Aug 20, 1999

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1999

Number 43

Serving Catholics

Insid Ultreya: grand

By

gathering of diocesan

3

pope sought to stop ...Page

7

jimmy ROSTAR

Catholic Conference Center in Hickory for an institute of The North American Forum on the Catechumenate. The conference included tracks for new and experienced catechists, as well as a track for campus ministers.

"The initiation process is one of the most important pastoral activities of the church," said Dr. Cris

Raleigh Diocese offers safe 'Landings' for Catholics

14

News

Villapando, director of faith formation

programs

for the Diocese of Charlotte.

"This process deals with people who are at a crossroads. To accompany them through that crossroads is to live

Literacy

project

the mission of Jesus Christ."

Villapando said the

teaches tute

reading

immersed

13

on

The

it.

them

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the process by which men and women prepare for and are received into the Catholic Church.

The Forum has offered institutes

16

tvcry Week

and workshops since 1982.

& Columns

Entertainment

Statfes

10-11

—

^

would look

A look inside a permanent ,

...Pages

life

8-9

"ini-

and

Canada, teach the initiation process and the pastoral skills to implement it in a variety of settings.

This gathering was co-sponsored by the Diocese of Charlotte's Commission for the RCIA. "What the Forum wants to do at these institutes is provide people with what it both the vision of the Rite really says and the experiences to help people understand what that

.Pages 4-5

deacon's

Its

tiation experience" institutes, hosted

throughout the United

Faith Alive

a deeper

The North American Forum is a network of pastoral ministers, liturgists, catechists and theologians who promote parish implementation of the

promotes "creative aging"

.Pages

experi-

appreciation of the initiation process.

Greensboro counselor

...Page

insti-

of Christian Initiation of Adults and ence, he said, yielded for

...Page

Forum

Photo by Jimmy Rostar

Carlos Castaneda, from the Diocese of Charlotte, and Patrick Harney, from the Diocese of Richmond, prepare the "Easter vigil" fire during a catechetical institute in Hickory. The fire represents the risen Christ.

catechists into the Rite

invited reflection

Editorials

the Diocese of Charlotte

HICKORY In the environs of the North Carolina foothills, catechists from throughout the United States reaffirmed their commitment to the Christian initiation process as a vital church ministry the entire parish community can experience.

Some 135 catechists from nearly 20 dioceses gathered Aug. 1-6 at the

Court halts Texas execution

faith,

in

—

...Page

Local

Carolina

Nortli

Associate Editor

cursillistas

...Page

Western

Catechists celebrate ministry at initiation conference

Understanding

A

in

—

like in a local parish," said

Donna Steffen, a Forum team member, author and catechist who ministers in the ArchdioSister of Charity

a person's

life,

the

RCIA

becomes a shared celebration of faith.

"It does involve the entire church community," she said. "If a family welcomes a child into its home, each person in the family

is

affected.

In a similar

way, initiation is something the whole church community does. As we're bringing in new members, then we in the church are all affected by that."

At the institute, catechists had a firsthand experience of the initiation

process and the discernment it includes. Liturgies each evening illustrated the rituals of the RCIA, and indepth discussions offered time to review and reflect on specifics of the process.

Participants recalled

ences from their

which

for

own

many added

life

faith

experi-

journeys,

a special touch.

"Coming here, even though I was thinking I would be learning to minhas been a very personal experience," said Lynda Cody, coordinator of parish minisister to the people,

it

Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury. "It's a retreat and an education combined which is a statement of what RCIA is. This has been tries

at

—

a real

Sister Stefifen noted that while the

on God's

institute also offered valuable

ministry, said one catechist

for a year,

I

wanted

to get a sense of

how all the parts fit together," said Ann-Marie Mack, an RCIA team member at St. Luke Church in McLean, Va.

"I wanted to absorb the ambiance and get all the fine points

ironed out." est

Mack, who noted that the greatreward of the ministry is the inter-

action with those entering the church,

agreed that the initiation process can move an entire community. "The word around our parish is that if you're really interested in your faith, then the RCIA is a place where you

might want

to get more involved," she said. "It's a very exciting area."

Fostering the RCIA in the campus ministry setting brought Colleen

McDermott to the institute. The director of campus and young adult ministries for the Diocese of Charlotte,

much

McDermott said she heard among the 38 cam-

discussion

pus ministers attending about the variations of the initiation process in

college

life.

"People came trying to figure out how to do RCIA with students," said

McDermott. "There were

enlightenment for me."

The

insight about the breadth of initiation

cese of Cincinnati. initiation process focuses

work within

new

the process. "After participating in

of questions about how the academic schedule."

really a lot

we

fit

this in

to it

See

the FORUM,

page

14

2

The Catholic News & Herald

Released

S.

The World

August 20, 1999

Brief

Baltimore Mercy Sisters back Sister Gramick's ministry BALTIMORE (CNS) The Baltimore regional community of the Sisters of Mercy has declared its "sup-

Leone bishop says

rebels desperate for food, medicine (CNS) A bishop briefly detained with a group of hostages by rebels in Sierra Leone said the kidnappings showed disarray in the rebels' ranks and their desperate need for food and medicine. "It was an unfortunate incident which must not compromise the peace process," Bishop Giorgio Biguzzi of Makeni, Sierra Leone, said in an interview Aug. 5 with MISNA, a Rome-based missionary news agency. The bishop and a group of U.N. observers, reporters and representatives of aid agencies were taken hostage Aug. 4 by

—

ROME

who were supposed

rebels

in

to

—

port for and solidarity with Sister Jeannine Gramick and the School Sisters of Notre Dame." In a statement

//

approved unanimously

at their regional conference, the Mercy Sisters said they were "profoundly saddened"

f

ill

I

by the recent Vatican decision to bar Gramick permanently from the gay and lesbian ministry she has engaged in for the past 28^years. "It is our hope and prayer that this action will be

Sister

successfully appealed," they said.

SOA

hand

over some 200 teen-age boys kidnapped earlier,

—

Icidnappers seize two priests with tourists VATICAN CITY (CNS) Two priests were among the four tourists and a tour guide kidnapped in mid-

CNS

in Iran,

Women

—

PHOTO FROM Reuters

react to earthquake destruction

Two women cry as they look at their destroyed home in Golcuk, Turkey, Aug. 18. A strong earthquake the day before left thousands dead and tens of thousands injured and homeless in areas around Istanbul.

Franciscan

from Spain,

two

as

was one of the other

tourists taken. Their guide, an

Iranian man, was kidnapped with them, and an Italian man was seized from his hotel room.

Thieves loot Rome church, leave legendary relic behind ROME (CNS) Thieves looting

with Jordan, has until now been opened to the public only three times a year. Part of the area has been cleared of land mines, and barbedwire fences clearly mark the path

Rome

leading to the river.

mittee on Evangelization of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.

—

church grabbed a stone purported to hold Christ's miraculous footprint, but left it behind because it a

flict

Chicago parish's reward helps find suspect in child murder case CHICAGO (CNS) Publicity

—

Catholic men's ministries

was too heavy. Police said the burglars, unaware of the significance of the marble relic, left it lying on the floor of the Church of St. Sebastian.

church's offer of a $3,000 reward for help in finding an 8-year-old girl's

'mushrooming,' says report

Instead, they carted off a metal con-

killer has led to the arrest of a suspect.

WASHINGTON

(CNS)

— Three

years ago a U.S. bishops' committee described the- Promise Keepers phenomenon as a "wake-up call" for Catholics to form Catholic men's ministries. Now a new report says such Catholic ministries are "mushrooming." Catholic men "are meeting together in large and small groups, sharing their burdens, listening to each other's stories and celebrating the Eucharist," it says. The 10-page

Men's Ministries,"

report, "Catholic

was sent

to the U.S. bishops in July. It

the joint work of the Committee on Marriage and Family and the Comis

©atholic NEWS Most Reverend William G. Joann S. Keane

Publisher: Editor:

Curlin

Associate Editor: Jimmy Rostar Staff Writer:

AleshaM. Price

surrounding

a

footprint

holds that

havior," said Father Michael Pfleger,

claims is the traditional baptismal site of Jesus along the Jordan River.

The site, which is still dotted with land mines from a 1967 military con-

pastor of St. Sabina Church, which offered the reward Aug. 2. The church's $3,000 was matched with $3,000 from Paul Vallas, superintendent of Chicago's public schools, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the July 31 shooting death of Paulette Peake. The Cook County state's attorney has since arrested Edward Mitchell, who has been charged with the murder.

it

was displayed and

other valuables Aug.

6.

The

alleged

marked the spot where legend St. Peter, on his way out of ancient Rome, was said to have met Christ, asking him: "Domine quo vadis?" or "Lord, where are you going?"

Israel to open pilgrimage site where it says Jesus was baptized JERUSALEM (CNS) For the year 2000, the Israeli Civil Administration plans to open what Israel

—

Diocesan planner August

24 ASHEVILLE

—

A

four-week course entitled "Discovering God's Vision for Your Life: You and Your Spiritual Gifts" begins today at the

Eugene, One

resolutions note that the training school for Latin American military leaders at Fort Benning, Ga., has been connected to human rights abuses by some of its graduates. The Catholic Daughters and the AFL-CIO join 120 U.S. bishops, 19 Latin-American bishops and hundreds of other religious, labor, human rights, veterans and social concerns groups in urging that the school be closed.

No

Chicago Catholic

"The only thing worse than acts of community is the acceptance of violence as a normal be-

tainer in which

& H E R A L D

August 20, 1999 Volume 8 • Number 43

resolutions supporting the closing of the U.S. Army School of the Americas.

The

August

from a hotel in Iran.

Father Joaquin P. Fernandez, 70, and Dominican Father Cosme Puerto, said to be in his 50s, were seized by gunmen from a hotel in the southern Iranian town of Kerman at dinner Aug. 14, Vatican Radio reported. Both priests were

closure effort gets support of Catholic Daughters, AFL-CiO WASHINGTON (CNS) The national board of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the executive council of the AFL-CIO have passed

violence in our

electronic sacraments, liturgy office says

WASHINGTON

—

(CNS)

No

sacrament can be received by electronic communication, the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for the Liturgy has said.

said that liturgical celebra-

It

on the physical presence of the gathered faithful" and "require the physical presence of the bishop, priest, deacon or the approved presiding minister." "Electronic communication via telephone, television, video conference or Internet is not sufficient for the celebration of the sacraments," it said. The secretariat commented on the question in the May-June issue of its newsletter, saying it had received "several inquiries" tions "depend

on the

topic.

McCreesh leads the "Spiritual Direction for Gays and Lesbians" group

ages 0-5. Expect playing, singing, snacks, and crafts for everyone.

which meets tonight in the sacristy at 507 S. Tryon, at 7 p.m.

Everyone is in26 ASHEVILLE vited to a healing Mass at St. Joan of Arc, 919 Haywood Ave., this evening at 7 p.m. Refreshments and fellowship to follow. For information, call (828) 252-3151.

MOORESVILLE

St. Peter,

—

—

There will be a Christian rock concert featuring "Age St. Therese, 2 1 7 Brawley Road. $5 at the door. Concert starts

of Faith" at at 8 p.m.

For information,

Hollenback

at (704)

September

Diana^

call

664-7762.

