4
7
www.charlott«cliocese.or3
Roman
Catholic
Diocese of Charlotte
Catholic
Daughters
NEWy ^RALD
Established Jan. 12, 1972 by Pope Paul VI
AUGUST
I
SERVING CATHOLICS IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA IN THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE
2004
6,
Thirty-nine women join new court in Sylva
Dear Brothers and
VOLUME
13
PAGE 5
NO
39
Sisters in the
Bishops offer 'Faithful Citizenship'
Diocese of Charlotte, This week, two other bishops of the South and I are jointly issuing a statement entitled, "Worthy to Receive the Lamb: Catholics in Political Life and the Reception of Holy Communion." In this statement, we
Document to serve as guide for party platforms
are addressing the question of pro-abortion Catholic politicians and the reception of
Holy
STATEMENT PROMPTS HOW BASIC VALUES SHOULD SHAPE POLITICAL CHOICES
Communion. The consistent support of abortion legislation by some Catholic public officials is a gravely
sinfiil act.
This public stance precludes
the politicians from being admitted to
Communion
pro-abortion stance.
Communion by officials
which
is
The
reception of
risks leading
O'BRIEN
Holy
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
them
U.S. bishops offered guidance
into error regarding
on the
Special
election-year platforms for the
Assembly
Democratic and Republican form of their
in June, the bish-
parties in the
2003 document, "Faithful
"Catholics in Political Life." In that statement,
The document, approved by the Administrative Committee of the U.S. Conference of
We also appealed to pro-abortion Catholic
Catholic Bishops, "summarizes
have a change of heart and stop
the Catholic Church's teaching
supporting abortion legislation: "It is
with pastoral solicitude for everyone
involved in the political process that
we
will CNS
also counsel Catholic public officials that their
acting consistently to support abortion on
demand
risks
making them cooperators
in
manner. We will persist in this duty to counsel, in the hope that the scandal of their cooperating in evil can be resolved by the proper formation of their consciences." evil in a public
I ask that you pray, as I do, for all those involved in the political process, and that you
pray also for a greater respect in our country for the dignity of the life of the unborn child. Wishing God's blessings upon each of you, I promise you a remembrance in my prayers. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Peter
Jugis
Bishop of Charlotte
'WORTHY TO RECEIVE THE LAMB"
PHOTO FROM Reuters
casts his vote
in
the
2000
elections. To
summarize the Catholic Church's
released the document, "Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic
USCCB
gen-
See FAITHFUL, page 9
Call to Political Responsibility."
FINDING CHRIST
Vatican says battle
Salisbury youths
of sexes not part of
work with
God's design BY
Jamaica's poor
CINDY
WOODEN
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
— Members
VATICAN CITY
— The
of Sacred Heart Church's youth
battle of the sexes and, particu-
group and their chaperones
larly,
the
worked
women
are the result of origi-
to help
change people's
Kingston, Jamaica, as
nal sin
part of an annual mission trip
subjugation
and not of God's
of
origi-
nal design for creation, said the Courtesy Photo
June 24-July 1. "Some of us, not fully understanding what we were go-
Congregation for the Doctrine Sacred Heart Church's youth group made their annual mission trip to Kingston, Jamaica, June 24-July
Members See JAMAICA, page 6
Many
ONf)
»on33no3
of the Faith.
1.
Attempts to advance the
pictured are (clockwise from top) Michael
Vaeth, Gregory Hicks, Brynne Beal and Erin Dinse.
ministries
Sister Schmidt lea ves N. C.
n im
P. Fay,
eral secretary, in nearly identi-
teachings on public policy issues that have moral and ethical dimensions, the U.S. bishops
lives in
TO READ THE STATEMENT, "WORTHY TO RECEIVE THE LAMB: CATHOLICS IN POLITICAL LIFE AND THE RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION," PLEASE SEE PAGE 8.
on public policy issues that have important moral and ethical dimensions," said Msgr. William
A Miami man
SALISBURY J.
Citi-
Catholic Call to Po-
Responsibility."
litical
an unborn child is always and can never be justified."
killing of
politicians to
A
zenship:
we reminded Catholic politicians of the moral teaching of our church in regard lo abortion: intrinsically evil
committees drafting
to the
intrinsic
ops of the United States discussed the topic of
The
— The
WASHINGTON
faithfijl,
of procured abortion.
At our
NANCY FRAZIER
BY
pro-abortion Catholic public
a scandal to the Catholic
the true teaching of the Church evil
Holy
as long as they persist in their
after 40 years
Rachel's Vineyard
Up
Leadership conference
Youth ministers receive
inspires masses
ok I
PAGE
See BATTLE, page 12
to the challenge
training resource I
PAGE
I
PAGE 16
5
2
The Catholic News & Herald
August
6,
2004
Current and upcoming
In Brief
topics from around tfie world to your own bacltyard
New program provides Catholic priests cruise lines V/ASHINGTON
PROCESSING FOR PEACE
priesthood set for Oct. 31 this year, will be marked in Catholic parishes through-
on two
(CNS)
out the United States with prayer, dialogue and social events.
— A new
program under the Apostleship of the Sea's direction
is
providing approved and
certified Catholic priests
on board two
cruise lines operating in the United States
—
Celebrity and Holland America.
An announcement
of the program
said the
two companies "can now prom-
ise their
guests and crews that they will
have an approved Roman Catholic priest on every one of their cruises." Other cruise lines are being, encouraged to join the priest program for cruise ships "so that they too can provide the best quality of Catholic pastoral care and
ministry to guests and crews," the an-
nouncement
said.
Father Robert J. Silva, president of the Chicago-based National Federation of Priests' Councils, said the purpose of the, day is to engage "a
national conversation about the priesthood."
Priesthood Sunday was first observed in October 2003 as a reaction' to the shadows cast over all priests by the sex abuse crisis. Ten percent of U.S. parishes took part in the event last year, but as many as 25 percent are expected to be involved this year. Lay people at each parish and school are asked to develop their own way of marking the day and honoring both the priesthood and their own
Photo by Kevin
E.
Murray
Priesthood Sunday set for Oct. 3 1 this year CHICAGO (CNS) — Priesthood Sunday, a celebration of the American
Bishop Misael Vacca Ramirez of Yopal, Colombia, and Father Jose Juya, Hispanic
Web
A
priests.
—
—
site
www.priestsunday.org offers ideas. There are about 44,000 priests in the United States, and only 4,000 of the 19,000 U.S. parishes currently have more than one priest.
ministry coordinator for the Gaston Vicariate, lead a procession at St. Michael
Church
in
unharmed
Gastonia Sept. 13, 2003. Bishop Vacca was recently kidnapped but freed July
27 by a
leftist
group
in
Colombia.
Diocesan, planner
have an informational meetMark Church, 14740 Stumptown Rd. The class will focus on the book of Exodus and will meet Wednesdays, 9:30-1 1:30 a.m. Sept. 8 through May 2005. For details, call the church office at (704) 948-0231. Scripture Study will
ing Sept.
Kidnapped Colombian
ASHEVILLE
bisliop
VICARIATE
HENDERSONVILLE
—
Everyone is invited attend a Conference for Catholic Laity "Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus: hiving as Eucharistic People" Aug, 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Immaculata School, 7 1 1 Buncombe St. Father Frank Doyle, pastor of St. Margaret Church in Maggie Valley will give the keynote to
released unliarmed by captors Bishop Vacca attempted to foster unity in Colombia and Diocese ofCharlotte VATICAN CITY who
lombian bishop,
(CNS)
— A Co-
Pope John Paul
II
Bishop Vacca and two other priests were kidnapped by ELN members July 24 while on a pastoral visit in the town of Morcote, northeast of Colombia's
appealed for his re-
lease.
members of
the
leftist
rebel group, the
National Liberation Army,
Spanish
initials
of
known by
its
ELN.
was treated well and there was never any lack of respect," said the bishop, according to a July 28 report.
Bishop Vacca walked for three hours after he was released to reach the Diocese of Trinidad. Bishop Vacca was then flown by helicopter to his residence in
capital,
Yopal and, after a medical examinawas found to be tired but in good
Bogota.
The mayor
.
of Nunchia also was kidnapped by the same group of armed abductors. After the two priests and the city official
"I
were released the next day, the
planned to release the bishop after giving him a message for the government. The National Liberation Army is Colombia's second-largest rebel group with at least 3,500 guerrillas. They and the larger Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia have been locked in a 40priests said the rebels
tion,
year armed struggle against the govern-
health.
ment and right-wing death squads. In June the government offered
The worked
bishop thanked
all
those
who
for his release, including Colombia's church leaders and Pope John Paul, who had urgently appealed for his immediate liberation. In September 2003, Bishop Vacca visited St. Michael Church in Gastonia to help promote unity among Colombians and other Hispanic parishioners and to encourage prayers for Colombia, which has struggled with civil war for
The
stop operations against the
Vatican had called the bishop's
capture "an unjustifiable criminal
act."
The
it
was "extremely
distress-
ing and objectionable" for a bishop to be
CHARLOTTE
VICARIATE
CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church, 80 Ballantyne
Commons
1
Pkwy., will host a
Christian Coffeehouse Aug. 7 at 7;30 p.m. Single and married adults are invited for an evening of contemporary Christian music, food and fellowship. For more information, call Kathy Bartlett at (704) 400-2213.
CHARLOTTE — Just Second Fridays (JSF) will
take place Aug.
Atrium
Room
of the
1-2 p.m.,
13,
in
the
Annex Building of St. Tryon St. Rev. Dr. Ben
Peter Church, 507 S. Bushyhead, director of community and recreation services for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will speak on "Myths, Misconceptions and Stereotypes of Native Atnericans. "JSF is a monthly lunchtime speaker series sponsored by the Office of Justice and" Peace, Catholic Social Services, in partnership with St. Peter Church. Parking is available in the underground garage next to the church.
Bring your lunch; cold drinks are provided. Call (704) 370-3225 for further information.
HUNTERSVILLE
—
Women's Catholic
CHARLOTTE —
All couples married 25 or 50 years this year will be honored at an Anniversary Mass Oct. 24 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. Please call your church office if you wish to be included.
