Aug. 3, 2012

August 3, 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

Federal judge dismisses Belmont Abbey’s HHS lawsuit, 3

Special days 3 parishes prepare for major milestones,

7 INDEX Contact us.......................... 4 Español...............................11 Events calendar................. 4 Our Parishes........... 3-10, 17 Our Faith............................. 2 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................16 U.S. news...................... 18-19 Viewpoints.................. 22-23 World news.................. 20-21

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Rite of Passage Four first-time pastors installed for parishes, 12-15

FUNDED by the parishioners of the diocese of charlotte THANK YOU!

Aborted baby memorialized at DNC protest Open-casket funeral held in uptown Charlotte, 3

‘I WAS IN PRISON AND YOU CAME TO ME’ Nine inmates receive sacraments from Bishop Jugis during Masses inside two Spruce Pine prisons,

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Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | August 3, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The facts of faith

A saintly life

St. Teresa Benedicta: Jewish convert, martyr

Come back to God through the sacrament of confession

Feast day: Aug. 9

Benjamin Mann Catholic News Agency

On Aug. 9 the Church remembers St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, also known as Edith Stein. St. Teresa converted from Judaism to Catholicism in the course of her work as a philosopher, and later entered the Carmelite Order. She died in the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz in 1942.

Edith Stein was born on Oct. 12, 1891 – a date that coincided with her family’s celebration of Yom Kippur, the Jewish “day of atonement.” Edith’s father died when she was just 2 years old, and she gave up the practice of her Jewish faith as an adolescent.

As a young woman with profound intellectual gifts, Edith gravitated toward the study of philosophy and became a pupil of the renowned professor Edmund Husserl in 1913. Through her studies, the non-religious Edith met several Christians whose intellectual and spiritual lives she admired.

After earning her degree with the highest honors from Gottingen University in 1915, she served as a nurse in an Austrian field hospital during World War I. She returned to academic work in 1916, earning her doctorate after writing a highly-regarded thesis on the phenomenon of empathy. She remained interested in the idea of religious commitment, but had not yet made such a commitment herself.

In 1921, while visiting friends, Edith spent an entire night reading the autobiography of the 16th century Carmelite nun St. Teresa of Avila. “When I had finished the book,” she later recalled, “I said to myself: This is the truth.” She was baptized into the Catholic Church on the first day of January, 1922.

Edith intended to join the Carmelites immediately after her conversion, but would ultimately have to wait another 11 years before taking this step. Instead, she taught at a Dominican school and gave numerous public lectures on women’s issues.

She spent 1931 writing a study of St. Thomas Aquinas and took a university teaching position in 1932.

In 1933, the rise of Nazism, combined with Edith’s Jewish ethnicity, put an end to her teaching career. After a painful parting with her mother, who did not understand her Christian conversion, she entered a Carmelite convent in 1934, taking the name Teresia Benedicta ac Cruce” (“Teresa Benedicta of the Cross”) as a symbol of her acceptance of suffering.

“I felt,” she wrote, “that those who understood the Cross of Christ should take it upon themselves on everybody’s behalf.” She saw it as her vocation “to intercede with

God for everyone,” but she prayed especially for the Jews of Germany whose tragic fate was becoming clear.

“I ask the Lord to accept my life and my death,” she wrote in 1939, “so that the Lord will be accepted by His people and that His kingdom may come in glory, for the salvation of Germany and the peace of the world.”

After completing her final work, a study of St. John of the Cross entitled “The Science of the Cross,” Teresa Benedicta was arrested along with her sister Rosa (who had also become a Catholic), and the members of her religious community, on Aug. 7, 1942. The arrests came in retaliation against a protest letter by the Dutch bishops, decrying the Nazi treatment of Jews. Her last recorded words were to her sister: “Come, let us go for our people.”

Two days later she was killed in the gas chamber at Auschwitz.

Blessed John Paul II canonized her in 1998 and proclaimed her a co-patroness of Europe the next year.

Also see Read more about Edith Stein’s views on women, 23

“To those who have been far away from this Sacrament … I make this appeal: come back to this source of grace; do not be afraid! Christ Himself is waiting for you. He will heal you, and you will be at peace with God!” (Blessed John Paul II).

These words of our late Holy Father, Blessed John Paul II, underscore how vitally important and beautiful the sacrament of confession is. First instituted by Christ in the Gospel and administered by His priests over the ages, it is the sacrament of repentance and the way we reconcile ourselves to God. Through the sacrament, the shackles of our sins are removed and we become truly free. Our spiritual wounds are healed through the infinite mercy of God. We are offered conversion – returning home to God and rejecting the sinful choices of our past.

Some may ask: why not just confess our sins directly to God? Why do we need to go through a priest? There are two reasons. First, we confess our sins to a priest who represents Jesus because this is the way He wanted it, as infallibly proclaimed by the Church and based on Scripture. Secondly, baring our souls out loud in a real, humble way invites true repentance, a sense of divine comfort, and solid advice from one who forgives in the name of Jesus Christ. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “Christ instituted the sacrament of Penance for all sinful members of His Church... The Fathers of the Church present this sacrament as ‘the second plank (of salvation) after the shipwreck which is the loss of grace.’”

(CCC 1446).

Although confession is required only once a year for any grave sins we may have committed, we will obtain innumerable graces and spiritual growth by confessing our sins frequently.

Going to confession once a month is a great starting point. Preparing for this sacrament isn’t complicated: simply examine your conscience using the Ten Commandments as your guide, then ask God for the grace to be sorry for your sins, and trust in His loving mercy to help you make a good confession. Don’t worry about being nervous or unsure of what to do – the priest will help you. And lastly, whether you get nervous or not, never forget to rely on our Blessed Mother to respond to God’s love with greater trust and charity as you grow ever closer to Him. — Joseph Bruck

Your daily Scripture readings SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF AUG. 5 - AUG. 11

Sunday, Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15, Ephesians 4:17, 20-24, John 6:24-35; Monday (The Transfiguration of the Lord), Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, 2 Peter 1:16-19, Mark 9:2-10; Tuesday (St. Sixtus II and Companions, St. Cajetan), Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22, Matthew 14:22-36; Wednesday (St. Dominic), Jeremiah 31:1-7, Jeremiah 31:10-13, Matthew 15:21-28; Thursday (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross), Jeremiah 31:31-34, Matthew 16:13-23; Friday (St. Lawrence), 2 Corinithians 9:6-10, John 12:24-26; Saturday (St. Clare), Habakkuk 1:12-2:4, Matthew 17:14-20

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF AUG. 12 - AUG. 18

Sunday, 1 Kings 19:4-8, Ephesians 4:30-5:2, John 6:41-51; Monday (Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus), Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28, Matthew 17:22-27; Tuesday (St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe), Ezekiel 2:8-3:4, Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14; Wednesday (The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary), Revelation 11:19, 12:1-6, 10, 1 Corinthians 15:20-27, Luke 1:39-56; Thursday (St. Stephen of Hungary), Ezekiel 12:1-2, Matthew 18:21-19:1; Friday, Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63, Isaiah 12:2-6, Matthew 19:3-12; Saturday, Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32, Matthew 19:13-15

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF AUG. 19 - AUG. 25

Sunday, Proverbs 9:1-6, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:5158; Monday (St. Bernard), Ezekiel 24:15-24, Deuteronomy 32:18-21, Matthew 19:16-22; Tuesday (St. Pius X), Ezekiel 28:1-10, Deuteronomy 32:26-28, 20, 35-36, Matthew 19:23-30; Wednesday (The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary), Ezekiel 34:1-11, Matthew 20:1-6; Thursday (St. Rose of Lima), Ezekiel 36:23-28, Matthew 22:1-14; Friday (St. Bartholomew), Revelation 21:9-14, John 1:45-51; Saturday (St. Louis, St. Joseph Calasanz), Ezekiel 43:1-7, Matthew 23:1-2

Our parishes

August 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Federal judge dismisses Belmont Abbey College’s HHS lawsuit

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Polish Mass to be celebrated CHARLOTTE — A Polish Mass in honor of Our Lady of Czestochowa will be offered Saturday, Aug. 25, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, celebrated by Conventual Franciscan Father Jacek Leszczynski and assisted by Deacon James Witulski.

Confessions in Polish will be available starting at 10 a.m. The Mass will include traditional Polish hymns, and children will wear native Polish attire to honor Mary. A reception will follow in Aquinas Hall, hosted by the Polish community, featuring Polish food. All are welcome to come experience the Mass in the native tongue of Blessed John Paul II. St. Thomas Aquinas Church is located at 1400 Suther Road in Charlotte. For details, contact Mary Witulski at 704-628-7209.

Retreat held for catechists CHARLOTTE — Sister Johanna Paruch, Ph.D., professed with the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, and a professor at the Catholic University of Steubenville, Ohio, was the retreat speaker at the annual St. Vincent de Paul Ministry retreat July 14. This year the retreat was attended by approximately 90 catechists and members of other parish ministries from eight parishes.

The theme of the retreat was the Year of Faith declared by Pope Benedict XVI in his apostolic letter “Porta Fidei.” The Year of Faith starts on the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, which is Oct. 11, and ends on Nov. 24, 2013.

— Ruben Tamayo

Vigil for liberty planned CHARLOTTE — St. Patrick Cathedral invites all the faithful to a period of continuous Eucharistic Adoration from Monday, Sept.

3, to Thursday, Sept. 6, coinciding with the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.

This time of Adoration and prayer will focus on petitions for our country, our leaders and ourselves in atonement for our sins and for the future of our nation. Among these petitions are the right to live, unthreatened by government mandate, from natural conception to natural death, and for the freedom of conscience and the unhindered worship of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Volunteers may sign up for as many hours as they like during the four-day vigil. Go online to www.stpatricks.org.

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Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

Photos by SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, leads a funeral service for an aborted baby girl at the corner of Trade and Tryon streets in uptown Charlotte July 27.

Aborted baby featured at DNC protest Open-casket funeral held in uptown Charlotte Patricia L. Guilfoyle and SueAnn Howell Catholic News Herald

CHARLOTTE — A dead baby girl lay naked in a tiny white coffin July 27 on the square at the corner of Trade and Tryon streets. It was an open-casket funeral meant as a shocking statement about the ultimate evil of abortion.

Witnessed by about 150 people, the outdoor funeral and demonstration at Independence Square capped a weeklong anti-abortion campaign in Charlotte ahead of the Democratic National Convention.

For protest organizers, displaying the baby’s remains at the sidewalk demonstration conveyed a stronger message than any photos or pamphlets ever could. But the event was like nothing local Catholic pro-life leaders had done before, and no local pro-life leaders attended.

The service was led by national pro-life advocate Father Frank Pavone of Priests for Life, who flew in from his home in Texas to participate.

The overall anti-abortion protest campaign was organized by Operation Rescue/Operation Save America, based out of Concord, N.C. The group identifies itself as a Christian movement dedicated to ending abortion, a “holocaust presently ravaging our nation,” according to its website. It is not affiliated with the Catholic Church, and other than Father Pavone, no Catholic clergy or pro-

BELMONT — A federal judge has dismissed Belmont Abbey College’s lawsuit against the Obama administration that had challenged the federal contraception mandate, but lawyers for the Benedictine college in Belmont say they will continue the fight.

U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg of the District of Columbia dismissed Belmont Abbey’s case July 18, saying that the college did not have standing to bring the case to court, nor could it demonstrate it had been harmed yet by the contraception mandate.

The contraception mandate – issued in August 2011 by the federal Department of Health and Human Services as part of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – requires nearly all employers to provide free artificial contraception and sterilization coverage in their insurance plans.

There is a narrow exemption for employers who object to providing these services on religious grounds, namely if they serve or hire people primarily of their own faith.

The contraceptive mandate takes effect for new health plans and those that undergo significant changes Aug. 1, 2012 – unless the narrow religious exemption applies or a one-year “temporary enforcement safe harbor” applies.

Following an outcry over the contraceptive mandate from Catholic institutions across the country and the U.S. bishops this past spring, the Obama administration established the “safe harbor” period to allow those employers that do not provide contraceptives for religious reasons time to figure out how they will comply with the mandate.

SUIT, SEE page 17

Learn more online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: — Read the federal court’s complete ruling — Read the full HHS mandate A demonstrator lays a carnation next to the little white casket of “Baby Choice” following the funeral. The baby girl was later buried in a Catholic cemetery at Staten Island, N.Y., Father Pavone said. life ministry leaders participated in the demonstration.

Organizers said the campaign, conducted at several sites around the city July 21-28, FUNERAL, SEE page 6

— How does the HHS mandate affect the Diocese of Charlotte?

— See a timeline of key events in health reform — Keep up with the latest religious freedom news At www.becketfund.org: — Read more about Belmont Abbey College’s case — See details of the other 22 lawsuits

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 3, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events BELMONT

Vigil for Liberty during DNC convention

bELMONT ABBEY COLLEGE, 100 BELMONT-MT. HOLLY ROAD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the next two weeks:

CHARLOTTE

August 3 – 11 a.m.

Pastor Installation of Father Lawrence Heiney Holy Angels Church, Mt. Airy

Congreso Eucarístico, Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte — “He Aquí el Cordero de Dios,” 21 y 22 de sept.

Visite www.goeucharist.com.

Aug. 6 – 11:30 a.m.

Diocesan Feasibility Committee Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

eucharistic congress, charlotte convention center — “Behold the Lamb of God,” Sept. 21 and Sept. 22.

Visit www.goeucharist.com. pastoral center, 1123 s. church st.

Aug. 8 – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Vocations Awareness Day St. Ann Church, Charlotte

— Entrenamiento de Catequista en español, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 25 de agosto — Catechist training in Spanish, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 25

Aug. 8 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. John the Baptist Church, Tryon

ST. ann CHURCH, 3635 PARK ROAD — Vocation Awareness Day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 8. All high school and college-aged men of the diocese are invited to join Bishop Peter Jugis and his priests and seminarians for a day of recreation and meditation focused on the vocation to the priesthood.

Reservations at 704-370-3327.

Aug. 10 – 7 p.m.

Rite of Lector for Permanent Deacon Candidates and deacons’ Recommitment mass St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte Aug. 12 – 11 a.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of the Mountains Mission, Highlands

Aug. 14 – 6:30 p.m. pastor installation of father patrick j. winslow St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte

Eucharistic adoration, to focus on petitions for our country, our leaders and ourselves in atonement for our sins and for the future of our nation. Among these petitions are the right to live, unthreatened by government mandate, from natural conception to natural death, and for the

college CAMPUS MINISTRY, 9408 SANDBURG AVE. — Summer schedule has begun! Contact ccmuncc@ gmail.com for summer event announcements.

Aug. 5 – 11:30 a.m.

Mass for 50th Anniversary of dedication of church Sacred Heart Mission, Burnsville

Aug. 14 – noon Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools grants luncheon and awards St. Matthew Church, Charlotte

— Book signing with Randy Hain, author of “The Catholic Briefcase,” at The Catholic Shoppe, 1:303:30 p.m. Aug. 20. Contact Kristine Patterson at kristinepatterson@bac.edu or 704-461-5100.

— Charismatic Prayer Group, Choir Room, 7:30-9 p.m.

Mondays. Contact Barbara Gardner at chlt5nc@aol. com.

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

ST. patrick cathedral, 1621 dilworth road east — Catholic Scripture Studies: Epistle of St. James, 1-2:30 p.m. Aug 30- Dec. 13 on Thursdays. Child care available.

Contact Margaret Gustafson at jmgusto@bellsouth. net.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH, 1400 SUTHER ROAD — Polish Mass and celebration in honor of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 11 a.m. Aug. 25. Confessions in Polish available at 10 a.m. Reception to follow in Aquinas Hall, hosted by the Polish community. Contact Mary Witulski at 704-628-7209.

— New chapter starting: Men of Veritas, following 9 a.m.

Mass second and fourth Saturdays. Contact Charlie at menofveritas@stacharlotte.com.

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.

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH, 8451 IDLEWILD ROAD — “Legion of Mary” group invites you to join them, Council Room, 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Contact Janice Kemble at mazaly6@aol.com or 704-301-7331.

ST. LUKE CHURCH, 13700 lawyers road — Anointing of the Sick Mass, 10 a.m. Aug. 18.

Refreshments available following Mass. Contact Mary Adams at 704-545-1224.

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY. — Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course, 1-5 p.m. Aug. 11. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at cssnfp@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3230.

— “Handing on the Faith in the 21st Century,” lecture with Marylin Kravatz-Toolan, Ph.D., NLC Banquet Room, 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 23

freedom of conscience and the unhindered worship of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Adoration will be Sept. 3-6 at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Adoration will conclude with Holy Hour (tentatively scheduled for 8-9 p.m.). Volunteers may register at www.stpatricks.org.

st. PIUS X CHURCH, 2210 N. ELM ST. — “Catholicism 101” Inquiry Session, 7 p.m. Aug. 7.

Contact Tracy Earl Welliver at 336-272-4681.

No registration required.

HENDERSONVILLE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Church, 208 SEVENTH AVE. WEST — “An Evening with Dan Schutte,” a concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of the parish, 7 p.m. Aug. 10

HIGH POINT IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY Church, 4145 Johnson ST. — Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), weekly meetings begin at 7 p.m. Aug. 21. Contact Father Joe Zuschmidt at jzuschmidt@ihmchurch.org or 336-869-7739.

— Charismatic Prayer Group, 8 p.m. Fridays. Contact Cesar and Ava Gordola at 336-454-0146 or 336-823-7710, or Tony Baludio at 336-297-4862.

HUNTERSVILLE

CLEMMONS HOLY FAMILY CHURCH, 4820 Kinnamon Road — Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course, 1-5 p.m. Sept. 8. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at cssnfp@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3230.

St. mark Church, 14740 stumptown road — Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novenas, following 6:30 p.m. Mass Wednesdays — Hora Santa en español, 7:30-8:30 p.m. primeros viernes

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

KERNERSVILLE

GREENSBORO our lady of grace CHURCH, 2205 w. market st.

— 60th Anniversary Mass, 6 p.m. Aug. 10 — American Red Cross Blood Drive, OLG School Cafeteria, 8:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. Sept. 1. For appointments or to volunteer, contact Jaclyn at jaclyn.wray@gmail. com or 336-207-9473. st. PAUL THE APOSTLE CHURCH, 2715 HORSE PEN CREEK ROAD — The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians welcomes all women who are practicing Roman Catholics, and who are Irish by birth descent, who are the wife of a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, or the mother of a junior member. Meetings are first Thursdays. Contact marylisk@aol.com.

HOLY CROSS CHURCH, 616 S. Cherry ST. — Charismatic Prayer Group, 8 p.m. first and second Fridays. Contact Gary and Richelle Stacy at 828-8987295 or 336-792-2932.

WINSTON-SALEM Our Lady of Mercy CHURCH, 1730 Link Road — Charismatic Prayer Group, 8 p.m. third and fourth Fridays (and fifth, if any). Contact Bert and Lith Golamco at 336-201-2774.

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

Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.

— St. Peregrine Healing Prayer Service, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23

August 3, 2012 Volume 21 • Number 20

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

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

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

The Catholic News Herald is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 28 times a year.

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

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facebook.com/ catholic news HERALD Diocese of Charlotte

August 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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‘I WAS IN PRISON AND YOU CAME TO ME’

9 inmates receive sacraments during special Masses Mike Murray Correspondent

Editor’s note: Names and details regarding past offenses have been withheld to respect the privacy of those being served in the Diocese of Charlotte’s prison ministry.

SPRUCE PINE — Scripture instructs us to “Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the ill-treated as of yourselves, for you also are in the body.”

(Hebrews 13:3) That is the driving truth behind the Diocese of Charlotte’s prison ministry, in which laypeople and clergy regularly visit with prisoners of all kinds to preach the Good News and remind them that God loves them, no matter what they did in the past.

More than two dozen state prisons are scattered throughout the diocese, including two medium-security prisons for men in Spruce Pine: Avery Mitchell and Mountain View correctional institutions. It was to both prisons that Bishop Peter J. Jugis went July 9 to celebrate Mass and administer the sacraments to nine inmates: Five were baptized, six received first Holy Communion and all nine were confirmed.

It marked the first time Bishop Jugis traveled to one of the prisons to celebrate Mass and administer the sacraments of initiation, and it was a joyful occasion for everyone present.

‘Residents Encounter Christ’

Four of the men Bishop Jugis came to minister to were Catholic, and the other five were converts from the Baptist, Lutheran and other Protestant denominations. Father Christopher Gober and Deacon Mike Leahy, spiritual leaders for the prison ministry, Deacon Carlos Medina of Charlotte and seminarian Paul McNulty, as well as many lay members of the prison ministry and the nearby parishes of St. Lucien, St. Bernadette, Learn more about the Sacred Heart and St. prison ministry and Elizabeth of the Hill Residents Encounter Christ: Country also attended the Contact Don Waugh from two Masses July 9.

St. Bernadette Parish at The Masses were a 828-284-2471 or Joe Noser celebration of four years from St. Lucien Parish at of service by the prison 828-766-7784. ministry, starting with visits and multiple retreats known as Residents Encounter Christ or RECs. At these retreats, inmates – addressed as “residents” – are never asked about their pasts, even though some do choose to discuss their crimes.

Instead, they have someone to talk to them, to listen to them, to care about them – and for so many of the men, that is a rare experience, lay ministry members say.

The men are thankful for God’s love and mercy, lay ministry leaders note, and through the various retreats, nine of them asked to seek full membership in the Church.

With the cooperation of the prison chaplains in the two facilities, some very dedicated people brought weekly religious education to both prisons.

Some might consider the men welcomed into the Church July 9 as people who committed horrible crimes and deserve to be in prison. Certainly, they are spending years – even decades – in prison for their offenses, which in a medium-security prison could include murder, rape or drug trafficking.

But they remain children of God, and the prison ministry members strive to show them the mercy of Christ. God always loves them, no matter what.

Get involved

Seeking reconciliation

Love, forgiveness, reconciliation: That’s what these men were looking for from Christ and His Church.

For one young man who is serving a sentence of four to six years, participating in the Catholic ministry has helped him to develop a strong faith in God and the Church. The Holy Spirit has guided him, he said, and “I’ve had a spiritual transformation.” He received first Holy Communion and was confirmed by Bishop Jugis on July 9.

Photos provided by Donald Waugh

Bishop Peter J. Jugis administered the sacrament of confirmation to nine inmates during visits to two state prisons in Spruce Pine July 9. The diocesan prison ministry, which leads Residents Encounter Christ retreats and regular visits to the facilities, has been ministering to the nine men at Avery Mitchell and Mountain View correctional institutions for several years. Five men were baptized, and six also received first Holy Communion.

Another resident, now in his mid-30s, was raised Catholic but ran afoul of the law many times as an adult and is now serving a sentence of more than 15 years. With the spiritual direction offered through the prison ministry, he said he has drawn closer to God and has “felt the grace to grow.” He sees confirmation as the “ultimate seal, the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Another resident was baptized, received first Holy Communion and confirmation from Bishop Jugis July 9 in a grace-filled moment he continues to be thankful for. He has been in and out of prison for most of his adult life, with a criminal record dating back several decades. He found new life in Christ after deciding to go to one of the Residents Encounter Christ sessions, then regularly attending Mass as well as the religious education programs. The Holy Spirit inspired him, a former Baptist, to convert to Catholicism. When asked why he wanted to become Catholic, he simply replied, “I wanted to join the real Church.”

Residents thankful for bishop’s visit

Since the Masses on July 9, the prison ministry team has met again with the residents and asked them for their thoughts.

They said that they were excited, “it felt as if we were in heaven,” the Mass was “dazzling” and, in general, they were awestruck by the sacraments.

Just having Bishop Jugis there was wonderful, they said. They had expected the bishop to lead a quick worship service and then leave, but, one resident commented, “It was great that we were able to have time to talk with the bishop.” Bishop Jugis remained after the Mass and spoke with each one of the men, had pictures taken, and just treated them all as brothers in Christ. That meant a lot to these men.

The residents also appreciated the many men and women from the local parishes who came to the Masses at each prison to pray with them and witness them receiving the sacraments. And they said they were thankful for the prison ministry that puts on the REC retreats and supports the weekly religious education and monthly Masses at the two prisons.

They experienced the love of Our Lord through the many men who participated in these activities and the dedication of many who visited weekly and offer lessons in the Catechism. The ministry members’ time, dedication and love through the power of God has touched the men’s hearts and given them new lives in Christ.

Noted Father Gober, pastor of St. Lucien and St. Bernadette churches and chaplain for the REC retreats, “The sacraments of initiation they received from Bishop Jugis will be a source of strength and healing for them.

Their entrance into the Catholic Church will also provide a spiritual home, greater direction and purpose in life, and the tools needed to cultivate a serious interior life.”

6

catholicnewsherald.com | August 3, 2012 OUR PARISHES

St. Ann celebrates feast day with Solemn High Mass CHARLOTTE — St. Ann Church celebrated a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form (“Missa Solemnis”) on the feast of St. Ann on July 26. Father Timothy Reid, pastor, served as the main celebrant, and Father Matthew Kauth served as homilist. Bishop Peter Jugis of the Diocese of Charlotte also attended the Mass, which was offered in honor of the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Deacon Jason Christian was the deacon. Seminarian Noah Carter was the subdeacon. The St. Ann Schola Choir provided the music.

Father Kauth, now in residence at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, spoke during his homily about a beautiful statue in the Church of St. Augustine in Rome which features an image of St. Ann, the Blessed Mother and the Child Jesus who holds in his hand a finch, which represents His Passion. Father Kauth explained that the way the work of art is composed, it looks like St. Ann has tried to take the finch from Him, but He is holding it away from her so He can keep possession of it. She in turn looks like she is trying to tickle His feet. Father Kauth explained that St. Ann wanted to take the suffering from Our Lord, as any good grandmother would, but when she recognized He was meant to bear it, she wanted to give Him some joy to balance His suffering.

Bishop Jugis was in attendance and imparted his apostolic blessing on those who attended Mass (pictured at right).

St. Ann has been offering the Latin Mass for the past four years on Wednesday evenings and also on the first Saturday evening of the month.

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from the Solemn High Mass on July 26.

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

FUNERAL: FROM PAGE 3

was designed to shock passersby with the naked truth about the violence of abortion – depicted on signs featuring explicit and often bloody photos of aborted babies.

“America will not reject abortion until America sees abortion,” Father Pavone remarked during the funeral.

Besides Independence Square, protestors went to Charlotte’s three abortion facilities, a local Christian church and Presbyterian Hospital. Protests were also held at the homes and offices of known abortionists, an organizer said.

‘BABY CHOICE’

Protestors said “Baby Choice” was a victim of a second-trimester saline abortion, in which a salt solution is injected into the mother’s womb to slowly poison the fetus.

The body of the intact Caucasian fetus, at 20-22 weeks’ gestation, was covered with black spots where the salt solution burned off the top layer of her skin.

The only information that Father Pavone disclosed about the baby, dubbed “Baby Choice,” was that he had acquired her from outside North Carolina and brought her to town so that her funeral could coincide with the demonstration.

“The baby whom we honored last week was entrusted to a colleague of mine, who came to me to ask if we could arrange for burial. When I told this colleague that there would be a memorial service held by Operation Save America, and that I would be speaking at it, she arranged to entrust the body to us for this service,” Father Pavone said in an email Tuesday, adding, “Many of the public events like Operation Save America holds involve memorial services. There may or may not be a baby to bury. Different babies, at different times, have been made available, and we have subsequently had burials for them.”

“Baby Choice” has been the name given to various fetal remains obtained and displayed by anti-abortion groups including Americans Against Abortion, Operation Rescue/Operation Save America and Priests for Life over the past three decades.

The first “Baby Choice” appeared in 1985, and is similar to the baby memorialized in Charlotte last week: a girl at the same gestational age, who died from the same abortion procedure, featuring similar black burn marks on the skin.

Father Pavone said the baby in Charlotte was not the original 1985 “Baby Choice.”

In a July 26 release from Priests for Life, he noted, “It is not often that we have the bodies of aborted babies. Unfortunately, the act by which their lives are dishonored and their bodies dismembered takes those bodies and discards them with the medical waste.

“But once in a while, we are able to retrieve these bodies. When we do so, we give them the honor that others have denied them. The act of violence that killed them is done in secret; we believe that the act of reparation that honors them should be done in public. The cold-hearted killing was done in darkness; the broken-hearted mourning should be done in the bright light of day.”

However, two Operation Rescue/ Operation Save America members described the baby as not being recently deceased, saying they have used her in similar demonstrations elsewhere.

Organizers insisted that they treat the baby’s remains with dignity and respect as part of their fight to end abortion.

Dr. Patricia McEwen – whom the Priests for Life office referred inquires to about “Baby Choice” and now serves with Operation Save America, Life Coalition International and Doctors for Life International – said she first met “Baby Choice” in 1991, and that the baby regularly travels around the country in anti-abortion demonstrations. The baby is the victim of “a very old saline abortion,” McEwen said, and is kept in formaldehyde when not being used in demonstrations.

“We’ve gotten attached to this little one. She’s the evidence of our sins, of our crimes against the little ones,” said evangelist Rusty Lee Thomas of Operation Rescue/Operation Save America, who said he once carried “Baby Choice” on a sixmonth walk across in America in 2004.

“It’s not like we want to exploit her or anything like that. Even though ‘Baby Choice’ is dead, she still speaks. We need to weep and mourn and grieve, and ‘Baby Choice’ helps in that process,” Thomas said.

Church regulations issued by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 1987, signed by then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI), state that fetal remains – whether fully developed or not, whether aborted or not – “must be respected just as the remains of other human beings.” That includes timely and reverent burial or cremation, and forbids any “commercial trafficking.”

“Furthermore, the moral requirements must be safeguarded that there be no complicity in deliberate abortion and that the risk of scandal be avoided.”

THE ‘FUNERAL’

At the funeral, the baby’s casket was carried in a procession past St. Peter Catholic Church, accompanied by a bagpiper and people carrying flags that read “Justice for the Unborn,” to Independence Square. There, signs and banners vividly depicted the horrors of abortion.

It was a Friday morning workday, and people walking by the scene briefly showed interest but only a few took the anti-abortion flyers being handed out by protestors.

Pastor Flip Benham of Concord, national director of Operation Rescue/ Operation Save America, was the main speaker. Grasping a Bible in one hand and speech notes in the other, Benham spoke emotionally about the tragedy of abortion and the need for repentance from Jesus Christ.

“We come, we remember, we mourn, and we recommit ourselves every moment of our lives, every ounce of our energy, to ending this disaster,” he preached.

“Nobody’s going to deter us from our path.”

Father Pavone then stepped forward to speak.

“We all know what it’s like to get involved in the arguments and the debates, don’t we? We know the things that will be said back and forth,” he began in his trademark booming voice, acknowledging that some people might label the protest as “radical” and the people gathered as “kooks” or “nuts.”

“But, brothers and sisters, what we are doing today cuts through all of that, doesn’t it? This is in some ways the most important thing that the people of life do to advance the cause of life – what we are doing right here, right now, in the presence of this baby.

“This is not an issue or a debate. We will win the fight for life as soon as we take this whole controversy down from the abstract levels in which it is often conducted, out of the arena of slogans, even out of the arena of intellectual debate, and focus in on one simple fact: “This is a person! This is a baby! This is a human being! And this is what the fight is all about: this person!”

At the end of the gathering, people processed past the open casket where “Baby Choice” lay, placing carnations next to the little coffin. Many were visibly shaken.

Tom Raddel, a Catholic from Cleveland, Ohio, brought his 17-year-old son Chris to the protest. Raddel noted that people from all over the country – from many different faiths and including young people and

entire families – had come to Charlotte to take part. Their goal: changing hearts, saving lives, and seeking repentance for the sin of abortion, he said.

BURIAL arranged

Father Pavone said he buried “Baby Choice” on July 29 in Staten Island, N.Y., where Priests for Life is headquartered, in a plot that the organization has reserved.

“We have a number of plots here, including at Resurrection Cemetery, which is our Catholic cemetery, and the funeral director with whom we work in these cases does a private burial in the next available space,” he noted.

One of the Operation Rescue/Operation Save America protest organizers said he did not know beforehand of plans to lay the baby to rest and said that a symbol such as “Baby Choice” remains important to their cause.

“There’s something about coming face to face with” the reality of abortion, said Thomas. “It touched a lot of people’s hearts – and that’s what it’s all about.”

Maggi Nadol, director of the Diocese of Charlotte’s Respect for Life Office, did not attend the demonstration, and there were no other local pro-life leaders visibly present. On Tuesday, Nadol said, “Respect for Life calls us to treat the human body with dignity.”

Nadol said she could understand a situation where an open casket was used in a service for an unborn child once. But she expressed concerned about it. “If the body is being used as a tool to bring people together, that is deceit.”

DNC PROTEST

The funeral demonstration capped a week of protests in uptown Charlotte July 21-28 by members of Operation Rescue/ Operation Save America that was billed as an “invasion” of the Queen City in advance of the Democratic National Convention in September: “The DNC is coming to Charlotte, bringing its ‘culture of death’!” Operation Rescue/Operation Save America’s July 26 press release stated. “When the devil throws a party, like this Democratic party, it is imperative that the church show up.

Operation Save America is bringing King Jesus to the Queen City, Charlotte, to raise up a standard in preparation for the DNC’s invasion.”

Operation Rescue/Operation Save America held similar campaigns in Charlotte in 2010 and 2003, according to its website.

August 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

Immaculate Conception readies for 100th anniversary Dan Schutte concert among festivities planned HENDERSONVILLE — Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville is celebrating its centennial anniversary this month, and two special events are planned.

“An Evening with Dan Schutte” will be presented on Friday, Aug. 10, in the main church, organized by the parish’s music ministry. The 7 p.m. concert is free, with donations taken up during the event.

Schutte is the famed Catholic composer of contemporary hymns including such favorites as “Blest be the Lord,” “Here I Am, Lord,” “Sing a New Song,” and “You

Are Near.”

Immaculate Conception Church will officially mark its 100th anniversary on Aug. 25 with a bilingual Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis, starting at 5 p.m.

Bishop Jugis will also officially install Immaculate Conception’s new pastor, Capuchin Franciscan Father Martin Schratz.

A cake, coffee, and punch reception will follow the liturgy in the gymnasium of Immaculate Conception School.

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

704-841-1160

SURVIVAL SPANISH

Our Lady of Grace Church to celebrate 60 years

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Mass, anniversary dinner set for Aug. 10 GREENSBORO — Our Lady of Grace Church on West Market Street in Greensboro will celebrate its long history of love, generosity and commitment with a special anniversary Mass at 6 p.m. on Aug. 10. The parish’s newly assigned pastor, Father Eric Kowalski, will be the principal celebrant at Mass.

Our Lady of Grace Church was built as a memorial for parishioner Ethel Price by her husband Julian Price and their

children. Mrs. Price had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. She passed away in 1943. The church was dedicated in 1952.

A celebration dinner will immediately follow the Mass. All current and former parishioners, church staff and Our Lady of Grace School staff and alumni are encouraged to attend. For more information, call 336-274-6520 or email olgchurch@olgchurch.org.

— SueAnn Howell, staff writer

Burnsville church to celebrate 50th anniversary on Aug. 5 BURNSVILLE — Sacred Heart Mission in Burnsville will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of its church with a special Mass and reception on Sunday, Aug. 5.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will celebrate the bilingual Mass, which will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the church, located at 20 Summit St. in downtown Burnsville.

A reception will be held following the Mass.

Started in 1950, Sacred Heart is a mission of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Mars Hill.

Father Frederick M. Werth serves as pastor of both churches.

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

Public meeting set for controversial proposed hotel near Asheville basilica ASHEVILLE — The McKibbon Hotel Group, Inc. will unveil design drawings for its controversial proposed development across the street from the Basilica of St. Lawrence, on Tuesday, August 7 at 5:30 p.m. in Asheville.

The 30-minute presentation, which includes precautions that will be taken to protect surrounding buildings during construction, will allow for public comment.

The meeting, at the U.S. Cellular Center

Banquet Room, second floor, located at 87 Haywood St., Asheville, is open to the public, and doors will open at 5 p.m. for seating and a preview of site renderings.

The Diocese of Charlotte has offered more than $2 million for that land. The Asheville City Council is scheduled to get an update on the property on Aug. 14.

Read more about the ongoing issue online at www.catholicnewsherald.com.

— Kimberly Bender, online reporter

Booklet with CD and one Spanish pocket booklet

Send check or Money order for $33.00 to: PO Box 234 – Fletcher, NC 28732

June 8, 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

Two new cemeteries in western N.C. blessed, 3

Supporters hope for plaza, not hotel near St. Lawrence Basilica, 6 INDEX Contact us ......................... 4 Events calendar ................ 4 Our Parishes ................. 3-9 Our Faith ............................ 2 Schools ........................ 10-13 Scripture readings ........... 2 TV & Movies ......................16 U.S. news ......................... 32 Viewpoints ................. 34-35 World news ..................... 33

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ALSO INSIDE: Priests celebrate anniversary milestones, 5 Bishop Emeritus Curlin talks about the priesthood, 14-15

Three priests’ ordinations marked by smiles, hugs, joy

We sincerely appreciate all of our sponsors who helped make our Vocations Edition possible.

Because of your generosity we were able to donate $575 to the seminarian program which supports vocations in the Diocese of Charlotte.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 3, 2012 OUR PARISHES

How good can retirement living be?

...when you’re a resident of Pennybyrn at Maryfield.

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At Pennybyrn, you’ll find a whole new spirit of retirement living…one that could be very good for you!

Are you ready to enjoy carefree retirement living? Call (336) 821-4050 or toll-free (866) 627-9343.

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www.PennybyrnAtMaryfield.org Located less than a mile from downtown Jamestown and only 10 minutes from Greensboro. All faiths welcome.

August 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

9

My Jamaica mission experience:

Learning how to love as Christ loves Michael Suarez Special to the Catholic News Herald

LINCOLNTON — Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to go to Jamaica for seven days on a mission trip with 24 other Catholic missionaries from St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton and Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury. This was not only my first time going to Jamaica, but also my first time participating in any mission to the Third World. Prior to going, I was honestly unsure not only what to expect, but how the mission would impact me.

When we arrived in Jamaica and I saw all the suffering that was present, I had a burning question that yearned for an answer: “If God is good and He doesn’t delight in suffering, why did God make these people, knowing that they would suffer?”

Having the privilege of working alongside the Missionaries of the Poor, I worked firsthand with people with HIV/AIDS, mental retardation, physical deformities and the elderly. Most had been rejected by their families and society in general. As I fed a crippled woman, clipped the toenails of a blind man, changed the diaper of a mentally retarded infant or simply talked with the residents, I came to the startling realization that they all bore the same eyes: eyes full of love, joy, compassion and need. The eyes of Christ.

I never would have thought that the rejected, destitute members of society would have so much to teach. We were strangers, yet they welcomed us with a powerful embrace.

They didn’t even own the clothes on their backs, yet not once did they complain. They were withering away as time crawled on, yet they constantly rejoiced in the Lord. Their faith was deeply rooted, their love abundant, their joy incalculable.

It wasn’t long before I realized that it wasn’t the poor I was serving, but rather the rich, for the Kingdom of

More than two dozen parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury and St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton recently returned from a mission trip to Jamaica.

Photo provided by Father Matthew Buettner

Heaven was already in their grasp. Their home with Christ was already reserved; the promise of eternal life was theirs.

It was evident that it was Christ Himself we were serving – not the Christ many claim to know, but the needy Christ, the abandoned Christ, the forgotten Christ, the hated

Christ.

By the end of our mission, the question of “why did God create these people?” had been answered: to teach us how to love as Christ loves.

Michael Suarez is a member of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton.

Charlotte Catholic High School

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ʶˑ ʨˋːˆ ˃ ʥ˃˖ˊˑˎˋ˅ ʵ˅ˊˑˑˎ ʰˇ˃˔ ʻˑ˗ ʸˋ˕ˋ˖ ˊ˖˖˒ʜʑʑ˕˅ˊˑˑˎʎ˅ˊ˃˔ˎˑ˖˖ˇˆˋˑ˅ˇ˕ˇʎːˇ˖ʑˑ˗˔ʐ˕˅ˊˑˑˎ˕

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 3, 2012 OUR PARISHES

Our Lady of Mercy Are you ready to take on the challenge? . 10 Day 0 H

ole s.

On e

2nd Annual Golf Marathon

We are looking for golfers who are willing to play as many holes of golf as they can in one day, while raising funds for our school.

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

We are also in need of sponsors and volunteers for the event.

For more details, go to www.ourladyofmercyschool.org or e-mail Lara Davenport, Director of Advancement, at ldavenport@ourladyofmercyschool.org.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 Bermuda Run Country Club

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 (336) 722.7204

St. Mark women attend National Bible Conference HUNTERSVILLE — Four parishioners of St. Mark Church in Huntersville recently attended the National Catholic Bible Conference in Doylestown, Pa. Pam Bodo, Rosemary Keeley, Tammy Beck (pictured above with Jeff Cavins) and Donna Smith, members of the Women of Joy Bible Study, participated in workshops led by national Bible scholars including Cavins, Dr. Scott Hahn, Dr. Timothy Gray, Dr. Edward Sri, Thomas Smith and others for the two-day conference at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa.

They were among more than 1,300 people from 36 states and 10 countries participating.

The theme of the convention was “Scripture: A Roadmap for Living,� reminding participants that the power of God is unleashed in our lives in two ways: through prayer and obedience, avoiding the trap of allowing “our weaknesses to define our mindset.� As ascribed in the New Evangelization of Pope Benedict XVI, each of us is called to “be open to God’s transformative ability� and it is through the study of Scripture

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that we gain insight and inspiration into the lifechanging message of Christ.

For the past several years, the Women of Joy of St. Mark have been using “The Great American Bible� study program with success, as it has made Bible study accessible and most importantly enriching for the hundreds of participants. This fall, the evening group of Women of Joy will be using Cavin’s program “Walking toward Eternity.� Using the model of Lectio Divina, participants will realize Scripture not as something to be studied but as something to be lived, infusing one’s life with the Living Word of God. Said Bodo of the conference, “The inspirational speakers showed practical ways to deepen understanding of God’s message to us – just what I needed to help me with daily exposures of the moral crisis that we all face in today’s world.� — Donna F. Smith

Catholic press award given to local pro-life ministry CHARLOTTE — Tracy Winsor, the co-founder of Be Not Afraid, a Catholic service dedicated to providing comprehensive support for parents carrying to term following a prenatal diagnosis, and Monica Rafie recently won third place in Best Feature Article-Special Interest-Newsletters from the Catholic Press Association for their article, “Hope after Poor Prenatal Diagnosis� written for “Ethics and Medics,� the journal of the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. One of the featured parents in the article was served

by BNA two years ago and is now a BNA peer minister. The BNA model is recognized as a successful service option for Catholic communities seeking to address the issues of prenatal diagnosis and abortion.

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August 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

11

Congreso Espiritual de Familias HICKORY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Con gran alegrĂ­a, amor y entusiasmo se reunieron muchas familias pertenecientes al movimiento de EmaĂşs en el Life Complex Center de Hickory motivadas por el Centro de EvangelizaciĂłn Hispana dirigido por el Padre Julio C. DomĂ­nguez.

El propĂłsito del evento fue dar a conocer a las familias la importancia que tiene la vida espiritual en la vivencia diaria de nuestras vidas. Durante el evento se vivieron momentos muy hermosos tales como la explicaciĂłn del Santo Rosario y el rezo de ĂŠste, la explicaciĂłn del Santo

viacrucis y el rezo de este. AsĂ­ mismo se hizo una presentaciĂłn de lo que es la oraciĂłn privada y comunitaria y por supuesto no pudo faltar la Hora Santa y el culmen de toda celebraciĂłn que es la Santa Misa.

Una de las cosas que mĂĄs se enfatizĂł en el Congreso es de reafirmar a la gente la necesidad que tenemos de no dejar que las cosas del mundo nos hagan olvidar que la vida espiritual debe estar al centro de nuestra vida y sobretodo que debemos de envolver a nuestros niĂąos y jĂłvenes transmitiĂŠndoles ese deseo de vivir mejor

los valores Cristianos para poderle dar sentido a nuestra vida.

El evento tuvo un ĂŠxito tal que todas las familias salieron muy motivadas a seguir viviendo con seriedad la vida espiritual.

En este momento crĂ­tico de nuestra Iglesia necesitamos verdaderamente impulsar este tipo de congresos para despertar en las almas un deseo vivo de vivir la vida Cristiana con un compromiso real y al mismo tiempo estar preparados a dar razĂłn de la fe si eso se requiriera en el futuro.

El Padre DomĂ­nguez animĂł a la gente a no dejar que sus valores Cristianos se

fueran perdiendo por la indiferencia o rutina, sino a seguir con las prĂĄcticas tradicionales de la oraciĂłn, las visitas al SantĂ­simo Sacramento, el rosario en casa, la lectura espiritual, meditaciĂłn del Santo Viacrucis y asistencia a la Misa diaria o dominical.

El aĂąo que entra, si Dios nos da licencia empezaremos a preparar el siguiente congreso con el tema del Santo Bautismo y asĂ­ aĂąo tras aĂąo iremos dando temas que conciernen a las raĂ­ces profundas de nuestro Cristianismo.

Families receive spiritual motivation during Family Congress Day in Hickory HICKORY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; With great joy, love and enthusiasm, many families who belong to the Emmaus Retreat movement met at the Life Center Complex in Hickory July 14 for a Family Congress Day. The Family Congress Day was prepared by the Catholic Hispanic Evangelization Center participants, led by Father Julio C. DomĂ­nguez, the director.

The objective of this event was to explain to the families the importance of spirituality in their daily lives. During the Congress, the families experienced many special moments, such as an explanation of the rosary followed directly by the prayerful recitation of the rosary, and the explanation of our Catholic devotion of the Stations of the Cross followed by the reverent reenactment of the living Way of the Cross. Some other elements of the day were talks on private and communal prayer, a Holy Hour and, of course, the Holy Mass to culminate this grand and inspirational family day.

Throughout the Congress, emphasis was placed on reaffirming to the families that the things of this world should not lead them to forget that spiritual growth must be the center of their lives and pre-eminent in their homes. All the talks reinforced that, above all, they must involve

their children and teens in this effort, transmitting to them the desire to better live Christian values in this society, thus helping give true meaning to their lives.

The event was successful in that many families left very motivated to continue living seriously the spiritual life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a critical time for our Church, and we must truly promote this type of event to awake in peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hearts the desire to live a fully committed Christian life while preparing ourselves to defend our faith in the modern world,â&#x20AC;? said Father DomĂ­nguez.

Father DomĂ­nguez encouraged the participants to not lose their Christian values through indifference or routine, but to follow the traditional practices of prayer, visits to the Blessed Sacrament, reciting the rosary in the home as a family, Scripture reading, meditations on the Way of the Cross, and daily or weekly attendance at Mass. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Next year, God willing, this Evangelization Center Family Congress event will center on the sacrament of baptism and its profound meaning in the life of the family. Year after year, we hope to present themes that help explain in depth, and demonstrate in practice, our Christianity,â&#x20AC;? he said.

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12

iiiAugust 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

Father Benjamin Roberts receives the Book of the Gospels from Bishop Peter J. Jugis during his installation Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe on July 25. Father Roberts, a convert to the Catholic faith, received this particular Book of the Gospels as a gift from Catholic members of his extended family,

FROM TH

the Rydbergs. This moment was particularly poignant for Father Roberts as he r born. A mother of five, she had prayed for a priest in the family before she pass

HE COVER

August 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

13

Rite of passage Four first-time pastors installed for the Diocese of Charlotte

I sueann howell | catholic news herald

remembered his great aunt Lorraine Rydberg, who had died before he was sed away at the age of 28.

SueAnn Howell and Patricia L. Guilfoyle Catholic News Herald

t’s turning out to be a busy – though joyful – few months for Bishop Peter J. Jugis, who is traveling from one end of the Diocese of Charlotte to the other to officiate the installations of new pastors.

Bishop Jugis has assigned new pastors at 10 parishes this year, and four of those pastors are first-time shepherds: Father John Eckert at St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon, Father Benjamin Roberts at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe, Father Lucas Rossi at St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem and Good Shepherd Mission in King, and Father Patrick Toole at Sacred Heart Church in Brevard.

The rite of installation follows the same order in each Mass that is celebrated, but what makes each installation unique are the parish family members themselves and the new shepherd that they welcome.

Here are their stories:

The rite of installation So what goes into installing a new pastor? Here’s a general run-down of what the rite entails during the installation Mass: At the beginning of Mass the pastor’s letter of appointment from the bishop is read by the deacon. This letter explains the pastor’s responsibilities in the teaching, sanctifying and governing of the people whom he will shepherd.

The new pastor then makes the Profession of Faith and his Oath of Fidelity to the bishop and the Church at the altar, in the presence of the bishop and the congregation. He then signs both documents, which are legal documents that are also signed by a parish witness. This moment is when he takes canonical (legal) possession of the parish at the bishop’s direction.

The pastor receives the Book of the Gospels from the bishop, asks for a blessing, and then proclaims the Gospel.

The bishop escorts the pastor to the places in the church that are significant for his ministry: n the front door – providing a comforting, quiet “green pasture” for the people of God to come and pray n the baptismal font and the confessional – administering the sacraments of baptism and reconciliation, bringing new members into the faith just as a father begets a child, then guiding and teaching them as they grow n the tabernacle and the altar – celebrating the Eucharist to nourish and strengthen people’s faith n the presidential chair – symbolizing the pastor’s role as the parish’s leader and teacher Following the Prayer After Communion, the pastor addresses the congregation, expressing his gratitude for his appointment and anticipation of serving the people of the parish.

— SueAnn Howell, staff writer

14

catholicnewsherald.com | August 3, 2012 FROM THE COVER

Tryon welcomes its new shepherd Father Eckert installed as pastor of St. John the Baptist Church Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

TRYON — With an emotional tremble in his clear voice, Father John Eckert stood at the altar of St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon and publicly made his Profession of Faith. Then he continued, “I, John J. Eckert, on assuming the office of pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, promise that I shall always preserve communion with the Catholic Church, whether in the words I speak or the way I act. ...”

With those words and with signatures put on the official documents at the altar, Father Eckert took official possession of the 100-year-old parish, becoming its 25th pastor during a joyous installation Mass July 22.

The small church was filled to capacity with parishioners, guests and well-wishers to welcome Father Eckert in his first assignment as pastor. Father Eckert formerly served as parochial vicar of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro.

It was a Mass rich in Scriptural references to spiritual fatherhood and Jesus the Good Shepherd. The day’s readings spoke to the role of pastor as shepherd: Jeremiah 23:1-6, Psalm 23, Ephesians 2:13-18, and Mark 6:30-34.

From Jeremiah: “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them and bring them back to their meadow; there they shall increase and multiply. I will appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear and tremble; and none shall be missing, says the Lord.”

From the Responsorial Psalm: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”

From St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: Jesus “came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, for through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.”

And, lastly, from the Gospel of Mark: “When He disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.”

In his homily, Bishop Jugis explained that Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of God’s promise to personally shepherd His people. Likewise, a pastor must model himself on the Good Shepherd.

Bishop Jugis then described the duties of the pastor in supporting our universal call to holiness. The pastor’s mission is threefold, Bishop Jugis noted: he must teach, sanctify and lead his parishioners.

“You are the object of his entire ministry,” he told those gathered at Mass.

More online The most important aspect of Father Eckert’s At www.catholicnewsherald. mission is to celebrate the Mass – to nourish com: See more photos from parishioners with the Body and Blood of Christ so the installation Masses that they may grow stronger in faith and then go

Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald

Father John Eckert, newly installed pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon, is congratulated by parishioners of all ages following his installation Mass July 22. out into the world to spread the Gospel, he said.

The many duties of a pastor may seem daunting, Bishop Jugis noted, for he is ultimately responsible for helping his parishioners attain eternal life – nurturing, teaching and preparing the faithful to reach out and grasp Jesus’ outstretched hand so that they may reach heaven.

He then encouraged everyone with a smile: “So listen to your pastor.”

At the end of Mass Father Eckert thanked everyone in Tryon for their warm welcome, and for the members who came up from Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, where he had served as parochial vicar for two years.

He joked that in high school he had been named “Mr. Congeniality,” “so it only seems appropriate that now I have the honor of being the pastor in what’s dubbed ‘The Friendliest Town in the South.’”

He also thanked Bishop Jugis, then he asked everyone to pray for the bishop, because he “has to do one of the most difficult things that any bishop of our diocese does: he has to leave Tryon!”

Father Rossi to lead St. Benedict the Moor, Good Shepherd parish families SueAnn Howell Staff writer

WINSTON-SALEM — It was a double celebration of sorts as Bishop Peter J. Jugis presided over the installation Mass of Father Lucas Rossi at St. Benedict the Moor Church on July 18 at 7 p.m. at the church on 12th Street.

Father Rossi, who was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte in 2010 and served as parochial vicar at St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem for the past two years, began his first assignment as pastor of the parish on July 10. He signed the official documents during the Mass, in the presence of Bishop Jugis, taking over the leadership of the WinstonSalem parish, established in 1940 as one of four Catholic churches in the city. He will also serve the 200 or so registered families of Good Shepherd Mission in nearby King.

Parishioners from both parishes were on hand as they witnessed their new pastor receive his appointment.

After signing the documents, Bishop Jugis ushered him to several areas inside the church to explain Father Rossi’s responsibilities in serving the faithful: the baptismal font, the confessional, the altar and the tabernacle, the pastor’s chair, etc. Each place in the church, starting with an open and welcoming front door, marks an important part of the pastor’s duties in administering the sacraments and encouraging the faithful to holiness.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis took time to encourage the parishioners and their new pastor.

“The installation of a pastor is always a good opportunity for the parish as a whole to take a look at the mission of a parish,” Bishop Jugis said. “Why does the parish exist? Why is it here in the first place?

“Because it is a new beginning with a new pastor, it’s important to remember that the most important mission of any parish church is the worship of God. The first thing we are to do is to give glory, praise and honor to Almighty God and celebrate the sacred mysteries that take place here on this altar.

“God is always first, no matter what activities take place at the parish,” he said.

Photos by sueann howell | catholic news herald The second reason (Above left) Father Lucas Rossi greets parishioners after Mass at St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winstonany parish exists is for Salem on July 18, when he was installed as their new pastor. (Above right) Father Rossi distributes Communion the sanctification of the to a young parishioner during the Mass. parishioners, he continued. into the world.”

“You are on the path of salvation, tending towards He also explained Father Rossi’s mission as pastor. eternal life, and you have a duty to be sanctified and be “Father’s mission is to prepare you for eternal life. His holy yourselves through the celebration of the sacred responsibility is three-fold: teaching, sanctifying through mysteries of the altar and the other sacraments, and the sacraments, and coming to know the people of God.” through the preaching of God. You have a responsibility to And in a lighter moment, Bishop Jugis drew laughter be always reconciled to God.” from the congregation when he looked at Father Rossi, and He concluded that the third purpose for a parish is for with a smile, said, “Father Rossi, do not be afraid!” evangelization, to be a leaven for the local community, He then reassured Father Rossi that he has his bishop, bringing the love and truth of Christ out into the brother priests and parish family to help him in his first community. assignment as pastor.

He gave all present their mission, stating, “Your mission “You are not alone – God gives you many helpers.” is the worship of God, your sanctification and to take God

August 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

15

Father Roberts follows in his bishop’s footsteps in Monroe SueAnn Howell Staff writer

MONROE — Taking over as a first-time pastor at a parish can be nerve wracking by itself, but when your bishop is a former pastor of that parish – well, that may make those shoes a little bit harder to fill.

This fact was not lost on Bishop Peter Jugis – who served as pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe before Pope John Paul II named him bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte – as he installed Father Benjamin Roberts as pastor on July 25, the feast of St. James.

During Mass, Bishop Jugis dutifully took Father Roberts on a tour of the church after the official paperwork was signed, pointing out his responsibilities to the people of the parish. Afterwards, he Photos by Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald reminded Father Roberts that being Father Toole lays his hands on the Gospels as a pledge of his fidelity to the Church during the rite of his a pastor is a challenging vocation. installation as pastor.

“It is a tall order,” Bishop Jugis said. Then he added with a smile, “I hope, Father Roberts, you don’t tremble in your shoes as a result of all of these responsibilities you are undertaking today,” which drew Photos by sueann howell | catholic news herald laughter from the congregation.

Father Benjamin Roberts expresses his joy with a huge smile Then he continued, on a more after signing all of the official paperwork in the presence of serious note: “I would not have Bishop Peter Jugis during the installation Mass at Our Lady of chosen you for this position, for this Lourdes Church in Monroe July 25. office, if I did not think that you Patricia L. Guilfoyle were certainly capable.”

Editor During his homily, Bishop Jugis spoke about the Eucharist being the center of the parish’s life.

BREVARD — With the expansive church filled with worshippers, Sacred Heart It is “Jesus Himself, the Eucharist, bringing His Truth and His Church in Brevard welcomed its new pastor recently in a special warmth to the parish,” he noted. bilingual Mass of installation celebrated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis.

His remarks were particularly poignant given the backdrop of the Father Patrick Toole, formerly parochial vicar at St. Matthew More online banner behind him in the sanctuary: It depicted the Holy Spirit in the Church in Charlotte, was installed July 23 as pastor of the 63-year-old At www.catholicnewsherald. form of a white dove swooping across a yellow sun, its rays flowing parish situated near the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. It was a warm com: See more photos from the outward toward the congregation. reception for the young priest in his first assignment as pastor. installation Masses At the conclusion of the installation Mass, a joyful Father Roberts Sacred Heart is a unique parish community of close to 500 families, addressed the church filled with family, friends, members of the being comprised mostly of retirees and vacationing Catholics, more Cursillo community, Charlotte Catholic Women’s Group, parishioners than one parishioner remarked following the installation Mass, and from his former parish of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, and his at 32 years old Father Toole comes with a much different background new parish community of Our Lady of Lourdes. than their former pastor, Father Carl Del Giudice, who has moved to “Your Excellency, I am truly humbled that you have entrusted to my care a parish that Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte. Father Del Giudice served Sacred Heart is so very dear to your heart, a parish that was privileged to call you its pastor,” Father Parish for 21 years, and some said they “weren’t too sure about this” change when they Roberts said. were first informed of it.

He then relayed a story about how before Mass Bishop Jugis pointed out to him the spot So what do they think of Father Toole so far? where he stood when he received his appointment as bishop of Charlotte. “As if I wasn’t “He’s a winner,” said Tom McGohey, and his sentiment was echoed by others. nervous enough,” Father Roberts joked.

Besides being his installation Mass, Father Toole requested from Bishop Jugis that it Father Roberts then expressed also be a special votive Mass offered for the Sacred Heart. The beautiful prayers of the his desire to minister to the people votive Mass mirrored the effusive character of the parish. of Our Lady of Lourdes Church for During the installation Mass, Bishop Jugis reminded Father Toole of his priestly some time to come. ministry to teach, sanctify and shepherd the faithful in Brevard. To fulfill his role, he “I cannot help but think of the must not only know people’s names from a distance – he must serve them as Christ prayer of Jesus as He prayed in served: “to know your sorrows, to know your difficulties, to know your challenges, to the Garden, as He prayed for His know your joys and your celebrations – to be the Good Shepherd.” followers, ‘Father, they are your gift The self-sacrificing character of the Sacred Heart, Bishop Jugis noted in his homily, to me.’” especially expresses this divine love of God for His people.

Father Roberts then drew smiles “It’s just amazing to consider the mystery that is present in the Person of Jesus. and laughter as he looked at Bishop Humanity and divinity come together: God our Good Shepherd coming down from Jugis, stating, “I look forward to heaven, taking humanity to Himself, so that He could express all of the love of God, many years, Bishop, I look forward all of divine love, and mercy and compassion in a human heart – the Heart of Jesus,” to MANY years of service here, he said, adding, “The heart of your pastor, Father Toole, is to be an expression of that laboring in the vineyard of the Heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd for you.”

Lord with all of you,” hinting at his He also encouraged Father Toole to see the Eucharist, the source and summit of our desire to remain in Monroe for a faith, as the life-giving sun emanating rays of love and warmth that will feed all of the long time. ministries of the parish – which at Sacred Heart number more than 50.

He concluded his remarks with At the conclusion of the Mass, Father Toole expressed his thankfulness and said deep emotion in his voice. he looked forward to working with everyone in sharing the Good News of Christ. He “I ask you to pray for me, and I thanked Bishop Jugis and his fellow priests who had traveled from around the vicariate will pray for you, that together we and from Charlotte to be a part of the Mass, as well as everyone who helped to prepare will recognize the good work that for the special occasion. He also recognized seminarian Brian Kaup, who grew up in God is doing in this community.

Sacred Heart Parish and is now pursuing studies to become a priest for the Diocese of Pray that we will be attentive Charlotte. Kaup served at the Mass, along with fellow seminarian Casey Coleman. together to the Holy Spirit’s call “I’m very happy to be here as your pastor, and I want to thank all of my colleagues for to proclaim the Gospel and bring being patient with me these last few weeks as I figure out what the heck I’m doing,” he healing to those who desperately joked, evoking laughter from the congregation.

Bishop Jugis escorts Father Roberts on a tour of the church to need it. And pray in particular for As many parishioners nodded their heads as they listened, Father Toole concluded, explain his pastoral responsibilities to the people of the parish me, that though unworthy, I may be “We are a parish community that is open and welcoming of God’s love and sharing His during the installation Mass. It was familiar ground for Bishop for you a shepherd after the Heart gifts with one another. We are one community of faith here at Sacred Heart.”

Jugis, who used to be pastor there himself. of Christ.”

Father Toole to teach the Gospel message at Sacred Heart in Brevard

Mix 16

catholicnewsherald.com | August 3, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

On TV

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

n Friday, Aug. 3, 10 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 4, 2 p.m.

(EWTN) “Monastery Of Santa Maria De Vallbona.” This documentary examines the origins of this monastery and the sisters who dedicate their lives to God through prayer and hard work. Journey through the monastery, its architectural wonder and historical importance.

In theaters

n Saturday, Aug. 4, 5 a.m.

(EWTN) “Vianney Speaks.”

Experience the sermons and prayers of St. John Vianney, offering a glimpse into a different time, these direct and penetrating sermons cut straight to the heart, while keeping modern audiences engaged in pertinent and convicting topics.

‘Step Up Revolution’ Top-notch choreography gets lost amid half-baked political posturing and self-indulgent sentimentality in first-time director Scott Speer’s dance sequel. The hackneyed plot of this fourth installment in the franchise, which began with 2006’s “Step Up,” focuses on a Miami urbanite who, together with his best friend since childhood, leads a dancing flash mob that’s on its way to fame and fortune. Much highly suggestive dancing, a single censored rough term, occasional crude and crass utterances.

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

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ The lavish conclusion to director and co-writer Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy will not disappoint dedicated Batman fans. But casual viewers may find its 164-minute running time bloated and unwieldy. Set eight years after the events of 2008’s “The Dark Knight”, the latest adventure finds billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne injured, exiled and grief stricken.

Yet, inevitably, he and his chiropteran alter ego find themselves pulled out of retirement. Frequent and intense action violence, including gunplay, an implied nonmarital encounter, a few uses of profanity.

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

‘The Watch’ After the night watchman at the Costco store he manages is mysteriously murdered, an earnest suburbanite forms a ragtag team of neighborhood guardians to investigate. But the quartet of bumbling sleuths gets more than they bargained for when clues begin to suggest that the culprits were other than human. Demeaning view of human sexuality, including the frivolous treatment of aberrant sex acts with gratuitous nudity, fleeting but horrific gore, about a dozen uses of profanity, pervasive rough and crude language.

CNS: O (morally offensive), MPAA: R

‘To Rome With Love’ Woody Allen writes, directs and stars in this picturesque but morally misguided romp through the Eternal City, featuring a confusing quartet of stories about the search for romance, happiness and, all too frequently, sin. A benign view of adultery and nonmarital sex, much sexual innuendo, some uses of profanity and of rough language.

CNS: L (limited adult audience), MPAA: R

Annette Tenny | Catholic News Herald

Owner Mary Jo Kahl of New Covenant Bookstore in Winston-Salem keeps on hand a wide array of prayer cards, religious medals, books and gifts.

New Covenant Bookstore: A local shop for local Catholics Annette Tenny Correspondent

WINSTON-SALEM — For Mary Jo Kahl, owning and operating a Catholic bookstore has been a long-standing dream. Crucifixes, rosaries, prayer aids, religious medals, first Communion commemorative items, Bibles and books – she loved the idea of sharing the faith and providing these wonderful gifts. But working full-time at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and raising a family kept her dream on the back burner for many years.

New Covenant Bookstore has been in Winston for more than 30 years, Kahl explains. She had known the owners and had often bought many of her own family’s gifts from the store.

Eight years ago, when owner Patty Dameron decided to retire and sell the business, which is the only Catholic bookstore in Winston-Salem, the timing couldn’t have been more providential: The shop went up for sale soon after Kahl retired from her job at the medical center.

“I went right from retirement into owning my own business,” Kahl says. “Books were always Patty’s mainstay, but I have concentrated more on religious articles, gifts, prayer aids.”

She does, however, work with new Catholic authors when possible. She carries their books and gives them space for book signings in New Covenant’s booth at the Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte each year.

One such author is Holy Family’s

Dr. William J. Casey, who has written a three-part Bible series called “Mining the Bible For Faith” (online at miningthebibleforfaith.com). The books are perfect for teen and adult faith formation or RCIA classes.

Looking for something a little more contemplative? “Love’s Desires” by local author Melinda Chiou contains spiritual poetry in English and Chinese. It’s a beautiful companion to an afternoon of prayer and reflection. These books and many others are available at New Covenant Bookstore.

The biggest benefit of having a local Catholic bookstore is, by far, the personal service and attention one gets when walking in the door.

New Covenant Bookstore will special order any item that is not available in the store at 304 Upton St., and Kahl’s practical knowledge of Catholicism and relationships with vendors allows her to help find just the right gift. Rosary repair is also available.

In past years New Covenant Bookstore has also held apologetics classes. Though there are none scheduled for this summer, check in with the store for possible classes coming in the fall. In the meantime, New Covenant can provide any books and study materials that parish formation teams might need.

“I have loved owning this book store,” Kahl says. “I have met the most interesting people and had the best conversations! But I’ve had people come in and say they had no idea we were here – the best-kept secret in Winston-Salem.”

n Sunday, Aug. 5, 2 a.m., Friday, Aug. 10, 10 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 11, 2 p.m.

(EWTN) “Interrupted Lives: Catholic Sisters Under European Communism.”

Documentary exploring the plight of Eastern-rite and Latin-rite sisters under Soviet domination. n Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2:30 p.m. (EWTN) “The Vocation To Marriage.” This awardwinning Knights of Columbus documentary looks at the vocation of marriage as a path to greater union with God. n Tuesday, Aug. 7, 10 p.m.

(EWTN) “For Greater Glory: The True Story Of The Cristeros.” An inside look at the new motion picture “For Greater Glory.” This special chronicles the history of the Cristero War with interviews from leading historians, including Jean Meyer. n Wednesday, Aug. 8, 1:30 a.m. (EWTN) “The Vocation Of The Laity.” An insightful overview of the vocation of the laity: a vocation to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth, by directing temporal affairs according to His will. n Sunday, Aug. 12, 10-11 p.m.

(EWTN) “Immigration.” On this special, Colin Donovan and EWTN staff members discuss the moral principles surrounding the immigration issue. n Wednesday, Aug. 15, noon-2 p.m. (EWTN) “Solemn Mass of the Assumption (Live).”

Mass for the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary broadcast live from Washington, D.C.’s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

August 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

SUIT: FROM PAGE 3

The “safe harbor” period expires Aug. 1, 2013.

The mandate requiring individuals to get health insurance or face fines goes into effect Jan. 1, 2014.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a nonprofit law firm representing Belmont Abbey College in the lawsuit, argued that paying for contraceptive services for employees and students would force the Catholic college and Benedictine monastic community to violate Church teaching against artificial contraception.

The firm argued that the mandate would mean an unconstitutional infringement of their First Amendment right to free exercise of religion and that Belmont Abbey College said it believed it would not be exempted from the mandate’s requirements.

Boasberg agreed with the Department of Justice’s position that Belmont Abbey’s case was premature and that more time is needed to see if the government would modify the contraception mandate and further accommodate the concerns of religious employers, which federal officials have promised they would do.

“The court holds that the challenged rule is not ‘sufficiently final,’” Boasberg said in his opinion. “The government has done nothing to suggest that it might abandon its efforts to modify the rule – indeed, it has steadily pursued that course – and it is entitled to a presumption that it acts in good faith.”

The court did not consider the merits of

Belmont Abbey’s case, and Belmont Abbey may re-file its lawsuit if and when it can demonstrate harm caused by the mandate.

“At the end of the day, the Court offers no opinion on the merits of the current contraception-coverage regulations or any proposed future ones. If Plaintiff is displeased by the ultimate regulations, it may certainly renew its suit at that time.

“All the Court holds here is that Belmont has no basis to proceed now,” said Boasberg in his 24-page opinion.

Belmont Abbey College’s case was the first to be filed challenging the HHS mandate last November. The liberal arts college has been run by the Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey since 1876.

The Becket Fund is representing clients – including other religious colleges, EWTN and Priests for Life – in some of the 22 other similar lawsuits filed in federal district courts around the U.S. Hannah Smith, senior counsel for the Becket Fund, said in a statement that the decision in Belmont Abbey College’s case “was on technical grounds: The judge thinks that the case should be delayed for a matter of months to give HHS time to fix the mandate.”

“The decision says nothing about the merits of Belmont Abbey’s religious freedom claims, and has no effect on any of the 22 other cases currently pending in federal court,” she said. “It simply delays Belmont Abbey College’s ability to challenge the mandate for a few months, and the court made clear we have the right to re-file the case if HHS does not fix the problem.”

Smith said the law firm was “reviewing the decision and considering our options, but one thing is clear: Belmont Abbey College and the Becket Fund will continue the fight for religious liberty, even if this case is delayed for a few months.”

Wednesday, August 8, 2012 ∙ 10 AM – 5 PM Saint Ann Catholic Church, Charlotte, NC

All high school and college age men of the Diocese are cordially invited to join Bishop Peter Jugis and his priests and seminarians for a day of recreation and meditation focused on the vocation to the priesthood.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE BY CALLING (704) 370-3327

17

Our nation 18

catholicnewsherald.com | August 3, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Contraceptive mandate blocked for Catholic-run business

CNS | Shannon Stapleton, Reuters

A woman prays at a memorial July 22 for victims behind the theater where a gunman opened fire on moviegoers in Aurora, Colo. A gunman July 20 killed 12 people and injured many more during a midnight showing of the new Batman movie.

Moments of grace found in aftermath of shooting at Colorado theater Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In the speech he gave at the University of Colorado Hospital July 22, President Barack Obama quoted a Scripture passage that calls attention to how people find comfort amid suffering. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more. Neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away,” he said, quoting from Revelation.

The president did not focus on the gunman who killed 12 people and wounded 58 during a midnight showing of the latest Batman movie, “The Dark Knight Rises” July 20.

Instead, he emphasized the goodness demonstrated in the tragedy’s aftermath.

He said he assured the shooting victims that he had just visited at the hospital that “although the perpetrator of this evil act has received a lot of attention over the last couple of days that attention will fade away.”

“What will be remembered are the good people who were impacted by this tragedy,” he added.

According to news reports, three men killed in the shooting died while shielding their girlfriends from bullets. Another died shielding a friend and one young woman stayed with her friend instead of fleeing while keeping her finger on the bullet wound in her friend’s neck to stop the bleeding. When the shooting stopped, she helped carry her friend across two parking lots to an ambulance.

It was at an evening Mass the day of the shooting that victims found supportive friends and sympathetic words.

Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila was the main celebrant of the Mass at Queen of Peace for victims and families.

In his homily, Archbishop Aquila asked the faithful to bring their sorrow to the Lord and open their hearts so that he may give comfort.

“As we present it to our Lord, though it may not be removed immediately, we know that the Lord is with us in the midst of the suffering,” he said. “Certainly, the love of the Father is stronger than the bullets that killed 12 people and wounded (dozens more). And the risen Christ points to that truth.”

Death and evil, he added, will not have the last word. “We recognize in the resurrection of Jesus Christ that He encountered victory over death,” Archbishop Aquila said. “The Father does not leave His Son dead or His beloved children dead, but rather He calls them home to live with Him and He gives to us the promise of eternal life and resurrection.”

In the days after the horrific shooting, good will seemed to be getting the last word in the Aurora area. One example was the massive fundraising efforts under way to pay the medical bills of the shooting victims, many of whom are uninsured. Taking this action a step further, three hospitals caring for victims said they will limit or completely wipe out medical bills for the victims.

Tilt’n B Farm

DENVER — A Colorado firm owned by a Catholic family won a temporary injunction July 27 against enforcement of the Department of Health and Human Services’ contraceptive mandate. Senior Judge John L. Kane Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado said the HHS requirement that employers provide free contraceptives and sterilizations to their employees, even if they have objections based on their religious beliefs, has potential for violating the family’s religious freedom. He said the government’s arguments in favor of the contraceptive mandate “are countered, and indeed outweighed, by the public interest in the free exercise of religion.” But Kane emphasized that his ruling only applied to the case brought by five members of the Newland family and the company they own, Hercules Industries.

CRS: Funding for emergency humanitarian aid did not violate Church teaching WASHINGTON, D.C. — Catholic Relief Services said that $5.3 million in emergency funding it provided to the humanitarian organization CARE in 2010 under a U.S. government grant did not violate Catholic teaching. The U.S. bishops’ international development and relief agency explained that the money it provided to CARE was specifically used for water and sanitation and food and nutrition programs for poor families in Central America and Africa and could not be transferred to other services which CARE provided. The statement came in response to an online report that CARE provides contraceptives to women and other family planning services.

Bishop Cordileone named to San Francisco diocese WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Archbishop George H. Niederauer of San Francisco and named Bishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of Oakland, Calif., to succeed him. Archbishop Niederauer, 76, had headed the San Francisco archdiocese since 2005. Archbishop Cordileone, a 56-year-old San Diego native, was an auxiliary bishop in that diocese from 2002 until his 2009 appointment as bishop of Oakland.

On the national level, he is chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage and a member of the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance. He has served on the bishops’ Task Force on Cultural Diversity and currently is on the Religious Liberty Committee of the California Catholic Conference.

New Erie bishop named Asheville, North Carolina

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Bishop Donald W. Trautman of Erie, Pa., July 31 and appointed Msgr. Lawrence T. Persico, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Greensburg, Pa., to succeed him. Bishop Trautman, 76, headed the Erie diocese since 1990.

— Catholic News Service

August 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Philadelphia’s Msgr. Lynn sentenced to 3-6 years in prison Matthew Gambino Catholic News Service

PHILADELPHIA — Common Pleas Court Judge Teresa Sarmina closed the latest chapter in the clergy sexual abuse scandal in Philadelphia by sentencing Msgr. William Lynn to three to six years in state prison.

During the sentencing hearing July 24, Sarmina handed down a sentence just shy of the maximum seven years.

The former secretary for clergy, who recommended priest assignments to the archbishop of Philadelphia and investigated claims of sexual abuse of minors by clergy, was found guilty of one felony charge of endangering the welfare of a child June 22.

He became the first official of the U.S. Catholic Church to be convicted of a felony not for abusing a child, or even witnessing it, but for his responsibilities in managing priests, some of whom abused children.

District Attorney Seth Williams said the fact that Msgr. Lynn, 61, was convicted not for abuse made this “a very different case,” one that is “unprecedented in American jurisprudence.”

“We held responsible a man who did not abuse children himself, but who did not do enough to protect children,” Williams said.

The priest’s defense lawyer, Thomas Bergstrom, referred to the sentence as “grossly unfair” and “unbelievable.”

“He’s being punished for things he did properly: He met with victims, he met with accused priests, he documented everything, he sent it up to the cardinal,” Bergstrom said.

Fellow defense lawyer Jeffrey Lindy said Msgr. Lynn must now report to the State Correctional Institution Graterford, Montgomery County, for processing, then to another prison in Camp Hill, Pa. Msgr. Lynn’s conviction resulted from the actions of a former priest, Edward V. Avery, who last March pleaded guilty to abusing an altar boy in 1990. Avery, who

was laicized in 2006, is serving two and a half to five years in prison.

In a statement, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia said it remained “committed to protecting children and caring for victims,” while adding that “fair-minded people will question the severity of the heavy, three- to six-year sentence imposed on Msgr. Lynn today. We hope that when this punishment is objectively reviewed, it will be adjusted.

Williams said the priest was “institutionally responsible” for the suffering of victims of sexual abuse by priests.

Evidence at trial showed that months after becoming secretary for clergy in 1992, Msgr.

Lynn took the initiative to compile a list from Church archives of known or possibly abusive priests spanning several decades.

He presented the list of scores of priests to Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, who was archbishop of Philadelphia at the time. The cardinal ordered that the list be shredded, but a copy was retained and forgotten in a locked safe at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Philadelphia.

Once he knew of the list and the extent of the clergy sexual abuse problem, Msgr.

Lynn should have resigned, Williams said.

Instead, “he locked the list of names away in a vault – names of priests he knew were abusive,” Williams said. “Now he will be locked away for a fraction of that time.”

Msgr. Lynn’s defense team vowed to appeal their client’s guilty verdict.

Father James J. Brennan, Msgr. Lynn’s codefendant at the trial, will have his case retried by the district attorney’s office after a hanged jury was unable to render a verdict. A hearing to determine a date for the retrial is Aug. 14.

Williams said his office continues to investigate individuals as a result of two grand jury reports in 2005 and 2011.

He said the stiff sentence of Msgr. Lynn “sends a message to institutions around the world: they have to take allegations seriously, and not protect the institution.”

19

For the past 15 years it has been my pleasure to help the employees of the Diocese of Charlotte plan for a secure retirement.

I would also like be your trusted financial advisor.

Retirement planning – Life – LTC – Auto & Home Insurance

Ken Altman

Call: 704-839-3755 or email: kaltman1@metlife.com Member: National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors (NAIFA) St. Mark Catholic Church – Huntersville

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.

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

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

Our world 20

catholicnewsherald.com | August 3, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Pope hopes Olympics will encourage global peace CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Pope Benedict XVI expressed his hope that the Summer Olympics would help bring peace and reconciliation throughout the world.

The Olympic Games, being held in London, are “the greatest sports event in the world,” drawing athletes from the myriad nations of the world to one city, the pope said July 22. The games have “important symbolic value,” and for that reason the Church looks to them “with special fondness and attention,” he said.

“I send greetings to the organizers, athletes and spectators alike, and pray that, in the spirit of the Olympic truce, the good will generated by this international sporting event may bear fruit, promoting peace and reconciliation throughout the world,” he said.

Churches oppose Cameron’s call for same-sex ‘marriage’ MANCHESTER, England — In spite of widespread opposition from Catholic and Protestant church leaders, the public and his own party, British Prime Minister David Cameron promised July 24 to legalize same-sex “marriage” in England and Wales. He said he wanted to introduce legislation before the next general election, and he implied that he would attempt to force the churches to accept the legislation, saying they should not be “locking out people who are gay.”

Religious leaders have opposed any recognition of same-sex “marriage.” In June, the Catholic bishops of England and Wales said a gay “marriage” law would leave the Church permanently vulnerable to legal action.

7 Chinese priests forced from parishes after opposing illicit ordination of bishop HARBIN, China — Chinese government officials have forced seven priests in Heilongjiang province who resisted the illicit episcopal ordination of Father Joseph Yue Fusheng of Harbin to leave their parishes, local Church sources said.

The action was taken, the sources said, to force the priests to “repent for their wrongdoing,” reported the Asian church news agency UCA News.

The priests are either staying with parishioners, returned to their hometowns or have fled to other provinces, according to the sources. Prior to the July 6 ordination, religious officials within the Chinese government warned that disobedient priests would face dire consequences. In recent weeks, they ordered priests with “dissatisfactory performances” to take three months of leave for self-examination, sources said.

The seven priests were either absent from the ordination or openly expressed their opposition to Father Yue, who did not receive a papal mandate and is seen

as being too close to the government.

The Vatican declared that Father Yue incurred automatic excommunication for participating in the illicit ceremony.

Pope hosts top-level briefing meeting on ‘Vatileaks’ VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI hosted a top-level meeting July 26 of Vatican officials involved in investigating and responding to the leak of Vatican documents. It included the commission of cardinals appointed to conduct an administrative review of Vatican offices and procedures, as well as the judges involved in the criminal case against the pope’s personal assistant. The meeting also included the head of the Vatican police and representatives of the Vatican secretariat of state, said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman.

“The Holy Father was informed about the conclusions” of the investigation carried out since late April by the cardinals’ commission, and about the status of the official investigation of his former valet, Paolo Gabriele, Father Lombardi said. The pope thanked the cardinals for their report and “asked the Vatican magistrates to continue their work with diligence.”

He said the results of the criminal investigation of Gabriele and the Vatican judge’s decision on whether to indict Gabriele and put him on trial are expected to be published Aug. 6 or 7.

Vatican newspaper: Melinda Gates ‘off the mark’ on contraception funding VATICAN CITY — Under the headline “birth control and disinformation,” the Vatican newspaper took to task Melinda Gates, wife of the Microsoft founder, who announced in early July that the couple’s foundation would give $560 million during the next eight years to increase women’s access to artificial contraception. Written

by Giulia Galeotti, a frequent contributor on abortion and other life issues, the July 29 L’Osservatore Romano article said Gates is free to make charitable donations to whomever she wants, but not to spread incorrect information.

In an interview July 10 with The Guardian, a British newspaper, Gates identified herself as a practicing Catholic who “struggled” with the idea of publicly opposing Church teaching to promote a project aimed at giving 120 million women in developing countries access to contraceptives by 2020.

In the Vatican newspaper piece, Galeotti wrote, “The American philanthropist is off the mark,” the victim of “bad information and persistent stereotypes on this theme.

To still believe that by opposing the use of condoms, the Catholic Church leaves women and children to die because of misogynist intransigence is a baseless and shoddy reading” of reality.

— Catholic News Service

CNS | Zohra Bensemra, Reuters

A young Syrian rebel flashes a victory sign as he drives past graffiti which reads: “Allah Akbar” (“God is great”) in Attarib, on the outskirts of Aleppo province July 30. After reciting the July 29 Angelus, Pope Benedict XVI told the crowd that he hoped that suffering Syrians would be guaranteed all necessary humanitarian assistance.

Pope, Catholic leaders renew appeal for peace in Syria ‘In the name of God ... stop the violence’ Catholic News Service

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Pope Benedict XVI renewed his appeal for peace in Syria and humanitarian assistance for civilians threatened by the ongoing fighting or seeking refuge far from home.

“I continue to follow with apprehension the tragic and increasing episodes of violence in Syria with their sad sequence of deaths and injuries, including among civilians, and a huge number of people internally displaced or seeking refuge in neighboring countries,” the pope said July 29.

After reciting the Angelus with visitors gathered in the courtyard of the papal villa at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict told the crowd that he hoped that suffering Syrians would be guaranteed the necessary humanitarian assistance.

Asking for an end to “all violence and bloodshed,” he prayed that God would guide leaders in Syria and in the international community to a negotiated settlement to the fighting.

Tensions began in March 2011 with increased calls for the ouster of President Bashar Assad as part of the Arab Spring movement across North Africa and the

Middle East. According to the United Nations, about 10,000 people have died in Syria in the past 16 months, tens of thousands have fled to other countries and hundreds of thousands are internally displaced.

The pope spoke as fighting continued in Aleppo, Syria’s largest city and home to substantial Christian communities.

Melkite Archbishop Jean-Clement Jeanbart of Aleppo told the Vatican’s Fides news agency July 30, “We are all very worried about what is happening. We ask everyone to pray for a solution based on dialogue. The various Christian communities of Aleppo – Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant – have decided to join forces to meet the needs of the refugees and all those who are in difficulty.”

Archbishop Mario Zenari, the Vatican nuncio in Damascus, told Vatican Radio July 30 that while fighting continues in Aleppo, Homs and other towns mentioned frequently on the news, “the cancer of conflict is spread throughout Syria and the people are fearful and uncertain about the future.”

“Knowing firsthand of the good interreligious relations that exist in Syria and the role that religion plays in the region, I appeal to all Muslim, Christian and other religious leaders to join together and with the full weight of their moral authority issue a unanimous and severe warning to all sides in the conflict, in the name of God, to stop the violence and repression that is leading the country to destruction and indescribable suffering and death,” the archbishop said.

August 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Catholics support plan that reduces mother-to-child transmission of HIV government, The Global Plan towards WASHINGTON, D.C. — Catholic health the Elimination of New Infections among care workers are offering enthusiastic Children by 2015 and Keeping their support to an ambitious global plan to Mothers Alive takes aim at the 22 hardest stop the transmission of the virus that hit nations. causes AIDS from pregnant mothers to Msgr. Vitillo said an important key to their children. Discussed during the XIX the program’s success is testing women International AIDS Conference July 22-27 early, so that any who are found to carry in Washington, D.C., the plan involves the virus can be put on antiretroviral increasing the availability of the drugs medications. The women then continue that reduce HIV levels in the body so that the medication through birth and breasttransmission does not occur. feeding.

In wealthy countries, the availability of such drugs has lowered transmission rates to virtually zero, but that’s not the case in countries most heavily affected by the HIV epidemic.

“We really do have hope that we can stop AIDS in children,” said Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo, a special adviser on HIV and AIDS to Caritas Internationalis who sits on the 15-member international steering committee that is supervising the program.

In 2010, 390,000 children were CNS | Nancy Phelan Wiechec born with HIV Patient Alpha Samuel holds her 6-month-old son Richard as she listens to a and more than 700 presentation at Our Lady of Apostles Hospital in Akwanga, Nigeria, in this Sept. 2, children died each 2010, file photo. The hospital has witnessed the delivery of babies free from the day, almost all of HIV after treating mothers with anti-retroviral drugs. Richard was born without them in India and HIV. 21 countries of sub-Saharan Africa, While initial programs had discontinued according to the United Nations. women once the child stopped nursing, As a result, the Joint United Nations Msgr. Vitillo said that approach has been Program on HIV/AIDS – known as largely discarded in favor of keeping the UNAIDS – in 2011 announced a plan to woman on antiretroviral drugs indefinitely. prevent transmission of the disease to “We don’t want to save the children and children by assuring that pregnant women then have them lose their mothers,” Msgr. get the testing, treatment and counseling Vitillo said. they need to stop the virus from spreading.

— Catholic News Service With funding from the U.N. and the U.S.

21

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Live Your Faith Be affirmed in your present ministry. Upgrade your certification as a catechist and religion teacher. Fulfill the prerequisite for the Permanent Diaconate.

Grow in your faith.

The Diocesan Office of Lay Ministry offers a two-year program designed to help you understand more fully your baptismal call to minister to your family, to others in the Church, and to those in your daily life.

Sites include Arden, Bryson City, Charlotte, Greensboro and Lenoir.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2012-2014 program.

For more information:

Dr. Frank Villaronga Director, Evangelization and Adult Education Office

F O R M AT I O N P R O G R A M

704-370-3274 favillaronga@charlottediocese.org

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(704)-370-3230

cssnfp@charlottediocese.org www.cssnc.org/nfp Your Local Catholic Charities Agency

ViewPoints 22

catholicnewsherald.com | August 3, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

By the numbers

Joseph Bruck

State of the Death Penalty without the Death Penalty

ND

The Dark Knight rises ... and falls

WI

Joseph Bruck is a parishioner of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

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You see only one end to your journey. Sometimes, a man rises from the darkness.” So the trusty butler Alfred encourages Bruce Wayne in the new Batman film, which was released on July 20.

With “The Dark Knight Rises,” director Christopher Nolan concludes his darker, more thoughtful interpretation of the iconic superhero, when Batman is called upon to save Gotham City from a frightening terrorist known as Bane. In Nolan’s vision, Bruce is also called to rise above his own personal demons, which include a great anger and seething pain at the untimely death of his parents.

Although I was quite excited to see this ambitious cap on an excellent trilogy, I had more than a little pause when I discovered something interesting: unlike the two preceding films, Rises depicts Bruce behaving immorally with a woman.

My father then reminded me that a superhero should be a model for virtue. For instance, who could forget Superman’s mission to secure ‘truth, justice and the American way’? In our modern culture, however, the albeit campy but kid-friendly films of yesterday are being replaced with films showcasing a darker, more adult mindset – and the superhero characters are suffering as a result.

Our heroes now are more relatable, which means they’re more flawed. Far from being ideal, some “heroes” like Iron Man and the Green Lantern are shown as selfish, egotistical young men who treat women as objects. They only become virtuous as a result of their new powers, which force them to start thinking about others.

The problem with such imperfect heroes is that they promote sin as being attractive, relatable and good. This message is like a clever ploy to make people feel better about their own promiscuity… after all, if Batman and Iron Man do it, why can’t I? Aren’t these extraordinary men supposed to be role models for us, especially kids? And yet we live in an age where brutal violence and moral doubt are sneaking into our iconic superheroes. Are there any good figures these days for kids to imitate? Do real-life heroes even exist?

The answer, based on our Christian faith, is clearly “yes.” The real heroes – the ones who embody excellence, selflessness and virtue – are known as saints. Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha was savagely persecuted for being a Christian virgin, but remained firm in her true love for Christ. St. Maria Goretti died a cruel and bloody death just for valuing her God-given chastity. St. Thomas More was kind and open with all those he met, but held so firm to his moral principles that he was martyred for refusing to put King Henry VIII above the Catholic Church.

My aim here is not to entirely condemn modern superhero films. On the contrary, it’s clear that Batman and the others still fight for what is good, true and just despite their personal faults. Moreover, these movies have a good number of lessons to teach us, besides being fun to watch. But we need to be cautious with who and what we choose to support. No matter how selfless and virtuous these fictional heroes may be, they can’t begin to compare with Jesus Christ, our true Model and Savior, who literally gave everything for our sake. May we all continue striving to follow Him more closely each day, with the welcome help of our saints and heroes.

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ALABAMA....................................................................................202 ARIZONA.........................................................................................135 ARKANSAS.................................................................................... 40 CALIFORNIA.................................................................................723 COLORADO.......................................................................................4 DELAWARE......................................................................................19 FLORIDA....................................................................................... 402 GEORGIA..........................................................................................99 IDAHO................................................................................................. 14 INDIANA............................................................................................ 14 KANSAS.............................................................................................10 KENTUCKY......................................................................................35 LOUISIANA.....................................................................................89 MARYLAND.......................................................................................5 MISSISSIPPI...................................................................................56 MISSOURI........................................................................................47 MONTANA .......................................................................................2 NEBRASKA........................................................................................11 NEVADA...........................................................................................80 NEW HAMPSHIRE...........................................................................1 NORTH CAROLINA..................................................................166 OHIO....................................................................................................151 OKLAHOMA...................................................................................70 OREGON............................................................................................37 PENNSYLVANIA...........................................................................211 SOUTH CAROLINA....................................................................58 SOUTH DAKOTA............................................................................4 TENNESSEE....................................................................................88 TEXAS...............................................................................................312 UTAH......................................................................................................9 VIRGINIA............................................................................................12 WASHINGTON.................................................................................9 WYOMING.............................................................................................1 Graphic by CNS, Tim P. Faragher | Catholic News Herald

Although New Mexico and Connecticut have abolished the death penalty, the repeal was not retroactive, leaving two and 11 people on death row, respectively. Source: Death Penalty Information Center

N.C. legislature overturns veto of changes to death penalty appeal act CHARLOTTE — Despite hundreds of emails from Catholics to legislators requesting that they vote against overriding Gov. Beverly Perdue’s veto of the Amend the Death Penalty Act, the act was approved by the North Carolina General Assembly last month. Passage of the act effectively voids the Racial Justice Act, which was passed in 2009 and supported by North Carolina’s two Catholic bishops.

To learn more and to support Catholic Voice NC, the public policy arm of the North Carolina bishops, go online to www. catholicvoicenc.org.

— David Hains

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

be carried out, however, in the cases of 11 prisoners already on death row.

Hailing the signing as a “historic occasion,” Archbishop Henry J. Mansell of Hartford said, “The Catholic Church opposes the death penalty and has been fighting for its elimination for many years.” Michael C. Culhane, executive director of the Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference, noted that Connecticut now becomes the 17th state to abolish the death penalty.

The conference, representing the state’s bishops, had backed the legislation, saying, “Repealing the death penalty is in agreement with the pro-life teachings of the Catholic Church and is good public policy.”

Acknowledging that capital punishment is “a difficult issue for many Catholics,” especially when brutal crimes are committed, the conference said Pope Benedict XVI and the Catholic bishops nevertheless “call us to be faithful toward our Church’s teaching on respecting the sanctity of all human life. Justice can be served and society can be protected from violent criminals without the death penalty,” it added. “These goals can easily be met by replacing the death penalty with a lifetime sentence without the possibility of release.”

The U.S. Catholic bishops have been calling for an end to the use of the death penalty for decades. To learn more, go online to www.old.usccb.org/deathpenalty.

— Catholic News Service

Most-read stories on the web Through uly 31, 8,440 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 25,044 pages. The top 10 headlines in July were: n Priest assignments announced..................................................................................................................................................................................... 3,319 n Nation’s first college-based maternity center unveiled.............................................................................................................................................861 n Deacon Rodriguez of St. Mark Church passes away................................................................................................................................................... 317 n Federal court dismisses Belmont Abbey’s HHS lawsuit............................................................................................................................................194 n ‘Funeral’ for aborted baby girl held in uptown Charlotte...........................................................................................................................................186 n Restoring traditional Latin Mass is a work in progress..............................................................................................................................................183 n Tryon parish welcomes its new shepherd..................................................................................................................................................................... 276 n Two Belmont Abbey monks take solemn vows...........................................................................................................................................................244 n HHS mandate called ‘unprecedented assault on religious freedom’ ....................................................................................................................164 n Cardinal Schönborn thanks Belmont Abbey for service to the Church................................................................................................................103

August 3, 2012 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Peggy Bowes

My heavenly biking partners

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ore than 20 years ago, my future husband introduced me to the sport of road biking, and it’s been my favorite form of exercise ever since.

I have biked thousands of miles, in all parts of the country, finding adventure, friendship and fitness along the way. I never guessed at the time that my bike would actually enhance my spiritual life.

I prefer to ride with my husband or a friend, but my commitments as wife, mother and freelance writer compel me to do most of my rides by myself. I often use the time alone to pray. I find that the combination of rhythmic pedaling and the beauty of nature really clears my mind, especially for meditation on the mysteries of the rosary.

My husband and friends worry about me riding alone, but they needn’t because I have all kinds of heavenly protection. It all started a few years ago when I began to invite St. Christopher to accompany me on my rides to protect me and the travelers who shared the roads with me. Every time I narrowly avoided an accident, I knew that my heavenly protector was at work.

Later, I added St. Francis of Assisi as a biking partner after a scare with a country dog. I have since collided with a squirrel and a bulldog and had a near miss with a snake. Thanks to St. Francis, I never crashed and safely rode away from each encounter with nary a bump or bruise.

When I discovered that both Blessed John Paul II and Blessed Pier Giorgio were cyclists, I asked them to tag along.

I pray that they will watch over my bike and prevent any malfunction and keep me from making any decisions that might endanger myself or others.

I wanted to add some female companionship, and found saintly athletes St. Gianna, St. Theresa of the Andes and St. Lidwina to join my entourage. Of course, it’s a given that my constant companion, my guardian angel, is also part of my heavenly peloton.

As I ride the meandering country roads of Surry County, I pass many small cemeteries. They serve as a constant reminder to pray for the poor souls in purgatory. I’ve read that these souls are overjoyed to be asked to pray for others, so I invite them to join in the prayer intentions of my rosary workout.

I’m never lonely on these rides and can happily pedal for 30 miles or more, knowing that I am being protected from above. (Of course, I am still very careful and obey the rules of the road!)

I always return from these rides refreshed in both body and soul. I wish everyone could see this holy parade of angels, saints and souls floating behind my Fuji Supreme road bike. Then perhaps more people would take up cycling – or maybe more cyclists would start praying.

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

The Poor Clares

Shelter of souls O

ne of the most beautiful privileges Our Lord has bestowed upon women is the ability to carry within themselves another human person – and through their personhood, another immortal soul. Through biological motherhood, a woman literally houses within the shelter of her body the delicately forming masterpiece of God’s creation – a human being endowed directly by the Creator with an immortal soul. One may think here of the beautiful title of Our Lady as “Ark Of the Covenant,” referring to her maternity of the very Son of God. Every Catholic mother has a small share in this grace as she bears within herself a baby with the potential to be washed in the saving graces of baptism and destined for eternal life as a child of God. Indeed, the vocation of motherhood entails a call to the greatest intimacy with the work of the Eternal Father as He penetrates the confines of the womb with His creative activity.

A woman’s body is designed to surround this budding new life with protective and nourishing care as he or she grows and develops, preparing to enter the world and exist independently. But in no less way, the woman’s soul is so equipped as well.

St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, also known as Edith Stein, strove in her writings to encapsulate the gifts and ideals of woman’s soul into seven spiritual qualities. Stein said the soul of woman was created to be expansive, quiet, warm, clear, self-contained, empty of itself and mistress of itself. This week, I would like to focus on just the first of these qualities.

Stein briefly outlines this quality in her lecture “Principles of Women’s Education”: “The soul of woman must therefore be expansive and open to all human beings.”

True womanhood, an authentic femininity, includes an inherent drawing toward the cherishing of all things human.

This is why women’s principal interest is directed towards other people and to the relationships between them. Women are less inclined to the material and the abstract than men. It is much easier for a woman to give her life for a person, rather than an ideal or principle. By their very nature, women are deeply concerned with the needs of others, and have a powerful desire to fulfill the longings of the human heart for love and companionship. The feminine nature is graced with a keen intuition of all that concerns the personal, and the ability to help others become the person they are intended to be.

We see examples of this quality of expansiveness in the lives of saintly women such as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. This unforgettable icon of Christian charity was a woman who seemed to have a heart as big as the universe. She was a mother to everyone she met, and she thirsted to bring healing comfort to both the bodies and souls of the thousands of needy she encountered throughout her life. Every human person – no matter how rejected, how filthy or diseased in body they may have been –

had a place in her embrace.

To be truly expansive of heart as Blessed Teresa was, a woman must cultivate the practice of seeking for the often-hidden treasure found in each person’s soul. Sometimes, one must dig deeply to discover this, but as Blessed Teresa knew well, it is human souls who make up the Kingdom of God. And a woman’s soul has been made to go out of itself for others and cherish these precious jewels. It is in this loving search for others that a woman finds and makes the burdens of others her own.

Here we again see the vocation of the supporting role of women as companions. A woman should not be able to encounter the sufferings and trials of others without taking them, literally, to heart. She should long to care for others and to alleviate their pain.

For this reason, professions such as nursing, teaching, social work, and even secretarial work are deeply satisfying to a woman’s heart. She will bloom best in an atmosphere where she may directly aid and assist people in their concrete needs. Why? Because women are equipped for a uniquely ministering type of love. What does this mean? Stein has the explanation for us: “It is an assistance lent to all creatures in order to lead them towards perfection.”

This requires a proper discipline, however, and self-control. With each quality there is an accompanying opposite extreme to which one is more easily prey. Women can very easily become too caught up in others and their needs, or become merely curious about people’s lives and situations. They may speculate too much on the keen perceptions they have of people’s emotions and needs and get too caught up in reading into things.

It is very easy for women to want to fix the problems they see in other’s lives, and to lose their peace when confronted with difficult circumstances.

Because of her intense desire and need for human love, it is imperative for a woman to cultivate the most ultimate of relationships – with the Person of Jesus Christ. Again, it is to a person that a woman will give her heart and spend her life in selfless dedication. It is essential, therefore, that women strive to develop a strong and intimate life of prayer with Our Lord, the Word made Flesh. A Eucharist-centered life will ground the feminine nature in the intensely personal love so longed for.

It is to Our Savior’s feet that women must bring the souls whom their hearts long to help. It is in prayerful discernment that they can ask the Lord what it is that He wishes of them, in what way He wills them to act in the lives of others. Through a life of daily prayer, this inborn desire and gift will be safely formed and used as a tool of God’s grace in the world.

Sister Marie Thérèse of the Divine Child Jesus is professed with the Poor Clare Nuns of Perpetual Adoration St. Joseph Monastery in Charlotte. Learn more about the Poor Clares at www.stjosephmonastery.com. This is the second in a five-part series exploring Edith Stein’s views on womanhood. In the next edition: “ Clear Brilliance.”

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Ryan Murray

God shows Himself on ‘a great day’ with the kids

M

y wife went out of town recently for work, leaving me at home with my two sons, Emerson and Brayden. This presented two scenarios: 1. A definite role-reversal, as I’m usually the one going out of town for work.

2. The somewhat frightening (yet extremely exciting) fact that all fun, harmony and peaceful existence in the Murray household now fell squarely on my shoulders.

Needless to say, there were a lot of silent prayers on my end (and probably quite a few more prayers from my wife) that everything would turn out just fine upon her return.

Not to pat myself on the back or anything, but I would categorize the time while she was away as a complete success.

The highlight of the weekend, however, came as we were leaving a baseball game Saturday night. We had gone to Mass earlier that day, then we met up with some very dear friends to get pizza and go to the game. Following the winning game, fireworks and some M&Ms, my 4-year-old Brayden looked at me.

“Dad, this was a great day.”

Emerson, when hearing this, looked over at the both of us.

“Yeah, Daddy, it really was a great day.”

If that isn’t Jesus in our midst, well, then I don’t know what is.

I read an excellent book recently called “The Messy Quest for Meaning: Five Catholic Practices for Finding Your Vocation” by Stephen Martin. In the book, Martin talks about finding what your calling may be using five basic principles, including discovering your desires, zoning in on them and channeling your energy to those particular desires. The book also explains that we don’t necessarily have one calling, nor are those callings always related to careers.

As a father and husband, I can say with certainty that my most important vocation is being just that – a good father and a good husband. Being honest with myself, which is something Jesus calls us to do, I realize that there are many times I need to do a better job of routing my energy towards those vocations.

What I can tell you is that after the week I had with my children while Janel was away, God continues to reveal my most important vocations to me in the most positive light possible. Not only did I repeatedly think of how proud I am of my wife for all that she does, both at work and at home, I missed her each day. Couple that with the words my boys said to me from their hearts, and I can say that I couldn’t be more thankful to God for revealing Himself to me.

As the week came to a close, I put my head on my pillow and thanked the Lord for helping me keep peace, love, joy and some semblance of order at the Murray house.

It was so successful that I even did a little bit of laundry, which I’m quite positive answered a prayer or two from my wife.

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 nobonzaboutit-ryan.blogspot.com.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 3, 2012 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

John 1:29 THE SOURCE AND SUMMIT OF THE NEW EVANGELIZATION Bishop Peter J. Jugis Holy Mass Celebrant and homilist

Monsignor Mauricio West Holy Hour Homilist

Monsignor Eduardo Chavez Friday Night Keynote Speaker "Our Lady of Guadalupe, Star of the New Evangelization"

Doug Barry and Eric Genuis "The Passion"

Diocese of Charlotte

8th ANNUAL

Dr. Elizabeth Lev "Faith Inspiring Art, Art Inspiring Faith"

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS September 21 & 22 Charlotte Convention Center Concert of Sacred Music - Friday Evening

Padre Luis Ernesto "He Aqui el Cordero de Dios, Venid y Adoremosle"

Sr. Bethany Madonna Sisters of Life "I Sought The Lord And He Answered Me"

Holy Hour Holy Mass Exciting and Challenging Speakers

Eucharistic Procession K-12 Education Tracks Confession Inspirational Music

Vocation Information Inspirational Displays Vendors of Religious Books and Art

K-12 Registration is open until August 31.

High School students can register in advance or on day of event For more information: www.GoEucharist.com