Hispanic Editor: Luis Wolf

social

Production Associate: Julie Radcliffe

Culvern Street, from 7-9 p.m. Upcoming start dates will be on Aug. 31 and Sept. 7 and 14. For details and reservations, call the church office at (828) 254-5193.

25 Rachel's Children, a support group for parents who have lost a baby to miscarriage, stillbirth, or SIDS, meets tonight at the St. Matthew Conference Room, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, at 7 p.m. Call Lynn Schilling at (704) 831-9475 or Sister Jeanne Marie at (704) 543-7677

ASHEVILLE

Moms-n-Tots Playgroup begins its third year this morning and every

tion.

Ext. 43. for details

Friday morning from 8:30-10:30 a.m. for moms, caregivers, and children

1505 E. Kivett Dr., celebrates a Latin Mass tonight at 7 p.m. The rosary

Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick

Secretary: Jane Glodowski

1123 South Church Mail:

St., Charlotte,

RO. Box 37267,

Charlotte,

NC 28203 NC 28237

Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-mail: catholicnews

@ charlottediocese.org

The Catholic News & Herald,

USPC

007-393,

is

published

by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except

for

Christmas week and Easter week and every two

weeks during June, July and August for $15 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Diocese for

all

of Charlotte

Catholic

and $18 per year

other subscribers. Second-class

postage paid other

Roman

cities.

at Charlotte NC and POSTMASTER: Send

The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267,

address corrections Charlotte,

NC

to

28237.

hall

at

St.

CHARLOTTE

CHARLOTTE

—

—

Father Gene

—

All families are wel-

1

CHARLOTTE

to share in

Catholic home-school support group, outdoor picnic potluck dinner this afternoon at 5:30 p.m. at the Carolina Power and Light Private Pavillion.

For details, call Denise Vish at (828) 645-6990 or Sheryl Oligny at (828) 298-0336.

cally, there is a

27 STATES VILLE the Apostle, 525

— At

Camden

— For

spiritually, emotionally,

Peter's,

507

a quiet timej

community prayer

come to the Catholic Association of Family Educators', Western NC's

S.

healing

Mass

Tryon, tonight

p.m.

to heal'

and physiat St. at 7:30

—

A series o family planning classes' taught by the Couple-to-Couple; League, will take place from 7-9 p.m.

HENDERSONVILLE natural

Ann Dowling

St. Phillip

tonight. Call

Drive, the

696-2357 for location and

3

HIGH POINT

at (828),

registra-.

— Christ the

King,:

August 20, 1999

Understanding Ultreya: By

A grand gathering of diocesan cursiiiistas

ALESHA M. PRICE Staff Writer

—

STATESVILLE

Many

have

become involved with Cursillo Movement which serves as a way to grow in

personal

faith.

Miki Ortiz says life

Like many others, has changed her

it

profoundly.

A native of Brooklyn and a pa-

Mary in Greensboro, became familiar with the

rishioner at St.

Ortiz

Cursillo Movement in New York. she moved to Greensboro, she wanted to be more deeply involved

When

with the process. Several months ago, she went through the three-day Cursillo event. Today, she has the desire to share the Word of the Gospel.

"Cursillo is another way of joining together in fellowship and getting the support that you need from the community; it is like an extended family. It is a journey to get closer to Christ and to keep Him in your life," explained Ortiz.

To

upcoming

celebrate the

jubilee

and others attended a diocesan-wide Grand Ultreya at St. Philip the Apostle in Statesville on Aug. 8, a reunion of all of those who have gone through the Cursillo process.

Father Mark Lawlor, diocesan

year, Ortiz

Photo by Alesha M. Price

Cursiiiistas

from parishes

all

over the diocese join hands during the

Our Father

spiritual advisor for the English-speak-

there are English, Spanish and Viet-

is

ing Cursillo Movement, explained, "This is a, diocesan movement that has brought people together from various

namese-speaking Cursillo Movements that have been formed for

about their particular environments and how they can incorporate Jesus

those of various nationalities. There are also Lutheran and Episcopalian Cursillos modeled after the Catholic

into all aspects.

parishes.

The

Movement

Cursillo

is

a

renewal group within the Church."

However, there is still much to be learned about the Spanish-based

movement known

as Cursillo which has gained prominence in the diocese and all over the world

program.

According to Lee Accettullo, diocesan lay director for the English-

place in Waco, Texas, founded by Spanish men who had arrived in the

speaking Cursillo Movement, the experience in Christian community takes place over a weekend beginning on a Thursday. During those three days, people are exposed to the ideals of the Cursillo, centered on bringing Jesus to all aspects of society. People pray, listen to talks given by religious and lay people, attend Mass, and share their reasons for wanting to be a part of the Cursillo and their hopes

country and brought their knowledge

for their spiritual futures.

The word little

"cursillo"

means "short or

course" in Spanish. In the years

after the

War

Spanish Civil

during the

recommitment

1940s, the need for a

to

Christ and a type of renewal of faith arose

among

In

the

men

in Mallorca, Spain.

1957, the first Cursillo took

Now,

Before this event, the pre-Cursillo

at 6:30 before Mass.

Benediction and adoration will follow.

will be held at St. Patrick Cathedral,

of the Cursillo to the states.

will be said

6

CLEMMONS

—

Holy Family,

4820 Kinnamon Road, celebrates

a

charismatic Mass tonight at 7:30 p.m. After Mass, there will be the laying on of hands by the priest.

8 CHARLOTTE A support group for persons separated, divorced, or remarried outside the Church meets tonight at St. Ann, 3635 Park Road,

—

from 6:30-7:30 p.m. center. For details, 1503.

9

CHARLOTTE

in call

—

the activity (704) 376-

"Exodus from

Strongholds," a 12-week Bible-based seminar focusing on overcoming personal strongholds, begins tonight at

John Neumann, 8451 Idlewild Road, at 7:15 p.m. A free orientation will be held on Sept. 2 at the same location at 7:15 p.m. Cost is $88. For registration and information, contact Donna Rayle at (704) 545-8916.

12 CHARLOTTE A charismatic I. Mass, celebrated by Bishop Curlin, St.

—

at the

Grand Ultreya Mass

at St.

Philip the Apostle in Statesville.

1621 Dilworth East at 4 p.m. Prayer teams available at 3 p.m. with a potluck dinner to follow. For information, call Josie at (704) 527-4676.

"Art from the 14 CHARLOTTE Heart" is a workshop that uses scrip-

—

ture and art exercises to worship

God

that will take place today beginning

with 9:30 a.m. Eucharist and ending at noon with lunch. Suggested donation is $20. To find out more or to register, call Joanne Longenecker, a registered art therapist at (704) 845-

9163 or Father John Hoover (336)699-4005.

16 HIGH POINT charismatic

— There

Mass held

at

will be a

Maryfield the chapel, 1315

I

i

The Catholic News & Herald 3

the News

In

at

Nursing Home in Greensboro Road. For details, call Rev. Mr. Ron or Bette Steinkamp at (336) 427-9717 or (336) 882-9717.

17 HICKORY The next Marriage Encounter weekend will be today through Sept. 19 at the Catholic Conference Center. For registration, call

—

teaching candidates

a preparation

The

idea

is

ment should be

that one's environ-

with His presence at all times, and one should inform others about how Jesus can filled

positively affect one's

The purpose

life in all

of Cursillo

is

areas.

for people

to live as better Christians, to attain

being a Catholic meant even though I was born and raised in the Church."

The Cursillo is actually four days long with the fourth day being the "rest of their lives." The cursiiiistas, those who have gone through the threeday process and are guided by the cursillo way, go through the post-Cursillo which includes small-group meetings and larger reunions called Ultreyas.

"Ultreya provides a method for

Most

spiritual

community and

spread the

of these people probably wouldn't know each other otherwise [^without the benefit of the Cursillo and Ultreya^," said Jeanette Reavis, a parishioner at Our Lady of Mercy in

and personal goals, and to Good News.

Nam Le and her husband Trieu from St. Thomas Aquinas in Charlotte have been cursiiiistas for seven years.

Nam admitted, "I have received so much from the spirit of the Cursillo, I can hardly put it into

evangelization.

Winston-Salem and

a cursillista since

1991. "This provides an opportunity

community and

to share our

words. Before I did the Cursillo, I did not know what the Gospels truly meant, and I didn't really know what

to be a

Tom

ing Alzheimer's or dementia meets every Mon. and Wed. from 8:30 a.m.-l:30 p.m. at St. Gabriel. $35 covers snack, lunch, activities, and socialization. Those not affiliated with the parish are welcome. Call

and Emilie Sandin at (336) 2744424 and for information, call Tom and Susan Rozycki at (704) 4832329.

—

The Southeast 18 BELMONT FIRE Rally, a Catholic alliance of intercession, repentance and evangelism, is Sept. 18 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Wheeler Athletic Center on the campus of Belmont Abbey College. Team members include internationally known Catholic clergy, religious and lay evangelists. A youth session is also featured. Early regisfaith,

is Aug. 25. Advance $15 for adults and $10 for higli school and college students. Lunch is available with pre-registration for an

See ultreya, page

Suzanne Bach

at

HICKORY VICARIATE

Our Lady of

p.m.,

tickets are

Marion

at

Hickory

at 2 p.m.,

519-0786, or

For

visit

details,

the

Web

call

—

A

celebrated every Sunday at the following churches: St. Francis in Lenoir at 9 a.m.. Holy Trinity in Taylorsville at 10:30 a.m., St. Joseph in Newton at 12:45 is

tration deadline

additional $6.

(704) 376-4135

for information.

Spanish Mass

14

in

1

Morganton

the Angels in

p.m., St Aloysius in

and

St.

Charles

at 5 p.m.

(704)

at http://

www.ntrnet.net/~goodnews/.

Please submit notices of events for the Diocesan Planner at least 10 days

Ongoing

prior

CHARLOTTE Adult Day Respite,

Shining Stars a non-profit, pri-

vate organization for those experienc

to publication date.

4

The Catholic News & Herald

Tiie re-creation of

The Pope

Speaks

Summertime from

is

summer

when many

vacation

their regular routines to

Turkey after deadly earthquake By

LYNNEWEIL News Service (CNS)

—

VATICAN CITY Paul

Pope John

sent his condolences after an earth-

II

quake in Turkey killed thousands of people and injured thousands more.

An Aug. 17 telegram in the pope's name signed by the Vatican secretary of state. Cardinal Angelo Sodano, said the pontiff was "deeply saddened by the news of the heavy loss of life and injury" caused by the previous day's quake.

Pope John Paul was praying for those who were hurt or killed, the message said, and wanted to offer the victims' families the solace of his spiritual closeness to them.

Cardinal Sodano said he joined the pope in praying for the "gifts of courage and strength

who are grieving."

The earthquake in northwestern Turkey

(to) all

struck at 3 a.m. local time Aug. 17, rocking some of the country's biggest cities and col-

lapsing buildings with occupants asleep inside.

At

3,500 people were killed and

least

—

eight miles due to the oppressive heat that depleted

our energy, espite the National Weather Service's severe thunderstorm warning, however. Mother Nature was kind to us and didn't present us with any challenges beyond that.

The expected separation of the guys and gals happened when Andrew and Marty went fishing while Terri and Andrea shopped. The guys got a good catch of Lake Michigan perch, and the gals hunted for lighthouses and visited a nearby univer-

campus tour.