CHARLOTTE
release of civilian hostages.
Bishop Vacca had been involved
in
rebels, paramilitary
ing for control of the petroleum-rich re-
gions of Casanare and Boyaca. Editor Kevin E. Murray contributed this story.
—
A
support group
for
of a family member with memory loss meet the last Monday of each month, 10-1 1:30 a.m. at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. For more information, contact Suzanne Bach at, (704) 376-4135. caregivers
•
GREENSBORO
VICARIATE
GREENSBORO
— Notre Dame
|
Catholic
Hi^
cart
Sun
is planning an alumni reunion for Aug.'2004. For more information, call Nicholas
School 14,
Schnyder
at
333-3456
(336)
oi^
e-maU
nicholas.schnyder@bellsouth.net.
HICKORY
VICARIATE
LENOIR
— Summer
Faith Formation CatechesB
be offered each Sunday, 10:20-10:50 in the school building of St. Francis of Assisi Church,
will
I
Catholic Church
between left- and right-wing groups and the government. It has helped negotiate previous peace deals and guarantee the
among
The Newcomers
to a 10- week course, "Moving On," based on Susan Miller's book "After the Boxes are Unpacked," We will talk about the spiritual, emotional and practical needs associated with mo\ ing. Classes begin Sept. 1 5 in Room 200 of St, Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Rd,, 10:15 11:30 a,m. Call Gigi at (704) 895-3310 or Merry at (704) 947-9547 for more information.
AUGUST
'IHE-
VOLUME
has long acted as a channel for dialogue
peace efforts
—
HUNTERSVILLE.
Women's Ministry of St. Mark Church invites women who are new or still feel new to the area
and groups
NEW&^/HERALD PUBLISHER: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis EDITOR: Kevin E. Murray STAFF WRITER: Karen A. Evans GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Gindi Feerlck
SECRETARY:
Sherill
to
13
•
The Catholic News & Herald, the
Roman
St.,
Charlotte,
NUMBER
USPC
007-393,
is
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NO
28203, 44 times a year, weekly except
for
Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $1 5 per year of the for
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E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org
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MAIL: RO. Box 37267, Charlotte, NO 28237 PHONE: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382
St.,
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appropriate.
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2004
6,
guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTIVIASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, RO. Box 37267,
1123 South Church
In a July 27 written statement, the
Vatican said
ter contact Elizabeth Girton at (828) 252-8816 or taithfoniiation@bellsouth.net.
at 9:30 a.m. at St.
ELN
restart stalled negotiations if the called a cease-fire.
to
groups and the government that are vy-
decades.
on using
ner."
same day
Bishop Misael Vacca Ramirez of Yopal was set free July 27 after he was taken prisoner three days earlier by
will be offered
the lectionary; prayer and skills and theory for For more information or to regis-
"impeded from freely exercising his pastoral ministry in such a despicable man-
visited the
his captors the
Workshops
catechists.
Diocese of Charlotte last year, was kidnapped by armed rebels in Colombia but freed un-
harmed by
address.
1
NC
28237.
h
.
August
6,
The Catholic News & Herald 3
2004
FROM THE VATICAN
Bishop says pope to
Pope
praise
on Muslims, Christians to unite after Iraqi church attacks calls
VATICAN CITY
(CNS)
ploring a string of deadly car
— Debomb
at-
on five Catholic churches in Iraq, Pope John Paul II called on Muslims and Christians to unite against "all forms of violence" and to work together to bring peace and stability to the countacks
try.
The pope
Aug. 2 he was saddened and "deeply struck" upon hearing the news of the Aug. 1 attacks that left at least 1 1 people dead and 50 others wounded. A wave of explosions ripped through churches in Baghdad and the northern city of Mosul early Aug. 1 just when parishioners were attending or said
leaving their places of worship. Iraq ac-
cused a terrorist group linked to alQaida with the attacks. "At this time of trial, I am spiritually close to the church and the Iraqi people,"
read the pope's message, which was sent
Assembly of the CathoBishops of Iraq, Chaldean Patriarch
to the head of the lic
Emmanuel-Karim
faithfijl,"
as-
beloved country, as a soon as possible."
on Muslims and Christians, "all believers in the one compassionate and merciful God, to unite and deplore every form of violence and to cooperate for the return of harmony on called
tormented soU." Vatican and Iraqi church leaders condemned the latest attacks. A top Iraqi church official in Rome said those Iraq's
responsible for the blasts were intent on
new
Iraq and
its
new
fi"eedoms."
m 328-B Woodsway Ln.
NW.
There
will be
an
o(>-
For more Informa-
office at (828)
754-528 1
HICKORY — A
Grief Support Group meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the parlor of St. Aloysius Church, 92 1 Second St. NE. For more information, call the church office at (828) 327-2341.
SALISBURY
VICARIATE
CONCORD
—
how
Di-scover
beautiful
God's
plan for marriage really is! Natural Family Planning clas.ses are being offered at St. James Church, 251 Union St., Tuesdays at fi:3() p.m.
Learn
a natural
method that
is
just as etlective as
and is in accord with Catholic teaching. Contact Susan Chaney at (704) 720-0772 for more information or email questions to sujo94@aol.com. the
Pill
MOORESVILLE — Seniors ages 55 and up are invited to St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Rd., the second Saturday of each month following the 5:30 Ma.ss for Senior Games Night,
games and a potluck dinner. Call Barbara Daigler at (704) 662-9752 for details.
featuring
SMOKY
MOUNTAIN
VICARIATE
MAGGIE VALLEY — Rac/iel's Fineyard aftercare/fbllow-up meetings are held on the third Sunday of each month. The.se meetings are for anyone who has attended a Rachel's Vineyard retreat for post-abortion healing, and are designed to help us continue on our healing jour-
ney and to grow spiritually. The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 15, 2-4 p.m. Please call
the
Conception."
Mary
In the Lourdes apparitions,
and penance, and she told Bernadette to drink the water
for his great gifts, including the gift of
of the small spring in the grotto. Five days later, a friend of Bernadette's bathed her injured arm in the spring
the Blessed Virgin Mary.
it is
is
not just a place to seek where people dem-
a place
onstrate their faith in
God and
their
devotion to Mary," said Bishop Renato Boccardo, the papal trip organizer.
The
84-year-old Pope John Paul has
billed his trip to the shrine in the
P3T-enees as part of his
French
commemoration
of the 150th anniversary of the solemn proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
"The Holy Father is not going to Lourdes because he is sick," Bishop Boccardo said. "He is going because he is the pope, and he will carry the whole churcb with him to offer adoration to Mary and to God." 1858, 14-yeai'-old Bernadette Soubirous claimed she had seen Mary 18 In
Bernadette asked her name,
invited to share their thoughts.
church
make an Aug. 14^15
When
times in a grotto near Lourdes.
portunity for discussion of tlie day's gospel. All are tion, call the
will
called for prayer
"Lx)urdes
reconciliation being established in this
"demolishing the
II
pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, not to seek physical healing but to praise God
healing,
suring them of his prayers and "constant commitment to a climate of peace and
He
plied, "I
John Paul
his "heartfelt soli-
darity with priests and the
Lourdes to
God, not seek healing VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope am Immaculate
Delly.
The pope renewed
visit
Mary
re-
and was healed. The pope will drink water fi-om the Lourdes spring upon his arrival at the grotto Aug. 14. "The water is a sign of reconciliation and of baptism," the bishop said. Bishop Boccardo said that Pope John Paul will not bathe in the waters of the spring, which is a ritual of faith and hope carried out by more than 300,000 ailing people each year. "I can exclude that the pope going to ask for healing" while
Lourdes, the bishop will praise
God
said.
"Rather, he
for his great works,
one of which was Mary." According to the shrine's official Lourdes Magazine, 66 healings have been recognized as miraculous since the time of the apparitions.
Shelley at (828) 684-4330 or (828) 230-4940 for details-
MAGGIE VALLEY — If you are struggling with the emotional or spiritual pain of abortion, there is help. Rachel's Vineyard fVeekend Retreats for healing after abortion are a beautiful opportunity to help you experience the mercy and compassion of God. The weekend will help ycJUr soul find a voice and transform the pain of the past into love and hope. The next retreat is scheduled for Sept. 17-19. Confidentiality is strictly maintained. Please call Shelley at (828) 68'f-4330 or (828) 230-
4940
Ride of a lifetime
to register.
WINSTON-SALEM
VICARIATE
WINSTON-SALEM — Do you want to follow the Church's teaching on contraception? Learn Natural Family Planntns; with The Couple to Couple league. Its ])lnl()sophy is in full accord with Catholic teaciiing and the method is as effective as the Pill with none of the side effects of unnatural methods. A fourpart series of classes will start Aug. 15, 1:303:30 p.m. in the Bishop Begley Parish Center of Saint Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave. For more information and registration, call Todd and Stephanie Brown at (336)
765-2909.
CNS
Franciscan Sister Rita Vukovic prepares to take a ride Is
your parish or school sponsoring a free
PHOTO BY
Jbi
F
Roach/DeFab
is
Photograph
an Indy car at the
in
Karen A. Evans
was made possible when supporters of Cardinal RItter High School had the winning $2,000 bid for the ride, donated by Sinden Racing, during a school benefit. The fund-raiser brought in money for
at kaevans@charlottediocese.org or fax to
scholarships and financial aid for the Indianapolis interparochial high school. Sister
event? Please submit notices
for the
Diocesan Planner
prior to
the event date
at least
in writing to
15 days
(704)370-3382.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The venture
Rita
has taught English and religion classes
at Cardinal Ritter for
35 years.
$5 OFF any purchase of $30 or more Episcopal calendar
The Bishop Peter J,
Jugis willparticipate in
thefollowing events:
Cath#lic Company
Lake Norman Book Store Aug. 7
— 5:30 p.m. Mass
Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalenn St. Patrick
—
Aug. 10
— Priests' Continuing Education Day
Holy Fannily Church, Clemnnons
Aug. St.
