March 18, 2016

March 18, 2016

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‘Be merciful,’ Bishop Jugis encourages Scouts at annual Camporee Mass 6 Catholic Charities celebrates record-breaking fundraiser

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‘Seed bed’ for vocations

College seminary coming to diocese 5

SENIOR LIVING INSIDE: Our special pullout guide on retirement, volunteering, scam alerts, end-of-life care, funeral planning, and more

Take a ‘Seven Churches’ pilgrimage in Charlotte 3

Year of Mercy

catholicnewsherald.com | March 18, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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Personal spirituality

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Pope Francis

hurch law (specifically, Canon 214) gives the faithful the right to worship God according to the provisions of their approved rite, and the right to follow their own form of spiritual life – provided that it is in accord with Church teachings.

This recognition is rooted in Vatican II’s teaching on the respect due to the human person, and on religious liberty.

The word “rite” here refers to a particular ritual Church, such as the Roman rite, Maronite rite, Byzantine rite or Ambrosian rite. Further, the code recognizes an individual’s right to live the spirituality of Christian life in his or her own way.

There is one important constraint to this right of personal spirituality, however. The person’s behavior must be in agreement with Church teaching. While no one may insist on uniformity for its own sake, no parish or superior or group may force a particular spirituality – such as charismatic, contemplative, etc. – simply because the parish priest or a superior considers this the most appropriate form of spirituality.

Closed doors, hearts cause suffering to innocent migrants

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ike the people of Israel in exile, migrants forced from their homeland due to war and persecution are often left to suffer because of closed hearts and doors, Pope Francis said.

“In these cases one may ask, ‘Where is God? How is it that so much suffering can come upon men, women and innocent children?’” he said at his general audience March 16.

Continuing a series of talks dedicated to the Year of Mercy, the pope focused on two chapters from the Book of Jeremiah (30 and 31), in which the prophet heralds the return of the exiled people of Israel to their homeland.

The experience of exile left their faith “shaken” and seeing their country in ruins made it difficult “to believe in the Lord’s goodness,” the pope said.

“We, too, can live at times a sort of exile, when loneliness, suffering and death can make us think we have been abandoned by God,” the pope said. “How many of our brothers and sisters are living in this time a real and dramatic situation of exile far from their homeland, with the rubble of their homes still in their eyes, with fear in their hearts and often, unfortunately, pain for the loss of loved ones.”

Newspapers and TV programs in Europe have been saturated with images of countless refugees stranded after several countries closed off the so-called Balkan route that allows migration from Turkey through Greece to Northern Europe.

“Today’s migrants who suffer out in the open, without food and cannot enter – they do not feel welcomed,” the pope said. “I really like to see countries and governments who open their hearts and open their doors.”

In the face of suffering, Pope Francis said, Jeremiah’s prophecy of the Israelites’ return to their homeland is an affirmation that “God is not absent” and a reminder that good ultimately triumphs over evil.

“The Lord is faithful; He does not abandon us in desolation. God loves us with a never-ending love that even sin cannot stop. And thanks to Him, the hearts of men and women are filled with joy and consolation,” he said.

The joy experienced by the people of Israel upon their return home, he added, is the same joy God wants to give Christians through His forgiveness and is a sign of the consolation given to those who truly convert.

Pope Francis noted that Jeremiah’s prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus and the Church will commemorate this in the coming celebration of His Resurrection.

Photos by Mairenn Janssen and Della Sue Bryson | Catholic News Herald

Pilgrimage to Asheville ASHEVILLE — Catholic Campus Ministry students from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee and parishioners from St. Mary Church in Sylva, led by pastor Father Joshua Voitus, traveled March 5 to St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, making a Year of Mercy pilgrimage. The historic basilica is one of three pilgrimage sites designated by Bishop Peter Jugis for the Year of Mercy; the other two are St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte and St. Pius X Church in Greensboro.

First, Father Voitus celebrated Mass in Sylva, and before the pilgrims began their journey he spoke about the significance of the holy doors and the plenary indulgence offered to those who make the Year of Mercy pilgrimage. When they reached the basilica, the pilgrims began with a prayer outside the holy door and then proceeded inside, where they spent time in Adoration and had the opportunity to go to confession. They concluded outside with prayers for Pope Francis.

Don’t miss this!

The Diocese of Charlotte’s Year of Mercy website has lots of educational resources for families, including monthly catechesis on the virtues and corporal and spiritual works of mercy. March’s virtue is “Charity,” as modeled by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. The Spiritual Work of Mercy for the month is “Admonish sinners” with information about St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits; and the Corporal Work of Mercy is “Clothe the Naked,” with information about St. Martin of Tours. Learn more at www.yearofmercy.rcdoc.org/catechesis.

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

COMING NEXT: Associations

Your daily Scripture readings MARCH 20-26

Sunday: Luke 19:28-40, Isaiah 50:4-7, Philippians 2:6-11, Luke 22:14-23:56; Monday: Isaiah 42:1-7, John 12:1-11; Tuesday: Isaiah 49:16, John 13:21-33, 36-38; Wednesday: Isaiah 50:4-9, Matthew 26:14-25; Thursday (Holy Thursday): Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15; Friday (Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion): Isaiah 52:13, 53:12, Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9, John 18:1-19:42; Saturday (Easter Vigil): Exodus 14:15-15:1, Exodus 15:1-6, 17-18, Romans 6:3-11, Luke 24:1-12

MARCH 27-APRIL 2

Sunday (The Resurrection of the Lord): Acts 10:34, 37-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-9; Monday: Acts 2:14, 22-33, Matthew 28:8-15; Tuesday: Acts 2:36-41, John 20:1118; Wednesday: Acts 3:1-10, Luke 24:13-35; Thursday: Acts 3:11-26, Luke 24:35-48; Friday: Acts 4:1-12, John 21:1-14; Saturday: Acts 4:13-21, Mark 16:9-15

APRIL 3-9

Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday): Acts 5:12-16, Revelation 1:9-13, 17-19, John 20:19-31; Monday (The Annunciation of the Lord): Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10, Hebrews 10:4-10, Luke 1:26-38; Tuesday (St. Vincent Ferrer): Acts 4:32-37, John 3:715; Wednesday: Acts 5:17-26, John 3:16-21; Thursday (St. John Baptist de la Salle): Acts 5:27-33, John 3:31-36; Friday: Acts 5:34-42, John 6:1-15; Saturday: Acts 6:1-17, John 6:16-21

March 18, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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MERCIFUL LIKE THE FATHER Jubilee Year of Mercy

December 8, 2015 - November 20, 2016

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Ways to live in God’s presence each day

ow can you live more in the presence of God this Lent, in this Year of Mercy? Here are some suggestions: 1. Upon rising, make the sign of the cross, and tell God, “Claim me once more as Your own, O Lord, and have mercy on me!”

2. While brushing your teeth, thank God for a good night’s sleep.

3. As you get dressed, pray from Psalm 31, “Lead me and guide me this day... Into your hands I commend my spirit.”

4. During your morning cup of coffee, pray, “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful; kindle in us the fire of your love and mercy.”

5. Give God 5-10 minutes of your morning for silent meditation. Talk to God and listen for how He makes His presence felt.

6. Pray the Our Father slowly, mindful of surrendering to God and doing His will, on earth as it is in heaven.

7. As you eat breakfast, ask God for a particular grace for this day.

8. Before leaving the house, hold and kiss a crucifix.

9. Say “God bless you” to the first person you meet.

10. Give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.

11. Work every day to build the City of God on this earth.

12. Listen for God speaking to you in your co-workers.

13. At noon pray the Angelus: “The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary; and she responded, ‘Let it be done to me as you say.’”

14. Say grace before lunch in your own words with a companion. Invite them to share.

15. Examine your conscience after lunch: How am I meeting Christ in the people crossing my path today?

Say the Prayer of Abandonment by Blessed Charles de Foucauld:”Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures – I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul: I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands without reserve, and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father.”

16. If you are wearing a crucifix, take it off at 3 p.m. each day, hold it in your hands and meditate for one minute on “bearing your share of the hardship which the Gospel entails.”

17. For the Church’s morning prayer, every day God promises He will lead us out of darkness and into His light. Ask yourself, how is this true today for you?

18. On the way home from work or school, pray with Mary in the Church’s evening prayer: “I am nobody special, Lord, but again today you have singled me out for blessing!”

What graces did the merciful God bestow on you today?

19. Say grace before supper as a family, holding hands and inviting each member to add a prayer in their own words.

20. As you eat, encourage significant communication by asking what ways each person found God showing up in today’s activities. What was my moment closest to Christ today?

21. End the meal by reading one of the next Sunday’s Scripture readings. Share what captures your attention from the reading.

22. Before bedtime, say one decade of the rosary and a give a brief meditation on the mystery. Share as a family.

23. On Wednesday and Friday during Lent, replace the rosary with one Station of the Cross and fasting from dessert and TV. 24. Pray Psalm 134: “Lift up your hands to God and bless the Lord through the night.” God speaks to us in dreams, so make notes!

Father John Vianney Hoover resides at New Creation Monastery in Mount Holly. You can reach him at 704-344-0934.

Take a ‘Seven Churches’ pilgrimage in Charlotte CHARLOTTE — The Seven Churches Visitation, a Lenten tradition to visit seven churches on Holy Thursday, gives Catholics the opportunity to recall the seven stops of Jesus Christ along the Via Dolorosa. For this Year of Mercy, consider trying some or all of this pilgrimage yourself.

Also known as “Visita Iglesia,” the visitation to seven churches on the evening of Holy Thursday dates back to the 16th century, originating in Rome with St. Philip Neri. The pilgrimage encompasses the seven Roman basilicas: St. John Lateran, St. Peter’s, St. Mary Major, St. Paul-Outside-the-Walls, St. Sebastian, Santa Croce-inJerusalem and St. Lawrence-Outside-the-Walls.

Following the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday evening, the Blessed Sacrament is reserved on an Altar of Repose for Adoration. During the pilgrimage, the faithful visit several churches – sometimes seven, or whatever number is possible – to pray before the Blessed Sacrament in each church, remembering Our Lord’s words to His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane to keep watch with Him for one hour.

In the Diocese of Charlotte, a growing number of priests, seminarians and lay people set out to follow the path of Rome’s seven stational churches by making a similar pilgrimage to seven churches in Charlotte. St. Patrick Cathedral, the site of one of the diocese’s three Doors of Mercy, and St. Peter Church, the oldest church in Charlotte, are popular stops along the pilgrimage.

Of the 13 churches in Charlotte, the following will have the Blessed Sacrament in repose for Adoration: Our Lady of the Assumption, 4207 Shamrock Dr.: Adoration from 8 p.m. to midnight Our Lady of Consolation, 2301 Statesville Ave.: Adoration from 9 to 11 p.m.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, 6212 Tuckaseegee Road: Adoration from 8 p.m. to midnight in the church St. Ann, 3635 Park Road: Adoration from 8 p.m. to midnight St. Gabriel, 3016 Providence Road: Adoration from 8 p.m. to midnight St. John Neumann, 8451 Idlewild Road: Adoration from 8 p.m. to midnight St. Matthew, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.: Adoration from 8:30 to 11 p.m. in the Parish Center Gym St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East: Adoration from 8 p.m. to midnight in the Family Life Center St. Peter, 507 S. Tryon St.: Adoration from 8 to 9 p.m.

St. Thomas Aquinas, 1400 Suther Road: Adoration from 9 p.m. to midnight St. Vincent de Paul, 6828 Old Reid Road: Adoration from 8 to 11:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Family.

File | Catholic News Herald

Pilgrims stop to pray at the altar of repose at St. Gabriel Church during Holy Thursday 2014.

Our Lady of the Assumption

St. Thomas Aquinas

Our Lady of Consolation Our Lady of Guadalupe Our Lady of the Assumption St. Peter

St. John Lee

St. John Neumann St. Patrick Cathedral St. Ann

St. Joseph

St. Gabriel St. Vincent de Paul

St. Matthew

At www.charlottediocese.org: See a complete list and directions to all of our parishes

Divine Mercy devotions coming up at St. Patrick Cathedral CHARLOTTE — St. Patrick Cathedral will offer more than a week of prayer devoted to the Divine Mercy, starting on Good Friday and culminating on Divine Mercy Sunday with extended confession times and a Holy Hour.

During this Year of Mercy, St. Patrick Cathedral is the site of one of the Diocese of Charlotte’s three Doors of Mercy. All are welcome to join in the prayer effort at the cathedral,

located at 1621 Dilworth Road East in Charlotte.

Here is the schedule of events: n Good Friday, March 25: 6 p.m.

Divine Mercy Novena recited publicly n Holy Saturday, March 26: Divine Mercy Novena recited privately n Easter Sunday, March 27: 10 a.m.

Divine Mercy Novena recited following the 9 a.m. Mass n Easter Monday to Easter Friday, March 28-April 1: 9 a.m. Divine Mercy

Novena recited after the 9 a.m. daily Mass n Easter Saturday: 8 a.m. Divine Mercy Novena recited following the 8 a.m. Mass n Divine Mercy Sunday, April 3: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. confessions; 2-3 p.m.

Adoration and Holy Hour; 3 p.m. sung Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Benediction — Catholic News Herald

UPcoming events 4

catholicnewsherald.com | March 18, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: March 19 Bishop’s Annual Lenten Youth Pilgrimage Belmont Abbey College

March 25 – 3 p.m.

Good Friday Celebration of the Lord’s Passion St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

March 22 – 10 a.m.

Chrism Mass St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

march 26 – 8 p.m.

Easter Vigil Mass St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

March 24 – 7 p.m.

Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

March 27 – 11 a.m.

Easter Sunday Mass St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

March 31 – 7 p.m.

Legion of Mary Acies Ceremony St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

Diocesan calendar of events March 18, 2016

Lectures & Workshops

Volume 25 • Number 12

‘Missionary of MErcy’: 6:45 p.m. April 2, at Tequilas Mexican Restaurant, 238 W Main Ave, Gastonia. Special presentation by Father Patrick Winslow. Part of St. Michael Church’s Holy Happy Hour ministry for young adults.

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

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

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

‘Bringing ‘Laudato Si’ Alive Over Dinner & Dessert’: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, at St. Thérèse Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. A lively talk and discussion of the practical application of Pope Francis’ papal encyclical, “Laudato Si’” (“On Care for Our Common Home”) in our homes, parishes and businesses.

Speaker Dr. Catherine Wright will give dinner-goers lots of food for thought concerning the content and importance of this encyclical, and discuss how we are all being invited to ecological conversion. Q&A following dinner presentation. For details, call JoAnn Horan at 704-929-4282. estate planning seminar: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, at the Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte. The focus will be on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate and bequests. Catholic teaching on end-of-life issues will also be included.

Christian Cherry, estate planning attorney with Grier, Furr & Crisp, will present legal information focusing on wills, estates, trusts and probate. His presentation will also include a Q&A session. Judy Smith, gift planning director for the diocese, will provide information on planned giving and bequests. Registration required to reserve a takehome packet of materials. To register, contact Judy Smith at 704-370-3320 or jmsmith@charlottediocese.org.

Lenten LITURGIES

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

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PALM SUNDAY MASS in Polish: 3 p.m. Sunday, March 20, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Father Andrzej Jaczewski will celebrate Mass. Confessions are available beforehand, starting at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the banquet room.

For details, contact Barbara Banas at 704-847-2419 or barbmbanas@aol.com.

Blessing of Easter Food Baskets: Noon Saturday, March 26, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Deacon James Witulski will bless Easter food, part of an Eastern and Central European tradition also called “The Blessing of the Easter Baskets,” (“Swieconka” in Polish). The blessings will be in English and Polish. Bring your Easter foods to the church in a basket: traditional foods such as sausage, eggs, bread and butter, or use your imagination and include your own cultural foods. Children can even bring their own baskets with their own treats. For details, call Deacon James Witulski at 704-960-3704.