We left our Michigan rendevous feeling re-created as planned. However, with a deeper sense of gratitude for our family time together. For this summertime vacation is a mile marker in our fam-

"The

television reports

show

Light Side

the population are enormous.

Who

could ever homeless?"

(CNS)

— On the eve of

the 50th anniversary of the

Geneva Conven-

Pope John Paul

II

called for stronger

protection of civilians and prisoners of war in times of conflict. "The minimum protection of

human being guaranteed by international humanitarian law too often is violated in the name of military or political needs, which never should have precedence over the value of the human person," the pope said.

At the end of his weekly general audience. Pope John Paul told visitors that the Geneva Conventions were signed Aug. 12, 1^49, after the dignity of every

World War

II "to

ians, prisoners

and

failed us yet!

The Lykes are coordinators of marriage in the

ministry

African-American community for the Archdiocese

of Chicago.

This is destroying the traditional order of thing which a priest could languish as an assistant pasto for years, gradually growing in knowledge, expen ence, wisdom grace, secrets and cunning until he to could be trusted with answering emergencies like th darn boiler going out at 3 a.m. Sunday morning.

This has been a venerable tradition. Vetera ,

DAN MORRIS CNS Columnist

known

as "crusty," "crotchety," "garrulous

and "pre-Cambrian") pastor over their assistants, thus providin the younger clergy with great hilarious stories the could tell to parishioners behind the pastor's bac and at the same time lay down a pattern of behavio and development that would serve them well whe they were appointed a pastor in their own right wit their own assistants to put in charge of the bulletin Surely you agree these young pastors are threat to parish life as we have known it. And think we have to do something about it. I am n talking about sinister things like loosening th brakes on their roller blades, or tacky things lik "ancient," "dinosaur,"

frenetic (res-

Pope, at audience, urges strengthening of Geneva Conventions

tions,

We

(also

count all those who have been made Archbishop Bernardini said many residents were worried about friends and relatives elsewhere, but were unable to reach the hardest-hit region by cellular phone or by phone lines.

Experts in the United States monitoring earthquakes worldwide placed the magnitude at 7.8 on the Richter Scale.

VATICAN CITY

probably the last dance of our annual with just the four of us. Next year Andrea will be away at college and will not likely be with us.

Yet, we don't traverse this ground with any sense of melancholy. In family life we know that change is inevitable. Otherwise, we'd still be up to our ears in diapers. When we accept change, learn from it and make use of it, we grow. At the cusp phases in family life, we know that the coming year will bring many such mile markers. It will hopefully make us more appreciative of our family life.

Resistance to inevitable change traps families in unworkable scripts. Openness to change allows for the re-creating of new, better scripts that stretch us beyond our imaginations. It helps us to allow God control of our happiness. thank God for each other and open ourselves to newness in life. Perhaps Andrea will attend a Michigan university and next year's getaway will be moving her into the dorm. Perhaps if the Spirit wills it. And we're open to it. She hasn't ily life. It is

ritual

in

"desperate."

cue) activity," the bishop said, "but the needs of

TERRI LYKE

Guest Columnists

assessment. Never once have they been awake 72 hours flying from the hospital to the funeral home to the chancery, then wondering what Sunday readings were so they could do a homily.

On the

that the situa-

was

ANDREW &

sity for a

volunteers to dig out the victims.

Izmir, about 400 miles from the quake's epicenter, also felt the powerful first shock.

Archbishop Giuseppe Bemardini of Izmir told

Awenire

Reflections

the chaos of

rooms one for us, one for the kids.

Something about the unexpected things likely to happen when we make plans that depend on Mother Nature's cooperation make our summertime escapades more intriguing. And just like you can't plan the weather, you can't plan the movement of the Spirit that bonds us on these adventures.

Our "Lykes on Bikes" expedition on the wonderful Kal-Haven trail was cut short after only

industrial city of Izmit, where an oil refinery burst into flame, about 55 miles east of Turkey's largest city of Istanbul.

Local authorities in the earthquake-hit areas appealed for rescue equipment, food and

tion in the eai-thquake-hit region

to

rituals is our annual Michigan getaway. This year we spent a few days in South Haven, just a couple hours away.

Our only expected outcome was to be someplace different where we could swim, ride our bikes, shop, dine, fish and be close to nature. This year we decided to forgo our traditional camping for the sake of Terri's back. We opted instead for a comfortable hotel where we booked two adjoining

16,000 injured, the Anatolian news agency in Turkey reported Aug. 18.

Casualty reports were heaviest near the

the Italian Catholic daily

go away

distant (and not so distant) places to re-create themselves. Special bonding happens on these excursions that make it evident that God is in their

Only God could orchestrate summer vacations.

One of our family summertime

Pope sends condolences to

Family

families escape

midst. family

Catholic

August 20, 1999

Edif onoH & Co umns

could lord

Brealcing in our young pastors is becoming increasingly clear that we It and by "we" I mean people who no longer have to snicker at the idea of padded kneelers come up with a strategy to deal with the phenomenon of pastors being appointed who are so young they think they have to stay awake all the way through altar society meetings.

If you have been keeping up with the church vocations trends in America, you know we are going to be a few clergy short of filling the pastoral

—

—

slots available soon. In

some

rural dioceses this

is

already the case. Priests are being asked to "cover" two, three and more parishes, which has destroyed

more than a few limited-mileage lease plans.

As a result, the young priests coming out of the seminaries are being named pastors at an age when their predecessors were being assigned to coach

CYO

baseball and told to stop tracking potato

chips across the rectory.

Yes, they are running around thinking they are priests at an age when many of them

grown-up

never once have been called on the carpet by the bishop for screaming in public about his parish

it

slipping Clearasil coupons into the collection plat

although these could be considered later.

No, the key is to make them older and wise faster. Having them live, even for a short time, wit a family with teens is clearly too cruel. Likewise fo making them listen to my table during the annu Men's Crab Feed and Beer Garden Festival.

Heck, maybe staying awake during the altar society meeting isn't a bad start after all.

Tour comments are welcome. Write Dan Morris 6363 Christie Ave. No. 222, Emeryville, Calif. 94608; e-mail: cnsuncle@yahoo.com.

assure the protection of civilall

victims of armed conflict."

Send your Letters to the Editor to jskeane@charlottediocese.org or mail to Joann S. Keane, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203.

August 20, 1999

Editorials

Light

ally

One

The Catholic News & Herald 5

& Columns

syndicated television series, Christopher we have many guests who recognize and

Closeup,

human face of the progress we are making. One, Paul Loeb, author of Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in a Cynical Time, says that "To fail to realize the power of our actions is to reduce the potential of our soul. It's to diminish the spark that burns within us."

I absolutely agree.

If each one of us would only allow that spark to ignite the goodness, the courage, the holiness within our souls, we could create the kind of nation and neighborhood we all want to call home.

Wishful thinking? Naive optimism? There are many who do that much and more. Far more.

Mark Shields, the well-known political analyst on CNN's The Capital Gang and PBS's The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, talked with me about those people who go above and beyond. He said, for example, that "Because of the relentless negativism, the idea that everybody who works on the public

African-

celebrate the

Candle

FATHER THOMAS

J.

McSWEENEY Guest Columnist

Putting in a good word for optimism "Don't you think you are being naively optimistic?"

The question came to me as no surprise. I was a member of a TV panel program, one of several I have appeared on over the last few months. And it was not the first time I was struck by how many social commentators seem preoccupied with the "blame game" for everything that is wrong with America.

I had just put in a good word for those who are making a positive difference in our society and our culture. Hence the wonder about my stance being "naively optimistic."

I

generally find myself in the

minority in these discussions. Of course, there's nothing wrong with strong cautionary views. The mistake is to have nothing else, especially when solid evidence suggests that we have great reason to be hopeful.

There are countless individuals in public and life who have opted to be doers and not merely complainers, people who are "for" something good and not just "against" something bad. As a

private

many

issues that affect the quality of our daily being improved. Good neighbors and are making a difference in areas good Samaritans such as consumer protection, the environment, health result,

lives are

—

—

and more.

And while a positive outlook may be unusual in some places, I am happy to say that on our nation-

payroll

is

some

indifferent, sullen soul,

it

hit

me

that

For inteacher from

there are examples of just the opposite.

stance, Shannon Wright, the Jonesboro, Arkansas, who, when some students opened fire, used her own body to shield a little girl.

And Dave Sanders in Columbine, Colorado, who, again, saved students at the cost of his own life.

These are acts of enormous heroism."

We dare not ignore the overwhelming problems that threaten us, our homes and our communities, much less those heart-rending tragedies and

mind-numbing inflicted

evils that are all too real.

But

cynicism and despair.

On

the contrary,

self-

way

to

we need

to

ignorance and apathy are truly the

appreciate and act on our deepest beliefs, trusting in

God's eternal vision rather than our too often, too shortsighted point-of-view.

care, crime, drugs, poverty, education

Father Thomas

Wiien a former Catholic marries Q. Could you please explain Catholic teaching about those who leave the Catholic Church? A family member has told me that I, as a Catholic, should not attend a forthcoming wedding involving a man, formerly Catholic, who has changed to another religion.

Others do notfeel that way. I think if someone chooses anotherfaith, it is something tiiey must determine in their • conscience.

I remember hearing when I was young that anyone

who leaves the Catholic faith cannot know about then, but can we possibly

be saved. I don't believe that

J.

McSweeney

is

director of

The

Christophers.

Question

Corner

FATHER JOHN DIETZEN

CNS

Columnist

now?

Please explain.

A.

Two

points of Catholic teaching and policy

what is our understanding about those who depart from the Catholic faith?

Second, what is the Catholic position about the marriage of someone who has left the faith?

As Catholics, we believe that the fullest abunare involved here. First,

dance of those aids to salvation intended by Jesus Christ exist in our church. This includes the sacraments and other liturgical worship, unity of faith, the communion of prayer and teaching, and so on.

One would assume that members of other churches, if they take their faith seriously and conscientiously, believe something similar about their own church, or they would join another.

Catholic doctrine, however, is clear today about the relationship between membership in the church and salvation, and about individual responsibility.

Both Vatican Council II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church phrase it very precisely.

Dogmatic Constitution on the Church bishops of the council put it this way.

Whoever, "knowing that the Catholic Church was made necessary by God through Jesus Christ, would refuse to enter her or to remain in her, could not be saved." The catechism (846) repeats the same idea.

That sentence needs to be read carefully. It says in other words: Whoever knows, believes in conscience, that he or she has a responsibility before God In the

(14), the

must do so. know, of course, that generally people who are not Catholic have no feeling or conviction of such a responsibility. Because of lack of education or a variety of other possible reasons, the same can be true of some people who were born Catholic or who entered the church later in life. Ultimately, therefore, it is a matter between them and God, a to join or remain in the Catholic Church,

We

matter of accountability to their conscience, if they turn away from the Catholic faith.

Now about the marriage. According to canon law (1117), those who have left the church "by a formal act are no longer bound by the requirement that Catholics must be married before a bishop, priest or deacon. While the precise nature of such "formal acts" is not yet determined, it generally is assumed that it would at very least include those who have actually joined another denomination.

Thus, when former Catholics who have affiliated with a different religion marry "out of the church," that marriage is very probably valid, even in the eyes of the church.

Assuming there is no other impediment to the marriage, therefore, the former Catholic you ask about is apparently entering a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church, just as it recognizes any other marriage of people who are not Catholic.

