June 5, 2020

June 5, 2020

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

Ordinations delayed to July 17, 24 3

Immaculata School to get major updates this summer 3

INDEX

Contact us.....................................4 Español........................................10-11 Events calendar............................4 Our Faith........................................2 Our Parishes............................ 3-9 Schools....................................12-17 Scripture readings.......................2 TV & Movies................................. 21 U.S. news................................22-23 Viewpoints.............................26-27 World news............................ 24-25

OVERCOMING

Subscribe today! Call:

704-370-3333

FUNDED BY THE PARISHIONERS OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE THANK YOU!

Diocesan schools celebrate the end of an unprecedented school year 14-19 Diácono Darío García: La cuarentena 11

Bring love, peace of Christ to others, Bishop Jugis preaches at Pentecost 5

Reactions to George Floyd’s death: Racism ‘real and present danger’ 22

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | June 5, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope Francis

Trusting in God does not mean never arguing with Him

I

n the story of the patriarch Abraham – honored by Jews, Christians and Muslims – faith becomes a direct relationship with God that is marked by constant prayer, which sometimes takes the form of “debating” with God, Pope Francis said.

While most ancient people saw the gods as inapproachable cosmic forces needing to be appeased, “the God of Abraham becomes ‘my God,’ the God of my personal story, who guides my steps, who does not abandon me, the God of my days, the companion in my adventures,” Pope Francis said June 3.

“I ask myself, and I ask you, do we have this experience of God?” the pope said, during his livestreamed general audience from the library of the Apostolic Palace. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors and pilgrims still are not present for the audiences.

In his main talk, part of a series about prayer, the pope said that with Abraham, “the life of a believer begins to be understood as a vocation, that is, as a call.”

Abraham had heard God calling him to leave his homeland for a land that God would show him, promising to make of him and his descendants a great nation, although he already was old and childless.

Abraham was not weighed down by uncertainty despite the “enigma,” the pope said. Instead, he “believed in the promise of God. He believed and set off without knowing where he was going.”

The account of Abraham’s life in the Book of Genesis mentions how, along his journey, he built altars to the Lord.

Through his prayer, the pope said, “Abraham became familiar with God, even capable of arguing with Him, but always faithful. He spoke to God and he argued.”

And when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac, Abraham continued to trust in the Lord, “living his faith as an ordeal, like walking while groping in the dark, under a sky deprived of stars this time, but with faith,” the pope said.

Then “God Himself stops the hand of Abraham, which was ready to strike, because He saw that his willingness was truly total.”

“We, too, often feel like we are walking in the dark, but with faith,” the pope said. That is why people must pray, like Abraham, and sometimes question God like he did.

Getting angry with God can be a form of prayer, he said, “because only a son or daughter can get angry with his or her father and then come together again.”

St. Joseph’s role highlighted in upcoming event June 13 talks, Mass to be livestreamed KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — In celebration of the Year of St. Joseph, a theology professor from the Franciscan University of Steubenville will visit the Diocese of Charlotte to speak about the importance of St. Joseph in the life of every Christian.

Dr. Mark Miravalle, who specializes in Mariology, will give two talks on Saturday, June 13, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, located at 1400 Suther Road in Charlotte.

St. Joseph was chosen among all men to become the husband and protector of the Mother of God and foster father of the Incarnate Son of God, and he is inextricably bound up in God’s plan of salvation for the human family.

In fact, during the final apparition of Our Lady at Fatima on Oct. 13, 1917, after the famous Miravalle Miracle of the Sun had occurred, St. Joseph appeared in the sky and blessed the world while holding the Child Jesus in his arms.

“St. Joseph is the greatest saint after Our Lady, and the Patron of the Universal Church,” Dr. Miravalle said. “There is great wisdom in calling down his fatherly intercession by dedicating a year in his honor for the Diocese of Charlotte, right now, in this challenging moment for the Church and for our country. I believe

he will respond, and do so powerfully for the people of God In the diocese and beyond.”

Miravalle’s talks will address what that signifies for our world and the Church.

The first presentation, “St. Joseph: Meet Your Spiritual Father,” is scheduled for 11 a.m. June 13. The second, “Our Lady of Fatima and St. Joseph, Patron of the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart,” will begin at 7 p.m.

Holy Mass will also be offered at 10 a.m. by Father Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary, who will give a homily about St. Joseph. The day’s events will conclude with a candlelight procession at 8 p.m. in honor of Our Lady of Fatima.

The event is free and all are welcome to attend any or all of the activities. To attend the talks, please sign up to attend the talks and Mass and practice social distancing protocols: https:// yearofstjoseph.org/fatima.

The talks and the Mass will also be livestreamed on the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/ DioceseOfCharlotte.

More online At www.YearofStJoseph.org/Fatima: Learn more about the event and the Year of St. Joseph and sign up to attend At www.markmiravalle.com: Learn more about Dr. Mark Miravalle’s work

Why celebrate St. Joseph?

The Catholic Church as always fostered a strong devotion to St. Joseph as the head of the Holy Family, yet he has become increasingly prominent in the spiritual life of the Church over the past 150 years as Patron of the Universal Church.

Certain saints have received special insight into his holiness and the wonderful power of his heavenly intercession. “Devotion to St. Joseph is one of the choicest graces that God can give to a soul, for it is tantamount to revealing the entire treasury of our Lord’s graces,” wrote St. Peter Julian Eymard,

“When God wishes to raise a soul to greater heights, he unites it to St. Joseph by giving it a strong love for the good saint.”

Throughout history many of the Church’s sons and daughters have successfully gone to St. Joseph for various needs. As a result, St. Joseph has become known for his intercession for the following professions and causes: against doubt, accountants, attorneys, cabinetmakers and carpenters, cemetery workers and grave diggers, children, civil engineers, confectioners, craftsmen, dying people and for a happy

and holy death, immigrants and exiles, house hunters, laborers, married people, orphans, people who fight Communism, pioneers, pregnant women, social justice, teachers and travelers.

More online At www.yearofstjoseph.org: Find educational resources, prayers and devotions, and “Year of St. Joseph” event details from across the diocese, as dates for special events are finalized.

Daily Scripture readings JUNE 7-13

Sunday (The Most Holy Trinity): Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9, Daniel 3:52-56, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, John 3:16-18; Monday: 1 Kings 17:1-6, Matthew 5:1-12; Tuesday (St. Ephrem): 1 Kings 17:7-16, Matthew 5:13-16; Wednesday: 1 Kings 18:20-39, Matthew 5:17-19; Thursday (St. Barnabas): Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3, Matthew 5:20-26; Friday: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-16, Matthew 5:27-32; Saturday (St. Anthony of Padua): 1 Kings 19:19-21, Matthew 5:33-37

JUNE 14-20

Sunday (The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ): Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58; Monday: 1 Kings 21:1-16, Matthew 5:38-42; Tuesday: 1 Kings 21:17-29, Matthew 5:4348; Wednesday: 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18; Thursday: Sirach 48:1-14, Matthew 6:7-15; Friday (The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus): Deuteronomy 7:6-11, 1 John 4:7-16, Matthew 11:25-30; Saturday (The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary): 2 Chronicles 24:17-25, Luke 2:41-51

JUNE 21-27

Sunday: Jeremiah 20:10-13, Romans 5:12-15, Matthew 10:26-33; Monday (St. Paulinas of Nola, Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More): 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18, Matthew 7:1-5,; Tuesday: 2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36, Matthew 7:6, 12-14; Wednesday (The Nativity of St. John the Baptist): Isaiah 49:1-6, Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66, 80; Thursday: 2 Kings 24:8-17, Matthew 7:21-29; Friday: 2 Kings 25:1-12, Matthew 8:1-4; Saturday (St. Cyril of Alexandria): Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19, Matthew 8:5-17

Our parishes

June 5, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Immaculata School to get major updates this summer SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

HENDERSONVILLE — This summer Immaculata School is getting a makeover, including important updates to critical technology and safety systems.

The $900,000 remodeling project is made possible thanks to an Immaculate Conception Parish capital campaign and a grant from the Diocese of Charlotte’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign.

Updates to the 94-year-old school include a new security vestibule and visitor check-in system, upgrades to the school’s technology infrastructure and the addition of an intercom system. Restrooms are also being remodeled, and the front sidewalk is being refurbished with the addition of a Marian blue canopy.

“Making things more efficient and structured will help the day-to-day running of the school easier,” said Principal Margaret Beale, adding that the intercom system and keycard access will add security and convenience for teachers, families and

office staff.

Beale noted that the school is used by groups from Immaculate Conception Church and the community, so “it will be good to monitor, even remotely, people coming in and using the facility.”

With the technology overhaul, she added, “we are laying the foundation of future expansion and future projects. We have Chromebooks and smartboards already, but we are building the structure for future technology.”

Father Christian Cook, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, is pleased with the shared fundraising efforts that are making this project possible.

The money for the school improvements is coming from the parish’s successful $2.3 million capital campaign, which included $475,000 from the diocese’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign.

The parish is using $900,000 from its capital campaign to fund the school project. The remaining $1.4 million from the campaign was used to pay for an office building.

“This has been a parish and a diocesan

partnership to upgrade the school,” Father Cook said. “We want to give the parish more pride in the school because the school is not just a business, but a mission of the parish.”

“We are the stewards of the school since the 1920s. We must modernize to prepare our students academically and spiritually,” he added.

The work is scheduled to start June 8.

“Right after instruction is done, we are relocating the school office to underneath the church to use as a temporary office,” Beale said. “We are hoping to have everything done by the beginning of August so teachers can come back in to prepare for the new academic year.”

Cely Construction of Greenville, S.C., is the general contractor on the project.

“We liked them (Cely) because they had worked with churches and schools,” Father Cook explained. “We have great confidence that they know how to work with school calendars and how to work with students on campus should the timeframe be extended.”

The hope is to have everything completed by the first day of school, Aug. 19.

Multiple building, IT improvement projects get under way this summer Asheville Catholic School will undertake construction of a $3.9 million, 12,000-squarefoot addition starting this month.

SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Properties Office and the Technology Services team are already busy with summer projects at locations across the diocese.

June, July and early August are usually a hectic time for these staffs, as the favorable weather makes for considerable progress in construction, and with schools out for the summer, the largely unoccupied buildings make large-scale projects easier to tackle.

The diocesan Properties Office is facilitating several projects in the next several months, some extending into next year.

At Asheville Catholic School in Asheville, the diocesan Properties Office will provide project management assistance for the school as they undertake construction of a 12,000-square-foot addition. The project includes six new classrooms for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first and second grades.

The new addition will also include a dedicated art room, something the school has not had in years past. An academic support classroom for these grades is also planned. New restrooms, storage space, meeting rooms, custodial facilities and a common area are in the plans as well.

The estimated cost of the yearlong project is $3.9 million. The project is being funded by proceeds from an Asheville Catholic School Capital Campaign which has raised over $2 million so far, a $300,000 St. Eugene Parish “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” grant to the school, and a $475,000 direct FFHL educational improvement grant.

“We are excited about this new opportunity to provide a better learning

SKETCH PROVIDED BY DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE PROPERTIES OFFICE

environment for our amazing students and staff members,” said Asheville Catholic School’s principal, Mike Miller.

“This is the first time that Asheville Catholic and St. Eugene (Parish) have facilitated a local capital campaign together for the school.”

Renovations are also underway to create a sacristy and confessional near the chapel for Christ the King High School in Huntersville. A storage shed will also be constructed on the school’s campus.

Permanent lighting will also be installed around the combination football, lacrosse and soccer field.

Estimated cost of the summer projects at the high school is $430,000. Funding comes from various sources including savings from prior capital projects involving the school’s expansion in 2019, proceeds from a Silver and Blue Fundraiser and a contribution from the school’s athletic association.

The Properties Office is also providing project management assistance to St. Luke Church for the construction of a pavilion, athletic fields and rectory on 31 acres along Fairview Road in Mint Hill.

The projects totaling $2.173 million are the first phase of a major expansion plan for the parish, which plans to build a new, larger church on the site in the future.

The diocesan Technology Services department is in the process of several projects in addition to the usual network maintenance and management work for the Diocesan Pastoral Center, the nine schools in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system, and Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.

The staff are replacing the wired and wireless network appliances at four parishes, as well as installing phones and a computer network at the new St. Joseph College Seminary in Belmont and at Catholic Charities’ location in Asheville.

3

Ordinations delayed to July 17, 24 CHARLOTTE — Restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic and North Carolina’s gradual reopening plans mean that the Diocese of Charlotte’s ordination liturgies are being rescheduled for July.

Masses for the ordination to the transitional diaconate and ordination to the priesthood are traditionally celebrated in June.

This year, Bishop Peter Jugis is scheduled Mlakar to celebrate the ordination liturgies at 10 a.m. July 17 and 24 at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

COVID-19 phased reopening plans for the state of North Carolina mean that the diocese will work with CDC and state guidelines to Torres ensure a safe worship environment for the liturgies.

On Friday, July 17, Bishop Jugis will ordain seminarians Juan Miguel Sanchez and Joseph Wasswa to the transitional diaconate during the Mass at St. Mark Church.

Juan Miguel Sanchez Sanchez is a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir. He is studying theology at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

Joseph Wasswa is a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury. He is studying theology at Wasswa the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio.

On Friday, July 24, Bishop Jugis will ordain Deacon Jacob Mlakar and Deacon Jonathan Torres to the priesthood during the Mass at St. Mark Church.

Deacon Jacob Mlakar is a parishioner of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte and is studying theology at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

Deacon Jonathan Torres is a parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte and is studying theology at the Pontifical College Josephinum.

Both ordination Masses in July will be livestreamed on the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube Channel.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Online Masses 4

catholicnewsherald.com | June 5, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

June 5, 2020 Volume 29 • NUMBER 18

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

The following parishes are providing live or recorded Masses each week. An updated schedule is online at www.catholicnewsherald.com, or contact your parish for details.

ST. MARY MOTHER OF GOD CHURCH, SYLVA: Noon Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; 9 a.m. Saturday; 11:30 a.m. Sunday in English and 7 p.m. Saturday in Spanish

ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH, WINSTON-SALEM

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 12 p.m. daily; 9 a.m. Sunday

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, GREENSBORO

BELMONT ABBEY MONASTERY: 11 a.m. daily

ST. MICHAEL CHURCH, GASTONIA: 10:30 a.m. Sunday

ST. MICHAEL CHURCH, GASTONIA

DIVINE REDEEMER CHURCH, BOONVILLE: 9 and 11 a.m.

Sunday

ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL, CHARLOTTE: 12 p.m. Sunday

ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL, CHARLOTTE

LIVESTREAMED MASSES The following parishes offer Masses live at the following times on their Facebook page or YouTube or Vimeo channel. If no time is listed here, check their parish website for more information:

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH, KING: 11 a.m. English; 1:30 p.m. Spanish Sunday HOLY INFANT CHURCH, REIDSVILLE: 9 a.m. Sunday

STAFF

OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CHURCH, CHARLOTTE

EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org

OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH, MONROE: 9 a.m. daily

ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org

QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES CHURCH, BELMONT: 9:15 and 11 a.m. Sunday

SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org

SACRED HEART CHURCH, BREVARD: 12 p.m. daily Mass, 10 a.m. Sunday

ONLINE REPORTER: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER: Cesar Hurtado, 704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org

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

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

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.

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

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

SACRED HEART CHURCH, SALISBURY: 9 a.m. daily (except Tuesday), Tuesday Mass, 6 p.m.

ST. ALOYSIUS CHURCH, HICKORY: 9 a.m. daily; 11 a.m.

Sunday English; 1 p.m. Sunday Spanish ST. ANN CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

(Latin Mass) Sunday

ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CHURCH, GREENSBORO: 9 a.m.

Monday, Wednesday-Friday; 10 a.m. Sunday ST. PETER CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 11:30 a.m. Sunday ST. STEPHEN MISSION, ELKIN: 9 a.m. Sunday ST. THERESE CHURCH, MOORESVILLE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 9 a.m. daily; 9:30 a.m. Sunday ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 10 a.m. daily, 10 a.m. Sunday in English and 2 p.m. Sunday in Spanish RECORDED MASSES The following parishes offer Masses recorded on their website, Facebook page, YouTube or Vimeo channel.

Search those platforms for the parish’s name to find the latest Mass information: GOOD SHEPHERD MISSION, KING

ST. BARNABAS CHURCH, ARDEN: 10 a.m. Sunday

HOLY CROSS CHURCH, KERNERSVILLE

ST. BASIL THE GREAT EASTERN CATHOLIC CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 11 a.m. Sunday

HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, DENVER

ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CHURCH, WINSTON-SALEM: 9 a.m. English; 2 p.m. Spanish

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, HIGH POINT

ST. JAMES CHURCH, CONCORD: English and Spanish

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, FOREST CITY OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION, CHARLOTTE (ST. HELEN MISSION, SPENCER MOUNTAIN)

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 9 a.m.

Sunday in English and 10 a.m. Sunday in Spanish

OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, GREENSBORO

ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH, WAYNESVILLE, AND IMMACULATE CONCEPTION MISSION, CANTON

SACRED HEART CHURCH, SALISBURY

ST. LUKE CHURCH, MINT HILL: 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday in English; 1 p.m. Sunday bilingual; 4:30 p.m. Sunday

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH, LENOIR

ST. MARK CHURCH, HUNTERSVILLE: 7 and 9 a.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 7 a.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday in English, and 1 p.m. in Spanish

ST. JOAN OF ARC CHURCH, CANDLER

OUR LADY OF MERCY CHURCH, WINSTON-SALEM ST. EUGENE CHURCH, ASHEVILLE ST. GABRIEL CHURCH, CHARLOTTE

ST. MARGARET MARY CHURCH, SWANNANOA ST. MARK CHURCH, HUNTERSVILLE ST. MARY MOTHER OF GOD CHURCH, SYLVA

ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CHURCH, GREENSBORO ST. STEPHEN MISSION, ELKIN ST. STEPHEN MARONITE CHURCH, CHARLOTTE ST. THERESE CHURCH, MOORESVILLE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHURCH, CHARLOTTE MISAS LOCALES EN ESPAÑOL Las siguientes parroquias ofrecen misas en vivo o grabadas cada semana. Un horario actualizado está en línea en www.catholicnewsherald.com, o comuníquese con su parroquia para más detalles: OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, GREENSBORO OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 8 a.m. Domingo OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH, MONROE SACRED HEART CHURCH, SALISBURY: 11 a.m. Domingo ST. ALOYSIUS CHURCH, HICKORY: 1 p.m. Domingo ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CHURCH, WINSTON-SALEM: 1:30 p.m. Domingo ST. JAMES THE GREATER CHURCH, CONCORD ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, ASHEBORO ST. LUKE CHURCH, MINT HILL: 1 p.m. Domingo ST. MARK CHURCH, HUNTERSVILLE: 1 p.m. Domingo ST. MARY MOTHER OF GOD CHURCH, SYLVA: 7 p.m. Sabado LOCAL MASSES IN VIETNAMESE ST. JOSEPH VIETNAMESE CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday LIVESTREAMED LATIN MASSES

ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, ASHEBORO

ST. ANN CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 12:30 p.m. Sunday

ST. LAWRENCE BASILICA, ASHEVILLE

OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, GREENSBORO: 1 p.m.

Sunday

Seek the intercession of St. Roch, St. Rosalie CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis is encouraging the people of the Diocese of Charlotte to pray for the intercession of St. Roch and St. Rosalie to end the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Most public Masses and all parish activities remain canceled across western North Carolina, and all 19 diocesan schools have now shifted to online classes only, as part of the community’s response to the public health threat.