11
—
Aug. 14 Lighting the Fires of Faith Conference Bishop McGuinness High School, Kernersville
— Priests' Continuing Education Day
Gabriel Church, Chariotte
LakeNorman CathoiicCompanv.com
Your COMPLETE Catholic store for Clothing Videos to rent
•
Unique gifts & cards
•
Books, rosaries,
• •
Priests for
•
statues
•
medals Artwork
•
Cathedral, Chariotte
Aug. 9 Priests' Continuing Education Day St. Barnabas Church, Arden
is
at
Aug. 15
— 11 a.m. Mass
St. Patrick
Cathedral, Chariotte
Life materials
Aug. 21
—6 p.m. Mass
new church Redeemer Church,
CALL 70a-655-g090
Dedication of Divine
Boonville
Mon. thru 10
am
-
6
Sat.
pm
19905 West Catawba Ave., suite 106, Cornelius west off 1-77 exit 28 (Johnsburv square - next to Goodwill)
'
Mews &
4 The Catholic
Herald
August
6,
2004
AROUND THE DIOCESE MANY MINISTRIES
from Sacred Heart College in Belmont in 1973 and a master's degree in religious studies from LaSalle University in
Sister Schmidt ieaves Nortii Carolina after
Philadelphia in 1980.
She studied
four decades of service
for a year in
Rome and
received an advanced certificate in Scrip-
ture and theology and had diocesan
~
training for spiritual direction.
KEVIN
BY
She worked as a retreat director
MURRAY
E.
EDITOR
BELMONT
— After
nearly 40
Mercy moving on.
years in North Carolina,
Sister
Antonette Schmidt is Sister Schmidt, director of diocesan young adult ministry, is beginning a new ministry as vice president for mission and values at Mercy Suburban Hospital in Norristown, Pa.
'The Catholic Church has a mission in health care
poor and those
—
receiving certification in clinical pastoral services fi-om Carolinas Medical Center.
In 2000, she
the American
became a member of
Red
Cross' Spiritual Re-
sponse Team for national incidents volving mass casualties.
specific
caring for the
In addition to her
who
can afford to pay," said Sister Schmidt. "It's a constant balancing act, and attention between caring for the poor and making sure the mis-
work
in
in-
young
adult ministry, she served as co-direc-
McArthur Spirituality Center youth and young adults and House
tor of for
of Hospitality for young adults, both in Belmont.
sion endures."
who
at
Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center in Maggie Valley during the .summers fi-om 1986 to 1991, and as a hospital chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital in Asheville from 1990 until 1998 after
the ethics and bio-ethics committee at
She said that she can see a continuous thread throughout her work
the hospital, looks forward to ensuring a
and ministry.
Sister Schmidt,
will
be chairing
fi-om conception to death.
respect for
life
Her new
duties in Pennsylvania are
similar to those she
had
the
at St. Joseph
ministry.
Hospital in AsheviUe in the 1990s.
"You have must be applied cult
sion," Photo bv'Kevin
sometimes very diffimedical decisions," she said. She will
and
patients.
You
treat
party at the Pastoral Center July 27.
—
everyone
Schmidt heard her calling to the life of a woman religious in the form of a whisper in her head at the age of 10 or 11. She was at Benediction and looking at the monstrance when she heard the words,
with dignity." Sister
Schmidt said she would miss community among Catho-
the sense of lics in
the Diocese of Charlotte.
'The interconnectedness has been a wonderful gift," she said. 'Tou get to know people who are as committed to the Kingdom of God as you are." Moving up North will be "very exciting. It will be different working in a diocese that's old and established," said Sister Schmidt. "But
where
A
I
came
Murray
Mercy Sister Antonette Schmidt chats with diocesan personnel during her farewell
also be responsible for ensuring the "re-
staff
E.
it is
my home
—
"I
As
it's
still
re-
sides in Pennsylvania. "It (the transition) is
a child, she
was aware of the
going somewhere where there is no family present," she said. "But I will miss my sisters in community. I'll miss the proximity to the sisters I have literally become an adult with." Growing up in Berwyn, Pa., Sister tling as
I
remember being homesick only had the feeling that I was home; it
was where
I
was meant
Sister Schmidt,
derstand their significance for her
vows
life.
sister in a local
"She told
community.
who
to be," said
professed her final
chUdhood parish. Living and working in the Diocese in 1971 at her
of Charlotte has been a great experience, she
said.
"Service in a rnission diocese
with
possibilities for
and ministry," she in
is filled
spreading the
said. "I've
Word
been blessed
being able to serve in many ministries." She continued with her first love of
my
mis-
young adults of the James Hawker, vicar for education and pastor of St. Luke Church in Mint Hill. "As she leaves for new areas of mindiocese," said Father
she was 21.
"I
really believe that's
said.
ship in relation to the
Mercy of the Aniericas ReCommunity in North Carolina
meaning of the words, but did not un-
but could not ignore her calling. After serious soul-searching, she spoke with a
not as unset-
when once.
She heard the call again in high school. "I was sitting there, and the thought came, uninvited and intrusive," she said. "I said, 'go knock on someone else's door.' I was clear about wanting to be married and wanting to have children." She became a Catholic schoolteacher
from."
"great deal" of her family
want you."
In 1965, Sister Schmidt entered the Sisters of
gional
I
she
The diocesan Education Vicariate gave a farewell party for her at the Pastoral Center July 27. 'The Diocese of Charlotte has been blessed greatly by her spiritual leader-
ethical directives that to
spect for the dignity of each.person
"I have always tried to communicate wonder of God's love through my
•
istry,
we
are so deeply grateful for her
unique contribution here in the diocese by her generous, gracious, competent and consistent service to the young
he said. hope I leave behind the impression that one can be a woman who thirsts for God and enjoys life," said Sister Schmidt. "No matter what I did, I hope that would be what I leave behind.'^ adults," "I
,
teaching for more than 22 years. She earned a bachelor's degree in education
\
Contact Editor Kevin E.
calling
Murray
6)1
370-3334 or e-mait
(704)
kemurray@charlottediocese.org.
j
me to look for a community
that had teaching as a ministry, and
happened to be working with the
I
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August
6,
.
The Catholic News & Herald 5
2004
AROUND THE DIOCESE
new court
Catholic Daughters add ThirtY'-nme BY
KEVIN
women from three parishes join na tional organiza tion E.
—
MURRAY
The North
Carolina
Catholic Daughters of the Americas recently added to
tution of a
its
roster with the insti-
new court
at St.
Mary
Church.
Thirty-nine women from three churches St. Joseph Church in Bryson City, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Cherokee and St. Mary have joined the new court Church
—
its
During the June 27 ceremony, 30 received by Joyce Rachid,
state regent, into the national organiza-
tion of Catholic Daughters.
became the
inducted July
CouRTESY Photo
two women were
ducted July 4 and seven
in-
women were
very generous re-
a
women
sponse fi-om the
Thirty St.
1 1
"There was said
Father Ray
Mary Church,
court's first chaplain.
Additionally,
Father Williams.
women from
shows there
is
need for women in a cooperative role. They've launched something that is going to take off" real
Father Williams, center,
38
assisting the parishes, offers socializa-
it
court,
the Diocese of Raleigh, seven in the
Diocese of Charlotte.
"We meet
to see
women. something we did for the
"It's
Court St. Mary, Mother of God, joins a dozen other Catholic Daughters courts (chapters) in North Carolina; there are now six courts in
in
Sylva.
the court chaplain.
you can do so much more." Both Beauchemin and Father Williams said that the court, in addition to
benefits
The new
is
nized group,
tion for
Many
three parishes were inducted into the newly established Court
Mary, Mother of God during a June 27 ceremony at St. Mary Church
in the parishes,"
"It
churches and something selves," tion,
is
needed at
three parishes," said Sandy Beauchemin, court regent. "Many ladies were already helping with their church's needs, but now we have an umbrella under which to operate." "We have a group of women who the
"With an orga-
she
the
said.
women
we
did for our-
"Since the court's incepare so motivated."
Beauchemin
credits Rita Goffinet,
the court's recording secretary, for Court St.
what
are organized," she said.
the U.S. bishops' Apostleship of the
Teachers of Exceptional Children Catholic Educational Association; Morality in Media; Catholic Relief Services; and Habitat for Humanity. It also provides scholarships and support for seminarians. The Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the national program for girls ages 6-18, was founded in 1925. Court St. Mary, Mother of God will be having a luau and auction as a fundraiser in late August, but Beauchemin was looking forward to the court's first official charitable work, a in conjunction with the National
women were
St.
Mary's existence. After attending the
funeral of a local Knight of Columbus, Goffinet,
whose mother was
a Catholic
Daughter, thought it would be ideal to have a local court to support grieving widows. needed to be done and blessing," said Father Williams. "She's done a marvelous job." "She decided
she did
it,
with
it
my
Many Annuity Owners Will
"She was instrumental
women
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getting the
together," said Beaucliemin.
A court needs 15 members before can be founded, but GofFmet didn't
stop there.
"She was always shooting for more," said Beauchemin.
Recruiting and retaining members were topics discussed during the North Carolina Catholic Daughters of the Americas' leadership seminar at the Catholic Conference Center in August 2003. The seminar was not part of their biennial convention state's Catliolic
—
all
falling into place."
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"(The) seminar was something
Home?
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and get new members," said Ruth Carlisle, a parishioner of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte and Catholic Daughters state treasurer. to try
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since 1956, the
Daughters of the Americas has grown
VOU?
Humanity project that was held June 3 1 "We're providing lunch for the workers and homeowners," she said. "We got the call and we responded. It's local Habitat for
Daughters have met ev-
Helping others From its inception
Lose Money.
The
Americas.
in the
Seas;
inception June 27.
Williams, pastor of
women
Headquartered in New York with 100,000 members in the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Do-
tries;
—
since
tion of Catholic
minican Republic and Mexico, Catholic Daughters of the Americas' purpose is to help the church in its religious, charitable and educational works. The organization, open to Catholic lay and religious women 1 8 years of age or older, supports Covenant House, which provides shelter and services to homeless and runaway youths; Support Our Aging Religious, a national agency that helps religious orders meet retirement needs; Holy Cross Family Minis-
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6
The Catholic News & Herald
August
6,
2004
AROUND THE DIOCESE YOUTH REVOLUTION
Youth help Jamaican poor surrounded us. They were longing for attention and glowing from ear to ear, extremely happy to see us," she said.