Byzantine Triduum: St. Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic Mission will offer the following services (in English) at the chapel at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte: Holy Thursday, 6 p.m. March 24, Matins with the 12 Gospel Readings of Our Lord’s Passion; Good Friday/Feast of the Annunciation, 10:30 a.m. March 25, Typica Service with Holy Communion for the Feast of the Annunciation, and 6 p.m.

March 25, Holy and Great Friday Vespers with Procession and Veneration of the Burial Shroud of our Lord; Holy Saturday, 9:30 a.m. March 26, Holy Saturday Matins with the

Lamentations by the Tomb of our Lord, and 4 p.m. March 26, Resurrection Matins and Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. For details, go to www.stbasil.weebly.com.

N. Elm St., Greensboro. Any parishioner mourning the loss of a loved one is encouraged to attend. To register, call the parish office at 336-272-4681.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

YEAR OF MERCY

NFP Introduction and Full Course: 1-5 p.m. March 19, at St. Aloysius Church, 921 Second St., Hickory. Effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting.

Sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at 704-370-3230.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY at St. Patrick Cathedral: Sunday, April 3: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. confessions; 2-3 p.m.

Adoration and Holy Hour; 3 p.m. Sung Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Benediction. 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte.

PRAYER SERVICES & Groups Pro-Life Rosary: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, High Point. Outdoors, rain or shine. Parking available nearby. For details, call Jim Hoyng at 336-882-9593 or Paul Klosterman at 336-848-6835.

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC WOMEN’S GROUP April Evening Reflection: Monday, April 18, at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte. Guest Speaker will be Father Jason Barone. For details and to register, go to www.charlottecatholicwomensgroup.org Healing Mass and Anointing of the Sick: 2 p.m. every third Sunday of the month, St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr., Maggie Valley. Individual prayers over people after Mass by Charismatic Prayer Group members.

For details, call the parish office at 828-926-0106.

Evening Novenas: Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Christ the King Church, 1505 East Kivett Dr., High Point. All are invited to pray the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Join them in praying for the needs of your families and for our hurting world. For details, call the parish office at 336-883-0244.

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

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

CANDLER: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 19, St. Joan of Arc Church, 768 Asbury Road Huntersville: 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 11, St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road SUPPORT GROUPS Called to be a mom: 10 a.m.- noon every other Thursday until May 19 at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Called to Be a Mom supports the vocation of motherhood by strengthening faith through reading and discussion. For details, email Kerry Long at klong003@carolina.rr.com.

Seasons of Hope MInistry: 2-4 p.m. meets for 5 consecutive weeks April 3-May 1 at St. Pius X Church, 2210

Divine Mercy Sunday at St. Lawrence Basilica: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 3, 97 Haywood St., Asheville.

Eucharistic Adoration, recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, litanies and Benediction.

Hour of Great Mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 3, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. For the first time at St. Matthew, venerate the relic of St. Faustina Kowalska. A complimentary Divine Mercy hospitality will follow in the NLC Banquet Room.

Divine Mercy Devotion: 5 p.m. Sunday, April 3, at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem Divine Mercy Sunday holy hour: 3 p.m. April 12 at Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Road, Winston-Salem.

Adoration from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be sung at 3 p.m. For details, call Ceil Gentile at 336-766-7832.

YOUNG ADULTS ASHEVILLE THEOLOGY ON TAP: For Catholics in their 20s and 30s in the Asheville region. For details, check them out on Facebook, Twitter or MeetUp. CHARLOTTE AREA YOUNG ADULTS: Groups for Catholics in their 20s and 30s, single or married, are active in Charlotte at: St. Gabriel Church: on Facebook at “St. Gabriel Young Adult Ministry” St. John Neumann Church: contact Meg VanGoethem, 815-545-2587 St. Mark Church in Huntersville: look them up on MeetUp St. Matthew Church: on Facebook at “Young Adult Life: A St. Matthew Ministry” St. Patrick Cathedral: on Facebook at “St. Patrick Cathedral Frassati Fellowship-Young Adult Ministry” St. Peter Church: look them up on MeetUp St. Thomas Aquinas Church: Online at “Aquinas’ Finest,” www.stacharlotte.com/finest Our Lady of Consolation Church: contact Denise Duliepre, 917-575-0871 Holy Spirit Church in Denver: contact Nicole Lehman, 704-607-5207 GREENSBORO WAY OF CHRIST: The young adult ministry at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro. Go to www.stpiusxnc. com/woc, or look them up on Facebook at “wayofchrist” or Twitter @wocgreensboro.

Our parishes

March 18, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Diocese announces college seminary for future priests St. Joseph College Seminary: What’s in a shield?

The shield, or coat of arms, of St. Joseph College Seminary has been carefully designed to echo the history of the local Church.

The shield depicts a lion, reflecting the role of Abbot Leo Haid, who founded Belmont Abbey Monastery in 1876. The lion also represents St. Joseph, who was from the tribe of Judah, whose symbol is also the lion. The lion is “sejant,” or seated, in a position of vigilance – just as St. Joseph guarded over the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus.

The lion looks across to a field of lozenges, or diamond-shaped patterns. The white lozenges symbolize purity and appear to be planted in a green field. That field of green lozenges, also known as a semi, or seed, is an image of the seminary: seeds that are planted in fertile ground to be nurtured and grown in holy purity, under St. Joseph’s watchful eye. The Church specifically describes a college seminary as a seed bed for priestly vocations, from which comes the word “seminary.”

The motto “Noli timere” translates as “Do not be afraid.” These are the words that the angel spoke to St. Joseph: “Do not be afraid, Joseph, to take Mary as your wife.” The motto conveys the prayer that the young men of the college seminary will not be afraid to give themselves totally to Jesus Christ and His Church.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Men to study at Belmont Abbey College SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

BELMONT — The Diocese of Charlotte is establishing a college seminary in response to growing interest in priestly vocations.

The St. Joseph College Seminary will be what the Church calls a “minor” seminary, as its focus is undergraduate men considering the priesthood, one step before enrolling in a “major” seminary where they receive more specific priestly formation. It will give these men the opportunity to live closer to home, continue their college studies while in community together, and interact regularly with diocesan vocations staff.

On March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, Bishop Peter J. Jugis will formally announce the creation of the college seminary during the Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage at Belmont Abbey College.

Starting this fall, the college seminary will be temporarily located on the campus of St. Ann Church in Charlotte, but there are plans to build a permanent home on or near the campus of Belmont Abbey College.

“I think the faithful of the diocese will be greatly encouraged to know that as we are growing as a diocese the Lord is answering their prayers and bringing forth vocations,” Bishop Jugis said Tuesday.

In an earlier letter to priests, Bishop Jugis noted that the plan “for our college seminarians would have many advantages.

It would allow men considering a priestly vocation to study closer to their home state of North Carolina and give them the opportunity of pastoral formation in the setting for which they are preparing to serve.”

Bishop Jugis, a native of the Charlotte diocese, played an active role in selecting the name “St. Joseph College Seminary.” Placed under the patronage of St. Joseph, foster father of Our Lord, the name also reflects the heritage of the diocese, which was first shepherded by Bishop Michael Joseph Begley when it was carved out of the Diocese of Raleigh in 1972.

FORMATION OF VIRTUE

Already, nine men are expected to enter the college seminary for the 2016-’17 academic year, attending classes at Belmont Abbey College while living temporarily in the former St. Joseph Monastery on the St. Ann campus.

The building was the home of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, who moved to Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Ala., last November.

Enrolled in the diocese’s seminarian program, the men will work toward an undergraduate degree in philosophy at the top-ranked Benedictine college in Belmont.

While attending classes, they will live in community, apart from the rest of the student body, and will follow a “rule of life” appropriate for this level of seminary, including daily Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, the rosary, spiritual direction and conferences.

Father Matthew Kauth, chaplain of Charlotte Catholic High School and an instructor at Belmont Abbey College, will be the rector of the college seminary, living in community with the men.

The college seminary is designed as a place for the human, spiritual and pastoral formation of local, college-aged men, Father Kauth said.

“We’re seeing a lot more college-aged men desiring to enter into formation for the priesthood – specifically, those who are in high school looking to enter into a college situation,” he said.

Unlike a major or graduate seminary in which men study theology (earning a master’s degree) and receive more specific pastoral formation for the priesthood, Father Kauth noted, college seminary is a time to equip the men with the undergraduate philosophy studies necessary before going to a major seminary. The program will also focus on the formation of the virtues necessary for a life of priestly service, he said.

The college seminary will also enable the men to be part of a lively Catholic college environment and engage with other young adults, as well as with the Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey, he said. In turn, the men will offer a vibrant Catholic witness that could inspire others at Belmont Abbey College and elsewhere to consider a religious vocation.

He also hopes that the men’s yearround presence would enable them to

be more active in parishes and assist at major diocesan events such as the annual Eucharistic Congress.

FOLLOWING GOD’S CALL

One of the nine men who hopes to be in the inaugural class for the St. Joseph College Seminary is Aaron Huber of Cruso (near Asheville), a sophomore at Belmont Abbey College.

“I am very interested in the new college seminary at Belmont Abbey because when I look back on all the choices I have made, in the trust that God will lead me to Himself, I realize that everything I have done or have not done has led me to be open to the priesthood and then to desire it,” Huber said.

Being able to continue studying at Belmont Abbey College while more intensely discerning God’s will for his life is important to him, he added.

“If I am blessed with the privilege of attending this fall, my hope is that it will reveal itself to be a place that will form me and my future brothers into the virtuous and holy man that is necessary to become a virtuous and holy priest,” he said.

PLANS FOR A PERMANENT HOME

The diocese hopes to invest in a permanent home for the St. Joseph College Seminary on or near the Belmont Abbey campus. The first phase of the project includes procuring the land and constructing a building of approximately 18,000 square feet to house at least 20 men. The building will also include a chapel and administrative and study areas.

Diocesan officials have been working with Michael G. Imber Architects of San Antonio, Texas, to design an American Gothic style building to mirror the architecture of Belmont Abbey College. Imber recently won a religious architecture award from Faith & Form for his design of the college seminary.

The cost for the first phase of the project is estimated at $7.5 million – comprised of $5 million for the building, $1 million for the site development, and $1.5 million for furnishings, equipment, design-related services and other project costs.

Donors from across the country have already committed more than $4 million, diocesan officials said.

SEMINARIANS, SEE page 12

Collection to fund continuing education for priests, seminarians to be taken up Easter weekend CHARLOTTE — The faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte will have an opportunity to support our future and current priests Easter weekend, March 26-27, through the annual Seminary and Priests’ Continuing Education Collection.

The diocese has 15 men studying for the priesthood in two seminaries: the Pontifical North American College in Rome, and the Pontifical College Josephinum in

Columbus, Ohio. It costs approximately $34,000 each year to fund each seminarian’s education.

The Seminarian Education Program is primarily funded through the annual Diocesan Support Appeal, the Friend to Seminarians Program, and this second collection held on Easter Sunday.

In his 2016 letter to the faithful of the diocese, Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar

general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, explained, “This collection is an important part of the funding for the education of these seminarians. We look forward to the time when they will begin their service as priests in the Diocese of Charlotte.”

The diocese also uses the funds collected over Easter weekend to sponsor workshops and programs to help keep priests informed of developments in theology and

pastoral practices, thereby enabling them to better serve the faithful.

“It is through your generosity that we are able to meet the escalating cost of education today,” Monsignor West said.

“Please be assured of our gratitude for your generous response to the Seminary and Priests’ Continuing Education Collection to be taken Easter weekend.”

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

6

Let’s keep talking.

catholicnewsherald.com | March 18, 2016 OUR PARISHES

Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald

Bishop Peter Jugis delivers his homily during Mass at Camp Grimes, the traditional conclusion of the annual Catholic Camporee for Scouts and Venturers in the Diocese of Charlotte.

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NEBO — The altar was simple — two candles and a crucifix set atop a white cloth on a cedar table. Instead of pews, there were cafeteria tables. But inside the dining hall at Camp Grimes, nearly 400 Scouts, their families and adult leaders cheerfully took their seats for Mass, the traditional conclusion to the Diocese of Charlotte’s annual Catholic Camporee.

The event held March 11-13 at Camp Grimes, the Mecklenburg Scout Reservation located not far from Marion in the foothills of the South Mountains, featured traditional Scouting activities such as camping and archery, as well as educational programs geared specifically for Catholic youth. It was organized by the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Committee on Scouting, which advises all Catholic scouting units in the diocese.

This year’s camporee focused on the Jubilee Year of Mercy and the theme, “Merciful like the Father.”

The Mass culminating the three-day gathering March 13 was celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis, who was assisted

by Deacon Martin Ricart, the diocese’s spiritual advisor to the Scouts, and Deacon Carlos Medina of St. Patrick Cathedral.

In his homily, Bishop Jugis reflected on the meaning of mercy. Any definition of mercy must start with the truth that “God is love,” he said.

God’s love sustains and nourishes us, he said. “God’s love is present in the world and He embraces our entire lives.” And God sent us His only Son, Jesus, “who came into the world to make God’s love more present, even more obvious to us.”

“When God’s love comes into contact with human suffering and human sorrow

– the intersection of that is what is called mercy,” Bishop Jugis explained. “When we experience God’s love coming to us in our suffering, in our weakness, in our faults and our failures – that He still loves us in spite of that – that’s what we call mercy.”

Just as we receive God’s mercy, we should extend mercy to others by responding to the physical and moral suffering of others: what’s known as the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, he said.

“When we bring God’s love in our own time to help the homeless, to help the poor, to help the hungry, to help the sick, we’re extending God’s mercy to them – that they know they’re not forgotten, that they’re still loved,” he said.

“When God’s love comes into contact with our spiritual suffering, we experience God’s mercy” in the sacrament of confession, he said. Similarly, we should forgive those who hurt us, and not hold grudges.

We should also not “wonder if God can forgive us for the wrong that we have done,” Bishop Jugis said. Instead, we should pray for mercy, telling God of our sorrow for having separated ourselves from Him and asking Him to help us make a fresh start.

“He wants us to experience a new beginning, a new start,” he said.

As Jesus’ disciples, he emphasized, “it is incumbent upon us to be merciful. It’s part of our identification as Christians.”

In his closing comments, Bishop Jugis commended the Catholic scouting program for its vital role as a youth ministry of the diocese, as it helps to foster the Scouts’ faith and instill important values.

Bishop Jugis recognized 50 Cub and Boy Scouts who earned their religious emblems over the past year: the Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei or Ad Altare Dei. He also congratulated Venture Crew 21 member Matilda Silvestri, a parishioner at St. John Neumann Church in

Charlotte, who earned the Marian Medal.

He also thanked four Scout leaders – Joe Hack, John Phares, Dan Garmer and Dan Burns – who received the Bronze Pelican award, a diocesan recognition given to adults who have made a significant contribution to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in the Boy Scouts of America.

He also praised Johann Rief for his decades of service to the diocese’s Catholic Committee on Scouting. Rief is retiring, but told Bishop Jugis that he will stay involved with Catholic scouting because “it’s in my blood.”

Boy Scouts from Troop 26 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point said they really enjoyed the activity stations at the Camporee, especially the lesson on St. Michael the Archangel, as well as the lesson on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

Cub Scouts enjoyed six stations reflecting the Year of Mercy theme, including a blacksmithing station where they forged chain links and learned about St. Eligius, a patron saint of metalworkers who showed mercy by helping to free slaves.

The other big hit for the Scouts? The Saturday night campfire, at which Scouts and Venture Crew members from across the diocese gathered around a large bonfire to sing songs, perform skits and enjoy fellowship with each other.

Many Scouts said they appreciated the bishop coming to Camp Grimes to celebrate Mass for them and recognizing the Scouts for their religious emblem achievements.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from the Camporee Mass At www.cdccos.info: Get information on Catholic Scouting

OUR PARISHESI

March 18, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

7

Catholic Charities’ Partners in Hope fundraiser celebrates record-breaking event Georgianna Penn Correspondent

WINSTON-SALEM — More than 700 people gathered with enlivened hearts March 3 for the 13th annual Partners in Hope dinner and banquet, held at the Benton Convention Center in WinstonSalem, to benefit Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s work in the Triad.

The annual fundraiser “broke all records,” said Diane Bullard, director of the local Catholic Charities office.

The effort raised “well over $250,000, and the donations are still coming in.”

Catholic Charities also had a record number of sponsorships, “well over $100,000 before the event,” Bullard noted.

“These are people who want to pay the expenses for the event so we can focus on the fundraising.”

“This year we really focused on getting parish ministry groups,” Bullard said. “I’m

‘Providing services that lead to transformative change’ is a mission of Catholic Charities.

always touched by the people who attend.

When you hear why they came and that they planned their vacation around it – that’s charity.”

Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro, reflected on the Year of Mercy during his keynote address, noting that mercy is an expression of God’s love, and that we are called to share that love with others through works of mercy and charity.

“Love is our origin, love is our constant calling,” Monsignor Marcaccio said.

During the event, clients’ stories of transformation were celebrated in a video highlighting detailed accounts of how Catholic Charities has touched their lives.

“Providing services that lead to transformative change” is a mission of Catholic Charities, Bullard emphasized.

Clients shared how the food pantry, counseling, pregnancy services and “Stay the Course,” a program designed to help clients finish high school and enroll in college, have helped propel them towards permanent change. Most of all, though, it is the encouraging and respectful personal guidance of the agency that has carried them through, they said.

“They always respect me,” said one client.

“All you need is the right people and the right resources to help you get through it,” said another client, who is now succeeding in school and caring for her newborn son because of the loving guidance of Catholic Charities.

Heather and Chris Parker were the recipients of the Bishop William G. Curlin Partners in Hope Award.

Holy Week Schedule of Masses and Activities

Georgianna Penn | Catholic News Herald

Chris and Heather Parker, pictured with their family, were the recipients of the Bishop William G. Curlin Partners in Hope Award from Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.

Partners in Hope is a critical component to Catholic Charities’ ability to meet clients’ needs in the region, Bullard said, adding, “It was under Heather’s leadership that Partners in Hope began, and it wouldn’t have had the growth it’s had” without her.

The work of Catholic Charities – and

the work of every Catholic – “happens with relationship,” said Monsignor Marcaccio. God has extended His love to us unconditionally, he said, and it is our turn to respond, “not out of civic duty, not out of fairness, not even out of love alone, but a love that does not count the cost. And that sacrificial love – it is Jesus, it is mercy.”

The Cathedral of Saint Patrick

WELCOMES You to Celebrate the Joy of

THE EASTER SEASON CHRISM MASS - MARCH 22 No Daily Mass or Confessions

10:00 a.m. – Blessing of the Holy Oils

St. Mark Catholic Church 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, NC 28078 704/948-0231 www.stmarknc.org Palm Sunday

5:00 pm Saturday Vigil; Sunday: 7:30am, 9am, 11am, 1pm (Spanish) 5pm (High School Ministry)

Holy Thursday 7:00pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper Good Friday

3:00pm Liturgy of the Passion of our Lord/Veneration of the Cross & Holy Communion 7:00pm Spanish Stations of the Cross, Procession to the Family Center 7:30pm Tenebrae Service

Holy Saturday 3:00pm Blessing of the Easter Food (Church) 8:00pm Easter Vigil Easter Sunday 7:00am, 9:30 am, 12pm, 2pm (Spanish) 10:00am at Bradley Middle School

Celebrant: Bishop Peter Jugis

HOLY THURSDAY - MARCH 24 No Daily Mass or Confessions

7 p.m. - Mass of the Lord’s Supper Celebrant: Bishop Peter Jugis

8 p.m. - Midnight: Adoration (Family Life Center)

GOOD FRIDAY - MARCH 25 No Daily Mass or Confessions

Noon: Stations of the Cross 3 p.m. - Veneration of the Cross Celebrant: Bishop Peter Jugis

EASTER VIGIL - MARCH 26 No Daily Mass or Confessions

8:00 p.m. - Easter Vigil Celebrant: Bishop Peter Jugis

EASTER SUNDAY - MARCH 27 7:30 a.m.; 9:00 a.m.; 11:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

The Cathedral of Saint Patrick 1621 Dilworth Road East * Charlotte, NC 28203 www.stpatricks.org * (704) 334-2283

8

catholicnewsherald.com | March 18, 2016 OUR PARISHES

Mercy Sister Marianne Angert dies aged 93 BELMONT — Mercy Sister Marianne Angert died peacefully Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, at Marian Center in Belmont. Professed with the Sisters of Mercy for 75 years, she was 93.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 1, 2016, at Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont. Interment was at Belmont Abbey Cemetery.

Sister Marianne was born Dec. 2, 1921, in Butler, Pa., to Anna Christina and James Angert Henry Angert. She quickly manifested a keen interest in higher education, especially in medicine. She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn.; a master’s degree in biology from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind.; and a doctorate in health education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

A certified medical technologist, Sister Marianne quickly rose to supervisory positions in the field, ministering at St. Joseph Hospital in in Asheville and Mercy Hospital in Charlotte. She also spent many years at West Virginia University instructing, developing and improving the curriculum in the School of Medical Technology. In addition, she ministered as a faculty member and dean of students at Sacred Heart College in Belmont.

She also served as an instructor in civil defense during World War II and as an instructor in first aid. She volunteered with a blood bank mobile unit and as a medical technologist in a free clinic.

Sister Marianne will be remembered as a gentle lady, always ready to assist where she could. She was a woman of few words, but her gorgeous blue eyes spoke volumes as she listened to conversations. She loved to travel, especially to visit family.

— Catholic News Herald

RICO DE SILVA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Gabriel School leads Smile Drive for America’s ToothFairy

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

CHARLOTTE — Watch a short video about students from St. Gabriel School in Charlotte who are leading a “Smile Drive” during the month of March to benefit America’s ToothFairy, a non-profit organization which seeks to eliminate oral health disparities among underprivileged children. The students are collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, oral rinse and such for the drive. Geraldine Edrei, Charlotte regional zone manager for America’s ToothFairy, spoke to the school’s Junior Disciples Club on March 1. The Junior Disciples Club is composed of fourth- and fifth-grade students who engage in philanthropic initiatives throughout the year. “We educate you, so that you can become ambassadors for oral health in your community,” Edrei explained to the students.

March 18, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

9

Photos provided by Susan Traynor

(Above) Ciaran Traynor trains at the Lynn O’Grady Quinlan Connick Academy of Irish Dance in Charlotte. “I’m usually always at the dance studio. I’ve made some sacrifices,” he said. (Right) Traynor’s sacrifices have paid off, and he won the Southern Region Irish Dance Champion for his age group.

Currently ranked sixth in the world in his age bracket, Traynor is headed to Glasgow, Scotland, to compete in the 2016 World Championships of Irish Dance March 20-27.

‘Dance is my whole life’

Irish dance champ Ciaran Traynor steps off to international competition SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — For the first time in 14 years, champion Irish dancer Ciaran Traynor will not be performing at the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Charlotte this weekend.

Instead, Traynor – ranked sixth in the world in his age bracket – is headed to Glasgow to compete in the 2016 World Championships of Irish Dance March 20-27. The Southern Region Irish Dance Champion will compete against the world’s top 10 percent of Irish dancers his age. Organizers estimate 25,000 people will attend the week-long competition.

For Traynor, the competition is just the latest step in a dance career that began when he was just 5 years old.

Traynor, a senior at Charlotte Catholic High School, dances with the Lynn O’Grady Quinlan Connick Academy of Irish Dance (formerly known as the Rince Na h’Eireann Traditional School of Irish Dance).

“Dance is my whole life,” he said. “It’s been part of my life for so long it’s everything that I know. I love it. I can’t imagine stopping it. It’s probably the biggest part of my life. I’ve grown up with it. I’ve built a family around my friends and my teachers I have met. It’s grown to be more than just an activity for me. It’s more like a lifestyle.”

When he was younger, Traynor said, he was in it for fun and for the social aspect of it. But to succeed on the national and world stage as he has done, Traynor has had to devote a great deal of time and effort – practicing for more than two hours five days a week.

“I’m usually always at the dance studio. I’ve made some sacrifices,” he acknowledged. “I can’t always go to school events. I’ve made some social sacrifices, but I know that overall dancing is worth it in the end.”

There was a time when he juggled dance with club soccer and school soccer. He still plays soccer for Charlotte Catholic even as he has leaped to success in his competitive dancing career.

“I took a lot of what I’ve learned from dance and applied

it to soccer, and vice versa. From dance I’ve really learned hard work, effort and perseverance. From soccer – because I have been doing both from such a young age – I’ve learned companionship and teamwork,” he said.

Traynor’s parents, Mike and Susan, and his older brother Jack have greatly enjoyed traveling with him to competitions, both here and abroad, and they consider the dance families part of their extended family. They also love being able to keep in touch and to reconnect with relatives in England and Ireland when Traynor competes there.

“I am quite emotional coming up to the end of this fabulous dance career,” said mom Susan. “For me, it has been more than a parent just taking their child to a dance class. The dance moms and teachers have become my family, really. I will be sad to leave them all. We have all traveled together around the world with our dancers and seen many wondrous things. We have all experienced joy together when any of our children win or do well. We have all cried together when things didn’t go the planned way.”

Parents have shared rosary beads as each of their children have stepped onto the stage in front of a panel of judges, and they have prayed to their friends and relatives who have passed away, she adds. “It’s been great. It’s not unusual to see a bunch of dance moms sitting down with their rosaries in hand.”

The Traynors are excited for their son as he has excelled in his competitive dance career.

“We are thrilled he has done so well and we hope he will continue in some way,” Susan Traynor said.

Traynor is looking toward graduation in June and his future plans for college, more dancing competitions and possibly a professional dance career.

He has been accepted to Appalachian State University in Boone this fall, but he is also eyeing international options in the hopes of still dancing.

“I’ve been thinking for a while now about going overseas to continue dancing. Going to Ireland (to study) would definitely open up different opportunities (for competitive

dancing),” he said.

Traynor also dreams about dancing professionally someday. He auditioned for “Lord of the Dance” earlier this year and received positive feedback at his audition. He hopes to be considered for future openings now that he is graduating from high school.

“If the opportunity presented itself and I could go on tour around the world, I would definitely be interested in that,” he said. “They said they would contact me as soon as I was done with school. They liked me.”

Traynor noted that performing in a professional capacity takes a toll on a dancer’s body, so most try to pursue that in early adulthood. He hopes to continue to dance competitively as long as his body will cooperate. But if he accepts a professional position, his competitive dancing days would come to an end.

He expects to make up his mind soon about where he will study after high school. He plans on pursuing a degree in music production.

In the meantime, he remains thankful for all the support he has received at Charlotte Catholic High School.

“The Charlotte Catholic community is incredible,” he said. “I’ve never experienced anything like that. The way they get behind a person or a sport, it’s incredible. The way they support me and my dancing… the students all love it when I perform. It blows my mind.”

Traynor said he has enjoyed dancing for Bishop Peter Jugis at the annual feast day celebration at St. Patrick Cathedral, and for parishioners and people in retirement homes around the diocese over the years, especially around the St. Patrick Day holiday.

“It puts a smile on people’s faces and that’s one of the things I enjoy about it!”

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Watch a video of Irish dance champion Ciaran Traynor in performance

10

catholicnewsherald.com | March 18, 2016 OUR PARISHES

Notre Dame Glee Club performs in Asheville ASHEVILLE — The University of Notre Dame Glee Club gave a performance March 10 at St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, part of its spring tour and centennial anniversary celebration. The Notre Dame Glee Club is a 75-voice, all-male choral ensemble at the University of Notre Dame. Founded in 1915 in the tradition of English and American glee clubs, it is the oldest glee club at a Catholic university in the United States.

Photos by Max Cooper | Catholic News Herald

Sister Thea Bowman inspires Campus Ministry work in Greensboro Father Marcel Amadi Special to the Catholic News Herald

GREENSBORO — Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, one of the most well-known African-American Catholics of the 20th century, is the model for Catholic Campus Ministry in Greensboro, which serves Catholic students at two historically black schools located in Greensboro: N.C. A&T and Bennett College.

The ministry center, named Thea House, opened in 1992 and has since served as a “safe haven” for many Catholic and nonCatholic students at both colleges. It was named in honor of Sister Thea because of her outstanding and remarkable exemplary Christian life. Her story is an inspiration for black Catholics in the United States, especially because of her special mission to children. This month the center is remembering the 26th anniversary of Sister Thea’s death, on March 30, 1990.

Bertha Bowman was born in a small town in Mississippi in 1937, the granddaughter of a slave. Raised a Methodist, she fell in love with Catholicism from the teachers at her school, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.

She converted to Catholicism and at 15, she

joined the order and took the name Thea, meaning “of God.” She was sent to La Crosse, Wis., where she studied and taught until 1961, when she returned to her hometown to teach at her old school before going on to pursue doctoral studies in English at The Catholic University of America.

She later taught at Bowman Catholic University and at Xavier University in New Orleans.

After 16 years as an educator at the elementary, secondary and university level, Sister Thea was invited by the bishop of Jackson, Miss., to become a consultant for intercultural awareness. For the rest of her life she dedicated her life to building up the black Catholic community and sharing the Gospel message. With her Franciscan spirit, she sought to build bridges among cultures, and to share the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the African American people through prayer, song, teaching, writing and preaching.

Sister Thea was instrumental in the

creation of many Catholic multicultural and African American projects such as the first edition of “Lead Me, Guide Me,” an African American Catholic hymnal.

She co-founded the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University, and she helped found the National Black Sisters Conference in 1966.

In 1984, when she was only in her 40s, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. But she did not let her declining health slow her down. Confined to a wheelchair, she gave an historic address to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 1989, and she continued to inspire others with her love and joy even in the midst of her suffering.

Her fellow sisters wrote about her: “Thea lived a full life. She fought evil, especially prejudice, suspicion, hatred and things that drive people apart. She fought for God and God’s people until her death in 1990.”

She was posthumously awarded an honorary doctorate in theology from Boston College, the first to any African-American woman. Her cause for sainthood is under way.

With support from the Diocese of Charlotte and local parishes, Catholic Campus Ministry efforts across the diocese work to support students in their transition from being teenagers to adults, guide them in the growth of their faith, encourage them in the sacramental life, and provide a home away from home during their college years. Thus, students are encouraged to support one another in their Catholic faith,

Father Marcel Amadi is the campus minister for N.C. A&T, Bennett College and Wake Forest University. Ordained in 2003 for the Archdiocese of Lagos, Nigeria, Father Marcel served as personal secretary to the Archbishop of Lagos and Archdiocesan Master of Ceremonies for seven years. He edited and published a collection of the cardinal’s homilies, messages and speeches. He also published three other books including a book of his personal poems. Father Amadi came to the United States in 2012 to pursue a master’s degree in pastoral care and counseling from Fordham University in New York and is now working on his doctorate in pastoral psychology.

Having experienced God’s love as a small boy and through the years, especially from the example of other priests reaching out to those in need, Father Amadi is happy to be among university students today, spreading that love and faith.

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strive to draw closer to God, and spread the light of Christ across their campuses.

At Thea House, students gather on Tuesday nights for Bible study or other faith-enriching programs, followed by a free home-cooked dinner. The ministry center provides one retreat experience per semester, and students also participate in diocesan-wide retreats and events.

In addition, it offer a range of other experiences each semester depending upon students’ needs and interests, including but not limited to: small group faith sharing, rosary prayer group, Eucharistic Adoration, service projects, RCIA, confirmation preparation, hikes, discussion groups and more.

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March 18, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com 3_18_StMatt.pdf

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3/8/16

3:58 PM

OUR PARISHESI

In Observance of the Year of Mercy Divine Mercy Sunday Second Sunday of Easter April 3, 2016

Photo provided by Capuchin Franciscan Father Martin Schratz

A special anointing HENDERSONVILLE — Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville recently offered the sacrament of anointing of the sick during a special Mass. Almost 200 people joined in the March 7 celebration. After the homily, Capuchin Franciscan Fathers Martin Schratz, Roberto Pérez and Basant Digam (pictured above) moved throughout the church anointing those who wished to receive the sacrament.

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Attention, young people: DYC coming up next month CHARLOTTE — Youth from parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte are invited to attend the 39th annual Diocesan Youth Conference, to be held April 29-May 1 at the Ridgecrest Conference Center in Black Mountain. This year’s theme is “Ocean of Mercy.” Musical guests will be Lee Roessler and Adam Trufant.

For details, see your parish’s youth ministry coordinator or go online to www.education. charlottediocese.org/youth-ministry/youthservices/conference-dyc.

recently celebrated the opening of its Transitional Rehab program with a ribboncutting ceremony with the High Point Chamber of Commerce. Pennybyrn Transitional Rehab is located in Mellichampe French Country Household, which is is dedicated to those who need short-term rehabilitation after surgery or other illness. The staff of physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists are able to provide highly personalized care that translates to quicker recovery. The goal of Pennybyrn Transitional Rehab is to restore strength so people can return home.

“We are excited to be part of someone’s recovery at Pennybyrn Transitional Rehab. This is a service that is beneficial to many after undergoing a surgery or someone that has experienced a medical setback,” said Vonda Hollingsworth, Pennybyrn at Maryfield’s vice president of health services.

Mellichampe French Country Household for Transitional Rehab is one of the six such facilities located on the Pennybyrn at Maryfield Retirement Community’s 71-acre campus. The community began working towards the household concept in 2003 as one of the pioneers of the household model in the U.S. Construction began in 2006 and the first household model was completed in 2007. The household model allow for participants of Transitional Rehab to be among others recovering and receiving short-term rehabilitation services.

— Pamela Olson

For the first time, venerate a relic of Saint Faustina Kowalska Divine Mercy Hospitality with light refreshments and free materials

Saint Matthew Catholic Church 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

Charlotte NC 28277

704-543-7677

www.stmatthewcatholic.org

Pennybyrn cuts ribbon on new rehab program HIGH POINT — Pennybyrn at Maryfield

3 pm Hour of Great Mercy Saint Matthew Catholic Church Prayers, Exposition, Singing of Chaplet and Benediction

in BRIEF, SEE page 24

11

12

catholicnewsherald.com | March 18, 2016 OUR PARISHES

SEMINARIANS FROM PAGE 5

Photo provided by Peggy Gibbons

Prayer in every stitch CHARLOTTE — Each year for the past five years, St. Vincent de Paul Church has sponsored a service project called “The Quilts of Love.” Faith formation students seeking service hours create a 42-inch lap quilt over two Saturdays during Lent. The quilts are then blessed by Father Mark Lawlor, pastor, and delivered by students before Easter to parishioners in nursing homes, and those who are homebound, hospitalized or whom the pastor feels would benefit from receiving one of the quilts. Each quilt is placed in a gift bag along with a story from the student of the quilt’s design, along with a bottle of holy water and a rosary, a parish bulletin, a pair of plush footsies, prayer cards, a small calendar and pen, and more.

Quilts consist of nine 12-inch square blocks. Eight of the blocks are in color and patterns, with one white block with an original Christian design created by the student.

Once the quilt top is completed, a warm fleece backing is added, and then hand stitched to tie the front to the back to avoid shifting when being washed. Once the

students have completed their quilts, they must write a “Story of the Quilt.” The story explains why they chose the Christian symbol on the white block, why they chose the colors and patterns of their quilt, and a little history and background on their age, school, hobbies, favorite foods, etc. Their final sentences in the story tell the recipient what benefit they hope the person derives from having their quilt.

This year, students made 17 quilts, some of which are pictured here. Over the past five years, more than 150 quilts have been made and distributed to St. Vincent parishioners.

Although this project is designed to provide confirmation students with needed service hours, the project is supported by the entire parish. All materials are donated by parishioners, and the instructors, whom are professional quilters, volunteer their time and sewing machines to teach students. Names of potential recipients are provided by parishioners as well as the the pastor and parish staff. Parishioners who are not able to donate materials or teach students, support them through prayer and encouragement.

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Donor support for the college seminary has been enthusiastic, they noted, as word of the plan has spread through the Catholic community both locally and nationally.

Retired Army Lt. Col. Joseph Spinetto, a member of St. Bernadette Parish in Linville, is one of the supporters of the college seminary and the diocese’s seminarian program.

“We often refer to the Church as the Body of Christ with all of us as members of the Body,” Spinetto said. “If I look at the ‘members,’ I see every possible occupation and vocation, but there is only one that is truly focused on helping me to stay on the path to heaven: the priesthood.”

“Good priests help us stay on the path and focus on the reason we are here,” said Spinetto, who has eight children and 13 grandchildren. “I want more good priests, and the seminary provides a cornerstone to make that happen.”

Billie Mobley, founder and president of the Te Deum Foundation, is also enthused about the creation of the college seminary, which she sees as God’s handiwork in the potential creation of a major seminary on land her foundation bought near Shelby in 2012.

“We’re very excited about the college seminary!” Mobley said. “These are new beginnings. These are exciting times.

God has blessed our diocese with such a wonderful project.”

The Te Deum Foundation contributes to the spiritual and material support of seminarians in the Charlotte diocese.

While the foundation is not directly involved with funding or developing the college seminary, Mobley said she does see it fitting in with the larger goal of possibly building a major seminary here at some point in the future.

GROWING VOCATIONS

The St. Joseph College Seminary reflects a renewed effort by U.S. bishops to nurture religious vocations at an earlier age, with the aim of reversing a decades-long decline in the number of ordinations. The call to religious life is like the planting of a seed, vocations leaders say, but that seed must be cultivated and given space and nourishment to grow.

According to a 2014 survey by the

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Georgetown University-based Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, 53 percent of respondents said they first considered a religious vocation in their teenage years, another 19 percent in their early 20s. Furthermore, CARA has found that Catholic college environments foster greater interest in religious vocations, as students learn from the examples of the priests, brothers or sisters serving there.

Minor seminaries, which practically disappeared in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, are sprouting up again to meet this need for young men in high school and college.

The St. Joseph College Seminary would be among just a few of its kind in the Southeast, besides Saint John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C., St. Joseph Seminary College in Louisiana, and St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami.

The new college seminary is part of Bishop Jugis’ persistent efforts to foster interest in religious vocations, particularly as the Catholic population in the diocese has skyrocketed to an estimated 400,000 from the 35,000 who were here when the diocese was established in 1972.

Most recently, Bishop Jugis named Father Jason Barone as vocations promoter for the diocese, widening the vocation ministry under the leadership of the Director of Vocations, Father Christopher Gober. Father Barone also assists Father Kauth in ministering to students at Charlotte Catholic High School.

Young men have responded to these vocation outreach efforts. The diocese’s annual Quo Vadis Days retreat for young men nearly doubled from 55 participants in 2014 to 90 last year, for example.

The diocese’s seminarian program also continues to flourish, with men currently studying for the priesthood at two major seminaries: Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, or at the North American Pontifical College in Rome.

“Our growth is explosive, not just in terms of the faithful,” noted Father Kauth. “The faithful are here and they have been praying for priests, and the Lord is answering their prayers. We have so many men who are applying for the priesthood – good men, very fine men. We could never create that on our own. What we are trying to create is the place to take care of them.”

— David Hains, diocesan director of communication, and Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor, contributed.

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Our schools

March 18, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

MACS enrollment for 2016-’17 continues

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

Bishop Jugis visits CTK HUNTERSVILLE — On March 4 Bishop Peter Jugis visited Christ the King High School to offer Mass, where he preached on the importance of fully immersing oneself in Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Students, faculty, staff and parents all gathered for the special occasion. It is a tradition that when a bishop visits a school, he may give them a day off, and Bishop Jugis granted students the day off for March 7.

— CTK journalism staff

CCHS student named Park Scholar CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School senior Matthew Salvino, 17, has been named a Class of 2020 Park Scholar by N.C. State University. Salvino was also named a finalist for the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has progressed to the semi-finalist stage for the Hesburgh-Yusko Scholarship at Notre Dame University.

Salvino is president of the school’s Honor Council and founder of the annual “Cougars 4 a Cure” fundraising event, which has raised more than $60,000 Salvino for bladder cancer research.

He is a cancer researcher at the Levine Cancer Institute and has been published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Salvino’s family has been touched personally by cancer. His mother Denise Salvino was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2012 and treated at Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte.

She is now cancer free. Facing a cancer diagnosis in his family was a “new and different experience,” Salvino said. “I never expected this to happen to my mother. The sudden randomness of the diagnosis was frightening.

Although my mother went through a lot, the toll it took on my family surprised me.”

“I felt obligated to give back and show my thanks,” he said, so he created the “Cougars 4 a Cure” fundraiser by printing T-shirts and socks and selling them to students who got to wear them on dress-down days and gain admission to the basketball game.

Cougars 4 a Cure has had tremendous impact, he said. “Because the funds are so specific, innovative cancer research projects are possible.”

He plans to major in chemical engineering and then attend medical school.

Photo provided by Barbara Markun and Amy Pagano

Jesus’ Passion comes alive for OLG students GREENSBORO — Middle school students at Our Lady of Grace School recently depicted a Living Stations of the Cross. Students also reflected on their roles in the Living Stations, noting that the project was a way to make Jesus’ Passion and death on the cross more real to them. Said Thomas Markun, who played Simon of Cyrene, “Experiencing Christ’s walk is much different than looking at plaques on the wall. Helping others carry their cross for a moment is something I see myself doing; I literally just did it for Christ.” Added Anna Claire Tysinger, “To me, playing a Weeping Woman helped me realize that Jesus was really suffering and that no one could do anything but weep. I like that the Stations of the Cross really help our class understand how serious and sad Jesus’ death was.” Other weeping women were played by Emma Moore, Emily Silva and Isabella Gonzalez.

Students also talked about their favorite Lenten activity. Said Jessica Taylor, who played Veronica in the Living Stations, “During Lent, I mostly like performing works of mercy, because it feels good to know you’re doing what God wants you to do and making someone else happy. It’s a good way to strengthen your faith, and it can be as simple as a conversation with someone who is feeling sad or as complicated as building a brand new nursing home for the elderly. There are no limitations.”

— Sally McArdle

BMHS student selected to Governor’s School

Kolosieke

13

KERNERSVILLE — Natalie Kolosieke, a junior at Bishop McGuinness High School, has been selected to attend the 2016 North IN BRIEF, SEE page 15

Photo provided by Gerry Bratt and Carrie Vest

Meditating on Our Lord’s Passion HIGH POINT — The eighth-grade class of Immaculate Heart of Mary School recently presented a daytime and evening performance of the Living Stations of the Cross at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, in High Point. The powerful portrayal of the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life was open to the public. It offered a renewed focus on Jesus and His love for humanity, while meditating on the Passion and Death of our Lord.

CHARLOTTE — Enrollment for the 2016-’17 year in the nine Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools continues for students in 4-year-old pre-kindergarten and kindergarten through the 12th grade.

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

MACS schools are accredited through AdvancED-SAC-CASI (Southern Association of Schools-Council on Accreditation and School Improvement).

MACS offers a pre-kindergarten class for 4-year-olds at two schools in Charlotte: Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Ann. Kindergarten programs are offered at six MACS schools. Two schools, Our Lady of the Assumption in Charlotte and St. Mark in Huntersville, go through the eighth grade.

MACS also offers four special needs programs at various locations: n Providing an Appropriate Academic Catholic Education (PACE): A self-contained program designed for students in grades 2-6 with average to above average cognitive ability and a diagnosed specific learning disability. The goal of PACE is to return students to the general classroom once they have mastered the necessary skills to achieve at grade level. This program is housed at Our Lady of the Assumption School. n Modified Academic Program (MAP): A program for grade K-12 students whose learning needs can best be met in a modified academic environment. Students receive specialized instruction in reading, math and writing while on a case-by case basis learning with their peers in social studies, science and religion classes.

MAP is housed at St. Ann, Holy Trinity Middle and Charlotte Catholic High schools. n The Matthew-Morgan program: A program that provides an inclusive educational experience for students in grades K-4 with Down Syndrome. Students are included in the general classroom with support from a teaching assistant. This program is housed at St. Patrick School. n Learning Support: Learning Support is offered to provide additional academic support to students in the general classroom who are struggling academically because of learning challenges. It is provided at all nine MACS schools.

Tuition discounts are provided to participating Catholic parishioners. New tuition rates for participating Catholic families are: $3,664 for half-day pre-kindergarten or $5,693 for full-day pre-kindergarten; $6,212 for elementary school (transitional kindergarten through fifth grade); $6,883 for middle school, and $10,066 for high school. (Tuition for non-Catholic or nonparticipating Catholics is higher.) Tuition for the MAP, PACE and Matthew Morgan programs is different from what is listed above. A discount for families with two or more students is available.

Financial assistance is available to qualifying families based on need. Additional financial scholarships are available through the state.

For enrollment information, contact Admissions Director Shannon Fortin at stfortin@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3273.

14

catholicnewsherald.com | March 18, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CTK swim team nets state title, breaks four state records HUNTERSVILLE — On Feb. 22 Christ the King High School’s swim team went to Greensboro to compete in the state swim meet for the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association. Six and a half hours later, the Crusaders brought home major wins, including a first-place championship trophy for the boys, a fifthplace win for the girls, and four broken state records. The achievement marks the first state championship title for the high school, which opened three years ago.

The boys’ team glided past its competitors with a total of 304 points, 75 points more than the second place team, Grace Christian of Raleigh. It was a memorable day for the Crusaders. The boys’ two relay teams – the 200 Medley (Alex Adams, Ben Duckworth, Alex Koenigsberger, and Bradley Hlebak) and the 400 Free (Adams, Romeo Antolini, Koenigsberger, and Hlebak) – broke state records. In individual events, the team also took two first place prizes: Alex Adams in the 200 Medley and Ben Duckworth in the 100 Breaststroke.

The CTK girls’ team placed fifth overall with several first-place victories and two new state records. The team’s Jane Donahue claimed the state championship title in the 200 Individual Medley and in the 100 Breaststroke, along with beating her best times and breaking state records for both of those events. Amanda Hoffman was state champion in the 100 Fly event.

Said Coach Tom Donahue, “The journey from starting a team officially three years ago to reaching this pinnacle has been beyond belief. To do it with the quality of student-athletes – both athletically

and from a character perspective – has been a joy.”

Going into the meet, Donahue said he knew that the swim team was “going to be extremely strong” and had a “good shot at winning the state championship if everything fell into place.”

Coach Donahue also expressed his pride in the team as a whole. Although the team is comprised of only a few year-round swimmers, about eighty percent qualified for states. Of those who qualified, all brought forth their very best effort, earning enough points to bring home a first-place title.

The four senior swimmers: Evan Hendrickson, Bradley Hlebak, Romeo Antolini, and Kristy Blough, all played a major role in the formation and growth of the team. Hlebak and Hendrickson joined during their freshman years, and Antolini and Blough joined during their sophomore years.

Donoghue said it is difficult to say goodbye to the “four pillars” of the CTK swim team, but he is “very proud to know that our first group of seniors will be

Photo provided by Christ the King High School

walking out with a state championship.”

Principal Brendan Keane described the state championship title as a “milestone” in the history of the school. “We are a young school,” he said, “and we are deeply proud of these young men and women who

have worked so hard in their sport to make Crusader history.”

— CTK journalism students Logan Thayer, Jessica Pautz, Luke Modzelewski, Katie Mastrone and Arielle Ippolito. Michael Smith, assistant principal, contributed.

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March 18, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

BRIEF FROM PAGE 13

Carolina Governor’s School. She is the daughter of David Kolosieke and Dr. MaryAnn Garcia of Greensboro and is a member of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro.

The Governor’s School of North Carolina is a five and one-half week summer residential program for intellectually gifted high school students, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses on each of two campuses. The curriculum focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline, and does not involve credit, tests or grades. It is the oldest statewide summer residential program for academically or intellectually gifted high school students in the nation.

— Jeff Stoller

CCHS debate team excels CHARLOTTE — Eighteen members of Charlotte Catholic High School’s Debate and Speech Team competed at the Tarheel Forensic League North Carolina State Tournament March 4-5. The competitive tournament was attended by more than 490 students from 29 schools across the state. Six of students came home with awards: Charles Nenichka and Connor Ruff, North Carolina State Champions, Novice Public Forum Debate; Uwa Akhere, second place, Dramatic Interpretation, and second place, Humorous Interpretation; Ryan Kennedy, third place, Varsity Student Congress Debate; and Jake Sheridan and Chelesea Leland, octafinalists, Novice Lincoln-Douglas. Pictured above are (from left) Ryan Kennedy, Connor Ruff, Charles Nenichka and Uwa Akhere.

Head Coach Mary A. Morales was elected by her peers to serve a two-year term on the executive committee of the Tarheel Forensic League.

County chosen out of more than 350 students in the competition. Colleen, a seventh-grader, researched “Balloon, Liquids and Gas – Oh My” for her project, examining which of five selected liquids would be better for an upset stomach depending upon the amount of gas each produced when heated. Out of the five liquids she tested – water, seltzer water, milk, juice and cola – she determined that water would be most ideal for an upset stomach.

— Robin Fisher

Purello to compete in state geography bee GASTONIA — Thomas Purello, a seventhgrader at St. Michael School, has been named a semifinalist in the 2016 N.C. National Geographic State Bee to be held April 1. He is the son of Joseph and Sheila Purello of Gastonia.

This is the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition, which is now in its 28th year. School Bees were held in schools with fourth- through eighth-grade students throughout the state to determine each school champion. School champions then took an online qualifying test.

The National Geographic Society has invited up to 100 of the top-scoring students in each of the 50 states, District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools and U.S. territories to compete in the state Bees.

Each state champion will receive $100, the National Geographic book “The National Parks: An Illustrated History” and a medal, and will journey to Washington, D.C., to represent their state in the National Geographic Bee Championship at National Geographic Society headquarters, May 22-25. The national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society. The national champion will also travel (along with one parent or guardian), all expenses paid, on a Lindblad expedition to Southeast Alaska aboard National Geographic Sea Lion, including Glacier Bay National Park, in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Travel for the trip is provided by Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic.

— Pat Burr

Photo provided by Denise Reis

Students deepen their faith by doing good works HUNTERSVILLE — Having fun while doing good works for others in the local community is an activity the students at St. Mark School look forward to each month as they prepare sandwiches for the neighbors of the Urban Ministry Center.

Participating in “Operation Sandwich” began as a way for students to become directly involved in helping others. Each month they roll up their sleeves, wash their hands and work as a team assembling sandwiches. “This simple and easy to coordinate outreach program has a big impact on our homeless neighbors. The Urban Ministry Center serves 800 sandwiches most days of the year, which is nearly 300,000 sandwiches annually,” said Beth Moorman parent volunteer coordinator. Students are invited to assemble sandwiches after school using supplies their families donate in the morning. No registration is required, the students simply drop in to help if they are available. Last month 15 students assembled more than 300 sandwiches which were delivered to the center. Pictured are Bryan Gregory and Jacob Reis assembling sandwiches for Operation Sandwich Feb. 11.

Youth Coordinator St. James Catholic Church in Concord, NC is seeking a full-time Youth Coordinator who will oversee the implementation of high school youth ministry (Life Teen), the Sacrament of Confirmation and Young Adult Ministry along with collaborating with the Religious Education staff to implement an overall parish pastoral plan for Religious Education.

Responsibilities will include working with a variety of core teams, teaching and facilitating ministries/programs. The position is hands-on and requires both office and non-office hours including evening and weekend hours.

The position requires Protecting God’s Children, adhering to diocesan guidelines on ministry-related sexual misconduct, attend Religious Education staff meetings, a practicing Catholic in good standing with the

Salisbury student wins regional DAR essay contest — Mary A. Morales

Heuser to compete in state science fair SAILSBURY — Sacred Heart student Colleen Heuser, the daughter of Mark and Leslie Heuser of Salisbury, is advancing to the state level in the N.C. State Science Fair April 1-2 at Meredith College in Raleigh. Heuser recently competed in the N.C. State Region 6 Science Fair at UNCCharlotte, and was the only finalist from Rowan

15

SALISBURY — Alyssa Lopez, an eighthgrader at Sacred Heart School, was recently honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution with the first-place award in their Rowan County and District Level middle school division American History Essay Contest. Gabby Gajus and Hannah Smith, eighth-grader, were also honored for their participation. Pictured are (from left): Gabby Gajus, Alyssa Lopez and Hannah Smith.

— Robin Fisher

Catholic Church and attend appropriate retreats, seminars and classes for one’s own continuing faith formation development. Organization, planning and communication skills are a definite requirement and expected. This position will report to the Pastoral Associate for Religious Education.

For job description please contact Dan Ward at 704-720-0600 x27 or danw@saintjamescatholic.org.

facebook.com/ catholic news HERALD ESPAÑOL

catholicnewsherald.com | March 18, 2016 16

Ministerio de Padres y Madres Orantes celebran reflexión de Cuaresma en la Parroquia de Santo Tomás Aquino Rico De Silva Hispanic Communications Reporter

CHARLOTTE — El Ministerio de Padres y Madres Orantes de la Iglesia de Santo Tomas Aquino en Charlotte ofreció una reflexión de Cuaresma la tarde del Sábado, 5 de Marzo, en esa parroquia.

El evento contó con la presencia de unas 100 personas de la comunidad Hispana de Charlotte y sus alrededores.

El Padre Fidel Melo, Vicario Diocesano

del Ministerio Hispano de Charlotte, fue el primero en dirigirse a los presentes. El Padre Melo habló acerca de la importancia del número “40” durante la Cuaresma.

“Cuarenta días y cuarenta noches tomó el diluvio para purificar al mundo de su antiguo pecado. Cuarenta años tomó el pueblo de Dios al salir de Egipto…Cuarenta días ayunó Nuestro Señor Jesús en el desierto. Entonces el número “40” nos enseña en parte la espiritualidad de la Cuaresma,” dijo el Padre Fidel durante su

CCDOC.ORG

Descubrir Planificación Natural de la Familia Planificación Natural de la Familia moderna (NFP) ofrece una alternativa práctica para lograr o evitar el embarazo. Manteniendo la dignidad de la persona en el contexto del matrimonio y la familia, también promueve la apertura a la vida respetando el amor y las naturalezas vivificantes del matrimonio.

¿Qué va a aprender durante esta clase gratuita de un día?

• Efectividad de los métodos modernos de NFP. • Salud y los beneficios espirituales.

• Riesgos para la salud de los anticonceptivos populares.

• Enseñanza de la Iglesia sobre la sexualidad conyugal.

• Cómo utilizar la planificación familiar natural.

charla.

La predicadora carismática, María Molina, quien es miembro de la Iglesia de Santo Tomás Aquino, y también pertenece al Ministerio de Padres y Madres Orantes de Santo Tomás, también compartió con los presentes, y se dirigió específicamente a los padres y madres de familia. Molina habló de la importancia de corregir a los hijos y dando el buen ejemplo de buscar la santidad en el diario vivir. “¡Ya quieren que seamos santos! ¿Y porque no? ¿Y porque no? Si solo buscando la santidad es que veremos dice (las Escrituras) la Gloria de Dios,” recalcó Molina.

Después de un interludio de música por el canta-autor de música católica de la Republica Dominicana, Jorge Morel y su Banda, Morel se dirigió también a los presentes. Morel, quien pertenece a la Parroquia de San Marcos en Huntersville, habló acerca de la familia como la “Iglesia Domestica,” y compartió con los participantes la importancia de los padres y madres de atender a sus hogares primero que todo, antes de buscar el ayudar en los ministerios parroquiales. “Cuando los tuyos están primero, y tú entonces le agradas a Dios a través del regalo que Dios te dio de tu primer ministerio que es tu familia,” destacó Morel El evento de Cuaresma culminó con una Hora Santa de Adoración al Santísimo Sacramento, que comenzó a las 7 p.m.

Jorge Morel Band amenizó también la Hora Santa con cantos de adoración y alabanza al Rey de Reyes.

El Ministerio de Padres y Madres Orantes de Santo Tomás Aquino se reúnen el tercer viernes de cada mes de 7 a 8:30 p.m. Los padres y madres oran frente al Santísimo por sus hijos y todas sus familias. Todos los hermanos y hermanas hispanos del área de Charlotte y sus alrededores están invitados a participar en este grupo de oración para fortalecer así sus hogares.

La Iglesia de Santo Tomas Aquino está localizada en la 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Para mayor información acerca de este ministerio llamar a Gloria Polanco al 704-807-5237.

Más en línea En el canal de YouTube diocesano: Vea un breve video sobre el evento.

30 de Marzo, Iglesia Católica San Francisco de Asís, Franklin; Para mayor información contacte a Edith Jennings, 828.421.4863 1 de Mayo y 22 de Mayo, Iglesia Católica Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Charlotte; Para mayor información contacte a Gloria Sierra, 704.391.3732, x3 7 de Mayo, Iglesia Católica San Luis, Hickory; Para mayor información contacte a Isabel Romero, 828.327.2341 RICO DE SILVA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Arriba) El cantante católico y predicador, Jorge Morel, se dirige a los participantes durante la reflexión de Cuaresma en St. Tomas Aquino el pasado 5 de Marzo.

Padre Joshua Voitus

La Semana más Santa del año

E

l Domingo de Ramos comenzamos la semana más importante del año, la semana que llamamos la “Semana Santa.” Sin embargo, es importante recalcar que de cierta manera, todas las semanas son santas. Todas las semanas se celebra la Santa Misa, los sacerdotes escuchan confesiones, niños son bautizados, jóvenes reciben el sacramento de la Confirmación, parejas se casan, y en todo el mundo, religiosos y fieles ofrecen sus oraciones a Dios.

También es cierto que todos los días hay fiestas de diferentes santos, los cuales honramos y recordamos por su santidad y por su testimonio de Dios.

Sin embargo, aunque podemos considerar todas las semanas como santas, esta semana es especial. La razón de esto es porque los eventos que conmemoramos de una manera especial durante esta semana son los eventos que le dan significado a todos los eventos santos que celebramos o recordamos en la Iglesia.

Durante esta Semana Santa recordamos la entrada triunfal de Jesús en Jerusalén, dando su testimonio al mundo que Él es en realidad el Mesías que ellos tanto esperaban. Jesús es aquel frente al cual todo el cielo, la tierra y debajo de la tierra tendrán que postrarse. Jesús es soberano sobre todas los pueblos y naciones, y Él es soberano sobre todos nuestros corazones.

Esta semana también recordaremos la Ultima Cena, la comida ceremonial que Jesús celebró con sus Apóstoles, y durante la cual Cristo nos dio los dones del sacerdocio y la Eucaristía.

Jesús toma esta ceremonial comida y la transforma en algo mucho más grande para nosotros, la convierte en un regalo que Él continua dándole a su pueblo todos los días.

Durante el Viernes Santo recordamos, de una manera especial, el sufrimiento, la Crucifixión, y la Muerte de Jesús.

San Pablo nos dice que él predica a Cristo, y a un Cristo crucificado. En toda iglesia católica alrededor del mundo, se requiere que haya una imagen de Cristo crucificado en la cruz. Todo hogar católico debe tener por lo menos un crucifijo colgado en la pared (Sin embargo, yo recomiendo que haya uno en cada cuarto de un hogar). La razón de esto es que fue por nuestros pecados que Jesús murió en la cruz, y solo al nosotros cargar nuestra cruz y siguiéndolo a Él a la cruz podemos tener VOITUS, SEE page 24

Mix

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In theaters

to find and kill the boy and in the figure of Satan (Rory Keenan) whose presence only Jesus can sense. Director and co-writer Cyrus Nowrasteh’s screen version of Anne Rice’s 2005 novel “Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt” sensitively explores the mystery of the Incarnation in a way that will both intrigue and entertain viewers of most ages. Though discreetly handled, some mature elements bar endorsement for the youngest moviegoers. Combat violence with slight gore and scenes of crucifixion.

CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG-13

‘The Brothers Grimsby’

‘The Young Messiah’ This engaging dramatization remains faithful to the underlying message of scripture even as it speculates about the childhood of Jesus (Adam Greaves-Neal), a topic on which the Gospels are virtually silent. As Joseph (Vincent Walsh) leads his family back from exile in Egypt, he and Mary (Sara Lazzaro) struggle to understand and guide their unique son, whose supernatural identity is at least partially known to his relatives. Danger pursues the extended clan in the person of a Roman centurion who has orders from King Herod (Jonathan Bailey)

When a bumbling halfwit (Sacha Baron Cohen) from a poverty-stricken town in Northern England reunites with his long-lost brother (Mark Strong), a skilled secret agent, he not only compromises his sibling’s undercover operation but makes it appear that the operative has turned traitor. So the two are forced to hide out with the dumbbell’s live-in girlfriend (Rebel Wilson), his nine children and his protective community of eccentric slobs while the James Bond wannabe works to clear his name.

Constant action violence with some gore, drug use, extremely coarse humor, considerable rough and crude language.

CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

Other movies n ‘Gods of Egypt’: CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: PG-13 n ‘Whiskey Tango Foxtrot’: CNS: O (morally offensive); MPAA: R

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On TV n Saturday, March 19, 7 p.m. (EWTN) “Edith Stein: The Seventh Chamber.” An artistic portrayal of the heroic life of Jewish philosopher and Catholic convert Edith Stein, martyred by the Nazis in 1942. n Sunday, March 20, 11 a.m. (EWTN) “Solemn Mass of Palm Sunday.” EWTN presents the Solemn Mass of Palm Sunday from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. n Monday, March 21, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Windows Onto Heaven: His Passion and Cross.” Images that depict Christ as the Bridegroom, an ancient image of God who has a covenant with His people. n Tuesday, March 22, 9 a.m. (EWTN) “That I May See.” The Sermon on the Mount and the miracles of Jesus. n Tuesday, March 22, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “The Word Was Made Flesh: The Last Supper.”

Follow the Gospel narrative of the Last Supper celebrated by Our Lord with Father Andrew Apostoli. Understand the nature of Christ’s discipleship, His Eucharistic presence and the promise of sending His Spirit. Part 1. n Wednesday, March 23, 5:30 p.m. (EWTN) “The Word Was Made Flesh: The Last Supper.” Father Apostoli recounts Jesus’ further directives to His disciples on how to stay connected with Him even after He has gone. They are to live in His love, keeping His commandments and love one another as He has loved them. Part 2.

n Thursday, March 24, 11 a.m. (EWTN) “Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper from Rome.” Pope Francis celebrates the Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper. n Friday, March 25, 7 p.m. (EWTN) “Way of the Cross from Rome.” Pope Francis presides over the Stations of the Cross, from the Colosseum in Rome. n Saturday, March 26, 7 a.m. (EWTN) “This Side of Eden.” A poetic, compelling and richly intimate portrait of the Benedictine monks at Westminster Abbey in British Columbia during Holy Week and the Easter Triduum. n Saturday, March 26, 2:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Easter Vigil Mass.” Pope Francis celebrates the Easter Vigil Mass, live from Rome. n Sunday, March 27, 4 p.m. (EWTN) “Triumphant Hour.” A portrayal of the triumphant ‘hour’ of Jesus’ Resurrection, using many well-known actors from the mid1900s. n Sunday, March 27, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “Urbi et Orbi: Message and Blessing.” Live from St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Pope Francis gives the traditional message and blessing for the Christmas and Easter seasons, ‘Urbi et Orbi’ (‘to the city of Rome and to the world’). n Sunday, March 27, 6 p.m. (EWTN) “Solemn Mass of Easter from Rome.” Pope Francis celebrates the Solemn Mass of Easter, live from Rome.

A new CD by John Brincefield to benefit the capital campaign fund at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

CD’s are $17 each (includes mailing cost). Payment can be made at: PayPal: cris@carolina.rr.com Send check payable to: John Brincefield, PO Box 265, Salisbury, NC 28145-0265 For more information please contact John at: jbrincefield@carolina.rr.com

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In Brief Catholics urged to sign petition calling for U.S. declaration of genocide WASHINGTON, D.C. — The archbishop who serves as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has asked U.S. Catholics to sign a pledge calling for an end to the slaughter of Christians and members of other religious minority groups in the Middle East.

“Today, the people of God must speak up for our brothers and sisters facing genocide in the Middle East,” said a March 14 statement from Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., USCCB president. “As a people of faith, we must convince the U.S. Department of State to include Christians in any formal declaration of genocide.”

The same day the House in a bipartisan 393-0 vote approved a nonbinding resolution that condemns as genocide the atrocities being carried out by Islamic State militants against Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities in the areas it occupies in Iraq and Syria.

Secretary of State John Kerry must decide by mid-March whether to make a formal declaration of genocide. After the House vote, Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said that as the Obama administration “waffles on this issue and doubles-down on its failed strategy” to defeat the Islamic State, “the American people are speaking loudly and clearly on this issue.”

Pennsylvania bishop pledges transparency in dealing with abuse reports HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. — Bishop Mark L. Bartchak of Altoona-Johnstown committed the Pennsylvania diocese to be transparent in its efforts related to the sexual abuse of minors by clergy and to make public the names of all priests found to have a credible allegation of abuse against them and the status of each man within the diocese. The pledge came during an afternoon news conference March 3 at diocesan offices in Hollidaysburg, two days after a state grand jury issued a report saying that at least 50 priests or religious leaders were involved in the sexual abuse of hundreds of children over several decades and that diocesan leaders systematically concealed the abuse to protect the Church’s image.

The list of priests accused of abuse will be published on the diocesan website, www. ajdiocese.org, Bishop Bartchak said. The diocese made a copy of the statement Bishop Bartchak read to the media available online.

The bishop apologized to abuse victims, their families, people of the diocese and priests.

Bishop Bartchak also said that the diocese will continue sending to law enforcement authorities written reports of allegations it receives of “any type of sexual misconduct involving a minor” by a living or deceased clergyman or religious, “whether or not the victim is now a minor and whether or not the victim or another person already has made the report.”

The grand jury report commended Bishop Bartchak for cooperating with the state’s investigation and offered recommendations for the diocese to consider in its handling of abuse allegations, including keeping the needs of abuse victims foremost.

Three Franciscans indicted in Pennsylvania sexual abuse investigation

Court hears oral arguments in challenge to Texas abortion restrictions

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Three Franciscan priests were charged with conspiracy for endangering the welfare of children as well as for endangering the welfare of children in connection with a two-year investigation into sexual abuse in the Diocese of AltoonaJohnstown. Franciscan Fathers Giles A. Schinelli, Robert J. D’Aversa and Anthony M. Criscitelli were expected to return to Pennsylvania to answer the charges, said Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane at a news conference March 15 at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown campus.

The men were indicted followed a grand jury investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by dozens of priests and other religious leaders in the diocese. Kane said the charges stem from the time each of the men served as provincial superior of the Franciscan Brothers of the Third Order Regular, Province of the Immaculate Conception based in Hollidaysburg, and their continued appointment of Franciscan Brother Stephen Baker to ministry positions where he worked with children.

Brother Baker is accused of abusing more than 80 children from Bishop McCort Catholic High School in Johnstown between 1992 and 2000, where he taught religion and worked as an athletic trainer, Kane said.

The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, the order and the high school have reached settlements with the victims. Brother Baker committed suicide in January 2013 at the St. Bernardine Monastery in Hollidaysburg.

The province issued a brief statement after the indictments were announced, saying it was “deeply saddened by the news. With compassion for the victims and their families as well as for the Catholic family and the community at large, the province and its leadership have worked to cooperate with the Office of Attorney General throughout this investigation in the hope that this information could shed light on events that the province, too, struggles to understand.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in its first abortion case in nine years March 2 in a challenge by Texas abortion clinics to a 2013 state law that requires them to comply with standards of ambulatory surgical centers and their doctors to have admitting privileges at local hospitals.

The almost 90 minutes of oral arguments March 2 was before a court left with eight members following the Feb. 13 death of Justice Antonin Scalia, who regularly voted to uphold abortion limitations and was expected to have provided the fifth vote in this case to uphold the requirements. If the justices vote 4-4 in a decision on this case, they will uphold a lower court’s decision approving the Texas law, but the case would not set a national precedent.

Stephanie Toti, a lawyer for the Center for Reproductive Rights in New York City, presented the oral arguments on behalf of the clinics and doctors, and U.S. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr. was given 10 minutes to argue for the federal government’s support of the clinics. Scott Keller, solicitor general of Texas, delivered the arguments defending the state law on abortion clinic restrictions.

In 2007, the Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision upheld the federal ban on partial-birth abortion.

USCCB, other faith groups file Supreme Court brief in immigration case WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and several other Catholic organizations joined in filing friend of the court briefs March 8 urging the Supreme Court to support the Obama administration’s actions that would temporarily protect from deportation more than 4 million immigrants in the country illegally and enable some immigrants to legally work in the United States.

Immigration guidelines that defer the deportation of millions of people provide “substantial humanitarian benefits” and should be permitted to stand, said the brief filed by the U.S. bishops and 24 other faith-based organizations.

Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc., or CLINIC, similarly joined an amicus brief with more than 325 immigration groups, civil rights, labor and social service organizations in urging the court to uphold the Obama administration’s executive actions.

At least three Catholic colleges also joined an amicus brief with more than 75 education and children’s advocacy organizations.

Other briefs were filed by House Democrats and a group of more than 60 entrepreneurs and business leaders including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

West Virginia Legislature overrides governor’s veto on abortion bill WHEELING, W.Va. — West Virginia has become the third state to outlaw second-trimester dismemberment abortion after the state Legislature voted March 10 to override Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s veto of the Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act. “The West Virginia Legislature and the prolife people in our state have been very strong in showing their support for the protection of human life,” Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston said in a statement.

“I commend all those who have worked so hard not only in the passing of this bill, but to override the governor’s veto as well,” he said.

Tomblin vetoed the bill March 9. The next day, the House of Delegates voted 85-15 to override the veto and the Senate voted 25-9. If the law is unchallenged, the ban will go into effect in May. The bill outlaws a form of second-trimester abortion that “dismember(s) a living unborn child and extract(s) him or her one piece at a time from the uterus.”

Maryland physician-assisted suicide bill withdrawn from Senate committee ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A measure that would have legalized physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients in the state of Maryland has been withdrawn from the Senate Judiciary Proceedings Committee by its sponsor, Sen. Ronald Young.

“I think it’s a reaction of relief that, for this year, this very dangerous legislation is not moving forward,” said Mary Ellen Russell, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the Maryland’s Catholic bishops, who opposed the bill. Russell expressed gratitude to those who had spoken against it, including advocates for the disabled, advocates for the elderly, doctors and mental health professionals, “for coming forward and making sure this legislation was seen for what it is.” As was made patently clear by opponents to the bill,” she said, “it would

impact the lives of vulnerable people in multiple ways that can’t be fixed by amending the bill.”

Report shows U.S. Catholic schools not doing enough for Latino Catholics WASHINGTON, D.C. — Catholic schools in the United States are falling short in serving the growing number of Latino Catholics, according to a new report released March 7.

The Boston College report, “Catholic Schools in an Increasingly Hispanic Church,” looks at the disparity between the number of schoolage children who are Hispanic – 12.4 million – and the number of these students enrolled in Catholic schools – 296,203 or 2.3 percent. Of the total 12.4 million Hispanic students, about 8 million are Catholic.

“The numbers are without a doubt sobering,” the report says, pointing out that even with stronger efforts by Catholic leaders and school communities to recruit Hispanic students, “the total enrollment of Hispanic children in Catholic schools remains almost stagnant.”

The report also notes that the growing number of Latino Catholic school-age children in the U.S., especially in the past two decades, has “coincided with considerable challenges to the Catholic school educational system and a decline in its resources.” It points out that 50 years ago, there were more than 13,000 Catholic elementary schools, compared to 6,568 in 2015.

Open letter in National Review urges Catholics to reject Trump candidacy WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican candidate Donald Trump’s run for the White House is putting the efforts by the Republican Party to defend and advance the many “noble causes” it has promoted in his history “in grave danger,” said an open letter to Catholics published March 7 in the National Review.

“Donald Trump is manifestly unfit to be president of the United States. His campaign has already driven our politics down to new levels of vulgarity,” said the letter from two prominent Catholics, Robert George and George Weigel. “His appeals to racial and ethnic fears and prejudice are offensive to any genuinely Catholic sensibility,” they wrote in their “appeal to our fellow Catholics and to all men and women of goodwill.

George is the McCormick professor of jurisprudence at Princeton University. Weigel is distinguished senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and holds its William E. Simon chair in Catholic studies.

“There is nothing in his campaign or his previous record that gives us grounds for confidence that he genuinely shares our commitments to the right to life, to religious freedom and the rights of conscience, to rebuilding the marriage culture, or to subsidiarity and the principle of limited constitutional government,” they said.

Students’ speaking invitation to Planned Parenthood CEO draws criticism WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., has criticized a Georgetown University student group’s invitation to the president of Planned Parenthood to speak on campus. In a statement, the archdiocese said the issue is not about free speech because “lacking in this choice by the student group is any reflection of what should be an environment BRIEFS, SEE page 19

Let’s keep talking.

March 18, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

BRIEFS FROM PAGE 18

of morality, ethics and human decency that one expects on a campus that asserts its Jesuit and Catholic history and identity.” Georgetown University officials defended the students’ invitation, saying in a statement that the issue is a matter of “sustaining a forum for the free exchange of ideas ... even when those ideas may be difficult, controversial or objectionable to some.”

Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, is scheduled to speak at Georgetown in April. She was invited to speak by the school’s student-run Lecture Fund.

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s largest abortion provider.

In its statement, the archdiocese said: “One would prefer to see some recognition by this student group of the lives and ministry, focus and values of people like Blessed Oscar Romero, Blessed Teresa (of Kolkata) and Pope Francis in place of that group’s seemingly constant preoccupation with sexual activity, contraception and abortion.”

‘Easter Mysteries’ film to have one-night showing at select U.S. cinemas DENVER — During Holy Week, a new musical

theater depiction of the Easter story will hit the big screen at nearly 300 movie theaters around the country for a special one-night showing March 22. Titled “Easter Mysteries,” the film was produced by Denver-based Fathom Events and New York-based SimonSays Entertainment.

Tickets can be purchased online by going to www.fathomevents.com/event/easter-mysteries or at participating theater box offices, which are listed at the site under the tab “Theater Locations.” (In the Diocese of Charlotte, the movie will be shown in Charlotte, Concord, Greensboro and Salisbury theaters.) The film, being made available through Fathom’s digital broadcast network, will be shown in all venues at 7 p.m. local time.

Christ’s passion to be retold in live musical broadcast from New Orleans NEW ORLEANS — Christ’s final hours will come to life in spectacular fashion on Palm Sunday, March 20, when Fox airs “The Passion,” a two-hour, live musical event from New Orleans. Bolstered by a soundtrack of contemporary songs performed live by the cast, the epic television event will be a modern retelling of Christ’s passion, following Jesus at the Last Supper, is betrayed by Judas, put on trial by Pontius Pilate, walks to His crucifixion and rises from the dead. The Scripture-based narrative, written by Peter Barsocchini, will unfold live on a stage erected in the city’s Woldenberg Park and through a series of

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

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pre-taped segments broadcast on the stage’s jumbo screen. (It airs 7-9 p.m. (CDT); check local listings). A highlight of the production will be the simultaneous mile-and-a-half procession of a 20-foot illuminated cross from Champions Square to Woldenberg Park.

— Catholic News Service

Youth Ministry Coordinator Saint Therese Catholic Church, Mooresville, NC

• The Youth Ministry Coordinator is a part time position 20-25 hours per week • Must be able to maintain a flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekend and special occasions • Under the supervision of the Director of Religious Education, oversee all 9-12 grade programs • Experience working with youth required • An active Catholic in good standing • A person of deep faith and prayer • A person called to ministry with teens

If interested or for additional information please email resume and/or questions to: csanjuan@sainttherese.net

Center for Spirituality rockhilloratory.org

oratorycenter@gmail.com

Caring for the Earth Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 9:30am – 4pm Sister Donna Lareau, OLM Using the insights of Pope Francis and Teilhard de Chardin, we will explore our relationship to our world and our Christian responsibility as stewards of all creation.

The day includes prayer, noon Eucharist and lunch.

Cost: $40 (lunch included)

Iconography Retreat Wednesday, April 13 – Sunday, April 17, 2016 Father Damian Higgins – Ukrainian Rite During this retreat students will pray, study and learn the traditional method of egg-tempera icon writing / painting. Each participant learns about the various natural materials, practices the techniques and spiritual disciplines for creating a traditional icon and takes home a completed project.

All materials are included in the tuition, and the schedule is flexible for commuters with work and families. The retreat is open to all and especially welcomes the first time icon writers and those without artistic training. Enrollment is strictly limited to 12 participants.

Cost*: $375 – tuition / $200 – room & board / $40 – meals for commuters *A deposit of $150 is required and deducted from the total due.

CCDOC.ORG

Help and Hope For Youth & Their Families The Piedmont Triad Office of Catholic Charities offers professional youth and family counseling services free of charge, in English and Spanish. Individual and family counseling can help school-age young people who may be dealing with behavioral issues, trauma, changing family dynamics, school issues, depression and anxiety, and life transitions.

Licensed, Masters level counselors at Catholic Charities strive to help people in crisis cope with daily challenges and reduce stress, fear, and uncertainty. Parenting Education classes are also available free of charge. All families qualify for services regardless of income.

To request services or make referrals, contact Becky DuBois at 336-714-3203/bjdubois@charlottediocese.org.

Free services provided at the Catholic Charities office in Winston-Salem only.

627 West Second Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27120

19

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Pope marks third anniversary of election with talk on mercy Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY— Pope Francis celebrated the third anniversary of his election with a simple Tweet – “Pray for me” – and the usual Sunday recitation of the Angelus prayer with tens of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

In his talk March 13, the pope did not mention the anniversary, but focused on God’s forgiveness and mercy as he did in his first Angelus address in 2013.

“God does not nail us to our sins; He does not identify us with the evil we have committed,” the pope said. “God wants to free us.” He wants people to use their freedom to do good and not evil.

“This is possible – it’s possible – with His grace.”

Pope Francis’ Angelus address focused on the Gospel passage being read at Masses around the world: St. John’s account of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery.

The scribes and Pharisees, planning to stone the woman in accordance with the law, brought her to Jesus in an attempt to trick Him. “If Jesus followed the severity of the law, approving the stoning of the woman, He would lose His fame of meekness and goodness, which so fascinated people,” the pope said. “But if He wanted to be merciful, He would go against the law, which He Himself said He had come not to abolish but to fulfill.”

Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

“This response scatters the accusers, disarming all of them in the true sense of the word,” the pope said. They leave one by one, beginning with the oldest, who is “more aware of not being without sin.”

“How good it would be for us, too, to be aware that we are sinners,” he said. “How good it would be if we had the courage to let fall to the ground the stones we have for throwing at others and rather to think about our own sins.”

Every sin is a betrayal of God, making people “adulterers before God,” the pope said. But Jesus says to all, like He said to the woman in the Gospel, “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”

“Her experience represents God’s will for each of us: not our condemnation, but our salvation through Jesus.”

Mother Teresa to be canonized Sept. 4 Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis will declare Blessed Teresa of Kolkata a saint at the Vatican Sept. 4.

The date was announced March 15 during an “ordinary public consistory,” a meeting of the pope, cardinals and promoters of sainthood causes that formally ends the sainthood process.

At the same consistory, the pope set June 5 as the date for the canonizations of Blessed Stanislaus Papczynski of Poland, founder of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, and Blessed Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad of Sweden, who re-founded the Bridgettine sisters.

In addition, Pope Francis declared that Oct. 16 he would celebrate Mass for the canonizations of Argentina’s “gaucho priest,” Blessed Jose Brochero, and Blessed Jose Sanchez del Rio, a 14-year-old Mexican boy martyred for refusing to renounce his faith during the Cristero War of the 1920s.

Setting the dates concludes a long process of studying the lives and writings of the sainthood candidates: n Mother Teresa was widely known as a living saint as she ministered to the sick and the dying in some of the poorest neighborhoods in the world. Although some people criticized her for not also challenging the injustices that kept so many people so poor and abandoned, her simple service touched the hearts of millions of people of all faiths.

Born to an ethnic Albanian family in Skopje, in what is now part of Macedonia, she went to India in 1929 as a Sister of Loreto and became an Indian citizen in 1947. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. Shortly after she died in 1997, St. John Paul II waived the usual five-year waiting period and allowed the opening of the process to declare her sainthood.

She was beatified in 2003.

CNS | Jayanta Shaw, Reuters After her beatification, A poster of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata and Missionaries of Charity Missionary of Charity Father are seen in Kolkata, India, in this Sept. 5, 2007, file photo. Pope Brian Kolodiejchuk, the Francis will declare her a saint at the Vatican Sept. 4. postulator of her sainthood cause, published a book of her letters, “Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light.” The letters illustrated how, for decades, she experienced what is described as a “dark night of the soul” in Christian spirituality; she felt that God had abandoned her. While the letters shocked some people, others saw them as proof of her steadfast faith in God, which was not based on feelings or signs that He was with her.

The date chosen for her canonization is the eve of the 19th anniversary of her death and the date previously established at the Vatican for the conclusion of the Year of Mercy pilgrimage of people like her who are engaged in works of mercy. n Blessed Papczynski founded the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception in Poland in the 17th century. Today the Marians are special promoters of the Divine Mercy devotion of St. Faustina Kowalska. Born in 1631, he was ordained as a Piarist priest, but left the order after 10 years. His new congregation was established officially in 1679 and he died in 1701. He was beatified in Poland in 2007. n Blessed Hesselblad was born in Faglavik, Sweden, in 1870 and went to the U.S. at 18 in search of work to help support her family. Born a Lutheran, she studied nursing in New York and, impressed by the faith of the Catholics she cared for, entered the Catholic Church. On a pilgrimage to Rome, she visited the home of the 14th-century St. Brigid of Sweden and was welcomed by the Carmelite sisters who were then living there. She received permission from the pope to profess vows under the rule of St. Brigid and refound the Bridgettine order. She was beatified in 2000. n Blessed Brochero, the “gaucho priest,” was born in Argentina in 1840 and died in 1914.

Ordained for the Archdiocese of Cordoba, he spent years traveling by mule to reach his flock. Pope Francis, in a message in 2013 for the priest’s beatification said Father Brochero truly had “the smell of his sheep.” He gained particular fame for his work caring for the sick and dying during a cholera epidemic in 1867. With his own hands, he built churches and chapels and opened paths through the western mountains of Cordoba province.

During his travels, he contracted Hansen’s disease, more commonly known as leprosy. n Blessed Sanchez was martyred in Mexico in 1928, just weeks before his 15th birthday.

In 1926 Mexican President Plutarco Elias Calles introduced tough anti-clerical laws and confiscated Church property across the country. Some 90,000 people were killed in the ensuing Cristero war before the government and Church reached an accord in 1929. Sanchez wanted to fight in the war alongside his brothers, but he was too young.

Eventually, he was allowed to be the flag bearer of a unit. During a battle, he was captured by government troops, who ordered him to renounce his faith. He refused, even when tortured and was executed about two weeks later. He was beatified in 2005.

News from the pope’s Lenten retreat Give fragments of life, not doctrine, says preacher of Curia retreat VATICAN CITY — Jesus’ call to be the salt of the earth is a reminder to His disciples to preach hope and life and not be wrapped up in dogmatic conundrums, a Servite priest told the pope and Vatican officials. “We are salt that has lost its flavor if we are not resolute men, if we are not free from masks and fear. People want to receive fragments of life from Jesus’ disciples, not fragments of doctrine,” Servite Father Ermes Ronchi said. The Italian priest, who is a member of Rome’s Pontifical “Marianum” theological faculty, was chosen by Pope Francis to lead the Lenten retreat of the Roman Curia; he chose to preach on the theme: “The bare questions of the Gospel.” The March 6-11 retreat was held at the Pauline Fathers’ retreat center in Ariccia, 20 miles southeast of Rome. In his morning meditation March 7, Father Ronchi spoke about fear, which entered the world after Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Adam’s hiding out of fear of God’s wrath, he said, indicates the effect of sin which keeps the possibility of mercy far from him. For Christians, he added, this fear “produces a sad Christianity, a God without joy. In this sense, the enemy of fear is not courage but faith,” he said.

Preacher: Christians wounded by clerical greed, pedophilia VATICAN CITY — Sexual abuse of minors and greed by members of the clergy have left Christians wounded, a Servite priest told the pope and Vatican officials during their Lenten retreat. “Pedophilia and the attachment to money are the two behaviors of the clergy that have most wounded and angered the Christian people,” Servite Father Ermes Ronchi said during the retreat March 9. The Church, he said, is capable of being transparent like Christ, who “never allowed Himself to be bought and never entered the palaces of the powerful as anything other than a prisoner.” In his morning meditation March 9, the Italian theologian reflected on a question asked

by Jesus prior to miraculously feeding thousands: “How many loaves do you have?” This question, he said, “is asked to all of His disciples, even today: How much money do you have? How many houses? How many jewels do you possess, perhaps in the form of a cross or a ring?”

Challenging questions can be sign of faith, preacher says VATICAN CITY — At the end of a Lenten retreat focused on questions in the Gospels, Servite Father Ermes Ronchi told Pope Francis and senior members of the Roman Curia that it is tempting to bristle when the faithful ask challenging questions, but he is certain it is a sign of how seriously they take the faith. “It gives me hope to see how, among the people of God, questions continue to grow and no one is content with the same old answers,” Father Ronchi told the retreatants March 11 during his last talk before the pope and Curia members returned to the Vatican. “When everyone silently accepted the word of a priest was it a time of greater faith?” he asked. “I think the opposite is true and even if this means more work for us, it is also an ‘alleluia,’ a ‘finally.’” Mary’s question – “How can this be?” – in response to the Annunciation was Father Ronchi’s focus for the final meditation at the March 6-11 retreat. “Being perplexed, asking questions is a way of standing before the Lord with all of one’s human dignity,” he said. Like Mary, “I accept the mystery, but at the same time I use my intelligence.”

— Catholic News Service

March 18, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Vatican statistics report increase in baptized Catholics worldwide VATICAN CITY — The number of baptized Catholics worldwide has grown at a faster rate than that of the world’s population, according to Vatican statistics. Although the number of priests has increased globally, the number has decreased slightly in Europe and Oceania, according to the Vatican’s Central Office for Church Statistics.

The figures are presented in the “Annuario Pontificio 2016,” the Vatican yearbook, and will appear in the Statistical Yearbook of the Church, which gives detailed figures on the church’s workforce, sacramental life, dioceses and parishes as of Dec. 31, 2014.

The number of baptized Catholics reached 1.27 billion or 17.8 percent of the global population, the statistics office reported March 5. Despite the increase of Catholics worldwide, the yearbook noted a “less dynamic” growth of only 2 percent in Europe. While the continent is home to almost 40 percent of the Catholic global population, the percent of the world’s Catholics living in Europe has slowly decreased over the past nine years, it said.

Church must encourage couples who remain faithful, pope says VATICAN CITY — While the Catholic Church tries to help people whose marriages have failed remain or return to an active Catholic life, it also must express its admiration for people who remain faithful to their marriage vows despite great difficulty, Pope Francis said. “Witnesses to marital fidelity must be encouraged and held up as examples to imitate,” Pope Francis said March 12 in a meeting with participants in a course sponsored by the Roman Rota, a Vatican court that deals mainly with marriage cases.

The course focused on documents issued

by Pope Francis in September to simplify procedures for determining whether or not a marriage was valid, doing away with the automatic appeal of tribunal decisions, establishing an abbreviated process when the nullity is clear and ordering a reduction in the cost to couples.

The pope told the students and Rota officials that the consultations leading up to the 2014 and 2015 synods of bishops on the family made it clear there was strong support “for making the procedures for the declaration of matrimonial nullity more agile and effective.”

Pope: Missionaries of Charity killed in Yemen are ‘martyrs of charity’ VATICAN CITY — The four Missionaries of Charity murdered March 4 in Yemen “are the martyrs of today,” Pope Francis said.

“They gave their blood for the Church.” After reciting the Angelus with thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square March 6, Pope Francis publicly offered his condolences to the Missionaries of Charity and prayed that Blessed Teresa of Kolkata would “accompany to paradise these daughters of hers, martyrs of charity, and that she would intercede for peace and a sacred respect for human life.”

The four Missionaries of Charity and 12 other people were killed by uniformed gunmen, who entered the home the sisters operate for the elderly and disabled in Aden. The superior of the Missionaries of Charity at the home survived by hiding, according to the Vatican’s Fides news

agency.

Father Tom Uzhunnalil, an Indian Salesian priest who had been living at the home since Holy Family Parish in Aden was sacked and burned in September, was missing after the attack.

Although the sisters would not make news headlines, Pope Francis said, the martyred sisters “gave their blood for the Church.” The sisters and the 14 others killed “are victims of the attack by those who killed them, but also (victims) of indifference, this globalization of indifference that just doesn’t care,” the pope said.

Suffering of innocent can make it difficult to trust God, pope says VATICAN CITY — The suffering of the homeless, the plight of refugees and the persecution of Christians, such as the four Missionaries of Charity murdered in Yemen, are events that can make it difficult for Christians to have faith and trust in God, Pope Francis said at his morning Mass. “You see these four slaughtered nuns: They served out of love and ended up slaughtered out of hate! When you see the doors closed to refugees and they are left outside, out in the open and in the cold, (we ask): ‘But, Lord, where are you?’” the pope said March 14 during the Mass in the chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae.

The pope focused his homily on the day’s first reading from the Book of Daniel, in which Susanna, a righteous woman, is falsely accused of adultery and unjustly sentenced to death before being proven innocent by the prophet Daniel. Like Susanna, who called out to God when she was being led to her execution, the pope said it is easy to question God when facing moments of injustice and difficulty, especially when seeing “so many people who die of hunger, of war, so many disabled children.”

devoted their lives to healing patients will soon be asked to do the exact opposite,” Cardinal Collins wrote. “They will not be asked to ease their suffering by providing them with treatment and loving care, but by putting them to death. In fact, killing a patient will no longer be considered a crime, but will actually be seen as a kind of health care, complete with legislation to regulate it.”

Cardinal Collins said recent recommendations of a parliamentary committee “should shock us to the core.”

The recommendations open the possibility of euthanasia for minors, include advanced directives so those diagnosed with dementia can schedule their deaths, and recommend allowing euthanasia for those with psychiatric conditions.

The committee also recommended doctors who refuse to kill their patients find someone else to do it, he said, adding, “No other country in the world requires such a violation of conscience.”

— Catholic News Service

Celebrate Holy Week with

St. John Neumann Catholic Church 8451 Idlewild Road – Charlotte, NC 28227 704-536-6520 www.4sjnc.org Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday, March 19 4:00 to 4:45 PM Wednesday, March 23 6:30 to 7:30 PM

Living Stations of the Cross 7:00 p.m.

Celebration of the Passion and Veneration of the Cross (Español) 8:00 p.m.

Holy Thursday Morning Prayer - 9:00 AM Mass of the Lord’s Supper - 7:00 p.m. (incense will be used) Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until Midnight

Holy Saturday Morning Prayer - 9:00 AM Blessing of Easter Food - 12:00 Noon Easter Vigil - 8:00 PM (incense will be used)

Good Friday Morning Prayer - 9:00 AM

Easter Sunday 6:30 AM Sunrise Mass (outdoors, weather permitting), 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:00 PM (Español) (incense will be used at the 6:30, 11:15 & 1:00 Masses)

No Confessions on Holy Saturday

Celebration of the Passion and Veneration of the Cross (English) 3:00 p.m.

West African bishops urge Catholics to defend marriage ACCRA, Ghana — The bishops of the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa called on Catholics to defend traditional marriage and the family as they met in the Ghanaian capital. The prelates also pledged in a pastoral statement released Feb. 28 to support and defend the culture of life against what they described as influences from other nations that are offered as keys to development.

“We defend the inalienable dignity and rights of all persons, as children of God, created in his message and likeness; we must tutelage the rights of all, especially the most vulnerable in society such as those conceived (the unborn), the aged and the infirm through earthly life to natural death,” the statement said. “We in the Church uphold and defend that marriage is a gift of God created for man and woman, nothing more or nothing less, and that all human life is sacred and must be respected, accompanied and supported, protected and defended from the womb,” it said.

The Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa is the Catholic bishops’ regional grouping, which brings together English-, Portuguese- and French-speaking bishops of West Africa. About 120 cardinals, archbishops and bishops from 16 countries attended the meeting.

Toronto, Ottawa prelates call for action against euthanasia OTTAWA, Ontario — The Catholic archbishops in two of Canada’s largest English-speaking dioceses stepped up their campaign against euthanasia and assisted suicide, calling the faithful to action.

Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto and Archbishop Terrence Prendergast of Ottawa issued pastoral letters read in parishes during Masses over the March 5-6 weekend, reported Canadian Catholic News.

“Physicians across our country who have

21

DIOCESAN YEAR OF MERCY PILGRIMAGE TO

Poland

with Fr. Christopher Roux OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 6, 2016

Join Fr. Christopher Roux on an 8 day pilgrimage to Poland. Walk in the footsteps of the Saints of Mercy John Paul II & St. Faustina. Visit the concentration camp at Auschwitz, our Lady’s miraculous image at Czestochowa, the famous Salt Mines of faith and much more including the rich history and culture of the Polish people.

There will also be an opportunity for an extension to Rome led by Fr. Roux if there is interest in continuing the journey!

Pricing starts $3699 for reservations received by March 11, 2016.

Call Corporate Travel at 1-800-727-1999 ext 121 or 150 or visit us online at www.ctscentral.net.

ViewPoints 22

catholicnewsherald.com | March 18, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Dr. Kamila Valenta

Mexican border problem goes beyond walls and bridges F or many years, the Mexican border has been a source of political controversy in the United States as well as with respect to the relationship with our southern neighbor and third-largest trading partner. However, the problem reached a new international level of attention when Pope Francis recently became personally involved by visiting the border twice and from both sides within the past year. Furthermore, in this election year, the overall problem of illegal immigration and the debate over whether the Mexican border needs more walls or bridges is dominating American politics and presidential debates. While the media tend to focus on securing the border and dealing with the problem of illegal and uncontrolled immigration, these important issues are rarely discussed in the context of the root causes of this problem. The Mexican border, which already includes both walls and bridges, is only a reflection of a much deeper problem of U.S.Mexican relations.

When people are willing to risk their lives by attempting to illegally cross a closely guarded border, they usually do so because the conditions at home are unbearable. In this case, people are trying to escape extreme poverty, violence and political unrest. Many aspects of the internal situation in Mexico are beyond our control, but being Mexico’s largest and by far most powerful neighbor, our foreign policy has often contributed to many hardships that Mexican people face.

When Mexico joined the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994, which virtually eliminated tariffs and enabled large American corporations to penetrate the Mexican economy, conditions for many middle- and lowerincome Mexicans became worse.

Large American agricultural conglomerates, with the help of the subsidized and now tarifffree U.S. imported corn, drove many small Mexican farmers and meat-producing firms out of business because they could no longer compete. Some of those displaced farmers especially from the Veracruz region, who lost their business due to the sharp drop in pork prices caused by massive imports of U.S. companies, eventually found jobs at pork processing plants in the U.S., working for the same companies that led to the destruction of their family farming businesses back home in Mexico.

The implementation of the NAFTA agreement benefitted many large American corporations but led to the loss of approximately 120,000 jobs in the pork industry alone, and overall about 2 million Mexicans were forced to leave their farms. According to World Bank records, the 35 percent rural poverty rate in Mexico before NAFTA ballooned to 55 percent in the few years after NAFTA took effect.

‘When people are willing to risk their lives by attempting to illegally cross a closely guarded border, they usually do so because the conditions at home are unbearable.’

VALENTA, SEE page 24

Rico De Silva

Blessed be St. Joseph, most chaste spouse of Mary

“Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,” (Mt 1:19).

O

n March 19, the Church will celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of Mary. I always look forward to St. Joseph’s feast day because ever since I came back to the Church 20 years ago, I have had great admiration for this great saint – second only to the Queen of All Saints, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The title “Husband of Mary” not only tells us one of the roles St. Joseph played in the Holy Family, but also the reason we celebrate this feast. St. Joseph was first and foremost the husband of Mary, and after the Christ Child was born, Joseph then became the foster father of the Infant Jesus. It is precisely this role of a husband that I want to talk about.

I had the opportunity last month to cover once again the Charlotte Catholic Men’s Conference, an annual event that normally attracts men from all around the Diocese of Charlotte. Normally, most of the participants are married men and fathers. This year was no exception. However, something that caught my attention this year more than ever was that all three speakers, especially the last two, Brian Pusateri and Joe McClane, spoke about the current epidemic of men addicted to online pornography.

According to Pusateri, 63 percent of men watch pornography online at least once a month. Pusateri also said that 85 percent of sins confessed by men are of a sexual nature. McClane, who shared with the men that he as a younger man had been addicted to pornography, went as far as saying that pornography was worse than adultery because “a person you can confront, but a cyber image you can’t.”

If six out of 10 men watch pornography at least once a month, and 85 percent of Catholic men

struggle with lust and unchaste behavior, it would be interesting to know what percentage of those same men are married. But whatever that number may be, it could be safe to say that this pornographic pandemic must be creating havoc in a large number of Catholic marriages.

I want to encourage all husbands like myself, and especially those who are also fathers, to cultivate a devotion to St. Joseph. St. Matthew describes St. Joseph as a “righteous man,” and the Church has always described this great saint as a model of chastity. Because we believe in the perpetual virginity of Mary, then we should deduce that Joseph also lived out his marriage vocation in perfect chastity. I imagine also that Mary was and is an incredibly beautiful soul, but she must have been a very attractive and beautiful woman. How is that for avoiding the near occasion of sin, guys! Of course, we all know that sin of all kinds start in our hearts and not from the outside.

Gentlemen, if you belong to the 85 percent, continue to avail yourself of the mercy of God in the sacrament of reconciliation, but definitely add a strong devotion to this great model of manhood and righteousness to your spiritual arsenal.

Meditate on the life of St. Joseph and develop a real friendship with him. Ask him to help you in times of temptation. If your health allows it, fast and pray on the first Wednesday of every month in honor of the husband of Mary, and ask him to intercede for you and your bride. Ask him to help you live out your marriage vocation and foster holiness in your family just as St. Joseph did.

Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.

Rico De Silva is the Hispanic communications reporter for the Catholic News Herald.

March 18, 2016 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

23

Parish spotlight

Fast for the Poor at St. Vincent de Paul Church Fred Gallagher

The faces of Lent I

have come to see these 40 days leading up to Easter not only in the liturgies that arise from them or in the meager fasting obligations the Church asks of us Catholics, but also in the way I see those around me. Lent has become for me more about awareness of the human condition and the very people I encounter who reflect it.

Lent is in the face of my friend Blue, who, as a schizophrenic with a limited IQ and a past of thievery, is finally off the streets, out of prison and in a group home up in Elon. I will be with him some in these 40 days and his laugh will lead me to Easter.

Lent is in the face of the man in a church basement meeting who says for the very first time, “My name’s Joe, and I’m an alcoholic.”

It is in the beautiful range of the faces of autism in our families and in the blessed faces of our Down Syndrome citizens, 90 percent of whom, when the mother tests positive, are killed in the womb. Joy hides in Lent just as it shines in the eyes of those lovely babies who make it out alive to teach their parents how to live.

Lent is in the face of the man in the aftermath of a stroke who is walking ever so slowly the indoor track at the YMCA, courageously bringing himself back to his family and friends with God’s help, one very small step at a time.

It is also in the face of the older gentleman at the back of the church just before morning Mass, emptying his change for the week in the poor box.

It is in the refugee mother staring across a rickety skiff at her young son, his yearning eyes a desperate prayer.

Lent is in the curious and eager faces of the RCIA candidates and catechumens who are walking these 40 days step by step to the front of the church to receive Our Lord in the great miracle of the Eucharist and thus into the eternal grace of our Holy Mother Church.

It is in the faces of all the sorrowful, watching loved ones being ravaged by cancer, unable to protect their fragile mortality or ease their pain, or in the face of aching loneliness in the newest widow, who still calls a spouse’s name or reaches across to the empty place in the bed at night.

I see the face of Lent in the figures of the Stations of the Cross, frozen there in the agonizing hours of Christ’s Passion and in His face staring at me over the years from the gifted hands of Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Rubens, Hofmann, Murillo, El Greco and Chagall.

Accordingly, Lent is in all our mirrors, in our honest contrition, in our resolute hope, in our silent apologies and in our silent forgiveness.

Lent is here to make me aware of the “sacrament of the moment,” to remind me to cry out like the psalmist for my God to cleanse me and to hide His face from my faults so that my humbled bones may rejoice. It tells me that all I encounter has God’s seed and that to love is to suffer. Lent also says to me that our suffering will end and we will be rendered white as snow.

And I have finally, I think, found out that Lent is itself the transforming face of Easter.

Fred Gallagher is editor-in-chief at Good Will Publishers Inc. and an author and former addictions counselor. He and his wife Kim are members of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE — The youth group at St. Vincent de Paul Church recently participated in Fast for the Poor, an annual Lenten project in which the youth fast for two days, pray and help the needy in their community. This year’s theme echoed the theme of the Year of Mercy and the diocesan Eucharistic Congress: “Be merciful just as your Father is merciful.” Through service projects, they raised money for the Missionaries of the Poor. The group also prayed with the MOP brothers at their monastery in Monroe, helped with groundskeeping work at the monstery, went to confession, and enjoyed talks and fellowship with each other. Fast for the Poor was developed locally at St. Vincent de Paul Church to help the youths strengthen their Catholic spirituality through prayer (including Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and praying the Stations of the Cross), fasting, and almsgiving (supporting the Missionaries of the Poor).

Photos provided by Deacon Ruben Tamayo

Letter to the editor

Most-read stories on the web

Women volunteers are vital to prison ministry

Sin makes people believe ‘the economy is only for profit and consumption’ and ‘that personal desires are more important than social responsibility.’

I am a prison ministry volunteer at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Maggie Valley. It was of great interest that I read the prison ministry article in the March 4 edition of Catholic News Herald.

However, I believe there was a serious omission in that article. It speaks about a number of deacons and men serving in N.C. prison ministry, but not one word about the many women volunteers who also serve inmates throughout the state.

In Haywood County, our ministry visits the Haywood County Detention Center once a week. There are always four of five women volunteers visiting 15 or 20 women inmates, but at present only two men visiting 30 or 40 male inmates In addition to these visits, our prison ministry corresponds with 18 men in state prisons. Of these 18 correspondents, 14 are women and four are men.

Congratulations to the women.

Where are the men?

Pope Francis

From the online story: “Sin makes us blind, but confession heals, pope says”

Through press time on March 16, 8,383 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 13,861 pages. The top 10 headlines in March so far have been: n Charlotte Catholic High School Student Matthew Salvino named Park Scholar........................... 281 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald.................................................................274 n Vital ministry to the imprisoned highlights corporal work of mercy................................................245 n Through Campus Ministry, WCU student discovers a new life of faith.............................................. 153 n Men take opportunity to find strength in God’s mercy............................................................................117 n Charlotte Catholic announces 5 National Merit Scholarship Finalists.............................................. 132 n How to make a pilgrimage for the Year of Mercy.................................................................................... 123 n St. Matthew Church surpasses 10,000 registered families....................................................................76 n Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual revised by pope.................................................................................72 n ‘Can I talk to you for a few minutes after we land? Or sooner if the turbulence is bad?’..............69

Frank Busteed lives in Maggie Valley.

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catholicnewsherald.com | March 18, 2016 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

VALENTA FROM PAGE 22

Correspondingly, the rate of illegal immigration from Mexico rose throughout the second half of the 1990, reaching its peak in 2007 (according to the Pew Research Center).

Extreme poverty and inability to find jobs to support families also creates a fertile ground for unrest, conflict and violence. The Zapatista uprising in Chiapas in 1994 was directly linked to the Mexican approval of NAFTA, as more than 3,000 impoverished indigenous people protested the fact that they would bear a disproportionate amount of the costs associated with the trade agreement and the necessary economic adjustment which accompanied it. Suppressed by the military, several hundred people died in the largest ethnic conflict in recent Mexican history.

Poverty and joblessness also tends to support and intensify the drug war, in which the United States is directly involved by being the main consumer of illegal drugs. Insatiable U.S. demand for illegal drugs makes this multibillion dollar business profitable, yet it is the Mexican people who bear most of the cost of drug-related violence. The U.S. also continues to be the main supplier of weapons, especially semi-automatic military style assault rifles, which can be easily purchased in border states with permissive gun laws, but which would not be available for purchase by civilians in Mexico.

VOITUS

IN BRIEF

FROM PAGE 16

FROM PAGE 11

Furthermore, the Mérida Initiative, which has launched an active U.S. military and CIA involvement in the fighting of drug cartels in Mexico, brought more heavy military equipment as well as training, which, although well intentioned, often benefited a corrupt police, which actually worked for the cartels. In some cases, the Mexican military, acting in law enforcement roles in regions particularly affected by drug cartel violence, has used the new equipment and training to suppress the local population indiscriminately or had their American-supplied arms stolen by the cartels. It is estimated that the drug war has claimed more than 150,000 lives, many in nameless graves, below the radar of mainstream media reporting.

None of these issues can be easily resolved, but they all need to be addressed and remain inseparable from any political discussion about Mexican immigration. We need to understand the context of how our own policies affect our southern neighbor, to focus our foreign policy on improving the living conditions in Mexico, and to make a coordinated effort with the cooperation of the Mexican government to address the issues of violence and poverty.

Otherwise, the Mexican border will continue to reflect the torment of the most desperate people, and remain a source of hardship, suffering and political controversy.

la esperanza de ser libres de la esclavitud del pecado.

Finalmente, llegamos a la noche más santa de todo el año, la Vigilia de Pascua.

La liturgia que comienza en la oscuridad, y a medida que continua, se ve la luz que se esparce de un rincón de la iglesia hacia el otro, reflejando así la Gloria de Cristo que ha resucitado de la muerte. Nosotros entonces nos maravillamos de su poder y de la majestad de Jesús, y de la realidad de que todos aquellos quienes se han unido espiritualmente a Cristo durante la Semana Santa, se les ofrece la Resurrección de la muerte y glorificación con Jesús.

Entonces, hermanos y hermanas, al embarcarnos en esta la “Semana más Santísima,” vengamos a la Iglesia y participemos en todas las Liturgias que se ofrecen durante este tiempo. Pero también unamonos a la celebración de esta Semana Santa en donde quiera que nos encontremos, no solo estando presentes físicamente, pero de una manera real uniéndonos al triunfo de Cristo, en su tristeza, su sufrimiento y su Muerte. Esto es lo que le da significado y propósito a todas las otras cosas que hacemos durante el resto del año. Esto es lo que santifica a los santos, y nos convierte en santos a nosotros los pecadores. Para que nosotros que hemos muerto con Cristo, resucitemos de verdad en su Gloria.

Dr. Kamila Valenta is a member of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte and a part-time professor at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, where she teaches ethnic conflict.

El Padre Joshua Voitus es el Párroco de la Iglesia Saint Mary, Mother of God, en Sylva, NC. El Padre Voitus celebra Misa de Vigilia Dominical en español todos los sábados a las 8 p.m.

HAVE YOU SHARED YOUR GIFT WITH THE DSA YET? When we make our annual contribution to the Diocesan Support Appeal we join with all

individual or parish can do alone.

• Donate online at: www.charlottediocese.org/DSA

THANK YOU!

DSA gifts support the following: Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte Education Multicultural Ministries Vocations Eucharistic Congress and Housing Ministry DSA Campaign Costs

Squirettes hold Lenten retreat CLEMMONS — The Squirettes of Mary, Flores Mariae, held their second annual Lenten Retreat Feb. 20. The Squirettes are an organization of middle and high school girls, sponsored by the Bishop Greco Columbiettes of Holy Family in Clemmons. During the retreat, the girls learned about Ukrainian traditions and created Pysanka Eggs with a Divine Mercy design. The eggs were then blessed by Capuchin Franciscan Father Stephen Hoyt, parochial vicar.

The girls concluded their retreat by attending Mass together and sharing a potluck dinner.

— Kathy Thomas

HELP CARE FEED LIFT GIVE

Lord’s work – works that no one

• Fill out a DSA envelope available at your parish office

— David Hains, diocesan director of communication

Whatsoever you do...

throughout the diocese to do the

• Use the pledge card you received in the mail

CHARLOTTE — The Choose Life license plates will soon appear on cars in North Carolina. The Choose Life plates were approved by the state Legislature in 2011 but were never distributed because of a lawsuit over their legality.

In 2015 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a Texas case that license plates like Choose Life were in fact legal. The federal appeals court in Richmond applied that ruling to North Carolina on March 10.

Despite the victory, there are still some administrative hurdles to deal with, according to Bobbie Meyer of the Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship, which will supervise the promotion of the plates and the distribution of the funds collected by the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles.

The funds will be used for pregnancy testing, ultrasounds and parenting education at approximately 80 care centers around the state.

Meyer says the plates should be available before the end of this year.

LOVE PRAY

our brothers and sisters in Christ

Three easy ways to donate to the Diocesan Support Appeal

Choose Life plates win

DIOCESAN SUPPORT APPEAL 2016

To donate online: charlottediocese.org/dsa