During a special videotaped Mass offered March 15, Bishop Jugis encouraged the faithful to pray to St. Roch and St. Rosalie to “deliver us from the current attack and subsequent suffering we are enduring from the coronavirus.”

St. Roch, who is believed to have been born in France and lived in Italy in the 1300s, cared for the victims of the plague in Italy.

He contracted the plague but survived, and

many healings were attributed to him.

He is the patron saint of invalids. His feast day is Aug. 16.

St. Rosalie was born in Sicily and lived during the mid-1100s. In her youth she left her home and lived in a cave, giving her life to God. She died St. Rosalie alone in a cave near Palermo in 1166.

In 1624 a plague hit Palermo and St. Rosalie appeared to a sick woman and a hunter and instructed him to the place where her body was buried. St. Rosalie told him to have her bones processed around the city three times to end the plague. The plague ceased, and

her feast day is celebrated Sept. 4.

The following prayer to the two saints is suggested: “Merciful Father, through the intercession of Blessed Mary, St. Roch, and St. Rosalie, deliver us from the current attack and St. Roch subsequent suffering we are enduring from the coronavirus. May we seek to assist those in need in body or spirit and ourselves turn away from sin and trust in You. We ask this in the name of the Divine Physician, Jesus Christ Our Lord.”

— Catholic News Herald. CatholicOnline contributed.

June 5, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

5

Bring love, peace of Christ to others, Bishop Jugis preaches at Pentecost PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR

CHARLOTTE — The Holy Spirit fuels the work of the Church and Her people, and two gifts of the Holy Spirit – love and peace – are among the most needed in the world today, Bishop Peter Jugis noted in his homily for the feast of Pentecost.

Pentecost celebrations across the Diocese of Charlotte looked a bit different this year, as churches resumed public Masses and celebrated many of the sacraments that had been postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Candidates and catechumens in the RCIA program and young people in faith formation classes received the sacraments of initiation: baptism, first Holy Communion and confirmation.

Celebrations remained limited, however, in line with public health restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

At St. Patrick Cathedral, 19 young people received the sacrament of confirmation during Mass May 31. The Mass was privately held because of limited space inside the cathedral, but the liturgy was streamed live on the cathedral’s YouTube channel.

In his homily, Bishop Jugis reflected on the gifts of the Holy Spirit that the Apostles received at that first Pentecost, and which we receive today through the sacraments.

“The Holy Spirit is responsible for everything in the Church,” he said. The Holy Spirit animates the Apostles to go out and preach the Gospel, “to begin the work of the Church, which is the work of salvation.”

“You are receiving the same Holy Spirit that the Apostles received on Pentecost,” he told the teens about to be confirmed, as he recalled Paul’s words from his first letter to the Corinthians: “We were all given to drink of one Spirit.”

“He comes to set you on your mission, to take your part in the mission of the Church, which is bringing Christ and His good message of salvation to the world,” Bishop Jugis said, adding that the Holy Spirit also “comes for your personal sanctification, to make you holy.”

The first fruit of the Holy Spirit – love – empowers us to follow Jesus’ commandment to love God and each other, he said.

“God has loved you, and because He has placed His love in your hearts, you are able then to know and to love God, and to love your neighbor as yourself,” he said.

Another fruit of the Holy Spirit – peace – is needed to convert hearts to Jesus, particularly today as we confront racism, violence and destruction, he continued.

“We need to pray for peace in the United States, considering what happened this past week in many cities throughout our country,” he said, referring to the police killing of George Floyd and the sometimes violent protests that have shaken communities including Charlotte.

Bishop Jugis prayed that God will “convert the hearts of those who intend to do violence and destruction and to hurt others.”

Love, peace and the other fruits of the Holy Spirit – joy, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faith, modesty, self-control and chastity – are

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JAMES SARKIS

Bishop Peter Jugis administers the sacrament of confirmation during Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral on the feast of Pentecost, May 31. Many parishes around the diocese celebrated the sacraments of initiation – baptism, first Holy Communion and confirmation – at Pentecost since churches had been closed for much of the Easter season, the usual timeframe for such celebrations. necessary in sanctifying us and enabling us to help spread the message of Christ in the world today, he said.

Thanks to the help of the Holy Spirit, he said, we are able to become more like Christ.

He urged the newly confirmed to share

the love and peace of Christ in their homes, their schools and workplaces, in everything they do.

“You are on mission now as a confirmed Catholic to bring the goodness of Christ, the light of Jesus Christ, with you,” he said.

6

catholicnewsherald.com | June 5, 2020 OUR PARISHES

Sister Alma Pangelinan, RSM, passes away BELMONT — Sister Mary Alma Pangelinan, 89, a Sister of Mercy for 71 years, died Sunday, May 24, 2020, at Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont.

Interment was at Belmont Abbey Cemetery. All services were private because of COVID-19 restrictions.

She was born and educated in Agana, Guam, the youngest of eight children of Francisco and Natividad Borja. Her parents and six siblings are deceased.

During World War II and the occupation of Guam by the Japanese, Sister Alma’s early years were a struggle with her family for survival in caves and the mountains on Guam to avoid capture and forced labor by the Japanese. At the time she professed her vows as a Sister of Mercy, she chose the motto “To Jesus Pangelinan through Mary” in thanksgiving for God saving her and her family during the war.

Sister Alma came to Belmont in 1963 and served her community in many ways. She was in charge of Food Service and cared for the chapel with love and devotion.

She loved gardening, sewing and cooking, and everyone benefited from her favorite activities. A well-known driver for the community, she took the sisters to doctors’ appointments and was known as the one person who knew every street in Charlotte.

Sister Alma’s commitment to her family, her community, her Church and to God’s people was profound throughout her life.

She is survived by the Sisters of Mercy, nieces and nephews, and relatives on Guam.

Memorials may be sent to Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont, NC 28012.

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

— Catholic News Herald

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Faithful Servant will be held online, free CHARLOTTE — This year’s Faithful Servant Catholic Leadership Institute will be held virtually this year, as events on campus at Belmont Abbey College have been canceled.

Faithful Servant is designed for high-school aged youth and adults who work with them, and it provides a foundation of insight into discipleship coupled with proven life skills.

The program focuses on communication, group dynamics, consensus building, leadership styles, planning and negotiation – all through a Catholic lens.

The Zoom-platform conference is scheduled for June 22-26.

Spend two hours in the morning engaging with each other via Zoom, and then the afternoon engaging in leadership activities with your home unit or with members of the Faithful Servant community.

This year the scaled-down, online program will be offered free for high school students within the Diocese of Charlotte, but registration is limited to 100 participants. Register online: www. charlottediocese.org/ev/youth/events/faithful-servant.

For more information about the Faithful Servant Leadership Institute, contact Paul Kotlowski at 828-228-1692 or pjkotlowski@charlottediocese.org.

Holy Hour planned for June 19 CHARLOTTE — June is the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: “His Sacred Heart is Our True Home!”

A Holy Hour of Reparation for sins against human sexuality will be held at St. Ann Church on Friday, June 19, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Holy Hour will start at 5 p.m. and will be led by Father Timothy Reid, pastor, and deacons.

Mass will follow at 7 p.m. The faithful are also invited to join the month-long observance of the “Chaplet of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” for the same intention. Go to St. Ann Parish’s Respect

Your Life’s Journey…

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARTHA STEPNOWSKI

OLG food drive GREENSBORO — Our Lady of Grace Parish held a drive-through food collection May 16 to benefit Greensboro’s Urban Ministries and three parish families who requested assistance. The gorgeous day started with a blessing from Father Paul Buchanan, pastor, and volunteers arrived throughout the day for shifts to collect and sort the donations. The effort yielded 2,004 pounds of food and $510 in contributions for Greensboro Urban Ministries.

Life ministry webpage at RespectLifeStAnnCharlotte.blogspot. com for text of the prayer and more information.

— Mary Richardson

Catholic shop in Belmont reopens BELMONT — The Catholic Shoppe on the campus of Belmont Abbey College has reopened and resumed normal business hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

The shop, located on the lower level of St. Leo Hall, features spiritually enriching Catholic books and gifts that support the vision and objectives of Belmont Abbey College and are faithful to the magisterium of the Church. Items include: religious artwork, statues, rosaries, scapulars, chaplets and other sacramentals, jewelry and medals, crucifixes, gifts, prayer cards, music, books and Bibles, DVDs and more.

They are online at www.belmontabbeycollege.edu/catholic-shop.

Contact them at catholicshoppe@bac.edu or call 704-461-5100. ­— Rolando Rivas

DISCOVER THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCE

how will you be remembered?

Establish a legacy that responds to the many gifts God has given you.

Rely on the Knights of Columbus to protect your family’s future.

Bob Gordon Field Agent

516-551-7838 robert.gordon@kofc.org Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte

For more information on how to leave a legacy for your parish, please contact Gina Rhodes, Director of Planned Giving at 704/370-3364 or gmrhodes@charlottediocese.org.

LIFE INSURANCE • DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE • RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

June 5, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

7

Members of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro participate in a drive-through donation effort for their sister parish in Manta, Ecuador. The money they donated bought rice for hundreds of families in Manta. Families line up as early as 4:30 a.m. to receive bags of food from church workers.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE PARISH

St. Paul the Apostle Church aids sister parish in Ecuador 20-year relationship continues to bear fruit even amid the pandemic ANNIE FERGUSON CORRESPONDENT

GREENSBORO — In less than a week, members of St. Paul the Apostle Parish raised $11,000 for Niño Jesús, their sister parish in Manta, Ecuador. The parishioners had recently heard how their Ecuadorian counterparts were suffering as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and knew they had to help.

“Father Joseph Mack, our pastor, was the first one to say we need to take up some kind of collection, and we asked if we could do a drive-through,” said Gregg Hauser, a member of the sister parish committee at St. Paul the Apostle Church. “I’m not surprised Father was the first one to come out with the idea. He’s a very charitable man, and something needed to be done.”

With planning and manpower assistance from the parish’s Knights of Columbus Council 13236, they held a drive-through fundraiser Sunday, May 10. Most of the funds – $8,400 from 181 families – came in that day in just one hour.

The church continued to receive checks for Niño Jesús following the Mother’s Day collection, to reach the grand total of $11,000. One envelope labeled “sister parish” contained 10 $100 bills from an anonymous donor.

This effort came about a month after the parish collected an overwhelming 8,000 pounds of goods for the parish’s food pantry in just one hour on Palm Sunday.

“That’s one of the strengths of this parish,” Father Mack said. “When there’s a need, you tell them, and the need’s met.”

Residents of Manta are under a stay-at-home order and are permitted to leave for essential needs but must return by 2 p.m. With very few people working, the need is great.

Niño Jesús distributes local food donations consisting of rice and fish via a ticket system to 600 families per week.

If there is additional food left over on the two distribution days, they give it to those who aren’t in the program.

These families form a line at 4:30 a.m. hoping there will be enough for them. Food is delivered to those in the program who lack transportation and live in remote areas.

The monetary donation from St. Paul the Apostle Parish

Estate Planning Elder Law | Probate Settling an Estate? You don’t have to do it alone.

Contact Attorney Sabrina Winters to help navigate you through this complicated process.

St. Matthew Parishioner

704.843.1446 | www.ncestateplanninginfo.com

6406 Carmel Road, Suite 301 | Charlotte, North Carolina 28226

will allow Niño Jesús to continue to provide this critical sustenance after local donations run out.

Five priests living in Manta, led by Father Roque Botton Bisognin, serve an estimated 60,000 people at 20 surrounding chapels and churches.

The sister parish relationship between St. Paul and Niño Jesús began in 2000. Its mission is to establish with one another “a long-term spiritual, cultural and personal relationship” that embraces the Eucharist as the center of their lives and expands opportunities for personal growth, commitment and involvement in communities.

Parishioners of St. Paul sponsored the education of 160 young people in 2019 with 26 currently attending college.

They travel to Niño Jesús every other summer, and their Ecuadorian brothers and sisters in Christ visit Greensboro during the summers in between.

Hauser has visited the parish in Ecuador three times.

“It expands our faith,” he said. “Our brothers and sisters are in Ecuador. When we visit, we get much more from them than the other way around. It’s just who Catholics are. We feel responsible.”

Anxiety / Depression Acid Reflux / Sleep Hormones / Allergies Cholesterol / Fatigue

8

catholicnewsherald.com | June 5, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SPECIAL COVERAGE: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CONNIE RIES

Preparing for church to reopen STATESVILLE — Many parishioners at St. Philip the Apostle Church volunteered to spend a recent Saturday morning sanitizing their church, after it was announced that the churches could reopen. The volunteers cleaned the pews, doors, tables, bathroom fixtures, prayer books and other high-touch surfaces in anticipation of returning to in-person worship services. The parish’s regular Mass schedule has since resumed, but as at other parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte, services are being organized to ensure safe physical distancing and other public health directives to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Parishioners who are ill or vulnerable are encouraged to stay at home and attend Mass online through livestreamed services.

Online giving reaps results for parishes SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — A significant number of parishes are seeing robust offertory collections despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and offertory giving on average is at about 80 percent of what it was this time last year.

Churches have been closed to public Masses until only recently, so parishes have had to shift to online giving for parishioners to continue providing financial support to their church. Weekly offertory collections provide the largest source of operating income for parishes.

More than three-quarters of the diocese’s 92 parishes and missions now offer online giving options, and these efforts are making it easier for people to give.

In April, 21 parishes collected more than 90 percent of their weekly offering compared to the same month last year, including 16 parishes that received offertory amounts over and above what they had received in April 2019. Another 18 parishes received between 80 and 90 percent of their weekly offering compared to last year.

Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont is among the parishes seeing strong stewardship through its online giving program, which uses ParishSOFT. In fact, they are seeing offertory levels slightly higher than last April.

“I would like to commend our church members for continuing to support the church and thank the members that have signed up for our online giving program since the closure began,” said Susan Colone, parish business manager. “We are pleased that they are finding this program a convenient way to donate. I also want to say ‘thank you’ to the members that have been longtime users of the online giving program.”

St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte has also seen sustained support for the parish via online giving. In a livestreamed message, Father Matthew Codd, pastor, appealed to parishioners to continue supporting the parish if their circumstances allowed for it.

“I am grateful for the response,” Father Codd said. “I shared with them

how much I missed seeing them at Mass and at the church. I told them I was praying for them and to please not forget us in their giving.”

However, more than a dozen parishes have seen a steep decline in their weekly offertory amounts, receiving 50 percent or less compared to their collections in April 2019.

The diocese is supporting parishes that are experiencing strained finances with financial advice and relief grants.

Jim Kelley, the diocese’s development director, and Bill Weldon, the diocese’s CFO and chief administrative officer, have been communicating frequently with pastors to connect them with resources, share ideas and troubleshoot problems.

Through the diocese’s Coronavirus Relief Effort, grants are being awarded to cash-strapped parishes to cover their operating costs for the duration of the pandemic. The relief funding is available to qualifying parishes that continued paying staff their regular wage (for those that have them) during the period that churches were closed.

Weldon explained, “This effort is designed to provide parishes with the cash needed such that they retain at least 75 percent of current unrestricted reserves or enough to cover one month’s expenses, whichever is greater, after absorbing losses due to the curtailment of offertory.”

So far, four parishes have received this financial relief, provided in the form of a grant that does not have to be repaid.

The good news, diocesan leaders report, is that many parishes around the diocese have been able to weather this financial storm due to sound fiscal planning in place before the pandemic.

“As our churches continue to provide the sacraments, to educate and to serve, we are grateful to those who are giving regularly to support the work of the Church,” Kelley said. “We also pray for those affected by the coronavirus, as we look for ways to provide them hope, encouragement and support.

“If you haven’t given yet to financially support your parish, please consider the options of giving online, through the mail or by dropping off a gift at the church.”

CHURCH

MAILING ADDRESS

ONLINE GIVING?

Christ the King Church Christ the King Mission Church of the Epiphany Mission Divine Redeemer Church Good Shepherd Mission Holy Angels Church Holy Cross Church Holy Family Church Holy Infant Church Holy Redeemer Church Holy Spirit Church Holy Trinity Church Immaculate Conception Church Immaculate Conception Church Immaculate Conception Mission Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission Our Lady of Consolation Church Our Lady of Fatima Mission Our Lady of Grace Church Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission Our Lady of Lourdes Church Our Lady of Mercy Church Our Lady of the Americas Church Our Lady of the Angels Mission Our Lady of the Annunciation Church Our Lady of the Assumption Church Our Lady of the Highways Church Our Lady of the Mountains Mission Our Lady of the Rosary Church Prince of Peace Mission Queen of the Apostles Church Sacred Heart Church Sacred Heart Church Sacred Heart Mission Sacred Heart Mission St. Aloysius Church St. Andrew the Apostle Church St. Ann Church St. Barnabas Church St. Basil the Great Eastern Catholic Church St. Bernadette Church St. Benedict Church St. Benedict the Moor Church St. Charles Borromeo Church St. Dorothy Church St. Elizabeth Church St. Eugene Church St. Frances of Rome Mission St. Francis of Assisi Church St. Francis of Assisi Church St. Francis of Assisi Church St. Francis of Assisi Church St. Gabriel Church St. Helen Mission St. James Church St. James the Greater Church St. Joan of Arc Church St. John Baptist de la Salle Church St. John Lee Korean Church St. John Neumann Church St. John the Baptist Church St. John the Evangelist Church St. Joseph Church St. Joseph Church St. Joseph Church St. Joseph Church St. Joseph of the Hills Church St. Joseph Vietnamese Church St. Jude Church St. Lawrence Basilica St. Leo the Great Church St. Lucien Church St. Luke Church St. Margaret Mary Church St. Margaret of Scotland Church St. Mark Church St. Mary’s Church St. Mary Help of Christians Church St. Mary, Mother of God Church St. Matthew Church St. Michael the Archangel Church St. Patrick Cathedral St. Paul the Apostle Church St. Peter Church St. Peter Yu Korean Church St. Philip the Apostle Church St. Pius X Church St. Stephen Mission St. Therese Church St. Thomas Aquinas Church St. Vincent de Paul Church St. William Church

