answers the deepest questions and enriches modern culture,” said the document, titled “Disciples Called to Witness: The New Evangelization.”

“The new evangelization is a call to each person to deepen his or her own faith, have confidence in the Gospel, and possess a willingness to share the Gospel,” it said.

The document is available on an interactive website – www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/ how-we-teach/new-evangelization/disciplescalled-to-witness. It examines what the new evangelization is, its focus, its importance for the Catholic Church and how dioceses and parishes can promote it.

“Some were never formed in the faith after their childhood. Some have drifted away because of one or another issue. Some feel alienated from the Church because of the way they perceive the Church or its teaching. Some have left because they were mistreated by Church representatives,” it added. “Cultural factors, including the lack of Masses and sacraments celebrated in languages other than English, also contribute to people slowly slipping away from the Church.”

The “Disciples Called to Witness” noted: “There are also Catholics who attend Mass on a regular basis but who feel unconnected to the parish community.” It cited secularism, materialism and individualism in contemporary society as contributing factors for lack of Mass attendance by U.S. Catholics.

Guidelines posted for faith-based participation in government programs WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Obama administration has issued guidelines for how federally funded faith-based programs should be administered, ranging from explanations of what is considered “explicitly religious” activity to how organizations can preserve their religious identities while using federal funds to provide services.

Among the guidelines are that faith organizations are not required to remove crucifixes, icons and other religious material from rooms where federally funded services are provided; and that any client who receives services should, on request, be referred to a non-faith-based organization if one is available.

The guidelines also spell out, for instance, that Alcoholics Anonymous programs are considered “explicitly religious” and therefore ineligible to participate. And, while employees of most federally funded programs must remain neutral when it comes to religion, participants are free to express their faith, including by prayer.

Among possible exceptions to that policy are programs that fund some work of prison chaplains, it said. The document also says the religious character of an organization may neither favor or count against applicants for funding.

CNS | Bob Roller

Georgetown University students hold a banner as they protest while Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., a Catholic who chairs the House Budget Committee, speaks April 26 at the university in Washington, D.C. Ryan said the federal budget he developed to reduce the country’s deficit evolved in part from his understanding of Catholic social teaching.

Federal budget debate brings new attention to social teaching WASHINGTON, D.C. — The emerging debate on the federal budget – and the distinct options being presented that will chart the country’s future – has brought renewed attention to the Church’s social teaching. Prominent in the debate are the principles of subsidiarity, solidarity and the common good. Wisconsin Republican Rep. Paul Ryan, a Catholic, has repeatedly cited the principles in recent weeks as justification for the fiscal year 2013 budget plan he drafted, which was approved by the House of Representatives March 29 in a largely party-line vote. Ryan maintains that his faith and his understanding of Church teaching led him to prepare a budget that delineates a decade-long plan to reduce spending on nonmilitary programs as a step toward reducing the country’s $15 trillion deficit. The GOP budget also calls for remaking Medicare, establishing Medicaid as a block

grant program for states to administer and simplifying the tax code by closing loopholes and lowering individual and corporate tax rates.

Catholic critics, primarily from academia and community organizations tackling social justice issues, have challenged Ryan on his claims, charging that he is misusing Catholic teaching to support a blatantly political agenda that makes scapegoats of the poor and endangers vulnerable people. Taking a more measured approach, the chairmen of two U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops committees have voiced their concerns about cuts in several domestic and international programs. Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace, have called for “shared sacrifice” and a “circle of protection” around the poor and vulnerable in budget negotiations.

— Catholic News Service

May 11, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Peoria bishop’s homily stirs controversy

CNS | L’Osservatore Romano

Pope Benedict XVI delivers an address during a meeting with bishops from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming at the Vatican May 5. The pope called on American Catholic universities to preserve their Catholic identity by ensuring orthodoxy in theological studies. The bishops were making their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican to report on the status of their dioceses.