I imagine these factors will significantly influence your decision whether or not to attend. "

American Affairs REV. MR.

CURTISS

P.

TODD

Guest Columnist

Biacic Catholic clergy, religious

celebrate freedom we know

Aspose of our freedom? black Catholics, do

the pur-

In this day and time, such a question may seem unusual. As milestones such as Vatican II opened up the Church to fully include the spirituality and heritage of black people, it would seem unnecessary to highlight freedom.

The

sad truth

that too

is

many

Catholics

continue to see the Church as a European Church, a Church in which the celebration or inclusion of African culture, tradition or celebration has no place in the liturgy. A Church that does not teach the contributions of black Saints nor the fact that there have been three African Popes. Can you name one?

Too many

still

say black spirituality

—

which includes shouts of amen, hand clapping, lively gospel singing and homilies that extend beyond seven minutes has no place in the liturgy of the Catholic Church. Too many still do not promote vocations among blacks, clinging to the stereotype that blacks cannot handle Too many the academic rigors of seminary.

—

people cling to old notions that are as wrong today as they have been throughout history.

Yet, "Oh Freedom" was the theme of the recent joint gathering of The National Black Sisters Conference, The National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, The National Black Catholic Seminarians Association and The National Association of African American Catholic Deacons in Philadelphia. During the previous year's conference, we experienced 'How the storms of life continue to pass over us.' This year, some 400 members came together to celebrate the freedom that comes with being black and Catholic, and to discuss issues that face us in the Church, while praying, praising and thanking God for all of His Blessings.

The Congress discussed these and siir^Pl issues and ways in which black clergy and religious can continue to serve the Church in an atmosphere of less than total inclusion and acceptance. For five days of retreats, meetings workshops and through prayer, the nearly 400 in attendance found this to be a time of renewal, rejuvenation and re-affirmation. would all return home with a true sense that

We

serving God and His Church is what we are all about.

Yes, Jesus has set us free. But, as black

we know that if we are to remain we must have the spirit of God and know

Catholics, free,

We can claim and prosometimes defame our blackness, freedom and Catholicity, but if our words and actions don't reflect the Holy Spirit, we are we belong

to Christ.

claim, and

deceiving ourselves.

It is not by power or might that we are set free, but by the Spirit. Thus, as black Catholics, do we know the purpose of our freedom?

Todd is Vice Chaticellor of of Charlotte and vicar of African-

Rev. Mr. Curtiss P. the Diocese

American

Affairs.

The Catholic News & Herald

6

People

in

August 20, 1999

fhe News

Catholic or not Catholic? That is the question about Shakespeare MANCHESTER, England (CNS) Catholic or not Catholic? That is the question being considered by

Church

Monica

Santa Monica. For one thing, both Gehry's wife, Berta, and one of his firm's principal architects, Terry Bell, are St. Monica parishioners. And, perhaps just as important,

—

Shakespearean scholars about the

special connection to St.

a

fa-

in

— who

—

mous playwright. The renewed

Gehry

speculation that William Shakespeare

ticular pleasure in visiting the

emerged following evidence that he might have spent his

year-old parish. "This church has very good memories for me," he said.

"I have always felt a spiritual connection to this beautiful place." Thus, as a gift to the parish, Gehry designed the new Duval Center at St. Monica's, which replaced an older building desperately in need of repair.

Chinese laity defy warning to bid farewell to underground priest KONG (CNS) Despite a government warning, 4,000 Catholics in eastern China bid farewell to an underground priest who suffered

was

a Catholic

youth with one of the great Catholic families of post-Reformation England.

Many

sum-

participants in a

mer conference

Lancashire believe that for about 10 years in the late 1500s the playwright lived in Catholic houses in England, said Richard Wilson, one of the organizers of the conference and professor of renaissance studies at the University of Lancaster.

Bishop DiMarzio installed as sixth bishop of Camden in

BLACKWOOD,

N.J.

(CNS)

Pope reorganizes Kazak church; U^. priest apostolic administrator

—

VATICAN CITY

(CNS) Pope John Paul II has reorganised the Catholic Church in Kazakstan, nam-

is

east part of the country,

bor-

up access

12 and

"The church's reaction

to

it.

very

is

strong," Cardinal Adrianus Simonis

of Utrecht, Netherlands, president of the Dutch bishop's conference, told

Vatican Radio Aug.

11.

"We com-

pletely disagree with this proposal."

The

—

Catholic authorities in the Nether-

—

BETHLEHEM, (CNS)

West

— Planned renovations

Bank at the

Jerusalem-Bethlehem checkpoint,

in-

oppose HUD funding ,

though now

it appeared that other projects had been

put on hold.

architect designs L.A.

church center

— World-famous

Calif

architects, as a rule,

churches, but Frank O.

WASHINGTON

(CNS)

bill

—

Gehry has

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head of the U.S. Catholic Conference's Domestic Policy Committee and housing advocates are opposing a House appropriations bill they say inadequately funds the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In a letter to House members.

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles, committee chair, urged representatives to vote against the bill, which also would fund the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and independent federal agencies in fiscal yeac 2000. "This appropriations bill presents the Congress with a genuine opportunity to let the Appropriations Committee and the American people know that the shelter needs of low-income families is a national priority," wrote the cardinal.

cooperation with the Palestinians, noting that they had received initial approval from the Palestinians in

SANTA MONICA,

Wenzhou

UCA News.

Cardinal, housing advocates

in

this as well as

in

told

and Palestinians. Bethlehem Mayor Hanna Nasser opposes the plans, saying the new construction would create, in effect, a physical border between East Jerusalem and Bethlehem, cutting off Jerusalem from the West Bank. Israeli Civil Administration spokesman Peter Lerner said the Bethlehem checkpoint refurbishing was to be a part of a general facelift they had hoped to give to several sites

July,

home

age of 85, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. The tonic spasm, in which rigidity persists for a long period, kept the priest's arms permanently crooked in front of his breast as though in an embrace, a local Catholic

traffic for the year 2000, is creating bumps on the road in the relationship between Israelis

Famed

renovations divide West Bank

Catholic's

tended to ease

Bethlehem mayor says checkpoint

Church decries Dutch move to legalize euthanasia, lower age VATICAN CITY (CNS)

Is

patients age

wrong."

it

ders Kyrgyzstan and China.

'Our Specialty

lands and in Rome expressed immediate disapproval of a proposed Dutch law allowing euthanasia and giving

where

tration of Almaty. Almaty, the ancient capital of Kazakstan,

Children of Chiapas

in the south-

Franciscan Father Henry Howaniec, 68, who has served in Kazakstan since 1993, was named head of the new Apostolic AdminisU.S.

113-

for 13 years but kept celebrating Mass every day until he died. Father Matthias Chen Xizhi of Wenzhou Diocese died July 23 in a

Nancy Wiechec

Six-year-old Zenaida Perez Luna, left, and Geronimo Vazquez Perez, 4, kneel to pray with family and friends from Chiapas, Mexico, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington Aug. 10. The children and one other boy injured in a 1997 massacre at their village church in Acteal were receiving treatment at Georgetown University Medical Center.

cardinal noted that the bishops' conference had struggled against the process, started in the early 1990s, which eased restrictions on euthanasia in the Netherlands. Bishop Elio Sgreccia, vice president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, told Vatican Radio that the legal change would constitute "a worsening of the norms brought by a law which is already

ing a Chicago-born Franciscan priest to head one of the new jurisdictions.

takes par-

from a tonic spasm CNS PHOTO BY

With

Pontificale."

Jewish

HONG

—

all of the pomp and pageantry of the Catholic tradition. Bishop Nicholas A. DiMarzio was installed as the sixth bishop of the Camden Diocese July 22 at St. Agnes Church in Blackwood. In his homily he said he was called "to minister to the Gospel of hope," and pledged to conduct his ministry with honesty, loyalty and charity. It took a full 15 minutes for the Knights of Columbus, three cardinals, 32 bishops, deacons and more than 200 diocesan priests to enter the church as the Camden Diocesan Choir performed "Entrata

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August 20, 1999

from

Court halts Texas execution

By

medication needs, so he didn't receive The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals them, according to his family.

Aug. 17 stopped the execution of In 1982, Robison confessed to Larry Robison, a paranoid schizokilling five people at two cottages phrenic whose life Pope John Paul II near Lake Worth. He was tried and had sought to save. convicted for the murder of one of the The pope several days before the five, his roommate, Bruce Gardner. ruling had urged Texas Gov. George In his appeal Pope John Paul W. Bush to spare said, "A life sentence Robison's life. without the possibil"Killing people to show that "Killing people to ity of parole provides show that killing is substantial safekilling is wrong is a striking wrong is a striking guards for society contradiction, even more so contradiction, even and represents an when mental illness seems more so when mental adequately grave illness seems to be punishment." to be involved, as in this involved, as in this The pope has apsaid the appeal sent case," case," said the appeal pealed to the governsent on the pope's bements that still use on the pope's behalf by his half by his ambassathe death penalty to ambassador to the United dor to the United ban it at least for the States, Archbishop Gabriel States, Archbishop celebration of the Gabriel Montalvo.

Great Jubilee Year Montalvo.

In a 5-4 ruling, 2000. criminal court blocked Robison's ex-

He has intervened on behalf of several U.S. pris-

ecution just hours before he was scheduled to receive a lethal injection.

Robison was convicted of killing five people in a 1982 killing spree.

The court's four-paragraph opinion sent Robison's case back to the

oners facing execution recently, especially since his visit to St. Louis last January, when his personal appeal to Missouri's Gov. Mel Carnahan led to the commutation of the death sentence for triple murderer Darrell

court to consider the question of insanity. The action effectively put off the execution for weeks, if not

Mease.

Bishop Fiorenza said the pope's appeals for Robison and other deathrow inmates reflects his strong belief that the use of capital punishment is unworthy of civilized people when

trial

months.

Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston, president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, said he asked the pope to get involved after Robison's mother, Lois Robison, told him of her son's struggle with mental illness.

She said Robison was diagnosed as a chronic paranoid schizophrenic when he was 21, but he could not get long-term institutional care because he did not have a history of violence.

After he was released from two hospitals to free up bed space, doctors, acting according to privacy laws, did not inform the family about his daily

nonlethal means are available to protect society from dangerous criminals.

Under Texas law, the governor may commute a death sentence only on the recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

(CNS)

Residents of Salt Lake City who survived a rare Utah tornado that ripped through the downtown area Aug. 1 were still counting their blessings days after the twister hit.

"In all my years in Salt Lake City, I've never seen anything like this

Mayor Deedee Corradini "The downtown area is defi-

happen," said.

From

nitely the worst.

I

the helicopter

saw homes without

roofs,

and

people trying to salvage whatever they could."

With just enough time to catch their breath as the storm approached, members of different faiths swung open their church doors to let in frightened people from the streets.

"The storm came from the west and just veered by us," said Robert Mayo, director of the St. Vincent de Paul Center. Just moments earlier, people were standing in line, waiting to be served lunch when the wind began blowing dust and debris.

"We just opened the doors and everyone ran inside," Mayo told the Intermountain Catholic, newspaper of the Salt Lake City Diocese. "It was frightening. Then all we could do was watch it as it went by."