JAMAICA, from page 1
brought a tear to us and even called some of us women 'mommy."'
ing to do, had yet to experience this wonderful opportunity to reach out to others in need," said Brynne Beal,
"...Seeing the children
my
past have continued to attend this trip
"Everyone wanted to play a game
every year, fund raising and saving their money in order to go." The group spent the week living at a .Franciscan Sisters of Allegheny convent while working during the day with the M^issionaries of the Poor, an international monastic order of brothers started in 1981 by Father Richard Ho Lung. The group worked in teams at four of the five centers run by the brothers; the shelters were mainly for homeless men, women and children, while one was for the homeless and AIDS patients and
with you, hold your hand and talk to you," said Brynne. "... You wanted to be there with all of the people doing whatever they needed."
Needed
St.
A
Leo the Great Church
in
Winston-Salem ride on the bus to the
Catholic Revolution" high school youth conference in Steubenville, Ohio,
June 25-27.
Teens ^rise up' at conference
plying lotion, clipping nails and dressing wounds.
"You end up doing things you never imagined you could or would do," said Brynne. "It is a lot of hard work that cannot be accomplished without prayer."
"One of the brothers told me, 'In whatever you do, remember that you are doing it for Jesus, and do it to the best of your ability,"' said Brynne. 'This stuck with me and it was in the back of my mind the whole trip." Each night, group members would share the day's events and how they saw Christ in the people and each other. "I found out many things about myself I went to Jamaica on a mission trip to help others, but in reality I was the one that was helped," said Brynne. "I was humbled by my experience,"
had a chance to see them all, and spend time where we felt most called," said Brynne. The days began with a Mass celebrated by Father John Putnam, pastor of Sacred Heart Church. "For me, the highlight of the day was Mass and receiving the grace necessary to fulfill what was asked of us throughout the day," said Chris Beal, parish youth minister. Brynne said her first day at Bethlehem House was overwhelming. "As we walked in the door children
You
tasks at the centers include4
bathing, clothing, diapering, feeding, ap-
"We
"Rise Up:
reported similar experiences
at all the shelters.
children.
Teens from
They embraced
Teams
youth group member. "However, many of the boys that went in years
Courtesy Photo
eye.
she
said.
1
re Invited! to
WINSTON-SALEM
— The
cently participated in "Rise Up:
A Catho-
A
Revolution," the high school youth conference held June 25-27 on the cain-
of Franciscan
University
from
Tenth Annual Banquet
of
growing number of participants Leo the Great Church have
ff
St.
been attending the Steubenville confer-
Steubenville, Ohio.
ences for six consecutive years.
and adults from St. Leo the Great Church were among 2,300 participants from the United States and
say they
Fifty teens
The teens
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August
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The Catholic News & Herald 7
2004
AROUND THE DIOCESE FIGHTING FOR LIFE
Rachel's Vineyard leaders
attend conference Post-abortion ministry help healingprocess BY
Rachel's Vineyard and a
A. EVANS STAFF WRITER
KAREN
GREENSfeORO
board of directors.
—
receive forgiveness and healing
important ministry
an
is
in the fight for
life.
Approximately 100 people from
those new to post-abortion ministry or to Rachel's Vineyard; therapists and other clinicians; those wanting training in team development; those wanting to learn how to speak' to tries:
the United States, including the Diocese of Charlotte; Ireland; and
helped post-
women
be better equipped to speak publicly about their abortion if they want to." Five simultaneous tracks offered specialized training for various minisabortive
Helping have had abortions
women who
member of its
"It also
Canada
spent five days in June receiving in-depth training, learning how to minister to women and men who have been affected by abortion and how to
groups, write a press release or conduct a press conference; ^and childbirth educa-
continue the fight for the unborn. The Rachel's Vineyard-Rachel Network Leaders in Ministry Conference
tors,
doulas and nurses.
Key
topics discussed at the confer-
was co-sponsored by the diocesan Respect Life Office and Rachel Network and took place at Greensboro College
ence included abortion and post-traumatic stress disorder; men and abortion; the effects of trauma; the "disenfranchised grief of abortion;
International
June 20-25. The event provided train-
forgiveness; after-care resources; "telling
in
ing sessions for pastors, lay ministers,
your story"; and managing the media. "There are so many, both men and women, suflfering from the emotional, spiritual and physical damage caused by abortion," said Maggi Nadol, diocesan Respect Life director. "Rachel's Vineyard is a beginning in the journey to forgiveness and healing."
Christian counselors, pregnancy care center volunteers and peer counselors
involved in respect
life
ministries.
"The conference was primarily designed to help leaders of post-abortion ministries be better leaders," said Dr.
Martha Shuping,
volunteer with
a
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Participants use sign language to sing during a worship and praise session at the
Rachel's Vineyard
Leadership Conference
Greensboro College
at
June.
"People often do not realize that
men
are affected by abortion'as well as
women," Shuping said. For that reason, a workshop was presented by two
men who
shared their stories about their involvement in abortion. Rachel Network is a ministry set up to provide a range of post-abortion services. Rachel's Vineyard retreats are centered around Scriptural meditations, called "Living Scriptures,"
during which people listen to a passage of Scripture, imagine themselves in that story and then are directed to the healing
it
represents.
"As people of faith, we are fortunate to be able to turn to a loving God, who calls us to healing," said Nadol. Contact Staff Writer Karen A. Evans by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail kaevans@charlottediocese.org.
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The Catholic News & Herald
August
6,
2004
FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP
Bishops warn 'Worthy to Receive the Lamb: Catholics ia Political Life and the Reception of Holy Communiori
politicians wlio
consistentiy bacli bishops, we have the obligation to teach and guide the Catholic Faithful whom we shepherd in the Body of Christ. A fundamental teaching of our Church is respect for the sacred gift of life. This teaching flows from the Natural Law and from Divine Revelation.
As
legal abortion
.
BY
JERRY FILTEAU
—
WASHINGTON who
Politicians
act "consistently to support abortion
on demand"
risk "cooperating in evil
common
sinning against the
and
good," the
June
U.S. Catholic bishops said in a
ment
state-
correcSng morally defective laws," they said in a 1,000-word statement titled "Catholics in Political Life."
'The
killing of
always intrinsically
an unborn chUd is To make such
evil.
human beings through abortion is intrinsically unjust, opposed to the natural law, to God's revealed commandments, and to the consequent right of every individual to possess life, from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death. law, therefore, which legitimizes the direct killing of innocent
since
it is
directly
wrong," they
is
itself
Noting that "the question has been whether it is necessary to deny
raised"
Communion to Catholics in public who support abortion on demand, "all
must examine
their
Communion, including with regard to "fidelity to the moral teaching of the church in personal and public life." They added that "given the wide range of circumstances involved in arriving at a prudential judgment" in that matter, the bishops "recognize that such decisions rest with the individual bishop in accord with established canonical and receive
pastoral principles."
make
dif-
judgments on the most prudent
course of pastoral action" in confronting individual cases, they said, but the bish-
ops share an "unequivocal commitment to protect human life and dignity."
They urged Catholics oppose legal abortion
in
915).
where Catholics meet
is
as a family in Christ, united
by a
common
faith.
Every Catholic
is
responsible
profound union with Christ. Participation in Holy Communion requires certain dispositions on the part of the communicant, namely, perseverance in the life of grace, and communion in the faith of the Church, in the sacraments, and in the hierarchical order of the Church (Pope John Paul II, Eeclesia de Eucharistia, 35-38). is a manifest lack of a proper disposition for Holy Communion in those whose and steadfastly contrary" to the Church's moral teaching (Eeclesia de Eucharistia, 37b). A manifest lack of proper disposition for Holy Communion is found to be present in those who consistently support pro-abortion legislation. Because support for pro-abortion legislation is gravely sinful, such persons should not be
The Church
also recognizes that there
outward conduct
life
they be
— which
"Seriously, clearly,
is
admitted to Holy Communion.
We also
take this opportunity to address all Catholics whose beliefs and conduct do not correspond to the Gospel and to we the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ Church teaching. To receive the great gift of God must approach Holy Communion free from mortal sin. Those who are conscious of being in a state of grave sin should avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to Holy Communion. To partake of the Eucharist is to partake of Christ Himself, and to enter into sacramental communion with our Lord we must all be properly disposed.
—
—
have on the conduct of our daily lives and on the formation of our life espousing positions contrary to the teaching of the Church on the sanctity and inviolability of human life, especially those running for or elected to public office, are not to be admitted to Holy Communion in any Catholic church within our jurisdictions: the Archdiocese of Atlanta, the Dioceses of Charleston and Charlotte. Only after reconciliation with the Church has occurred, with the knowledge and consent of the local bishop, and public disavowal of former support for procured abortion, will the individual be permitted to approach Because of the influence that Catholics
we
in public life
declare that Catholics serving in public
the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
We undertake this action to safeguard the sacred dignity of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, to reassure the faithful, and to save
sinners.
in
is itself sinful.
statement said respect for the
Eucharist "demands that
worthily and that
our
pubhc
"lest
guilty of cooperating in evil"
The
Holy Communion
nation's future,
"Bishops can legitimately
Catholic teaching
Canon
abortion stance (cf
life
the
consciences" about their worthiness to
ferent
life
for the protection of all innocent
for being properly prepared for this
said.
bishops said that
have the responsibility to exemplify in their public service this teaching of the Church, and to life. There can be no contradiction between the values bestowed by Baptism and the Catholic Faith, and the public expression of those values. Catholic public officials who consistently support abortion on demand are cooperating with evil in a public manner. By supporting pro-abortion legislation they participate in manifest grave sin, a condition which excludes them from admission to Holy Communion as long as they persist in the proCatholics in political
work
...
intrinsically evil actions legal
for
A
released in Washington.