Pope tells American colleges to strengthen Catholic identity VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI called on America’s Catholic colleges and universities to reaffirm their Catholic identity by ensuring orthodoxy in theological studies and accepting the oversight of bishops. The pope made his remarks May 5 to U.S. bishops from Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Wyoming, who were making their periodic “ad limina” visits to the Vatican. While he acknowledged recent efforts by America’s Catholic institutions of higher education to “reaffirm their distinctive identity in fidelity to their founding ideals and the Church’s mission,” Pope Benedict said that “much remains to be done.” The pope emphasized the need for compliance with canon law in the appointment of theology instructors, who are required to possess a “mandate” from the “competent ecclesiastical authority,” ordinarily the local bishop. The requirement for a mandate was underscored in 1990 by Blessed John Paul II in his apostolic constitution “Ex Corde Ecclesiae.” The pope said the need for a mandate was especially clear in light of the “confusion created by instances of apparent dissidence between some representatives of Catholic institutions and the Church’s pastoral leadership.”

PEORIA, Ill. — An Illinois bishop’s mention of Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin in an April 14 homily calling Catholics to “heroic Catholicism, not casual Catholicism” in the face of current threats to religious liberty in the U.S. has stirred widespread controversy. After listing several governments throughout history that “have tried to force Christians to huddle and hide only within the confines of their churches,” Peoria Bishop Daniel R. Jenky said President Barack Obama “now seems intent on following a similar path.” He warned that Catholic schools, hospitals and Newman Centers “could easily be shut down” rather than comply with the government’s mandate that most health plans cover the cost of contraception, sterilization and abortion-causing drugs. Many have strongly objected to Bishop Jenky’s linking of Obama’s political actions to those of figures with genocidal policies such as Hitler and Stalin.

Statements the Peoria diocese has issued since the homily was delivered said Bishop Jenky’s comments were being “taken out of context” and that he was expressing “concern that our country is starting down a dangerous path that we have seen before in history.”

Archbishop Chaput announces decisions on eight suspended priests in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA — Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia announced May 4 his decisions on eight priests who had been suspended due to past allegations of clerical misconduct or child sexual abuse. Of the priests, five were “unsuitable for ministry.” The eight priests were part of a group of 26 placed on administrative leave last March in response to a 2011 Philadelphia grand jury report that revealed the Philadelphia Archdiocese’s failure to address allegations of sexual misconduct or abuse of minors by some priests. That report followed a 2005 grand jury report that first shed light on the crisis, which continues today in the form of two archdiocesan priests facing criminal charges in a landmark trial in Philadelphia. Never before has so many priests in one diocese in the United States been placed on administrative leave in conjunction with questions of sexual misconduct.

— Catholic News Service

23

Our world 24

catholicnewsherald.com | May 11, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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Pope says quest for peace must also be quest for truth

In Brief Pope: Laws, policies should not worsen economic inequality VATICAN CITY — Laws and government policies should not make economic inequality worse; rather they should help people live more decent lives, Pope Benedict XVI told diplomats. “The quality of human relationships and the sharing of resources are the foundation of society, allowing everyone to have a role and to live in dignity in accordance with their aspirations,” he said. The pope spoke May 4 to five new ambassadors to the Vatican. In a speech to the group, the pope said today’s modern means of communication make it very quick and easy to know what is happening around the world – both good and bad. Being much more aware of people’s material and spiritual suffering should lead to a new call to action “to respond, with justice and solidarity, to anything that threatens humanity, society and the environment,” he said.

Vatican strengthens oversight of Caritas Internationalis VATICAN CITY — A Vatican decree has established new statutes and norms for Caritas Internationalis, giving Vatican offices, including the Secretariat of State, greater authority over the work of the Vatican-based umbrella group of Catholic aid agencies. The decree strengthens the roles Vatican offices and the pope play in working with the charity confederation, including naming and approving new board members and approving its texts, contracts with foreign governments and financial transactions.

It also creates a special “support commission” of legal, technical and organizational experts named by the pope to help the organization follow the new norms as well as canon law and the laws of Vatican City State concerning the procurement and distribution of aid, and employment of workers.

CNS | L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters

VATICAN CITY — The quest for justice and peace will bear fruit only if it’s also a quest for the truth about the human person, created

by God and “endowed with intelligence and freedom, capable of knowing and loving,” Pope Benedict XVI said. Intelligence enables people to discover what is good and beneficial – “the right order that is inscribed within creation itself” – the pope said in a message April 30 to the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

Academy members were meeting at the Vatican April 27-May 1 to discuss progress in the global search for peace and justice in view of the 50th anniversary of Blessed John XXIII’s 1963 encyclical, “Pacem in Terris.” Pope

Benedict said that while the world has changed significantly in the past 50 years, “Pope John’s encyclical was and is a powerful summons to engage in that creative dialogue between the Church and the world, between believers and nonbelievers, which the Second Vatican Council set out to promote.”