Elsewhere

in

the city, the tornado left

one man dead

and more than hundred

injured.

demolished

CNS

A tornado strikes downtown Salt Lake 1 1 The twister, seen from Catherine of Siena University Parish just east of the downtown area, barely missed the cathedral and two other Catholic facilities.

City Aug.

The only church property taining any kind of

a

34

It

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fflilh Alive!

When

MARY MILLER PEDERSEN

By

Getting acquainted with the

Catholic Newsservice

As Deacon Art welcomed members around the bap-

he was trained in Deacon Art received very marriage and family life

1979, little

family

education.

tismal font, his brightly colored stole caught my atten-

his

pemianent deacon's minisby

His grandchildren cre-

tion.

ated the design on the stole with their hand prints as a 60th birthday gift.

Accustomed to the fidgety and curious children around him, Deacon Art presided with a deep understanding of the significance of this moment in the lives of those present. This per-

manent deacon's words of

a diocesan family ministry training program for lay and ordained leaders, he concluded that all deacons should have the opportunity for continuing education in marriage and family life/"It has made a tremendous difference in how I can serve married couples and families," said Deacon Art. The skills and resources from such training also have helped deacons to invite other, sometimes younger, couples and single parents into roles of service to each other.

The Welcome Your Baby program in the Archdiocese of Omaha, Neb., is one example of deacons working with and empowering families to serve each other at life's critical turning points. Deacons and their wives work h.and-in-hand with trained young couples who provide information and sharing sessions on marital adjustments to a new child, the baby's development and the Christian vocation of marriage.

instruction

families in similar situations.

Deacons

Another deacon, Bill, recalled being advised during diaconate formation never to forget that he had received the sacrament of marriage before ordination. Such advice encourages deacons and their wives to work

also enables

them

areas are often

deacon's ministry of compassion-

and listening brings comfort and a sense of the Christian community's support to a family in ate presence

to serving

to say

many

diagnosis of terminal illness or death.

The

difficult times.

"It's not really what we have to say or even what we do at those times of grief" said one deacon, who found himself completely speechless in the presence of a couple rocking their

the community.

It

in

the first visitors to families after a

relationship as

commitment

riage Encounter and Cursillo as tion for ministry. After recently

Deacon Art is like many married deacons and their wives who serve families. When praying with a dying man, baptizing a baby or preparing a couple for marriage, the deacon brings his experience as a husband, father, and now widower to that moment.

"Deacon families have difficulties too," remarked one deacon, who was ordained 15 years ago. At times, simply surviving and growing through problems they have experienced with their own families has enabled permanent deacons to be of great help to

own covenant

Eve-

nings for the Engaged, Mar-

completing

rience.

at their

regards his and

a continuing part of his forma-

and blessing flowed easily out of a father's and grandfather's own expe-

part of their

He

wife's experience in

no to

overcommitting themselves to tasks that lead to neglect of their own family life and eventually to burnout. stillborn baby in a hospital room. He "There is a tension there," said one CNS PHOTO BY Cleo Photography prayed with them and deacon couple whose chilmourned with them as any dren still were living at "Preaching is among the most valuable roles fulfilled by permanent deacons/' father would mourn the loss home, "to spread ourselves of a child. too thinly and to neglect our all of aren't necessarily married, writes Mary Miller Pedersen. "Not all Preaching is among the own home life." deacons are gifted homilists, but those who are bring their marriage and most valuable roles fulfilled by "We see our marriage as our parenting experience with them to the task." permanent deacons. Not all deafirst calling from God," said Deacons are gifted homilists, but those con Bill and Dee, his wife of 47 who are bring their marriage and provide in the parish." years. "As Catholic Christians, we behow God loves us.' The way we relate parenting experience with them to the When asked where their support lieve that marriage is a sacrament, a to one another as a couple and how we task. sign always lit up in the commuare faithful to each other speak louder comes from, most deacons place wife "When our deacon preaches he reand family at the top of their list. nity. That sign should read: 'This is than all the programs and services we lates the message of Scripture to my everyday life as a wife and mother," said one parishioner. With proper training, deacons can make the Scrip-

whom

—

What

is

a permanent

deacon?

Deacons ot roles

and

fulfill 111

wide

a

worship,

x

ariety

])reacliiiig

ser\ iee to ]X'()ple in need.

Deacons are onlained. ihe niajority Tluis,

many

aix-

in

is

work for the parish full time, which is of most deacons. I work as the religious education adminis-

religious education. I

trator.... Plus there is the liturgical dimension: baptisms, officiating at marriages, preaching on a regular schedule. I'm also involved in a prayer group.

l)ut

— Deacon Arthur Candreva, Queens, N.Y.

married.

"I

deaeons to

—

diaconate was

\'atiean Council

lot

what I do every week is serve at the altar. My ministry is with the' men and children, to work for peace and justice. I work with United Power, an action for justice group, and we try to work in Cook County in Chicago to overcome poverty and injustice.... My wife and I also serve in the youth ministry at the parish.... We also do preparation for First Communion and marriage preparation."

come alive for people.

"The beauty of it," said Judy, whose husband Frank was ordained tures

a

permanent deacon 18 years ago, "is you don't have to have a perfect

that

marriage to be in ministry together.

Whatever we do in service to the community, we have one another's support and wisdom to rely upon. We know that even when we are just socializing at a parish function,

using our marriage as a riching those around us."

way

God

is

of en-

t

"Basically

II.

Toda\' permanent deaeons commonl}- ai'e leadei's in loealcluireli ministries.

offunerals, weddings and baptisms, and Communion services. I am hom£ ministry, and I am the bulletin editorfor the parish.

Deacon Ed Bodin, Franklin, La.

do a

responsible for the nursing

tamih' ministrw

The permanent I'estorecJ

"My major work

different than the position

emphasi/.e the

possil)ilities for sei'\ e

As a permanent deacon, what do you actually do?

— Deacon

.loseph Lewis, Hillside,

111.

is coordinator of the LeadFamily Life Training Program Archdiocese of Omaha, Neb.

Pedersen ership in

for

the

The Catholic News & Herald 9

August 20, 1999

Faith Alive!

Deacon atMass

Tlie

By father LAWRENCE

E.

MICK

A look inside a deacon's

Catholic News Service Vatican Council II (1962-

1965) called for the restoration of the permanent diaconate. A great many diocesCvS now have a number of permanent deacons serving in various ways.

It is difficult to define the role of a deacon, because deacons

do many different things. Some people emphasize that the deacon stands as an image of the servant Christ, called especially to care for the needy, the sick and

way

the imprisoned; in this

the

deacon reminds us all of God's call to be servants.

The deacon also sometimes is described as a bridge between priests and the laity. Deacons are members of the clergy, but the majority of them are married, and often they support their families in nonchurch occupations. Thus, some people stress that deacons are close to the laity

and

understand

can

their

jgles to live the Christian

life,

personal interaction with deacons suggests another way that deacons sometimes [y

serve as a bridge. I am not assigned to one parish, so I regularly fill in for pastors who are ill or on vacation. When I arrive to

prepare for Mass,

it

is

generally

a great blessing if the parish has

a

deacon who

is

there to cel-

ebrate with me. ish

The deacon knows the parand knows how the parish

celebrates the liturgy, which

help to me.

suspect

I

is

it

is

a

also

helpful for the assembly to see a

familiar stranger

them

in

alongside

face

who

has

come

this

to lead

worship.

Of course,

I

don't always cel-

ebrate with a deacon, so

when

a

deacon is present I have to remind myself not to take his parts!

In the liturgy

of the deacon the assembly.

is

itself,

the role

clearly linked to

The deacon

is

the

one who gives directions to the

By

DARYL THURINGER

ing,

Permanent deacons in the Diocese of Sioux Falls, S.D., have become an important part of church life. Currently, 23

men

cons, and three

are

permanent dea-

more

are expected to be ordained in 2000. The first man ordained a deacon in Sioux Falls, in

1977,

was Jim Walden.

Walden attended

He was in manufacturland developer, restaurant owner, carpet store owner, and he owned a television appliance franchise. But he went on to sell all of his interests in the different ventures exa workaholic.

News Service

Catholic

a

cept the carpet store.

Walden Carpets has been in business in Sioux Falls for more than 30 years.

Cursillo weekend in 1973 and came home on fire for service in the church. His sister, a nun in Texas, planted the idea of becoming a deacon. So Walden applied, but no program existed in the a

Walden

says, "It

is

not

Being a deacon is steward of my business. share.

If

I

And though deacons do not preside at Mass, they often do preach during Mass.

What Walden wants, however, is "to be with the people." -He says the deacon's role "is to be an enabler, to keep replacing yourself with laity who go on to serve others and share the good news of the Gospel. as marriage.

wrong

long as I being a good

to be a success in business as

sell

car-

life

Walden

believes that

permanent

deacons must never lose the servant role.

He

also feels that a clearer defini-

tion of the

permanent deacon's

role in

diocese at the time.

It

was several years before

a pro-

gram was developed, and Walden was the first man accepted into it. The early days of the diaconate formation

program consisted of private

instruc-

tion with a diocesan theologian

and

study at the North American Baptist

Seminary

in Sioux, Falls.

Walden

graduated with a master's degree in religious studies and was ordained a deacon.

In the 22 years since, Walden says he's had "nothing but positive experiences." He started in prison ministry while preparing for ordination. He's been a parish administrator, premarital instructor, religious education coordinator, counselor with Catholic Family Services, advocate in the marriage tribunal, administrator in an outreach facility for the homeless and has served in two parishes.

All this while owning and operating a business.

Walden speaks of the deacon's ministry in the marketplace. "Once it is known you are a minister, people come to you with problems. A deacon in the field has many opportunities to minister," he said.

For example, one of Walden's employees came to him for support when a family member attempted suicide.

"Being a deacon needs to permeate everything in your life," said Walden.

"But family must come first."

When Walden first looked at the diaconate program he admits he was

CNS

pet honestly and do a good job of installing the carpet, I am doing God's work."

Walden says that he has learned many things from those in prison, the sick and the homeless.

"People will never give you anything if you cannot receive from them," said

Walden. "The deacon is a servant."

A deacon is a member of the

Walden feels he has not been accepted by some priests. He feels that transitional deacons are bet-

PHOTO BY W.P. WlTTMAN LIMITED

Daryi Thuringer focuses on the

permanent deacons in his diocese of Sioux Fails, SD. He says the first man ordained there in 1977 believes that the deacon's role "is to

be an enabler, to keep

replacing yourself with in

laity

who

turn serve others.

clergy, but

the church

needed.

is

For Walden, "permanent deacon" not a

but a description of his

ter accepted because they later become ordained priests, while permanent

commitment

deacons are ordained to be deacons.

All deacons can preside at certain sacraments within the church, such

nications for the Diocese

is

title

to the church.

Thuringer

is

of commuof Sioux Falls.

the director

assembly: "Let us kneel"; "Let us

"Bow your heads and pray God's blessing"; 'The Mass is ended let us go in peace."

The deacon is the one who properly voices the petitions of the Prayer of the Faithful, leading the assembly in its ministry of intercession for their needs and the needs of the world.

The deacon also proclaims the Gospel at Mass, and some deacons are trained and authorized to preach the homily. The deacon gives Communion to the assembly, especially serving as minister of the blood of Christ.

The very extent of the deacon's role at Mass suggests the importance of his office. stand";

for

^

B

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Father Mick

is

a priest of the

Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a free-lance writer.