'Those who formulate the law" are obUged in conscience "to work toward
to
is a gift bestowed upon us by God, a truth underscored by the commandment: "You shall not kill" (Deut 5: 17). The Old Testament also teaches us that human life in the womb is precious to God: "...I formed you in the womb..." (Jer 1: 5). The right to life is a value "which no individual, no majority and no State can ever create, modify or destroy, but must only acknowledge, respect and promote" (Pope John Paul II, Evangelium vitae, 71a).
Life
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
common
They
it
be received
be seen as the source mission in the world." it
cited the First Letter to the
Corinthians, in which St. Paul warns
Most Reverend John
that "whoever, therefore, eats the bread
Archbishop of Atlanta
F.
Donoghue
Most Reverend Peter
J.
Jugis
Bishop of Charlotte
or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord."
WANT MORE "Catholics
the
INFO?
in Political Life"
USCCB Web
can be found on
site
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http://
www.usccb.org/bishops/ catholicsinpoliticallife.htm.
Most Reverend Robert
J.
Baker
Bishop of Charleston
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August
6,
The Catholic News & Herald 9
2004
FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP and dignity
life
Taithful Citizenship' to guide platforms
not a narrow cause, but
is
way of life and
framework
for action,"
the bishops said. "As Catholics,
we need to
a
a
share our values, raise our voices and use
our votes to shape a society that protects human life, promotes family life, pursues
Statementprompts howbasic values should shape political choices you review the statement, including the final section which focuses on specific
FAITHFUL, from page 1
and take these ideas into considyou carry out your work." The 8,500-word document, designed
cal letters to
The
further the
"We
common
calls
In the document, approved unani-
mously by the 47-member Administra-
nation."
last
downloaded from the since last
USCCB Web
site
fall.
'Through the introduction of 'Faith-
"Where
Committee, the bishops said the U.S. must be "engaged but
Catholic Church
place at the table for the
not used."
those
Ifjou.
have
these desires, the Diocesan Office of Lay Ministry
a truo-year program desigtied to help you understand more fully your baptismal call to minister to your family, to others in offers
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general assembly.
looking at the array of issues, "may feel politically homeless, sensing that no po-
of the docuhient
is
would
like to see
what they Catholic
on a wide range of topics abortion and assisted suicide, samesex marriages and school vouchers, affordable housing and foreign aid, workers' rights and the Middle East.
The
devoted to
litical
some
bishops said
and
human
life
dignity."
"However,
we do not wish to inon how they should vote
Catholics,
party and too few candidates
share a consistent concern for this
is
not a time for re-
treat or discouragement," they said.
"We
need more, not less, engagement in political life. urge Catholics to become more involved by running for office; by working within political parties; by contributing money or time to campaigns; and by joining diocesan legislative networks, community organizations and other efforts to apply Catholic
by endorsing or opposing candidates," it said. "We hope that voters will examine the position of candidates on a full range of issues, as well as on their personal integrity, philosophy and performance." The document described "a consis-
It
for
The document reviewed
taken up in the presi-
We
as the "moral frame-
all
up
social teaching
"As bishops,
life"
lack the fi^eedom to practice
believe?"
dential campaigns.
struct persons
who
their faith or stand
a discussion of issues that church leaders
arena.
Frank VUlaronga, 704-370-3274 or E-mail favillaronga@charlottediocese.org
hungry and
lack health care in our
—
world
—
should address
For more information call
are
the place at the table for those in our
work" from which Catholic voters
Training Program
who
gage and persuade public officials," they said. "But we must be sure that events and 'photo ops' are not substitutes for work on policies that reflect our values." The Administrative Committee made up of the executive officers of the USCCB, elected committee chairmen and elected regional representatives is the highest policy- and decision-making body of the bishops apart fi-om the entire body when it meets twice a year in
tent ethic of
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the place at the table for a
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—
/oiue your'JaiiJi
has a place at the table of
million of our nation's children
"We welcome dialogue with political
28 years.
In his letter, Msgr. Fay said "hundreds of thousands of copies" of "Faithful Citizenship" have been distributed in Catholic parishes and organizations and
who share our commitment to justice and peace in our nation and world," he added. "We ask that
ReOecting values
tive
document has been issued
"Who
tion: life?"
choices over the values, vision and leaders
before every presidential election for the
choices of all people
choices," he added.
on
and
similar
bishops asked Catholics to look
at the political arena in light of the ques-
now
wUl guide our
The
basic values should shape political
to "participate
A
Table oflife
how
in the debates
that
believe they can inform the
prompting Catholics and
non-Catholics alike to contemplate
American Catholics and in the future
good."
are
try,
based on Catholic social teaching,
were addressed to Bill Harris, convention chairman and CEO for the Republican National Committee, and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., who chairs the platform drafting committee for the Democratic National Committee. Msgr. Fay said the church teachings summarized in "Faithful Citizenship" are "rooted in a commitment to defend the life and dignity of every human being and to
we
issues,
to offer a blueprint for electoral decisions
party leaders.
Citizenship' in classrooms, workshops and other events across the coun-
ful
eration as
letters
social justice and practices solidarity. These efforts can strengthen our nation and renew our church."
—
principles in the public square."
issues in the pohtical
quoted extensively from the Some Questions Re-
WANT MORE INFO?
"Doctrinal Note on
garding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life," issued in January 2003 by the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. "For Catholics, the defense of human
To read the entire statement, and for more information on "Faithful Citizenship," visit the site at
USCCB Web
http://www.usccb.org/
faithfulcitizenship/index.htm.
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10 The Catholic News & Herald
August
Watch
Culture
of Scripture, readings, films and mdre
SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READINGS: AUG.
way to prayer
JEFF JOHNSON CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
Contemporary poetry is a form of prayer in these two recent books from St. Anthony Messenger Press. Poetry ofters "a way to hope in violent times," writes Peggy Rosenthal in
Cycle
on poetry could be very
1)
praying.
While
poetry
highly subjective,
is
I
I
felt
Her choice of poems
also disap-
is
pointing. Rather than selecting poetry
Rosenthal, a Catholic convert
who
for quality, she opted to let content
2)
1
Luke 1:39-56
Mary's assumption gives hope in Christ's victory over death BY
DAN LUBY
•
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
When
picking a girl for the coveted
"lectio
provides a generous sampling of accom-
in my childhood parish's annual re-enactment of the Christmas
an ancient method for reading and meditating on Scripture. Rosenthal's prayer method consists
plished poetry in the tradition of some of
story, the director instinctively ruled out
rorist attacks of Sept.
method
step
is
1 1
,
200 1 Her four.
modeled on
divina,"
The
America's best confessional poets.
poems, written over the past 20 years, are dedicated to Denise Levertov and show her influence in both style and subject.
The poems
are chiefly about loss
and the experiences of faith, change and 1
growth. Father Bodo primarily uses fi"ee verse as he directly engages nature and his childhood home of New Mexico. The
XT
MIDN ICHT
strongest
poems
in the collection are
those speaking of loss
— deeply
interior,
Combined with Rosenthal's prayer
"How
asks,
does the
poem
lead
me
method. Father Bodo's poems would serve well those who grieve loss and are looking for a way to develop their
invitation:
—
."
The
—
"And,
finally,
I
talkers, the brash girls, the challengers
of
the status quo. She wanted a placid girl
who knew how to be sUent. The incompleteness of this image
of
—
Mary, reinforced through centuries of
God which
evident in Sunday's Gospel for the Feast of the
There, not only do the blind see and the deaf hear and the imprisoned walk free, but death itself becomes a
artistic
representations,
is
Assumption.
The feast honors Mary's unique human salvation, and it glori-
fies
for the
whole person, „
power of
4
freed her "from the corrup-
Questions: In which aspects of your life do you relate to the poor, the humble, the down trodden? In which do you relate to tl rich, the privileged, the proud?
the fidelity and saving
God which
coming inaugurates.
his
pathway to life body and soul.
role in
tomb" so that "when the course of her earthly life was finished, \^she] was taken up, body and soul, into the glory of heaven" (Pius XII,
WEEKLY SCRIPTURE
deeply personal experiences of faith and loss, although at times a bit wordy, are
never sugarcoated. There are plenty of good poems out there that would work well with
Third, she moves to the
."
Mary
totality
prayer. Father Bodo's treatment of his
to
hope?" Next, she enters into a more reflective mode by suggesting "And so I
might pray
role of
tion of the
l3Tical elegies.
of four movements. Upon first reading the poem, she
dimension of our lives, but in "body and soul." It is noteworthy that the church chooses for this feast a passage stressing not only Mary's humble receptivity, but her triumph and victory over injustice as well: the mighty cast down, the lowly lifted up; the rich sent away empty, the poor gathered in and fed. Some might call such language an example of "class warfare." Catholic tradition recognizes it as the truth, the "good news" about God's priorities, about faithfulness to his promises of mercy. It is a topsy-turvy world Mary proclaims here, and it reflects powerfully the revolutionary hope of Christ's Gospel and the kingdom of spiritual
our
Corinthians 15:20-27
and
Meanwhile, Franciscan Father Murray Bodo's collection, "The Earth Moves at Midnight and Other Poems,"
response to the violent ter-
and the prornise of an entirely transformed way of living, not only in the
Revelation 11:19a, 12:l-6a, lOab
subject take precedence.
method of poetry-based prayer in
tory over death through resurrection
C Readings:
3) Gospel:
2004
gives us hope in Christ's absolute vic-
Psalm 45:10bc, ll-12ab, 16
that her
examples were not as helpful as they could have been.
holds a doctorate in English literature,
developed
useful for indi-
who seek new ways of know that response to
viduals or groups
"Praying Through Poetry: Hope for Violent Times."
offers a
Assumption ofthe
her spiritually and literarily. Rosenthal's method for meditation
15,
"Munificentissimus Deus," 1950). The doctrine of Mary's assumption
Virgin Mary
REVIEWED BY
2004
WORD TO LIFE
A roundup
AugA5, The
Poetry as a
6,
might ponder
fourth step brings Rosenthal
Rosenthal's method.