The late pope’s plea for peace, for respect for human dignity and freedom and, more basically, for respect for what is right and good, holds out “a message of hope to a world that is hungry for it, a message that can resonate with people of all beliefs and none, because its truth is accessible to all,” the pope said. Pope Benedict said Blessed John Paul II built on Blessed John’s teaching about peace when he insisted that forgiveness was a key ingredient in peacemaking.

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives at Rome’s Sacred Heart University May 3. The pope spoke to hundreds of people, including Italian government officials, gathered in the square outside the auditorium of the university’s Department of Medicine and Surgery.

Pope: Progress brings problems without guidance from truth, faith VATICAN CITY — Excluding truth and the transcendent from scientific debate and research has impoverished modern thought and weakened the intellect’s ability to understand reality, Pope Benedict XVI said. True intellectual and scientific progress requires an openness to dialogue with opposing views, rather than settling with the “mere repetition” of what one already knows, he added. The pope made his remarks May 3 in an address to faculty, doctors and students at Rome’s Sacred Heart University, one of the biggest Catholic universities in the world. The pope praised the scientific and technological discoveries that have been made in modern times, saying they rightly are a source of pride. However, the “breakneck” speed of innovation sometimes has brought with it “disturbing consequences.”

Lurking behind the optimism about all the new possibilities now open to humanity is “the shadow of a crisis of thought,” he said. Mankind has a plethora of new tools and means but often lacks noble ends because the prevailing culture of “reductionism and relativism” has led to the disappearance of the true meaning of things, he said. “Almost blinded by technical potency, (humanity) forgets the fundamental question of meaning, thereby banishing the transcendental dimension to irrelevance,” he said.

Vatican: Priests must live holy lives to be effective ministers VATICAN CITY — Ten years after a historic papal response to clerical sex abuse, the Vatican urged priests to strive for greater holiness in their own lives so that they might effectively minister to others and reverse the tide of atheism. In its annual letter to priests for 2012, the Vatican’s Congregation for Clergy focused on Blessed John Paul II’s 2002 Holy Thursday letter to clergy, in which the late pope responded to the growing revelations and scandal of sexual abuse of minors by priests.

The congregation’s letter also gave priests a guideline for examining their consciences concerning everything from how they celebrate Mass to how well they are living a pure, humble and generous life detached from consumerism.

The letter marks the annual World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, celebrated in many dioceses June 15 – the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Ruben Tamayo | Catholic News Herald

Veronica Guzman receives first Communion from Father Joshua Voitus at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte April 21.

Pope: Prepare kids for first Communion with zeal, moderation VATICAN CITY — Preparing children for their first Communion must be done with both great zeal and moderation, Pope Benedict XVI said.

Around the world, many children receive their first Communion during the Easter season, he told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square April 22 for the recitation of the “Regina Coeli,” a Marian prayer used in place of the Angelus from Easter to Pentecost. The pope urged “priests, parents and catechists to prepare for

this feast of faith well, with great fervor but also with sobriety. For many of the faithful, this day continues to be memorable as the moment when, even if in a rudimentary way, they first came to understand the importance of a personal encounter with Jesus,” he said quoting from his 2007 document on the Eucharist, “Sacramentum Caritatis” (“The Sacrament of Charity”). He stressed the importance of first Communion and prayed that Mary would help everyone listen to God’s word with greater attention and “take part worthily” in Communion to become “witnesses of the new humanity.”

— Catholic News Service

May 11, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

BOOKS: FROM PAGE 20

materials in the next five years, making many of their rarest books available online for public viewing.

Likewise, to provide access to Belmont Abbey College’s works, library director Don Beagle began a project to digitize key works from the 13,000-plus volume collection about a decade ago. Digitizing the works allows them to be studied without compromising the integrity of the works themselves, he noted.

For example, the Vincent Taylor Library boasts the largest collection of works by the “Poet-Priest of the South” Father Abram J. Ryan, a Catholic priest from the Civil War era. Digitized copies of unpublished poems provide insight to the deep faith and utterly human spirit of this chaplain for the Confederate Army.