1505 MLK Jr. Dr., High Point, NC 27260 818 McGowan Road, Shelby NC 28150 163 Galax Lane, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 P.O. Box 370, Boonville, NC 27011 105 Good Shepherd Dr., King, NC 27021 1208 North Main St., Mount Airy, NC 27030-3640 616 South Cherry St., Kernersville, NC 27284 P.O. Box 130, Clemmons, NC 27012 P.O. Box 1197, Reidsville, NC 27323 214 Aquone Road, Andrews, NC 28901 537 NC 16 Business, Denver, NC 28037 1041 NC Hwy. 90 West, Taylorsville, NC 28681 1024 West Main St., Forest City, NC 28043 611 N. Church St., Suite 101, Hendersonville, NC 28792 42 Newfound St., Canton, NC 28716 4145 Johnson St., High Point, NC 27265 P.O. Box 546, Murphy, NC 28906 1235 Badger Court, Charlotte, NC 28206 211 West Third St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101 2203 West Market St., Greensboro, NC 27403 6212 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, NC 28214 P.O. Box 727, Bryson City, NC 28713 725 Deese St., Monroe, NC 28112 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 P.O. Box 159, Candor, NC 27229 290 N. Garden St., Marion, NC 28752 416 N. Second St., Albemarle, NC 28001 4207 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215 943 Ball Park Road, Thomasville, NC 27360 315 North 5th St., Highlands, NC 28741 619 South Main St., Lexington, NC 27292 704 Tallulah Road, Route 129 South, Robbinsville, NC 28771 503 North Main St., Belmont, NC 28012 150 Brian Berg Lane, Brevard, NC 28712 375 Lumen Christi Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147 P.O. Box 1208, Hamlet, NC 28345 P.O. Box 1406, Mars Hill, NC 28754 921 Second St. NE, Hickory, NC 28601 P.O. Box 1406, Mars Hill, NC 28754 3635 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209 P.O. Box 39, Arden, NC 28704 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte, NC 28213 P.O. BOX 1252, Linville, NC 28646 109 West Smith St., Greensboro, NC 27401 1625 East 12th St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101 728 West Union St., Morganton, NC 28655 148 Saint Dorothy’s Lane, Lincolnton, NC 28092 259 Pilgrims Way, Boone, NC 28607 72 Culvern St., Asheville, NC 28804 P.O. Box 367, Sparta, NC 28675 299 Maple St., Franklin, NC 28734 P.O. Box 634, Jefferson, NC 28640 328-B Woodsway Lane NW, Lenoir, NC 28645 862 Yadkinville Road, Mocksville, NC 27028 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 1235 Badger Court, Charlotte, NC 28206 P.O. Box 1208, Hamlet, NC 28345 139 Manor Ave. SW, Concord, NC 28025 768 Asbury Road, Candler, NC 28715 275 CC Wright School Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 7109 Robinson Church Road, Charlotte, NC 28215 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte, NC 28227 180 Laurel Ave., Tryon, NC 28782 234 Church, St., Waynesville, NC 28786 720 West 13th St., Newton, NC 28658 512 West Wainman Ave., Asheboro, NC 27203 P.O. Box 727, Bryson City, NC 28713 108 Saint Joseph St., Kannapolis, NC 28083 316 Boone Road, Eden, NC 27288 4929 Sandy Porter Road, Charlotte, NC 28273 3011 US-64, Sapphire, NC 28774 P. O. Box 1850, Asheville, NC 28802 335 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27104 P.O. BOX 688, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227 102 Andrew Pl., Swannanoa, NC 28778 P.O. Box 1359, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, NC 28078 812 Duke St., Greensboro, NC 27401 818 McGowan Road, Shelby, NC 28150 22 Bartlett St., Sylva, NC 28779 P.O. Box 49349, Charlotte, NC 28277 708 St Michael’s Lane Gastonia, NC 28052 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte, NC 28203 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro, NC 27410 507 South Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 4112 Romaine St., Greensboro, NC 27407 P.O. Box 882, Statesville, NC 28687 P.O. Box 13588, Greensboro, NC 27415 101 Hawthorne Road, Elkin, NC 28621 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, NC 28117 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte, NC 28213 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 P.O. Box 546, Murphy, NC 28906

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

June 5, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

9

SPECIAL COVERAGE: THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

‘I leave my life in Your hands’ St. Gabriel parishioner on verge of death from coronavirus never lost faith CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Wednesday, May 27, was a happy day for Miriam Veloz, a member of St. Gabriel Church who has served for many years as coordinator of various ministries.

On that day Veloz, through a virtual medical appointment, was told that she was completely free of COVID-19 – the virus that almost ended her life and the same virus that, as of June 3, has killed 106,181 people in the United States, 944 of them in North Carolina.

It all began in early April, when another member of her family developed a flu-like illness. That person went to the doctor, was tested for the coronavirus and got a prescription, but they were not told to quarantine themselves from the rest of the family. However, eight days later their COVID-19 test result came in – and it was positive.

By that point, efforts to disinfect the house and isolate the person were pointless. Over the next several days, one by one, every member of the household showed symptoms of COVID-19. Most were only mildly sickened, but not Veloz.

“I felt down, very tired, my appetite was gone,” she says.

Her doctor gave her a prescription pain reliever and an

antibiotic, but her symptoms only worsened.

On April 14, she began having trouble breathing and her husband took her to the emergency room, where she lost consciousness.

She was hospitalized in the COVID-19 wing of the hospital and put on a ventilator.

“I remember fighting for my life,” she recalls. “In the face of death I thought that I could not leave yet, that my husband, my daughter and my granddaughter needed me.”

She also remembers when, resigned to what seemed like a near death, she gave her life over to God. She prayed, “I leave my life in Your hands. Do what You want with me, I give You my life, my body.”

That prayer of surrendering to God’s will “let me rest,” she says.

Veloz remained semi-conscious for the next 10 days.

Each time the doctors tried to remove the breathing equipment, she was unable to breathe on her own, recalls Veloz’s daughter, who was allowed to visit her in the hospital.

On April 25 Veloz woke up and found herself unable to move much of her body. It was difficult for her to talk, because of the tubes that had been placed down her windpipe. The virus also had caused her blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar levels to rise.

Veloz continues to recuperate slowly, thanks to physical, occupational and speech rehabilitation therapy that she has been receiving.

The first week of May, she was able to leave the hospital to continue her rehabilitation at home, where she remained quarantined until she could be completely discharged.

Her problems are not over, though. Medical bills for her hospitalization are now coming in, and she does not have the strength to face the payments.

“I have received help from my friends, from the church, but right now I am not working,” she says. “Everything will be solved, I know that everything will be fine with the help of God; but I don’t want to make any payment agreement right now because I don’t know if I will be able to honor them in the future.”

Throughout her ordeal, Veloz has kept faith.

The first thing she hopes to do, when she feels strong enough and health precautions allow, is “visit St. Gabriel Church to thank God for this new opportunity in my life.”

“For now,” she says,” I am joining in the virtual rosary that some friends pray, and I hope that I can do something productive soon.”

After having gone through this experience, Veloz recommends that everyone be careful and follow public health precautions.

“You never know if whoever is next to you is a carrier of the virus, and you can catch it. The pandemic affects everyone. Everybody must be responsible for themselves and for their family. We have to take care of each other,” she says.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected thousands of families in western North Carolina, particularly in the Hispanic and African-American communities.

In Mecklenburg County alone, these demographic groups rank first and second in the number of coronavirus cases, with 38.5 percent and 27.6 percent respectively, although the fatality rate is much higher in the white and African American population than among Latinos.

“Solo espero el momento de ir a la Iglesia a dar gracias a Dios” Feligresa al borde de la muerte por coronavirus nunca perdió la fe CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — El pasado miércoles 27 de mayo fue un día muy especial para la señora Miriam Veloz, una reconocida parroquiana de la Iglesia San Gabriel, en donde se ha desempeñado por muchos años como coordinadora de varios ministerios.

Ese día, la señora Veloz, a través de una consulta virtual, fue informada por su médico de cabecera que estaba ya completamente libre de Coronavirus, el virus casi acaba con su vida. El mismo que al 3 de junio ha ocasionado la muerte de 106,181 personas en los Estados Unidos, 944 de ellas en Carolina del Norte.

Todo comenzó a principios de abril, cuando una persona de su casa presentó un malestar parecido a un resfriado y decidió consultar al médico. Tras la visita al doctor se le recetaron algunas medicinas y realizó una prueba de detección de Coronavirus, pero no se le indicó aislamiento social. Tras ocho días de espera llegaron los resultados: la persona estaba infectada por COVID-19.

De nada valieron los esfuerzos por limpiar la casa y aislar a la persona.

Después de diez días, cuando todos los ocupantes de la casa creían haberse librado del mal, uno a uno fueron presentando ligeros síntomas.

Lamentablemente, con Miriam Veloz no sería igual.

“Me sentía decaída, mucho cansancio, se me fue el apetito”, por lo que después de una consulta médica virtual el doctor le recomendó que asista al hospital. “Allí me hicieron el examen que dio positivo y me enviaron a casa con una receta de un analgésico y un antibiótico”, relató.

Los síntomas se agravaron, el 14 de abril presentó problemas respiratorios y el 15 su esposo la llevó a una sala de emergencias donde ella perdió el conocimiento.

Fue trasladada a un centro hospitalario de Carolinas Medical Center. Ahí permaneció diez días dormida y con respiración asistida.

“No recuerdo nada”, afirma, “solo como en sueños recuerdo luchar por mi vida.

Ante la muerte pensaba que no podía irme todavía, que mi esposo, mi hija y mi nieta aún me necesitaban”.

También recuerda que llegó el momento en que, resignada ante lo que parecía una muerte cercana, entregó su vida a Dios.

“Señor ya no doy más”, clamó, “dejo en tus manos mi vida, haz lo que quieras de mí, te entrego mi vida, mi cuerpo”, dijo, y aunque parezca mentira, “eso me dejó descansar”.

Por su hija, quien estaba autorizada a visitarla en el hospital, sabe que los médicos intentaron desconectarla del respirador, pero su cuerpo no fue capaz de mantenerse por sí mismo.

El 25 de abril despertó. Sus manos y pies no respondían, el habla había sido seriamente afectada por los tubos que habían introducido por la tráquea. La enfermedad también le alteró otras funciones del organismo: le subió la presión sanguínea, pese a no ser diabética presentó altos niveles de azúcar y el ritmo cardíaco se modificó significativamente.

CÉSAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

En esta foto de archivo, tomada durante una celebración en la parroquia San Gabriel, aparece la Sra. Miriam Veloz. A su lado su esposo Raúl y el Padre Frank O’Rourke.

Se hizo necesario que se someta a terapia de rehabilitación física, ocupacional y del habla, las que hasta hoy recibe en casa.

La primera semana de mayo pudo salir del hospital para continuar su rehabilitación en casa, donde cumplió una cuarentena obligatoria hasta que fue dada de alta.

FE INQUEBRANTABLE

Lo último que puede perder la señora Miriam es la fe. Asegura que lo primero que hará cuando se sienta fuerte y se den las condiciones, es “visitar la Iglesia San Gabriel para dar gracias a Dios por esta nueva oportunidad de vida”. “Por ahora estoy uniéndome al Rosario virtual que rezan algunos amigos y espero que pueda hacer algo productivo pronto”, afirmó.

Las preocupaciones no terminan, pues ella está recibiendo facturas por la atención hospitalaria, pero aún no tiene la fortaleza para enfrentar los pagos.

“He recibido la ayuda de mis amigos, de

la iglesia, pero ahora mismo no estoy trabajando y no sé cuando podré hacerlo.

Mi esposo perdió uno de sus empleos, pero esto ahora para mi es secundario. Todo se va a solucionar, sé que todo va a estar bien con la ayuda de Dios”.

Después de haber vivido esta experiencia, Miriam Veloz nos recomienda ser cuidadosos y responsables. “Nunca se sabe si quien está al lado de uno es portador del virus y nos podemos contagiar. La pandemia afecta a todo el mundo, cada uno debe ser responsable por uno mismo y por la familia. Tenemos que cuidarnos los unos a los otros”, afirma.

SERIO PROBLEMA

La pandemia de COVID-19 ha afectado seriamente a las comunidades más vulnerables. En el condado Mecklenburg, según datos oficiales proporcionados por el gobierno de la Ciudad, se aprecia un incremento lineal de los casos reportados diariamente, mientras que la curva de casos totales parece ya estabilizarse en estos últimos días.

Solo el 27 de mayo se reportaron 151 nuevos casos de COVID-19, el número más alto desde que inició el registro de la pandemia el 11 de marzo.

La comunidad hispana y afroamericana ocupan el primer y segundo lugar en número de casos de Coronavirus reportados con el 38,5% y 27,6% respectivamente; aunque el índice de fatalidades es mucho mayor en la comunidad blanca y afroamericana que entre los Latinos.

En la comunidad hispana, el mayor número de casos, 49%, afecta a personas entre 20 y 39 años de edad, es decir, jóvenes que trabajan en sectores de servicios declarados como esenciales.

FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL

catholicnewsherald.com | June 5, 2020 10

Lleva el amor y la paz de Cristo a los demás, dijo el Obispo Jugis en su homilía de Pentecostés PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITORA

CHARLOTTE — El Espíritu Santo alimenta la obra de la Iglesia y a Su pueblo, y dos dones del Espíritu Santo, amor y paz, están entre los más necesitados por el mundo de hoy, señaló el Obispo Peter Jugis en su homilía por la fiesta de Pentecostés.

Las celebraciones de Pentecostés en la Diócesis de Charlotte lucieron diferentes este año, ya que las iglesias reanudaron las Misas públicas y celebraron muchos de los sacramentos que se habían pospuesto durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Los candidatos y catecúmenos del programa RICA, y los jóvenes de las clases de formación de fe recibieron los sacramentos de iniciación: Bautismo, Primera Comunión y Confirmación. Sin embargo, las celebraciones siguieron siendo limitadas, alineadas con las restricciones de salud pública para evitar la propagación del Coronavirus.

En la Catedral San Patricio, 19 jóvenes recibieron el sacramento de Confirmación durante una Misa celebrada el 31 de mayo, en privado, pero que fue transmitida por el canal YouTube de la catedral.

En su homilía, el Obispo Jugis dijo que “el Espíritu Santo es responsable de todo en la Iglesia”. Él anima a los apóstoles a salir y predicar el Evangelio, “para comenzar la obra de la Iglesia, que es la obra de salvación”.

“Están recibiendo el mismo Espíritu Santo que los Apóstoles recibieron en Pentecostés”, dijo al auditorio virtual. “Él viene para encaminarlos en su misión, para que tomen parte de la misión de la Iglesia, que es llevar a Cristo y su mensaje de salvación al mundo”, y también “viene por tu santificación personal, para hacerte santo”.

El primer fruto del Espíritu Santo, el amor, nos permite seguir el mandamiento de Jesús de amar a Dios y a los demás, dijo. “Dios les ha amado, y porque Él ha puesto su amor en sus corazones, entonces pueden conocer, amar a Dios, y amar a su prójimo como a ustedes mismos”, dijo.

Se necesita otro fruto del Espíritu Santo, la paz, para convertir los corazones a Jesús, particularmente hoy cuando enfrentamos el racismo, la violencia y la destrucción. “Necesitamos orar por la paz en Estados Unidos, considerando lo que sucedió la semana pasada en muchas ciudades de nuestro

FOTO DE JAMES SARKIS

El Obispo Peter Jugis administra el sacramento de confirmación durante la Misa de Pentecostés celebrada el 31 de mayo en la Catedral San Patricio. país”, dijo, refiriéndose al asesinato de George Floyd por la policía y las protestas, a veces violentas, que han sacudido a comunidades como Charlotte.

El amor, la paz y los otros frutos del Espíritu Santo: alegría, paciencia, amabilidad, bondad, generosidad, gentileza, fe, modestia, autocontrol y castidad, son necesarios para santificarnos y ayudarnos a difundir el mensaje de Cristo en el mundo, añadió.

Con la ayuda del Espíritu Santo, dijo, podemos llegar a ser más como Cristo.

Aplicando la prudencia

Q

ueridos hermanos y hermanas, He recibido varías preguntas acerca de nuestras reuniones de grupos en los movimientos apostólicos.

Se que muchos están ya ansiosos de poder reunirse y seguir todo normal.

Algunos me dicen que tienen una comunidad pequeña y que son más o menos diez personas las que se reúnen, otros me han dicho que ya el párroco dio permiso y los más atrevidos piensan que están bajo la protección de Dios y no les pasará nada.

Yo creo que es mejor aplicar la prudencia en este momento y no precipitarnos a reunirnos ya. Pienso que es mejor esperar un poco más y seguir unidos en la oración.

Ayer me llegó una foto de una tienda comercial que reabría sus puertas con muchas ofertas para atraer gentes y me dio tristeza ver la fila de gente que había para entrar, mucha de esta gente estaba sin cubre bocas. Pienso que si no ejercitamos la prudencia y las medidas sanitarias, en poco tiempo vamos a volver al mismo estado de antes y tendremos que estar encerrados por más tiempo.

En estos días, siento que deberíamos hacer conciencia de la realidad que estamos viviendo, saber que es una gran alegría volver a la iglesia pero en una nueva realidad, es decir, tomando las debidas precauciones y la sana distancia

hacia los demás. Tenemos que respetar al otro. Aquí no se trata de evitar el saludo sino de responsablemente no saludar por amor al prójimo, o hacer un signo que indique el saludo sin tener que tocar.

Tenemos que darnos cuenta de que si vamos a salir, debemos estar lavándonos las manos frecuentemente, no como una manía sino como un medio muy responsable para cuidarme y cuidar a la familia. Tengo que concientizar a todos los de mi casa que el cubre bocas es un servicio de caridad al prójimo y un medio de protección para nosotros. Tenemos que llevar nuestro gel antibacterial y darnos cuenta de que estamos expuestos todos al virus.

A los que dicen que todo va a estar bien y que Dios los protege, yo les pido que utilicen la sana razón (dada por Dios), ejerciten la prudencia y sean obedientes a las recomendaciones que nos da el sector salud. En tiempos del éxodo, Dios mandó a Moisés a poner un palo alto con una serpiente para que quien fuera mordido por la serpiente solo mirara a este signo y quedaría curado.

Prudentemente, ellos obedecieron y quedaban curados. De la misma manera hoy tenemos que obedecer las reglas sanitarias y no pensar que Dios nos protegerá cuando no estamos siguiendo las normas que se nos están dando.

Gracias a Dios las Misas ya se están

Padre Julio Domínguez abriendo y con gusto puedo ver que la gente va regresando a la Santa Misa. Por favor, manténte en familia y saluda a los demás solo de lejos. Sé firme en hacerle ver a los demás de que es mejor estar lejos por el momento y no dejar que la amistad rompa nuestra vigilancia de cuidado. Cuida a tus niños y procura, dentro de lo posible, que no anden tocando todo. Si ya entienden, edúcalos en la nueva realidad y hazles ver que por el momento es bueno esperar un poco para poder volver a jugar como antes lo hacían.

Es un servicio de caridad lo que vamos a estar haciendo y vendrá en beneficio de todos nosotros en poco tiempo, si con prudencia, obediencia, solidaridad, responsabilidad y mucho amor nos cuidamos unos a otros.

No nos descuidemos en este momento crítico, ayudemos lo más que podamos a que volvamos a la normalidad en unos pocos meses.

Dios los bendiga y los proteja.

EL PADRE JULIO DOMÍNGUEZ es director del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Ordenaciones se posponen hasta el 17 y 24 de julio CHARLOTTE — Las restricciones durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y los planes de reapertura por fases de Carolina del Norte han causado que las ordenaciones en la Diócesis de Charlotte se posterguen hasta el mes de julio.

Normalmente, las Misas de Ordenación al Diaconado Transicional y de Ordenación al Sagrado Sacerdocio se llevan a cabo a principios y finales de junio, respectivamente.

El Obispo Peter Jugis ha programado la celebración de las liturgias de ordenación a las diez de la Mlakar mañana del 17 y 24 de julio en la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville.

La diócesis se encuentra trabajando de acuerdo a la guía de los CDC y las pautas de reapertura gradual de COVID-19 para el estado de Carolina del Norte, con la finalidad de ayudar a garantizar un ambiente de culto seguro para las Torres liturgias.

El 17 de julio, el Obispo Jugis ordenará a los seminaristas Juan Miguel Sánchez y Joseph Wasswa al diaconado transicional durante una Misa a celebrarse en la Iglesia San Marcos.

Juan Miguel Sánchez es parroquiano de la Iglesia San Francisco of Asis en Lenoir. Estudia teología en Sanchez la Pontificia Universidad de Norteamérica en Roma.

Joseph Wasswa es parroquiano de la Iglesia Sagrado en Salisbury.

Estudia teología en la Pontificia Universidad Josephinum en Columbus, Ohio.

El 24 de julio, el Obispo Jugis ordenará al Sagrado Sacerdocio a los Diáconos Jacob Mlakar y Jonathan Wasswa Torres, durante una Misa que se celebrará en la Iglesia San Marcos.

El Diácono Jacob Mlakar es parroquiano de la Iglesia San Mateo en Charlotte y estudia teología en la Pontificia Universidad de Norteamérica en Roma.

El Diácono Jonathan Torres es parroquiano de la Iglesia Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte y estudia teología en la Pontificia Universidad Josephinum en Columbus, Ohio.

Las dos Misas de ordenación serán transmitidas ‘en vivo’ por el Canal YouTube de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

— SueAnn Howell, reportera senior

June 5, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

11

Misa de Pentecostés en Divino Redentor BOONVILLE — En esta pasada Fiesta de Pentecostés se llevo a cabo la primera celebración al aire libre de esta comunidad en tiempos de COVID-19. Bajo fuertes medidas de higiene, fueron respetadas las normas que previamente se anunciaron en la página web y redes sociales de la parroquia, así como también la distancia social. La participación de la comunidad fue la esperada. Desde muy temprano, los voluntarios trabajaron en conjunto para instalar la tienda desde donde el Rev. Enrique Gonzalez-Gaytán celebró la Santa Liturgia. Esta es la segunda ocasión en que se celebra una Misa al aire libre en los terrenos de la parroquia. La primera fue durante la fundación de la parroquia, siendo los celebrantes el fallecido Rev. Joseph Waters y el Rev. Fidel Melo.

La Misa del Domingo de Pentecostés fue transmitida por Facebook Live, con un alcance de 250 personas viendo la transmisión.

Diácono Darío García

La cuarentena

E

l término tan difundido durante el tiempo de Cuaresma, encierro, aislamiento, travesía, prueba: con los matices del ayuno, la sed, el hambre, los peligros, la lucha, el afán, el desaliento; pero con un gran aliciente: llegar, terminar, alcanzar lo prometido.

El mundo ha vivido muchas cuarentenas, entre otras en este siglo: el dengue, el ébola, el sida, la gripe tipo A. En la actual, a causa de la pandemia provocada por COVID-19 estamos viviendo sus implicaciones, las cuales nos molestan y afligen porque nos quitan el ritmo de vida diaria, afectan nuestros quehaceres cotidianos: no podemos hacer lo que a diario hacíamos. Pero no podemos detenernos ahí, tenemos que levantar la vista y mirar hacia adelante buscando la calma que viene después de la tempestad, calma que muchos esperan para seguir viviendo igual, en su rutina, gastando la vida en ella; otros para cambiar, para mejorar.

Los cristianos, creo, la estamos viviendo como una oportunidad que Dios nos da para mirarnos a nosotros mismos y caer en cuenta de lo que somos y lo que estamos haciendo, cómo hemos estado viviendo, personalmente y en familia.

Nos ha dado tiempo para reunirnos y convivir más en familia, hacer cosas que en el ritmo normal no hacíamos, por ejemplo, orar en familia, compartir reflexiones y mirar a través de ellas nuestra vida y nuestras relaciones familiares.

Nos ha dado tiempo para acercarnos más a Él, para valorar más nuestras prácticas cristianas. Con el cierre de los templos, por ejemplo, nos ha hecho ver nuestra casa como una iglesia en la que reunidos y cercanos podemos orar, construir el altar, compartir la oración con los hijos, mirarnos como la iglesia en pequeño que somos, pequeña comunidad de vida y oración cristiana; se han cerrado los templos y se han abierto las iglesias familiares.

Nos ha permitido descubrir en los medios electrónicos canales para evangelizar, no simples medios para darle gusto a la ‘videitis’ barata, a la mensajeria insulsa, al chateo vulgar y otras cosas que el medio proporciona y de las cuales hacemos una ‘pulga’.

Creemos que el Señor nos está invitando a sacar muchas cosas viejas y descubrir otras nuevas, a dejar la rutina diaria del ir y venir, del hacer, del no hacer y del dejar hacer. Muchas familias que iban solo el domingo a la iglesia, en este tiempo van todos los días, están todos los días encontrándose con el Señor y la Madre Santísima, allí en su casita, ante el altarcito hecho por mamá y los niños, junto con los jóvenes, en una experiencia que sin cuarentena muchos no vivíamos.

Ahora, el Señor, que es el que todo lo puede y todo lo sabe, ya nos va dejando ver la ‘tierra prometida’, el fin de la pandemia, la reapertura del mundo y, muy especialmente, de sus templos, casas de oración, para volver a vivir en comunidad la Eucaristía y los demas sacramentos tan deseados por todos. El Señor nos ha despertado más el gusto y la necesidad por ellos en esta cuarentena.

Démosle gracias y preparémonos para regresar a Él con toda la alegría y sinceridad de corazón en los sacramentos, en especial, la Eucaristía, que alimenta para la vida eterna.

EL DIÁCONO DARÍO GARCIA es coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Hickory.

SERGIO LÓPEZ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Parroquia Ntra. Sra. de Guadalupe sortea auto cero millas CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — El próximo 21 de junio, día en que se celebrará el Día del Padre, el automóvil Honda Civic LX 2020, cero millas, que sortea la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe tendrá finalmente dueño.

Así lo hizo saber el Padre Gregorio Gay, párroco de la iglesia, quien animó a los fieles a que, en la medida de sus posibilidades, contribuyan con la compra de boletos para la rifa.

El sorteo se programó inicialmente para el 12 de abril, Domingo de Resurrección, fecha en la que tradicionalmente la Guadalupana realiza una gran kermés de recaudación de fondos para costear sus gastos de administración y operación de sus múltiples ministerios, así como su aporte a la Colecta de Apoyo Diocesano (DSA).

“La decisión ahora será cómo vamos a utilizar este dinero, porque no hemos tenido los ingresos que normalmente tenemos debido a las bajas colectas”, dijo el Padre Gregorio, añadiendo que según entiende, “la cuota de este año (del DSA) va a ser reajustada”.

La suspensión de la celebración de Misas, debido a las restricciones decretadas por las autoridades de gobierno y sanitarias por la propagación de COVID-19, complicó la venta de los tickets para la rifa. La venta se realizaba a través de los grupos apostólicos y al término de cada Misa dominical.

“Repartimos casi la mayoría de los boletos entre los diferentes ministerios. Hemos vendido una buena cantidad, pero se han devuelto boletos no vendidos que queremos ver si en estos domingos previos al sorteo, durante los servicios de comunión que hacemos en el estacionamiento, podemos vender”, dijo el P. Gregorio, entendiendo que los efectos de la pandemia han golpeado con fuerza la economía de los parroquianos.

Ofrecer en un sorteo un coche nuevo, cero millas, es un hecho extraordinario en nuestra comunidad católica hispana de Charlotte. “Visitamos a varios dealers de venta de autos del área y fue Honda quien nos ofreció el mejor precio. Lo compramos con fondos de la parroquia con la intención de recuperar el dinero y sacar una ganancia para cubrir los gastos que mencioné”, explicó el P. Gregorio.

Hasta el momento, la venta de boletos ha logrado cubrir los gastos iniciales de compra del vehículo. Sin embargo, la Guadalupana necesita de nuestra ayuda para que pueda ver el excedente que necesita para sus gastos parroquiales y aporte diocesano.

Respecto al pago de impuestos que regularmente recae sobre el ganador de un premio, en este caso el automóvil Honda Civic LX, el Padre Gregorio aclaró que será la parroquia, no el ganador, quien abone los impuestos. “El premio es completo, quien se lo lleve no tendrá que pagar nada. Le entregaremos las llaves y ya”, dijo.

El sorteo, que será transmitido ‘online’ al término del servicio de comunión del domingo 21 de junio, contará con la presencia de oficiales del Departamento de Policía de Charlotte Mecklenburg (CMPD) comprometidos con el servicio a la comunidad hispana. El nombre del ganador será inmediatamente compartido a través de la página web y diferentes plataformas de redes sociales de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (https://parroquiansguadalupe. com).

Quienes deseen comprar boletos de la rifa pueden también acercarse a la parroquia, 6212 Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte, NC 28214, de lunes a viernes en horario de oficina. “Las puertas están cerradas pero tenemos un timbre que pueden tocar. Siempre hay alguien aquí desde las ocho de la mañana hasta la noche”, subrayó el P. Gregorio.

Lecturas Diarias JUNIO 7-13

Domingo (La Santísima Trinidad): Éxodo 34:4b-6, 8-9, Daniel 3:52-56, 2 Corintios 13:11-13, Juan 3:16-18; Lunes: 1 Reyes 17:1-6, Mateo 5:1-12; Martes (San Efrén): 1 Reyes 17:7-16, Mateo 5:13-16; Miércoles: 1 Reyes 18:20-39, Mateo 5:17-19; Juebes (San Bernabé): Hechos 11:21-26, 13:1-3, Mateo 5:2026; Viernes: 1 Reyes 19:9, 11-16, Mateo 5:27-32; Sábado (San Antonio de Padua): 1 Reyes 19:19-21, Mateo 5:33-37

JUNIO 14-20

Domingo (La Santísima Sangre y Cuerpo de Cristo): Deuteronomio 8:2-3, 14b-16a, 1 Corintios 10:16-17, Juan 6:5158; Lunes: 1 Reyess 21:1-16, Mateo 5:38-42; Martes: 1 Reyes 21:17-29, Mateo 5:43-48; Miércoles: 2 Reyes 2:1, 6-14, Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18; Jueves: Sirácides 48:1-14, Mateo 6:7-15; Viernes (Sagrado Corazón de Jesús): Deuteronomio 7:6-11, 1 Juan 4:716, Mateo 11:25-30; Sábado (Inmaculado Corazón de María): 2 Crónicas 24:17-25, Lucas 2:41-51

JUNIO 21-27

Domingo: Jeremías 20:10-13, Romanos 5:12-15, Mateo 10:26-33; Lunes (San Paulino de Nola, Santos Juan Fisher y Tomás More): 2 Reyes 17:5-8, 13-15, 18, Mateo 7:1-5,; Martes: 2 Reyes 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36, Mateo 7:6, 12-14; Miércoles (Natividad de San Juan Bautista: Isaías 49:1-6, Hechos 13:22-26, Lucas 1:57-66, 80; Jueves: 2 Reyes 24:8-17, Mateo 7:21-29; Viernes: 2 Reyes 25:1-12, Mateo 8:1-4; Sábado (San Cirilo de Alejandría): Lamentaciones 2:2, 10-14, 18-19, Mateo 8:5-17

Mix 12

catholicnewsherald.com | June 5, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters ‘Scoob’ Bland animated addition to the Scooby-Doo franchise that began as a Saturday morning TV show in 1969. Opening with an origins story of the bond between a future laid-back beatnik (voice of Will Forte) and his faithful dog (voice of Frank Welker), director Tony Cervone’s adventure then jumps forward a decade to the battle between the Mystery, Inc. gang to which the duo belongs, its other members voiced

by Gina Rodriguez, Zac Efron and Amanda Seyfried and a villain (voice of Jason Isaacs) who wants to kidnap the titular canine because of the supernatural power he possesses as a descendant of Alexander the Great’s pet pooch. The ensemble is aided by an aspiring superhero (voice of Mark Wahlberg), his brainy sidekick (voice of Kiersey Clemons) and a mechanical pup (voice of Ken Jeong). While it salutes unity, loyal friendship, courage and self-sacrifice, this passable feature fails to make much of an impression. Too frightening for little kids, it’s acceptable for most others. Much peril, mature wordplay, a single crass term, brief scatological humor.

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

Catholic Book Pick

On TV

‘Lily Lolek: Future Saint’

by Katie Warner, illustrated

by Amy Rodriguez

n Friday, June 5, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Joan of Arc: Maid for God.” A docudrama on the life of the young peasant girl who extraordinarily was called to preserve the French throne, and whose actions on the battlefield led to the coronation of Charles VII at Reims.

Bestselling author Katie Warner is back with her latest adorable kids’ book. The beautiful illustrations

by Amy Rodriguez will captivate both parents and kids as you discover “Lily Lolek: Future Saint.”

Your little one will love the story of this spirited young girl and her bold dreams to become a saint – book and broom in hand.

Filled with bring and colorful illustrations, whimsical rhyme and a powerful lesson, you and your child will want to read this book again and again!

At www.tanbooks.com: Order your copy of “Lili Lolek: Future Saint.” Catholic News Herald readers enjoy 20 percent off their order – use the exclusive coupon code “CNH20.”

n Saturday, June 6, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Philip Neri.”

The dramatic life of St. Philip Neri, often called the “Third Apostle of Rome,” who was guided by Our Lord to seek out and catechize the poor and abandoned youth of his adopted city. Part 1. n Sunday, June 7, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Angelus with Pope Francis.” Pope Francis leads the world in the recitation of the Angelus live from Rome. n Thursday, June 11, 5 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Charles Borromeo.” Bob and Penny Lord explain how St. Charles Borromeo strengthened the Church during the turmoil of the Protestant Reformation. n Saturday, June 13, Noon (EWTN) “Holy Mass on the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua.”

From the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, Italy, celebrated by Father Mario Conte, OFM Conv. n Saturday, June 13, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Philip Neri.” The dramatic life of Saint Philip Neri, often called the “Third Apostle of Rome.”

Part 2.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020 Christ the King Catholic High School • Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School • Charlotte Catholic High School

Prayerful best wishes for your continued success!

From the faculty, staff and students of The Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools and the Catholic Schools Office.

June 5, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Congrat ul ati on s to the Cl a s s of 2020

Douglas Joseph Abell III

Mirielle Louise Azzopardi

Isabella Battaglini Posla

Margaret Angela Brant

Reilly Gray Butterfield

Daniel Miguel Carignan

William Ambrose Chaney

Sara Bowe Cowen

Aidan Thomas Creter

Caroline Helen Denny

Benjamin James Domke

Anne Kelly Donahue

James Douglas Edmiston

Jane Frances Edmiston

Sophia Keolalani Filiault

Sarah Ann Finke

Max Roy Grigolon

Keegan Joseph Guyer

Alexander Michael Habel

Logan Edward Hamilton

Jacob William Haywood

Jose Pablo Hernandez

Jessica Grace Hoagland

Shay Lynn Huber

Vittorio Richard Iannielli

Ethan Mark Ippolito

Emily Elizabeth Jones

Kristine Marie Jones

Kaitlyn Marie Kogler

Jordan Marie Lamoreux

Elizabeth Marie Langbo

Noah David Liberacki

Vincent Christian Marino

William Andrew Mastrone

Robert Cyril Matsey

Colton Matthew McLaughlin

Arthur John McMahon III

Thomas James McNamee

Calleigh Elizabeth Miller

Alexander Paul Moorman

John Thomas Mosher

Michaela Rae Norris

Amelia Kathleen O’Malley

Kirsten Grace Ostrea

Schuyler Brie Pacious

Maranda Jean Patterson

Jade Katherine Rabah

Taylor Ann Reeves

Catherine Suzan Richards

Christian Emilio Rodriguez

Jack Bedell Saltrick

Kevin Joseph Santschi

Connor Scott Schoenewolf

Michael David Schroeder

Joshua Brodde Seguin

Jose Gabriel Sierra-Vences

Nicholas John Snow

Jaylen Darrell Steele

Sarah Elizabeth Stump

Nicholas Alan Todd

Ni Vi

John Gabriel Welsh

Elizabeth Ann White

Sarah Marie Wilson

John Arthur Zuhosky

Faith and reason are like t wo wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.

- St. John Paul 11 the Great (Fides et Ratio)

Class of 2020 Colleges/Universities University of Alabama Appalachian State University Belmont Abbey College Central Piedmont Community College Clemson University Coastal Carolina University * $5 million in scholarships earned

Colorade State University East Carolina University University of Georgia University of Louisiana - Lafayette Loyola University - Maryland University of Massassachusetts

Montreat College University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill University of North Carolina - Charlotte University of North Carolina - Wilmington North Carolina State University North Greenville University

University of Notre Dame Ohio State University Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Savannah College of Art and Design University of South Carolina Texas A&M University

United States Navy Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University Wake Forest University Western Carolina University Wofford College Xavier University

May you always remember you are a Crusader at heart. Be the light of Christ in our world.

As you embark on your next journey, continue to “believe sincerely, think critically, and serve others in the name of Christ the King.”

13

14

iiiJune 5, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

Overcomi

Diocesan schools celebrate the end of an unprecede

PHOTOS PROVIDED

(Clockwise from top left) A student at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in High Point watches baby chicks hatching, with her teacher joining in online. Our Lady of Mercy School first-grade teacher Cindy Bryson visits a student’s home, teaching a math lesson while sitting safely distanced on the family’s backyard trampoline.

Like other Catholic school students, St. Pius X students shifted quickly to online learning at home thanks to a coordinated effort among teachers, staff and parents. The Asheville Catholic School community celebrated local community heroes by delivering treats to the fire and police departments.

‘Let the goodness of Christ shine out from your lives’ Baccalaureate Mass streamed live for 3 graduating senior classes SUEANN HOWELL AND KIMBERLY BENDER CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis encouraged the Class of 2020 to let the Holy Spirit be visibly active in their lives, in a message he delivered during a special baccalaureate Mass streamed live May 28 from St. Patrick Cathedral.

The private Mass was offered for the graduating seniors of the Diocese of Charlotte’s three Catholic high schools, since the usual baccalaureate Masses for graduates could not be held due to COVID-19 public health restrictions.

“Let the fruits of the Holy Spirit be noticed by everyone you meet,” Bishop Jugis told graduates in his homily. “Let them be active in your lives.”

Bishop Jugis urged them and all who were watching the online Mass to listen to what the Lord is asking of them through the fruits of the Holy Spirit, which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faith, modesty, self-control and chastity.

“What a powerful witness of Christ you will be with these fruits of the Holy Spirit,” Bishop Jugis said. “Let the goodness of Christ shine out from your lives by living these fruits of the Spirit, which is living within you.”

He prayed that the Holy Spirit would “accompany you now as you move forward.”

Principal Kurt Telford from Charlotte Catholic High School; Dr. Carl Semmler, principal of Christ the King High School; and Debbie Mixer, assistant superintendent of Catholic schools, attended the baccalaureate Mass. Father John Putnam, chaplain of Christ the King High School; Father Noah Carter, chaplain of Bishop McGuinness High School; and Father Joseph Matlak, chaplain of Charlotte Catholic High School, concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Jugis.

Members of the Class of 2020, faculty and staff of the three high schools accessed the livestream to participate virtually in the baccalaureate Mass.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis told the graduates watching at home online that he had been looking forward to being with them for this baccalaureate Mass.

“This Mass is a Mass of the Holy Spirit, and you see the red vestments we are wearing which reminds us of the fire of the Holy Spirit, those tongues or flames of fire that came to rest on each of the Apostles and the Blessed Mother at Pentecost,” he told them. The fire of the Holy Spirit also reminds us “of God’s love that burns in our lives.”

“From the day of our baptism onward, that Holy Spirit is guiding us and driving us forward in our lives of faith and service to Christ,” he said.

Bishop Jugis commended the principals, school chaplains, teachers, staff, students and school families for making the adjustments necessary to continue learning at home so these students could graduate – despite schools being closed to in-person classes during the pandemic.

“I’m proud of you, graduating seniors of the Class of 2020,” he said.

The Class of 2020 is comprised of 456 graduates: Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville has 82 graduates; Charlotte Catholic High School in Charlotte has 309 graduates; and Christ the King High School in Huntersville has 65 graduates.

HE COVER

June 5, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

ing

ented school year

15

I

t has been an unforgettable year for our Catholic school families and staffs. The COVID-19 pandemic shuttered our school buildings and converted kitchens and living rooms into home-grown classrooms.

Students, teachers and parents found new ways to stay connected, inspired by the Holy Spirit and their love for each other. Ingenuity, persistence and humor became just as important tools as pencils, laptops and Google Classroom. Through all the challenges, their efforts embodied the mission of our Catholic schools: to proclaim the Good News and enable each student to develop spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially, so that each is prepared to live and serve in a changing society as a self-respecting citizen.

(Clockwise from the top) Eighth-graders graduated in style with a festive car parade at Holy Trinity Middle School in Charlotte and an outdoor celebration at Sacred Heart School in Salisbury. St. Ann celebrated its fifth-grade graduation with a car parade. Throughout the pandemic, students were encouraged to keep up their routines and tasks – even making sure to take their turn as “Bible bearer” for St. Matthew’s school Mass.

(At left) Immaculata School celebrated its students, particularly its graduating eighthgraders, with a drive-through parade in the school’s parking lot to cap off a virtual Spirit Week.

“Dejen que la bondad de Cristo brille desde sus vidas” Misa de Graduación fue transmitida en vivo para tres promociones de graduados SUE ANN HOWELL Y KIMBERLY BENDER CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — El Obispo Peter Jugis animó a la Promoción 2020 a dejar que el Espíritu Santo sea visiblemente activo en sus vidas, en un mensaje que pronunció durante una Misa privada de graduación, transmitida ‘en vivo’ el 28 de mayo desde la Catedral San Patricio, debido a las restricciones de salud pública por el COVID-19.

“Permitan que los frutos del Espíritu Santo sean notados por todas las personas que conocen”, dijo el Obispo Jugis a los graduados en su homilía, invitándolos a escuchar lo que el Señor les está pidiendo a través de los frutos del Espíritu Santo, que incluyen el amor, la alegría, paz, paciencia, amabilidad, bondad, generosidad, gentileza, fe, modestia, autocontrol y castidad.

“Qué poderosos testigos de Cristo serán con estos frutos”, dijo el obispo. “Dejen que la bondad de Cristo brille al vivir estos frutos del Espíritu que están dentro de ustedes”.

Kurt Telford, director de Charlotte Catholic High School; el Dr. Carl Semmler, director de la escuela secundaria Christ the King; y Debbie Mixer, superintendente asistente de las Escuelas Católicas, asistieron a la Misa de graduación.

Los Padres John Putnam, Noah Carter y Joseph Matlak, capellanes de las escuelas secundarias Christ the King, Bishop McGuinness y Charlotte Catholic, concelebraron la Misa con el Obispo Jugis.

Miembros de la Promoción 2020, profesores y personal de las tres escuelas secundarias accedieron a la transmisión ‘en vivo’ para participar virtualmente en la Misa de bachillerato.

El Obispo Jugis dijo a los graduados que seguían la transmisión desde casa que había estado esperando poder estar con ellos en esta Misa. “Estoy orgulloso de ustedes”, reconoció.

“Esta es una Misa del Espíritu Santo, y pueden ver nuestras vestimentas rojas que nos recuerdan el fuego del Espíritu Santo, esas lenguas o llamas de fuego que se posaron en Pentecostés sobre cada uno de los Apóstoles y la Santísima Madre”. El fuego del Espíritu Santo también nos recuerda “el amor de Dios que arde en nuestras vidas”.

“Desde el día de nuestro bautismo, ese Espíritu Santo nos está conduciendo hacia adelante en nuestras vidas de fe y servicio a Cristo”, dijo.

El Obispo Jugis elogió a los directores, capellanes escolares, maestros, personal, estudiantes y familias de las escuelas por hacer los ajustes necesarios para continuar aprendiendo en casa, para que los estudiantes puedan graduarse, a pesar que las escuelas están cerradas a clases presenciales durante la pandemia. “En esta Misa, pedimos la bendición de Dios sobre cada uno de ustedes y sus familias. Tengan por seguro que sigo rezando por ustedes”, dijo.

La Promoción 2020 está compuesta por 456 graduados. Bishop McGuinness en Kernersville tiene 82 graduados, Charlotte Catholic en Charlotte 309 y Christ the King en Huntersville 65.

16

catholicnewsherald.com | June 5, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Escuela católica le abrió las puertas al éxito académico CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — Siguiendo el ejemplo de Juan Carlos, su hermano mayor, José Pablo Hernández, estudiante de último año de Christ the King High School en Huntersville, logró graduarse en la Promoción 2020 y, tras ingresar a East Carolina University (ECU), espera con ansias iniciar su formación superior en Literatura.

José Pablo dijo estar “fascinado” con el hecho, pues “de chico pensaba que solamente llegaría a trabajar en la construcción. Las cosas pasan de volada y ya ves, ahora me estoy graduando”.

Al joven de 18 años, segundo de cuatro hermanos, Juan Carlos, Valentino y Carla de 20, 11 y 9 años respectivamente, no le tocó vivir una vida fácil.

Su padre llegó hace veinte años a las Carolinas, procedente de Río Verde, San Luis Potosí, México, buscando un futuro para su familia. Después de 10 años su madre, Juana Hernández, pudo reencontrarse con su esposo y establecerse en el condado Mecklenburg, donde un 10 de mayo de 2002, en plena celebración del Día de la Madre, dió a luz a Juan Pablo.

“Hemos trabajado mucho como familia para tener lo que tenemos. Hemos tocado fondo hasta no tener donde vivir y levantarnos solamente con puro trabajo”, afirma Juana Hernández, por lo que les dice a sus hijos que “lo que les vamos a dejar de herencia el día que ya no estemos es la educación.

Eso nadie se los va a quitar”.

TRABAJO Y ESTUDIO

“A nosotros nos tocó sufrir más o menos”, relata Juan Pablo. “Desde los 11 años empecé a trabajar en la compañía de servicios de construcción de mi papá.

Por eso pensé inicialmente, de pequeño, que ese era mi futuro; pero a medida que avanzaba me di cuenta que podía llegar más lejos”.

“No me quejo”, añade, “en el momento no lo veía como lo veo ahora, pero sirvió para valorar la vida y lo que mi familia me brindaba con el esfuerzo de todos”. “No era un castigo”, explica, aunque a veces se sentía así “porque nos levantábamos siempre muy temprano los fines de semana”, dice sonriendo.

Su madre subraya que el proyecto de vida “es uno de familia”. En tiempo de escuela, de lunes a viernes, los hijos se levantaban a las cinco de la mañana para ir a la escuela. “Nos toma poco más de media hora para llegar a Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, donde estudian los niños más pequeños. Y para Christ the King es un poco más lejitos, como 45 minutos”.

Los sábados, antes de ir al trabajo, los “hombres de la casa se reúnen fuera para tomar desayuno. Luego van al trabajo y, por la tarde, asistimos a Misa. El domingo, a veces si hay que trabajar lo hacemos

temprano por la mañana para luego pasarla todos en casa, juntos”, y añade que “es algo duro y cansado, pero tiene sus recompensas”.

“NO LA CAMBIO POR NADA”

Juan Carlos y José Pablo estudiaron en escuelas públicas. Luego, su madre preocupada por el rendimiento académico de Juan Carlos, lo transfirió a la escuela Nuestra Señora de la Asunción en Charlotte. “Inicialmente el choque para él fue tremendo”, dijo.

Pero había una razón especial para esta situación.

En la escuela pública no se habían percatado que Juan Carlos sufría de dislexia. “Eran tantos estudiantes que allí podía escudarse, pasar desapercibido. En la Asunción me ayudaron con su caso, que no era tan severo, y mi hijo pudo salir, descubrirse y dejar de ser invisible”.

Tal fue el progreso de Juan Carlos que hace dos años se graduó con honores y fue el Valedictorian de su Promoción.

Para José Pablo no hubo problema de adaptación, pero reconoce que en la escuela pública, “me da pena decirlo, pero me hacían sentir como avergonzado de mi origen, mi raza, mi color, mi tradición. Me sentía mal de llamarme José, porque eso ya significaba que era mexicano, que no hablaba bien el idioma, que era diferente a los demás”.

El llegar a la escuela católica significó un gran cambio. “Creo que mucha gente piensa que, al poner a su hijo en una escuela donde la mayoría es diferente a él, su hijo podría no sentirse cómodo, que anda en un lugar donde andan otras razas y se separan por grupos. La neta es que uno se siente más especial, y es porque tenemos la oportunidad de enseñar nuestra cultura. Ahora, en lugar de tener vergüenza de ser la persona que soy, la sangre que llevo, tengo orgullo y enseño mis tradiciones. Tengo mi cinto charro puesto, mis botas puestas donde caiga. Yo soy así y así va a ser siempre”, subrayó.

No es necesario añadir que sus hermanos menores estudian también en una escuela católica.

LAZOS INDESTRUCTIBLES

José Pablo siente que llegado el momento se le hará difícil dejar la casa para ir a la universidad. “Mi mamá ha sido mi mejor amiga. Ella me ha ofrecido consuelo y consejo, se alegra con mis logros. Mi papá también me ha enseñado lo que es la vida. Les estoy agradecido a los dos”.

Juana Hernández, por su parte asegura que ya con dos hijos fuera de casa se va a sentir “como un frijol en una charola, sola por completo”, pues el tiempo de familia los “ha pegado tanto que ahora si voy a sentir algo, ese huequito en el corazón cuando se vaya”, pero como madre reconoce que “para avanzar tienes que dejar”.

FOTOS CORTESÍA FAMILIA HERNÁNDEZ

(Arriba) En 2018, la celebración de graduación fue para el hermano mayor de José Pablo, Juan Carlos Hernández, quien también concluyó la secundaria en Christ the King High School. Juan Carlos recibió el honor de ser Valedictorian y dirigió un emotivo discurso de graduación a sus compañeros, maestros y padres de familia.

FOTOS CORTESÍA FAMILIA HERNÁNDEZ

(Arriba) José Pablo Hernández en compañía de su novia, Annie Donahue, también estudiante de Christ the King, quien ha ingresado a la Universidad Virginia Tech. José Pablo asegura que la relación es “seria” y espera que ésta pueda superar la distancia.

(Derecha) Juan Pablo integró el equipo de football de su escuela. Jugó como wide receiver y corner back los primeros dos años; para luego ocupar las posiciones de linebacker y runningback.

Ofrecen asistencia para ingreso a Escuelas Católicas diocesanas CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — “Cada día se hace más y más fácil el ingreso a las Escuelas Católicas”, dijo Angélica Hurtado, coordinadora de reclutamiento de estudiantes de las Escuelas Católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte, al inicio de una sesión informativa virtual realizada el viernes 29 de mayo, en la que participaron aproximadamente 20 familias.

Hurtado dijo que existe ayuda financiera para las familias interesadas en que sus hijos asistan a una escuela católica. “No hay solo una sino varias posibilidades de obtener ayuda económica, más aún ahora que la Diócesis de Charlotte ha creado un programa de emergencia para las familias afectadas por la pandemia de COVID-19, y que tienen hijos en la escuela y/o se han registrado recientemente para ingresar en el año escolar 2020-2021.

Las escuelas católicas no sólo aceptan estudiantes católicos, sino que están abiertas a cualquier estudiante sin distinción de credo.

Sin embargo, si la familia es católica, se encuentra registrada y es participante regular en una parroquia de la diócesis, recibirá inicialmente una importante ayuda económica especial.

“Adicionalmente, tenemos una ayuda llamada FACTS, que proporciona becas y asistencia financiera a los estudiantes.

También, la oportunidad de becas de Carolina del Norte (North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship), que de obtenerse, podrían reducir sustancialmente el pago de las mensualidades escolares”, explicó la coordinadora.

PROCESO SENCILLO

Todos los requisitos y una detallada guía del proceso está disponible online en www. discovermacs.org para las escuelas del

área de Charlotte. También puede visitar gonccatholicschools.org para informarse sobre todas las escuelas diocesanas, que incluye las ubicadas en el área Piedmont, de las montañas y Charlotte.

Hurtado reconoce que “el inicio del proceso podría ser un poco largo” y, para completarlo exitosamente, “pueden llamarnos, si tienen alguna duda, que con gusto los asistiremos para que cumplan el sueño de proporcionar una educación de excelencia a sus hijos”.

“Las ventajas que proporciona estudiar en una escuela católica son grandísimas”, explicó Hurtado. “El alto sistema académico, los programas STEM (Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas), la formación artística y deportiva, una educación más personalizada, el máximo índice de graduación, aunado a una educación basada en la fe, hace que todos los elementos necesarios para una formación de excelencia, humanista y

científica se hagan presentes”.

Las sesiones informativas continuarán programándose de manera virtual, mientras se mantengan las medidas de distanciamiento social decretadas por las autoridades federales y sanitarias en prevención del contagio de COVID-19.

“Las inscripciones siguen abiertas, aún es posible obtener una vacante para su hijo(a) y ayuda financiera para la familia.

Quiero decirles que sí se puede forjar un mejor futuro para sus hijos. Me dará mucho gusto atenderlos personalmente cuando eso sea posible. Mientras tanto, continuaremos sirviendo a la comunidad con los medios de tecnología a nuestra disposición”, finalizó la coordinadora.

Las personas interesadas en obtener información, pueden comunicarse con Angélica Hurtado al teléfono 704-3703221 en horas de oficina, 8 a.m. a 4:30 p.m., o enviando un correo electrónico a aahurtado@charlottediocese.org.

June 5, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

17

OLM teacher inspired to think outside the box – safely EDWARD JONES SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

WINSTON-SALEM — When the world of education changed virtually overnight, Our Lady of Mercy School first-grade teacher Cindy Bryson rose to the challenge the way she always has: with resourcefulness and love for her students and their families.

From the outset of the pandemic, Bryson got creative with her lesson plans and assignments.

One such assignment was an interdisciplinary research and writing project that asked the students to: visit the National Geographic Kids website; pick out their favorite mammal and do research on it; and write out answers to a series of questions about the animal.

She used the program ScreenCastify to give them a personal tutorial of how to navigate the site.

Bryson was thrilled with her students’ work. However, she sensed something was missing. “I realized that my students needed to see me and hear my voice every day,” she said. “So I created videos of me talking with them about different subjects instead of just sending written instructions.”

Bryson also created a special project in celebration of Earth Day in April. She asked the parents to take a picture of their child hugging a tree in their yard, then to send it to her. Using those photos – and Louis Armstrong’s rendition of the song “What a Wonderful World” as the soundtrack – Bryson created a private TikTok video that won rave reviews from the parents.

“My constant mantra was: How can we stay connected even if we have to be apart?” she said. “I soon realized that even creating interactive videos and interdisciplinary projects still wasn’t enough. I needed to see my students.”

That’s when she decided to go to OLM’s principal, Sister Geri Rogers, SSJ, with an unconventional idea.

“I asked Sister, ‘What do you think about me doing home visits? If you’re OK with it, I’ll stay outside and of course maintain proper social distancing. I’ll tell the parents that my visits are completely optional. If someone in the household is or could be compromised, they don’t have to see me,’” she recalled.

Fully confident that she could trust Bryson to take all of the necessary safety precautions, Sister Geri approved the idea.

“It turned out that 100 percent of the parents wanted me to come. I told them that I wanted to teach for a couple of hours each visit – I’ll be outside in the yard, and your child and I will get some schoolwork done, and then we’ll take a break and

play.”

At student Ava’s home, Bryson taught a math lesson (sitting

PHOTO PROVIDED VIA SACRED HEART SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE

Virtual learning culminates in outdoor graduation at Sacred Heart School SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

six feet apart from Ava) on the family’s trampoline in the back yard.

When she visited firstgrader Jack at home, Bryson took along two copies of a book entitled “Saving the Sea Turtles” – a copy for her and one for Jack.

“Jack and I read the book. Then I asked Jack some reading comprehension questions, and he wrote his answers on a dry erase board,” Bryson said. “The students loved this exercise!”

So would Bryson say that the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have in some way been an unexpected blessing?

“Yes, I feel a lot closer to my families now – and my students,” she said. “I feel that I know them, really know them.

The visits helped me so much, because you don’t really know if a child is actually learning and that their family is doing OK until you can see them in person.”

St. Leo teacher recognized for her technology initiative during pandemic KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER

WINSTON-SALEM — Within a week of schools shifting to online learning in March, St. Leo School’s remote teaching protocols were up and running, and Principal Gary Callus said that smooth transition was due in large part to one of its teachers: Callie Moore.

“Ms. Moore is very adept with technology and had used Zoom for video calls before,” Callus said. “She worked with the middle school staff on how to use the digital platforms and set up schedules. She was in constant contact with parents as well.”

Moore, who teaches sixth through eighth grade history and sixth-grade language arts, is being honored as the school’s teacher of the year for 20192020.

Moore is completing her sixth year teaching, the last five of which have been at St. Leo School.

“Ms. Moore is a great teacher,”

Callus said. “During this pandemic, her leadership skills have shown. She didn’t have to be asked. She stepped up and took the lead to help a lot of teachers and even the parents who were not as knowledgeable with the technology.

“She spearheaded the initiative online – that kind of leadership is invaluable.”

Moore Moore said her teaching strengths are technology and creativity. Most of her lessons were already Google-based prior to the changes put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, so it was easy to switch to virtual classwork, she said.

And she added ways to make the lessons more interactive at home.

“The digital world comes easy for me,” Moore said. “I’m glad I could help make the other teachers’ lives a little bit

easier.”

Callus said all of the teachers do a tremendous job at St. Leo School.

“We had great feedback from our parents on how the teachers adapted and how the students continued learning when schools were closed (to in-person classes),” he noted.

Students relate well to Moore, Callus said.

“Students love Ms. Moore,” he said.

“She’s as adept as many of the students are with technology. She has a very good bond with both the students who enjoy technology and those who need more help with the technology.”

Students adapted quickly to learning at home, Moore said, discovering “to communicate with each other in a whole different way.”

But even with all the technology, Moore echoed the sentiments of every teacher in saying that she missed interacting with her students in the classroom and hearing their stories.

SALISBURY — Remote learning and social distancing were the hallmarks of the final weeks and moments of the Class of 2020 graduates of Sacred Heart School.

“Stay at home” orders and COVID-19 pandemic guidelines prevented students and educators from finishing the school year on campus. But that didn’t stop them from an academically fruitful, fun finish to the school year.

In the closing weeks of the academic calendar, Sacred Heart teachers embraced a virtual learning platform, teaching new standards in the five core classes, art and physical education.

They used a virtual classroom platform provided by FACTS to have an actual classroom for students.

Teachers also used blog posts to share information on new topics. Teachers used YouTube, Vimeo and Zoom to make videos and connect with students.

To close out the school year, Sacred Heart School held Virtual Academic Awards, Virtual Athletic Awards, and a National Field Day (at home). Students participated in six events for the field day at home, keeping points, to determine which homeroom won the Field Day Champs.

On May 22, an outdoor graduation Mass was offered for eighth-grade graduates and their families, following state directives on social distancing.

On the school’s Facebook page, it read, “Friday, May 22nd was a wonderful day at Sacred Heart! After all the emotional ups and downs of remote and virtual learning, ‘shelter at home,’ and their worlds being turned upside down...we were able to honor our 8th grade students with a beautiful Graduation Mass and Program! Outside! The stormy skies finally cleared to a beautiful and warm morning!”

Class of 2020 Academic Award winners included: Diego Sifuentes, Religion; Rachel Flynn, English and Language Arts; Emma Rose Dishman, Math; Kaiden Dulkoski, Science; and Theresa Hurysz, Social Studies.

Principal Tyler Kulp also shared some exciting news for the 2020-’21 school year: Sacred Heart School is partnering with the Center for Creative Leadership for our new professional development and leadership training.

“All of our students will take a baseline leadership exam, and throughout the year our staff will be teaching leadership,” he said.

“This will partner with our ‘Disciple in Christ: Education in Virtue Program’ to teach our students how to be virtuous leaders. We are very excited about this new partnership.”

18

catholicnewsherald.com | June 5, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘Picking up the Pieces’: BMHS Fine Arts Day goes online SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BISHOP MCGUINNESS HIGH SCHOOL

Bishop McGuinness High School rising senior Dylan McGuire is pictured at the high school in Kernersville. He is among 150 BMHS students who participated in “Picking up the Pieces” virtual Fine Arts Day May 15.

KERNERSVILLE — The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many traditional end-of-school year events to go online this year, including Bishop McGuinness High School’s 15th annual Fine Arts Day. Students involved in art, computer science, drama and music programs at the school showcased their work in “Picking up the Pieces,” a virtual exhibit accessed online through a special website.

“When the theme was chosen back in the fall, the committee was thinking of our work with the Center for Creative Leadership, and our Bishop Leads initiative,” said Dr. Alan Hirsch, Bishop McGuinness’ music teacher and one of the organizers who helped post the content to the website.

“There was a specific activity where we had to actually pick up pieces and put them together to get to our goal. Now the theme has taken on such a different meaning, a deeper meaning…we are all working together to pick up the pieces of our lives, our school, due to circumstances beyond our control,” he said.

OLA art show goes virtual this year throughout the year. She was collecting artwork, labeling the pieces and getting them ready to show when schools were CHARLOTTE — Looking for ways to closed to in-person classes during the show off students’ work this school year, COVID-19 pandemic. an Our Lady of the Assumption School “I was thinking, ‘How can I share teacher turned to digital platforms to all this great work with the students’ host the school’s first ever Virtual Art families?’” Wilken said. “Since we Show. weren’t allowed to use the school building, I reached out to a couple places looking for warehouse space to hang everything. I found The Refinery in Charlotte, and they let me use an unfinished space to hang everything and create the virtual art gallery.”

In one day, she set up all the students’ work, took pictures and video, and then took it all down.

Wilken made a video highlighting the students’ projects and posted it to YouTube.

She also added photos of the artwork to Google photos and even uploaded images to Google Maps. From the streetview, it allows for an interactive PHOTO PROVIDED experience – as though you are Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte’s art walking through the halls filled teacher set up a virtual art show for her students when with the year’s creativity.

COVID-19 canceled schools.

Wilken said she knew the students were excited to share their art with their families, and Rachael Wilken, art and computer it’s hard for them to understand what’s teacher at the Charlotte school, found happening and why the school year very unique ways to display students’ ended the way it did. artwork for their usual end-of-the-year “As life-long learners, we know that show. with new challenges, we find new Wilken, who is finishing her fourth solutions,” she said. “It’s something year teaching at OLA, has created an art little I thought would lift the students’ show for each of the past three years. spirits.”

“My very first year at OLA was my And lift spirits it did – and not just the first year teaching. I was brand new, out students, either. Parents flooded Wilken of college, and I didn’t have anything with positive emails, rejoicing that they planned to celebrate the kids,” she said. were able to see their children’s work “The second year, I made a huge deal and share it with family and friends who about showcasing their work throughout don’t live in the Charlotte area as well. the year, and we had an art show with themed snacks. It was all rainbows and More online adorable. The second show, last year, At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Get was even bigger.” links to Our Lady of the Assumption School’s This year, Wilken said, she had decided virtual art show video and see more photos to show all of the students’ artwork KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER

Principal Tracy Shaw noted that, at first, students “were disappointed that Fine Arts Day was not going to be able to happen in the traditional sense, but once they began working on it, they were able to get even more creative with their projects. They ended up really enjoying the process and the final project.”

BMHS junior Jack Foley said, “Missing out on Fine Arts Day was definitely one of the biggest disappointments when school got canceled, but the virtual Fine Arts Day honestly made up for it.

“It was incredible seeing the videos I made for guitar ensemble and orchestra come together, and Dr. Hirsh did a phenomenal job editing all the audio. All of the art projects and cooking videos were super fun as well, so the virtual Fine Arts Day definitely made up for not being able to do it in person.”

“In essence, the virtual format brought us closer together,” Shaw said. “Each song, piece of art, piece of writing, took on more meaning. Unlike other years when we were able to participate face to face, we were able to revisit the site over and over, and enjoy the performances as many times as we wanted to.”

Immaculata School hosts virtual Spirit Week KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER

there were a lot of tears, too,” she said.

Many of the students willingly wore their school uniforms for the occasion, she noted.

“I heard from parents that it helped students to feel connected to each other,

HENDERSONVILLE — Immaculata School got creative in helping students stay connected as a school community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After diocesan schools shifted to online learning in midMarch, the school launched a virtual Morning Assembly, where staff led students in prayer each morning via video conferencing software. It really helped smooth what was a sudden transition, said the school’s principal, Margaret Beale.

“Our school, what makes it so special, is the community,” Beale said. “We were worried about going to distance learning, and how we were going to keep that sense of community for our students.

It’s really been a team effort to come up with ideas.”

PHOTO PROVIDED One of those ideas was a Immaculata School ended a virtual Spirit Week with a drive-through virtual Spirit Week, she said, parade in the school’s parking lot. and it “was a lot of fun.”

The first day was superhero day, when students dressed up as their to see their friends dressed liked them,” favorite superhero or sent a picture of she said. “On sports and princess day, two someone who is a superhero in their life. students who were on the same soccer team The second day, students dressed up in each took a picture of them in their jerseys sports or princess costumes. Day three and a parent spliced the picture together to was “wacky Wednesday.” Day four was make it look like they were high-fiving each professional day, when students dressed up other. It was a good way for them to express in an outfit representing what they want to themselves.” do when they grow up.

Prior to the virtual Spirit Week, Beale Each day, they had a drawing for prizes said, they asked parents to submit pictures among those who participated, and nearly of students holding messages for their everyone at the school got involved, Beale teachers. Those images were then combined said. into a teacher appreciation video.

Virtual Spirit Week wrapped up with “That’s a positive that came out of all of a school spirit drive-through parade in this,” she said. “There was so much love the school’s parking lot. It was good for shown for our teachers. We never would students, teachers and parents to see each have thought to do a video for Teacher other again, Beale said.

Appreciation Week – that’s something the “It was so enjoyable. Lots of smiles, and teachers can have forever.”

June 5, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

19

Going the distance with distance learning at SPX APRIL PARKER SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

GREENSBORO — Teachers at St. Pius X School in Greensboro have gone the distance with distance learning after in-person classes ended in mid-March.

The school community began forming its plans for distance education within a couple days of the state’s March 13 order to close schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers worked all day March 16 planning, structuring and shaping what distance learning would look like for their classrooms. By the following day, the first instructional content was delivered to students, along with Chromebooks, learning packets, class novels, textbooks and stacks of library books.

Throughout three months of distance learning, teachers and administrators remained flexible to students’ and parents’ needs, changing the components of the online lessons to be able to better facilitate limitations in technology, motivation of students, and the needs of parents working from home. Ultimately, teachers kept a consistent framework, layering it progressively with enrichment, student-centered engagement, live and recorded classes, needs-based assessments, and small group online learning.

Along with using its learning management system of Renweb/FACTS, where all teacher lesson plans are archived, each elementary teacher at St. Pius X School emailed out a daily schedule that focused on the education

of the whole child. Teachers made sure there was time built into these schedules for outdoor play, art, music, instructional videos, reading, textbook assignments, writing and online math practice. Along with posting their daily assignments on this platform, many middle school teachers used Google Classroom to formulate a learning platform where students could progress through conceptual tasks and assessments at their own pace, based on specific skill objectives.

Every teacher and instructional assistant at St. Pius X School was involved in this distance learning effort.

Classroom teachers worked from a virtual teaching schedule to hold live online classes at least three days a week, with additional hours for students to check in individually. Instructional assistants met with students online in small groups for more concentrated work in the core subjects of math, reading and writing. Individualized, one-on-one instruction was facilitated by the school’s academic enrichment teachers, who helped students to complete their assignments, set goals, and organize their schedules to meet each student’s specific learning needs.

Every morning Principal Chris Kloesz also delivered morning announcements live on Facebook and posted pictures of students’ creativity in the home-school setting.

In addition, middle school religion teacher Bill Parker provided the school community with opportunities to pray the Stations of the Cross and the rosary. The school’s guidance counselors also connected with students, oneon-one and through small group chats, to ensure their

CCHS announces 2020 Sister Paulette Williams Awards for Outstanding Service Five faculty honored at May 29 graduation CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School recently recognized the 2020 winners of the Sister Paulette Williams Awards for Outstanding Service.

The 2020 winners are Jean Adamian (mathematics), Jeremy Kuhn (English), Dr. Leo Maganaras (science), Susan Montague (religion) and Shawn Panther (social studies).

In 2016, the CCHS Foundation established the Sister Paulette Williams Awards i to recognize members of the faculty whose exceptional dedication, knowledge and commitment inspires students. These are teachers who consider the whole student, and encourage them to be their best in all aspects of their lives. They exhibit the best qualities of faith and mercy in their interaction with students as well as with colleagues. They consistently go above and beyond, making a difference in the lives of students and the school community.

The CCHS Foundation chose to name the awards in honor of Mercy Sister Paulette Williams, who played a key role in establishing the basis for Catholic education in Charlotte. She was a teacher at CCHS for five years, assistant principal for two years, and principal for 20 years. “Her leadership, dedication, guidance, and vision built our school into what you recognize today – a community leader in academics, arts and athletics,” said Principal Kurt Telford.

Any current member of the CCHS community – teachers, staff, parents, and students – may nominate a faculty member for the Sister Paulette Awards. All are encouraged to participate, and this year, more than 50 nominations were received. A five-person committee, consisting of two CCHS Foundation board members, two past Sister Paulette Award winners, and one administrator, review the nominations and recommend the award winners to the CCHS Foundation Board for confirmation.

Rick Rossitch, president of the CCHS Foundation, announced the Sister Paulette Williams Award winners before graduation May 29.

Each winner receives an award for $5,000.

“We congratulate these dedicated teachers,” Telford said. “These awards validate, honor and encourage these educators. They are an expression of thanks for all these teachers do every day, above and beyond what is expected, to make a difference in the lives of our young people and our school community.”

— Sally McArdle

spiritual, social and emotional well-being throughout the challenges of learning at home during a pandemic.

CCHS names Acitelli as Verbesey Award winner CHARLOTTE — During graduation May 29, Charlotte Catholic High School presented the 2020 Verbesey Award for Excellence in Education to Beth Acitelli.

Acitelli serves as the high school’s director of school technology. This past school year, she was instrumental behind the scenes as CCHS shifted to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Principal Kurt Telford, “Her extraordinary response to the COVID-19 crisis has brought to light the full extent of her brilliance. She led the faculty at Charlotte Catholic to transition seamlessly to distance learning, implementing new software programs for faculty and students. With patience and kindness, she worked tirelessly to assist anyone in need of help so that teachers could continue to teach and students could continue to learn.”

“Beth is someone who has always done so much behind the scenes to make everything run more smoothly,” added faculty member JoAnne Winters.

The annual award pays tribute to Tess Verbesey, who, along with her husband, was a beloved member of the high school community for nearly 50 years.

Verbesey served as a guidance counselor for 13 years at CCHS, during the 1970s and 1980s.

Originally from Goa, India, Verbesey earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Bombay, and earned graduate degrees from the University of Leuven in Belgium and from UNC-Charlotte. She served as a high school principal in India before coming to North Carolina. At CCHS she was known for her kindness, wisdom and fashionable attire. The Verbeseys were noted patrons of the arts and many charities, and together they enjoyed traveling the world.

Verbesey died last February, aged 92. Her husband received countless messages from her former students all over the world – many from her time as principal in India, and many from faculty and alumni of CCHS. He said she was truly loved, because she herself loved others so genuinely.

In 2007, the Verbeseys established the annual Award for Excellence in Education, and Verbesey herself wrote the criteria for the award, which included having a record of “contagious enthusiasm” for classroom teaching, stimulate extraordinary accomplishments in students according to their abilities, build students’ desire to learn, and treat students with dignity and respect. She specified that juniors and seniors would nominate teachers for the honor, which includes an award of $10,000.

— Sally McArdle

CCHS announces 2020 scholarship winners CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School held its annual Senior Awards Ceremony May 27, honoring members of the Class of 2020 for their commitment to faith, service, sportsmanship and academic excellence. Eight prestigious college scholarships also were awarded, all provided by generous donors and CCHS affiliates.

Principal Kurt Telford welcomed students virtually, as this year’s ceremony was prerecorded and shared through social media channels and posted on the school’s website.

The CCHS Alumni Association Scholarship was presented to Davis Matthew Barnett, who plans to study mechanical engineering at North Carolina State University this fall.

The CCHS Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship was presented to Christopher James Hoefling, who will continue his studies in the fall at the University of Notre Dame.

The Dottie Tippett Performing Arts Scholarship was presented to Emma Michelle Joseph, who will study music composition and production this fall at the Berklee College of Music.

The Class of 1989 Memorial Scholarship was presented to Kate Copeland Mulkey, who will attend Xavier University in the fall.

The Robb Pugh Memorial Scholarships were presented to Mary-Kathryn Shea Samuelson and Roman Joseph Rivera.

Samuelson will continue her studies at the University of Tennessee in the fall, and Rivera will attend the University of Central Florida.

The Brian Sienkiewicz Memorial Scholarship was presented to Titilayo Bisola Mary Ekunsanmi.

The St. Joseph the Carpenter Award was presented to Davis Matthew Barnett.

The Kara Kloiber Make a Difference Award was presented to Christian George Alston, who plans to continue his studies at Clemson University in the fall.

— Sally McArdle

20

catholicnewsherald.com | June 5, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Southern Homes of the Carolinas David Fuller REALTOR / Broker

“Working For You is What I Do” davidfuller.broker@gmail.com 704-530-2632

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Congratulations Class of 2020 Brady Christopher Anderson Stephen Clardy Andress Sean Thomas Avery Kyra Jackson Barnes Berk Ege Baykal Izabelle Anne Bermudez Liam Patrick Brennan Joseph James Bruno Artemida Ceca John Haneul Cha Caroline Elizabeth Chase Alexander Victor Chinnasami Nina Elizabeth Corcoran Lydia Reed Cortes

Codey William Court Conor Campion Coxwell Zacchaeus Adam Cron Henry Mason Davis Mary Rachel Davis Benjamin Edmund Easton Sarah Michelle Fernandez Bravo Joel Malone Funderburk Xianglong Gao Thomas Edward Gessner Robert Thomas Glance Matthew Francis Perez Golamco Marcela Gonzalez Jordan Makenzie Pell Green

Logan Michael Grunwald Elizabeth Amelia Haslam Jose Edward Hernandez Anderson William Hiser Ethan Neil Hodges Ashlyn Mary Johnston Younghyun Kang McKenzie Rose King Sara Luz Kirkman Jarrett Christian Klein Pedro Pablo Labra Escudero Charlotte Babcock Lassiter Sofia Marie Lawrence Matthew Philip Lawver

Jacob Radford Ledbetter Simon Christian Lewellen Zelong Li Alan Linares Yang Liu Davide Liuzzi Benjamin Cooper Vladimir Logan William James Lorenz Sydney Allison Manor Alexandria Grace Marty Kenneth Ray McDonald II Leuel Million Mekonnen Katelyn Marie Meyer Aaron Christopher Mims

Christopher Patrick Muller Claire Danielle Namen Charmaine Pearl Pereira Christopher Franklin Peters Philip John Pfeiffer Xavier Franklin Preudhomme Garrett Lee Price Brevin Atticus Redinger Soleil Arie Rodriguez Lillian Joyce Role Hailee Kathleen Rose Aidan Matthew Seach Noah Benedict Sorrell Grimkey Rhett Spencer V

Raines Christian Strader Hope Lee Holland Suire Riley Douglas Sullivan Younghun Sung Garrison Wesley Trotter William Joseph Truskolaski William Joseph Vitola Risdon Cole Williams Aaron Michael Wilson Olivia Rose Wright YiYi Wu Dominic Frank Zecca

Class of 2020 College Acceptance List Academy Of Art University Anglia Ruskin University Appalachian State University Arts University Bournemouth Auburn University Barton College Baylor University Belmont Abbey College Binghamton University Boston University Bridgewater College Campbell University Catawba College Catholic University of America Clemson University Colby College College of Charleston Columbia College Creighton University DePaul University DeSales University Drexel University East Carolina University East Tennessee State University Eastern New Mexico University

Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Forsyth Technical Community College Full Sail University Furman University George Mason University Greensboro College Guilford College High Point University Hollins University Indiana University-Bloomington James Madison University Lake Superior State University Lees-McRae College Lenoir-Rhyne University Limestone College London Metropolitan University Longwood University Louisiana State University Louisiana State University-Shreveport Louisiana Tech University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University New Orleans Marshall University

Mary Baldwin University Methodist University Michigan State University North Carolina A & T State University North Carolina State University at Raleigh Northeastern University Northumbria University Notre Dame of Maryland University Pace University-New York Parsons School of Design Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine Purdue University-Main Campus Queens University of Charlotte Radford University Randolph College Randolph-Macon College Ravensbourne Rutgers University-New Brunswick Saint Joseph’s University Seton Hall University Sewanee: The University of the South

Southern Methodist University St. John’s University Stony Brook University, SUNY Sweet Briar College Syracuse University Temple University The Ohio State University The University of Alabama The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The University of Tampa The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Tulane University of Louisiana Tulsa Community College University of British Columbia - Okanagan University of Buffalo University of California, San Diego University of California-Davis University of California-Irvine University of Charleston University of Connecticut University of Dayton University of Florida University of Georgia University of Illinois at Chicago University of Kentucky

University of Lynchburg University of Michigan and Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute University of Minnesota-Twin Cities University of Mississippi University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of North Carolina at Pembroke University of North Carolina Wilmington University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus University of South Carolina-Columbia University of Utah University of Washington, Seattle Virginia Tech Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Wayne State University Wells College Western Carolina University Western Michigan University Wingate University Wofford College Xavier University

June 5, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Charlotte Catholic High School Class of 2020

Charlotte Catholic High School

Charlotte Catholic High School

University of Alabama Joseph Gustafson

College of Charleston Emily Faccini Alex King Jacqueline Tavares Charles Wofford

Anderson University Ben Pavlish Appalachian State University Dane Bertolina Monica Dao Jacob Fitzgerald Lucianna Gonzalez Cian Gresser Julianna Hancock Will McGregor Elisabeth Moralic Payton Morgan Katrina Nilles Brendan O’Keeffe Mae Claire Quinn Juli Snoke William Stewart Alex Tan Bradley Thomas Devyn Turner Hannah Vesey Maggie Woods Jillian Zeller Auburn University Billy Brewer Kevin Kullick Abigail Lazorcheck Virginia Shea Baylor University Christian Andsager Belmont Abbey College Aidan Shaw

The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina Christian Brenner Anthony Johnson Clemson University Luis Abril-De Nicola Christian Alston Ryan Bayadi Julia Bonetto Lindsay Brasser Sean Butterfield Rebecca Cattafesta Sydney Chadwick Victoria Fontana Dane Heslin Davis Hodgens Connor Hudson Michael Mataconis Juliet Miechkowski Austin Munn Max Nenichka Kallie Pavlish Thomas Quirk Josie Ray Gibby Shea Thomas Tyson Jocelyn Wong Coastal Carolina University Christopher Cooper Alivia Dettinger Emma Sullivan

Belmont University Hannah Foley Bentley University Trevor Smith

Columbia College Chicago Lauren Andujar Isabella Hogan Caroline Jones

Berklee College of Music Emma Joseph

University of Dayton Elizabeth Borkowski Benjamin Daly Robert LeGrande Jacob Schachte

Bridgewater College Gabriel Elder Bucknell University John Gehrig Elliot Teal University of California-Berkeley Jack Meehan University of CaliforniaLos Angeles Alex Denton Carnegie Mellon University Shaoyan Zhang Catholic University of America Kathleen Polking Cormac Terry University of Central Florida Roman Rivera Central Piedmont Community College John Flynn Cameron Forst Ryan Jones Isabella Keller Kathryn Kissinger Christian Miller Landon Ryals McKinley Salazar Spoons

Christopher Newport University Mitchell Tanis

Furman University Claudia Dann Taylor Danser Georgetown University David Edwards Georgia Institute of Technology John Webster University of Georgia Karlie Kazmierczak Parrish Srnovrsnik Hampden-Sydney College Patrick Duffy High Point University Andrew Covelli Christian Kropac Isabella Midura Ryan Parsons Hofstra University Ralph Boscia Hollins University Amanda Dowd Immaculata University Kieran Payton Indiana University-Bloomington Campbell Morrison James Madison University Mary Clare Sinton University of Kentucky Ethan Major Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Dylan Chromy Lees-McRae College Jeffrey Daniels Louisiana State University Matthew Brodowicz Logan Webb Miami University Bennett Lowder Lauren Rauch

Drexel University Titi Ekunsanmi

University of Miami Sophia Kirsch

East Carolina University Christina Andrysick Jack Andujar Kayla Boswell Miranda Hogan Andreea Menhart Luke Mickan Grant Noonan William Osborne Arabella Pires Sarah Rodriguez Grace Ruesch Gavin Zinkil

University of Michigan Madison Kelley

Elon University Kathryn Crowley Maggie Essenmacher Patrick Fenton Robert White Fordham University Grace Kunik

University of Mississippi Jack Brady Reed Pederson Grant Wood University of Missouri-Columbia Ian Heyer University of Montevallo Frederick Sommer University of Nevada-Las Vegas Luke Slota New York University Louis Ciano University of North Carolina at Asheville Abigail Parks John Stewart

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Emma Bryson Joshua Caponigro Julia Chaverin Austin Granelli William Lind Luke Louis Malik McGowan Samantha Pean Caroline Prendiville Mariana Rodriguez Harry White Chloe Zarins

Amanda Merkel Ryan Nofsinger Evan Normile Jordan Parillo Anika Rauch Anna Schroeder Anthony Sforza Nicole Shooman Abigail Walsh Gavin Zarins

University of North Carolina at Charlotte Neeka Arooji Maximillian Baratta Samuel Bertolina Serena Do Elise Erickson Serena Evans Elyse Franks Charlie Haller Heidi Harlan Taylor Harris Jonathan Hart Kurt Hayes Matthew Keough Dylan McDonnell Anthony Nassar Emily Nguyen Matthew Peine Sydney Piejak Jack Reitter Melissa Zeleznik

University of Oklahoma Michael Carano

University of North Carolina at Greensboro Jessica Lambert University of North Carolina at Wilmington John Bone Tyler Christensen Ashleen Coyle Benjamin DiMezzo Julia Grzeskiewicz Mary Elizabeth Hallihan Melissa Holloway Sydney Jacobs Michael Johnson Charles Jones Erin Kelter Katherine Leland Faith Little Madison McLane Tierney Petras Emma Reilly Carley Reitz Thomas Shalosky North Carolina State University Nikolos Badalamenti Davis Barnett Carly Centanni Anthony Ciano Jamison Cox Jack Dortch Madeline Dudley Margaret Edel Stephanie Falcone Andrew Gilles Briella Jackson Jackson Kirsch Joshua Kokatnur Olivia Kraay Amanda McKernan Garrett McKernan

University of Notre Dame Christopher Hoefling Mae Levin

Pace University Trent Brigham Pennsylvania State University Anna Dougherty Queens University of Charlotte Charlie Clickner University of Richmond Alex Campbell John Nowak Roanoke College Erin Arthur Richard Williamson San Diego State University Jack Heath Savannah College of Art & Design Telfair Epperson Mateline McFee Sewanee: The University of the South Moira Darling William Graham Gregory Ix Leila Morgan University of South Carolina Gabriela Bagnato Matthew Beebe Benjamin Booth Lindsay Clark Grant Conner Stewart Dautel Ty Foley Audrey Leach Connor Long Tate Macuga Kayla Melber Brandon Mihalko Ruth Moniz Nicholas Pacifici Luis Pino Alex Robinson Carson Shea Natalie Steele Nicole Tamol Emily Thompson Michaela Valenta University of South CarolinaLancaster Nicholas Johnson Spelman College Chloe Allen

Stevens Institute of Technology Sophia Roper Syracuse University Cole Bambini The University of Tampa Emily Rae Kearney The University of Tennessee Leigh Ashby Thomas Cusack Alice Gorman Mary-Kathryn Samuelson Texas Christian University Skyler Dunn The Ohio State University Kenneth Campbell Lauren Dziak Towson University Victoria Dichak United States Air Force Academy Michael Fey United States Naval Academy Anne Culicerto Valparaiso University Carter Woody Vanderbilt University Alina Stout Villanova University Joel Casingal Rose Kenny Virginia Tech William Davison Emma Doncaster Matthew Hayek Brynn McClatchy Thomas Mooney Oliver Nazarian Wake Technical Community College Michayla Ross Western Carolina University Alexander Etwaroo Luke Taylor William and Mary Cole Knapp William Peace University Xlannen Brown Wingate University Elizabeth Branch Peyton Hall Amadeus Medina Elvia Tshunza Winthrop University Christopher Arigoni Isabella Launt Wofford College Robert Bernard John Fahey Xavier University Jackson Bowers Erin Grace Macalintal Kate Mulkey

The Senior Class of 2020 has earned a total of $20,138,208 in scholarships.

We congratulate these seniors, as well as the entire senior class, for their many outstanding accomplishments.

21

Our nation 22

catholicnewsherald.com | June 5, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Gomez: Killing of Floyd is a ‘sin that cries out to heaven for justice’ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis “was senseless and brutal, a sin that cries out to heaven for justice,” and protests taking place nationwide “reflect the justified frustration and anger” of millions of Americans who today suffer because of racism, said the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“But the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating,” said Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles.

“Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost. Let us keep our eyes on the prize of true and lasting change.”

What the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said is “true ... that riots are the language of the unheard,” the archbishop continued.

“We should be doing a lot of listening right now. This time, we should not fail to hear what people are saying through their pain. We need to finally root out the racial injustice that still infects too many areas of American society.”

Archbishop Gomez asked, “How is it possible that in America, a black man’s life can be taken from him while calls for help are not answered, and his killing is recorded as it happens?”

In his May 31 statement, Archbishop Gomez said he is praying for Floyd and his loved ones, “and on behalf of my brother bishops, I share the outrage of the black community and those who stand with them in Minneapolis, Los Angeles and across the country.”

“The cruelty and violence he suffered does not reflect on the majority of good men and women in law enforcement, who carry out their duties with honor,” the archbishop said. “We know that. And we trust that civil authorities will investigate his killing carefully and make sure those responsible are held accountable.”

The protests that are ongoing in many U.S. cities “reflect the justified frustration and anger of millions of our brothers and sisters who even today experience humiliation, indignity, and unequal opportunity only because of their race or the color of their skin,” Archbishop Gomez stated. “It should not be this way in America. Racism has been tolerated for far too long in our way of life.”

But he called the violence of recent nights “self-destructive and self-defeating.”

“Legitimate protests should not be exploited by persons who have different values and agendas. Burning and looting communities, ruining the livelihoods of our neighbors, does not advance the cause of racial equality and human dignity,” he said.

“We should not let it be said that George Floyd died for no reason,” Archbishop Gomez said. “We should honor the sacrifice of his life by removing racism and hate from our hearts and renewing our commitment to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise – to be a beloved community of life, liberty and equality for all.”

Terrence Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, reacts at a makeshift memorial at the spot where he was taken into custody in Minneapolis June 1. Demonstrations continued this week after a white police officer was caught on a bystander’s video May 25 pressing his knee into the neck of George Floyd, an African American, who later died at a hospital.

CNS | LUCAS JACKSON, REUTERS

Bishops ‘sickened’ by Floyd’s death, say racism ‘real and present danger’ JULIE ASHER CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Catholic bishops said May 29 they “are broken-hearted, sickened and outraged to watch another video of an African American man being killed before our very eyes.”

“What’s more astounding is that this is happening within mere weeks of several other such occurrences. This is the latest wake-up call that needs to be answered by each of us in a spirit of determined conversion,” they said in a statement about the May 25 death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis.

In recent weeks, Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed 25-year-old African American man in Georgia, was fatally shot, and three white men were arrested and are facing murder charges in his death. In March, Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old African American woman, died at the hands of white police officers when they entered her apartment in Louisville, Ky. “Racism is not a thing of the past or simply a throwaway political issue to be bandied about when convenient,” the bishops said. “It is a real and present danger that must be met head on.”

“As members of the Church, we must stand for the more difficult right and just actions instead of the easy wrongs of indifference,” they said. “We cannot turn a blind eye to these atrocities and yet still try to profess to respect every human life. We serve a God of love, mercy and justice.”

“Indifference is not an option,” they emphasized and stated “unequivocally” that “racism is a life issue.”

The statement was issued by the chairmen of seven committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of HoumaThibodaux, La., Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism; Archbishop Nelson J. Perez of Philadelphia, Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church; Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development; Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kan., Committee on Pro-Life Activities; Bishop Joseph C. Bambera of Scranton, Pa., Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs; Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell of Los Angeles, Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development; and Auxiliary Bishop Joseph N. Perry of Chicago, Subcommittee on African American Affairs.

Floyd, 46, was arrested May 25 by police on suspicion of forgery. Once he was handcuffed, a white officer pinned him down on the street, putting his knee on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes. A now widely circulated video shows Floyd repeatedly saying, “I can’t breathe.” He appears to lose consciousness or die and was later declared dead at the hospital.

The next day, hundreds of people protested at the intersection where police officers subdued Floyd, demanding justice for him and the arrest of the four officers involved.

The four officers involved in the arrest were fired; the former officer who put his knee on Floyd, Derek Chauvin, was arrested May 29 and charged with thirddegree murder and manslaughter, but the investigation into Floyd’s death is ongoing by state prosecutors and by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The federal Justice Department promised a “robust” investigation into the circumstances surrounding Floyd’s death.

Protests in Minneapolis have turned to violent demonstrations and lasted several days, prompting Gov. Tim Walz to bring in the National Guard May 29. The protests sparked similar rioting in at least a dozen U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, New York, Louisville, and Columbus, Ohio.

In Louisville, the rectory of Cathedral of the Assumption, where Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz resides, was damaged May 29 after peaceful protests turned to violence and vandalism. Archbishop Kurtz expressed his support of peaceful protests “that give voice to the pain of the community and to the desire for truth and justice to be served,” but he lamented the “senseless violence.”

In their joint statement, the bishops pointed to their “Open Wide Our Hearts” pastoral against racism approved by the body of bishops in 2018. In it, they said: “For people of color some interactions with police can be fraught with fear and even danger. People of good conscience must never turn a blind eye when citizens ‘SICKENED’, SEE PAGE 23

June 5, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

‘SICKENED’

Cardinal Cupich said he’s watched as “the city where I was born, the cities where I have lived, the city I pastor now, catch embers from the city where I was educated,” and then he watched them “burn.”

“Was I horrified at the violence? Yes. But was I surprised? No,” he said.

FROM PAGE 22

Celebrate Religious Freedom Week WASHINGTON, D.C. — June 2229 will be celebrated as Religious Freedom Week, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has announced.

“Religious Freedom Week 2020 – For the Good of All” will begin with the Feast of Sts. John Fisher and St. Thomas More and end with the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. The week-long campaign also includes the Feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist.

Through prayer, education and public action during Religious Freedom Week, the USCCB Religious Freedom Week promotes the importance of preserving the essential right of religious freedom, for now and the future, for Catholics and for those of all faiths.

Daily prayer and reflection resources for each day of Religious Freedom Week are available, in English and Spanish, at www.usccb. org/ReligiousFreedomWeek.

— USCCB

are being deprived of their human dignity and even their lives.”

In their May 29 statement, the committee chairmen called for an end to the violence taking place in the wake of the tragedy in Minneapolis but also said they “stand in passionate support of communities that are understandably outraged.”

They joined with Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis in praying for the repose of the soul of Floyd “and all others who have lost their lives in a similar manner.”

As the Church prepared to celebrate Pentecost, the bishops called on all Catholics “to pray and work toward a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit” and pray “to rid ourselves of the harm that bias and prejudice cause.”

“We call upon Catholics to pray to the Holy Spirit for the spirit of truth to touch the hearts of all in the United States and to come down upon our criminal justice and law enforcement systems,” the bishops said, urging every Catholic, regardless of ethnicity, to “beg God to heal our deeply broken view of each other, as well as our deeply broken society.”

In separate statements, other bishops also criticized the ongoing violence in their cities.

“The outrage around the death of George Floyd is understandable and justice must be served,” said Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila. ”The Catholic Church has always promoted a culture of life, but too often our society has lost its sense of the dignity of every human being from the time of

23

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Continuing coverage of the protests in reaction to the police killing of George Floyd

CNS | JONATHAN ERNST, REUTERS

A demonstrator in Washington, D.C., confronts law enforcement officers June 1. Demonstrations in reaction to Floyd’s killing continued in cities across the United States, including Charlotte, as well as in other countries. conception until natural death. Every Catholic has a responsibility to promote the dignity of life at every level of life. Too many have made their god their ideology, political party, or the color of their skin, and not the Gospel of Life and the dignity of every human being.”

“What did we expect when we learned that in Minneapolis, a city often hailed as a model of inclusivity, the price of a black life is a counterfeit $20 bill?” said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, in a May 31 statement saying he had spent the last few nights watching the protests “in great personal pain as the pent-up anger of our people caught fire across our country.”

Floyd was apprehended by the group of officers after a deli worker called 911 saying he had paid with counterfeit $20 bill.

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail) O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request).

There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times).

Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times).

3 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, 3 Glory Be Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days.

You must publish it, and it will be granted to you.

Thank you, Lennie Cox.

Live Your Faith Be affirmed in your present ministry.

Upgrade your certification as a catechist and religion teacher.

Fulfill the prerequisite for the Permanent Diaconate.

Grow in your faith.

Are you 70 ½ years or older?

Unlock your potential to make a difference.

An IRA rollover gift to your parish, the diocese, Catholic school, agency, or the Foundation provides meaningful support without impacting your checkbook, and can maximize your giving potential.

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

Potential sites include Arden, Charlotte, Greensboro and Lenoir.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2020-2022 program.

For more information, go to www.charlottediocese.givingplan.net or call Gina Rhodes at 704/370-3364.

Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte

For more information:

Frank Villaronga

Director, Evangelization and Adult Education Office F O R M AT I O N P R O G R A M

frankv@charlottediocese.org

Our world 24

catholicnewsherald.com | June 5, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. John Paul revisited: Centenary spurs revival of pope’s teachings CAROL GLATZ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — Commemorating the centenary of the birth of St. John Paul II, a number of key commentators used the occasion to do more than just remember and praise the late pope’s rich legacy.

Many used it as an opportunity to appeal for a rediscovery of his faith, teachings and life to make them a part of today’s conversations and plans of action for now and the future.

This year’s May 18 commemoration was, in essence, a call for the release of a JP2, 2.0.

Pope Francis led the way by writing that his predecessor’s 84 years of life and 27-year-long pontificate left a “living legacy” to the Church.

Penning the preface to a commemorative book, “A Celebration: In Words and Images” about St. John Paul, Pope Francis said he did not want people to engage in a superficial, “self-referential” celebration of praise, but to look deeper and actually “tap into the wellspring of this extraordinary man, priest, bishop and pope.”

So much of what has been written and produced this year – documentaries, interviews with people who knew him,

essays and special editions by Vatican media, is re-presenting who this pope was for so many people, the Church and the world.

And, in some instances, setting the record straight.

One of those voices was retired Pope Benedict XVI, who was a very close collaborator after Pope John Paul appointed him to lead the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 1981.

In a letter to Polish bishops commemorating the centenary, the 93-yearold retired pope reaffirmed that “John Paul II is not the moral rigorist” some people have portrayed him as being.

Addressing an assumption that Pope Francis has in some way radically broken with his predecessor, Pope Benedict wrote that so much holds the two in common, particularly the “centrality of divine mercy.”

St. John Paul insisted that “God’s mercy is intended for every individual,” and it is with these always open arms of mercy that God gives people the neverending opportunity to accept “the moral requirement for man, even if we can never fully meet it.”

Many commemorative notes underlined how much St. John Paul actively and concretely lived the Gospel – it wasn’t a static

Thank you for supporting Catholic Charities.

Even though much of the world is on pause, Catholic Charities’ mission never stops. ccdoc.org

book of rules, but an open invitation of friendship to walk with the Lord.

This is the take-away many who knew the saint said needed to happen with his own teachings, too.

That, in fact, was the aim of refounding the Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute for the Sciences of Marriage and Family in 2017.

Not only is it harmful to “ideologize” St. John Paul, it would be “intellectual laziness” to believe all answers can be found and defended within a fixed framework “beyond which there would be nothing more to say,” Monsignor Pierangelo Sequeri, the institute’s president, said at the time.

CNS | MAL LANGSDON, REUTERS The formal launch May A file photo shows St. John Paul II in 1978 in Rome, days after his 18 of the St. John Paul II Institute of Culture at the election.

Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome follows the same vein.

When it was clear to him there was abuse Yet a review of the past also may hold by clergy, the pope in 2001 apologized some bitter lessons for today, particularly “unreservedly to the victims for the pain in how the Church handles members and disillusionment caused to them” and suspected or guilty of abuse or its cover-up. decried sexual abuse by clergy as being “a Monsignor Slawomir Oder said he and profound contradiction of the teaching and investigators of the pope’s sainthood cause witness of Jesus Christ.” found no evidence the pope knowingly Coming to terms with the past had neglected or covered up abuse scandals – been a hallmark of St. John Paul, who nothing that could possibly cast “a shadow apologized for scores of wrongdoings of guilt in regard to John Paul II.” by members of the Church throughout But, he told reporters, the Polish pope’s history, from the Inquisition to the silence experience under communism made him and inaction of many Catholics during less inclined to believe unsubstantiated World War II when their Jewish neighbors accusations since false rumors against disappeared. Looking at past wrongs clergy had long been used as weapons to not as an attack, but as a chance for a discredit the Church. “profound examination of conscience” and a “purification of memory” was central to St. John Paul’s “Day of Pardon” during the Great Jubilee of 2000. That part of that pope’s legacy – that the faithful carefully PRAYER TO recognize “their own sins (and) the sins THE BLESSED VIRGIN of yesterday’s Christians” – still finds a needed place today.

(Never known to fail) O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request).

There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times).

Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times).

3 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, 3 Glory Be Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days.

You must publish it, and it will be granted to you.

Thank you, Patricia Orosz.

June 5, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Pope at Pentecost: Church united

by Spirit, not personal beliefs VATICAN CITY — Just as the Apostles were united once they received the Holy Spirit, the Church is united by that same spirit and not by keeping company just with those who agree on a certain interpretation of Christian teaching, Pope Francis said on Pentecost. Celebrating Mass May 31 in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope said that those who give in to the temptation to fiercely “defend our ideas, believing them to be good for everybody and agreeing only with those who think as we do,” adhere to a faith created in their own image and “not what the Spirit wants.” “We might think that what unite us are our beliefs and our morality. But there is much more: Our principle of unity is the Holy Spirit. He reminds us that, first of all, we are God’s beloved children.

The Spirit comes to us, in our differences and difficulties, to tell us that we have one Lord – Jesus – and one Father, and that for this reason we are brothers and sisters,” he said.

After celebrating Mass with a limited congregation at the basilica’s Altar of the Chair, the pope spoke to people gathered in St. Peter’s Square before praying the “Regina Coeli.” It was the first time the pope addressed the faithful from the window of the Apostolic Palace since lockdown measures forced an end to all public gatherings.

Pope clears way for beatification of Knights of Columbus founder

miracle attributed to the intercession of Father Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, clearing the way for his beatification Mass, which will be held this fall in Connecticut.

For beatification, the Vatican requires proof of a miracle attributed to the candidate’s intercession, unless the candidate was martyred for his or her faith. Once he is beatified, he will be given the title “Blessed.” A statement from the Knights of Columbus said, “The miracle recognized as coming through Father McGivney’s intercession involved an unborn child in the United States who in 2015 was healed in utero of a life-threatening condition after prayers by his family to Father McGivney.”

European Catholic leaders echo pope’s call for universal basic wage OXFORD, England — Catholic groups across Europe have echoed Pope Francis’ call for a universal basic wage as part of recovery plans after the coronavirus pandemic. “No one in the Church should be against a decent minimum wage which saves people from poverty; this should be defended by Catholics worldwide,” said Peter Verhaeghe, policy and advocacy officer with Caritas Europa. “Its level would need to be clarified by governments, trade unions and employer organizations. But the idea of paying contributions and building up social rights represents a solidarity system in line with Catholic social teaching.” He said a basic wage would provide a “safety net of last resort” for those with no jobs and no entitlement to unemployment benefits, enabling them to “get out of poverty and reconnect with the labor market. In an April 12 letter to social movements and organized groups of casual laborers, Pope Francis said the COVID-19 pandemic should give rise to consideration of “a universal basic wage” to guarantee people have the minimum they need to live and support their families.

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has approved a

— Catholic News Service

SAVE THE DATE Thursday, October 15

Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons

Room At The Inn

~21st Annual Benefit Banquet~ Our theme is “EMBRACE, DON’T ERASE” DADvocate Kurt Kondrich is our keynote speaker. His favorite Scripture verse is Proverbs 31:8 --- “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” When Kurt and his wife, Margie, became parents to Chloe, who has Down syndrome, it was the start of an incredible journey. Kurt and Chloe are now internationally known advocates for those who have Down syndrome. Don’t miss this chance to hear their story!

To sponsor the event or host a table, please contact Marianne at 336.391.6299 or mdonadio@roominn.org For more information, please visit roominn.org/events

25

Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of June: Rev. Msgr. Richard Allen

2005

Rev. William J. Lynch

2012

Rev. Guy E. Morse

2000

Rev. Msgr. Roueche

2000

Rev. Gabriel Stupasky, OSB 1974 Rev. Sebastian Doris, OSB 1990 Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus www.kofcnc.org

Website Developer Put your professional skills to work for a higher cause!

The Diocese of Charlotte is seeking a full-time website developer who will be responsible for the day-to-day development, management and improvement of the Diocese’s website and growing online presence, with the aim of furthering our mission of evangelization and outreach.

The website developer works with diocesan ministries and departments to guide and ensure the site's user interface is easy to understand and efficient. The position also monitors web server and site technical performance, and maintains the web server’s operating system by applying patches and updates.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED: • 4 year degree preferred in business, management, or computer related field • 2+ years of experience and extensive working knowledge of Wordpress. Familiarity with Joomla and/or other CMSs a plus.

• 2+ years of experience in CSS and HTML5 (including Bootstrap), as well as PHP, SQL and client-side JS programming experience required.

• Knowledge of cloud-based website-hosting services like AWS and Apache web server software useful.

• 2+ years of knowledge of browser compatibility issues for all platforms/major browsers required, including mobile OS • Must demonstrate strong grasp of usability best practices, SEO strategies, and web design concepts.

• Knowledge of Adobe CC design software useful.

Must have a good track record in managing projects both independently and as part of a team to accomplish common objectives. Experience achieving both short- and long-term deadlines with the ability to prioritize tasks and juggle multiple projects. Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.

The Diocese offers a generous benefits package including paid vacation and sick leave time, health insurance and flex spending plans, tax-advantaged retirement savings plan, and more. The Diocese is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Send your resume and letter of interest explaining why you would like to work for the Diocese of Charlotte by June 25, 2020, to employment@charlottediocese.org.

ViewPoints 26

catholicnewsherald.com | June 5, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Rachel Bulman

Brian Pusateri

Coming out of lockdown and redeeming ‘normal’ Sheltering in place has been a blessing and a curse for so many of us. Many Lenten promises were made to reduce time on social media or technology use, only to be broken as scrolling the feeds became a way of keeping in touch, of seeing the trends of our hearts, and holding on to what sense of community we could.

As we begin to come out of lockdown, the word “normal” has become something paradoxically strange; we do not yet know what “normal” actually means. Staying at home, learning new hobbies, distancing learning, etc., have become a “new normal” for many. At the same time, we find ourselves wishing for the “old normal” to return. The normal that feels “normal.” It will take time to develop the kind of normal that we all really need: a balance between leisure and work, or better said, a work that is oriented toward leisure.

The Mass readings throughout this time of pandemic have been ironic. It’s always remarkable to see the hand of tradition and the Holy Spirit scrawling salvation history across our lives even in the midst of a time that is difficult to understand. The two readings that seem the most apropos for me was when we walked through the desert with the Israelites and when we stood in the garden of the Resurrection with Mary Magdalene – the “wishing for the normal” meeting the reality of “the new normal.”

Think of the Israelites wandering the desert after being freed from the slavery of Egypt. Their new “freedom” didn’t look like what they thought it would, and the Promised Land seemed so far away. So they did something completely irrational (but thoroughly human): they wished to return to slavery. Their blindness to the hand of God in their journey to freedom turned their song of thankfulness (Exodus 15) into complaints and bitterness ultimately wishing not just for slavery but even death (Exodus 16:3).

Throughout the lockdown, I’ve mused aloud and online that I’ve enjoyed the time to slow down. One of my friends had a comical (and truthful) response: “I don’t mind the slowing down but I could do without the screeching to a halt!” Perhaps true for many; but I remember praying for more time, and while the impact of this pandemic (economically, spiritually, politically) has had many pitfalls, I’ve found it wise to pause and return every moment of complaint and bitterness to the song that I sang at the start of this journey, to be thankful for having nowhere to go, no rushing around in the morning and afternoon, for later bedtimes and sleeping in, for the gift of technology to virtually see our neighbors when we cannot embrace them.

It is a natural human response to desire a return to what once was when the new realities are difficult, tiresome and sometimes scary. But endurance in the midst of pain can only make the bearer stronger for the journey and inevitably

changed for the better by journey’s end.

Think of Mary Magdalene in the garden of the tomb where Christ had been laid to rest (John 20:1-18). After the Resurrection, a weeping Mary ends up being the first to see the Risen Lord. And He says to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father.” Paolo Prosperi’s reflection on this is profound: What Jesus is saying is not that Mary is indefinitely forbidden to hold Him, but that He has to ascend to the Father before she can touch Him. In other words, the condition of the superabundant fulfillment of Mary’s desire, ironically enough, is the Risen Lord’s return to the Father. The Lord’s ... ascension to the Father, is the condition for an intimacy with the Lord that is greater than Mary ever imagined possible, an intimacy more interior and therefore freer, and no longer troubled by physical distance. (“Communio International Catholic Review,” Vol. XLV, No. 2, “Do Not Hold Me”) Our holding on to what we have lost amidst the social distancing and isolation of the pandemic can be an obstacle to a greater freedom offered in the slowing down, the re-prioritization of goals, the quiet care of our own souls. This exchange between Mary Magdalene and the Risen Lord also reveals a new understanding of friendship. Physical distance does not have to be an obstacle to intimacy. Instead, it can be a way to understand what truly is important: interior freedom.

Now, allow me to weave a thread through these Scriptures and musings into our pandemic reality, into “normalcy.” As we are wishing for a return to or a redefining of “the normal,” it is worth a re-orientation to the idea that our “normal” is being redeemed, to ultimately view this time as a gift – not to be abandoned when social distancing has been lifted, but to be a way to discern what normal actually looks like. Normal does not mean returning to the slavery of the workaday world. It doesn’t mean clinging to what once was. However, it does mean a renewed understanding of why you work, of what freedom means, and trusting that whatever this is, it is for your good.

One of the things that has helped me is to sit down with a sheet of paper and make three columns, labeled: n What I’ve missed during social distancing n What I’ve enjoyed during social distancing n What I don’t miss about life before social distancing Filling in each column helped me discover the building blocks to redeeming your normal while adapting to its newness.

The Israelites had many problems, but one of those was failing to see the hand of God throughout their journey to the Promised Land. When their hunger pangs were deafening and their legs were weak, their gratitude turned into complaint.

‘NORMAL’, SEE PAGE 27

T

The elusive quest for normalcy

he worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down.

Social isolation has led to a spike in mental health issues. The health crisis, coupled with the economic meltdown, are causing suffering, stress, increased substance abuse and other addictive behaviors and for some even suicide.

Everyone seems to be yearning for normalcy. What is normalcy, and where is it found?

During almost any crisis, people go on a quest for the calm of normality. So again, I ask, what exactly is normalcy?

Normalcy is the condition of being normal; the state of being usual, typical or expected. It can mean conforming to a type, standard or regular pattern. For most people, it is a desire to return to the way we think life “ought to be.”

Closely associated with the quest for normalcy is the term “nostalgia.”

Nostalgia is an excessively sentimental yearning for times gone by. Nostalgia involves remembering the good and forgetting the pains of the past. It might surprise you to know that nostalgia was once a medical diagnosis. For centuries, it was deemed a potentially debilitating and sometimes fatal medical condition. Coined in 1688, it described the homesickness encountered by Swiss mercenaries who in the plains of lowlands France or Italy were pining for their native mountain landscapes. You could say these men were sickened by their elusive quest for normalcy.

During the 1920 presidential campaign, Warren G. Harding used the slogan “A Return to Normalcy” to describe his desire to get the country back to the way it was before World War I. Dec. 7, 1941, was yet another day that set “normalcy” on its head. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared the bombing of Pearl Harbor would be “a date which will live in infamy.” For several years, normalcy meant being at war with Japan. Now, Japan is one of the United States’ top allies. This became the new normal.

It is becoming more difficult for us to remember what normalcy looked like in an airport before the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Gone forever is the once normal carrying of baseball bats, box cutters, darts, knitting needles and scissors onto an airplane. The new normal involves presenting IDs, removing one’s shoes, having our baggage checked, and not bringing any liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces.

Life is fluid and ever-changing. The big question is this: “Is anything really normal?” Heraclitus, an ancient Greek philosopher who lived 500 years before Jesus, is credited with coining the

phrase “Change is the only constant in life.” Benjamin Franklin added this to that quote: “One’s ability to adapt to those changes will determine your success in life.” In other words, normalcy is change!

Change is always just around the corner. Storm clouds are always brewing. In Matthew 7:24-27, we find the story of the two men who built houses.

Jesus says the wise man built his house on rock and the fool built his house on sand. He continued by telling us what to expect when the storms of life appear.

Carefully notice that both houses endure storms – Jesus never promised us a life free from storms. He does, however, assure us that if He is the foundation on which our life is built, we will never have to worry when the storms come. Relying on the perceived “normalcy” of life is like building on sand.

Jesus’ words in John 16:32-33 sound almost like a prognostication of our current social isolation. He said, “Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home.” He went on to say, “but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

After this pandemic, things will not return to the way they were. The New York Times’ bestselling book, “Who Moved My Cheese,” by Spencer Johnson M.D., offers us some valuable life lessons about change from four strange characters: two mice named “Sniff” and “Scurry,” and two little people named “Hem” and “Haw.” These lessons are: n Change happens n Anticipate change n Monitor change n Adapt to change quickly n Learn to enjoy change n Be ready for it to change again Let’s put an end to our elusive quest for normalcy. We need to learn not to rely on what seems normal in life and also not to rely on ourselves. In the turmoil of our ever-changing lives, there is only one rock on which we should build our foundation, Jesus, and that rock never changes. He is the only true normalcy.

Paul tells us in Romans 8:35-39 that nothing in all of creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. So take to heart the words of Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

BRIAN PUSATERI is the founder of Broken Door Ministries (www.brokendoorministries.com) and a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.

June 5, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

27

Fred Gallagher

Returning to the sanctuary of church

I

went to Mass recently for the first time in weeks – in the Flesh, so to speak, and feeling much gratitude for our priests, who I know have been suffering without their people in front of them. I got there early and saw that every other pew was blocked off to ensure as much social distancing as possible. I had my mask on.

It’s a bandana, so I resembled an outlaw in a western movie rushing in to rob the bank. I seriously doubt anybody would want to be anywhere near six feet of me.

And I get claustrophobic in that mask. I usually treasure anonymity, but not in this case. I feel like a character in a science fiction novel with suspect motivations.

But there I was, mask and all, in church.

The altar area of a church is called the sanctuary, and to me that word describes perfectly what church is all about.

From earliest times a sanctuary, from “sanctus,” meaning “holy,” was considered a sacred place, a place of worship, a place where divinity touches humanity. Of course, in the Middle Ages, “sanctuary” also became a state of being, when retreating to a church was a grant of immunity from punishment, a shelter or protection from the ordinary operations of the law, a refuge in the most immediate and literal sense of the word.

Returning to Mass, I felt the sanctity and I felt the refuge. Ours is a sensate religion.

I recall the poet William Carlos Williams proclaiming of poetry: “No ideas … but in the things!” So much of what transmits our faith, the “things” of it, engage our senses. I remember once reading a definition of an icon as being “a finger pointing to God.” We walk into a church and see saints are peering down at us from stained glass or gazing out mystically in statue from alabaster or painted eyes. We feel the blessed waters of baptism on our fingers, we are beautifully accosted by incense rising like our prayer. The stations of Christ’s Passion, artfully rendered, literally surround us. Our altars are heavy and stone, secured in the soil of liturgy; the candelabras precious metal; the tabernacle itself the greatest sanctuary in existence, encompassing our Blessed Sacrament,

Jesus Himself as transubstantiated from the fruit of the chosen vine and the unleavened bread of those escaping slavery, those on the move from temptation and indulgence seeking obedience and humility and love. We are told the saints and angels are there with us, too, in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. They speak to us in the movement of the Mass. They comfort us in the ancient formulations.

And Christ with His head leaning to the side and His wounds visible, hovers over us as we Catholics have a penetrating perception of the strange beauty of the crucifixion, the image of His suffering and dying on His cross.

Participating at Mass as it is telecast is a great opportunity and we are, somehow, sanctified witnesses. But as wonderful as it has been to watch liturgies streamed online throughout our diocese, as Catholics we know something is missing. In that real life sanctuary, in the witness of our fellow attendees, in the presence of saints and angels, as we genuflect and stand and kneel and sit, as we physically approach the paten and chalice, as we taste and see the True Presence of Our Lord and Savior, we come to life as in no other way.

I take refuge in that life – knowing now how much I have taken it for granted, how much I have hungered to be in the sacred space of my church, how I have hungered for the spirit embodied in liturgical action and the people experiencing it with me, and how I appreciate the generosity of the ordained playing their unique roles in the sacred choreography of heaven come to earth.

We return in gratitude and relief and greater appreciation to the refuge that is the sanctuary of our churches. Our fellow parishioners await us. Our priests and deacons and altar servers await us. Once there, we await an usher to signal us to rise from the pew and come up to meet Christ, to consume Him, to love Him more, to take Him into the precious sanctuary of our souls.

‘NORMAL’

world. Fight for dinners together and time with your family. Keep FaceTiming and Zooming with faraway friends. Tell your priest how much you missed him. Leave work at work. Turn off the screens as often as you can. Get outside! Embrace the community that you have and reach out to help it grow. Read. Write. Pray. Make time for the things that have kept you sane during social distancing, and find ways to abandon the things that you have not missed in your life before COVID-19.

Do not wish for slavery and death. Run toward what has been promised. Do not cling to what once was, but believe the promise of greater intimacy, greater freedom. Redeem your normal.

FROM PAGE 26

Listing things out can give you the eyes to see God’s hand throughout your journey of the “slavery” of isolation and the Promised Land that awaits you when social distancing is lifted. It doesn’t eliminate the current turmoil but it pushes it into the hopeful light of eternity.

Your normal after this lockdown should look different than your normal before this.

Do not waste a moment to adapt to the new.

Learn from the docility of Mary Magdalene beneath the command of the Risen Lord.

Do not cling to what life was like before.

These last few months have changed what your day-to-day life looks like, and much of that change needs to continue.

Don’t give into the rush of the workaday

FRED GALLAGHER is an author and editor-in-chief with Gastonia-based Good Will Publishers Inc.

RACHEL BULMAN is a wife, mother of four, speaker and blogger (www.rachelbulman.com). This commentary originally appeared on Word on Fire’s blog at www. wordonfire.com.

Most-read stories on the web

‘We must overcome all forms of racism, of intolerance and of the instrumentalization of the human person.’

Pope Francis

From online story: “Selection of quotes from Pope Francis on equality, fraternity, racism” Through press time on June 3, 32,099 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 52,639 pages. The top 10 headlines in May and June so far have been: n Where to watch Mass online................................................................................................................2,170 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald...................................................... 1,823 n St. Matthias, apostle; Feast day: May 14............................................................................................1,128 n Padre Ángel Espinosa de los Monteros, legionario de Cristo y consejero matrimonial....1,003 n Schools office names second assistant superintendent...............................................................733 n Parishes may expand worship services outdoors as state eases COVID-19 restrictions.....706 n College seminary moves into new home, sees largest graduating class................................. 545 n Parishes navigate changes as state eases public health restrictions.......................................537 n Bishop Jugis asks for intercessory prayer to end coronavirus...................................................534 n Religious sisters live out their charism amid COVID-19 outbreak..............................................332

Join the conversation online

facebook.com/ catholic newsherald

@CatholicNewsCLT

Diocese of Charlotte

Pinterest.com/ charlottecnh

Catholicnewsclt

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

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

The Catholic News Herald does not publish poetry, form letters or petitions. Items submitted to The Catholic News Herald become the property of the newspaper and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

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

Catholic News Herald 1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203

28

catholicnewsherald.com | June 5, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Where are you going?

QUO VADIS DAYS 2020 St. Joseph College Seminary, July 6 – 10* A camp for Catholic men age 17-19 to learn more about the priesthood, deepen their faith, and help discern God’s call in their lives.

Registration is now open, but will be limited. For details and updates: www.charlottevocations.org * Due to COVID-19, Quo Vadis Days remains subject to change or to cancellation.