Oct. 26, 2012

October 26, 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

St. Matthew students discover ham radio Special radio event honors St. Maximilian Kolbe, martyr of Auschwitz,

FAITHFUL CONSIDERATION

6 INDEX Contact us.......................... 4 Events calendar................. 4 Our Parishes................. 4-10 Year of Faith.................... 2-3 Schools......................... 14-15 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................16 U.S. news...................... 18-19 Viewpoints.................. 22-23 World news.................. 20-21

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CASTING YOUR VOTE IN 2012

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INSIDE: What you need to know before you go to the polls, 12-13

YEAR OF FAITH

Synod on the new evangelization, 2-3

Catholics experience ‘Tour de Saints’ on Marian pilgrimage to France, 5

Year of faith

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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Pope Benedict XVI

Material progress not enough to make people free, happy

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he world’s huge technological and scientific progress hasn’t always made people freer or happier, Pope Benedict XVI said.

While scientific knowledge and advancements “are important for human life, it’s not enough on its own,” the pope said Oct. 24 at his weekly general audience. “We need not just material sustenance, we need love, meaning, hope and a solid foundation” that helps people live with courage even in the face of doubt, difficulties and everyday problems, he said.

Before an estimated 20,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pope continued a new series of catecheses to accompany the Year of Faith, which runs until Nov. 24, 2013.

His talk focused on the nature of faith and what it means to believe.

“Despite the great magnitude of scientific discoveries and technological successes, humanity today does not seem to have become truly freer and more human.” Along with signs of progress and increased well-being, there also are “many forms of exploitation, manipulation, violence, tyranny and injustice.”

Faith gives people a solid sense of certainty in uncertain times because “faith is believing in this love of God that never fails in the face of human wickedness, evil and death, but is capable of transforming every form of slavery, offering the possibility of salvation.”

“Faith is not the simple intellectual approval by man of truths concerning God; it is an act in which I freely entrust myself to a God who is Father and loves me.”

In fact, having faith is above all about having a relationship with a God whose love is “indestructible” and who understands people’s problems, the pope said.

Christian faith entails giving up control and placing one’s life in God’s hands, he said. It’s this “liberating and reassuring certainty of faith” that helps people live without fear, proclaiming and living out the Gospel with courage.

While faith is a gift of God and it takes divine grace and help from the Holy Spirit to truly believe, a free acceptance of faith is also necessary.

Trusting in God and adhering to His truths “is contrary neither to human freedom nor to human reason,” he said, quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Breaking free from one’s own limited views and expectations, and believing God will show the way result in true liberty, an authentic human identity, real joy and peace, he said.

CNS | Paul Haring

Prelates from around the world gather for the opening Mass of the Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 7.

Cardinal Wuerl at synod: Challenges don’t lessen obligation to evangelize Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — The challenges of being human and of living in a world that does not always want to hear about faith do not lessen the obligation to proclaim the Gospel and to call the baptized to live their faith more fully, said Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, D.C. “We already know our difficulties, the tensions, our restlessness, our faults and our human weakness,” Cardinal Wuerl told members of the Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization Oct. 17.

Nevertheless, God calls members of the Church to proclaim salvation in Christ to the ends of the earth and to re-propose the Gospel “to those who are now distant from the Church,” said the cardinal, who was serving as the synod’s relator.

Summarizing – in Latin – the speeches Pope Benedict XVI and synod members gave Oct. 7-17, the Washington cardinal also formulated more than a dozen questions participants might want to discuss in their small groups before drafting propositions to present to the pope.

The “two great pillars of evangelization” must be a commitment to know and proclaim the truth of Christ and to do so with love, he said.

In the more than 230 speeches delivered at the synod, Cardinal Wuerl said, members agreed that the duty to proclaim the Gospel “is not just the responsibility of clergy and religious.” Laypeople share the obligation as well, so the Church must prepare them, educate them and support them, he said.

The cardinal asked members to consider in their small groups concrete ways to increase people’s awareness of their responsibility.

“It is the task of the individual Catholic to invite people back to the practice of the faith,” he said.

The family and the parish deserve special recognition and special support, because they are the places where most people first encounter the faith and where they most grow in faith, he said.

He asked members to consider ways the Church could devise a program of catechesis that is “basic, complete and inspiring in the search for truth, goodness and beauty” and suggested the small groups discuss the idea advanced by several synod members of formally establishing the ministry of catechist in the Church.

Attacks on the family and increasing secularization around the CARDINAL, SEE page 17

Your daily Scripture readings Scripture readings for the week of Oct. 28-Nov.3

Sunday: Jeremiah 31:7-9, Hebrews 5:1-6, Mark 10:46-52; Monday: Ephesians 4:32-5:8, Luke 13:10-17; Tuesday: Ephesians 5:21-33 or Ephesians 5:2a, 25-32, Luke 13:18-21; Wednesday: Ephesians 6:1-9, Luke 13:2230; Thursday (Solemnity of All Saints): Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12a; Friday (Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, also known as All Souls Day): Wisdom 3:1-9, Romans 5:5-11 or Romans 6:3-9, John 6:37-40; Saturday: Philippians 1:18b-26, Luke 14:1, 7-11

Scripture readings for the week of Nov. 4-10

Sunday: Deuteronomy 6:2-6, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 12:28b-34; Monday: Philippians 2:1-4, Luke 14:12-14; Tuesday: Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 14:15-24; Wednesday: Philippians 2:12-18, Luke 14:25-33; Thursday: Philippians 3:3-8a, Luke 15:1-10; Friday (Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome): Ezekial 47:1-2, 8-9, 12, 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17, John 2:13-22; Saturday (St. Leo the Great): Philippians 4:1019, Luke 16:9-15

Scripture readings for the week of Nov. 11-17

Sunday: 1 Kings 17:10-16, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44; Monday (St. Josaphat): Titus 1:1-9, Luke 17:1-6; Tuesday (St. Frances Xavier Cabrini): Titus 2:1-8, 11-14, Luke 17:7-10; Wednesday: Titus 3:1-7, Luke 17:11-19; Thursday: Philemon 7-20, Luke 17:20-25; Friday: 2 John 4-9, Luke 17:26-37; Saturday (St. Elizabeth of Hungary): 3 John 5-8, Luke 18:1-8

October 26, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

What is a synod?

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Online resources for your Year of Faith

A synod is a gathering of Church leaders that discusses and advises on major Church issues. The focus of this Synod of Bishops is the new evangelization for the transmission of the Christian faith. These are the participants.

www.annusfidei.va The official Vatican site for the Year of Faith, this is a must-see for your own journey.

Here you’ll find:

U.S. SYNOD FATHERS

Cardinal Raymond L. Burke, prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, New York Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, San Antonio Vincentian Father Gregory Gay, Superior General of the Congregation for the Mission Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, Los Angeles Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, Tucson, Ariz.

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, Louisville, Ky. Augustinian Father Robert F. Prevost, Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine Archbishop William C. Skurla, Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh

– the full text of “Porta Fidei,” Pope Benedict XVI’s apostolic letter announcing the Year of Faith – the full text of all the Vatican II documents, including the four constitutions: “Dei Verbum,” “Lumen Gentium,” “Sacrosanctum Concilium” and “Gaudium et Spes”

U.S. EXPERTS

Sister Sara Butler, M.S.B.T., University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Ill. Benedictine Father Jeremy Driscoll, Pontifical Athenaeum of San Anselmo, Rome, and Mount Angel Seminary, St. Benedict, Ore. Ralph Martin, Renewal Ministries, Ann Arbor, Mich., Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit Sister Paula Jean Miller, F.S.E., University of St. Thomas, Houston Edward N. Peters, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit

– catechetical talks by Pope Benedict on the Apostles and saints, the Church Fathers, leading Catholic women, medieval theologians, and prayer

www.usccb.org At the U.S. bishops’ website, check out a video series on the Year of Faith, download Catholic prayers and catechetical resources for free, search the Catechism of the Catholic Church, get games for kids, check out resources for families, and more.

U.S. OBSERVERS Carl Anderson, Knights of Columbus Curtis Martin, Fellowship of Catholic University Students Marylee J. Meehan, International Catholic Committee of Nurses and Medico-Social Assistants Peter Murphy, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Sister Mary Lou Wirtz, F.C.J.M., International Union of Superiors General

www.vcat.org Illustration by Emily Lockley | CNS

Pope: Reasons to hope for ‘new springtime for Christianity’

Dolan: Converts’ top 3 Catholic things are penance, pope, Mary

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI said the enduring desire for God, the truth of the Gospel and the “restlessness” of today’s youth are reasons to hope for a “new springtime for Christianity” in Europe and beyond.

The pope made his remarks to an interviewer in a new documentary film, “Bells of Europe,” shown at the Vatican Oct. 15 after the day’s session of the synod.

Pope Benedict said he has three main reasons to hope for a Christian revival, starting with the “fact that the desire for God, the search for God, is profoundly inscribed into each human soul and cannot disappear.”

He said he also takes heart from the eternal truth of the Gospel. “Ideologies have their days numbered. They appear powerful and irresistible but, after a certain period, they wear out and lose their energy because they lack profound truth.

“The Gospel, on the other hand, is true and can therefore never wear out.”

VATICAN CITY — Catholic converts regularly cite three things about Catholicism that they find attractive: the sacrament of confession, the pope and devotion to Mary, said New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan.

“Those three things, guess what, were kind of de-emphasized” after the Second Vatican Council, the cardinal told reporters Oct. 15 at the synod.

In his formal talk to the synod, Cardinal Dolan said a renewed appreciation for the sacrament of reconciliation is essential for the Church’s new evangelization.

He told reporters that “it seemed to be a truism after the Second Vatican Council that the council did away with the sacrament of penance, which, of course, is not true.” Instead of renewing the sacrament as the council wanted, “we just gave up and we said, ‘Well, that ain’t going over,’ so we stopped trying.”

The interesting thing, he said, is that the sacrament of reconciliation actually

is something attractive to many people – especially the young.

“They will often say that the Church seems impersonal to them, a little faceless, nameless,” he said. “Well, boy, you can’t find a more personal sacrament than penance. I mean, this is one on one.”

Skurla: Evangelization requires more outreach to young adults VATICAN CITY — The Church does a fairly good job providing religious education to children but seems to fail with young adults just when they are making independent decisions about how they will live, Byzantine Catholic Archbishop William C. Skurla of Pittsburgh told the synod.

“Producing committed, faithful Catholics will determine the future of the Church,” he said.

SYNOD, SEE page 17

Also at www.catholicnewsherald.com: n Church needs witness of women proud to be Catholic: New evangelization will never be possible without women who are proud and happy to belong to the Catholic Church, the president of the Belgian bishops’ conference said.

“Two-thirds of active members of the Church are women,” and the primary evangelizers are usually women. “However, many women feel discriminated against by the Church.” n Synod members look at challenge, potential of interreligious dialogue: Catholics, especially those who live in multireligious societies, must have a clear understanding of their own religious identity, but they also must recognize the spirit of God at work in others, said the Vatican official in charge of interreligious dialogue. n Church needs international strategy to defend family: The Church cannot afford to be silent on the importance

of the family and must get the world of politics, economics and culture to make the rights and needs of families a key priority, said Italian Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family. The Church also needs to hammer out a concrete strategy to defend those rights on the national and international levels. n Bishops, religious must cooperate: Many Catholics, nominal or not, want to share their burdens in a nonjudgmental atmosphere, said U.S. Sister Mary Lou Wirtz, superior of the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and president of the International Union of Superiors General. “When Blessed Pope John XXIII called the Second Vatican Council, he said that the Church was to become more ‘pastoral and merciful.’” Unfortunately today, she said, many people are “alienated by judgmental attitudes or issues of power and control. This only pushes them further away.”

n Science, faith can work together to help world, scientist says: Science and faith need each other for the benefit of all of creation, said Nobel-prize winning geneticist Werner Arber, who serves as the president of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. n Evangelization must flow from experience, Anglican leader says: Evangelization is not a project, but the natural “overflow” of an experience of Christ and His Church that transforms lives, giving them meaning and joy, said Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury, head of the Church of England, who was invited by the pope to address the synod. “Those who know little and care even less about the institutions and hierarchies of the Church these days” nevertheless are attracted and challenged by Christians whose lives show they have been transformed by their encounter with Christ.

A new website featuring “Video Catechism for Teens,” produced by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in association with Outside da Box. Besides the video series on the Nicene Creed, check out free resources geared toward youths and young adults.

www.crs.org/yof Learn how Catholic Relief Services proclaims the Gospel through justice and charity and explore ways to make the Year of Faith a richer, more fulfilling time of renewal and spiritual discovery.

www.flocknote.com/ caTechism Read the Catechism over the course of this year: Get daily reflections from the Catechism to your email inbox, for free.

www.OnceCatholic.org A general website geared for people who have left their Catholic faith behind for various reasons. Produced by the Franciscan Friars of St. John the Baptist Province in Cincinnati, Ohio. It offers resources and FAQs on Church teaching, reconnects people with local communities, and features online forums.

Year of Faith indulgence offered Catholics who participate in events connected with the Year of Faith can receive a plenary, or full, indulgence, Pope Benedict XVI has announced. An indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment a person is due for sins that have been forgiven.

At www.catholicnewsherald.com/ ourfaith: Details on obtaining the indulgence.

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events ARDEN St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the next two weeks: Oct. 30 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Hendersonville Oct. 31 – Noon Pastor Regional Meeting Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center, Maggie Valley Nov. 4 – 5 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte Nov. 6 – 11 a.m.

Presbyteral Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte Nov. 8 – 6 p.m.

Room at the Inn of the Triad Embassy Suites, Greensboro Nov. 9 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte Nov. 11-16 U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Meeting Baltimore, MD.

— Women’s Advent Reflection, “The Incarnation of Christ: A Better Understanding of the Word made Flesh”: Saturday, Dec. 8, with 9 a.m. Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception followed by brunch and a presentation by Father Adrian Porras, pastor. Although this will be a shortened version of past programs, there will still be a raffle of religious items, door prizes, favors and decorations. The event will conclude with the Angelus and a Scriptural Rosary at noon. All women, including high school age, are welcome. RSVP by Dec. 4 to Marcia Torres at 828-697-1235 or johnandmarciatorres@yahoo.com.

— Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course, Nov. 10, 1-5 p.m. Learn the effectiveness of modern NFP Methods; the health risks of popular contraceptives; the benefits of NFP—including health, relational, spiritual; what the Church teaches on responsible parenting; and how to use Natural Family Planning. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at cssnfp@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3230.

Vatican Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte will host the Vatican Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition Nov. 9-11 in Aquinas Hall. Founder and president of Ignatius Productions, Jesuit Father Mitch Pacwa will share his knowledge of Scripture and the Church. Learn about the 126 miracles associated with the Holy Eucharist.

Admission is free. For details, go to www.stacharlotte.com or call the parish office at 704-549-1607.

The event schedule is: n Friday, Nov. 9: Exhibition open: 5-7 p.m.; Adoration: 1-7 p.m.; Talk, 7 p.m., “The Eucharist and Vatican II”; Benediction n Saturday, Nov. 10: Exhibition open: 9 a.m.8 p.m.; Mass, 10 a.m.; Talk, 11 a.m., “The Importance

ST. gabriel CHURCH, 3016 providence road — Respect Life Rosary at the Blessed Virgin Grotto: following 10:45 a.m. Mass first Sundays — Young Widowed Group, Ministry Center: 7-9 p.m. first Tuesdays. Contact Sister Eileen McLoughlin, MSBT, at 704-543-7677, ext. 1043.

BELMONT BELMONT ABBEY COLLEGE, 100 Belmont-MT. Holly Road — Morning of Reflection, led by the Legionaries of Christ, hosted by the women of Regnum Christi: Saturday, Oct. 27, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Belmont Abbey College Mezzanine. Enjoy a light breakfast, talks by the Legionaries, confession, the rosary and Mass.

RSVP to Jo Flemings, jcbf19@carolina.rr.com or 704644-3778.

BREVARD Sacred Heart Church, 150 Brian Berg Lane — Seventh Annual Craft Show and Sale: 9 a.m. 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 26-27. All media, with 25 juried vendors. Baked goods and snacks available. No admission, free parking. For more information, call 828-862-8554.

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH, 8451 IDLEWILD ROAD — Morning of Reflection with St. Ignatius presented by Barbara Gaddy:10 a.m. Nov. 3 in the church — “Catholicism” series led by Father Patrick Hoare: 7 p.m. Nov. 5, focusing on “Happy are We: The Teachings of Jesus.” Contact Meredith Paul at 704535-4197 or meredithmpaul@gmail.com.

— “Christmas in New York,” a benefit concert featuring Broadway star Franc D’Ambrosio: 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25. D’Ambrosio is best known as the “Phantom” in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning Musical “The Phantom Of The Opera.” Concert to benefit the St. John Neumann Youth Ministry Program.

Babysitting will be provided with a $5 suggested donation per child. For details or to purchase tickets, contact 704-535-4197.

CLEMMONS

CHARLOTTE

HOLY FAMILY CHURCH, 4820 Kinnamon Road

ST. ANN CHURCH, 3635 PARK ROAD — Morning of faith, fun, and refreshment: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27. Presenters will speak on developing a prayer life, authentic femininity and the Blessed Mother. Other activities include praying the rosary and an opportunity to enroll in the Angelic Warfare Confraternity of the Dominican Order. Free, sponsored by the Natural Family Planning Program of Catholic Social Services and by St. Ann Church.

Register online at cssnc.org/nfp or contact Batrice Adcock, 704-370-3230 or cssnfp@charlottediocese. org.

— Charismatic Prayer Group: 7:15 p.m. Mondays

of Perpetual Adoration”; Holy Hour: 2-3 p.m.; Confessions: 3:30-5 p.m.; Mass, 5:30 p.m. n Sunday, Nov. 11: Exhibition open: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Mass, 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 5 p.m.

DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE — Healing Retreat: Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Weekend: Oct. 26-28, sponsored by Catholic Social Services’ Respect Life Program. Retreat will be held in the Asheville area and is open to both men and women beginning their healing journey after an abortion. For details, contact Carla at 828-342-4655 or go to www. rachelsvineyard.org.

GREENSBORO st. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St. — Seasons of Hope Grief Ministry: meets for six weeks on Sunday afternoons until Nov. 4. Anyone mourning the loss of a loved one is encouraged to attend and bring a guest. Kloster Center, 1:45 to 4 p.m. To register, call the parish office at 336-272-4681.

— Coping With Grief During the Holidays: If you have had a loss, join us and be comforted. 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, Kloster Center. Call Marge Birge at 336-2888779.

HIGH POINT — Pro-Life Rosary to pray for an end to abortion: 11 a.m.

Saturday, Nov. 3, rain or shine, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive in High Point. Parking available on site. Anyone who would have difficulty standing for 15-20 minutes is welcome to bring a folding chair. Contact Jim Hoyng (336-882-9593) or Paul Klosterman (336-848-6835).

DENVER HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, 537 North HWY. 16 — “Catholicism”: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the church overflow room. Upcoming segments: Oct. 31, “A Vast Company of Witnesses: The Communion of Saints”; Nov. 7, “Prayer and the Life of the Spirit”; and Nov. 14, “World Without End: The Last Things.”

Is your parish or school hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.

— Missa Cantanta, Mass in the Extraordinary Form: 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28

October 26, 2012 Volume 21 • Number 26

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

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

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October 26, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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photos by sueann howell and ruben tamayo

Experience the pilgrimage yourself At www.triptofrance.tumblr.org: Walk in the footsteps of the pilgrims’ Marian journey through France

Pilgrims on the Year of Faith Marian pilgrimage to France Oct. 8-19 traveled thousands of miles via plane, train and bus to visit many of the holiest sites around France, from Paris to Lourdes. Stops (above, from left) included: the steep mountain island of Mont-Sainte-Michel, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, (below, from left) the candlelight procession in Lourdes, a quiet moment of prayer in Sacred Heart Basilica in Paray-le-Monial, and celebrating Mass at St. Peter’s Church in Chartres.

Catholics experience French ‘Tour de Saints’ on Marian pilgrimage SueAnn Howell Senior Reporter

PARIS — There’s the Tour de France cycling race and then there’s the Year of Faith “Tour de Saints.” Both are fast-paced events which take place over the course of many days, but in the case of the “Tour de Saints” participants were allowed to stop and pray while encountering some of the most breathtaking treasures of Catholicism in France.

More than 40 pilgrims returned to Charlotte Oct. 19 from the 11-day pilgrimage covering 12 cities in France, starting in Paris and culminating with a visit to the healing waters of Lourdes. It was a journey in faith where they met some of the greatest Catholic saints in history and visited some of the most beautiful Marian shrines in the world.

The pilgrimage had its challenges: a break-neck schedule that began before dawn most days, steep mountains and thousands of stairs, plus hours of riding in planes, trains and buses. And rain – lots and lots of rain.

But what they experienced made it all worth the effort, the pilgrims agreed.

Saints they encountered included St. Denis, St. Genevieve, St. Catherine Labouré, St. Louise de Marillac, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Thérèse, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. John Vianney, Blessed Claude de Colombière, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Bernadette.

The shrines, basilicas and cathedrals the pilgrims visited are renowned for their beauty and historical significance in the growth of the Church. They included the Basilica of St. Denis, Notre Dame Cathedral, Mont-Sainte-Michel, the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur, Sainte Chappelle, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Chartres Cathedral and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

For many of the travelers, it was their first pilgrimage and their first visit to France. They all agreed that their faith had grown stronger during the 11-day trip.

Pilgrim Jack Staub, who is preparing to become a permanent deacon for the Charlotte diocese, said, “This is one of those moments you will remember for the rest of your life.”

His favorite place and moment?

“Lourdes. The baths. Reconciliation.”

“I’m so glad I came,” added his wife Susan. “The thing I came to realize was that I didn’t choose to be here – I was invited to be here. I felt so special that Our Lady wanted us to be here. She wanted to give us some special graces.”

Her favorite place?

“St. Peter’s Church on Mont-Sainte-Michel. There was such warmth there, and I had some really great prayer time there. It was a very holy place.”

“The bath (at Lourdes) was wonderful – Our Lady was truly present,” shared Celeste Richards, who works as a

registered nurse at a hospice in Huntersville. “I just thank her for all the gifts and graces ... I got to sing to her! I went up to the gentleman who had been singing at the baths and asked him for the microphone, and he let me sing (the Ave Maria). Our group was out there, and it was a gift. I thank the Lord for that.

“I’m glad because it enhanced my faith, solidified my faith,” Richards added.

Andrew Beckert, one of the younger pilgrims at 10 years old, said he had a great time travelling with his dad, his brother and his grandfather on the pilgrimage.

“I liked everything!” he said, from the holy sites they visited to the French cuisine they enjoyed each day. “I PILGRIMAGE, SEE page 15

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Classes of fourth- and fifth-grade students at St. Matthew School in Charlotte learn about ham radios on the 30th anniversary of the canonization of its patron saint, St. Maximilian Kolbe. photo provided by Ott Fiebel

Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission officially passed the keys for its old building to its new owners on Sept. 30 during a “Taking the Memories” service. Pictured (from left) are Greg Carroll, pastor of New Life Church, and Father George Kloster, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission.

Hayesville mission moves out of former location Jeanne Odom and Maureen Ripper Special to the Catholic News Herald

HAYESVILLE — After 28 years of service, the building used by Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville has been sold, and the mission has moved a half-mile down the road to 1433 Hwy. 64 West, into the old Smith Power Sports building.

The new facility will provide expanded classroom space for religious instruction, as the number of youths in the mission has continued to increase.

Mission members also need more room for various ministries and meetings, as funeral receptions have been overcrowded and social affairs have been restricted because of limited seating.

The old building has been sold to the congregation of New Life Church, led by Pastor Greg Carroll. They are moving from a strip mall just down the highway.

Both communities held a special service called “Taking the Memories” on Sept. 30 to celebrate the transfer of ownership.

Merrill Morrison wrote the service commemorating the events and the people over the years, and a number of people shared their memories about IHM. Bill Heller and Jim O’Brien opened the service by singing “Precious Memories.”

The land was originally donated by Richard Berguin. Over the years, both at Mass and at fellowship gatherings, mission members have met new friends and neighbors whom they have come to know, appreciate and love. Countless petitions have been offered and prayers answered. Dinners, celebrations and meetings have filled the common area countless times.

The mission has been the site for 78 baptisms, 59 first Communions and 48 confirmations. Nineteen times it was the site of couples entering into holy matrimony. On 84 occasions, the passing of loved ones was commemorated.

During the celebration, Shaughn Bannon captured the moment by describing “Giants of the Church,” early members of IHM who led and sacrificed for the future. He gestured to the New Life Church members present as “giants of their church” by their leadership.

All who spoke at the event repeated a common theme: “It’s the people, their love and concern that makes the church, not a building.”

IHM mission members said they take heart in knowing that their former spiritual home will be in good hands with New Life Church – not just as caretakers, but knowing that God will still be present within its walls and guiding the ministry taking place within the structure.

Father George Kloster, IHM’s pastor, gave Carroll a symbolic key to the building, and both pastors commented on the fellowship of churches working together for the betterment of their community. Then everyone joined hands to pray the Lord’s Prayer.

Kimberly Bender | Catholic news herald

Students at St. Matthew discover ham radio and its patron saint Special event station honors St. Maximilian Kolbe Kimberly Bender Online reporter

CHARLOTTE — Students at St. Matthew School spend a lot of time using the latest technology in class.

But earlier this month, fourth- and fifth-grade students got an up-close look at the “original social media network” and its connection to a modern-day saint.

On the 30th anniversary of the canonization of St. Maximilian Kolbe, martyr of Auschwitz, a group of amateur radio operators honored their patron saint by holding a special event station, with the call letters W4K, on the grounds of St. Matthew Church.

St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Polish Franciscan priest and missionary who died in the notorious Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II, was a ham radio operator who communicated about the “authorities” of the time over the airways, said Bill LaMay, a St. Matthew parishioner who organized the ham radio event.

LaMay invited classes of students to participate in the day to “get kids interested in not only ham radio, but also the saints. It’s good to share the stories of the heroes to the kids,” he said.

A group of ham radio operators contacted as many people as possible on Oct. 10 to tell them about the works of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Throughout the day, the ham radio operators talked to people in more than 210 locations, including Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Europe and all over the United States.

In Louisiana, they talked to a class of special needs students who were

unable to speak. The students used computers to convert their typing into spoken words broadcast over the ham radios.

LaMay was first introduced to ham radio when he was 20, and he’s enjoyed communicating that way for the past 50 years.

He said when he learned about St. Maximilian Kolbe’s connection to ham radios, he wanted to share that information with others and get them interested in amateur radio as well.

“It’s about commemorating the 30th anniversary of an incredible saint. In fact, Pope John Paul II said he was the ‘saint of our difficult (20th) century,’” LaMay said.

“We’re going through rather difficult times now ourselves. I see a lot of parallels between what St. Maximilian Kolbe went through in his era, with lost religious freedom, to now.”

Even as technology has evolved, LaMay said, he has continued to “ham” with his friends, the endless variety of people he can meet through amateur radio communication across the country and the world. Long before there was Facebook or Twitter, ham radio was a powerful social communications tool.

“I just enjoy the ability to be able to communicate with people and learn about them and their part of the world and their life,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to actually speak a foreign language, if you’re proficient, or practice a language you’re learning.”

While ham operators continuously called out for an audience to tell about St. Maximilian Kolbe, LaMay taught groups of students about the saint and how to use ham radios. Then the students looked at displays about the saint, including a first-class relic.

As a priest in the early 20th century, St. Maximilian Kolbe used contemporary modes of communication – especially newspapers and ham radio – to evangelize. In 1941, he volunteered to die in the place of one of 10

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Watch a video from the special ham radio event and learn more about St. Maximilian Kolbe At www.qrz.com: Learn more about St. Matthew Church’s special event station for the feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe by searching “W4K”

prisoners sentenced to death by starvation in punishment for another inmate’s escape. Moved by one man’s lamentation for his wife and children, Father Kolbe volunteered to die in his place.

“To me, St. Maximilian Kolbe is a hero. Anyone who steps up and chooses to take the place of another person condemned to die is an incredible person, I think,” LaMay said. “So he inspires me, especially in his devotion to the Blessed Mother.”

Deirdre Cristante, a fourth-grade teacher at St. Matthew School, said the special event provided opportunities to teach her class the connections between history and faith.

“We try to feature saints throughout the school year, and this is just adding to learning about our saints to learn about the life of Father Kolbe, the history involved and the great sacrifice that he made,” she said.

Ten-year-old Daniel Harty said he thought it was a good thing that St. Maximilian Kolbe was willing to die for someone else. And he shared what he learned about ham radios during the event: “If the power’s out, you can use a ham radio to signal other places.”

Cristante said she thinks it’s interesting for her students to see the technology of the past and how it can still be relevant today. “It’s a little history education, as well as it’s spiritual education for the children.”

October 26, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

Jesuit Father Mitch Pacwa, Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit coming to Charlotte CHARLOTTE — St. Thomas Aquinas Church will host a Vatican International Exhibition – Eucharistic Miracles of the World – at the church in north Charlotte Nov. 9-11.

Jesuit Father Mitch Pacwa, whose popular program “EWTN Live” is aired weekly on the Eternal Word Television Network, will lead a parish mission during the weekend of the exhibition.

The exhibit itself features the stories behind 126 miracles associated with the Holy Pacwa Eucharist. Each panel displays an assortment of photos and historical descriptions of some of the Eucharistic miracles that have taken place throughout the world and that have been officially acknowledged by the Church.

Adoration will be offered from 1 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9, followed by a talk by Father Pacwa at 7 p.m. The exhibition will be open from 5 to 7 p.m.

On Saturday, Nov. 10, the exhibition is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., followed by a talk by Father Pacwa at 11 a.m. A Holy Hour will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Confessions will be heard from 3:30 to 5 p.m. A Vigil Mass will be celebrated at 5:30 p.m.

On Sunday, Nov. 11, the exhibition will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday Masses at the parish are at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

For more information, call 704-549-1607 or go online to www.stacharlotte.com.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

High school youth fall retreat coming up ARDEN — High school youths across the Diocese of Charlotte are invited to the upcoming diocesan Fall Retreat for High School Aged Youth. “Faith Full” is the theme for this year’s fall retreat, set for Nov. 2-4 at St. Barnabas Church in Arden. Making the most of the Year of Faith as young disciples of Christ will be the focus of this event. For details and to register, go online to: education. charlottediocese.net/youth-ministry/youth-services/fall-retreat-hs.

In Brief New communications assistant joins CNH CHARLOTTE — Erika Robinson has joined the Catholic News Herald as its communications assistant, succeeding Denise Onativia.

A 2007 graduate of Gardner Webb University, Robinson handles subscription issues, compiles the calendar of events and manages the business office of the newspaper and online operations. She comes to the diocesan newspaper after working as a pediatric medical provider for the Gaston County Health Department.

Robinson Robinson lives in Gastonia with her husband John and his 5-year-old son Porter. She is a parishioner at St. Michael Church in Gastonia.

Howell promoted at CNH CHARLOTTE — Catholic News Herald staff writer SueAnn Howell has been promoted to senior reporter, effective Oct. 15.

“Howell’s contributions to the diocesan newspaper have grown significantly since she was hired in 2010,” said Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle. “What started out as a job writing occasional stories and taking photos for the print edition every week or so has now grown to include so much more, and SueAnn has embraced the changes and new technology with aplomb.

“Her new title better reflects the increasing Howell use of digital and social media tools by the Catholic News Herald, and with this new position, she will be taking on additional responsibilities for both the Catholic News Herald’s print and online news outlets.”

Catholic Heritage Society members honored for having established legacy gifts CHARLOTTE — Members of the Catholic Heritage Society were recently honored at a special Mass and dinner at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

Approximately 60 people attended the Oct. 14 event.

Three members who are in their 90s were especially recognized: Dr. William Rabil, Edith Quave and Ismini Frieser (pictured above with Bishop Peter J. Jugis).

The Catholic Heritage Society was established in 1994 to recognize all those who have indicated their intention to include gifts through their wills and estate plans to a parish, Catholic school, the Diocese of Charlotte, the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation, or other Catholic organization in the diocese.

Some of these planned gifts have been designated to endowments in the diocesan foundation. The diocesan foundation currently has 206 endowments, totaling more than $20 million in assets. Contributions to an endowment may be designated for a specific purpose – for example, to a parish or school, or for seminarian education.

For more information about the Catholic Heritage Society, contact Director of Gift Planning Judy Smith at 704-370-3320 or jmsmith@charlottediocese.org.

St. John Neumann Presents

“Christmas in New York.”

Franc D’Ambrosio

Best known as the "Phantom" in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony award-winning Musical, “The Phantom Of The Opera”, Franc D’Ambrosio will appear at St. John Neumann on Sunday, November 25th. Broadway’s longest running “Phantom” celebrates the sounds of the season with the beloved holiday standards that evoke wonderful memories of Christmas past.

Featuring Holiday Standards from the American Songbook such as: Silver Bells White Christmas Silent Night Ave Maria Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas What Child Is This?

And many more Tickets are just $20 and seating is First Come, First Served.

Limited reserve seating available for $25.

Doors open at 6:30 PM. Concert starts at 7:00 PM Call St. John Neumann Faith Formation office @ 704-535-4197 or email: Meredith@4sjnc.org for more information or to purchase concert tickets Intermission: Concessions & Refreshments available Babysitting will be available-$5 suggested donation per child.

All proceeds will benefit the High School Youth Ministry program.

7

† Hors D’Oeuvres Reception and Facility Preview 5:30 - 6:00pm

Presentation and Open House 6:00 - 7:00pm

2013 Application Packets and Promotional Materials Will Be Available

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Suzanne Konopka | Catholic News Herald

St. Barnabas parishioners recently gathered to hear from speakers (from left) Dr. William Thierfelder, president of Belmont Abbey College; Shelley Glanton, lay associate for Priests for Life and Silent No More activist; and Olivia Gans Turner, president of the Virginia Society for Human Life and director of American Victims of Abortion.

Georgianna Penn | Catholic News Herald

St. Pius X Church’s St. Joseph’s Intercessory Prayer Group has stepped up its weekly efforts to pray for our country – adding more prayers to its regular Monday night gatherings, introducing an hour of prayer time in the parish chapel on Tuesday afternoons, and encouraging community members to pray at home as well.

St. Pius X members call us to prayer… for a country in need of God Georgianna Penn Correspondent

GREENSBORO — With the federal contraception mandate infringing upon our religious freedom to society’s moral decay in everyday business practices, our country and world are in desperate need of repair. With love, compassion and prayer, one group in particular in the diocese is tackling this challenge.

St. Pius X Church’s St. Joseph’s Intercessory Prayer Group has stepped up its weekly efforts to pray for our country – adding more prayers to its regular Monday night gatherings, introducing an hour of prayer time in the parish chapel on Tuesday afternoons, and encouraging community members to pray at home as well.

Every Monday night from 7:30 to 9 p.m., parishioners are gathering in prayer to offer up their intentions, as well as special prayer requests from family and community members in need.

“We always pray for our country, but we wanted to do something special” during this critical time, said Hannah Hammer, one of the group’s leaders.

“We prayed about it and decided on the Lord’s Prayer.”

The group decided the Lord’s Prayer would be the most appropriate to use because “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” speaks of healing our nation, “Give us this day our daily bread” speaks of the economy, “Deliver us from evil” protects us from the moral decay of society, and “Forgive us our trespasses” speaks of repentance and forgiveness.

According to the group, another powerful prayer they rely on is the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel.

Hammer explained that in addition to praying for our country each Monday night, the prayer group members all agreed to pray the Lord’s Prayer every day at noon. Eventually they decided to pray the Lord’s Prayer as many times as possible each day, while offering up intentions for our country’s healing.

“One parishioner prays it every time she starts her car, while another prays it every time he washes his hands,” Hammer said. “The more we prayed it, the better we felt.”

The group also asked St. Pius X Church’s pastor, Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, if they could put a request in the parish bulletin inviting parishioners to pray for our country through the fall and the election season. Monsignor Marcaccio agreed and suggested that they open the chapel one hour a week on Tuesdays for even more people to gather and join in this special prayer effort.

After choosing a start date, they truly realized how God’s hand was at work in their efforts. The date they began opening the chapel for this prayer effort was Sept. 11.

Since then, dozens of people have been joining in on the prayer campaign, either with the prayer group on Monday nights, during the hour in the chapel on Tuesdays, or on their own time.

Jim Scott, Hank Williamson and Dottie Alieksaites have been a special help in opening the chapel each Tuesday.

The group encourages others to add their voices to this prayer effort. All are welcome to come to the St. Pius X chapel from 1 to 2 p.m. each Tuesday through November, or pray the Lord’s Prayer at home with one’s family.

St. Pius X Church is located at 2210 N. Elm St. in Greensboro.

Religious liberty, abortion battles are topics at Arden conference Suzanne Konopka Correspondent

ARDEN — “Give me liberty or give me death.” Those words of Patrick Henry were spoken in 1775, but they also resonated at St. Barnabas Church in Arden Oct. 13.

The parish’s Respect Life Committee sponsored a morning conference, “Words of Life and Liberty,” to educate people about the increasing attacks on life issues and the constitutional right to religious freedom.

In the opening prayer, Father Adrian Porras, pastor of St. Barnabas Church, asked God to give the participants a spirit of love and service to others. Three powerful speakers then shared their words to help people more actively engage in the battle.

The first speaker was Dr. William Thierfelder, father of 10 children and president of Belmont Abbey College, which has been leading the fight against the mandate from the federal Health and Human Services department that forces nearly all employers to provide free contraception and sterilization services in their health insurance plans, despite any religious objections they may have.

“We must approach these issues,” said Thierfelder, “with fearless trust in God and holy daring in the public square.”

He explained that we face circumstances similar to those of Job, who lost everything, and Daniel, who was thrown into the lions’ den. But both men trusted absolutely in God. Trusting also requires constant thankfulness in all things, and daily prayer.

He noted that many people complain we don’t have enough time to pray, but he noted that it takes him only 41 seconds to pray the Angelus.

“With fearless trust,” Thierfelder said, “we can enter the public square with moral courage – the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition.”

He gave many examples of courageous people throughout history and reminded the audience that “you are not alone. We must act together, with our love and our lives.

Let’s do what we believe.”

Olivia Gans Turner, president of the Virginia Society for Human Life and director of American Victims of Abortion, spoke next in the program. Soon after an abortion

experience in 1981, she said, she became deeply involved in the entire spectrum of pro-life issues.

Her talk focused on “When they say… you say” methods to engage the opposition.

She strongly emphasized that “every conversation is a moment of relationship.

You must listen to and discover who the person is, because everyone we meet has been impacted directly or indirectly by abortion. They may be resistant because of pain, fear or ignorance.”

Turner distributed a booklet containing practical ways to explain and defend pro-life truths versus the five most common proabortion arguments. She also explained the importance of proper facial gestures, using a calm and measured voice, and engaging people with appropriate words, because language in the abortion debate has been twisted to deceive people.

For example, she said, when abortion proponents say “fetus,” which depersonalizes and objectifies an unborn baby, we should use the more accurate terms “unborn child” or “baby.”

“Ultimately, this is a human rights question,” Turner said. “In a society unable to think long-term, how will we, as a human race, find the capacity to care for each other?”

Shelley Glanton brought all of the issues back to the heart, to conclude the conference. Profoundly wounded by two abortions of her own, she shared her stages of healing, from denial and self-destructive behaviors, to confession, and finally to a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat.

“As followers of Christ,” Glanton said, “we must never forget the child who was lost, and we must recognize the mother’s need for healing.”

As a mother of two living children, and as a registered nurse, Third Order Lay Dominican, and lay associate for Priests for Life, Glanton remains especially active in Rachel’s Vineyard and with the Silent No More campaign.

Explaining that her own healing is an ongoing spiritual journey, Glanton’s final thoughts summarized the whole conference: “I’m no hero. I’m privileged and honored and blessed to be a servant of God. I will be silent no more.”

October 26, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

Parishioners of St. Peter Church in Charlotte are involved with the latest Habitat for Humanity building project.

Eucharistic Miracles of the World A Vatican International Exhibition

Photo provided by Stephanie Murphy

November 9-11, 2012

St. Peter parishioners help build another Habitat home

With special guest Father Mitch Pacwa, S.J. St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte, NC Please join us for the Vatican International Exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World. Each panel shows an extensive assortment of photographs and historical descriptions and presents some of the principal Eucharistic Miracles that took place throughout the ages in various countries and have been recognized by the church.

Outreach part of year-long parish celebration SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — St. Peter Church has been marking the 25-year anniversary of the Jesuits’ presence at the parish with special service projects in the community. The church’s latest outreach effort is a Faith Build project with Habitat for Humanity, an organization which parishioners have partnered with before.

“We wanted community service projects that could involve diverse group of parishioners and that could possibly be carried on after the celebration year,” said Martha Schmitt, community service coordinator for the project.

“We raised the money through our tithing committee, proceeds from Garden of Eaten and a pasta supper fundraiser.”

St. Peter Church is part of the Charlotte Church Partners, a group of 12-14 churches that volunteer to assist with the financial and labor needs for a Habitat for Humanity home building project. They have helped build a Habitat home every year for the past 15 years.

Each church contributes to the $60,000 cost for materials to build the home for a needy family.

Norm Getz, one of the Charlotte Church Partners coordinators at St. Peter Parish, is a 45-year construction veteran. He now helps recruit volunteers and coordinates the food and drinks for the volunteers on the day St. Peter Parish is assigned as the “site manager.”

“I have been involved with building other Habitat homes and thought that when I retired I could volunteer my gifts to Habitat,” Getz said.

“Well, I’ve now reached that age and my physical limitations limit what I can do. I have found a way of being a coordinator for St. Peter’s, and I am able to contribute to an extremely worthwhile pursuit. I find this extremely rewarding.”

More than 25 St. Peter parishioners have volunteered to help build the three-bedroom, 1,000-square-foot home during October.

The Siu family has been working on this and other Habitat houses and has been selected for this home. Ner Siu, his wife Hlan Kpuih and their young children Yut and Nay hope to move into the home the first or second Saturday in November.

For volunteer opportunities on the Faith Build Charlotte Church Partners’ project for the Siu family, go to www.habitatcharlotte. org/charlotte-church-partners.

We are also pleased to announce that Father Mitch Pacwa, SJ, of Ignatius Productions and EWTN host will join our Eucharistic Celebration and share his knowledge of scripture and the Church during the weekend of the exhibition. All are welcome to learn about these 126 miracles associated with the Holy Eucharist and to listen to multiple lectures from Father Pacwa.

Father Mitch Pacwa, SJ

To learn more, go to www.fathermitchpacwa.org.

Friday, November 9 Exhibition open 5-7 pm Adoration 1-7 pm Talk 7 pm The Eucharist and Vatican II Benediction

Saturday, November 10

Sunday, November 11

Exhibition open 9 am-8 pm Mass with Father Pacwa 10 am Talk 11am The Importance of Perpetual Adoration Holy Hour 2-3 pm Confession 3:30-5 pm Mass with Father Pacwa 5:30 pm

Exhibition open 8 am-2 pm Masses 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 5 pm 9:30 am will be celebrated by Father Pacwa

Admission is free. For more information, call (704) 549-1607 or go to www.stacharlotte.com.

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

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

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

www.cssnc.org

Strengthening Families. Building Communities. Reducing Poverty.

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2012 OUR PARISHES

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Now serving Charlotte and Greensboro

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kathy Succop

Pro-life rosary service planned HIGH POINT â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A Pro-Life Rosary prayer service to pray for an end to abortion will be held starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, rain or shine, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive in High Point. The Pro-Life Rosary is traditionally held on the first Saturday of each month (at 11 a.m. during cold weather, or at 9 a.m. during warm weather). Parking is available on site.

Sacred Heart parishioners collect winter coats for needy BREVARD â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Brevard took a cue from the Gospel of Matthew recently and held a winter coat drive for the needy in their community. The coat drive, held every other year in coordination with the Brevard Jewish Community, gathers gentlyused coats that are then given to families who cannot afford to buy coats for themselves or their children. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive collected 610 coats, which were distributed over a three-day period. The coats were sorted by size, and volunteers were there to assist people find the proper size and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;rightâ&#x20AC;? coat.

One senior citizen requested a coat with a hood that she could wear inside her minimallyheated house to keep her warm as well as when she went outside. Several people cried in happiness at receiving a warm coat. A parishioner was at a local restaurant when a woman came up to her to thank her for the coats she had been given for her children.

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704-549-4010 336-665-5345

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Dorice Narins

Remembering Our Children A Memorial Mass for those touched by the loss of a child Diocese of Charlotte Respect Life Program Diocese of Charleston Family Life Office

If you have lost a child, before or after birth, through miscarriage, illness, accident or reasons known only to God and you, join us for prayer, reflection and fellowship.

Hosted by St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Church Friday, November 30, 2012, 7:00 PM Reception following Mass 507 South Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28202 For more information

704-370-3229 or mnadol@charlottediocese.org.

The goal of this theme is to remind us of the importance of working ecumenically. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Sandi Hood, pastor of youth and families at Viewmont Baptist Church.

Child care will be provided, and refreshments will be offered after the service. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Ecumenical event set for Nov. 2 HICKORY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The annual World Community Day ecumenical worship service, sponsored by Church Women United, will be held at 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 2, at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 726 1st Ave. N.E. in Hickory. This celebration is observed on the first Friday of each November throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Women from more than 15 area churches are involved in the preparations for the event, including parishioners of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory and St. Joseph Church in Newton.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Abiding in Community.â&#x20AC;?

Kids celebrate feast day MOORESVILLE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; On Oct. 1, Little Way Preschool at St. ThĂŠrèse Parish in Mooresville celebrated the feast day of their parishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patroness, St. ThĂŠrèse. Father Don Ward shared a picture of St. ThĂŠrèse with the children of the preschool. The children then presented St. ThĂŠrèse with yellow and red roses and sang her a song. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Lisa Cash

Boone parish has fall festival BOONE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; St. Elizabeth Church held its annual fall festival Sept.

28. Pictured above are the winners of the pie contest: (from right) Marion Dettbarn, second place, for her Strawberry Rhubarb Pie; Barbara Butler, third place, with her Chocolate Cream Pie; and Mark Mellon, first place, with his Pumpkin Pie. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Amber Mellon We welcome your parishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s news! Please email news items and photos to Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@ charlottediocese.org.

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2012

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Padre Alvaro Riquelme, C.Ss. R., y Ibis Centeno del comite organizador del Congreso

Miembros del coro en Español

Padre Alvaro Riquelme, C.Ss.R., y Marisol y Gaston Hakim, con el Diacono Guido Pozo de la Iglesia de San Gabriel en Charlotte.

Photos by Rico De Silva | Catholic News Herald

Padre Francisco Menjivar, FMM

Ruega por Nosotros Santa Madre Rico De Silva Correspondent

KANNAPOLIS — Mas de 400 personas, la gran mayoría Hispanos de la Diocesis de Charlotte, respondieron al llamado “a la Humildad y Unidad en la Caridad,” y asistieron al Congreso Del Rosario Carolina 2012 en el Kannapolis Performing Arts Center en Kannapolis, el Sábado, 6 de Octubre.

El Congreso ofreció conferencias en inglés y español, y también contó con la presencia del Obispo de Charlotte, Peter Jugis. El Obispo Jugis celebró la Misa de clausula del Congreso en la tarde. El Padre Francisco Menjivar, FMM, viajó desde Guatemala para conducir todas las conferencias en español. “María es una servidora fiel. Que nos dice ‘hagan lo que El diga.’ Y lo que El dice (Jesus) esta en la Biblia,” dijo el Padre Menjivar.

Ademas de charlas, los participantes tambien tuvieron la oportunidad de participar en adorar al Santísimo Sacramento durante la mayor parte de la tarde. Antes de empezar la Misa, los devotos a la Virgen cargaron a la estatua de “Nuestra Señora de Manhattan” en una procesión Mariana al aire libre por toda la manzana del Performing Arts Center de Kannapolis.

Durante su homilía bilingüe, el Obispo Jugis, exhortó a todos los presentes a invocar la proteccion de María al rezar el Rosario en los hogares. “La unión de la familia y la santidad del matrimonio entre un hombre y una mujer están bajo un violento ataque en nuestra sociedad

actúal,” dijo Jugis. El Obispo también mencionó que el Papa Benedicto XVI designó el 12 de Octubre del 2012, como el inicio del Año de la Fe. “María es el discípulo por excelencia más fiel a Dios.” “El ‘Sí’ de María con la Gracia del Espiritu Santo permitió que el Hijo Unico de Dios se hiciera carne,” dijo el Obispo. Jugis también agregó que los valores morales del Año de la Fe fortalecen el compromiso cristiano con Jesús.

El Obispo dijó que los misterios gozosos del Rosario reflejan la belleza de la unidad familiar en la Sagrada Familia compuesta por Jesús, María y José.

“Todos los misterios del Rosario nos muestran la belleza de la familia de una forma u otra. Ya sea María como la Madre de la Sagrada Familia, o como la Madre de la Familia de la Iglesia,” dijó Jugis.

El Congreso fue organizado por el Padre Alvaro Riquelme, C.Ss.R., Párroco de la Iglesia de San José en Kannapolis. El Padre Riquelme también contó con la colaboración del comité organizador de al Parroquia de San José compuesto por Ibis Centeno y los esposos Marisol y Gastón Hakim.

El Padre Riquelme agregó durante su entrevista que la devoción a la Virgen María no es solo muy importante entre los católicos laicos, sino es muy esencial entre los sacerdotes.

“Maria no es solo la Madre de Jesús y de todos los cristianos, sino también la Madre de los sacerdotes,” dijó el Padre Riquelme.

Lizzie Espendez, de la Iglesia de San Marcos en

Huntersville asistió al Congreso Mariano por primera vez y dijó que todas las charlas de el Padre Menjivar fueron muy animadas.

“El Padre Menjivar fue fenomenal. Estoy muy contenta de haber participado en este Congreso,” agregó Espendez.

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iiiOctober 26, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

‘Catholics Care.

Catholic Vote.’

Want to learn more about Catholic teaching on the hot-button issues of the day, and how you should consider voting according to what our faith teaches us? The blog “Catholics Care. Catholics Vote,” written by USCCB staff in both English and Spanish, provides a quick and easy review.

Find it online at: usccbmedia. blogspot.com/2012/04/catholicscare-catholic-vote-series.html.

Topics include: n Political Engagement is Every Catholic’s Duty: Why is the Catholic Church involved in politics? n The Question of Conscience: “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship ... at its heart, is a call for Catholics to get involved in the political process, not a voting guide.” n Human Life and Dignity: “When it comes to what (Catholic) teachings are, the bishops offer a complete, interconnected moral framework with the right to life and the dignity of the human person at its center.” n Religious Freedom and Ugly Assumptions: “Religious freedom should matter to the Catholic voter, because it’s directly tied to the Church’s ability to advocate and work for the common good in the public square.” n Strengthening and Defending Marriage is a Matter of Justice: “... Marriage is not only something that matters to the doctrine of the Church and the private lives of the people entering into it. It matters to all society.” n Poverty and Helping People to Flourish: “Solidarity is the recognition of the responsibility of everyone in society to care for those who are poor and vulnerable.” n Untangling the International Knot n Immigration Reform and a Reasonable Church n Temptations and Voting n Keeping Love in the Debate

More resources online At www.facebook.com/usccb: The U.S. bishops have also produced a series of YouTube videos explaining “Faithful Citizenship,” an online issues quiz and games for kids, and even more resources on Facebook so Catholics can learn about the Church’s teaching on issues and involvement in the political process. (Click on the “Catholics Care. Catholics Vote.” button.)

At www.faithfulcitizenship. org: All of the resources noted above, plus audio messages and podcasts on Catholic social teaching, catechetical and informational materials for diocesan and community leaders, parishes and schools, campuses and young adults, youth and more.

FAITHFUL CONSIDERATION Excerpts from ‘Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship’ “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” is the call to political responsibility for Catholics in the United States. It was approved by the U.S. bishops in 2007 and reissued in 2011.

It does not offer a voters guide, scorecard of issues, More online or direction on how to vote.

At www.catholicnewsherald.

It applies Catholic moral com: Read the full text of principles to a range of “Faithful Citizenship,” in English important issues and warns or Spanish against misguided appeals to “conscience” to ignore fundamental moral claims, to reduce Catholic moral concerns to one or two matters, or to justify choices simply to advance partisan, ideological or personal interests.

Why Does the Church Teach About Issues Affecting Public Policy?

The Church’s obligation to participate in shaping the moral character of society is a requirement of our faith. It is a basic part of the mission we have received from Jesus Christ, who offers a vision of life revealed to us in Sacred Scripture and Tradition. ...

Some question whether it is appropriate for the Church to play a role in political life. However, the obligation to teach about moral values that should shape our lives, including our public lives, is central to the mission given to the Church by Jesus Christ. Moreover, the United States Constitution protects the right of individual believers and religious bodies to participate and speak out without government interference, favoritism, or discrimination.

Political participation is our duty

In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do.

CONSCIENCE AND PRUDENCE

A Well-Formed Conscience: Catholics have a serious and lifelong obligation to form their consciences in accord with human reason and the teaching of the Church. Conscience is not something that allows us to justify doing whatever we want, nor is it a mere “feeling” about what we should or should not do. Rather, conscience is the voice of God resounding in the human heart, revealing the truth to us and calling us to do what is good while shunning what is evil.

The Virtue of Prudence: The Church fosters well-formed consciences not only by teaching moral truth but also by encouraging Consciences, SEE page 13

HE COVER

October 26, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

Catholics have multiple voter guides to use Nancy Frazier O’Brien Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — If a group of Catholics were to sit down to read four or five of the “Catholic voter guides” in circulation before Election Day, it wouldn’t be surprising if they ended the session more confused than when they began.

Various Catholic organizations, religious communities, bishops individually and collectively, and even some individual Catholics have put into writing their best advice on how Catholic social teaching should guide decisions in the voting booth.

“Catholics must strive to put in place candidates, laws and political programs that are in full accord with nonnegotiable moral values,” says the California-based Catholic Answers Action, the cultural and political action arm of the apologetics and evangelization organization Catholic Answers.

In its “Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics,” the group names five issues as nonnegotiable: abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning and same-sex “marriage.”

The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, on the other hand, sees the election in much broader terms in its voter guide, called “Loving Our Neighbors in a Shrinking World.”

“Peace. Security. Racial equity. Economic well-being. A healthy environment. Human dignity. These are the basic needs of every human being and of the earth,” it says. “We encourage candidates to make explicit their commitment to the global common good.”

“In the Voting Booth: A Catholic’s Guide,” a brief brochure written by Greg Erlandson of Our Sunday Visitor, quotes liberally from “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” the U.S. bishops’ document on political responsibility, providing guidance in a question-and-answer format.

“In a world of prudential judgments, it is quite possible that well-formed and educated Catholics may differ on what is the best choice to make in the

FROM PAGE 12

its members to develop the virtue of prudence. Prudence enables us “to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it” (CCC 1806).

There are some things we must never do ... because they are always incompatible with love of God and neighbor. Such actions are so deeply flawed that they are always opposed to the authentic good of persons. These are called “intrinsically evil” actions. They must always be rejected and opposed.

Political temptations

Voter guides and scorecards

voting booth,” Erlandson writes. “But we are called to draw upon the teachings of our faith in coming to our decisions, not party loyalty, self-interests or political slogans.”

Most of the guides rely heavily on quotations from “Faithful Citizenship,” which calls on Catholics to view candidates’ stands in light of Catholic teaching, giving priority attention to “the intentional taking of innocent human life, as in abortion and euthanasia.”

The bishops urge voters to avoid “two temptations in public life” that can distort Church teaching: “The first is a moral equivalence that makes no ethical distinctions between different kinds of issues involving human life and dignity,” they say.

“The direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life from the moment of conception until natural death is always wrong and is not just one issue among many.

“The second is the misuse of these necessary moral distinctions as a way of dismissing or ignoring other serious threats to human life and dignity,” they add. “Racism and other unjust discrimination, the use of the death penalty, resorting to unjust war, the use of torture, war crimes, the failure to respond to those who are suffering from hunger or a lack of health care, or an unjust immigration policy are all serious moral issues that challenge our consciences and require us to act. These are not optional concerns which can be dismissed.”

Our Sunday Visitor’s brochure, adapted from “Faithful Citizenship,” offers four steps to take before entering the voting booth: “1. Inform yourself about the Church’s teachings.

“2. Inform yourself about the issues. Read the Catholic press and listen to the candidates. See where the candidates stand on critical moral and social issues.

“3. Seek input from Catholics you respect.

“4. Pray. Take your concerns, worries and confusion to the Lord and ask for His guidance.”

CONSCIENCES:

Two temptations in public life can distort the Church’s defense of human life and dignity: The first is a moral equivalence that makes no ethical distinctions between different kinds of issues involving human life and dignity. The direct and intentional destruction of innocent human life from the moment of conception until natural death is always wrong and is not just one issue among many. It must always be opposed.

The second is the misuse of these necessary moral distinctions as a way of dismissing or ignoring other serious threats to human life and dignity. Racism and other unjust discrimination, the use of the death penalty, resorting to unjust war, the use of torture, war crimes, the

13

At www.catholicclergy.net/app: The Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, a national association of about 600 priests, religious and deacons, has created the first free “Catholic Voting Guide” mobile app for iOS (iPhone, iPod and iPad), Android and Windows mobile devices. This non-partisan guide focuses on six areas of vital concern for Catholics – the right to life, religious liberty, the sanctity of marriage, private property, access to necessary goods, and war – and is designed to help voters form their consciences and quickly learn more about Church teaching, the values of the Gospel, and natural law before evaluating candidates and heading out to the polls. It draws from the U.S. bishops’ “Faithful Citizenship” as well as then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s 2004 letter “Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion” (Links are available to each).

At www.catholic.com/voteyourfaith: Produced by Catholic Answers, this site gives tips on how to evaluate candidates, and explains why the five “non-negotiables” (abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning, and same-sex “marriage”) must be weighted higher than “prudential” policy disagreements on such topics as the death penalty, anti-poverty programs, immigration reform, and international policy. Read the PDF online for free, or order print copies for 40 cents each.

At www.frcaction.org/votertools: Produced by FRC Action, the lobbying arm of the Family Resource Council, find national and state candidate “scorecards,” endorsements, and more At www.citizenlinkvoter.com: An affiliate of Focus on the Family, this site details national, state and local races on the November ballot for every state, including easy-to-read questionnaires of each candidate for offive At www.nrlc.org: Produced by the National Right to Life Committee, check out “scorecards” on the presidential candidates, as well as House and Senate candidates’ voting records on life issues.

At www.politicalresponsibility.com: Priests for Life offers guides on the presidential candidates and comparisons of the two parties’ platforms

failure to respond to those who are suffering from hunger or a lack of health care, or an unjust immigration policy are all serious moral issues that challenge our consciences and require us to act.

more likely to pursue other authentic human goods.

It is important to be clear that the political choices faced by citizens not only have an impact on general peace and prosperity but also may affect the individual’s salvation.

How to make Moral Choices

SIX ISSUES OF CONCERN

Decisions about political life are complex and require the exercise of a well-formed conscience aided by prudence. ...

Catholics often face difficult choices about how to vote.

This is why it is so important to vote according to a wellformed conscience ... A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who takes a position in favor of an intrinsic evil, such as abortion or racism, if the voter’s intent is to support that position. In such cases a Catholic would be guilty of formal cooperation in grave evil. At the same time, a voter should not use a candidate’s opposition to an intrinsic evil to justify indifference or inattentiveness to other important moral issues involving human life and dignity.

There may be times when a Catholic who rejects a candidate’s unacceptable position may decide to vote for that candidate for other morally grave reasons. Voting in this way would be permissible only for truly grave moral reasons, not to advance narrow interests or partisan preferences or to ignore a fundamental moral evil.

When all candidates hold a position in favor of an intrinsic evil, the conscientious voter faces a dilemma. The voter may decide to take the extraordinary step of not voting for any candidate or ... may decide to vote for the candidate deemed less likely to advance such a morally flawed position and

n Continuing destruction of unborn children through abortion and other threats to the lives and dignity of others who are vulnerable, sick, or unwanted; n Renewed efforts to force Catholic ministries – in health care, education, and social services – to violate their consciences or stop serving those in need; n Intensifying efforts to redefine marriage and enact measures which undermine marriage as the permanent, faithful, and fruitful union of one man and one woman and a fundamental moral and social institution essential to the common good; n An economic crisis which has devastated lives and livelihoods, increasing national and global unemployment, poverty, and hunger; increasing deficits and debt and the duty to respond in ways which protect those who are poor and vulnerable as well as future generations; n The failure to repair a broken immigration system with comprehensive measures that promote true respect for law, protect the human rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees, recognize their contributions to our nation, keep families together, and advance the common good; CONCERN, SEE page 24

Prayer for conscience formation

Oración por la formación de conciencia

I praise you Lord for creating me in Your Divine image. Thank You for giving me a free will to know You and love You. Open my heart to Your teachings and help me to form my conscience according to Your will.

Please strengthen me with the virtues of faith, hope, love, and especially prudence. Grant me Your loving guidance each day and send me the graces to always do Your will, even when most difficult.

Amen.

Te alabo, Dios, por crearme a tu imagen divina. Te agradezco por darme libre albedrío para conocerte y amarte. Abre mi corazón a tus enseñanzas y ayúdame a formar mi consciencia según tu voluntad.

Fortaléceme con las virtudes de la fe, esperanza, amor y especialmente prudencia. Concédeme tus consejos amorosos cada día y envíame la gracia de siempre hacer tu voluntad, incluso cuando resulta muy difícil.

Amén.

— U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Our schools 14

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Fall festival set for Oct. 27 CHARLOTTE — St. Patrick School in Charlotte invites everyone to come out for fun and games during its “Freaky Fall Festival 2012,” to be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27. Wear your favorite Halloween costumes, and enjoy rides, games, food and much more.

— Anastasia Walter

BMHS receives Wells Fargo Cup WINSTON-SALEM — Bishop McGuinness High School’s athletic director Jeff Stoller received the Wells Fargo Cup for Top Overall Athletic Performance at the 1A state level on behalf of the school at halftime of the Sept. 22 UNC-Chapel Hill vs. East Carolina University football game at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill. Shaking hands with Stoller is Juan Austin, community affairs manager at Wells Fargo. This is the fourth consecutive year, and fifth time overall, that Bishop McGuinness earned this title, based on overall athletic achievement based on playoff performance.

— Katie B. Williams

Gove heads to competition CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School senior Kelsey Gove has been selected to represent her school in the 2012 Carolinas’ Carrousel Scholarship competition. Gove will compete for this scholarship against students from other area high schools Thanksgiving week, culminating in participation in the Thanksgiving Day Belk Carolinas’ Carrousel Parade, one of the largest such parades in the U.S. She was chosen based on her academic achievement, community involvement and application.

— Jennifer B. Johnson

Photos provided by Kristen O’Malley

St. Mark students bring rosary to life HUNTERSVILLE — Sixth-graders at St. Mark School in Huntersville led the entire school in praying a living rosary Oct. 4. Nearly 800 students, staff, clergy and parents filled the St. Mark School courtyard to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Monsignor Richard Bellow, pastor of St. Mark Church, opened the 10th annual event, which brought the entire school community together in prayer.

Pictured above in front of the statue of Mary are sixth-graders Angelica Gonzalez and Jenna Kiefriter. Pictured at right,

kindergartner Blake Nicholson prays his first living rosary.

“My favorite part of this year was standing by the kindergartners and watching them with their little beads and praying,” said Neva Westmoreland, a parent volunteer who organized this year’s prayer. “The sixth-graders did a great job leading the school community – what an amazing thing it is to watch all of these kids saying such a powerful prayer on such a beautiful day.”

The school comes together twice a year to pray the living rosary. The next living rosary will take place in May.

Please Join Us and see Restless Heart A feature length movie about the Confessions of St.

Augustine will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 10th at Charlotte Catholic High School, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road Charlotte, NC 28226.

Admission is only $5 per person and tickets can be purchased beforehand at St. Ann Catholic Church, 3635 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28209 or at the door the night of the movie.

704-841-1160

October 26, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

In Brief

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Vatican II and in observance of Pope Benedict’s XVI

‘Skippy’ visits OLG School

“Year of Faith”

GREENSBORO — “Skippy,” the Greensboro Urban Ministry mascot, recently visited Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro to thank students for raising funds for the 2012 Greensboro CropWalk, which was held Oct. 14. Secondgrader Lance Farley greeted Skippy when he arrived at the school.

More than 60 students, parents, teachers and OLG parishioners walked together as part of the annual CropWalk to raise awareness and funds to fight hunger. Students raised money throughout the fall to donate to the CropWalk and will continue their efforts through the school year. Students also raised “Coins for Hunger” during the fall as part of their efforts to combat hunger in Greensboro.

St. Matthew Catholic Church 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28277 presents National Catholic Reporter and CNN Vatican News Correspondent

John Allen, Jr. All Are Welcome!

“The Future Church: Current Trends That Will Revolutionize the Church!”

St. Matthew Church welcomes prize-winning Senior Vatican Analyst for CNN and National Catholic Reporter Senior Correspondent, John L. Allen Jr. Mr. Allen is the author of seven best-selling books on the Vatican and Catholic affairs including his book “The Future Church.” The London Tablet has called Allen “the most authoritative writer on Vatican affairs in the English language,” and renowned papal biographer George Weigel has called him “the best Anglophone Vatican reporter ever!” Allen’s work is admired across ideological divides. Liberal commentator Fr. Andrew Greeley calls his writing “indispensable,” while the late Fr. Richard John Neuhaus, a conservative, called Allen’s reporting “possibly the best source of information on the Vatican published in the United States.” His weekly internet column, “All Things Catholic,” is widely read as a source of insight on the global Church

— Karen L. Hornfeck We welcome your school’s news and photos. Please email items to Editor Patricia L. Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@ charlottediocese.org.

TWO SESSIONS:

Monday, Nov. 12, 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the Church An Open and Free Lecture No registration required for the evening session!

All are Welcome!

Monday, Nov. 12, 1:00 to 2:30p.m. in the New Life Center Banquet Room For all Clergy, Religious, Diocesan and Parish Staff, including all Faith Formation, Liturgy, Music, Youth Ministry, Pastoral Care Personnel and Catholic School Teachers This is also a free lecture. Registration for the afternoon session is required!

Book sales and a book signing session will be offered at both sessions!

AFTERNOON SESSION REGISTRATION FORM

photo by sueann howell

Father Timothy Reid prays in front of the tomb of St. Thomas Aquinas in Toulouse, France.

PILGRIMAGE: FROM PAGE 5

liked Mont-Sainte-Michel a lot. I liked the church with the incorrupt bodies (Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Chapel).”

During his toast at the pilgrims’ final meal together, Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte and chaplain on the pilgrimage, summed up the most important thing the pilgrims who made this journey in faith needed to remember: “We have been given great graces here.

And the graces given on this pilgrimage are meant to be shared.”

Your Name Email Name of your Parish or School Parish or School Address To register multiple attendees, send a list of names and emails, noting a name and phone number for a contact person, on parish or school letter head and send to: Michael Burck, Adult Enrichment Coordinator, St. Matthew Church, PO BOX 49349 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28277 or email Michael at mburck@stmatthewcatholic.org.

For more information Michael can be reached at 704-541-8362 ext. 4.

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Mix

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

16

On TV

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

n Sunday, Oct. 28, 4:306:30 a.m. (EWTN) “Closing Mass of the Synod of Bishops.” The XIII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops – which took for its theme “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith” – concludes with a liturgy celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass will be re-aired 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

In theaters

‘Argo’ Engrossing thriller, based on real events, and set against the backdrop of the Iran hostage crisis of 1979-’81. Tasked by his boss (Bryan Cranston) with rescuing the handful of U.S. embassy employees who managed to escape capture when that facility was overrun by armed militants, a CIA agent (Ben Affleck) hatches a seemingly far-fetched scheme: He’ll smuggle them out of Tehran – where they’ve been hiding in the Canadian embassy – disguised as a Canadian film crew scouting locations.

To do so convincingly, he enlists the aid of a Hollywood producer (Alan Arkin) and makeup artist (John Goodman), and together they drum up publicity for the imaginary film project of the title. Affleck, who also directed, masterfully alternates between life-or-death drama and high-stakes humor. Though both aspects of the story too frequently give rise to coarse dialogue, the canny patriotism and emotional impact of the picture – as scripted by Chris Terrio – make for a rousing experience. Potentially disturbing scenes and images, profanity.

CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: R

‘Here Comes the Boom’ Director Frank Coraci extols the Christian virtue of self-sacrifice through the unlikely yet inspiring tale of an ordinary man who goes to extraordinary lengths to help others. When the penny-pinching principal (Greg Germann) of a failing public high school threatens to eliminate its popular music program – and axe the beloved teacher (Henry Winkler) who runs it – a faculty colleague (Kevin James) pledges to raise the funds needed to save the activity. Having failed to do so by more conventional means, the onetime college wrestler becomes a mixed martial arts cage fighter. Realistic martial arts sequences, a brief scene of gross-out humor.

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

Additional movies: n ‘Alex Cross’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘Cloud Atlas’: CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R n ‘Hellbound?’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: Not rated n ‘Paranormal Activity 4’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: R n ‘Seven Psychopaths’: CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R n ‘Sinister’: CNS: L (limited adult audience); MPAA: R

Morgan Castillo | Catholic News Herald

Kristen Levine and Pam Bennett recently opened Seven Gifts Ltd., a new Catholic book store, in Gastonia.

Local Catholic store opens doors to share faith to wider community Morgan Castillo Correspondent

GASTONIA — On a busy road near St. Michael Church in Gastonia, a new bookstore has made its home. The small painted brick building is unassuming from the outside, yet is a sanctuary of warmth and quality Catholic merchandise inside.

Owners Kristen Levine and Pam Bennett have been friends since they both moved to the area and began attending St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton more than 10 years ago. Now, Levine resides in Cherryville and Bennett in Kings Mountain, and both make the short trip to Gastonia to run Seven Gifts Ltd. in this centralized location.

Seven Gifts Ltd., which had been operating online and through the pair’s travels, had its grand opening in July. They started out, according to Levine, traveling with merchandise to different churches and events to provide quality Catholic merchandise, because “there were so few Catholic stores.” Their first event was the Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress in 2010, after which their parish offered them a “little cabinet” to display their items at St. Dorothy’s parish office. Last year, they noted a building for rent and after purchasing it, began the renovation process to open a full-sized shop location.

The “catalyst” for them to open the shop came following a retreat with St. Dorothy parishioners to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Ala. “We had a life-changing experience,” Bennett said. “When you’re spending all that time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, (it’s) soul-cleansing. We came back and we were different.”

Levine noted, “It became even more imperative to be able to find those things that we’d had such

a struggle finding. To bring our faith into our families and have it surrounding our children – to incorporate it fully.”

Bennett agreed that they wanted to share some of the beautiful things they had learned about Catholicism with “other families, other mothers like us, to make it available.

“There is so much richness and beauty in our faith – we wanted to share that.”

Seven Gifts Ltd. carries religious items and art made by local artists, recognizing that “we’re all to join together for Christ,” and hoping their shop can help, in some way, to strengthen that unity, Bennett said.

As a part of its mission to make Catholic resources more widely available, Seven Gifts Ltd. is also hosting various Catholic speakers “as a way to explore your faith in another avenue, and bringing your faith community into your lives,” Levine said.

That’s one of the most significant aspects of their mission that the owners say they hope will welcome the local community into their shop. The first speaker was Sally Thomas, a home-school advocate and author featured in “First Things” and on EWTN. Upcoming speakers include Jackie Childers, an advocate for Rachel’s Vineyard, who will speak about “Post-Abortion Testimony and Healing” at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. (Seating for the speakers’ series is limited, so RSVP to 704-2714149.) Other speakers who will be featured in the coming months include Father Raymond Burke and Dr. Ron Thomas, Levine said.

Bennett noted, “God wanted us to do this. We were called to do this. But what He needs us to do, and how He may use us to touch the lives of another person, may never include a sales transaction. It’s not about what we’re selling, it’s about the message. It’s His store.”

Visit www.sevengiftsltd.com online or the store located at 1200 S. York Road in Gastonia.

n Tuesday, Oct. 30, 4:45-8 p.m. (TCM) “King of Kings” (1961). Stolid screen spectacular presents the life of Christ within the historical context of Jewish resistance to Roman rule.

Uncomfortably cast in the title role is Jeffrey Hunter, though more effective are Siobhan McKenna as his mother, Robert Ryan as John the Baptist, Hurd Hatfield as Pilate, Rip Torn as Judas and Harry Guardino as Barabbas. Directed by Nicholas Ray, the script is preoccupied with the period’s political unrest but treats the Gospel account reverentially, if with more dramatic license than some might find acceptable. n Tuesday, Oct. 30, 9:3010:30 p.m. (PBS) “Big Sky, Big Money.” This special looks at the debate over campaign financing in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision. A “Frontline” presentation. n Wednesday, Oct. 31, 8-9 p.m. (ABC) “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

This classic Halloween special, featuring Charles M. Schulz’s beloved “Peanuts” characters, first aired in 1966. n Thursday, Nov. 1, noon1:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Solemn Mass of All Saints.” Mass for the Feast of All Saints broadcast live from Washington’s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

October 26, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

CARDINAL: FROM PAGE 2

globe mean the Church may have to re-evaluate its normal way of proceeding, he said. The situation is even more complicated for Catholics living in countries where they are a tiny minority or where they face limits on their freedom to exercise the faith.

Many of the synod speeches, he said, emphasized the treasure and the role of the liturgy and the sacraments in attracting people to the faith and in sharing God’s grace with them.

Recognizing that evangelization is bringing people to a relationship with Christ through His Church, and not simply signing people up as members, Cardinal Wuerl asked, “How can the Church better create spaces and moments for an encounter with Christ, and better foster a spiritual renewal, conversion and faith formation among all the baptized?”

Like many synod members did in their speeches, the cardinal also emphasized the evangelizing power of the Church’s social outreach to the sick and the poor, an outreach that makes the Church “the very presence of Christ in the world today.”

Cardinal Wuerl encouraged the synod members to reflect on “the family, faith formation, religious freedom, care for the poor and the role of the laity” as they continue their work.

SYNOD:

Pope, opening synod, says Christ is the answer to humanity’s questions

FROM PAGE 3

VATICAN CITY — To evangelize means to help people understand that God Himself has responded to their questions, and that His response – the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ – is available to them as well, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“Our role in the new evangelization is to cooperate with God,” the pope told the more than 260 cardinals, bishops and priests who are members of the world Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization, which opened Oct. 7. “We can only let people know what God has done.”

The pope said many people today question whether “Is God a reality or not? Why is he silent?”

When Christians evangelize, they must remember that their “faith has content,” and that what they believe and seek to share with others is outlined in the creed, he said. They must use their intelligence to reflect on the tenets of their faith and use their mouths to proclaim it. Because faith isn’t an abstract notion, Christians also must live their faith and share it with the world through acts of charity and love, he said.

“Being tepid is the greatest danger for Christians,” he said. “We pray that faith becomes like a fire in us and that it will set alight others.”

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Follow daily coverage of the Synod on the New Evangelization

While many bishops at the synod have focused on the importance of catechesis and religious education, he said, the Church must be realistic about the need to vary educational approaches according to a person’s age.

Young adults, especially, face “a multitude of other systems of belief and lifestyles,” and if their religious education remains simply what they learned as a child, their faith commitment “does not have a chance when exposed to these attacks.”

Pell: Synod’s tone reflects ‘struggle between good and evil’

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Gospel, to preach what Christ taught.”

“Sometimes we have to give the Church’s moral teaching in a political situation where we know it’s almost impossible it’s going to be accepted,” but Church leaders still have an obligation to try, he said.

While several synod members spoke about ways to reach out to lapsed Catholics, Cardinal Pell said sometimes it is better for a person to leave the Church than to stay and pretend they can be a good Catholic while opposing Church teaching.

“Nobody wants anybody to leave the Church,” but if people don’t believe in the divinity of Christ or if they “fundamentally reject the Church’s teachings in areas of morality – fundamentally reject, not just that they are weak and can’t quite follow them – I think that as a matter of integrity, it’s not inappropriate that they do leave.”

— Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — If the synod has seemed to lack a certain “fire and energy,” its sober tone reflects the fact the Church is “in the midst of an enormous struggle between good and evil,” said Australian Cardinal George Pell of Sydney.

The synod is not trying to solve all the world’s problems, he said. The new evangelization is about promoting or reviving faith in Jesus Christ, “the call to salvation and the consequences that has for social justice and the integrity of creation.”

“Is Christ the Son of God? Is He divine?”

These are questions the bishops are trying to help people answer, Cardinal Pell said.

They want people to know that Jesus is “more than just a good example,” He’s the Savior.

Bishops in the West constantly are being called to comment publicly on political, ethical and moral matters that touch the faith and the good of the human person, he said.

“We bishops have got to be prudent, but we’re all constrained by our vocation to preach the

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17

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Our nation 18

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Atlanta archdiocese files suit against HHS mandate Mary Anne Castranio The Georgia Bulletin

ATLANTA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Archdiocese of Atlanta, the Diocese of Savannah and other Catholic entities in Georgia, including Catholic Charities and Christ the King School in Atlanta, filed a federal lawsuit Oct. 5 challenging the Health and Human Servicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; contraceptive mandate.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Atlanta. Defendants are the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius; the U.S. Department of Labor and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis; and the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.

With this action, the Catholic Church in Georgia joins more than 50 other dioceses, schools, hospitals, social service agencies and other institutions that have filed suit in federal court to stop the three government agencies from implementing a mandate that would require most religious employers to provide for free contraceptives and sterilization in their health plans despite their moral objections to doing so.

The lawsuit states that the U.S. government â&#x20AC;&#x153;is attempting to force plaintiffs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all Catholic entities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to provide, pay for, and/or facilitate access to abortion-inducing drugs, sterilization and contraception in violation of their sincerely held religious beliefs.â&#x20AC;?

Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory said the lawsuit was necessary for the archdiocese, because the â&#x20AC;&#x153;stakes are so incredibly high â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our religious liberty and that of our fellow Catholics and people of other religious faiths as well as those with

Wenski: Lawsuit needed to see HHS mandate overturned MIAMI â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Obama administration â&#x20AC;&#x153;has not shown any inclination to rescindâ&#x20AC;? its requirement that most religious employers cover contraceptives for their workers, so â&#x20AC;&#x153;we need to get this mandate overturnedâ&#x20AC;? by the courts, said Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski. He made the comments at an afternoon news conference Oct. 19 to announce the Miami Archdiocese has joined the 50 or so other Catholic dioceses, universities and entities throughout the U.S. that have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services contraceptive mandate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We feel it is a violationâ&#x20AC;? of the First Amendment, the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act and HHSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rule-making authority, the archbishop said.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court on behalf of the Archdiocese of Miami, Catholic Health Services and Catholic Hospice. It was filed by the archdioceseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

no professed religious belief throughout the nation are impacted by this proposed action.â&#x20AC;?

He also said the â&#x20AC;&#x153;unchallenged results of the HHS mandate would require that we compromise or violate our religious faith and ethical beliefs.â&#x20AC;?

The lawsuit stated that the archdiocese and other plaintiffs â&#x20AC;&#x153;acknowledge that individuals in this country have a legal right to these medical services; they are, and will continue to be, freely available in the United States, and nothing prevents the government itself from

legal representatives, J. Patrick Fitzgerald and Associates, along with the Jones Day law firm, which is providing its services pro bono. Jones Day is representing many other Catholic entities in similar lawsuits.

Archbishop Wenski pointed out that Vice President Joe Biden spoke â&#x20AC;&#x153;untruthfullyâ&#x20AC;? during the vice presidential debate Oct. 11 when he said there is no problem between the Church and the Obama administration on the health care issue.

Biden stated that â&#x20AC;&#x153;no religious institution, Catholic or otherwise, ... has to pay for contraception, none has to be a vehicle to get contraception in any insurance policy they provide.â&#x20AC;? The mandate, however, has a narrow religious exemption that would protect only those Catholic institutions that seek to inculcate Catholic values and primarily employ and serve Catholics. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Catholic News Service

making them more widely available.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;But the right to such services does not authorize the government to co-opt religious entities like the plaintiffs into providing or facilitating access to them.â&#x20AC;?

The lawsuit says the First Amendment prohibits â&#x20AC;&#x153;just this sort of overbearing and oppressive governmental action.â&#x20AC;?

Savannah Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our challenge to the federal mandate is not about whether people in this country should have access to the services covered by the mandate; but rather, it is about the fundamental issue of whether the

government may force religious institutions and individuals to fund services which violate our religious and moral beliefs.â&#x20AC;?

Archbishop Gregory said Catholic Charities Atlanta and Christ the King School joined in the lawsuit, because â&#x20AC;&#x153;the work of the Church is represented by many different agencies.â&#x20AC;?

Charles Thibaudeau, archdiocesan director of human resources, said Christ the King School was selected to be a defendant because it is representative of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other Catholic schools. Catholic Charities Atlantaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CEO, Joseph Krygiel, said his organization was very much in favor of joining the lawsuit.

He described the HHS mandate as â&#x20AC;&#x153;an attempt by the government to literally secularize all social services provided by Catholic Charities organizations across our country, and to also secularize health care and education provided by Catholic hospitals and schools.â&#x20AC;?

Catholic organizations have objected to the contraceptive mandate since it was announced last year as part of the Affordable Care Act, but as employers they must comply unless they qualify for a narrow religious exemption or have a grandfathered health plan.

Catholic schools, hospitals and charitable organizations would not qualify under that standard, because they serve Catholics and non-Catholics alike, so they either provide coverage they find objectionable; pay steep annual fines to keep provide their current health insurance to employees and, in the case of colleges, to students; or stop providing health insurance entirely. The mandate takes effect in August 2013.

About 1,500 employees in the archdiocese might lose their health insurance if the mandate stands, plus another 1,500 members of employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; families.

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October 26, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Bishop calls U.S. courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rejection of DOMA â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;unjustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; WASHINGTON, D.C. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The chairman of the U.S. Catholic bishopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; subcommittee on marriage described as â&#x20AC;&#x153;unjust and a great disappointmentâ&#x20AC;? the decision by a federal appeals court striking down part of the Defense of Marriage Act, which says marriage is a legal union of a man and a woman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Redefining marriage never upholds the equal dignity of individuals because it contradicts basic human rights,â&#x20AC;? said San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, chairman of the U.S. bishopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, on Oct. 19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the day after the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan ruled 2-1 that the federal marriage law was unconstitutional because it failed to give equal protection to New York spouses in same-sex marriages.

It was the second appeals court ruling to find a key provision of the federal law unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected this term to take up an appeal to rulings on the Defense of Marriage Act, which was passed with bipartisan support in 1996.

Lori: Defending life, liberty part of the new evangelization WASHINGTON, D.C. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; At what is a critical time for American Catholics to stand up in defense of life and religious freedom, they must engage in the Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new evangelization effort,

deepening their faith and sharing it in their everyday lives and in the public square, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori said Oct. 14 during his homily at a Mass and Pilgrimage for Life and Liberty at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we want to turn back the powerful incursions of secularism against the dignity of human life and the freedom to practice our faith, then we must heed the call of Pope Benedict XVI to engage in the new evangelization, to stand with Christ, to know our faith, to love our faith, (and) to share our faith,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Archbishop Lori, chairman of the U.S. bishopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, was the main celebrant at the Mass, which drew a standing room crowd of an estimated 5,500 to 6,000 people. The Mass and pilgrimage are part of the U.S. bishopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; annual Respect Life prayer campaign; each year October is designated as Respect Life Month by the U.S. Catholic Church.

Tobin named to lead Indianapolis WASHINGTON, D.C. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin, secretary of the Vatican Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, to be archbishop of Indianapolis.

Archbishop Tobin, 60, succeeds Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein, who resigned in September 2011 at 73 for health reasons.

Oct. 22 U.S. memorial for JPII WASHINGTON, D.C. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; A new liturgical memorial â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Oct. 22 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was approved for Blessed John Paul II by the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments as an â&#x20AC;&#x153;optional memorialâ&#x20AC;? for the liturgical calendar in the U.S. The office of readings and the Mass propers already included prayers and readings for Blessed John Paul II are what would be used in celebrations of his feast. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Catholic News Service

19

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Our world 20

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

A pilgrim holds up an icon of St. Kateri Tekakwitha before a Mass of canonization for seven new saints in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 21. Among the new saints declared by Pope Benedict XVI were two North Americans – St. Kateri, an American Indian born in upstate New York who died in Canada in 1680, and St. Marianne Cope, who worked with leprosy patients on the Hawaiian island of Molokai.

In Brief Pope: Ignorance of faith risks creating ‘cafeteria Catholics’ VATICAN CITY — Ignorance of the faith puts Christians at risk of following a “doit-yourself” religion, Pope Benedict XVI said. People need to become more familiar with the creed because it is there that the “Christian moral life is planted and ... one finds its foundation and justification,” the pope said Oct. 17 at his weekly general audience, the first in a new series of audience talks to accompany the Year of Faith. He said he hopes the series of instructional talks, which is expected to run until Nov. 24, 2013, will help people “strengthen or rediscover the joy of faith and realize that it isn’t something foreign to or separate from everyday life, but is its soul.”

Pope Benedict said the widespread and dominant nature of today’s secularism, individualism and relativism means that even Christians are not completely “immune from these dangers.” Some of the negative effects include faith being lived “passively or in private, a refusal to learn about the faith, and the rift between faith and life,” he said. “Often Christians don’t even know the central core of their own Catholic faith – the creed – thereby leaving room for a certain syncretism and religious relativism,” he said.

Pope: Farm co-ops can protect values while feeding people VATICAN CITY — Farm co-ops can provide the world with an “alternative vision” to government or international agriculture policies that place too much emphasis on profits, protecting certain markets or employing new technology that could prove dangerous, Pope Benedict XVI said. The pope made his comments in a message marking the Oct. 16 celebration of World Food Day, a commemoration sponsored by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization to highlight the global fight against hunger and the need to help farmers and farm workers.

Cooperatives, he said, are an alternative to policies that “seem to have as their sole objective profit, the defense of markets, the non-food use of agricultural products (and) the introduction of new production techniques without the necessary precaution.”

Pope names 6 new cardinals VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI announced Oct. 24 that he will create six more cardinals, including 63-year-old U.S. Archbishop James M. Harvey, head of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, who will become archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The others are: Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai of Antioch and All the East, 72; Syro-Malankara Archbishop Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal of Trivandrum, India, 53; Nigerian Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja, 68; Colombian Archbishop Ruben Salazar Gomez of Bogota, 70; and Philippine Archbishop Luis Tagle of Manila, 55.

The consistory to create the new cardinals will take place Nov. 24, the eve of the feast of Christ the King.

— Catholic News Service

CNS | Stefano Rellandini, Reuters

Pope proclaims seven new saints Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Proclaiming seven new saints – including St. Kateri Tekakwitha and St. Marianne Cope from North America – Pope Benedict XVI said they are examples to the world of total dedication to Christ and tireless service to others.

In a revised canonization rite Oct. 21, the pope prayed for guidance that the Church would not “err in a matter of such importance” as he used his authority to state that the seven are with God in heaven and can intercede for people on earth.

An estimated 80,000 pilgrims from the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Italy, Spain, Germany and Madagascar filled St. Peter’s Square for the canonization of the holy women and men who ministered among their people.

The pilgrims applauded the proclamation of the new saints, who included: Kateri, an American Indian who was born in the United States and died in Canada in 1680; Mother Marianne, a Sister of St. Joseph who traveled from Syracuse, N.Y., to Hawaii to care for lepers and died in Molokai in 1918; and Pedro Calungsod, a teenaged Philippine catechist who was martyred in Guam in 1672.

The other new saints are: French Jesuit Father Jacques Berthieu, martyred in Madagascar in 1896; Italian Father Giovanni Battista Piamarta, founder of religious orders, who died in 1913; Sister Carmen Salles Barangueras, founder of a Spanish religious order, who died in 1911; and Anna Schaffer, a lay German woman, who died in 1925.

In his homily at Mass following the canonization, Pope Benedict prayed that the example of the new saints would “speak today to the whole Church” and that their intercession would strengthen the Church in its mission to proclaim the Gospel to the world.

The pope also spoke about each new saint individually, giving a short biographical outline and highlighting a special characteristic of each for Catholics today.

Pope Benedict called St. Kateri the “protectress of Canada and the first Native American saint,” and he entrusted to her “the

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Check out biographies of each of the new saints and see more photos from the canonization Mass. And read about some local people who shared in the celebration for St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

renewal of the faith in the First Nations and in all of North America.”

The daughter of a Mohawk father and Algonquin Christian mother, St. Kateri was “faithful to the traditions of her people,” but also faithful to the Christianity she embraced at age 20.

“May her example help us to live where we are, loving Jesus without denying who we are,” the pope said.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia, who is of American Indian descent, said, “I think many young people today are embarrassed about embracing the Catholic faith because they live in a secular culture that’s hostile toward religious experience.”

St. Kateri also “grew up in a place where there was great hostility toward Christianity,” Archbishop Chaput said, but she resisted all efforts to turn her away from her faith, “so in some ways she would be a model of fidelity in the face of persecution on religious freedom grounds.”

Archbishop Gerald Cyprien Lacroix of Quebec said the canonization of the first aboriginal of North America is “huge for us.”

St. Kateri, he said, is an excellent model for young people of “living a simple life, faithful to the Lord in the midst of hostility.”

St. Kateri’s life and canonization show that “saints don’t have to do extraordinary things, they just have to love,” Archbishop Lacroix said.

And while speaking about St. Marianne of Molokai in his homily, Pope Benedict said that a time when very little could be done to treat people with Hansen’s disease, commonly called leprosy, “Marianne Cope showed the highest love, courage and enthusiasm.”

Pope adds two saints to list of Church ‘doctors’ Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict added a 16thcentury Spanish priest and a 12th-century German abbess to the roster of doctors of the universal Church.

The pope proclaimed the new doctors, St. John of Avila and St. Hildegard of Bingen, at Mass Oct. 7 in St. Peter’s Square, where the thousands in attendance included pilgrims waving Spanish flags, and German nuns in traditional habits.

In his homily, Pope Benedict said that St. John, “a profound expert on the sacred Scriptures,” knew how to “penetrate in a uniquely profound way the mysteries of the redemption worked by Christ for humanity.”

Noting St. Hildegard’s knowledge of medicine, poetry and music, Hildegard the pope called her a “woman of brilliant intelligence, deep sensitivity and recognized spiritual authority.

John of Avila The Lord granted her a prophetic spirit and fervent capacity to discern the signs of the times.”

The doctors of the Church, saints honored for particularly important contributions to theology and spirituality, come from both the Eastern and Western Church traditions.

The 35 doctors include early Church fathers such as Sts. Jerome, John Chrysostom and Augustine, and theologians such as Sts. Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure and John of the Cross, but also St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who was honored by Blessed John Paul II in 1997, despite her lack of scholarly accomplishment.

St. Hildegard is the fourth female doctor of the Church, joining Sts. Thérèse, Catherine of Siena and Teresa of Avila.

October 26, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Three Assumptionists kidnapped in eastern Congo ROME — Three priests kidnapped Oct. 19 in eastern Congo have not been heard from, said a member of their Assumptionist order.

Assumptionist Father Bernard LeLeannec, the congregation’s secretarygeneral, said the three were at taken at gunpoint from their home at Our Lady of the Poor Parish in the village of Mbau, in embattled North Kivu province. Father LeLeannec received his information from a fourth Assumptionist, who avoided being taken by refusing to leave his room when someone knocked at the door.

The escaped priest, identified only as Joseph, said two of his confreres were relaxing in the living room and one was on the balcony doing wash around 9 p.m., when the kidnapping occurred.

The statement from the Assumptionists said that, shortly after the kidnapping,

witnesses saw members of the rebel Ugandan Allied Democratic Forces traveling in the direction of where their base is known to be.

For months, government soldiers have been stationed in Goma, capital of North Kivu province, where Mbau is located.

The soldiers are battling the rebel group M23, which defected from the Congolese military. The violence had led more than 100,000 people to flee their homes since April.

The United Nations has said Rwandan defense officials are backing the rebel group, which has been accused of rape and the murder of civilians in its effort to control mineral-rich North Kivu province.

Rwandan officials have denied allegations of assisting the rebels.

— Catholic News Service

Cleanup begins at Lourdes shrine after flooding VATICAN CITY — Flooding at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Oct. 20 temporarily closed much of the popular French pilgrimage site and led to the evacuation of several hundred pilgrims.

The shrine church was partially open Oct. 21, but the pools where the sick bathe in hopes of spiritual and physical healing were to remain closed indefinitely, said Bishop Nicolas Brouwet of Tarbes and Lourdes.

The Lourdes grotto, where Mary is reported to have appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, was to reopen the evening of Oct. 23 after a major cleanup of mud left behind by the waters of the

flooding Gave River. Shrine officials had reported up to four feet of water in the grotto.

Pope Benedict XVI publicly expressed his concern about the flooding Oct. 21 during the recitation of the Angelus after canonizing seven new saints and celebrating Mass in St. Peter’s Square.

“We turn to the one who is queen of all the saints, the Virgin Mary, with a thought for Lourdes, struck by the serious flooding of the Gave, which has flooded even the Grotto of the Apparitions,” the pope said.

— Catholic News Service

Hand Knit Alpaca and Pima Cotton

SWEATER SALE Handmade Peruvian Crafts Friday, November 9, 4pm to 8pm Saturday, November 10, 9am to 7pm Sunday, November 11, 8am to 2pm St. Gabriel Catholic Church 3016 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC The Artesanias Pachamama, a non-profit womenʼs cooperative located in Manazo, Puno, Peru has produced hand-made 100% Alpaca Wool and Pima Cotton sweaters as well as indigenous crafts since 1985. The designs and colors reflect the vibrant nature of these Andean women who live in one of the poorest, rugged and remote regions of the Altiplano. The proceeds of the annual sales empowers the women to be self-sufficient and enables them to support their families and the community of Manazo. See us at: www.perusweaters.org, or, YouTube: ArtesaniasPachamama, Peru. For more information, contact: directorartesaniapachamamausa@yahoo.com

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SIGN UP—NOW The Diocese of Charlotte invites you to join us at

All-Inclusive Excellence Punta Cana Resort March 18-22, 2013

Come with old friends or meet new ones as we “escape winter” and explore this new, exciting travel destination – the Dominican Republic! Fly non-stop to our Caribbean beach and luxury resort surrounded by palms.

This ALL-INCLUSIVE vacation means all drinks, all meals, all tips are included! No worries!

Relax by the enormous winding pool or in the Jacuzzis. Walk on the powdery white sands or float in the crystal blue sea. Try exciting new water sports, tennis or the private jogging trail. Spoil yourself by dining in 8 international restaurants -- and choose your favorite of the 10 bars, each with its own kind of fun! This all-inclusive vacation takes you away to an unforgettable experience!

Plus, we also will have daily Mass (subject to space availability) with our own diocesan priest!

Rates are $1109 to $1249 per person (all-inclusive) double occupancy, depending on your choice of accommodations. Singles are available, too.

A $150 deposit holds your space today – but don’t wait! Only limited group space can be held and your airfare (cost to be quoted at registration) may go up closer to deadline.

For info or a brochure, call Cindi Feerick, diocesan travel coordinator: (980) 230-7430.

For reservations, call AAA’s Henry Dennis: (704) 318-4222, ext. 13611 hddennis@mailaaa.com

ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS ARCHDIOCESE OF ATLANTA The Archdiocese of Atlanta, Georgia, seeks an Associate Superintendent of Schools for the 2013-2014 school year. The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church and hold a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. Other qualifications include: a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience and a minimum of 3-5 years as an administrator in Catholic schools; be aware of current documents on and trends in Catholic education including accreditation standards; knowledge of resources and materials related to curriculum development and improvement; proficiency in the application of educational theory to the methodology of teaching; ability to coordinate archdiocesan principal formation program; excellent written and verbal skills; and, the desire to operate in a team environment.

Interested and qualified candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest, resume and 3 references to: Diane Starkovich, Ph.,D., Superintendent of Schools, Archdiocese of Atlanta, 2401 Lake Park Drive SE., Smyrna, GA 30080.

Application deadline is December 15, 2012.

ViewPoints

catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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Letter to the editor

HHS mandate is unjust Ryan Murray

Fall is a good time to examine the road you’re on

W

ith summer ending, school starting and vacations packed away as memories, I’ve discovered that fall has always been a good month to reflect, reevaluate and refocus on the road that I’m on.

Maybe it’s the change of seasons or perhaps seeing those school buses on the road again, but as I’ve grown into adulthood – a term I use loosely when referencing myself – I’m a true believer that the Lord gives us the chance to take a look at where we’ve been, where we are and where we may be going, especially at this time of the year.

Where have you been physically, mentally and, most importantly, spiritually the past few months? God gives us the gift of taking a look at our past and cherishing the good times with wonderful memories while also evaluating where we may have made mistakes.

A friend of mine once told me that it’s never a mistake until you make it twice – the first time is a learning experience. That’s important to remember when taking a look at where we’ve been. God wants us to learn from our mistakes, but not dwell on them. Through His Son, we have been forgiven and by holding on to our flawed history too much, we really can get in the way of what He is calling us to be.

This is also a great time of the year to look at where we are in the present. Maybe it’s refocusing your work or personal relationships. Maybe it’s refocusing your relationship with God, or it could be all of the above. As the old saying goes, there’s no better time than the present to readjust and re-prioritize.

This time of year gives us a chance to take a look at where we may be going down the road of life. Personally, I’ve had a bit of a struggle with this one as of late, until I was reminded of a very important point from my mother.

It’s easy to try and plan for the future, and it’s important to do so. It’s equally important to know that in truth, none of us is really in control of any plan as there is only One that has control.

The important point that my mother made?

Let go and let God. When our plan for the future doesn’t go the way we expect – let go and let God because when you do that, you’ll be amazed at how clear your path ahead truly becomes.

With summer gone and the crisp days of autumn at hand, take a few minutes to see where your road has taken you. While there may have been some bumps before in the road or if there are curves ahead, always remember that God is your best navigator.

Ryan Murray is a member of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro.

Have an idea or comment? E-mail him at murrayrj18@hotmail. com. You can also follow Murray on his blog at nobonzaboutitryan.blogspot.com.

Deacon James H. Toner

I

Keys to political science

enslave ourselves ceaselessly, more and f you are not a writer, or a more, to the monstrous idol which we mathematician, or a historian, what have made with our own hands to our own do you recall from your high school or image and likeness,” said philosopher college classes in, say, English literature, Etienne Gilson. Put simply, when we make or algebra, or American history? All the ourselves gods, we create tyranny. readings, lectures, problems solved or 2. “With God and Jesus Christ excluded papers written and all the studying now from political life, with authority derived leave you with – what impression? What is left of a course after final exams, or after 10 not from God but from man, the very basis of that authority has been taken or 20 years? Anything? away, because the chief reason of the I used to ask myself that about the distinction between ruler and subject has college and graduate courses I presented been eliminated. The result is that human in political science. A product of the society is tottering to its fall, because it University of Notre Dame political science no longer has a secure and solid department, I believed that foundation” (Pope Pius XI, “Quas politics is best understood, Primas”). Put simply, when we as the late Russell Kirk once forget the First Commandment of put it, as “the application God, the First Amendment to the of ethics to the concerns Constitution will, in time, have no of the commonwealth.” In meaning and offer no protection. other words, one should 3. “Man is not for the State; understand that what we the State is for Man,” noted know as politics is the visible philosopher Jacques Maritain. part of an underlying culture Put simply, when government which, in turn, is the result determines right from wrong, of an endless contest in good from evil, and virtue from society between virtue and vice, the State becomes “divine.” vice. Politics is the visible 4. “Where sin has perverted the tip of the moral iceberg. If social climate, it is necessary to you desire to study politics, call for the conversion of hearts study also philosophy – and, and to appeal to the grace of God. I should add, moral theology. ... There is no solution to the social I hoped that my students question apart from the Gospel” would (and do) recall my (Catechism of the Catholic Church best efforts to teach that, in studying politics or serving — CCC 2257 1896). Put simply, “The root of modern totalitarianism is to be in political life, one may found in the denial of the transcendent generally choose either of two approaches: dignity of the human person who, as one may see politics as profane, or one may the visible image of the invisible God, is see politics as sacred. therefore by his very nature the subject of The profane view is that politics is about rights which no one may violate” (Blessed might. The sacred view is that politics is John Paul II, “Veritatis Splendor,” 99). about right. There is a corollary to the Fine. Man is not God. Don’t expel God from second view that politics concerns “right.” the public square. Limit the power of the Here I do not mean “right” as it is may be State. Heed the Gospel in words and in works. determined by public opinion; rather, I mean Where do we go, though, to help us “Right” (deliberate capitalization) in terms form our political and ethical conscience? of what is eternally good, true and beautiful.

(Remember, they’re two sides of the same These two views of politics are at war coin.) with each other. The profane view of “To the Church belongs the right always politics values strength, and it is not and everywhere to announce moral wrong in doing so, for Right without might principles, including those pertaining to is confined. The sacred view of politics the social order, and to make judgments on values virtue (precisely as St. Paul tells in any human affairs to the extent that they Philippians 4:8), and it is not wrong in doing are required by the fundamental rights so, for might without Right is corrupt. of the human person or the salvation of The profane view of politics wants to souls” (CCC 2032; cf. 1902, 2246; 2044, 407, build the City of Man, “knowing” that 1783). there is nothing after life. The sacred view The Church, as the Vatican II of politics wants to build the City of God, document “Gaudium et Spes” put it, “is knowing that there is nothing without the at once the sign and the safeguard of the Lord. The first is the politics of Babel; the transcendental dimension of the human second is the politics of Pentecost. person.”

Fine. But what does that tell us in the We ignore this truth at our grave peril – most practical terms? What did I want my both religiously and politically. students to remember? Four things: 1. “There still remains only God to Deacon James H. Toner serves at Our Lady of Grace protect Man against Man. Either we will Church in Greensboro. serve Him in spirit and truth or we shall

‘Without the light the Gospel sheds on God and man, societies easily become totalitarian.’

In the Oct. 12 edition, letter writer Kenneth Schammel wrote that the HHS mandate “is in step with how a democracy works.” Has he not read the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution? It states, in part: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

There is no doubt that this mandate restricts the Church’s freedom to practice what she teaches – that contraception and abortion are intrinsically evil acts – because it makes the Church include, under threat of extremely high fines if she doesn’t, insurance benefits for these services to Church employees.

Mr. Schammel decries the fact that an exemption to the mandate “would infringe on the rights of those employees who might want and are entitled to such access” and asks if we are “trading alleged government restriction of liberty for religious restriction of liberty” because if we “truly believe in religious liberty then we must allow individuals real freedom of conscience to choose for themselves.”

The reality is, however, that Catholics and non-Catholics who are employed by the Church do have the freedom to choose not to be employed by the Church if they don’t agree with her teachings or policies.

Estelle Wisneski lives in Charlotte.

Letters policy The Catholic News Herald welcomes letters from readers. We ask that letters be originals of 250 words or fewer, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be in good taste.

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

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

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

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

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October 26, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Sr. Constance Carolyn Veit

Who gets to decide when to let go of life?

A

s a child I idolized my grandfather.

One of my fondest memories is of him taking us to a neighborhood restaurant that had a little jukebox in each booth. He would give my sisters and me a few quarters and we’d flip to the “oldies” to play Grandpa’s favorites. From time to time I still hear those classics playing in my memory – from “Moon River” and the love theme to “Doctor Zhivago” to “Love is a Many Splendored Thing.”

My grandfather passed away unexpectedly after suffering a stroke during a surgical procedure. Though I was only in the third grade at the time, I remember my mother saying that it was better that God took him than that he languish indefinitely in a coma. His passing away was my first experience with death. It taught me that life, like love, is a beautiful, “many-splendored” but fragile thing.

Looking back, I admire my mother’s faith in being able to let go of the man who was not only her father, but her hero.

When and how to let go of life are questions that seem more complicated today than when my grandfather died. As Little Sisters of the Poor caring for the frail elderly, we often face end-of-life issues. It is a question on which we should all reflect.

Today end-of-life decisions play out somewhere between two philosophical poles. On one end is a growing tendency to see life and death in highly personal terms, as if the individual is in complete control: “It’s my body, my life, and I’ll end it when I wish.” This is the mindset from which campaigns to legalize physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia have emerged.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are those who believe that human life must be sustained in all circumstances, using all possible means, even when there is no hope of meaningful recovery – as if life on this earth were the ultimate human reality.

Neither of these views represents the teaching of the Catholic Church. Just as the Church condemns abortion on the grounds that the taking of innocent human life is always intrinsically evil, she teaches that assisted suicide and euthanasia, which bring about death before its time, are grave violations of God’s law. Blessed John Paul II wrote that “to claim the right to abortion, infanticide and euthanasia,

and to recognize that right in law, means to attribute to human freedom a perverse and evil significance: that of an absolute power over others and against others” (“Evangelium Vitae,” 20).

But authentic respect for life does not demand that we attempt to prolong life at all costs by using medical treatments and technologies that are ineffective or unduly burdensome. Nor are we required to deprive terminally ill and suffering patients of needed pain medications out of a misplaced or exaggerated fear that they might inadvertently shorten their lives (“Catechism of the Catholic Church,” 2279).

How, then, are we to navigate between these two extremes when confronting issues of life and death? Through faith! “There is no other possibility for possessing certitude with regard to one’s life apart from self-abandonment, in a continuous crescendo, into the hands of a love that seems to grow constantly because it has its origin in God” (“Porta Fidei,” 7).

These words of Pope Benedict XVI are remarkably similar to a conviction Blessed John Paul II once shared with a group of older persons: “For this is exactly what God intends with death – that at least in this one sublime hour of our life we allow ourselves to fall into His love without any other security than just this love of His. How could we show Him our faith, our love in a more lucid manner!”

Faith opens our eyes to human life in all its grandeur and beauty. It shows us that life is indeed a many-splendored thing!

Ultimately, faith helps us to understand that death can be an achievement when it is experienced as the confident placing of one’s life into the hands of the One from whom it was received, at the moment He ordains.

Sister Constance Carolyn Veit is the communications director for the Little Sisters of the Poor in the United States. Providers of care for the needy elderly in 30 homes in the United States, the Little Sisters of the Poor have been ministering to the elderly in the spirit of their foundress, St. Jeanne Jugan, for nearly 170 years. The Little Sisters of the Poor care for the elderly poor in the spirit of humble service welcoming the elderly as they would Jesus Christ Himself and serving them with love and respect until God calls them to Himself. Learn more at www.littlesistersofthepoor.org.

Most-read stories on the web Through press time on Oct. 24, 5,789 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 20,896 pages. The top headlines in October so far have been: n Journey in faith - A Marian Pilgrimage to France (triptofrance.tumblr.com)....................................6,791 n Five-year-old receives graces in fight against cancer............................................................................. 869 n Year of Faith pilgrims hit the ground running in Paris................................................................................127 n Going to Jesus through Mary.............................................................................................................................. 111 n Faithful from across the diocese show respect for life............................................................................... 96 n Carmelite priest leads Marian pilgrimage to France to begin Year of Faith.......................................... 95 n Students at St. Matthew School discover ham radio and its patron saint............................................85

CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD Publication Number: 007-093 Filing Date: Oct. 16, 2012 Issue frequency: Every other Friday Number of issues published annually: 26 Annual subscription price: $23.00 Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 1123 S. Church St, Charlotte, NC 28203-4003 Contact Person: P. Guilfoyle Telephone: 704-370-3333 Publisher: The Most Rev. Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Editor: Patricia L. Guilfoyle Owner: Cathedral Publishing Corp.

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catholicnewsherald.com | October 26, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CONCERN: FROM PAGE 13

n Wars, terror, and violence which raise serious moral questions on the use of force and its human and moral costs in a dangerous world, particularly the absence of justice, security, and peace in the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East.

Summary of Policy Positions

n Human Life: Abortion ... is never morally acceptable and must always be opposed. Cloning and destruction of human embryos for research or even for potential cures are always wrong. The purposeful taking of human life by assisted suicide and euthanasia is not an act of mercy, but an unjustifiable assault on human life. Genocide, torture, and the direct and intentional targeting of noncombatants in war or terrorist attacks are always wrong.

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n Family Life: The family is the basic cell of human society. The role, responsibilities, and needs of families should be central national priorities. Marriage must be defined, recognized, and protected as a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman, and as the source of the next generation and the protective haven for children. Policies on taxes, work, divorce, immigration, and welfare should help families stay together and should reward responsibility and sacrifice for children. n Social Justice: Economic decisions and institutions should be assessed according to whether they protect or undermine the dignity of the human person. Social and economic policies should foster the creation of jobs for all who can work with decent working conditions and just wages.

Barriers to equal pay and employment for women and those facing unjust discrimination must be overcome. Catholic social teaching supports the right of workers to choose whether to organize, join a union, and bargain collectively, and to exercise these rights without reprisal.

It also affirms economic freedom, initiative, and the right to private property.

Welfare policy should reduce poverty and dependency, strengthen family life, and help families leave poverty through work, training, and assistance with child care, health care, housing, and transportation.

It should also provide a safety net for those who cannot work.

Faith-based groups deserve recognition and support, not as a substitute for government, but as responsive, effective partners, especially in the poorest communities and countries. Government bodies should not require Catholic institutions to compromise their moral convictions to participate in government health or human service programs.

Social Security should provide adequate,

continuing, and reliable income in an equitable manner for low- and averagewage workers and their families when these workers retire or become disabled, and for the survivors when a wage-earner dies.

Affordable and accessible health care is an essential safeguard of human life and a fundamental human right. ... Reform of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health care system needs to be rooted in values that respect human dignity, protect human life, and meet the needs of the poor and uninsured, especially born and unborn children, pregnant women, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations. Religious groups should be able to provide health care without compromising their religious convictions.

The USCCB supports measures to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid.

A first priority for agriculture policy should be food security for all. Because no one should face hunger in a land of plenty, Food Stamps, the Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and other nutrition programs need to be strong and effective.

The Gospel mandate to â&#x20AC;&#x153;welcome the strangerâ&#x20AC;? requires Catholics to care for and stand with immigrants, both documented and undocumented, including immigrant children. Comprehensive reform is urgently necessary to fix a broken immigration system and should include a temporary work program with worker protections and a path to permanent residency; family reunification policies; a broad and fair legalization program; access to legal protections, including due process and essential public programs; refuge for those fleeing persecution and exploitation; and policies to address the root causes of migration. The right and responsibility of nations to control their borders and to maintain the rule of law should be recognized.

Mary King

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