“It makes me wonder if we should not think about a (permanent) exhibit to showcase a number of the Abbey’s rare books and manuscripts. The rare books in the Abbey collection – their range, their beauty and their craftsmanship – are a secret that we have kept far too long, and far too well in my view,” said Mark Newcomb,

Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs.

Responses from students at the exhibition were overwhelming, too.

Junior Abbey Peoples said she wants to make book binding her career. “I have always had a love for books, especially old books,” Peoples explained. “I had no idea we had so many, and this is my first time coming into contact with them.”

Sophomore math major Raphael DeSablon knew of the college’s rare book collection and called the exhibition “very beneficial, that’s for sure! It was very interesting.”

Said Pizza, “We don’t have the space and materials necessary for the longterm preservation of the books. It would be a great opportunity for students and the academic community to utilize the collection. It is for their benefit, and without their research or appreciation, this rich history is lost.”

View the rare book exhibition online “Rare Books & Special Collections: An Online Exhibition 1474-1900” is online at crusader.bac.edu/library/rarebooks/index. shtml

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ViewPoints 26

catholicnewsherald.com | May 11, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Letters to the editor

I am proud of the Diocese of Charlotte David Hains

Was it worth it?

D

uring the marriage amendment campaign, I had the privilege of representing our state’s two bishops and Catholic Voice NC as I journeyed throughout the diocese explaining Church teaching about marriage.

I spoke at churches, both Catholic and Protestant, as well as schools, media outlets and community forums.

For the most part I was welcomed by supporters and was listened to politely by opponents.

Anonymous online comments were a little more aggressive. I was called names including, “Bishop’s henchman” and “simpering twister of words.”

Millions were spent as anger fermented across the state. Was it all worth it?

Back in December when the first poll was taken to measure North Carolinians’ pulse on this issue, the level of support was roughly the same as it was on Election Day and the amendment passed with ease. Since December, however, North Carolina has been portrayed in the media as a backward and discriminatory state.

Fighting a battle in the culture wars of America is the antithesis of what it means to be Church, and it is not fun.

Our faith was in the center of this fight. We didn’t start it, but we didn’t shy away from our teaching that calls us to defend marriage.

My most vivid memory of the campaign was a blistering, oneway telephone conversation. The caller was absolutely livid at the support of the Church for the amendment. A lifelong Catholic, he said he was going to leave the Church and encourage others to do so. His pain was real and the hurt

‘Fighting a battle in the culture wars of America is the antithesis of what it means to be Church, and it is not fun. Our faith was in the center of this fight. We didn’t start it, but we didn’t shy away from our teaching that calls us to defend marriage.’

ran deep. I was astonished that the good fight for the amendment could bring someone to a crossroad of rejecting Catholicism.

Late in the campaign I started to ask myself, why are we here? I wasn’t questioning the validity of Catholic teaching on traditional marriage. I am proud of the fact that our Church’s teaching on marriage goes back to the Book of Genesis, and that it points to God’s loving design for men and women. My question was why this divisive fight had come to our state.

Politics is the easy answer. But the political nature of the fight is a stumbling block to real understanding. Some may assume the Church is more Republican than Democrat because of her stance in defense of traditional marriage.

But that assumption is wrong. I have to listen to heartache and anger from Republicans whenever the bishops speak up in favor of a sensible federal immigration policy. The Church continues its wise political course that, depending on the issue, either confirms or challenges one’s viewpoint.

Unfortunately, the real answer, I think, is fear.

Both sides want to prevent a wrong. Supporters of the amendment fear that marriage, which we hold to be a sacred covenant established by God, could be redefined to mean just about anything.

Opponents fear that people who have same-sex attraction could be marginalized or mistreated – violating their inherent human dignity, which the Church also teaches is wrong.

Acting on those fears, each side fights hard, which is to say they each land punches that hurt. The fight inevitably produces a winner and a loser. But with the polls closed, all of us, whether we are heterosexual or homosexual, need to figure out a way to live again in peace and dignity as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Early in the campaign I had a long conversation with my counterpart in the Minnesota campaign for marriage. The fight there is much longer and divisive, and the statewide amendment vote won’t be held until November. He thought that, regardless of the outcome, we could be fighting the same issue in five or 10 years. The Church, he said, needs to be more active in promoting the institution of marriage and protecting its critical role in society. Amen.