U.S. diocese One Northwest reported in

the re-

80 permanent deacons do everything from marriage preparation to parish administration to hospital ministry. They preach, baptize and witness marriages, and most serve without pay.

Archbishop Harry Flynn of St. Paul and Minneapolis also commented recently on the activities of permanent deacons. "Today the presence of a deacon ministering to the people of God is certainly nothing out of the ordinary. Whether preaching at a Sunday liturgy or visiting the sick or elderly, the ministry of the diaconate has become an important part of the fabric of the church's life," he said.

As the century draws to a close, permanent deacons find themselves in the church's mainstream. In the cently that

its

Food for Thought century ahead, they undoubtedly will be recognized even more widely as leaders in local-church

two

major documents on permanent deacons. Archbishop Francis Schulte of New Orleans said that the very fact that two Vatican congregations did this "is witness to the important position of the permanent diaconate in the church."

David Gibson Editor, Faith Alive!

"meaning" or IJ'\<)i(

uon/d

is

"meaningful"?

likf to

respond Jor

possible publication, please writi:

Fjith Alive! :121

ministries.

In 1998, the Vatican issued

Lend Us Your Voice: An upcoming edition asks: What is implied when someone says that human life has

1

Fourth

ri'cisl!//io1'))/.

Si.

S.F.

D.C. 20017-1

1 (JO.

10

The Catholic News & Herald

August 20, 1999

Readings

Book Review

'Hannibal'

bizarre sequel

is

Word to Life

that falls far short of greatness

August

22, Twenty-First Sun-

than a third of the way into his new book, "Hannibal," a sequel of sorts to "The Silence of the Lambs," Thomas Harris allows himself an introspective moment as he introduces an encounter between two of his principals at a historical exposition on instruments of torture.

"Now that ceaseless exposure has

patient bent on revenge because Hannibal induced him to peel off' his skin and watch as it was eaten by

1)

Isaiah 22:19-23

Psalm 138:1-3,

questions to choose letters from the alphabet, this former editor of the French edition of the fashion magazine Elle was able to write a jewel of a book, "The Diving Bell and the

2)

dogs.

3)

Romans Matthew

— and

calloused us to the lewd and the vul-

ous specially-bred semiwild pigs are also among the grotesqueries in a story that \ leaves the door ajar for future horrors. And \ without giving away the ending, let it be noted that its overdrawn effeminate fantasy-world settling is in stark contrast to all that has gone before yet is shocking in its own way.

By JOSEPH R. THOMAS Catholic News Service

A

little

instructive to see

seem wicked

What^

still

clammy

"it

is

what to us.

slaps the our sub-

flab of

missive consciousness hard enough to get our attention?"

On the evidence of the rousing sales and promotional success of "Hannibal" (Delacorte Press, $27.95), it would appear that, if we accept Harris' premise about

.

s

one answer to

his

Some

almost faceless mil-

Although

his charac-

ters are fully developed,

Harris

is

sometimes car-

away in his writing.

However, his gift for metaphor is unique. In ried

"Hannibal"

by Thomas Harris

question. "Hannibal" is Delacorte Press not only gory it opens building "the engine of $27.95 with a shoot-out during his revenge," for instance, a failed drug bust in Hannibal's disfigured which FBI agent Clarice Starling, in a victim is likened to "Stradivarius apremarkable if less-than-credible disproaching the worktable." play of gunnery, kills five people it Of interest too are the frequent is often revolting. You might imagine religious references: metaphorical, as much, for Hannibal Lector, the cenhistorical, liturgical and even theotral character, is also known a logical. In context, they are surprising, Hannibal the Cannibal. apt and accurate, providing a counterBoth Hannibal and Starling will point to the grisly business at hand. be familiar to those who read "Silence In a flashback, we find Hannibal of the Lambs" or saw the movie it Lector, as a 6-year-old, praying that spawned. In that book, the insane he might again see his younger sister psychiatrist Hannibal, imprisoned for as she is led away to be cannibalized a series of 10 killings, fixates on Starduring the dreadful winter that ling as she interviews him while marked the collapse of the Eastern tracking down another serial killer.

Front during World War II. Hannibal Hannibal subsequently escapes sees instead only her teeth but takes (killing five in the process) and now this as partial answer to his prayer. we encounter him in Florence where Subsequently his own mindset is such he has assumed a new identity and that he believes "his own modest prebeen named to a prestigious scholarly dations (pale) besides those of God, directorship which became vacant who is in irony matchless, and in with the unexplained disappearance wanton malice beyond measure." of the man who held the position.

As an exploration of the psychotic Hannibal, however, having mind, "Hannibal" is chilling. As a horlearned of the cloud hanging over ror story, it is about as ghoulish as Starling because of her marksmansuch stories get. As a literary conship, feels compelled to write her an struction, it is often fascinating, t anonymous note and this reinvigorates the search for him. Among the Thomas, retired editor in chief of The baying hounds we find a traitorous Christophers and a former diocesan and politically ambitious Justice Denewspaper editor, is a frequent reviewer

—

—

partment

official

who

hates Starling,

A

Readings: 6, 8bc 11:33-36 16:13-20

of books.

life of pain within his very

Butterfly," detailing his

—

liberty

physically limited universe.

By JEFF

ting Italian police official, the re-

venge-minded pervert's muscular lesbian sister, and amoral male nurse, a voracious moray eel, and some raven-

•

J

Hannibal

Ordinary Time, Cycle

in

hired Italian killers, a strut-

ACW-vei

callousness, gore qualifies as

a bed-ridden

lionaire pervert, a former

less

gar," he observes, will

and

day

HENSLEY

Each of these took this "election

by God" and circumstance, and squeezed something Very precious, very essential from and of the hu-

News Service I lately have found myself greatly enjoying and benefiting from the writing and music and life stories of three very differently handicapped individuals someCatholic

man

—

The power of God to choose and elevate the unlikely candidate to a position of influence and power is a theme of this week's Scripture from Isaiah. It is also familiar to us from the story of the choosing of the shepherd boy David to be king of

times almost simultaneously.

In my car I listen (almost incessantly) to a couple of tapes by Catholic musician Tony Melendez.

Tony,

the mid-30s singer, songwriter and entertainer whose mom took Thalidomide while she carried him in her womb, has no arms. Yet, he is a powerful musician, playing the guitar enthusiastically with his toes and composing much of his own popular, contemporary, faith-filled music.

At home, I have been reading about the life of Andre Dubus, a

who know

part of

—

It is

a peculiar characteristic of

our age that those

who

are by vir-

tue of their disabilities apparently

months

most powerless can exert such a great influence for good over the

his writ-

ing and his life say that the quality of each improved greatly with his response to his physical limitations.

The

is

turn.

Catholic short-story writer whose changed drastically when an auto accident put him in a wheelago. Both those

it

meaning when he tells Peter that the knowledge that he is the Messiah could only have come to him from the Father. Jesus, too, judging by surface appearances, was the powerless, the unlikely candidate as was Peter in his

life

chair until his death a few

Perhaps, too,

Israel.

Jesus'

—

—

condition to create beauty for

the benefit of others.

form of God up and electing those whom

rest of us. Is this not a lifting

he

will,

regardless of appearances?

third individual, Jean-Do-

minique Bauby, is the least Catholic of the three. His response to a crippling stroke of the cerebral cortex left him with "locked-in syndrome," an extreme form of paralysis.

Using his ability to blink his eyes through a series of "yes/no"

Questions:

Have you questioned God about

your

own

limitations,

whether obvious or hidden? Could he have chosen to use these things for the good of others in unexpected

ways?

Weekly Scripture ^ Readings for the week of Aug. 22 - 28, 1999 Sunday, Isaiah 22:19-23, Romans 11:33-36, Matthew 16:13-20; Monday, Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10, Matthew 23:13-22; Tuesday, Revelations 21:91 Wednesday, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:27-32; 14, John 1:45-51; Thursday, 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13, Matthew 24:42-51; Friday, Thessalonians 4:1-8, Matthew 25:1-13; Saturday, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12, 1

Matthew 25:14-30

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,

The Catholic News & Herald 11

August 20, 1999

fntert ainmen Media Notebook

Children's television: Who's paying attention?

Catholic

News Service

HOLLYWOOD

—

(CNS)

A

these days.

are paying attention to

The

seems

state of children's television bit fragile

When the nation's TV critics, 220 strong, nominated their favorite children's shows, one of the nominated shows was PBS' "Wishbone," which is aimed at grade-schoolers and stars a dog named Wishbone,

mark PATTISON

By

a

of people but it is far

lot

it,

who daydreams

from clear whether the attention will pay off in smarter and more well-

But "Wishbone" didn't make any new

adjusted kids.

There

no shortage of

TV

episodes in the past season. What's more, the choices were so many that "Wishbone" needed only three votes to

types out to capture the children's audience. is

The Fox, UPN and WB networks have weekday children's programming. Fox, ABC, CBS and WB show Saturday morning fare geared to younger children, while is

children's

NBC

goes

become one of the five finalists.

Not that what the critics say are going to have any effect on young viewers. When asked how much sway critics hold. Fox Kids Network chief Rich Cronin replied, "I have only two words for you: Power Rangers."

af-

crowd.

ter an adolescent

PBS

new look to its programming, adding a

showing

a

Rangers" series has appeared on Fox in some form or another for seven years. While the show does not generate the intense heat it once did, the concept carries enough pull for the network to keep it on the air.

added to the lineup to do battle with the Cartoon Network; Nickelodeon has added a more learning-friendly channel called Noggin, mostly available on satellite TV; and Fox will debut two channels, girlz Channel and

The latest kid-TV steamroller is WB's "Pokemon," a Japan-originated cartoon which has pulled the network's ratings past more entrenched Fox and ABC during some

boyz Channel, using thousands of hours

programming

And

in the

Fox

weeks. When close to 30 percent of the kid population watches the same thing in this multichannel world, it leaves network executives hungry for more.

The U.S. version had to be toned down from the Japanese original, whose bright color displays were accused of

vaults.

specialty channels blossom in

the 500-channel environment, includ-

ing the Baby Channel, Discovery Kids Channel, and the subscription service

WAM!

the new CBS drama "Falcone." Gedrick's character is based on Pistone's actual life as

an undercover FBI agent who infiltrated the Mafia. Pistone, who's story was the basis for the 1997 movie

"Donnie Brasco," credits his strong Catholic

keep marriage strong during 17-plus years leading a double life in

faith with helping his

the Mafia.

The "Mighty Morphin Power

show here and there and promoting shows more now than ever before.

On cable. Nickelodeon, the Disney Channel and Fox Family rule the roost. Toon Disney was recently

of

he's a character in

scenes from classic works of literature.

"Falcone" series Jason Gedrick (right) stars as Joe Pistone in

America's Kidz Network.

But distressing signs are on the horizon.

CNS inducing seizures

in

some

study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania reported in June that children's TV is getting better, but noted clear room for improvement.

The Federal Communications Commission not long ago mandated that broadcast networks show at hours of education and informational for children.

But the study found that more than 20 percent of all children's "E/I" least three

TV

little

or no educa-

tion value. It cited the cartoons

"Duck

Tales" and "Hercules" as examples

where local stations were counting them toward the three-hour requirement even though the syndicators

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"I feel very validated when I receive an award like this," Burns added, but said even greater validation comes when he hears children "using what they've heard on the show in the classroom and in their play."

way

of educational content," the center said.