Poems
that ably
back to the original poem as she looks images or phrases that offer them-
offer transformative visions stand
up for contemplative reflection. Vvay of 10 example poems, Rosenthal demonstrates her prayer method. Rosenthal provides the full text of poems by Daniel Berrigan, Scott Cairns, Denise Levertov, Jane Hirshfield, Yehuda Amichai and others. She gives an account of her own interior, spiritual reactions to each poem, followed by explanations of where these poems "took"
ground, leaving
for
to clear or, better yet,
selves
By
it
open
till
ready
the interior
for prayer.
Begin with Seamus Heaney's "Glanmore Sonnets," whose opening line best explains
how
poetry can lead to
prayer: "Vowels ploughed into other:
opened ground." Johnson is a Jesuit scholastic and a graduate student in English at Fordhami University in
New
SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST Sunday (Nineteenth Sunday
in
AUGUST 14
8
Ordinary Time), Wisdom 18:6-9, Hebrews
11:1-2, 8-19, Lul<e
12:32-48; IVIonday (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross), Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28, Matthew 17:22-27;
Tuesday 7;
(St.
Lawrence), 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, John 12:24-26; Wednesday
(St. Clare), Ezel<iel 9:1^
18:21— 19:1; Friday (Sts. Pontlan Saturday (St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe),
10:18-22, l\/latthew 18:15-20; Thursday, Ezekiel 12:1-2, IVlatthew
and Hippolytus),
Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63,
Matthew 19:3-12;
Ezekiel 18:1-10,13, 30-32, Matthew 19:13-15
SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST
15
AUGUST 21
Sunday (Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary), Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10, 1 Corinthian^ 15:20-27, Luke 1:39-56; Monday (St. Stephen of Hungary), Ezekiel 24:15-24, Matthew 19:16-22; Tuesday, Ezekiel 28:1-10, Matthew 19:23-30; Wednesday (St. Jane Frances de ChaQtal), Ezekiel 34:1-11, Matthew 20: 1-1 6; Thursday (St. John Eudes), Ezekiel 36:23-28, Matthew 22:1-14; Friday (St.
Bernard), Ezekiel 37:1-14, Matthew 22:34-40; Saturday
(St.
Pius
Matthew
X), Ezekiel 43:1-7,
York. 23:1-12
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The Catholic News & Herald 11
2004
A near-perfect 'Candidate'
Rim industry chiefs legacy be movie ratings system
will
Valenti, a Catholic, to step down in
MARK PATTISON
BY
was a small boy growing up Mass in Houston," Valenti said, "I have to teU you that when the priest said a certain picture was condemned, that made me want to see it." "Wlien
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE If anything, Jack Valenti will be remembered as the
man
behind movie ratings. is stepping
Valenti, a Catholic,
Sept.
as head of the
1
down
Valenti said the indispensable need
Motion Picture
is to have integrity. have no problem with a misjudgment where people think we gave a film the wrong rating," he said. "But I want no mistakes to come from malfeasance or pressure or something that has a nefarious ring to it." A recent study by the Harvard University School of Public Health, which examined 1,906 movies between 1992 and 2003, criticized "ratings creep," the phenomenon whereby more violent and sexual content and racier dialogue are
of the rating system
Association of America after spending
38 years
at the
helm of a
"I
fractious indus-
try that has survived not only occasional CNS
Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep star pulse-pounding
suspense that
The
film is
"The Manchurian Candidate," a
a conspiracy about a soldier running
political thriller involving
for U.S. vice president.
in
a tautly paced tapestry of spine-tingling
short of the 1962 original film's masterpiece status.
falls
Several scenes of graphic violence and torture, as well as
and
—
profanity.
adults.
The USCCB
& Broadcasting
Office for Film
some crude language classification
The Motion Picture Association of America rating
Home
PHOTO FROM Paramount Pictures
is
R
—
congressional and consumer revolts over content and regulation, but plenty of infighting from its member studios. The ratings took shape in 1968. The concept of ratings, Valenti said, was "to put the authority of which kid goes to which movie in the hands of parents, and not anyone else, because
is A-lll
parents are responsible for the behavior restricted.
of their children, not the government. I think the school and the church have a lot to do with that, but in the end parents
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The USCCB
said. "I
20 years ago you
know whether that's I know is that it's try to
I
has been joined by sev-
eral other organizations in issuing their
own
ratings based
and
quality. "I
on a movie's content
have no problem with
Valenti said.
"I
always say find out
that," all
can about a movie from anybody
you else.
Expand your knowledge of movies."
succes-
who
got a job at age 15 at a little bit of everything, noted that at movies, "I eat popcorn. I'm like Pavlov's dog. I salivate every time I go into a movie theater. I
in
Tnat l^ur
think
change, and I don't fight change. live with it and adjust to it."
terms of their moral suitability, a role first taken on by the Legion of Decency. The Legion of Decency may best be known by its "C" rating, which stood for "condemned."
Is
I
sion today that 15 or didn't see.
and keep children from seeing certain movies unaccompanied by adults or from seeing them at all. One of the people Valenti consulted in constructing the ratings system was Father Patrick J. Sullivan, liead of the old National Catholic Film Office (now known as the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic sor,* evaluated
in the past
to get virtu-
lines
Bishops).
Two
"Has the society changed
managed Hollywood studios
Owners
leniently rated films.
Valenti said he hadn't seen the methodology behind the study.
submit their films for ratings, and to get the National Association of Theater
that includes:
more
getting into
that decision."
Valenti, 82, ally all
I
Catholic and going to
—
WASHINGTON
September
Valenti,
tiieater in
Houston doing a
need popcorn."
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12 The Catholic News & Herald
Bishops, called the letter "a timely reminder of both the equality of men and women and also of the distinctive
Vatican: Battle of sexes not
difference
part of God's design
cause of women by seeing
men as enemies
by claiming that no real difference exists between male and female have had 'lethal effects," particularly on to be defeated or
the family, the congregation said.
The congregation's "Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Collaboration of Men and Women in the
World" was
released
Policy, said that "too often in our con-
will build
considered a plus.
Send cover letter, resume, salary requirements and references to Fr. Frank McNamee, Pastor, St Peter Chanel Catholic Church, 11330 Woodstod^ Road, Roswell,
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spired ideologies "which, for example, call into question the family in
Catholic SoServices Charlotte Regional Office. Requirements: master's level degree in social work, counseling, or other human resource field with 3 years' po.st-graduate counseling experience, including administrative or supervisory responsibility. Send resume to: Geri King,' Catholic Social Services, 1123 S. Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203. cial
The
sexuality and heterosexuality virtually
phous
The
is
sionate, excellent
communicator
lead vigorous, diverse ministry
to build
—
and
grades 6-12
Send; Letter explaining interest in youth ministry; resume including education history, leadership experience; and references to: Holy Family Catholic Church, Faith Formation Office, PO 27012. Application Box 130, Clemmons,
NC
deadline: October
1,
as the givers of
not
SERVICES
teacher must have experience teaching students who are gifted and talented. A master's degree is preferred, Plea.sc send resume
TEACHER AND COUNSELOR:
INSURANCE:
should be consid-
the vocation of virgin-
Christianity "refutes any at-
ity, it said,
tempt to enclose
said.
is
women."
cal destiny."
women
in
mere
biologi-
needed in the world,
is
and poor and advance
WANT MORE INFO? The document can be found on
said.
Web site
Vatican's
the
at: http://
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YOUTH MINISTRY DIRECTOR:
master's degree in theology, religious education
Angela
sexuality,"
often caught trying to successfully bal-
jmcandrews@sainttherese.net or fax 704-6606321.
a full-time Director of Faith FormaCandidate must be experienced with
Buchanan
new model
equivalent in a
people and, in particular, support
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seeking
to:
affirmation that differences are
only social constructs also "make homo-
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EMPLOYMENT
tion.
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The church, too, needs collaboration in order to bring "feminine values" of listen-
growing parish community of 1500
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vince people that differences between
"accompanied by dangerous disrespect
the cause of peace, the document
DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION:
Blessed Virgin Mary, held up in
procreation," an attitude which often
social policies to help the
Classifieds
not "a passiv-
best develop social policies to eliminate
Collatxaration
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The
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is
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the document as an example of discipleship
"It is
commensurate
with experience
priests,
of God,"' he said. through respect for and collaboration with each other that we can that
of
services,
said.
femininity."
temporary society the diflferences between men and women are minimized in the apparent belief the sexes must be the same to be equal." He said an "us versus them" attitude and an emphasis on the individual and individual rights above all else also are addressed by the letter. Cardinal McCarrick said the letter reminds the world that "God created men and women as equals, not to oppose each other, but to collaborate and work together in mutual respect for the good of each other and of society." Only by embracing, valuing and respecting the differences between men and women "do we have the humanity
must have a good working knowledge of Catholic liturgical and the ability to maintain a traditional worship repertoire while building a contemporary music program, A music degree is preferred. Competitive salary Qualified candidate
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The selected candidate
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Rather than compete for power or ignore the God-given differences between men and women, "the church, enlightened by faith in Jesus Christ, speaks instead of active collaboration between the sexes," said the document, approved by Pope John Paul II. In the United States the same day. Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic
Exciting opportunity awaits the Director of
it
the doctrinal congregation said the role
July 31.
Roswell, Georgia
men
that only
in creation."
who heads
McCarrick,
E.
forefront,
While reaffirming church teaching
Washington Cardinal Theodore in the
MUSIC DIRECTOR families.
and caring more to the
2004
6,
understanding
ing, faithfulness, humility,
between them with which
God endowed them
Church and BATTLE, from page 1
August
THE NEWS
IN
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i
August
6,
The Catholic News & Herald 13
2004
AROUND THE DIOCESE
Breaking new ground
Introducing Pennybyrn Along the wooded cove of
High Point City Lake, God's handiwork
is
everywhere. Worship in our Meditation chapel
Discover nature's beauty while walking our trails Courtesy Photo
Father Michael
Learn a
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craft
our
woodworking shop
Buttner, pastor (center right), and Father Adrian Porras, former
J.
parochial vicar (center
Clemmons June Schumacher;
break ground for the new Holy Family Church in in manning the shovels were Rev. Mr. Jerry
left),
the priests
5. Joining
Guy Piche, diocesan property manager; Bill Lawler and Ray Campaign committee; and Jerry Long, chairman of the Building Committee. Rev. Mr.
Miller representing the Capital.
Father Buttner and Father Porras concelebrated a Mass of thanksgiving to celebrate
On-site
maintenance brings
Columbus gifts to
fast repairs
new church
the progress towards the
prior to the groundbreaking.
led a procession at the beginning of the Mass;
the
including a gold shovel
altar,
to the site of the
new
The Knights of
escorted the offertory
and a hardhat; and
led the procession out
building for the groundbreaking ceremony.
Parishioners of Holy Family Church brought small, decorated stones that
the part of the building's foundation under the altar
in
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14 The Catholic News & Herald
August
Perspectives
A
collection of columns,
editorials
and viewpoints
6,
2004
Pope, at audience, adapts to relaxed pace of August in Italy
A call to prison
WOODEN
BY CINDY CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
CASTEL GANDOLFO,
of his summer residence, hosting a shortened, almost intimate version of his weekly general audience. For the Aug. 4 audience, the
Why would we go to visit someone or prison
who broke
—
a criminal, a person
the law and deserves what-
ever punishment the court gives them?
What
if
we caught something from one
What
of them?
if
hold us hostage
they tried to hurt
or,
heaven
You know how
to rob us?
Column REV.
forbid, tried
do
else
it.
After
lains that are paid to take care of
We
don't
know what
to say to one of
We
them. hear that some of them cannot speak English.
Do
any of these thoughts come into your mind when you are asked to visit or minister to someone in prison? Matthew tells us what Jesus expects from US: "I was in prison and you visited me. Whatever you did for one of these least brothers, of mine, you did it for me." cannot all be actively involved in prison ministry. For many, our schedules do not allow us to take on additional ministries. Many people have indicated that they would go to a prison if needed but not regularly. This would definitely fill a need that occurs fi-om time to time and can make a difference in someone's life. My prison ministry began more than 16 years ago at the request of a brother deacon. Rev. Mr. Tim Rohan. He asked me to visit the son of a fellow parishioner who was in the youth prison in Morganton. This young man was a joy to visit each week. Both of us looked forward to the visit. I did not catch anything from him and he did not rob me. I did not solve any of his problems, but I did a lot of listening. I think that the most important thing I did was just be present for him. The person I was when visiting the young man was not me but Jesus ministering through me. I have learned things through the years at the prison. I have learned that each inmate is a unique person; all are
We
on
faith
journeys, are at different points
in their lives
and have
Guest Columnist
some-
they have chapthem.
all,
MR. JIM
JOHNSON
different needs.
Some
are satisfied having a visit once a month; some would like a Bible and a rosary and know that if they wanted a visit,
someone would come. Some
would
like to
be baptized and/or con-
firmed, while others
from a
would
like a visit
priest.
some inmates,
I have planted have watered and nourished seeds that were planted by others; and in some, I have been there
In
seeds; in others,
for the harvest.
ation to exaltation," offering
man his guests that the
of the writer for
think
I
important, although
clarity, style
for publication,
each
letter
and
factual
is
it
Send
never had in their
I
have been fortu-
nate to have the support and encour-
agement of Father Ken Whittington, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton. There are several volunteers from the parish who teach Bible
rection, Jesus ascended "from humiliall
hu-
beings a chance to be saved, the
pope
said.
^
the Editor Hardball would better
that affects defenseless children."
oners. In addition, Hispanic volunteers
minister to the Spanish-speaking in-
responsible for the "horrid" conditions?
studies and share their faith with pris-
mates by offering a weekly Bible study for them.
The come tive
— John O'Malley
ministry at the prison.
And
but not least, we have the blessing, support and prayers of our bishop. last,
bered more
— not because
but because
it
was supposed
to be better
In this sorry scandal,
Mr. Hains
there
is
absolutely nothing of which oui
church can be proud. Joan LaU
—
Hickory |||
War pers in the region
pursue
this
worthy
in Iraq not justified
We
shared the details of "Harvesters of sorrow" with other newspaEditor's note:
and encouraged them
to
In regard to Father Frank Pavone';
iiia,
column ("Abortion
vs.
War," July
deacon at
Mr. Johnson St.
permanent Charles Borromeo Church in is
the
Morganton.
and be
in
good
taste.
must include the name, address and daytime phone number
may be condensed due to space limitations and
edited for
History won't be kind Hains'
guest
column
Items submitted to The
are subject to reuse,
in
whole or in
formats and archives.
The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box.37267, Charlotte, N.C.
I
with him on the point that
someone that the
else to
war
come
cannot agre( it is
"OK
nei
foi
to the conclusiot
(in Iraq) is justified."
Faithful Catholics need to look
m
compare the of the John Jay study
farther than the Catholic Church' teachings on just war to see "the Churcl
detailing sexual abuse in the Catholic
has raised serious- moral concerns anf
Church with a June study on sexual misconduct by educators. Hains the church's says acknowledgement of this "serious social problem" will be remembered more than
questions about preemptive or preventa.
that of subsequent institutions because letter or petitions.
leci
target innocent
David
We ask that letters be originals of 250 words
issues,
9), I d(
agree that every abortion does in fac life and is always morally
story.
unacceptable. However,
Rev.
it
Pisgah Forest
chaplain at the prison has be-
good friend and is very cooperaand supportive in our Catholic a
rememwas first
Indeed, the church will be
benefit harvesters Regarding the "Harvesters of sorrow" story (July 23), rather than telling about what a great ministry the church has for the migrants, would it not have been more productive to expose those
from readers.
28237, ore-mail catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.
al-
most emptied himself of that glory," becoming "similar to human beings and going so far as to assume ^hat sign of limitedness and finiteness which is death." But through his cross and resur-
lives.
In this ministry,
accuracy
letters to Letters to the Editor,
was God, the pope
Letters to
someone to give them some attention and show some concern. This is something that many of the young men have
News & Herald become the property of the newspaper and
part, in print, electronic
truly
"stripped himself and
it is not so very satisfy-
be a harvester. I think that more of us are seed planters and waterers. In our work, many young inmates, 14-18 years of age, seem to just want
The Catholic News & Herald does not publish poetry, form Catholic
While he said, Jesus
ing, to
newspaper content or Catholic
purpose of verification. Letters
the universe."
I
WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR
To be considered
on the Chrisunderstanding of who Jesus is: He is "recognized and proclaimed our brother in humanity, but also Lord of
canticle shines a light
human likeness." The pope told
February release
letters
II
taking the form of a slave, coming in
abuse," July 23) seeks to
The Catholic News & Hera/d welcomes
POPE
JOHN PAUL
tian
("Church scrutiny leads fight against
or less, pertain to recent
Speaks
psalms and canticles used in the church's evening prayer, the Vatican decided to shorten the gathering by skipping the usual summaries of the pope's talk in French, English, German, Spanish and Polish. In his audience talk, Pope John Paul offered a meditation on a canticle from the Letter to the Philippians about Jesus, "who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, talks about
us,
We are too busy doing God's work one
courtyard of the villa at Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, was packed. While the pope continued his series of
Guest
"they" are.
to be bothered with "them." Let
— The Pope
Pope John Paul II welcomed an estimated 3,500 visitors to the courtyard
ministry? in jail
Italy
the church
was
"first
to be so forthcom-
And he says, "As Catholics, we can be proud of the fact that our church led the way in identifying and removing a serious problem ing about this problem."
tive use of force" (pg.
Citizenship:
A
19 of "Faithfu
Catholic Call to Politica
by the USCCB). would urge every person in ou community to read No. 2309 in ou Catholic Catechism to plainly see th| the rigorous conditions for moral legin Responsibility," I
macy have not been
— Linda Flynn Charlotte
met. '
i
I
lit)
On
August
6,
The Catholic News & Herald 15
2004
The vineyard of the church
Openly
Rachels Vineyard offers Christ s healingpower for abortion
discussing
cannot think of another work of kind so well done," Father Benedict Groeschel has written of Rachel's Vine-
group dramatizes
"I
this
"A most
and painful huengaged with faith, psychological insight and trust." Having been involved for years in these retreats for people wounded by yard.
man problem
difficult
is
I could not agree more with the above assessment. That is why I was so pleased when Theresa and Kevin Burke,
Guest
the founders of Rachel's Vineyard, approached me at the end of last year with the request that this retreat program become a ministry of Priests for Life. As such, it is now becoming even better known by the priests of the nation and provides yet another way for them to extend the healing power of Christ through the sacrament of reconciliation,
through
counseling
and
through
preaching. Moreover, the Rachel's Vine-
yard retreat can also be conducted in an ecumenical format, allowing Christians
denominations to take part in a is consistent with their own background. Rachel's' Vineyard is a weekend retreat experience for women and men who have lost children through abortion. With the assistance of counselors and clergy, they explore the emotional and spiritual pain of their abortion in the
of
all
way
that
and gestures to make
more
FATHER FRANK PAVONE Guest Columnist presence of the Lord and in a confidential and supportive atmosphere.
Because the wound of abortion is compounded by its secrecy and in fact consists of a destructive isolation of the individual, the person on the retreat finds a new fi-eedom by sharing his or her pain with the others on the retreat, who have all had similar experiences, and benefits from their understanding, acceptance and additional insight. One of the most powerful and unique aspects of the retreat is the use of "Living Scriptures." This is essentially a
on various Scriptural events, utilizing a traditional method of meditation on Scripture by which a person imagines him- or herself present at the event and involved in it. But instead of having this reflection within oneself and only in thought, the group
together, again uti-
proach; namely, using signs, symbols
Column
abortion,
it
lizing a very traditional Catholic ap-
reflection
spiritual realities
tangible.
A simple example of this is the healing of Bartimaeus in chapter 10 of Mark's Gospel. At Rachel's Vineyard, this passage is read in the presence of all; the priest then goes to each person, along with a team member, who says, "Have courage, he is calling you." The person says, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me." The priest then says Jesus' words: "Wliat do you want me to do for you?" The person then makes her request, in his or her own words. The priest bestows an individual blessing. Thousands of Rachel's Vineyard retreats are taking place around the United States and around the world. Many dioceses have officially adopted program for their abortion healing As more and more people come
this
ministry.
forward, breaking out of their guilt and shame-filled isolation, let us
them together
anotlier's
welcome
to the Vineyard of the
wrongdoing Question
Comer FATHER JOHN DIETZEN
CNS Columnist
Destroying Si
persons good
name is sinful
Church!
See
related story
on page
For more Information,
Q. I'm an old senior, still typing on but I am concerned
my manual typewriter,
7.
about some "forgivers" who insist on telling others about the persons and deeds
visit
www.rachelsvineyard.org.
that need forgiveness. Twice this has happened recently that the one doing the forgiving tells friends about it, and the offender's reputation
is
destroyed.
Even if you're willing to forgive, isn't it wrong to expose someone's faults? Perhaps the person who has been hurt
Communities of joy
feels better" emotionally after talking about the problem, but it still sounds like
Jesus challenges us to accept his gift
pure gossip
Your
A. Since joy is the infallible sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit, creating a community of joy should be the goal of every parish. Every pastor should do his best to foster this atmo-
sphere of joy and emotional comfort, so that his people can worship God joyfully. In the
Holy
with one voice. Joyful worship
Spirit,
forms and inspires it. The mystery of the church transcends human life. Two of the three branches of the church are already
The members of the are in heaven and purgaus up to greater heights.
living joyfully.
who
lift
The church triumphant consists of those who have attained the bliss of heaven, namely, the beatific vision.
The church
^1
suffering consists of
Jesus said,
we
follow him,
we
There
When
receive in us a joy
that this world cannot give.
The people of joy consist of those heaven, in purgatory, as well as those on earth who participate in God's life. The church militant must live in a sea of human hatred and violence. Jesus predicted it, "In this in
FATHER JOHN CATOIR CNS Guest Columnist
is
people of God. It is not primarily an institution or a group of buildings. The church is essentially a community of joy,- a community different from all other human groupings because the joy of the Holy Spirit in-
tory
forToday
world you
life
Second Vatican Council documents teach us that the church is the
church
Spirituality
we pray
the best way to of the Trinity. By sharing in God's Trinitarian life, we become an "Easter people, and Alleluia becomes our .song" (St. Augustine).
participate in the
and physical. "I am the Way."
pain, emotional
will
have
many
troubles
but cheer up, take heart, for those in purgatory. This title is a misnomer because those in purgatory have the deep joy of knowing that they are exceedingly close to the beatific
vision.
They experience God's
presence as never before, and are confirmed in grace.
Though they still await the fullness of joy, they know a happiness that they have never known before. St.
Thomas Aquinas
said
that the
worst day in purgatory is better than the best day anyone could spend on earth.
We on earth are called the church We know we are saved by
I
have
overcome the world." the
of the blessed Trinity, which is a life of intense love and joy. As members of the church militant we do not as yet have the fullness of joy, but by faith we can claim a greater share of it. Jesus told us that he wants our joy to be full. must rise to his challenge and accept his gift. And we can do a better job by not trying to go it alone by forming little cells of joy we can make progress. Prayer groups can find prayers and readlife
We
—
which
militant.
ings,
the sacrificial death of Jesus, but we are not yet free of the woes of this world. are still capable of sin. The
By forming little communities of joy, we can become carriers of Divine
We
tensions
we
experience in trying to combat evil is a constant source of
Joy. This
lift
the spirits.
is our goal: to choose joy over sorrow because joy is our vocation and our destiny.
is
instincts are correct.
something wrong with a per-
son who feels that willingness to forgive bestows the right to discuss what happened with everyone else. It is true that forgiving and forgetting are not the same. If someone deliberately injures us or someone we love, it is possibly beyond our power to totally forget. Despite our best intentions, the
memory may
resurface
often, especially if later circumstances
create the opportunity for a repeat of
the injury.
An
All three parts of the church share in
to me. (Illinois)
essential element of authentic
forgiveness, however, to give
is
willingness
up resentment and
ill
will, to
go of the desire to "get even" and take revenge on the person who has done us wrong. To willfully destroy another's good name is a serious injury and sinful. The fact that the other person has done harm to us doesn't change that. let
A
free brochure describing basic and moral precepts is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, IL 61651. Catholic prayers, beliefs
Questions
may
be sent to
Father
Dietzen at the same address, or e-mail: jjdietzen@aol.com.
,
August
2004
6,
The Catholic News & Herald 16
AROUND THE DIOCESE
Up to the challenge ybuth ministers to receive training resource BY
KAREN A. EVANS STAFF WRITER
CHARLOTTE
— Diocesan youth
now have
a comprehensive them in their ministries. Promulgated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis in April 2004, 'The main purpose of the new 'Youth Ministry Hand-
ministers
REVIVAL
resource to aid
book' is to have a resource for every youth minister, whether they are experienced or new to the job," said Peg Ruble, associate director for the diocesan Office
Sponsored by
of Youth Ministry. More than three years ago, realizing that the need for such a resource
was
African American Affairs IVIinistry
far-
reaching in the diocese, Paul Kotlowski,
of tlie Diocese of Cliarlotte
director for the diocesan Office of Youth
Ministry, and Ruble set about forming a
To be held
team of volunteers to compile the resource for all youth ministers in the Diocese of Charlotte.
Although each volunteer took charge of one section of the book, Ruble said it was a collaborative effort as they critiqued the work-in-progress, every-
one adding their own input. According to Ruble, Sister Mary Timothy Warren, vicar for women religious in the Diocese of Charlotte, also provided valuable editorial support. After countless hours of writing, discussion and editing by the team of vol-
"Youth Ministry Hand-
book" was completed in Spring 2004. "In part, what Bishop Jugis promulgated for the Diocese of Charlotte is a ministry formation process which adopts the recently published "National
Lay Ecclesial approved by the U.S. bishops' Commission on Certification and Certification Standards for
Ministers,'
Accreditation," said Kotlowski.
The
national standards
were devel-
oped by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, the National Association of Lay Ministers and the National Conference of Catechetical
Leadership,
three organizations which advocate and support Catholic ministry on the national, diocesan and
local levels.
National Federation has devel-
oped a code of ethics for youth ministry leaders that outlines the obligations of
youth ministers, including their ministerial
role,
liability,
accountability and
conduct.
Each parish within the diocese will receive a handbook for use by tfieir youth minister. The book will also be available online
Web
on the diocesan
and the learning platform Blackboard.com. The handbook will serve as a learning tool to help youth ministers meet the national standards, Kotlowski said. The handbook may be the first of its site
associate
director
and Peg Ruble,
for
diocesan
the
through
Youth Ministry, examine the
Office of
new "Youth
Sunday, August 15
Ministry Handbook."
states, "Lay persons who devote themselves permanently or tem.porarily to some special service of the church are obliged to acquire the appropriate for-
which
mation which
is
required to
fulfill
function properly and to carry
their
out conscientiously, zealously and diliit
The Revival
an opportunity to publicly worship our God the black church while at the same time breaking down traditional misconceptions of Catholicism by our Protestant brothers and sisters. In
the
Is
spirit of
gently."
"What's exciting about competency-based formation and certification based on nationally approved standards
is
that
it
introduces accountabil-
born through evidence as people demonstrate their proficiency and ity
knowledge," said Kotlowski. 'This is the dawn of a brand-new era in the area of ministry formation for the Diocese of Charlotte and the United States," he said. "We're happy to be a part of this emerging formation process." "Heretofore, having a degree (in ministry) has been good enough, without demonstrating the ability to assimilate that degree into ministerial practice," said
What
Kotlowski. these competency standards
call for is a
demonstration of
skills,
not
"Youth ministry
is
challenging,"
said Kotlowski. "All too often people are
asked to take part in youth ministry with little or no training." "This is a learner-driven practice that calls people to national standards," said Kotlowski. "Ministers will be able to set their own pace as they work toward achieving the standards." "I welcomed the opportunity to promulgate the 'Youth Ministry Hand-
book,'" said Bishop Jugis. "It
is
a rich
resource that addresses three vital areas
ALL ARE WELCOME! WEEKEND SCHEDULE Thursday, Aug.
13
7pm Gospel Concert
Music
Music by: St. IVIark
by: First Baptist Cliurcli West Charlotte.
NC
8pm
United
8pm
Preaching
Preaching
Sr. Patricia Haley,
SON
Diocese of St.
Sr. Patricia Haley,
SCN
Diocese of
Petersburg, Florida
Saturday, Aug.
14
St.
Petersburg, Florida
Sunday, Aug. 15
7pm
Ham
Gospel Concert
Closing worship
Music
A
iViethodist Church Charlotte, NC
Music
by:
Emmanuel
Baptist
Wfnston-Salem,
by:
The Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir
Church
NC
Sr. Patricia Haley,
commissioned to teach the truth
Diocese of
Kotlowski said the basis of youth ministry training and formation is derived from the Code of Canon Law 23 1
Contact Staff Writer Karen A. Evans by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail
in love."
Friday, Aug.
7pm
contains the competency-based formation. it
12
Gospel Concert
of ministry to youth: the call to and promotion of holiness; the creation of a safe and secure environment; and the formation of the ministers as persons
kind, in that
NC
Thursday, August 12
Paul Kotlowski, director for the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry,
just a diploma, said Ruble.
The
Charlotte,
Photo by Karen A. Evans
A team of youth ministers consisting of Marilyn Kravitz, Mary Herr, Steve Bernardi, Marie Martino, Debbie Kovachik, Connie Cupello and Maryann Poll set about to develop the handbook.
unteers, the
Our Lady of Consolation Church
at:
2301 Statesville Ave.,
8pm Preaching
SCN
Charlotte,
NC
Celebrant and Homilist Msgr. Maurlcio W. West Chancellor and Vicar General Diocese of Charlotte
St. Petersburg, Florida
kaevans@charhttediocese.org.
For more information, piease call 704-370-3339