One of my last campaign appearances was a community forum in Charlotte that brought together supporters and opponents. The only thing we could agree on is that people on both sides of this issue need to talk more. I will gladly trade conversation for campaigning any day.

The campaign brought me into contact with the pride and pain of people with same-sex attraction in the 21st century. In my lifetime I’ve listened to and laughed at jokes where a homosexual person was the object of mirth. My campaign experience has wiped away a wicked smile while helping me also appreciate the people of good will who stood for marriage.

David Hains is the director of communications for the Diocese of Charlotte. He welcomes your comments to dwhains@charlottediocese.org.

Until recently, North Carolina was the least Catholic state in the U.S. The first Tarheel priest was Father Thomas Frederick Price, ordained in 1886 in Wilmington, N.C. Father Price cofounded the Maryknoll Foreign Mission Society in 1911, and now he is on the potential path to sainthood.

My grandparents moved to Charlotte in 1907 as teenaged newlyweds, when it was a town of 20,000 people. They wanted to grow with it. St. Peter’s was the only Catholic church in Charlotte.

When I was born in 1944, Charlotte was approaching 100,000 people, but the total Catholic population of the state in North Carolina was only 1.25 percent, or 13,000 Catholics out of 5 million Tarheels!

When the Diocese of Raleigh split in 1972 to create the Diocese of Charlotte, we had about 35,000 Catholics and the Diocese of Raleigh had 35,000 Catholics.

Now St. Matthew Church has about 35,000 Catholics in just that one parish!

With all the Yankee Catholics moving south and Latino Catholics coming north, the Diocese of Charlotte might have about 300,000 Catholics at the present, a third of them in the city of Charlotte. The Charlotte Observer said a few years ago that Charlotte area Catholics are the largest group of Christians who attend church in Charlotte each Sunday – 70,000 Catholics – far outnumbering even Baptists and Methodists who are predominant all over North Carolina. We have come a long way! And we have only 11 Catholic parishes in Charlotte; 10 years ago we needed at least four more.

In a previous issue of the Catholic News Herald, there was a wonderful article about Ricky Kovacs, the music minister at St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Church in Boone. He is working on his second master’s degree in international politics and has been chosen for a Vatican internship at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. This makes me very proud. Ricky is a respected lay Catholic from Asheville who will do great things for our Church and our world and who rejoices the heart of our good God, as he helps build the New Creation of our Lord Jesus on this earth!

And the best part is that Ricky is not the only Tarheel Catholic who is doing great things. My dear friend Dr. Maria Lichtman of Boone has also been invited to Indonesia to establish a new retreat house. And I am sure there are many more success stories in the Diocese of Charlotte that need to be shared.

We are coming of age, praise God! Father John Vianney Hoover resides at New Creation Monastery in Charlotte.

Upcoming comedy performance isn’t funny I am writing regarding the upcoming play at Matthews Playhouse called “Nunsense.” This is the long-running off-Broadway musical comedy written

by Dan Goggin that first opened in 1985. It is promoted as a comedy but tragically is layered with one blasphemous line after another. Here is one quote from the script comparing the Last Supper to nuns dying of botulism: Rev. Mother Mary Regina: Several weeks ago, our chef, Sister Julia, (genuflecting): Child of God, made some vichy-soy-ze soup and every one of the sisters died instantly of botulism.

Sister Hubert: It was kinda like “The Last Supper” (cackling loudly) There are also many sexual innuendos that are absolutely sinful – things no one should ever say, let alone act out in a “play” with nuns. Tragically, this evil play is being directed and acted by local Charlotte residents. It will run in June at Matthews Playhouse. Big names like Cindy Williams and Rue McClanahan have done or will do this play. Don’t be fooled: it is not a comedy but a crucifixion of Our Lord and Our Lady. People should be calling Matthews Playhouse to tell them to stop this evil show, and boycott their theater and picket if they don’t stop it. Tragically, many Catholics, even religious, have been duped by the devil on this one. Stay away from it. This is one show that should not go on.

Tina Witt lives in Matthews.

Letters policy The Catholic News Herald welcomes letters from readers. We ask that letters be originals of 250 words or fewer, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be written from a perspective of Christian charity.

To be considered for publication, each letter must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification. Letters may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for clarity, style and factual accuracy.

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

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

E-mail: catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org Mail: Letters to the Editor Catholic News Herald

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May 11, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Peggy Bowes

Robert M. Gallagher

A lesson on birth control from …

Moses?