As for parents, only 35.4 percent

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than 15 percent in each case knew they were intended to be educational.

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The Catholic News & Herald

August 20, 1999

the New$

In

Vietnamese Catholics commemorate bicentennial of Marian apparition ByLYNNEWEIL Catholic

—

VATICAN CITY Catholics in Vietnam

(CNS) commemorated

the bicentennial anniversary of a at La Vang with

Marian apparition

Mass

mid-August. than 200,000 people re-

an on-site

More

"This is being acknowledged by the government because the government

Fides, said that despite tensions with

News Service

in

portedly traveled from throughout communist-run Vietnam to the Marian shrine at La Vang in the Quang Tri province to mark the

Mary there 200 years ago.

Church services, traditional

sighting of

drums, gongs and choirs heralded the three-day event, which ended on the feast of the Assumption, Aug. 15.

Vatican Radio reported the next day that it was the largest nonpolitical gathering of Vietnamese since the country's 1976 official unification.

A year ago, an estimated 150,000 Catholics launched a year of celebra-

Vietnamese Catholics have an easier time under their communist government than do Catholics in mainland China.

He noted that Catholics comprise roughly 10 percent of Vietnam's civil

authorities,

population, while an estimated

1

would be punished. allowed religious activities to be carried out as long as they are deemed to be in the legitimate and lawful interest of believers.

The same decree negated claims to church properties that had been seized by the present regime, or any previous one. t the state It

has said that the church can help the Vietnamese society to overcome problems moral problems, or drug problems, or education problems

—

—

while in China, religions are not seen at all as a means for progress in the

per-

cent of the Chinese are Catholic.

society."

"This means that in Vietnam, the church is (of) great importance and (is) a great influence, just because of the numbers," Father Cervellera said.

In late April, the Vietnamese government decreed that religious freedom would be guaranteed, but warned that using religion to harm

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Vatican Radio said that Budand others were also

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—

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as well as police officers videotap-

ing the crowd.

The report said the sanctuary at La Vang was half destroyed in the Vietnam War and has been deliber-

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Aug. 16 interview with Vatican Radio, Father Bernardo In an

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member

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Institute for Foreign Missions and

head of the Vatican news agency

Ordinarily it takes $20 a month to provide a poor child with the life-changing benefits of sponsorship. But if this is not possible for you, we invite you to sponsor at a level you can afford (minimum $10). CFCA will see to it from other donations and the tireless efforts of our missionary partners that your child receives the same benefits as other sponsored children.

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The Catholic News & Herald 13

August 20, 1999

In

the News

Literacy project teaches faith, reading By

JIMMY ROSTAR

Associate Editor

pants in the future.

Latour, executive director of Volunteers for Wilkes Literacy and a parishioner at the North Wilkesboro parish, has worked with Hispanic populations for years. She said she knows firsthand of their dedication to religion and family. "There is a core of adults (here) who are really concerned about their faith, and they care about education for their kids," she

—

NORTH WILKESBORO

Griselda Vaena smiled excitedly as she took her cue.

The 10-year-old was dressed as Mary, practicing the part she would play the next day in a performance for the parish. This was a rehearsal, though she beamed as if it were the real thing.

a

"I've never been few minutes later,

in play," still

she said

The

we

program

to bring an entire

would help

ing the need for children's literacy education.

participants learned about their faith

"With this kind of program, not only do we reach to the Hispanics, but they reach out to us," she said. "Religious education at St. John's has been the inroads to bring communities together. It's breaking down a lot of the barriers by going through the chil-

English while having summertime

"We

learned some prayers,

and how to be thankful to one more day," said Elizabeth Delgado. "He will never let us go."

"I like the reading," added Elizato be nice,

God

for letting us live

beth,

who

10. "I like to learn

is

can read these books," exclaims of the Catechetical Literacy for Children program hosted at St. John Baptist de la Salle Church in North Wilkesboro.

"I

this participant

more

about God. He sacrificed for us so we could live for eternity."

Like her friend Griselda, Elizabeth said she looked forward to participating in the Mass the following day. She paused, searching her memory for more highlights. Her eyes lit up as she remembered what else was on schedule later that week.

"On Friday, we're gonna have the coolest part because we're going to eat cake and ice cream," she exclaimed.

Summertime

Photo by Jimmy Rostar

how

fun, indeed.

The

Charlotte,

of St.

Partial funding for the program came from an Operation Rice Bowl mini-

new homes

come the community morrow.

leaders of to-

grant, sponsored by Catholic Relief Ser-

through Catholic Social Services' Office of Justice and Peace of the Diocese

vices

hosts a standing-room-only, Sunday

of Charlotte.

evening Spanish Mass, Hispanic

is

—

Contact Associate Editor Jimmy Rostar by calling (704) 370-3334 or email jtrostar@charlottediocese.org.

See

related CRS STORY,

page

15

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from such places as Mexico, Guatemala and Peru and who brought a variety of educational backgrounds, life experiences and

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several

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gious education," says Mary Sorel, the parish director of religious education. "We noticed several of the (Hispanic) children are behind with their prayers and reading.

"Part of this idea is to help them learn their lessons better, and then they could also work with their brothers and sisters in their families."

Dr. Helen Latour assisted Sorel in the design of the pilot program, which included students in the second through sixth grades. The pair hope that the program will be expanded to include a broader range of partici-

— parish together —

games, singing and craft-making, in

don't have Spanish reli-

We

combine everything."

The program concluded with a Mass, celebrated by St. John's pastor, Father Frank Cintula. The children led the congregation in song and Scripture, and performed the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in which a young Mexican peasant receives a vision of Mary.

Sorel hoped that the program and this liturgical finale, which was

included a study of scriptural and liturgical vocabulary, as well as English phonics. Through a variety of learning activities that included

"In the religious education classes

have,

catechetical literacy

"We need to keep need to find a way to

Sorel added.

that alive.

said.

smiling.

Griselda was part of a group of a dozen Hispanic children who gathered at St. John Baptist de la Salle Church in North Wilkesboro for two weeks last month to participate in the Catechetical Literacy for Children program. Designed by the parish's faith formation director and a local literacy agency, the program was filled with activities geared to improve the children's reading skills and understanding of their faith.

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The Catholic News & Herald

August 20, 1999

Around the $tafe

Diocese offers safe landings'

Faith DoingJusticecx)nferencesetforOctober

BELMONT

for returning Catliolics By

JOHN STRANGE

News Service RALEIGH, N.C. (CNS) The 46-year-old man and his family Catholic

—

moved to Raleigh five years ago, and for some reason never got around to settling into a new Catholic church.

It just wasn't important to him and the family then, but now it's dif-

Landings

is

with

involvement from the

little

a lay-run program,

clergy or professional staff.

The aim

is

to organize a

group

of six to eight active Catholics

and two or three Catholics

just

returning to the church.

Today, when he drives by one of the city's Catholic churches on the way to work, he wishes he could just stop in, despite his nervousness at beferent.

ing away from church for so long.

To encourage the man and his family and others like them to take that step and stop at church, the Diocese of Raleigh has a new program to help them have a safe "landing."

The diocesan Office of Evangelization is sponsoring "Landings," designed by the Paulists to welcome back Catholics.

"It's meant to be a safe embrace," said Terry Jackson, director of evangelization. "It's meant to be an easy, joyful

homecoming."

Jackson told the N.C. Catholic, diocesan newspaper, that while most people think Catholics who leave the church go away because they have been hurt or offended, the reality is that most "are people who simply dropped out. They just became inactive. And today they don't really know how to get back in gracefully."

In fact, he said, a move to a new area is more likely to separate a Catholic from the church. And be-

Cla$$ified$ EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Diocesan Regional Coordinator (Office of Faith Formation): Charlotte diocese has an opening for the Western area. Diocese seeks a person with a Master'.s degree in Religious Ed/allied field, 3 years of demonstrable successful experience in parish/diocesan work. Well-rounded in catechi.st formation

skills.

Collaborative. Sensitive to cul-

Good written/oral communications skills. Salary range .$24,000 - $28,000.

Please send resume and 3 letters of recommendatural minorities.

1123 S. Church St., Attn; Search Committee, or

tion to: Dr. Cris Villapando,

Charlotte,

NC

2820.'3.

fax to: (704-)370-329

1

.

cause North Carolina is known for new arrivals, he said, "our assumption is that we have a lot of people in our diocese who haven't made the

Many of these people come to miss that connection with church, and want to return, but don't know how.

"Many times it's a homesickness, a desire to come home," Jackson said.

"Many times it's precipitated when they have children, and it becomes important to them to hand on something to their children. It was something that was very good when they were children."

Landings is a lay-run program, with little involvement from the clergy or professional staff. The aim is to organize a group of six to eight active Catholics and two or three Catholics just returning to the church.

The group meets weekly

ticipants are invited to share stories

from their faith lives.

"You don't have to be a theologian and have all kinds of answers.

You just share your story," said Jackson, noting that the U.S. bishops have called such faith sharing "the primary way" to evangelize.

At the end of the series of weekly meetings, a weekend retreat or day of reflection is held, where there is opportunity for sacramental reconciliation and reflection. If returning Catholics want to actively learn more about the church, they are referred to a formal course of instruction.

"Landings recognizes that they're Catholic," Jackson said. "It's not a conversion process. It's a welcoming process; for some, it's also a reconciliation process." t

Education program. Pre-K thru 12. Excellent communicative, collaborative, organizational and managerial skills are essential. Budgeting experience and computer literacy are desirable. Should demonstrate ability to recruit, affirm and motivate volunteers. Must be willing to expand programming to bring depth to youth ministry, adult formation, and RCIA. Salai-y and benefits commensurate with experience. Send resume and cover letter

by October 1,1999 to: Search Committee, -Holy Cross Catholic Church, 710 Clay St., Lynchburg, VA. Telephone: (804)846-5245 Fax: (804)846-7022.

All Saints Catholic School

(K-5) has the following part-time positions open: Music, Counselor, Substitute teachers. Please send for application to:

All Saints Catholic School,

Charlotte,

NC

Principal,

7000 Endha\en Lane,

28277; Fax (704) 544-2184.

Music Positions: Vibrant 3500+families

getic, faith-tilled indi\idual to co-ordinate estab-

Religious Education program. This person must be a practicing Catholic with a minimum B.A. in Religious Education, Theology or equisalent field with at least 5 years experience as Director of Religious Education or related profession. The successful candidate will be able to work with our parish community while coordinating and administering a growing Religious lished

for

about 10 weeks, following a formal structure that includes set times for prayer and "storytelling," where par-

resume and request

Office of Justice and Peace sponsors an

on linking

faith to the social

mission of

Faith Doing Justice, a biennial conference, will be hosted at Queen of the Apostles Church, 503 N. Main St., in Belmont from 8:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. The gathering will bring diocesan, regional and national social justice leaders

together to discuss a variety of issues pertinent to the life of today's church.

Parish leaders; educators; catechists; youth ministers; community life, Justice and Peace, and social concerns committee members; and parish social justice contact persons are all encouraged to attefid.

The conference's keynote speaker is Father John

connection."

Elementary Teachers:

will focus

the church.

Inquiries; (704)370-324.4.

Director of Religious Education: Holy Cross, a dynamic, historic parish of 1,000 families in Lynchburg, Virginia, "the City of Churches," located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Diocese of Richmond, seeks an ener-

— The diocesan

October conference that

to play 3 to

4

—

liturgies a

weekend, weddings, funerals and holy days. Must be knowledgeable in post-Vatican II liturgy. Must be able to lead and accompany an assembly that loves to sing!

Choral Director needed for Adult Choir. Responsibilities include one weekly rehearsal and one weekend liturgy. Must be able to lead the choir in a balance of supporting the assembly's song and singing anthems alone. Other responsibilities include conducting combined choral/instrumental efforts for parish-wide special events. Must Ix; knowledgeable in basic principles of Catholic liturgical celebration. Must be familiar with Catholic liturgical

—

—

—

For more

information or for a registration form, contact the Office of Justice 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, or call Joanne Frazer at (704) 370-3225, or Terri Jarina at (704) 370-3231.

and

Peace,

The Forum, from page 1 Many dynamics cess, she said, like

enter the pro-

whether students

enter the RCIA in the campus ministry or the parish setting, and how

modern technology like the Internet can assist in the discernment and inquiry phases of the process.

Advances such as e-mail can help expand the process into a year-round experience, McDermott said. "This was the first time that I really heard campus ministers talk about trying to do it longer than the school year," she added.

Capuchin Father Martin Schratz, parochial vicar at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, is an 11-year veteran in the RCIA process.

He said the institute brought people

Classified

together to share fresh ideas and presented a full picture of how the RCIA is carried out in today's church.

"A lot of us in parishes still look at it as an an academic journey and not a spiritual journey," said Father Schratz of the RCIA process. "When we move away from the academic to the spiritual, what a difference it makes.

"The most exciting thing is to watch the faith grow in people, to see them blossom and be excited about their faith,

and to see the change that

takes place."

t

Contact Associate Editor Jimmy Rostar by calling (704) 370-3334 or email jtrostar@charlottediocese.org.

ads bring results! Over 104,000 readers! Over 42,000 homes!

Rates: $.50/word per issue ($1 0 minimum per issue)

Deadline: 12 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication date

How to order: Ads may be faxed to

(704) 370-3382 or mailed

to:

The Catholic News & Herald, 1 1 23 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Payment: Ads may be pre-paid or billed. For information, call (704) 370-3332.

Cindi Feerick,

repertoire as well as a

\

ariety of sacred choral music.

Children's Choir Director needed for active children's choir. Responsible for one weekly rehearsal and one monthly children's liturgy.

Any or all of the above positions may be combined for the person with the right qualifications. Send letter of interest and resume to: Kathy Kuczka or Business Manager, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 535 Rucker Rd., Alpharetta, GA 30004.

parish in

Alpharetta, Georgia has several openings:

Organist/pianist needed

Rausch, a Glenmary priest who lives and works in Appalachia.

Father Rausch is scheduled to speak on a popular scriptural passage John 3:16 which not only Father John s. illustrates God's love for his people, but is a response in gratitude. The keynote will examine how a generous Rausch spirit, when lived in the public arena and the marketplace, has implications for justice, human rights and dignity in society.

The conference will include workshops on such topics as lay discipleship. Welfare to Work, social analysis and using the N.C. Catholic bishops' economic justice pastoral letter in parish settings.

The registration fee which includes the conference, lunch and materials is $25 per person. Group discounts are available, and donations for scholarships are welcome. The registration deadline is Oct. 9.

Office Assistant: Personal financial planner needs responsible, articulate person interested in investments. Variety of tasks from customer service to filing to updating computer records. Part-time, flexible schedule of 25-30 hours per week in SouthPark office. Call Cynthia L. Anderson, CFP, at (704)643-7173 or fax resume to (704)556-0445.

bath, laundry, dining, kitchen, living room. Ce-

ment block basement, attached

shed. Fenced

rear yard. Great for starter, retiree or rental.

ReMAX, agent Linda B. (704)87 1-98,82/1-800-467-9882. (Seller is St. Close to town. $49,500.

Philip parishioner.)

- Beach Condo: 3 Bedrooms at Myrtle Beach available 8/28, all of September and Octobei-. Call (336) 924-2842.

For Rent

House

for Sale: Dilworth, Charlotte. Walk to St. 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths. Den with

Patrick's.

Large fenced backyard. Gorgeous hardwoods. Near Holy Trinity and St. Ann Schools. Great neighborhood. BissellHayes Realty agent Susan May (704) 367-6730. built-ins.

staircase,

(Seller

is

St. Peter's parishioner.)

REAL ESTATE

PRAYERS & INTENTIONS Bungalow

for Sale: Taylorsville. Totally refurbished electrical and plumbing. 2 Bedrooms, I

Thank you,

St.

Jude, for answer to prayer.

H.M.

I

August 20,

999

1

The Catholic News & Herald 15

Around Ihe Diocese

From related

story^

pa^e 13

Catholic Relief Services diocesan

committee awards mini-grants CHARLOTTE — Nine projects illustrating international signifi-

cance and ongoing commitment to

Gospel

teachings

have

been

awarded mini-grants by the Catholic Relief Services Diocesan Committee from funds collected in the CRS Lehten Operation Rice Bowl

—

St. James Church, Hamlet, books and material for a Hispanic faith formation program;

for

—

Sacred Heart Church, Wadesboro, for a Hispanic faith formation program;

—

Barnabas Church, Arden,

St.

Complementary Outreach,

for

cross-cultural orientation

project.

Catholic Relief Services in the

Diocese of Charlotte is coordinated through the Office of Justice and Peace. Seventy-five percent of each year's CRS Operation Rice Bowl contribution is forwarded to national CRS for its worldwide programs, while 25 percent remains in the Diocese of Charlotte.

The CRS Diocesan Committee established the mini-grants pro-

gram

in 1997 to promote solidarity between local church communities and global communities. The 1999 Operation Rice Bowl collection totaled $52,963.20, a 50 percent increase over the 1998 collection.

This year's recipients are: Holy Cross Church, KemersviUe,

—

for materials to be used in a His-

a

program

and English-as-a-second-language Korean immigrants; Catholic Social Services,

classes for

—

Winston-Salem, for the Guadalupe "Informacion

Casa a

comunidad," a program to purchase advertising to inform Hispanic/ Latino community about Immigration and Naturalization Services; Catholic Campus Ministry at Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, for Acorm Project, an after-school program for children of Hispanic migrant workers; St. Pius X Church, Greensboro, for promotiion and didtrivution of hand-knit sweaters made by women in Manazo, Peru, in the Artesenia Marketing Project. T

— —

panic ministry faith formation pro-

For

gram;

— Our Lady of Grace Church,

Greensboro, for a twin parish program the parish is engaged in with a parish in Kharkov, Ukraine; St. John Baptist de la Salle Church, North Wilkesboro, for the Catechetical Literacy for Children

—

program,

a

and

additional information on these

other

Office

CRS

mini-grants, contact the

of Justice and Peace, Diocese of 1123 S. Church St., Char-

Charlotte, lotte,

NC 28203-4003; (704) 370-3231

(phone); (704)

370-3377

or

(fax);

justicepeace@charlottediocese.org

Photo by Alesha M. Price

la

(e-

mail).

two-week summer

school for Hispanic children, with

emphasis on church vocabulary and English phonics;

From left to right, Nam Le, Minh Bui, Amy Nguyen, Ky Do, Trieu Le, and Long Nguyen, all from Charlotte parishes, sing the prayer of St. Francis in Vietnamese after communion during the Grand Ultreya Mass.

faith.

know

I

that

have grown

I

In order to keep the concepts of the Cursillo intertwined with the other as-

3.

4.

Are you looking for qualified employees?

For few rates, call Cindi Feerick at (704)

meaning "onward" or "going forward" context of the "journey to the

in the

God," helps people to share their experiences and to draw support from other cursillistas. People from various parishes get together for area Ultreyas, and there are Grand Ultreyas which include cursillistas from a larger area.

People from every corner of the diocese were in attendance at the Grand Ultreya at St. Phillip Church.

The event consisted of the actual Ultreya, Mass with first and second readings in Spanish and Vietnamese to represent those Cursillos, a potluck supper, and fellowship.

During the Ultreya, people were placed into groups of three, preferably those who had not met, and they discussed the answers to several

What was

370-3332

instrumental in that

my

formation process in

me closer to God. It me to my vocation in the

brought

it

eventually led

permanent deaconate. It awakened my spirit and was a catalyst for me to come closer to Jesus." t

Contact Staff Writer Aleslia M. Price 370-3354 or e-mail at

by calling (704)

amprice@charlottediocese.org.

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pects of their spirituality, the Ultreya,

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16

The Catholic News & Herald

August 20, 1999

Living th e faith

Greensboro counselor promotes "creative aging" By

LARRY CHANCE

tology,

Correspondent

gerontological counselor.

GREENSBORO people, retirement

—

To some

a sign of the ap-

is

proaching end of hfe's journey. For Richard Von Stamwitz, a counselor

gan

became

and

certified

a

When

he be-

to put his certification into practice,

he discovered that gerontology dealt mostly with the problems of aging.

"I

wanted to dedicate the

rest of

among

my

specializing in the psycho-social is-

life

sues of retirement transition, retire-

my own

ment means more of

American Association of Retired Persons statistics which say that if you reach 65 you are

Von Stamwitz, St.

a beginning.

in

Greensboro, recently conducted a session titled "Creative

Aging

in a Chris-

Teaching Seniors Their Own Uniqueness Under God" at the Second Annual Senior Adult Ministry tian Context:

Conference held in St. Louis in June.

The conference was hosted by the Association for Senior Adult Ministry, which connects people who work with senior adults in churches of all denominations.

Von Stamwitz's talk at the conference stressed that " grace builds on the natural, and we must acknowledge that society's negative stereotyping of getting older (ageism) can adversely affect our awareness and commitment to continuing development, engagement and contribution in our own experience of retirement as ...

a spiritual journey."

Von Stamwitz feels that people should view aging as an integral piece of their vocations in essence, a call to completion in God's plan. In retirement, he believes that "we have to recapture a sense of wonder that we

—

had as

age,"

Von Stamwitz

people

said.

Pointin'g out

a parishioner at

Paul the Apostle Church

to enabling creativity

kids."

He refers to people of today's retirement age as the "young old," and his outreach encourages those in this category to tap into their creativity.

His concept of creativity is defining what is most important to people, what is meaningful to them and what brings them the most satisfaction.

His involvement with elders stems from his own retirement at age 59. It was then that this former high school Latin teacher and job service officer turned his attention to geron-

likely to live

longer.

an average of 15 years

Von Stamwitz

God

feels that

continue to seek a mission in life. He sees the church playing an active role in helping to plant the seed by changing the focus of the role the church currently plays in the lives of senior citizens.

This can be done, he says, by focusing ministerial attention toward younger retirees and those considering retirement in the near future.

While he feels the church does a good job in meeting the needs of people in their mid- to late-70s or above, he says there needs to be a focus on the idea that many senior citizens can continue to make contributions. This, in his opinion, can be done through ministries, such as small faith groups, for "third-agers," defined as people in their early 50s to mid-70s.

He formed his opinion for the need for such ministries from observing the trend of people retiring at an calls retirees to

early age, well before the traditional

retirement age of 65. He espouses " ... faith-focused programs that speak about God calling me to completion."

Such grams, he

church-sponsored feels,

pro-

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