I

Business owners have right to follow our consciences

recently renewed a friendship with a high school friend on Facebook and was surprised by her liberal views on politics and religion.

We agreed to disagree while remaining respectful.

When the HHS contraception mandate recently highlighted the Church’s position on contraception, my friend asked me to defend it.

She had seen a program on overpopulation and believes in “zero population” growth through birth control.

I explained that contraception negatively impacts a marriage because a barrier is erected, whether physical or chemical, that prevents the complete giving of each spouse to each other.

It reduces this most intimate relationship to a purely physical one and objectifies the person without the reverence and respect required for an act so intimate that it can create new life.

Birth control pushes God away by focusing only on the pleasure of the act and ignoring the lifecreating aspect.

I prayed that I could find the right words to convince my friend that birth control is not the answer to the world’s population issues. She is a Christian, and she believes that God has sent us birth control technology to help us solve our problems. I hoped to find a passage from the Bible to show her that this technology is not part of God’s plan for us. Surprisingly, I found the answer in the book of Exodus.

During Bible study at my parish, we studied the story of Moses and the burning bush. As Moses approaches in wonder, God admonishes, “Do not come near; put off your shoes… for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”

(Ex 3:5) Father explained that God asks Moses to remove his shoes so that there is no barrier between man and holy ground. This requires trust on the part of Moses (the ground may be very hot!), humility and obedience. The burning bush is a very intimate encounter because God, for the first time, reveals His name, establishing a personal relationship with Moses.

It suddenly struck me that there might be a lesson here on birth control. God does not want barriers between a man and a woman on the holy ground of the marriage bed. This most intimate act images the Trinity and the giving and receiving of love among the Three Persons.

The love between Father and Son creates a third person, the Holy Spirit, just as the love between a husband and wife can also create a third person.

Intimacy without barriers requires trust and humility on the part of both husband and wife, as well as obedience to God. Although married couples must use this gift responsibly, love without barriers is certainly the best way for a marriage to resemble the Trinity.

This comparison of married intimacy and Moses’ encounter with God may or may not convince my friend that birth control is not part of God’s Divine Plan. Yet it certainly reassured me that God’s Truth resonates loudly and clearly from the pages of the Bible, and that those ancient words continue to speak profoundly to us today.

s the owner of a middle-market business and as a Catholic, I have been following news of the Obama Administration’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the subsequent Health and Human Services mandate, which requires most health insurance plans to include coverage for contraception, sterilization and abortion-causing drugs.

The U.S. bishops have been fighting admirably against this mandate. It has been encouraging to see our bishops lead the fight for the protection of religious liberty for all Americans. It has likewise been encouraging to see them reject President Obama’s so-called “compromise,” in part for not covering all employers, and in part by recognizing that it was simply a play on words. What’s the difference between forcing employers to buy health insurance plans that specifically itemize the morally objectionable services, and forcing the insurer to provide the same services but not itemize the coverage in certain plans? Nothing ... just dishonesty.

The administration’s compromise was a classic bait-and-switch designed to give the president political cover from the unexpected firestorm that his mandate ignited. Thankfully, the bishops have not been fooled. I pray that their resolve does not weaken and that they continue to lead on this issue, for it is literally a matter of life and death.

Business owners have had state laws and federal regulations mandating contraceptive coverage in health insurance plans rammed down their throats for far too long. It has gone largely unnoticed and unchallenged by our political and religious leaders. Now the administration has taken such injustices to the next level, launching a federal assault on the free exercise of religion. Many state laws already require contraceptive coverage in health insurance plans, but the federal mandate goes even further, requiring coverage for drugs that are solely abortifacient in nature. It sets up contraception, sterilization and abortion-causing drugs as fundamental rights, and even attempts to supersede the First Amendment right to free exercise of religion for business owners whose faith teaches that such action is gravely wrong.

In its attack on religious liberty, the administration has dived head first down a slippery slope to denying other guaranteed rights. After religious liberty is attacked, what is next? Freedom of speech will surely follow. You need not be Catholic to be frightened by this abuse of power.

The president’s compromise does nothing to safeguard the consciences of religious employers. Furthermore, it does not even purport to address the conscience concerns of business owners like myself, who oppose contraceptives, sterilization and abortion-causing drugs on religious grounds but are coerced into funding them.

I hope and pray that the Catholic bishops of the U.S. and other religious leaders will continue to fight this egregious affront to our religious liberty, but the fight must not be limited to religious institutions. It must include all men, women and employers whose religious beliefs would be infringed upon by participating in or sponsoring the services required under the mandate.

I am a Catholic, but that is not the point. I am a business owner, a citizen with constitutional rights. The only “compromise” that would protect the constitutional rights of employers, whether they be Catholic colleges and hospitals or business owners of any faith, is the freedom to purchase health insurance plans that do not, in any way, provide services in conflict with these religious beliefs. There is no middle ground.

The issue here is not just about contraception, sterilization or abortion-causing drugs. It is the free exercise of religion as guaranteed by the First Amendment.

I, like countless other business owners, am a loyal citizen. I provide jobs and employ workers. I pay my taxes. I “render unto Caesar” what is his. But, like so many others, my conscience – my faith – belongs to God. It does not belong to Caesar ... or this administration.

The mandate, however, places employers who oppose the required services in an intolerable situation: Abandon your faith or abandon the health insurance plan your employees rely on.

My conscience is formed by the Catholic Church, which teaches that life is a good, that it is to be welcomed, not attacked, and that it begins at conception. It is my privilege and my right – under the First Amendment – to follow my conscience and the teachings of my faith in my personal and business life, as well as in the public square. The Obama administration, however, has sent a clear message: You may practice your religion ... as long as you do it in the catacombs.

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

Robert M. Gallagher is chairman and chief executive office of Good Will Publishers Inc. and Saint Benedict Press, LLC, in Charlotte.

A

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Ryan Murray

Faith can help you overcome your fear

B

ecause of a few factors recently – being busy at work (an excuse), not having time (a cop-out), having too many other things to do (an alibi) and maybe, for whatever reason, being a bit nervous (correct!) – I really haven’t written much in a long while. Much like riding a bike, if you know and enjoy writing, you never really forget how to do it.

However, without practice your writing can get a little sloppy. (Mind you, I never really could ride a bike all that well, but as I write this, I’m on a stationary bike. That way, no one gets hurt.)

All of this has prompted me to think about a few things – namely, fear, faith and practice.

It’s good to have a little bit of healthy fear as long as you have a whole lot of faith to go with it. That, coupled with the determination to practice your faith, can help you overcome your fear.

Take the sacrament of reconciliation, for example. If you haven’t been to confession in a while and are thinking about going, it is perfectly fine and normal to feel a little fear.

For that matter, if you went yesterday and find the need to go again tomorrow, it’s also OK to have a healthy fear. But take it from someone who hadn’t been to confession in a looooooong time (so long, in fact, that before I even started confessing, I had to confess I didn’t remember how long it had been since my last confession) and someone who tries to go pretty regularly now – practice makes perfect. Add to that the faith that He is there, He loves you and He forgives you, and you can overcome your fear.

Maybe you haven’t really taken the time to pray or spend time with Jesus lately. Maybe you worry that you don’t remember how to pray. It’s OK to feel that way, because the first step toward overcoming a fear is to recognize it. The best step to conquering that feeling of uneasiness? It’s just like riding a bike: Get back into it, practice and have faith in knowing that you have guidance. Perhaps that guidance comes in the form of a formal prayer, Scripture or meditation. Whatever the case may be, understand that you aren’t alone.

Perhaps you haven’t been to Mass in a long time and you are afraid to return. You may be nervous about what others might think.

Consider this, though – Jesus wasn’t nervous about what others thought of Him. If He wasn’t nervous, and He knew what He had to endure, then maybe we shouldn’t be nervous, either. With the Easter season upon us, now is the perfect time to come to Mass, especially if you haven’t been to Mass in a while. Our faith, as well as the practice of our faith, tells us that He is alive and because of His resurrection, we need not be afraid.

I am very happy to be off the proverbial stationary bike and riding a real one when it comes to writing more often. Sure, I may crash or fall down from time to time, but if (or when) that happens, I just need to get back up on that bike, keep practicing, and have faith.

Likewise, have faith in knowing that no matter what any of us may fear, this bike we are all riding truly is a bicycle built for two.

Ryan Murray is a member of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro. Have an idea or comment? E-mail him at murrayrj18@hotmail.com.

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catholicnewsherald.com | May 11, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD