Dec. 4, 2015

December 4, 2015

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org

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2016 Eucharistic Congress Diocese Of Charlotte

September 9 & 10 JUBILEE OF MERCY

Theme, logo for 2016 Eucharistic Congress echo Year of Mercy

‘Merciful like the Father’

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Contact us.......................... 4 Español............................16-17 Events calendar................. 4 Our Faith............................. 2 Our Parishes................. 3-11 Schools......................... 18-19 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies...................... 20 U.S. news...........................21 Viewpoints.................. 26-27 World news................. 22-23

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

INSIDE: Jubilee Year of Mercy 12-13 New apse mural mesmerizes St. Ann parishioners 7

Celebrating Advent in a big way in Morganton 3

Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | December 4, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope Francis

Missionary spirit means giving witness, not proselytizing

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issionary spirit is manifested by preaching love, humanity and faith through one’s witness and not through proselytism, Pope Francis said.

Faith in Jesus Christ is shared first through “witness then with words,” the pope said Dec. 2 at his weekly general audience. The pope dedicated his audience to reflecting on his trip to Africa Nov. 25-30 when he visited Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic.

He said his first stop, Kenya, “represented the global challenge of our time” in presenting a “model of development” that cares for creation in a “balanced, inclusive and sustainable” way. However, he said, there also is a noticeable situation of “wealth and misery” existing side by side.

“This is a scandal, not only in Africa but also here, everywhere,” the pope said. “Coexistence between wealth and misery is a scandal, a shame for humanity.”

Stressing the need for giving witness to the “natural and spiritual wealth” of the country, the pope remembered the victims of the terrorist attack at Garissa University April 2 where Al-Shabaab militants targeted and executed 148 Christian students.

“Their blood is the seed of peace and brotherhood for Kenya, for Africa and for the whole world,” he said.

An example of the fruits of such a witness was reflected in the history of Uganda, the second leg of his trip, where the memory of the 19th-century Catholic and Anglican martyrs is still strong. Pope Francis thanked the catechists, charitable organizations and the youth of the country who “protect the gift of hope and seek to live according to the Gospel and not according to the world; going against the current.”

The pope said the final stop of his trip, the Central African Republic, took him to “the heart of Africa” and it was the primary reason for his visit given that it “is a country that suffers so much.”

The early opening of the Holy Door at the cathedral of Bangui, he said, was done as “a sign of faith and hope for that people, and symbolically for the whole African population who are most in need of rescue and comfort.”

Pope Francis said that the final Mass at the Bangui stadium was “wonderful” and marveled at the sight of so many young people. He also expressed his admiration for the work of missionaries in Africa, men and women “who have left everything” for the Gospel.

The tomb of St. Nicholas in Bari, Italy, as it appears today. Half of the saint’s relics are kept here, and the other half are at the church of San Nicolò al Lido in Venice. The saint’s tomb in Bari exudes a clear watery liquid which smells like rose water, called manna (or myrrh), which is renowned for its healing properties. Clergy at the basilica extract a flask of this “manna of St. Nicholas” each year on Dec. 6 and distribute it to pilgrims.

“The Dowry for the Three Virgins” by Gentile da Fabriano, c. 1425, at the Pinacoteca Vaticana in Rome. Even today young women who wish to get married still come to the Basilica of St. Nicholas in Bari on Dec. 6 to leave a note to St. Nicholas and put three coins in a box.

St. Nicholas of Myra: The original Santa Claus, and more Feast day: Dec. 6 On Dec. 6, the faithful commemorate a bishop in the early Church who was known for generosity and love of children. Born in Lycia in Asia Minor around the late third or fourth century, St. Nicholas of Myra is more than just the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus.

As a young man he is said to have made a pilgrimage to Palestine and Egypt to study in the school of the Desert Fathers.

On returning some years later he was almost immediately ordained Bishop of Myra, which is now Demre, on the coast of modern-day Turkey.

The bishop was imprisoned during the Diocletian persecution and only released when Constantine the Great came to power and made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.

One of the most famous stories of the generosity of St. Nicholas says that he threw bags of gold through an open window in the house of a poor man to serve as dowry for the man’s daughters, who otherwise would have been sold into slavery.

The gold is said to have landed in the family’s shoes, which were drying near the fire. This is why children leave their shoes out by the door, or hang their stockings by the fireplace in the hopes of receiving a gift on the eve of his feast.

St. Nicholas is associated with Christmas because of the

tradition that he had the custom of giving secret gifts to children.

It is also conjectured that the saint, who was known to wear red robes and have a long white beard, was culturally converted into the large man with a reindeer-drawn sled full of toys because in German, his name is “San Nikolaus” which almost sounds like “Santa Claus.”

In the East, he is known as St. Nicholas of Myra for the town in which he was bishop. But in the West he is called St. Nicholas of Bari because, during the Muslim conquest of Turkey in 1087, his relics were taken to Bari by the Italians.

He died on Dec. 6, 343.

St. Nicholas is the patron of children, the wrongly accused, and sailors. His intercession is sought by the shipwrecked, by those in difficult economic circumstances, and for those affected by fires.

— Catholic News Agency

More online At www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/bishop-of-myra: Download resources for kids and learn more about this real-life bishop and saint, including the story about how he slapped the heretic Arius during the Council of Nicaea

Your daily Scripture readings DEC. 6-12

Sunday: Baruch 5:1-9, Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11, Luke 3:1-6; Monday (St. Ambrose): Isaiah 35:110, Luke 5:17-26; Tuesday (The Immaculate Conception): Genesis 3:9-15, 20, Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12, Luke 1:26-38; Wednesday (St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin: Isaiah 40:25-31, Matthew 11:28-30; Thursday: Isaiah 41:13-20, Matthew 11:11-15; Friday (St. Damasus I): Isaiah 48:17-19, Matthew 11:16-19; Saturday (Our Lady of Guadalupe): Zechariah 2:14-17, Judith 13:1819, Luke 1:26-38

DEC. 13-19

Sunday: Zephaniah 3:14-18, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:10-18; Monday (St. John of the Cross): Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17, Matthew 21:23-27; Tuesday: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13, Matthew 21:28-32; Wednesday: Isaiah 45:6-8, 18, 21-25, Luke 7:18-23; Thursday: Genesis 49:2, 8-10, Matthew 1:1-17; Friday: Jeremiah 23:5-8, Matthew 1:18-25; Saturday: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25, Luke 1:5-25

DEC. 20-26

Sunday: Micah 5:1-4, Hebrews 10:5-50, Luke 1:39-45; Monday (St. Peter Canisius): Song of Songs 2:8-14, Luke 1:39-45; Tuesday: 1 Samuel 1:24-28, 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8, Luke 1:46-56; Wednesday (St. John of Kanty): Malachi 3:1-14, 23-24, Luke 1:57-66; Thursday: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16, Luke 1:67-79; Friday (The Nativity of the Lord): Isaiah 9:1-6, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14; Saturday (St. Stephen): Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59, Matthew 10:17-22

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As the theme is being unveiled, the Eucharistic Congress website, www.goeucharist.com, has gone through a makeover during the past few months. The site has been simplified with fewer navigation buttons and a cleaner look.

More than 14,000 people attended the worship, praise and education events of the 2015 Eucharistic Congress. Videos of the 2015 keynote speakers, including Bishop Peter Jugis’ homily for the closing Mass and New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s Holy Hour homily, are also available to view on the website.

— David Hains, diocesan director of communication

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The 2016 theme encircles the familiar Eucharistic Congress logo, which consists of a gold disc symbolizing the Eucharist and a red botonnee, or budded, cross (so named because the arms are capped with three-fold points, symbolizing the Trinity, which resemble tree buds). The logo also features the initials “IHS,” which is a monogram of the name of Jesus Christ in Greek “Iesous Christos.”

The words of the 2016 theme are a powerful reminder of the call to mercy and forgiveness that are the central focus of the Year of Mercy, which begins Dec. 8 and continues until Nov. 20, 2016.

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CHARLOTTE — The theme for the 2016 Eucharistic Congress has been announced: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful,” comes from the sixth chapter of St. Luke’s book of the Gospel.

The theme, which echoes the Jubilee Year of Mercy called by Pope Francis, will set the tone for the annual gathering of thousands of Catholics at the Charlotte Convention Center next September.

The Congress will take place on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9-10, 2016.

Leading up to the Congress will be the Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage, which will be held March 19, 2016, at Belmont Abbey College.

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December 4, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

2016 Eucharistic Congress Diocese Of Charlotte

September 9 & 10 JUBILEE OF MERCY

Celebrating Advent in a big way Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

MORGANTON — Advent and Christmas are a big deal for parishioners at St. Charles Borromeo Church – a really, really big deal.

At the start of each Advent season, a team of volunteers comes together to build what must be the largest Advent wreath in the diocese, if not the state. This year’s wreath is made from the branches of nine Christmas trees and measures about 11 feet in diameter. The enormous evergreen creation is suspended from the ceiling, effectively crowning the nave, and the enormous scale and drama of it wows visitors.

But that’s not all. The parish takes down the Advent wreath just before Christmas and then makes an entirely new wreath for the Christmas season. Decorated with white candles and gold embellishments, the Christmas wreath adorns the church until at least Epiphany.

More than a decoration, the king-sized wreath has come to symbolize the spirit of the Morganton parish, which is comprised of a diverse number of Anglo, Latino, Vietnamese and Hmong families. The wreath requires many hands to complete, says Deacon John Martino, just as a parish community needs everyone’s participation to thrive.

“Every year the Advent wreath is different. The frame is always the same frame, but it always takes on the character of the people that put it together,” Deacon Martino notes.

And with its fragrant aroma and sturdy shape, the wreath offers a reflection on what it means to be a Christian, he adds. It inspires people to await the birth of Christ with exuberant hope and joy, using all of their senses in worship.

This is the 24th year the parish has built these Advent and Christmas wreaths.

The idea was conceived by Father Ken Whittington not long after he came to the parish in 1992.

“I was taken with this open space,” he recalled. It seemed perfectly suited for something immense.

He mentioned the idea to parishioners Mike Koontz and George Waddell, who at first insisted that it couldn’t be done. But the more Koontz and Waddell mulled it over, the more they thought it could indeed work.

They fashioned a frame using concentric

Mario Diego and his family were among those who helped to make this year’s Advent wreath at St. Charles Borromeo Church.

Paul Watson and Rita Gallagher install the flameless candles and ribbon once the wreath has been constructed.

Melvin Castro, 9, helped carry the cut branches into the church.

Photos by Patricia L. Guilfoyle and Margarita Francisco | Catholic News Herald

rings of PVC pipe, then attached the frame to four heavy-gauge steel wires that suspend the wreath about 8 feet over the floor, midway down the interior of the church.

Flameless flickering candles replace real wax candles, for obvious reasons. Purple and rose ribbons finish off the simple design.

Father Whittington says, “I must say that the first year here, it looked very large.

People were afraid of it, nobody would sit

under it because they thought it would fall! But over the years … the wreath actually looks smaller – it doesn’t look so intimidating, and people are finally able to sit under it and enjoy it.

“In fact, it’s sort of a mark of our Advent and Christmas season.”

“It’s something that’s very important to us, something that’s a part of who we are,” adds Deacon Martino, both in terms of parishioners’ sacramental life as well as their service to God and each other.

The wreath moves us all to prayerfully contemplate what church – and Christmas – are all about, he says.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos of St. Charles Borromeo Church’s Advent wreath and video highlights from the day parishioners put it together

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 4, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: DEC. 5 – 10 a.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Mark Church, Huntersville Dec. 10 - 1 p.m.

Advent Dinner for Priests Bishop’s Residence Dec. 11 – 7:30 p.m.

Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe St. Mark Church, Huntersville

Dec. 12 – 5:30 p.m.

Opening and blessing of the Holy Door for the Jubilee Year of Mercy St. Patrick Cathedral Dec. 15 – 6 p.m.

Advent Reception for Deacons and Wives Bishop’s Residence Dec. 17 – 5 p.m.

Advent Gathering for Employees Bishop’s Residence

Dec. 21 Advent Dinner with Seminarians Dec. 25 – Midnight Mass for the Nativity of the Lord St. Patrick Cathedral Jan. 3-8, 2016 Annual Retreat for Bishops

Diocesan calendar of events December 4, 2015 Volume 25 • Number 5

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

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

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

The Catholic News Herald is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year.

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

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

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

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

Entertainment 10th Annual Santa’s Craft Fair: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte.

Advent Lessons and Carols : 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. Service of Advent Lessons and Carols presented by the adult, children’s, youth and handbell choirs. There will be lots of traditional carols for everyone. All are welcome. a cathedral Christmas concert: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Presented by the adult and children’s choirs, featuring Francesco Durante’s “Magnificat” and MarcAntoine Charpentier’s “In Nativitatem Domini Canticum.”

Free will offering will be taken.

Christmas Concert ‘Blue Ridge Ringers’: 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 11, at Immaculate Conception Church, 208 Seventh Ave., Hendersonville.

Advent Hymn Sing: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Featuring national recording artist Sarah Hart. All are welcome.

‘Songs and Solos of Mystery and Joy’: 5 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 27, at St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Concert by Grammy-nominated concert pianist Richard Valitutto II. All are welcome.

LECTURES & REFLECTIONS Drug use in the adolescent population seminar: 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, NLC Banquet Room, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Hear about all the drugs of abuse that your teens and young adult children may hear about every day, and learn more about the methods to keep your children safe. RSVP required. To register, email jstumbo@stmatthewcatholic.org.

Advent day of recollection: Saturday, Dec. 5, Our Lady of Mercy Church, 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem.

Led by Julie McElmurry, a Secular Franciscan and gifted speaker on Franciscan spirituality.

‘The Birth of Jesus, Hollywood vs. Fact vs.

Faith’ Advent Workshop: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill. Explore what we know about the birth of Jesus, what Hollywood portrays, what Scripture says and what our faith believes. Deacon Jeff Evers will be the moderator. Light breakfast available. For details, call the parish office at 704-545-1224. ‘how people can heal after traumatic experiences of loss and grief’: A two-day parish mission, 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, and 2-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Presenter Dr. Theresa Burke will provide practical tips on how to open one’s heart and family history to God’s mercy. Free childcare available along

with a parish meal both nights. RSVPs required. For details, go to www.stpatricks.org.

PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS Pro-Life Rosary: 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, High Point. Outdoors, rain or shine. Parking available nearby. Come to pray for the end of abortion. For details, call Jim Hoyng at 336-882-9593 or Paul Klosterman at 336-848-6835.

Mass for the feast of the immaculate conception: 8:15 a.m. Latin Mass and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at St. Michael Church, 708 St. Michael’s Lane, Gastonia.

National Night of Prayer for the Unborn: 9 p.m. to midnight Tuesday, Dec. 8, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Exposition, Adoration and Benediction following Mass.

Our lady of guadalupe celebration: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill. Bilingual Mass and music followed by a procession in front of the church. Festivities will conclude with hot chocolate and tamales. All are welcome. For details, call Norma Mulero at 704-545-1555.

OUr lady of guadalupe celebration: 4:30 p.m.

Rosary and 5 p.m. Mass, Saturday, Dec. 12 at St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte. Followed by a celebration and a procession of children with flowers for Our Lady of Guadalupe. Food and music will be provided.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass & Celebration: 6 p.m. rosary in the Day Chapel and 7 p.m. Mass celebration in the Church, Saturday, Dec. 12 at St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Charlotte. Followed by a procession and a reception.

Healing Mass and Anointing of the Sick: 2 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 13, St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr., Maggie Valley. Individual prayers over people after Mass by Charismatic Prayer Group members. For details, call the parish office at 828-926-0106.

St. Peregrine Healing Prayer Service: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 17, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. For details, call the church office at 704-543-7677.

of reconciliation. Times are: 11:15-11:45 a.m. MondayFriday and 4-4:45 p.m. Saturday. The Jesuit priests of the parish welcome everyone in uptown Charlotte and nearby neighborhoods to experience the mercy of reconciliation. St. Peter Church is located at 507 South Tryon St. For details, go to www.stpeterscatholic.org.

St. Joseph intercessory prayer group: 7:30 p.m. every Monday, choir room at St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro. For details, call 336-272-4681.

Divine Mercy Cenacle: 10 a.m. every first and third Wednesday of the month and 7 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road, Charlotte. For details, call Donna Fodale at 704-237-4820.

Divine Mercy Prayer Service: Exposition and Benediction, sung Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and readings from the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, 7-8 p.m. every First Friday at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. For details, call Paul Deer at 704577-3496 or Deacon James Witulski at 704-960-3704.

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

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

Asheville: 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, St. Lawrence Basilica, 97 Haywood St. HUNTERSVILLE: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Road CHARLOTTE: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

Advent Penance Services Our Lady of Mercy Church: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, 1730 Link Road, Winston-Salem Our Lady of the Rosary Church : 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 619 South Main St., Lexington St. Leo the great Church: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, 335 Springdale Ave., Winston-Salem

Holy spirit charismatic prayer meeting: Meets every Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr. Maggie Valley. For details, call Don Zander at 828-400-9291.

Holy Angels Church: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, 1208 N. Main St., Mount Airy

Advent Night of Praise and Worship featuring John Finch: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, St. Joseph Church, 720 West 13th St., Newton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Finch is a young Catholic artist from Louisiana who has a passion for serving and praising God through acoustic music fitting for the whole family. For details, call Kara Thorpe at 828-464-9207.

St. Therese Church: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, Day Chapel, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville

EXPANDED confession times for Advent: From Monday, Nov. 30, to Wednesday, Dec. 23, St. Peter Church will offer expanded times for the sacrament

St. Lawrence Basilica: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, 97 Haywood St., Asheville

Is your PARISH OR SCHOOL hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.

December 4, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

Our turn to give

Religious retirement collection set for Dec. 12-13 CHARLOTTE — Our retired religious men and women need our help. More than 173 men and women religious in 30 communities in western North Carolina are counting on the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte to donate generously to the 28th annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection, being taken up in all parishes Dec. 12-13.

The appeal is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) and offers support for senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests whose communities lack sufficient retirement funding.

Nationally, some 33,000 women and men religious past age 70 benefit.

The U.S. bishops started the collection to address the significant lack of retirement funding among U.S. religious communities. Proceeds are distributed to eligible communities to help underwrite retirement and health care expenses. Women and men religious who serve or have served in the diocese but whose communities are based elsewhere may benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious.

Last year the Diocese of Charlotte contributed $310,075.52 – its highest total ever. The national 2014 appeal raised $28.3 million, and the NRRO distributed more than $25 million in monetary support to 395 religious communities.

While the response to the collection is unprecedented, so is the need.

The total cost of care for senior women and men religious has exceeded $1 billion for each of the past six years.

At the same time, the number of religious needing care is on the rise.

In 2014, 66 percent of the religious communities providing data to the NRRO had a median age of 70 or older.

Accompanying the higher median age is a decrease in the number of religious able to serve in paid ministry, which further reduces the income available for eldercare.

Hundreds of religious communities also lack sufficient retirement savings, due in part to historically low compensation.

“Most senior religious worked for years for small stipends and did not receive retirement benefits,” said Precious Blood Sister Janice Bader, the NRRO’s executive director.

Religious communities are financially autonomous and thus responsible for the support and care of all members.

Annual distributions from the Retirement Fund for Religious provide supplemental assistance to help meet such day-to-day needs as prescription medications and nursing care.

Throughout the year, additional funding is allocated for communities with the greatest needs and for retirement planning and educational resources. Ninety-three cents of every dollar directly aids elderly religious; the remainder is used for administration Retirement, SEE page 24

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Supporting elderly religious is work of the heart, SOAR honorees say Mark Zimmermann Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Supporting religious sisters, priests and brothers in their old age gives the nation’s Catholics a chance to say, “I love you,” in gratitude for how “they’ve given their lives for us,” said Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin of Charlotte.

He made the remarks after receiving the St. Katharine Drexel Award from Support Our Aging Religious at the group’s 29th annual awards gala Nov. 6 in Washington.

Known as SOAR, the organization was founded by a group of laypeople in 1986 after a Wall Street Journal article exposed the crisis faced by the nation’s growing population of elderly religious who had worked for a stipend over the years and faced mounting costs for health care and living expenses in their retirement.

SOAR, based in Washington, gives grants to help U.S. religious congregations finance the retirement of their elderly and infirm members. In 2015, it provided 61 grants totaling $1.1 million.

SOAR’s highest honor is named for St. Katharine Drexel, a Philadelphia heiress who founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and used her personal

fortune to fund schools for Native Americans and AfricanAmericans. She was canonized in 2000. The award honors individuals or organizations for making significant contributions to the Church on a national scale.

“Since Pope Francis could not make it tonight, we have the second best person to be with us – Bishop Curlin,” said Father James Greenfield, a provincial for the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, who introduced the honoree. Noting that in retirement the bishop visits PHOTOS provided BY EDDIE ARROSSI hospitals and nursing homes At its Nov. 6 annual dinner in Washington, SOAR! (Support Our almost daily, Father Greenfield Aging Religious Inc.) presented the St. Katharine Drexel Award to praised him for exemplifying Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin. From left are dinner committee the pope’s call to bring Christ’s chair John Matteo; Bishop Curlin; SOAR! president Sister Kathleen love to those on the margins of Lunsmann, an Immaculate Heart of Mary sister; and board chair society.

Kathryn Caballero.

“You know exactly what Pope Francis means about going to many priests he befriended and mentored the periphery,” he said. over the years. Before being ordained Bishop Curlin, an 88-year-old Virginia as an auxiliary bishop of Washington in native, was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Washington in 1957, serving as a parish priest and vocations director.

The guests at the SOAR dinner included SOAR, SEE page 24

Celebrating 60 years at St. Stephen’s ELKIN — Members of St. Stephen Mission gathered on the Feast of Christ the King Nov. 22 for the initial celebration event of the church’s 60th anniversary. During Mass, three of the founding members – Gayle Altemueller, Ruth Harris and Greg Collins – presented Father John Hanic, pastor, with a papal blessing from Pope Francis to mark the special occasion. Following Mass, the community gathered in the Family Life Center for a brunch hosted by the Ladies’ Guild.

St. Stephen has been a mission of St. John Baptist de la Salle Church in North Wilkesboro since its founding. In the spring of 1955 construction of St. Stephen Church was started. The land on which the church was built was purchased from Chatham Manufacturing Co. for $1. The first Mass was celebrated in late 1955, and the church was officially dedicated on Jan. 30, 1956, by Bishop Vincent Waters of the Diocese of Raleigh. Whether from curiosity or true interest, Elkin townspeople overwhelmed the church on the day of the dedication. The event attracted the mayor, town officials and community leaders as well as average citizens.

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See a slideshow of images from St. Stephen’s 60th anniversary celebration, courtesy of Bill Harmon, member of St. Stephen Mission.

Photos provided by Sister Janis McQuade, SSJ

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 4, 2015 OUR PARISHES

Photos by CESAR HURTADO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Left) Father O’Rourke invited people present during his ordination at St. Ann Church 40 years ago, and St. Gabriel parishioners since 1976, to bring up the offertory gifts during a Nov. 21 Mass celebrating his 40th anniversary of ordination. Father O’Rourke was ordained Nov. 23, 1975, on Christ the King Sunday, and his first parish assignment was at St. Gabriel Church in 1976. Also pictured is Father O’Rourke’s brother, Matt O’Rourke (far right), who traveled from Florida to surprise his brother for the occasion.

(Above) Father Frank O’Rourke, (center) is pictured with (from left) Deacons Michael Goad and Mark King; Father Fidel Melo, Vicar for Hispanic Ministry and priest in residence at St. Gabriel Church; Deacon Mark Diener; Monsignor John McSweeney, pastor of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte; Father Ed Sheridan, retired; Father Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar, parochial vicar; and Deacons Larry O’Toole and Ben Wenning.

Father O’Rourke celebrates 40th anniversary as a priest Rico De Silva Hispanic Communications Reporter

CHARLOTTE — More than 1,000 people packed St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte to capacity Nov. 21 during the Vigil Mass to pay tribute to their beloved pastor, Father Frank O’Rourke, who celebrated his 40th anniversary of priestly ordination Nov. 23.

Father O’Rourke was ordained by the late Bishop Michael J. Begley, the first bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte, at St. Ann Church for the Feast of Christ the King Sunday, Nov. 23, 1975. Father O’Rourke is one of the first 10 priests ordained to serve the Charlotte diocese since it was established Jan. 12, 1972.

Father O’Rourke began his homily with words of gratitude to God for his priestly vocation: “I do feel called, chosen by the Lord. As the Scriptures said, ‘set apart to proclaim God’s greatness.’ I’m grateful today to say that I’ve experienced that being called and chosen, as I recognized that this call is for all of us, (and) that we are humbled to be called in joining Jesus in proclaiming the greatness of Our Heavenly Father.”

Father O’Rourke did a little “show and tell” using the church’s wall projector, showing pictures from his parents’ wedding. “For it’s out of marriage and love that I’ve been nurtured… and our family was created,” he said, his voice breaking a bit and fighting grateful tears.

Concelebrating the Mass were Father Edward Sheridan,

former long-time St. Gabriel pastor; Monsignor John McSweeney, pastor of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte; Father Fidel Melo, Vicar of Hispanic Ministry, and priest in residence at St. Gabriel Church; and Father Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar, St. Gabriel’s parochial vicar.

During his homily, Father O’Rourke also acknowledged his long-time friendship with Father Sheridan and Monsignor McSweeney, and he showed some pictures of them through the years. Then at the end of the homily, Monsignor McSweeney put an ordination stole on Father O’Rourke as s a symbolic moment from his ordination 40 years ago. A St. Ann’s parishioner had made the stole for Father O’Rourke’s ordination in 1975.

Originally from Philadelphia, Pa., Father O’Rourke attended seminary at Holy Apostles Seminary College in Cromwell, Conn., and earned his Master in Divinity from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. His first priestly assignment was at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte in January 1976. Then he was appointed pastor of St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem, where he served from 1979 to 1981. He subsequently served at five other parishes in the diocese before returning to St. Gabriel Church in 2007.

“I can honestly say that I have been greatly blessed by all the parishes I have served: St. Ann, St. Gabriel, St. Benedict the Moor (in) Winston-Salem, St. John Neumann, St. Patrick, Holy Family (in) Clemmons, Our Lady of Grace (in) Greensboro – and returning full circle to St.

Gabriel,” he said during a recent interview. “Going full circle and returning to St. Gabriel has been a blessing, as I find myself being pastor of people I have baptized, given First Communion, married, etc., who are now, like me, 40 years older! St. Gabriel at this time in my life blesses me abundantly. This is a parish alive with people of faith who know, love and serve the Lord in celebrating the sacraments of the Church and putting faith into action through reaching out to others in many generous and gracious ways.”

In his priestly ministry, Father O’Rourke most enjoys passing on the faith, which he considers a privilege. “This is lived out in the celebration of the sacraments and in the many ways I share the journey with people. For sure, celebrating the Eucharist is both a humbling and enriching experience. Partaking of the Bread of Life and sharing it with others keeps faith alive.”

He said one of the biggest lessons he has learned over the past 40 years as a priest is, “No one tiptoes through the tulips of life. Our humanity has us sharing joys and sorrows, successes and failures, pleasures and pain, darkness and light. As a priest, I share the journey of life in faith with others in a most unique relationship that calls for a trust that God is with us. What a privilege.

“How blessed I am to be a priest, to be a pastor, for it puts me in a very unique and intimate relationship with brothers and sisters who, like me, hope to find ways to keep the flame of faith alive.”

New altar dedicated at Forest City church FOREST CITY — Father Herbert Burke, pastor, recently blessed a new altar for use in Immaculate Conception Church’s 65-year-old historic church.

The altar was dedicated by Father Burke Nov. 16 during Mass in the original church, which continues to be used as a chapel.

“We took the altar stone with the relic from the old altar and had it installed by the manufacturer in the new one,” Father Burke noted.

“The parishioners have been very pleased with the three-inch deep carving in the oak wood of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and with the golden angels in adoration at each side.

“We have many hours of Adoration each week in this chapel, and so in addition to Mass we will have the monstrance placed on the altar on a regular basis.”

Pictured are Father Burke, Deacon Andy Cilone and altar server Michael Lugo.

Photo provided by Giuliana Polinari Riley

December 4, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church, and Deacon Tom Sanctis are pictured during the mural dedication Mass at the parish Nov. 18.

The new five-panel handpainted mural took more than 18 months to complete.

Artist Andrew Hattermann of Murals

by Jericho in Peoria, Ill., who created the mural, attended the Mass and dedication and was greeted with a resounding round of applause at the end of Mass. photos by sueann howell | catholic news herald

St. Ann Church dedicates apse mural of heaven, saints SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — With wide eyes and mouths agape, St. Ann parishioners processed into a darkened church Nov. 18, lit only by the lights in the sanctuary casting a glow on the newly installed apse mural. Singing “For All the Saints” they filled the pews, astonished by the beauty of the depiction of Heaven, inspired by Jan van Eyck’s “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” famously known as the Ghent Altarpiece.

Some, including Father Timothy Reid, pastor, had waited years for this moment.

Hundreds of parishioners gave donations to pay for the hand-painted mural by Andrew Hattermann of Murals by Jericho in Peoria, Ill. Contributions to the mural project came through proceeds from the Diocese of Charlotte’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign as well as money collected through a “Sponsor-aSaint” parish fundraiser.

During a prayer service before Mass, Father Reid stated the importance of the dedication: “When a Church blesses an image and presents it for public veneration by the faithful, it does so for the following reasons: that when we look at the representation of those who had followed Christ faithfully we will be motivated to seek the City that is to come; that we will learn the way that will enable us most surely to obtain complete union with Christ; that as we struggle along with our earthly cares we will be mindful of the saints, those friends and

Saints from across the centuries are depicted in the new apse mural.

Biblical figures from the Old Testament are featured on the far right panel of the mural.

‘As we partake of this marvelous visual feast, I want us all to be moved to gratitude for God’s great mercy and love, to praise Him for His goodness.’

Father Timothy Reid Pastor, St. Ann Church

co-heirs of Christ who are also brothers and sisters and our special benefactors; and that we will remember how they love us, are near us, intercede ceaselessly for us and are joined to us in marvelous communion.”

The five-panel mural painted on separate canvases now fills the five arched sections of the apse wall. Together, they form a striking image of heaven: God the Father and the Holy Spirit looking down upon Jesus, the Paschal Lamb, who stands

triumphantly upon an altar surrounded by angels holding the instruments of His suffering and death.

“As we partake of this marvelous visual feast, I want us all to be moved to gratitude for God’s great mercy and love, to praise Him for His goodness,” Father Reid said at Mass.

He shared that when he was a child growing up in the Methodist Church, the very first verse of the Bible he was taught to memorize was John 3:16: “For God so

loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”

“Forty years later, these words written

by John the Evangelist ever resonate in my heart and mind,” Father Reid said.

“For God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son. And that Son is none other than Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain. And Jesus Christ, who is both priest and victim, offers Himself back to the Father for our redemption, so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

“It’s for this reason that I wanted Christ to be depicted in our mural as the Paschal Lamb, the victim for our sins. And though victim He is, He is no ordinary victim. This is no frightened lamb that you find here, but rather a lamb who is also the Good Shepherd. He is the Paschal Lamb who willingly lays down His life for His sheep.

Thus, He is shown strong and powerful, with a countenance that portrays both His omnipotence and His love.”

To the right and left of the Paschal Lamb are images of numerous saints, including the parish’s patronal saint St. Ann and her spouse St. Joachim. Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are also prominently featured, as are saints from various orders in the Church and notable saints from the Old Testament.

Artist Andrew Hattermann said he and Father Reid “started talking about this years ago and when Father Reid described MURAL, SEE page 24

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 4, 2015 OUR PARISHES

Sisters of Mercy go to El Salvador to listen to poor, seek justice for murdered missionaries Kimberly Bender Online reporter

BELMONT — This week Mercy Sister Rose Marie Tresp joined other Sisters of Mercy and women religious in a delegation to El Salvador to mark the 35th anniversary of the martyrdom of four Catholic missionaries who were assassinated in 1980 by the Salvadoran military for their advocacy on behalf of refugees and the poor.

The delegation’s trip to El Salvador from Nov. 28 to Dec. 5 will include a pilgrimage to the site where Maryknoll missionary Sisters Maura Clarke and Ita Ford, Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel and laywoman Jean Donovan were beaten, raped and murdered by a Salvadoran military death squad on Dec. 2, 1980. The women were on a Catholic relief mission Tresp providing food, shelter, medical care and burial to victims of El Salvador’s civil war.

After 35 years, justice is yet to be fully obtained for their murders or for the massacres of thousands of civilians during the war from 1979 to 1992, fought between a U.S. government-backed military junta and leftist guerrilla groups. Also caught up in the violence was Archbishop Oscar Romero, who was gunned down by the Salvadoran military on March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass. The archbishop was recently beatified by Pope Francis.

The Sisters of Mercy delegation will hear first-hand testimonies from people who knew the murdered women as well as meetings with grassroots movement leaders,

human rights defenders and mothers of people who were “disappeared” during the brutal civil war.

“Primarily, the visit is for dialogue. Pope Francis has mentioned an emphasis on ‘dialogue’ more times than I can count,” Sister Rose Marie said. “We will be listening to the voiceless in El Salvador, especially the women.

“We’re going to listen to women, in particular, about their lives, (and) listen to the ordinary people – not to the rich, but those who are struggling.”

Sister Rose Marie is the justice director for the Sisters of Mercy South Central Community, based in Belmont. She has also served in parish religious education and medical ethics in Arkansas, Missouri and Laredo, Texas. The Sisters of Mercy dedicate their lives to God through vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service.

The delegation of more than 100 women religious, including Sister Rose Marie and six other Sisters of Mercy, and supporters in this trip is sponsored by SHARE El Salvador and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious.

The delegation will also explore root causes of Salvadoran migration to the U.S. and the current challenges impoverished communities face, including increasing violence.

“I hope to bring back the ability speak on the behalf of the people of El Salvador,” Sister Rose Marie said. “I think the critical concern of the Sisters of the Mercy is immigration.”

Sister Rose Marie frequently gives talks at parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte on the changing situation of immigration, the causes of illegal immigration, American immigration policy and the particular plight of immigrants from Central and South America.

Immigration has two sides to consider: the “pull factor,” the jobs and education opportunities that entice people to emigrate here, and the “push” factor that drives people to leave their homes out of fear or desperation, she noted.

“When I talk about immigration next time, I want to be able to say I heard why they send their sons and daughters here – first hand,” Sister Rose Marie said.

The delegation will be in El Salvador until Dec. 5, when they will then travel to Honduras to see the work of the Sisters of Mercy as well as to communicate with the people, Sister Rose Marie said.

They will return to the United States Dec. 11.

Besides Sister Rose Marie, participating in the delegation are: Mercy Sister Diane Clyne, experienced in justice and health care chaplaincy; Mercy Sister Karen Donahue, a member of the Sisters of Mercy justice team who has worked in peace and justice ministry on local, national and international levels for more than 40 years; Mercy Sister Diane Guerin; Jean Stokan, director of Sisters of Mercy Institute justice team; Mercy Sister Alice Swartz, who teaches theology at College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown, N.J.; Mercy Sister Mary Alice Synkewecz, director of Collaborative Center for Justice in Hartford, Conn.; and Mercy Sister Mary Louise Yurik, former educator, social worker and Sisters of Mercy Life Care Coordinator.

“I look forward to walking in solidarity with the people of El Salvador and accompanying them in their daily struggles as we honor and remember the lives of the four women martyrs and the many who have given their lives in love and now we are challenged to continue the work of justice and peace in El Salvador,” said Mercy Sister Mary Alice Synkewecz.

Retirement Fund for Religious During her first year of teaching, Precious Blood Sister Ann Hipp, 95, had 40 students in four grades. “It was only by the grace of God that I got through that first year,” she recalls, laughing. Sister Ann would go on to spend 50 years in the classroom and continues in volunteer ministry today. She and some 33,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your generosity helps provide prescription medications, nursing care, and more.

Please give to those who have given a lifetime. www.retiredreligious.org Over 93 percent of donations aid senior religious.

To donate: National Religious Retirement Office/CHA 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194 Make your check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.

Or give at your local parish December 12–13.

Photos: (left) Sister Ann Hipp, CPPS, 95; (above from left) Brother Anselm Allen, OSB, 76; Sister Luanna Brucks, CPPS, 90; Sister Rosemary Zaffuto, ASCJ, 87. ©2015 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.

Photographer: Jim Judkis.

talking.

Let’s keep talking.

December November4,20,2015 2015| catholicnewsherald.com | catholicnewsherald.com

THANKSGIVING

many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, FROM PAGE 6 and they went out and killed five deer, which we brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the Their leadership came from the religious captain and others. And although it be not congregations of Brownist English always so plentiful as it was at this time Dissenters who had fled the volatile with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are political environment in England for so far from want that we often wish you the relative calm and tolerance of 16thpartakers of our plenty.”

17th century Holland. Concerned with Edward and Gilbert’s 30-year-old brother losing their cultural identity, the group Kenelm followed them to Plymouth on a later arranged with English investors to second Mayflower ship that landed on May establish a new colony in the promising 16, 1629, with 35 passengers. Kenelm frontier of North America. The Winslow is Father Winslow’s greatcolony, founded in 1620, became great-great-great-great-great-greatthe second successful English St. Thérèse of Church in Mooresville hosted great-grandfather. settlementMOORESVILLE (after the —founding Mooresville’sin seventh Kenelm Winslow purchased Jamestown 1607)annual and community later the Thanksgiving service Nov. 19. Representatives from six Christian denominations in the area, several land grants, later becoming oldest continuously inhabited including Father Robert Lawrence, one of the 26 founding proprietors of English settlement in whatpastor wasof St. Luke’s Greek Orthodox Church in Mooresville, participated in the prayer service. Jesuit Father Assonet (now Freetown), Mass. He to much later become the United Vince Curtin, pastor (pictured right), opened the service with a warm held various town offices, including States. welcome, noting, “We deputy to the general court from The Pilgrims arehave notalltocome be here together to pray from our differentwith Christian 1642 to 1644 and from 1649 to 1653. confused thedenominations, Puritans, but we are united in heart and our faith as followers of Jesus Christ.”

He had considerable litigation who establishedspirit, theirand own experience, as early court records Massachusetts Bay Colony nearby On the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel: Check show. He died in Salem, Mass., on (present-day Boston) in 1628. Both videostrict highlights from the ecumenical prayer service Sept. 13, 1672. groupsout were Calvinists, but Like his ancestor more than 350 differed in their views regarding years ago, Father Winslow has also the Church of England. Puritans served as a lawyer – a canon, or wished to remain in the Anglican RICO DE SILVA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD Church, lawyer.

Church and reform it, but Pilgrims Originally from upstate New York, wanted complete separation from Father Winslow was ordained in the state-sanctioned church, which 1999 by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard they suspiciously viewed as being at the Cathedral of the Immaculate too “papist.”

Conception in Albany, N.Y. He “My grandfather, Chester, was transferred to the Diocese of not Catholic. So he would have been Charlotte in 2002. part of the tradition of those who He earned an advanced degree had come over on the Mayflower. placed and when CHARLOTTE — Catholics working in in canon law from The Catholic But my grandmother, Margaret, grave errors aiming the profession in Charlotte University of America and serves waslegal Catholic.

My father and his gathered at undermining for thewere annual RedCatholic Mass Nov. the marriage tribunal as “defender sister raised in 5, celebrating religion, the moral their faith and says the example of their patron, of the bond,” a diocesan official Albany, N.Y.,” Father Winslow. order and human St.“It’s Thomas charged with defending the validity kind More. of an irony (that I society itself are The 13th annual Red Mass was offered by of the marriage bond in annulment am now a Catholic priest).

(My Benedictine Abbotthat Placid chancellor rampant, the Council cases. ancestors) found the Solari, Anglican earnestly exhorts of Belmont College, he at St. Ann Father Winslow attributes Church wasAbbey too Catholic!” the laity to take a Church. learning more about his family laughs. more active part, The Massfamily is celebrated throughout history to a moment of Divine The Red Winslow emerged each according the United traditionally in Providence not long ago. He was in the earlyStates 14th century England to his talents and conjunction withclan the opening each leading a mission at Sacred Heart as a loosely-knit living insession the knowledge and in fall of the giving Church in Salisbury when a smiling vicinity ofU.S. the Supreme hamlet ofCourt, Winslow, fidelity to the mind members of the legal (50 community the woman approached him. in Buckinghamshire miles of the Church, in opportunity reflect on the which God-given She said, “Father, I think we’re northwest oftoLondon), from the explanation and responsibilities of their profession. It’s related.” He said, “Really? Why’s they adopted their name. defense of Christian called theWinslow Red Masstraces because clergy that?” She told him her maiden Father his the lineage wear vestments, the flames principles and in the name was Winslow. He looked at back red to three Pilgrimsymbolizing Fathers: two correct application of of Holy Spirit at Pentecost. her more closely and found that she of the whom are uncles, and one a Since the them to the problems 13th century the Red Mass has marked the looked just like his aunt, his father’s direct ancestor. our times.” opening the term of courts in Europe, sister. She told Father Winslow that One ofofhis great-great-greatA partial of snapshot of the 1620 Mayflower passenger list: near the top This particular and in the early 20th century the tradition he looked just like members of her great-great-great-great-great-uncles left of the list Edward Winslow’s name is recorded. passage holds true spread to the Winslow, U.S. family. was Edward who later for each person, The St.the Thomas More Society is an Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald “She said, ‘Let me guess, you’re became third governor of the those in had learned independent charitable organization Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari accepts the offertory from members of the all Renaissance men.’ gifts I said, ‘What do you for them. Squanto to speak Plymouth colony, serving from 1633 to 1634. including the legalwhile profession sponsored by he members ofthe theMayflower North St. Thomas More Society during thebyDiocese Charlotte’s annual “Red Mass” for mean that?’ofShe said ‘Arts and sciences, English living in England, where he Just 25 when boarded today, he continued Carolina Bar. to he thewas example thoseby in the legal profession, this year celebrated at St. Ann Church in Charlotte. accomplished…it’s a family trait.’” had worked after being freed Franciscan and set out forMembers the New look World, –priests not that we his should and ideals of St. Thomas brother More in Gilbert pursuit She sent Father Winslow the chain of from Spanish slave owners and joined by his 20-year-old simply for to Catholicism. of the highest ethical principles in the legal strive genealogy so he could see clearly their then converting Winslow.

“Catholic law orcelebrated at Plymouth profession generally and, in Winslow particular, in family line.

The Pilgrims Both Edward and Gilbert signed we“It may respect.”

Catholic andtheir so on, butharvest we askin the the of Catholic lawyers. washave really funny. Here I am in North for three rulings days after first the community Mayflower Compact.

In that way, noted,comes each person Holy who 50 guides us to(all all truth, to In his homily, Placid encouraged Carolina and ahe woman up andmay 1621. Spirit, It included Pilgrims who had “Being raised Abbot in upstate New York and help to that buildconnection,” up the Kingdom of God. inspire usofthrough the gift ofand faith we those present to seek the wisdom of the makes he says. survived the original 100) 90that Native visiting New England, when I would go to — Patricia L.think Guilfoyle, may love justice, weasmay love mercy, that Holy Spirit in their worksee as my lawyers What does Father Winslow his editor Americans invited guests. a hotel or people would nameand on a judges, usingpeople their God-given talents in Pilgrim ancestors must have been like?

The feast was cooked by the four adult credit card, would make comments their and noble”connection vocations. to a “They must have been courageous, Pilgrim women who survived that first about“good having a family “In seeking to apply because of that journey and going into harsh winter in the New World, including Winslow…

People whoand are safeguard local grewthese up ordinances of right reason which our what would have been an exotic and one of Father Winslow’s distant aunts, with that being a historical name are in the laws, unknown land,” he says. “They must have Susanna (White) Winslow. area.”for the prosperity and tranquility of our community, we did seeknot thestay guidance of had a confidence in their abilities.”

Edward Winslow, in his account of the Edward Winslow in the One who is Truth said. to And the younger generations of early days of the Plymouth colony entitled Plymouth, though.

In itself,” 1646 hehe traveled Each baptized is called to be a Winslows? How do they view their family “Mourt’s Relation,” wrote:hechtrealty.com “Our harvest England to serveperson the Puritan government disciple Jesus Christ, then serve tree? being gotten in, our governor sent four of OliverofCromwell, andand never returned.

N. after NC 16 Denver,loves NC 28037 Him in their particular life, “My- nephew it!” Father Winslow men on fowling, that so we885 might a Business In 1655 he died of fever vocations while on ain British Abbot Placid said,against as the Fathers of the says of his nephew Matthew, now a sixthspecial manner rejoice together after we naval expedition the Spanish in Fuller, Second Vatican He Council wrote at 50 sea. years grader.“He’s taken a great interest in the had gathered the fruits of David our labor.

TheyRealtor the Caribbean. was buried He is ago thePlymouth Decree oncolonist the Apostolate of Lay david@hechtrealty.com four in one day killed as much fowl as, with family history. It has really captured his the in only with a portrait, People. imagination. He is really proud of that fact a little help beside, served the company which today is displayed at Pilgrim Hall in He quoted from the Vatican II document: and it is certainly becoming a part of his almost a week. At which time, amongst Plymouth.

C: 704-530-2632 O: 704-489-1183 F: 704-625-1250 “At a time Winslow when new questions being memory.” other recreations, we exercised our arms, Edward was also theare author of

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

several important pamphlets, including “Good Newes from New England,” and he co-wrote with William Bradford the historic “Mourt’s Relation,” which is one of only two eyewitness accounts we have of the First Thanksgiving in 1621.

We commonly trace the Thanksgiving holiday to this 1621 celebration at the Plymouth colony, where the Plymouth settlers held a harvest feast after a successful growing season.

Squanto, a Patuxet Native American who lived among the Wampanoag tribe, taught the Pilgrims how to catch eel and grow corn and served as an interpreter

St. Thérèse Church hosts community Thanksgiving prayer service

‘They must have been courageous because of that journey, and going into what would have been an exotic and unknown land.’

Lawyers urged to look to Holy Spirit for guidance

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Thomasville children enjoy holiday party

In Brief Catholic bishops issue new alert on protecting freedom of conscience rights CHARLOTTE — North Carolina’s two bishops have issued a second alert to protect the conscience rights of health care workers. The new alert, directed at the state’s congressional delegation, follows one that was sent in early November.

The bishops are asking the 5,000 registered participants in Catholic Voice North Carolina to voice their support for the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (ANDA) now before Congress.

The proposed act is part of the HealthCare Conscience Rights Act (HR 940), and is included in the U.S. House of Representative’s Labor/Health and Human Services appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2016.

The need for this legislation has grown more urgent since last year, when California started forcing almost all health plans in the state to pay for elective abortions, even late-term abortions.

There is no exemption for religious or moral objections.

The message from the bishops to legislators is to include ANDA in must-pass funding legislation that Congress is required to vote on by Dec. 11. The bishop’s alert notes that the legislation is likely to be well-received in the House, but that the measure will face opposition from both the U.S. Senate and the Obama Administration.

The bishops also expressed a concern that a “mandate for religious hospitals to perform abortions could be next.”

To read the alert and take action, go to www.CatholicVoiceNC. org.

— David Hains, diocesan director of communication

Christmas concert coming up at St. Patrick Cathedral CHARLOTTE — The adult and children’s choirs at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte will perform a free Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. The concert will feature Francesco Durante’s “Magnificat” and Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s “In Nativitatem Domini Canticum.” A free will offering will be taken.

St. Pius X Knights give the gift of warmth GREENSBORO — As part of the Knights of Columbus’ national “Coats for Kids” program started in 2009, St. Pius X Knights of Columbus Council 11101 buys winter coats each year for children in need. This year, with the assistance of St. Mary’s Knights Council 8684, the Knights recently distributed almost 100 coats to children in the Greensboro community. Since the national program’s inception, the Knights of Columbus has given away more than 167,000 coats to children. Pictured are Knights Chris Walson (St. Mary’s), Dan Allen and Grand Knight John Joyce Jr. (St. Pius X), Grand Knight Chris Fombin (St. Mary’s) and District Deputy Walter Kulla.

THOMASVILLE — Children of Our Lady of the Highways Church in Thomasville turned out for a Halloween party and hot dog dinner last month, where they enjoyed games, pumpkin painting, good food and candy. Not just for kids, Father Jim Turner, pastor, made a special appearance in his favorite costume dressed as a colorful beach bum. Everyone, both young and old, had a great time.

— Joe Thornton, correspondent

Knights raise money for Operation L.A.M.B.

— John Russell

Anointing of the sick at Holy Spirit DENVER — Members of Holy Spirit Church in Denver recently attended a special Mass and anointing of the sick with Father Carmen Malacari, pastor.

— Doreen Sugierski, correspondent

WINSTON-SALEM — Our Lady of Mercy Knights of Columbus Council 10504 recently distributed Tootsie Rolls and collected donations for Operation L.A.M.B. (Least Among My Brethren) outside Sam’s Club in Winston-Salem. The council collected $1,063 that day for the fund which assists people with intellectual disabilities, and the council is on track to raise $6,000 total by the end of this year for the N.C. Knights of Columbus’ statewide fund. Pictured with Grand Knight Joe Burns is his grandson Donovan, who is a second-grader at our Lady of Mercy School, and Knight Don Wasowski.

Farewell to Father Akinwande CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew parishioners said goodbye to missionary priest Father Ambrose Akinwande after three years of service at the Charlotte parish. Father Akinwande, a member of the Missionary Society of St. Paul, is accepting a new assignment with his mission community. After Father Akinwande celebrated Mass Nov. 29, the parish threw him a farewell party to express their gratitude and best wishes.

— John Kenny

St. Peter’s offers expanded confession times for Advent CHARLOTTE — St. Peter Church, located at South Tryon St. in uptown Charlotte, will have expanded times for the sacrament of reconciliation through the Advent season. From Monday, Nov. 30, to Wednesday, Dec. 23, confession times are: 11:15-11:45 a.m.

Monday-Friday and 4-4:45 p.m. Saturday. The Jesuit priests of the parish welcome everyone in uptown Charlotte and nearby neighborhoods to experience the mercy of reconciliation.

The parish will also have an Advent penance service with individual confession at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15.

For details, go to www.stpeterscatholic.org.

Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald

Holy Spirit hosts senior citizens DENVER — Holy Spirit Parish recently hosted more than 210 local senior citizens from all faiths in the East Lincoln and Lincolnton area. Holy Spirit parishioner Maureen Malmstrom organized the event along with the area ecumenical group “Helping Hands.” The local Knights of Columbus Council sponsored the luncheon and 61 volunteers cooked, served and entertained the seniors, who came from 19 area churches. Deacon Jim Atkinson led the group in prayer before their meal.

After lunch DJ Ken Sipes and dance teacher Gary Becker had the attendees and volunteers up and dancing.

December 4, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

CCDOC.ORG

Discover Natural Family Planning Modern Natural Family Planning (NFP) provides a practical and empowering alternative used to achieve or avoid pregnancy. It upholds the dignity of the person within the context of marriage and family and promotes openness to life by respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage.

St. Maria Goretti student contest winners announced CHARLOTTE — Saint Benedict Press announces the winners of its St. Maria Goretti student contest, held in conjunction with the recent pilgrimage of the major relics of the young saint to the Diocese of Charlotte.

Student entries were submitted in three categories: Art, Pilgrimage Experience and What I Learned. Winners are: n Aileen Rojas: First place, Art; and Mariana Laris Lopez: Runner-up, Art n John Ruben Jimenez, First place, What I Learned; and Ella Anderson, Runner-up, What I Learned n Valerie Cachay, First place, Pilgrimage Experience; and Catherine Eitzenberger,

Runner-up, Pilgrimage Experience “What I saw I never expected to see,” wrote Cachay in her essay. “It was a beautiful sight. First Maria Goretti came out in a glass case. It was like holiness flew around us...”

First-place winners received $50 plus a selection of books and audio tapes.

Runners-up received $25 plus a selection of books.

View all six winning entries online at www.catholicnewsherald.com.

— Catholic News Herald Pictured above are “St. Maria Goretti” by Aileen Rojas and “What I Learned,” by John Ruben Jimenez.

What will you learn by taking a free, one-day class?

• Effectiveness of modern NFP methods.

• Health, relational, and spiritual benefits.

• Health risks of popular contraceptives.

• Church teaching on marital sexuality.

• How to use Natural Family Planning.

January 9th — St. Matthew Catholic Church, Charlotte January 23rd — St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Charlotte February 20th — St. Matthew Catholic Church, Charlotte For more information visit our website or contact Batrice Adcock, MSN at 704.370.3230 or bnadcock@charlottediocese.org.

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 4, 2015 FROM THE COVER

A Jubilee Year of Mercy

Called to be ‘a witness of mercy’

Year of Mercy resources online At www.yearofmercy. rcdoc.org: Events being held throughout the Diocese of Charlotte for the Year of Mercy, resources for building a culture of mercy, educational materials on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy and saints who correspond to each virtue, printable posters, links to Church documents and local parish Mass and confession times, and much more At www.catholicnewsherald. com: Full coverage of the jubilee year events, as well as “Mercy Moments,” a series of videos about mercy with Father Patrick Winslow At www.im.va: The Vatican’s official site for the Year of Mercy, including how to make a pilgrimage to Rome At www.usccb.org/jubileeof-mercy: Ideas for local observances and catechetical resources that focus on topics such as the psalms of mercy, saints in mercy and mercy in the teaching of the popes

P

ope Francis has announced an extraordinary jubilee, a Holy Year of Mercy, to highlight the Catholic Church’s “mission to be a witness of mercy.”

“No one can be excluded from God’s mercy,” the pope said March 13, marking the second anniversary of his pontificate by leading a Lenten penance service in St. Peter’s Basilica.

“I frequently have thought about how the Church can make more evident its mission to be a witness of mercy,” he said during his homily; that is why he decided to call the special Holy Year, which will be celebrated from Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, until Nov. 20, 2016, the Feast of Christ the King.

The theme of the yearlong jubilee will be “Merciful Like the Father,” taken from the Gospel of St. Luke 6:36: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Holy Years usually are held every 25 years; the last was the great jubilee of the year 2000.

What is a holy or jubilee year?

They usually feature special celebrations and pilgrimages, strong calls for conversion and repentance, and the offer of special opportunities to experience God’s grace through the sacraments, especially confession.

Extraordinary holy years, like the Year of Mercy, are less frequent, but offer the same opportunities for spiritual growth.

Pope Francis will open the yearlong celebration by opening the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 8.

Other Holy Doors at sites around Rome will open in the following weeks. In the Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Peter Jugis will open the Holy Door at St. Patrick Cathedral on Dec. 12.

The Year of Mercy will be an opportunity to encourage Christians to meet people’s “real needs” with concrete assistance, to experience a “true pilgrimage” on foot, and to send “missionaries of mercy” throughout

A holy year as a time of spiritual renewal has its biblical roots in the jubilees observed by the Israelites at 50-year intervals, when debts were pardoned and slaves were freed.

The term “jubilee” itself comes from the Hebrew word “yobel,” meaning a ram’s horn, used to make the trumpet that signaled the beginning of this time of forgiveness.

For the Church, a holy year remains a time of great spiritual significance, and emphasis is placed on the examination of conscience and conversion, forgiveness of sins, reconciliation, acts of solidarity and initiatives to restore justice.

The jubilee is called a holy year because it aims to encourage holiness, strengthen faith in Christ and inspire greater communion within the Church and society.

The first Holy Year was proclaimed by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300. Among the thousands who journeyed to Rome for the first celebration was the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, who is said to have found the inspiration for his “Divine Comedy” on that pilgrimage.

In the 15th century, Pope Paul II set a 25-year timetable for holy years, which has been the norm since, so that each generation has the possibility of experiencing at least one holy year.

In addition to an “ordinary” holy year,

MERCY, SEE page 24

DOORS, SEE page 25

December 4, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM THE COVERI

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A Jubilee Year of Mercy Cathedral to host ‘Together We Heal’ Advent mission

File, SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Bishop Peter Jugis will open the Holy Door at St. Patrick Cathedral at a 5:30 p.m. Mass Saturday, Dec. 12. All are welcome to attend the liturgy to open the Year of Mercy in the diocese.

Holy Door to be opened at St. Patrick Cathedral CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis will open and bless the Holy Door at St. Patrick Cathedral for the Jubilee Year of Mercy on Saturday, Dec. 12. The liturgy will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the cathedral, located at 1621 Dilworth Road East.

Everyone is invited to attend.

Diocesan pilgrimage planned to Rome CHARLOTTE — Join the Diocese of Charlotte’s official pilgrimage to Rome for the Year of Mercy Oct. 12-21, 2016. The trip will include visits to Siena and Assisi, and will be under the spiritual direction of Father Michael Kottar, pastor of St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Shelby, and Father Carmen Malacari, pastor of Holy Spirit Church in Denver.

More information will be published in the Dec. 18 edition of the Catholic News Herald.

To receive the brochure or register, contact Jean Judge at jmjudge@charlottediocese.org or 704-487-7697, ext. 103.

Holy Door to be opened in Winston-Salem WINSTON-SALEM — Our Lady of Mercy Church will bless and open a Holy Door during all Masses Dec. 5-6, to inaugurate the Year of Mercy. At the beginning of each Mass Conventual Franciscan Father Joe Angelini or Father Carl Zdancewicz will open the parish’s yearlong celebration with the blessing of the Holy Door and announcing the Year of Mercy to the congregation.

CHARLOTTE — St. Patrick Cathedral will host a two-day mission focused on healing after traumatic experiences of loss and grief, presented by Dr. Theresa Burke, founder of the post-abortion healing ministry Rachel’s Vineyard.

Burke will provide practical tips on how to open one’s heart and family history to God’s mercy.

The Dec. 12-13 mission will include Mass, the sacrament of confession, spiritual exercises and small group sharing, dinner, and a healing service to conclude the mission.

Free child care will be provided.

RSVP and get more information at www.stpatricks.org.

Expanded confession times at St. Peter’s CHARLOTTE — St. Peter Church, located at South Tryon St. in uptown Charlotte, will have expanded times for the sacrament of reconciliation through the Advent season. From Monday, Nov. 30, to Wednesday, Dec. 23, confession times are: 11:15-11:45 a.m. Monday-Friday and 4-4:45 p.m. Saturday. The Jesuit priests of the parish welcome everyone in uptown Charlotte and nearby neighborhoods to experience the mercy of reconciliation.

The parish will also have an Advent penance service with individual confession at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 15.

‘iMercy: The Divine Hotspot’ mission at St. Matthew CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church will host a three-day parish mission entitled ‘iMercy: The Divine Hotspot’ Jan. 25-27, presented by a team of Dominican priests.

Call the parish office at 704-5437677 or go to www. stmatthewcatholic.org for details.

St. Maximilian Kolbe relic coming to Winston-Salem WINSTON-SALEM — Our Lady of Mercy Church will host a relic of St. Maximilian Kolbe in March.

Father Kolbe was a Polish Conventual Franciscan priest who dedicated his life to propagating devotion to Our Blessed Mother.

During World War II he was arrested by the Nazis and was imprisoned at the Auschwitz concentration camp, where he gave his life to save a fellow prisoner. He is the patron saint of addicts, and the WinstonSalem parish will host a prayer service March 17, 2016, for those afflicted with addiction of any kind, asking for healing and courage.

Two local priests named ‘Missionaries of Mercy’ SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — As the Church begins the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has expressed his intention that the celebration be a way for the Church to “make more evident its mission to be a witness of mercy.”

One way the pope wants to show “the Church’s maternal solicitude” is to send out “Missionaries of Mercy” – specially selected priests who have been granted “the authority to pardon even those sins reserved to the Holy See,” the pope wrote in “Misericordiae Vultus” (“The Face of Mercy”), the document officially proclaiming the Holy Year.

About 50 U.S. priests have been designated a Missionary of Mercy, including two from the Diocese of Charlotte: Father George Byers, administrator of Holy Redeemer Byers Church in Andrews, and Father Patrick Winslow, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

According to Archbishop Salvatore Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, the priests selected are chosen on the basis of their ability to preach well, especially on the theme of mercy, and be “good confessors,” meaning they are able Winslow to express God’s love and do not make the confessional, as Pope Francis says, like “a torture chamber.”

The priests will also have to “be patient” and have “an understanding of human fragility,” the archbishop said.

Father Byers notes, “All priests are Missionaries of Mercy in their own parishes and apostolates, and

I assume that all would like to have whatever special faculties to manifest the mercy of God to all who desire the same, calling especially those who do not yet desire mercy into the required humility.

“The only thing that makes me different from other priests is that, being in what is perhaps the smallest parish in North America, I was able to make myself available for what might well be a time-consuming activity. None of us Missionaries of Mercy know exactly what this Year of Mercy will bring.”

The Missionaries of Mercy will receive their mandate on Ash Wednesday in Rome after meeting with the pope.

“Just how this mandate will practically work out for various individuals undergoing the medicinal application of grave censures or excommunications reserved to the Holy See is yet to be seen. Perhaps what is by far the most important desired effect of the Year of Mercy and the Missionaries is that Christ’s faithful will simply be shaken up enough to go to the great Sacrament of Mercy, confess their sins, and rejoice greatly in the Lord’s goodness and kindness.”

Father Patrick Winslow emphasizes that mercy is not going to be more available now versus any other time.

“The mercy of God is available to us, and has been available to us, thanks to Christ Himself,” he said.

“These jubilee years are opportunities to highlight.

To put it another way, next year on the Feast of Christ the King 2016, when the Holy Doors on the Year of Mercy close, mercy is not being closed to the faithful. Conversely, new mercy is not being made available this Dec. 8.”

Missionaries of Mercy are not creating anything new, he added; they are simply being called to highlight the Gospel in such a way that they are helping people to become better disciples of Christ.

“For this Year of Mercy, one of the best ways to get the word out is to preach it,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to reflect upon something that is so good – to highlight the mercy of God.” — Catholic News Service contributed.

Talk highlights value, pain of mercy Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

HICKORY — “We live in a time of mercy.”

That was the message shared by Father Patrick Winslow during a recent talk on the upcoming Year of Mercy.

Father Winslow spoke to catechists from across the Diocese of Charlotte Nov. 5, to help them prepare for the jubilee year in the lessons and programs at their parishes and schools. The program at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory was sponsored by the Education Vicariate.

Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, Father Winslow is also a featured instructor for Catholic Scripture Study International. He is also one of two priests from the diocese who will serve the Church as a Missionary of Mercy during this jubilee year.

Father Winslow encouraged catechists to reach out to talk with people about the theology of mercy, “and the real value in it.”

“Imitate that mercy of God,” he added, and be honest. Do not downplay the pain and discomfort that inevitably comes with our call to give and to receive mercy. Forgiveness is powerful and beneficial, but it can still cut deep, he said. “You can’t ignore that.”

Platitudes “don’t really work,” he added. “This stuff runs so deep in people’s lives that that shallow veneer never really touches it.”

The concept of a jubilee year comes from the Old

Testament Book of Leviticus, in which the Lord tells the Israelites to honor every 50 years. In the jubilee year debts are to be forgiven, slaves are to be set free, and no planting or harvesting is to be done. Then in the New Testament, Christ’s birth inaugurates a new jubilee year – a time in which we are still living, Father Winslow continued.

He recounted from the Gospel of St. Luke when Jesus went to the synagogue in Nazareth and read from the Book of Isaiah, “‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.’ ... He said to them, ‘Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.’”

“A year acceptable to the Lord” is “a jubilee, a new day,” Father Winslow explained. The poor, the captive and the blind – Christ’s words don’t simply refer to physical ailments, they also describe all sinners.

People used to live in darkness, he continued, but now live in the light of a new day created through Jesus’ death and resurrection. They live on the cusp of an “eternal horizon,” living between the light of heaven and the darkness of sin, he said. People are thus called by God to re-orient themselves to the light and reject the darkness.

“This new day, this eighth day, this day of creation, TALK, SEE page 25

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 4, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Room At The Inn of the Triad …where Hope is Born Room At The Inn is a unique, comprehensive program helping homeless, single, pregnant women from all areas of North Carolina, not only during their pregnancies but also after the birth of their babies. By providing shelter, food, clothing, case management, inhouse daycare, transportation and life skills education in a structured environment, we help these families have new lives of healthy, hopefilled self sufficiency.

“The service that this organization provides is exceptional. It is respectful, supportive, continuous and enduring. The outcomes have been very impressive”

The Nussbaum Maternity Home

Council on Accreditation Final Accreditation Report

The Council on Accreditation accredits human service organizations that meet the highest standards of credibility, integrity and accountability and that implement best practices throughout their agencies. We are proud to be the only catholic maternity home in the southeastern United States to have received this national recognition.

• • • • •

14 Babies were born 86% of babies born had APGAR scores of 8 or more 86 % of babies born had birth weights of 5.5 lbs. or greater 100 % of pre-natal appointments were kept 100 % of babies tested were born drug free

Dixon Self-sufficiency program: The maternity home program provides transportation to school, vocational programs and to work. Additionally, life skills education including topics such as budgeting, job search / interviewing, household management, handling credit, time management and other topics are provided on-site at the maternity home.

• 100 % of residents acquired or maintained vocational skills • 384 Self-sufficiency case management/counseling sessions were conducted • 668 Self-sufficiency related transportation trips were provided to clients Pratt Spiritual and Character Development Program: Residents in the maternity home programs are invited to participate in the Pratt Spiritual and Character Development Program. Participants get involved in the faith community of their choice and/or suitable volunteer programs.

Participants are able to grow spiritually and as responsible, caring women.

Participation is completely voluntary and no client is denied other services for declining to participate in this program.

Aftercare Program: The graduates of our programs continue to be an important part of our family even after the birth of their children. Quarterly alumni meetings are conducted at the maternity home. Clients are eligible for material assistance for up to five years after the birth of their children.

Ways •

•

Key affiliations include: Catholic Charities USA; Carolina Maternity Home Association; Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship; Guilford Nonprofit Consortium; Partners Ending Homelessness; and the Catholic Volunteer Network.

•

• • • …and • • •

Transitioning from dependency and hopelessness is a difficult process for anyone, especially for someone about to become a new mother. Room At The Inn of the Triad offers a variety of programs designed to help these young women develop the skills necessary to successfully meet their own goals and aspirations.

Maternity Home: Licensed by the Department of NC Health and Human Services to provide residential maternity care, the Mary C. Nussbaum Maternity Home provides shelter, food, clothing, transportation, case management and life skills education in a structured environment. Located in Greensboro, NC, the home provides services to homeless, pregnant NC residents 18 years and older.

Clients may bring other children.

• 93 % of graduates 18 years of age or older increased their income • 93 % of maternity home graduates transitioned to permanent housing Maternal and Infant Health: Access to both pre-natal and post-natal healthcare is essential for pregnant women. Infants and toddlers require proper check-ups and healthcare. A significant number of our clients suffer from substance abuse and/or mental health issues and need suitable treatment and counseling. Additionally our maternity home programs provide life skills education related to healthy living, proper nutrition for the women and children and a safe, nurturing place to heal both the body and the soul.

(Outcomes are for fiscal year ending 6/30/2015)

1

Carmen and her son Micah Carmen graduates Dec. 10 th with her BA from UNCG College Program: Graduates of the maternity home programs who want to enter or return to college are eligible for our Support Community Living Services for Single Mothers Attending College. In addition to housing, we provide case management, child development services, financial/material assistance and tutoring/life skills education.

Residential services are provided at the following facilities: The Amy's House is located next door to our maternity home and was named for Amy Elizabeth Disney The Back Yard Ministry is donated space from Cherry Street United Methodist Church in Kernersville, NC • 100 % of participants are making progress toward completing their degree

Have donat Hono reque

December 4, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Precious with Tevin…one of the 14 babies born in 2015!

14 of 20 residents (not including 8 unborn babies) Ways YOU can help save lives and provide a future of hope: • Use the envelope in this issue of the Catholic News Herald to send a financial contribution • Give a gift in honor of someone this Christmas with our honor cards (see below) • Give in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone’s birthday or other special occasion throughout the year • Spread the word - Like us on facebook and invite your friends to also • Leave a legacy of LIFE - put Room At The Inn of the Triad in your will • Pray …and if you live close by, you can also: • Volunteer • Participate in our fundraisers • Donate items on our online Wishlist

Precious came to us about 18 months ago, pregnant and in need of help. She worked hard to set and reach her goals while she was in our maternity home.

She signed up to take college classes and made 100% on one of her final exams! After the birth of her sweet son, Tevin, we offered her a place in our college program, and she continues to make As. Precious works part-time as a residential assistant for us and is going through RCIA at St. Pius X Catholic Church. We are very proud of her.

Don’t forget! If you’d like to keep up with what is going on at Room At The Inn regularly, see pictures of our latest babies when they are born, or hear about volunteer opportunities as they arise, then like us on facebook!

CONTACT US: Mailing address PO Box 13936 Greensboro, NC 27415 (336) 996-3788 Phone (336) 275-9522 Fax Email: info@RoomInn.org For More Information, visit us at: www.RoomInn.org

Have people on your Christmas list who are hard to buy for? Why not make a donation to Room At The Inn in their honor?

Honor cards are now available. Use the envelope in this issue to send us your request by December 17th to ensure processing and delivery by Christmas Eve.

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On behalf of our mothers and children, we pray that you and your families have a Blessed Christmas and New Year! Thank you for making “room at the inn”.

Room At The Inn of the Triad is a prolife ministry of the Catholic Church.

facebook.com/ catholic news HERALD ESPAÑOL

catholicnewsherald.com | December 4, 2015 16

Celebración de la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte Rigoberto Trejo

La misericordia de Dios en nuestras vidas

P

ersonalmente, tengo mucho que decir de la misericordia de Dios, creo que este espacio parecería pequeño para expresar todo lo que mi corazón siente al escuchar esta palabra. Es muy difícil escribir aquí todo lo que en mi mente hay cuando me imagino la magnitud de la palabra misericordia, solo puedo decirles que la misericordia divina es mucho más grande que lo que existe en nuestras mentes y en nuestros corazones.

Podemos encontrar mucha información referente a este tema de la misericordia en la internet, pero quiero compartir con ustedes como podemos experimentar la misericordia de Dios en nuestras vidas, especialmente cuando estemos pasando momentos dificiles. Cuando mis amigos o conocidos me platican alguna “situación desagradable que están viviendo,” lo que normalmente les digo es que por más difícil, por más dura, por más amarga, por más injusta que sea la situación que vives, Dios siempre mostrará su misericordia en tu vida.

En este Año Litúrgico que ya hemos iniciado escucharemos hablar mucho de la misericordia de Dios. Escucharemos que el Papa abrirá las Puertas Santas de algunos santuarios alrededor del mundo y todo eso será hermoso. Pero te invito a que este año, que la Iglesia ha llamado “El Año Santo de la Misericordia,” a que tú también lo vivas intensamente, busca ese momento especial y abre las puertas santas de tu corazón para que también experimentes y puedas conocer lo inmensa que es la misericordia de Dios.

Bajo el lema “Misericordiosos como El Padre” viviremos y meditaremos, si es posible diariamente, durante todo este Año Litúrgico. Quiero compartir algunas ideas de cómo vivir de una forma especial o más profunda este año. n Busca el sacramento de la confesión o reconciliación, es la más grande oportunidad de experimentar la misericordia de Dios. n Practica las obras de misericordia: Visitar a los enfermos, a los presos, dar de comer al hambriento, etc. n Infórmate de eventos en tu parroquia o de la diócesis relacionados a este tema. n Busca la posibilidad de asistir a la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud que se llevará a cabo del 25 de Julio al 1 de Agosto en Cracovia, Polonia con el lema: “Bienaventurados los misericordiosos porque ellos alcanzaran Misericordia,” (Mt. 5:7) n Lee todo lo relacionado a este tema, te recomiendo algunos libros: El Diario de Santa María Faustina La Carta Encíclica de Juan Pablo II, Dives Misericordia Las Sagradas Escrituras, donde se encuentra mucho acerca de la misericordia. n Rezar todos los días la Coronilla a La Divina Misericordia (se sugiere a las 3 p.m.)

El pasado 13 de marzo del corriente, el Papa Francisco anunció que el Año Santo de la Misericordia se iniciará el 8 de Diciembre del 2015 y terminará el día 20 de Noviembre del 2016.

Me puse realmente feliz cuando leí esa noticia, y reflexionando al respecto pensé: Dios nos está buscando para expresar todo su amor. Dios nos busca para no sentirnos solos porque Dios sabe que todos hemos pecado, y ha puesto en el corazón del Papa Francisco esta maravillosa idea.

Dios quiere extendernos sus brazos y mostrarnos su misericordia.

Rigoberto Trejo es miembro de la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE — La Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte celebrará la Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe la noche del 11 de Diciembre en el Bojangles’ Coliseum en la 2700 de Independence Blvd. en Charlotte.

Las puertas se abrirán al público a las 7 p.m., y la celebración comenzará a las 7:30 p.m. con la recitación de la Novena a la Virgen de Guadalupe. Entre otras actividades habrá bailes folklóricos Jarabe Tapatío, poesía, cantos y un desfile de bandera.

El Padre Vicente Finnerty, CM, Párroco de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, celebrará la Santa Misa durante el evento, y el Grupo de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe le dará serenata a la Virgen al ritmo de Mariachis tocando las Mañanitas.

Todos están bienvenidos a la celebración.

Iglesia de San Gabriel 3016 Providence Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211 704-364-5431 Viernes 11 de Diciembre: Rezo del Rosario a las 7 p.m., Misa en espanol a las 8 p.m.

Celebraciones en honor a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte y alrededores

Iglesia Saint Thomas Aquinas 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte, NC 28213 704-549-1607 Sabado, 12 de diciembre: celebración de la Eucaristía a las 10 am. A las 6:30, charla por el Padre Christian acerca de la Virgen de Guadalupe.

Iglesia Saint John Neumann 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte, NC 28227 704-536-6520 Novena: del 4 al 12 de diciembre en hogares de familias latinas Sabado, 12 de diciembre: rezo del rosario a las 6 a.m., celebración de la Eucaristía a las 7 a.m. en espanol seguida de una recepción con comida mexicana y acompañada por Mariachis. Rosario en ingles a las 4 pm seguido de la Misa en ingles a las 5 pm. Despues de la Misa, recepcion en el salon parroquial.

Padre Ángel Espinosa habla en St. Gabriel acerca del perdón CHARLOTTE — El Padre Ángel Espinosa de los Monteros dio una charla titulada “Perdonar de Corazón” el pasado 24 de Noviembre en la Iglesia de San Gabriel en Charlotte. Más de 500 personas de la comunidad hispana de Charlotte asistieron a la animada charla del sacerdote, el cual inyectó su típico sentido del humor para ilustrar la importante enseñanza del perdón y la misericordia. El evento fue patrocinado por el Ministerio Hispano de Emaús de San Gabriel.

En el canal YouTube de la Diocesis of Charlotte (en los videos de la sección de “Español”): Vean el videoresumen de la charla del Padre Ángel Espinosa de los Monteros

RICO DE SILVA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

La Catedral de Saint Patrick 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte, NC 28203 704-334-2283 Viernes 11 de diciembre: vigilia de oración a las 7 p.m. seguida de procesión con antorchas y Consagración Mariana Iglesia Saint Vincent De Paul 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 704-554-7088 Viernes 11 de diciembre: rezo del rosario a las 6 p.m. seguido de procesión y celebración de la Eucaristía

Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Lourdes 725 Deese St., Monroe, NC 28112 704-289-2773 Novena: del 3 al 11 de diciembre a las 7 p.m. en la iglesia Sabado, 12 de diciembre: mañanitas acompañada de Mariachis y desayuno mexicano a las 5 a.m. Danzas, serenata con canciones marianas a las 7:00 p.m. Celebración de la Eucaristía a las 8 p.m.

— Rico De Silva, Hispanic communications reporter

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Foto Cesar Hurtado | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

El Padre Frank O’Rourke, párroco de la Iglesia de San Gabriel en Charlotte, saluda a miembros de San Gabriel después de la Misa de Vigilia el pasado 21 de Noviembre. El Padre O’Rourke celebró su 40 aniversario de ordenación sacerdotal el pasado 23 de Noviembre.

Padre Frank O’Rourke celebra 40 años de ordenación sacerdotal Cesar Hurtado Corresponsal

CHARLOTTE — Con una multitudinaria misa, realizada el pasado sábado 21 de noviembre a las 5:30 de la tarde, el Padre Frank O’Rourke, pastor de la Iglesia San Gabriel en Charlotte celebró sus cuarenta años de ordenación sacerdotal.

Acompañado por los diáconos de su parroquia, Mark Diener, Mark King, Michael Goad, Larry O’Toole; los Padres Gabriel Carvajal-Salazar, vicario; Fidel Melo, Vicario del Ministerio Hispano de Charlotte; Ed Sheridan y Monseñor John McSweeney, pastor de la iglesia San Mateo; el Padre O’Rourke se dirigió a toda su feligresía en una histórica y emotiva homilía en la que recordó a su familia, infancia, juventud y llamado sacerdotal, evocando graciosas anécdotas en relación a sus invitados.

Un momento emotivo fue cuando, al mostrar imágenes -de las que confesó incluso ignorar su existencia- rememoró el matrimonio de sus padres y, quebrándose su voz, permaneció callado por segundos que parecieron interminables.

Durante la ceremonia, el Padre O’Rourke recibió nuevamente, esta vez de manos de Mons. McSweeney, la estola que utilizó al ser ordenado hace 40 años.

También el humor tuvo un lugar especial cuando, al término de la Misa, el Padre O’Rourke invitó a acercarse a su hermano mayor, Matthew, quien había llegado a Charlotte para acompañarlo en esta especial fecha. Matthew subió entonces al altar y ambos se fundieron en un largo abrazo. Cuando el Padre le preguntó a su hermano si quería decir algo, él no dijo una palabra, solo señaló su reloj de pulsera y, con un gracioso gesto, recordó al sacerdote que ya la Misa se había extendido por largo

tiempo y era momento de terminarla. Toda la feligresía celebró la broma.

Nacido en Filadelfia, Pensilvania, y ordenado sacerdote el 23 de Noviembre de 1975, el Padre O’Rourke ha servido por 35 años en la Diócesis de Charlotte como pastor en numerosas parroquias de Winston Salem, Greensboro y Charlotte, permaneciendo desde 2007 en la Iglesia San Gabriel, en donde extendió, especialmente en el Ministerio Hispano, la extraordinaria labor iniciada por el Padre Ed Sheridan.

Evelyn Esquivel, coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano en la parroquia San Gabriel que conoce al sacerdote desde hace más de 30 años, dijo que la comunidad latina se encuentra muy a gusto teniendo como pastor a O’Rourke. “Siempre ha sido fiel con su amor a la comunidad hispana de nuestra parroquia. Es un bello ser humano con el que Dios nos ha bendecido”, agregó.

Contact Erika today at: 704-370-3333 www.catholicnewsherald.com

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17

Our schools 18

catholicnewsherald.com | December 4, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Giving back

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In Brief CCHS Alumni Association honors 2015 Hall of Fame inductees

Photo provided by Michele Snoke

Photo provided by Carrie Vest

HIGH POINT — Maryfield at Pennybyrn residents were recently treated to a special Thanksgiving performance by Immaculate Heart of Mary School’s kindergarten through third grade classes.

CHARLOTTE — Nov. 19 was “Thanksgiving Thursday” at St. Gabriel School. The community donated canned and nonperishable foods specifically for a Thanksgiving meal. The food was collected in the school’s lobby and with the help of the fifth-grade student council members, it was delivered to Catholic Charities’ Charlotte food pantry. The school hosts a “Thanksgiving Thursday” four times a year, to build the Kingdom of God and teach students the importance of being a disciple of Christ.

Photo provided by Mary Helen Cushing

CHARLOTTE — Students and families of St. Vincent de Paul Preschool in Charlotte collected food throughout November as a way to show gratitude for their many blessings. The food and other items were blessed by Father Casey Coleman, parochial vicar, and then the donation totaling 457 pounds was delivered to a Loaves and Fishes food pantry just before Thanksgiving. An additional donation of turkeys weighing a total of 67 pounds was given by an alumnus family of the preschool.

Photo from Facebook

Students at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem gave thanks this week for all of God;s blessings by donating food items and assembling Thanksgiving baskets for parish families in need. The effort was a service project of the school’s Helping Hands of Mercy.

The baskets were blessed at Mass before being distributed.

Experience the Mercy of Reconciliation November 30 – December 23 Weekdays: 11:15am – 11:45am Saturday: 4:00pm – 4:45pm

507 South Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202

www.stpeterscatholic.org

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School recently honored alumni Kristin Graham Seaford and David Johnson for their exceptional service to the community.

The CCHS Alumni Association honored the two during a pre-game reception and then presented them with Hall Seaford of Fame awards at halftime during an Oct. 23 football game at Keffer Stadium. Alumni Association President Colleen Gove and Principal Kurt Telford presented the awards.

A 1993 CCHS Johnson graduate, Seaford was a varsity cheerleader and involved with the campus ministry. She graduated magna cum laude from Duke University and then earned a Master of Arts in education from Wake Forest University She is a licensed professional counselor, athletic conditioning specialist and active volunteer.

In 2013, Seaford contracted double pneumonia, which led to sepsis and organ failure. Prayer and medication saved her life, but the effects of high dose medications restricted blood flow to extremities, and she lost both hands, her left foot and part of the right foot. In the past two years, she has completed intensive physical

and occupational therapy to learn how to use her prosthetic limbs. She has returned to her daily routine, teaching classes at the YMCA and completing a 5K with her daughter’s “Girls on the Run” group.

Seaford has distinguished herself not by her tragedy, but by her response to it. Even in her darkest hours, she encouraged other patients and has recently become a Certified Amputee Peer Educator in which she gives support, education and encouragement to new amputees and their families.

A 1994 graduate, Johnson was honored by the alumni association for distinguishing himself globally with his photography work. While at CCHS, he served on the student council, was an Eagle Scout and played four years of varsity tennis. In his tennis career he won one regional doubles title, four conference team titles and a team state championship.

After graduating from the University of North Carolina and working as a teacher and coach, Johnson founded Silent Images in 2006. For the past nine years he has provided documentary photography to more than 200 non-profit organizations in 35 different countries.

Through Silent Images, he tells stories addressing important issues in an effort to change the world picture by picture. His projects have included raising awareness about topics including human trafficking in Cambodia, ebola, human rights violations in Burma, genocide in Sudan, and more. He has written two books about Africa, and his photography has been published by news sources around the world. He uses his photography to educate others and has lectured at Stanford, Baylor, Penn State, Duke, and dozens of other universities and high schools. In 2011, he was a TED talk speaker.

— Nanine Hartzenbusch Fox

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December 4, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

19

Catholic Campus Ministry inspires Wingate student Ann Kilkelly Special to the Catholic News Herald

“Catholic Campus Ministry is lifechanging,” says Amy Rangel of Hickory, a graduate of Wingate University who recently shared her journey from entering college “to get ahead” with a good education to instead graduating with a commitment to serve others.

Behind Rangel’s drive for a good education was her mother’s love and urging. The daughter of Raquel Canipe, Rangel is the first in her family to go to college. She credits Catholic Campus Ministry with learning more about her faith, deepening her relationship with God, and putting her on the path to service.

Rangel found Catholic Campus Ministry at Wingate after searching for a group that would connect her more closely to the faith of her childhood. She had been involved with a non-denominational group at Wingate, but that did not feel right, she recalls. She found Catholic Campus Ministry and threw herself into it – heart, soul, questions and doubts.

She learned that Mass is about Jesus’ gift of Himself to the Father for us out of love.

She came to understand the beauty of the Catholic faith, and more profoundly, she felt God’s love for her personally.

Rangel became president of Wingate’s Catholic Campus Ministry and took the lead in group study and reflection, as well as organized outreach to people in need, volunteer activity and retreats.

At graduation she received the Fred H. Allen Award for Christian Leadership

and Service from Wingate.

The award is presented to a student judged to have exhibited outstanding Christian leadership and to have been involved in significant Christian service projects.

Before and after Catholic Campus Ministry, “I had a notion that I am a good person and I do good, but I did not have the desire for a relationship with Jesus or a sense of gratitude for what Jesus did.” Now, Rangel says, she is grateful every day for the gift of the Eucharist, for her Catholic faith and for the love of God. In difficult times she knows “God is there for me. God keeps me going. God gives me strength, determination and hope that I can be all that I can be,” she says. Without Catholic Campus Ministry, “I probably would not have relied on God. Without that Catholic community, I would not have kept pushing on.”

Rangel plans to become a doctor. Currently working for Scribe America as a medical transcriptionist, she hopes to begin medical school next year.

Her life is now more focused on how best she can serve God, she says.

“Family is so much larger now! Other

President of St. Pius X Catholic High School

support. For inquiries, contact Mary Wright, director of the Diocese of Charlotte’s Campus Ministry program, at 704-370-3212 or maryw@ charlottediocese.org.

people are my brothers and sisters in Christ. I see them all as children of God. I have learned to think bigger.”

If you missed Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1, and would like to support students like Rangel in their search for God and their calling, donate online at www.catholiconcampus.com/

Are your investments in keeping with your faith?

St. Pius X Catholic High School and the Archdiocese of Atlanta seek a President effective July 1, 2016.

St. Pius X, a college preparatory high school located in North Atlanta, serves a student body of approximately 1,075 students in grades 9-12 with a professional staff of 137 teachers and support staff members. Since its founding in 1958, the school proudly recognizes more than 11,500 alumni who have been formed in the tradition of St. Pius X, Domini Sumus, “We are the Lord’s!”

The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church. Additional requirements include: • minimum of a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership (or its equivalency) • minimum of five to seven years of Catholic school administrative experience • superior communication skills • collaborative leadership style • experience in fund-raising • friend-raising and strategic planning and, motivational skills to work with teams of exceptional and dedicated constituents who support and embrace the mission of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

To learn more about St. Pius X Catholic High School, please visit the school’s website www.spx.org No phone calls, please. Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest along with a statement of educational philosophy and leadership practice

by January 15, 2016 to: Dr. Diane Starkovich, Superintendent of Schools, Archdiocese of Atlanta, 2401 Lake Park Drive S.E., Smyrna, Georgia, 30080-8862.

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Mix 20

catholicnewsherald.com | December 4, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

On TV n Saturday, Dec. 5, 9:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Saints and Heroes: Nicholas, The Boy Who Became Santa.” Nicholas was still a young boy when he discovered the love of Jesus and the gift of giving that changed the world.

Based on historical facts and traditions this film is worth watching with family and friends.

In theaters

n Saturday, Dec. 5, 8 p.m.

(EWTN) “Saint Barbara.” A cinematic look at St. Barbara who became a Christian and suffered martyrdom in the early Church.

‘The Letters’ Appreciative but poorly handled biography of Blessed Teresa of Kolkata (Juliet Stevenson) focuses on her decision to leave the cloistered teaching order (led locally by Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal) in which she began religious life and dedicate herself instead to the work of serving the most afflicted of her adopted city’s slum dwellers. As narrated through a retrospective conversation between the famed nun’s spiritual director (Max von Sydow) and the Church official (Rutger Hauer) charged with investigating her life with a view to her possible canonization, the facts surrounding her courageous ministry – and the tenacious spiritual struggle that resulted from her decades-long sense of God’s complete absence – are alternately spoon-fed to the audience through dialogue and dramatized in a way that fails to spark interest. Some tense scenes of conflict and potentially disturbing medical situations.

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

‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2’ Franchise finale in which the resistance fighter (Jennifer Lawrence) who has become the symbol of the revolution (led by Julianne Moore and Philip Seymour Hoffman) sweeping her dystopian society secretly commits herself to the task of assassinating the tyrannical chief (Donald Sutherland) of the old order. Much stylized and some harsh violence but with minimal gore, mature themes, potentially frightening scenes.

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

‘Brooklyn’ Dignified, meticulously understated story about a young Irishwoman (gracefully portrayed by Saoirse Ronan) who immigrates to America in the early 1950s with the help of a Roman Catholic priest (Jim Broadbent) and who falls in love with a plumber of Italian descent.

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

Dina DeFabo Wilson | Catholic News Herald

Inspirational author Virginia Lieto talks about her new book, “Adventures of Faith, Hope and Charity – Finding Patience,” and the virtue of patience with second-grade students at Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte.

Charlotte author aims to teach virtues through children’s books Dina DeFabo Wilson Correspondent

More online

CHARLOTTE — Virginia Lieto is on a mission to ‘Adventures of Faith, Hope and Charity – Finding help people of all ages embrace the virtues so that Patience’ is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and they can grow closer to God and live a happier life.

CreateSpace. For more information, visit www.virginialieto.com.

Since leaving a 36-year career in the banking industry, Lieto has evangelized through her website good to get literature that is really, purely about the and blog and has just published her first in a spiritual and Christian virtues.” planned series of children’s books, “Adventures of Lieto is already at work on the next two books in Faith, Hope and Charity – Finding Patience.”

Lieto, a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in the “Adventures” series that will feature Faith’s younger sisters, Hope and Charity. As you might Charlotte, says she believes the book offers parents guess, each story will illustrate those corresponding and teachers a practical yet entertaining way of virtues. introducing and reinforcing patience through the Lieto says that when she writes, she draws from power of prayer. her experience, her education and her Catholic “Finding Patience” is the story of Faith faith. She has served as chair of the evangelization Livingstone, a shy 8-year-old who is about to start the school year in a new town at a new school. When commission at her parish and she earned a Master of Arts in pastoral theology from St. Joseph’s she struggles to fit in and make friends, Faith learns College of Maine in 2014. She is also an adjunct an important lesson about the value of patience. professor at her alma mater.

Faith comes to understand that patience is a gift As part of her mission, Lieto also has developed from God, Lieto says: The little girl learns to trust in a day retreat program entitled “Faith and Living God, who works within her, in His time, to help her a Virtuous Life.” She will present the retreat on grow in patience.

Saturday, Dec. 5, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in “A lot of times, you just have to put things in Monroe.

God’s hands and let Him lead instead of trying to figure it all out on your own,” Lieto says.

“And that is what Faith eventually does.”

While the book is geared toward children aged 4 to 8, adults can also benefit from its message, Lieto says.

“My hope is that children will learn from it to model it, and that parents will learn how to teach and import the virtue of patience into their children,” she says.

This fall, Lieto visited nine diocesan Catholic schools, including Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte, to read her book to groups of students.

OLA’s Principal Allana-Rae Ramkissoon says she was impressed with the content of the book.

Photo provided by Amy Pagano “As principals and librarians, we Lieto also recently shared the uplifting message of her book with students always have to make sure that students at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro and seven other diocesan schools. are learning the virtues but learning Lieto is pictured signing copies of her book for OLG students Jack Belfi, them within the context of the Catholic Kessler Bock and Kosmos Rogozinski. world view,” Ramkissoon says. “It is

n Tuesday, Dec. 8, 9:30 a.m.

(EWTN) “Angels and Saints at Ephesus.” Learn about the contemplative life and sacred music of the Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of Apostles of Gower, Mo. Their daily life includes praying for priests, singing to God eight times, gardening and sewing sacred vestments. n Tuesday, Dec. 8, 1:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Pure in Heart.” The history and work of “Pure of Heart,” a Catholic apostolate that has since expanded from its foundation in Dublin, Ireland, to spread the Church’s teachings on love, purity, chastity and human sexuality to four other countries. n Wednesday, Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “The Cloak of Juan Diego: The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe.” A look at the history of the appearance of the Blessed Mother to St. Juan Diego and devotion to her at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. n Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.

(EWTN) “Dedication Mass of Our Lady of Guadalupe.” n Saturday, Dec. 12, 12 p.m.

(EWTN) “Holy Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.” n Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 p.m.

(EWTN) “Our Lady of Guadalupe and Miraculous Mexico.” The fascinating story of how Our Lady appeared to a poor farmer, Juan Diego, and the miraculous events that followed. n Thursday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m.

(EWTN) “Theater of the Word: A Morning Star Christmas.”

Several one-act performances on the Christmas spirit presented by the Morning Star Players and other actors from the Theater of the Word.

Our nation

December 4, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

House of Representatives in 1875 proposed such an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. While the amendment overwhelmingly passed in the House, it failed by four votes in the Senate. The meeting was part of the U.N. committee’s review of reports filed by the Vatican relating to its performance under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Among its provisions, the convention requires signatories to describe steps they have taken to advance the rights of people under the law, including education, and to contest practices that lead to racial discrimination.

In Brief Priest: Shooting at Colo. clinic antithesis of pro-life movement COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A priest who celebrates Mass every Friday morning on a sidewalk near the Planned Parenthood clinic targeted by a lone gunman Nov. 27 said the shooter’s actions were the antithesis of the prolife cause. “We want the conversion of Planned Parenthood, not their destruction,” said Father Bill Carmody, the longtime Respect Life director for the Diocese of Colorado Springs. “The pro-life movement has no place for violence.”

The attack on the clinic in northwest Colorado Springs left three people dead, including a police officer, and nine others wounded. The clinic reported that none of its employees or patients was among those killed or seriously wounded in the Black Friday attack. The clinic sits near a busy shopping center that includes a grocery store, a bank and several other businesses. After the attack broke out around 11:30 a.m., local time, patrons and employees of the businesses “sheltered in place” for nearly six hours while police tried to contain the alleged shooter, Robert Lewis Dear, 57. The standoff ended with Dear’s arrest at 4:52 p.m., local time. Among those killed was Garrett Swasey, a police officer at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and father of two.

‘Disappointed’ bishops ask why Catholic hospitals excluded TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey’s Catholic bishops have weighed in on a growing concern over a new health insurance plan introduced by the state’s largest insurer, saying they were “disappointed” all but one Catholic hospital was being excluded from preferred access. “Over the years, we had considered Horizon to be a partner in delivering health services even to the vulnerable populations we serve,” the bishops’ letter said. “With the rollout of the Horizon OMNIA Alliance, that partnership seems to be a memory.” The letter -- sent to Robert Marino, CEO of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey -- reminds the corporation of the Catholic community’s long history of providing health care in New Jersey. The bishops cited “the lack of transparency in the process” that kept all Catholic hospitals except one -- St. Joseph’s Healthcare System in Paterson -- out of the Tier 1 designation, which is considered the “preferred group.” To protect the financial stability of our health care systems and to ensure that no harm is done to the safety net for the poor, we, the Catholic bishops of New Jersey, request that you reopen the OMNIA Alliance process to allow hospitals designated as Tier 2 (considered a lessattractive grouping) to apply for designation as Tier 1 facilities,” they wrote.

Mother Angelica remains on feeding tube, confined to bed HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Mother Angelica, who spearheaded the founding of the Eternal Word Television Network, has been placed on a feeding tube as she continues to battle lingering effects of two strokes she suffered 14 years ago. A spokesman for her order, the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration at Our Lady of Angels Monastery in Hanceville, said the 92-year-old nun is doing as well as can be

21

Cardinal calls youths at conference to extend Christ’s kingdom at home

CNS | Olivia Obineme, Catholic Review

Church spreads warmth in Baltimore neighborhood with 1,000-coat giveaway BALTIMORE — Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore walks with children from Catholic Charities Head Start Nov. 30 after helping distribute 1,000 winter coats donated by the Knights of Columbus to neighborhood children at St. Edward in Baltimore. Archbishop Lori took the opportunity to reflect on the Church’s presence in the neighborhood that saw the final arrest of Freddie Gray Jr. and bore the brunt of the unrest that followed his death last spring. “The Church has always been deeply involved in the neighborhoods of Baltimore, especially Sandtown-Winchester,” the archbishop said. “I think the Church is intensifying its presence, and that’s what it should do – it’s the path of discipleship.” The 1,000 coats – donated through the work of the Knights of Columbus, for whom Archbishop Lori serves as supreme chaplain – were distributed to children from Catholic Charities Head Start of Baltimore City, Ss. James and John Catholic School, Holy Angels Catholic School and Alexander Hamilton Elementary School, all in Baltimore. expected for someone her age who remains partially paralyzed. “From what I’m told, it’s not that she’s completely unable to eat. It’s assisting her to get the nutrients she needs,” said Luke Johnasen, director of pilgrimages at the monastery. Johnasen told Catholic News Service that she was fitted with the tube in recent weeks. “She’s had some up and downs the last few months,” he said. “She’s a fighter.”

Johnasen added that Mother Angelica remained confined to bed, but that she acknowledges visitors to her room in the monastery. “She’s able to communicate with a squeeze of a hand, make gestures with her eyes. She acknowledges people when they’re there. The nuns say she does sleep a lot,” he said.

MRS director says refugee screening process is thorough, keeps U.S. safe WASHINGTON — The extensive vetting process that all refugees undergo before arriving in the United States “screens out any possible threat of terrorism,” said the executive director of the U.S. bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services. “We believe the risk is nil and certainly when we look at this (process) under a microscope, these are the most vetted people that come into our country,” William Canny told Catholic News Service. The director said the State Department screening procedure -- which the White House posted on its website Nov. 20 -- is comprehensive and makes security its highest priority. “We’re highly confident that it’s well done, that it screens out any possible

threat of terrorism. Based on that, we’re very comfortable receiving these families, which by the way, are mostly women and children,” Canny said. Questions about the possible entry into the U.S. by extremists tied to Islamic State militants who control large swaths of Syria and Iraq have been raised since a string of violent attacks in Paris Nov. 13 and the downing of a Russian jetliner over Egypt’s Sinai desert Oct. 31, all claimed by the organization. Members of Congress, presidential candidates, state legislators and at least 31 governors have called for the federal government to stop the resettlement of Syrians, saying they feared for Americans’ security.

Atlanta archbishop tells U.N. body: School choice for all is human right GENEVA — Amendments to the constitutions of some U.S. states are preventing children from low- and middle-income minority families from better educational opportunities than what may be available in public schools, amounting to discrimination, the archbishop of Atlanta told a U.N. committee meeting in Geneva. In remarks to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory argued Nov. 24 that the so-called Blaine amendments violate the basic human right to school choice and that nations are required to end all barriers to parental choice in education. Blaine amendments prohibit the use of state funds at sectarian schools. They are named for Rep. James G. Blaine, R-Maine, who as speaker of the U.S.

INDIANAPOLIS — As 23,000 youths from across the country worshipped together during the closing Mass of the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, Leanna Long felt “amazingly overwhelmed” to be in the midst of so many people who shared her faith. She attended the conference from her home in North Carolina, where Catholics are a small minority of the overall population. “We know the Church is large,” said Long, a member of St. Thomas More Parish in Chapel Hill, in the Raleigh Diocese. “But to be able to see it and know that I’m not alone (is helpful). We’re told that where two or three are gathered, (Jesus) is in your presence. Well, I’m one of one in my school. Is God with me still? The answer is, ‘Yes.’ Even though I’m in North Carolina and someone else is in New Hampshire, we’re still ... praying together,” she told The Criterion, newspaper of the Indianapolis Archdiocese. “We’re still gathered together, and he’s there.” In her words, Long captured the Church’s youthful vitality and diverse universality. Both were on display Nov. 21 as conference attendees were led in worship on the feast of Christ the King by Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, who was the principal celebrant. In his homily he exhorted his “young brothers and sisters” “to spread out His reign of love, with all the values of the kingdom.”

U.S. bishops endorse 3 sainthood causes; vote moves process up BALTIMORE — The U.S. bishops Nov. 17 endorsed the sainthood causes of a Spanish missionary regarded as a mystic who served in the American Southwest, a Native American and his companions who were martyred in colonial Florida, and a Pennsylvania native who in 1974 became the first quadriplegic priest to be ordained for the Catholic Church. The bishops’ action came in a voice vote at the end of a canonically required consultation that took place the second day of their bishops’ annual fall general assembly in Baltimore. Their endorsement was needed for the causes to move forward. The three sainthood candidates are Father Aloysius Ellacuria, a Claretian Missionary priest; Antonia Cuipa and more than 80 companions; and Augustinian Father William Atkinson. Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez presented the cause of Father Ellacuria, a 20th-century priest from the Basque region of Spain whose ministry was primarily in Los Angeles, San Diego and Phoenix. The priest, who died in 1981, founded a religious congregation named the Missionaries of Perpetual Adoration, later referred to as the Missionaries of Fatima, reflecting his devotion to the message of Our Lady of Fatima. He was known for spending long periods of time visiting and consoling the sick and dying and also is described as having an extraordinary gift for attracting vocations.

— Catholic News Service

Our world 22

catholicnewsherald.com | December 4, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

In Brief Honor your martyrs by putting faith into action, pope tells Ugandans KAMPALA, Uganda — As Pope Francis encouraged Ugandan Christians to draw inspiration from the 19th-century Ugandan Martyrs, he carried with him graphic images of the horrors the 45 Anglican and Catholic martyrs endured. The pope made an early morning visit Nov. 28 to the Anglican shrine and museum located on the site where many of the martyrs died. The main exhibit features realistic statues of men being tortured, bound and thrown on a fire.

Pope Francis had a look of shock on his face as Anglican Archbishop Stanley Ntagali of Uganda explained how the martyrs were executed on the orders of King Mwanga II in the late 1800s. Afterward, the pope celebrated a Mass outside the nearby Catholic shrine to the martyrs. In his homily, Pope Francis honored all the martyrs, noting that they shared the same faith in Jesus and they offer a witness to “the ecumenism of blood.”

Pope in Bangui: Open the doors of mercy, counter violence with love BANGUI, Central African Republic — Put down the weapons of war and work for justice, Pope Francis urged the people of the Central African Republic. “Even when the powers of hell are unleashed, Christians must rise to the summons, their heads held high, and be ready to brave blows in this battle over which God will have the last word. And that word will be love and peace,” the pope said in an evening homily Nov. 29 at Bangui’s cathedral. A civil war that began in 2013 and ongoing outbursts of violence, including between mainly Muslim and mainly Christian militias, have sown terror in the Central African Republic, already on most lists of the five poorest countries in Africa. A fifth of the country’s population has fled abroad or is living in camps for displaced people.

Explaining to people outside the Bangui cathedral that their city was, for the day, “the spiritual capital of the world,” Pope Francis prayed for the mercy and grace of peace as he used both hands and his body weight to push open the Holy Door of the cathedral.

Marking the first Sunday of Advent at the Mass with priests, religious, catechists and youths, Pope Francis urged the Catholic community to be committed to helping the country make a new start.

Pope ends Kenya visit defending rights of poor, denouncing tribalism NAIROBI, Kenya — The wealth of residents of the poorest neighborhoods ringing big cities around the world will never be quoted on the stock exchange, even though their wealth gives life and joy to millions of people, Pope Francis said. The pope began his day Nov. 27 in Nairobi’s Kangemi neighborhood, usually referred to as a slum. It features tiny dwellings made of cinder block, tin or reclaimed boards. The homes are jumbled together with dirt roads and paths running between them. Residents were thrilled not only that the pope would take time to visit them, but that the government fixed several of the roads, installed some street lights and unblocked some water pipes in preparation for the pope’s visit. Exact figures vary, but between 55 percent and 65 percent of Nairobi’s population lives in the slums. Many have no drinking water, electricity, sewage system or regular garbage collection.

Belief in God seen in respect, unity, service, pope says in Nairobi NAIROBI, Kenya — Respect, unity and service are the foundations of a strong family, a solid democracy and a healthy response to the gift of faith – any faith, Pope Francis told the people of Kenya. Meeting ecumenical and interreligious leaders, celebrating a large outdoor Mass and greeting priests, religious and seminarians in Nairobi Nov. 26, Pope Francis insisted faith means serving one’s fellow human beings. The pope’s day began early on the rainy morning with an intimate meeting with 40 representatives of Kenya’s Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh and Buddhist communities, as well as with a Masai elder and other leaders of communities that have maintained their traditional African beliefs. During the meeting in the Vatican nunciature, Pope Francis remembered the terrorist attacks on Kenya’s Westgate Mall in 2013, Garissa University College in April and Mandera in July, and urged a common recognition that “the God who we seek to serve is a God of peace.”

— Catholic News Service

CNS | Paul Haring

Pope Francis greets children as he visits a refugee camp in Bangui, Central African Republic, Nov. 29.

At Bangui mosque and Mass, pope prays for ‘salam,’ peace Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

BANGUI, Central African Republic — Pope Francis ended his visit to the violence-torn Central African Republic with cries for peace and pleas for a mercy that seeks and grants forgiveness.

In a country where political and ethnic rivalries also have split the population along religious lines, Pope Francis began Nov. 30 with a visit to the Koudoukou mosque in Bangui.

After two years of civil war, much of the recurrent violence in the country involves the murder of a Christian or a Muslim, then retaliations from members of the other community. Most areas of Bangui are divided into Christian or Muslim neighborhoods with “buffer zones” between them patrolled by U.N. peacekeepers.

“God is peace, ‘salam,’” the pope said in his speech at the mosque, where armed U.N. peacekeepers monitored the crowd outside from each of the three minarets.

“Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters,” created by the same God, he said, and they must act like it.

“Together, we must say no to hatred, to revenge and to violence, particularly that violence which is perpetrated in the name of a religion or of God Himself,” Pope Francis insisted.

“The recent events and acts of violence which have shaken your country were not grounded in properly religious motives,” he said, but some have used God’s name as an excuse for their actions, which “disfigures the face of God.” Pope Francis prayed that the elections scheduled for Dec. 27 would be a symbol and victory of national unity rather than being seen as the victory of one particular faction.

“Make your country a welcoming home for all its children, regardless of their ethnic origin, political affiliation or religious confession,” the pope urged the people.

Tidiani Moussa Naibi, the imam of the mosque, assured the pope that Central African Christians and

Muslims know that they are brothers and sisters.

“Trouble mongers could delay the completion of a particular project of common interest or compromise for a time a particular activity, but never, ‘inshallah,’ (God willing) can they destroy the bonds of brotherhood that unite our communities so solidly.”

After the speeches, Pope Francis asked the imam to show him the mihrab, which indicates the direction of Mecca, the direction Muslims face when praying. The pope and imam stood in front of it for several moments of silence.

The Catholic archbishop of Bangui, the president of the country’s evangelical Christian alliance and another imam have been leading a very public campaign of education and cooperation to end the violence. The three were present at the mosque for the pope’s visit.

Afterward, the pope visited the camp for displaced people that has sprouted around the mosque, just as other camps have mushroomed around the city’s Catholic parishes.

To show just how special the visit was, Pope Francis personally opened the Holy Door at Bangui’s cathedral Nov. 29, nine days before the official opening of the Year of Mercy.

The last event on the pope’s schedule was a Mass in a sports stadium, where he urged the Catholic community to participate in the Year of Mercy by moving forward courageously toward peace and reconciliation.

The country’s bishops chose “Cross to the Other Side” as the theme for the pope’s visit, and he told people in the stadium that even though the elections are only four weeks away, they are still only in midstream in their journey to the side of peace.

All Christians, he said, need to break the habits of sin and division, which are “ever ready to rise up again at the prompting of the devil. How often this happens in our world and in these times of conflict, hate and war! How easy it is to be led into selfishness, distrust, violence, destructiveness, vengeance, indifference to and exploitation of those who are most vulnerable.”

December 4, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief Year of Mercy, Christmas, New Year prayers fill pope’s calendar VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis’ calendar of Masses and prayer services for December and January are a combination of annual Advent and Christmas celebrations and added events for the beginning of the Year of Mercy. In St. Peter’s Basilica Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis will celebrate Mass and open the Holy Door, ushering in the Year of Mercy with its emphasis on repentance, forgiveness and the need to go into the world sharing God’s mercy. The same afternoon, he will make the traditional trip to the square by the Spanish Steps in central Rome to lay flowers at the base of a statue of the Immaculate Conception and offer prayers.

As he did in 2014 and as Pope Benedict XVI did in 2011, Pope Francis will celebrate Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12.

The next morning, he will celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran and will open the Holy Door there. U.S. Cardinal James M. Harvey, archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, will preside over the opening of the Holy Door at St. Paul’s Dec. 13, the Vatican said.

Vatican Nativity scene, tree to be unveiled early for jubilee VATICAN CITY — The Christmas tree and Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square will be set up and unveiled earlier than usual this year to be ready for the opening of the Year of Mercy. In preparation for the extraordinary event, which begins Dec. 8 with the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican workmen broke through the masonry that had walled off the door. Cardinal Angelo Comastri, archpriest of the basilica, led a small ceremony that included prayers and a procession Nov. 17, the eve of the anniversary of the basilica’s dedication in 1626.

Four Vatican workmen then used a pickax to break through a portion of the wall that covers the Holy Door from inside the basilica. They removed a sealed metal box that, in keeping with tradition, had been embedded in the wall at the end of the Jubilee Year of 2000. The zinc box, which was opened with a blowtorch, contained the keys and handles for opening the holy door, commemorative medals and a papal gold coin marking the last Holy Year.

Climate deal must be transformative, papal envoy tells leaders in Paris VATICAN CITY — Heads of state discussing carbon emission limits must create a global and “transformative” agreement built on justice, solidarity and fairness, a papal representative told the U.N. climate conference in Paris. Pope Francis has said “it would be tragic” if special interests “manipulated information” and won out over the common good, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said Nov. 30.

The cardinal delivered a speech on behalf of the pope during the Nov. 30-Dec. 11 Conference of Parties, or COP21, in Paris. The Vatican released a copy of the speech Dec. 1. A global agreement must have three interrelated goals in mind: “alleviate the impact of climate change, fight poverty and let the dignity of the human person flourish,” the cardinal said in a speech delivered in French. A meaningful global pact must be guided by a clear ethical vision that sees all of humanity as belonging to one human family, and has “no room for the so-called globalization of indifference,” he said.

causing a serious situation that leads to selecting to educate only “supermen” chosen solely based on intelligence or wealth, Pope Francis said. “Behind this, there is always the ghost of money -- always,” he said. Education has become “too selective and elitist. It seems that only those people or persons who are at a certain level or have a certain capacity have the right to an education.” The pope held an impromptu question-and-answer session Nov. 21 during an audience with more than 2,000 participants in a conference marking the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration on Christian Education and the 25th anniversary of “Ex Corde Ecclesiae,” St. John Paul II’s apostolic constitution on Catholic universities. Taking questions from administrators and faculty members, the pope spoke about Catholic identity in education and warned about the dangers of exclusion and educating within “the walls” of a selective and safe culture. Educating that is too

focused on the tangible and ignores the spiritual dimension of existence is “the biggest crisis” facing Christian education, he said.

Vatican Christmas stamps feature painting of Holy Family VATICAN CITY — This year’s Vatican Christmas stamps feature a 15th-century manuscript illumination of the Holy Family. Flanked by a lowing ox and a donkey, Mary and Joseph pray over baby Jesus as angels sing above and poor shepherds approach. The image, painted by an unknown artist, is from the Codices Urbinates Latini 239 (1477-1478) from the Vatican Library.

The special edition stamps went on sale Nov. 19 in two denominations of 80 euro cents and 95 euro cents in sheets of 10.

— Catholic News Service

‘VatiLeaks’ trial rescheduled VATICAN CITY — A Vatican trial against two Italian journalists, a Spanish monsignor and two others was postponed for one week after the court allowed one of the defendants to change lawyers. On what was to be the criminal trial’s first day of testimonies by the defendants Nov. 30, the Vatican court granted a request by one of the accused to have a new lawyer and receive more time to prepare for the case. The proceedings began with the presiding judge, Giuseppe Dalla Torre, stating the request by Francesca Chaouqui, a member of the former Pontifical Commission for Reference on the Organization of the Economic-Administrative Structure of the Holy See. Dalla Torre, along with three other Vatican judges, deliberated for 10 minutes before granting her request and announcing the trial would resume Dec. 7.

Along with Chaouqui, the defendants present were: Spanish Msgr. Lucio Angel Vallejo Balda, secretary of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See; Nicola Maio, who served as personal assistant to Msgr. Vallejo Balda when he worked on the commission; and the journalists, Gianluigi Nuzzi, author of “Merchants in the Temple,” and Emiliano Fittipaldi, author of “Avarice.”

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Education is too selective, elitist, pope says VATICAN CITY — The educational alliance among families, schools and states is broken,

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 4, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

MURAL

SOAR

FROM PAGE 7

FROM PAGE 5

what he wanted to do, it became a special project to me because the inspiration for the composition is one of my favorite paintings (the Ghent Altarpiece). It became a personal challenge.

“I’m going to miss having this in my studio… As I took it down when I was leaving, there were only big blank walls… I worked on it for a good year and a half. Some of it seems like it went quickly ‒ the fun parts like painting the figures ‒ but there were so many details that you had to do to make everything work together, and that was time consuming.”

Hattermann, who is Lutheran, particularly likes the image of St. Louis sueann howell | catholic news herald and shared that the Father Timothy Reid elevates the chalice containing Paschal Lamb is his the Precious Blood during the dedication Mass Nov. favorite part of the 18 at St. Ann Church. The image of the Paschal Lamb mural. shedding His blood (in the background) is the focal “He’s looking point of the new apse mural. straight at you. He’s very serious,” he noted about the Paschal Lamb. “As an artist, there’s no better place for your work (than in a church). It has meaning for people and it’s meaningful to me as a means of expression. It’s meant to inspire the faithful.”

Father Reid echoed these remarks during his homily at the Mass dedicating the new mural.

“Truly, there’s much inspiration to be found in learning about the lives of the saints, for each saint is a living embodiment of the Sacred Scriptures,” he explained. “The life of each saint is a catechism that points out to us how to live our Catholic faith. By their fidelity to the faith and by their heroic virtue, each of the saints invites our emulation and marks out for us the sure and certain path up that steep, narrow and rocky path to heaven.”

Tom and Tracy Heath, who have been parishioners of St. Ann Church since last summer, attended the dedication liturgy with their children. They took the opportunity Father Reid gave people to walk up close to the mural after Mass.

“It’s beautiful,” Tracy Heath said. “It doesn’t look like it’s new.

It looks like it’s always been there. It blends in so well with the architecture of the church. The church was beautiful to start with, but it amazes me how much more beautiful it is now.”

Her husband Tom shared which saint he was drawn to: “I’m partial to St. Thomas Aquinas.” And their children also loved seeing the images of St. Francis, St. Pio, St. Thérèse and St. Ambrose.

Long-time parishioners Bonnie and Scott Wheeler sponsored the image of St. Martin de Porres. “Of the sketches that I saw of the saints, he was the only one that I identified as a minority,” Scott said, which was why he selected him.

“I’m grateful that everyone here is so taken by it, in that they see the beauty in it and they are so grateful for it,” Father Reid said after Mass. “The main thing I have gotten from people tonight is that they are just grateful for such a beautiful piece of art – not only in our parish, but in our city at large.

“My personal hope is that all who look upon this mural will develop an even deeper love and appreciation for the saints and all that they do for us… I hope lots of people from outside the parish will come in and see this and take it in.

“I really hope that it draws people closer to Our Lord, closer to our saints. And, as I said earlier tonight in my homily, I hope by having this vision of heaven ever before us, that we’ll strive even harder to get there.”

1988, Bishop Curlin was known for his outreach to Washington’s poor and homeless and for serving as chaplain at the Gift of Peace convent, where Blessed Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity care for people with AIDS and other terminal illnesses.

Addressing the guests at the SOAR dinner, Bishop Curlin remembered a lesson he learned from Blessed Teresa of Kolkata after he visited her at that facility, and she invited him to care for a man dying of leprosy. She told him, “Father, don’t look with your eyes. If you look with your heart, you’ll see Jesus.”

Bishop Curlin, Charlotte’s bishop from 1994 to 2002, founded the Diocese of Charlotte’s Housing Corp., and Curlin Commons, an affordable senior apartment community, is named in his honor.

Speaking about the need to support retired religious, the bishop noted a tragic story he had read about four elderly sisters now living in public housing, because they had no one to support them. He said the nation’s Catholics owe a debt of gratitude to women and men religious. “They brought us closer to Jesus Christ.”

Those religious “who helped us over the years ... are still in our midst,” he said.

In conclusion, Bishop Curlin repeated Blessed Teresa’s message that still guides his life: “Look with your heart. You’ll see Jesus everywhere.”

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Awards for outstanding leadership and generosity in the Catholic community were presented to Patricia McGuire, president of Trinity Washington University, and John Treseler, a Washington business executive.

The awards are named for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, the first religious community for women established in the United States, and started a Catholic school in the early 1800s that became a forerunner to the nation’s parochial school system. Today her legacy continues in the work of six religious communities with more than 5,000 members who staff or sponsor schools, social service centers and hospitals across the United

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos of St. Ann’s new mural as well as a key to each saint portrayed in the scene.

MERCY FROM PAGE 12

the world to forgive even the most serious of sins, said Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, the office organizing events for the Year of Mercy.

The yearlong jubilee also will include several individual jubilee days, such as for the Roman Curia, catechists, teenagers and prisoners.

The motto, “Merciful Like the Father,” Archbishop Fisichella said, “serves as an invitation to follow the merciful example of the Father who asks us not to judge or condemn but to forgive and to give love and forgiveness without measure.”

The archbishop emphasized the importance of living the Holy Year as “a true pilgrimage” with the proper elements of prayer and sacrifice.

More than a dozen individual jubilee celebrations

RETIREMENT FROM PAGE 5

and promotion of the appeal.

“We are overwhelmed by the ongoing generosity shown this appeal,” said Sister Bader. “Since the fund was launched in 1988, Catholics have donated $755 million to assist religious communities in caring for their elder members.”

In addition to providing financial assistance, the NRRO offers education and resources that help

States and around the world. In 1975, Mother Seton became the first native-born U.S. citizen to be canonized.

“The sisters who sacrificed so much for us deserve our support,” said McGuire, who became the first lay president of her alma mater in 1989.

The school is sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, a religious community marking its 175th anniversary in the United States this year.

“Like Mother Seton who changed the world by founding America’s first Catholic schools,” she said, “the Sisters of Notre Dame changed the world for women by founding one of the first Catholic colleges for women at Trinity in 1897.”

In the 1990s, when it faced declining enrollment and financial challenges, McGuire said Trinity looked to the vision and faith of the sisters who founded the college, and transformed the school in a way that continues its historic mission.

Today, Trinity has a student body that is 95 percent African-American and Latina, she said, with a majority of those students from the District of Columbia, “women who have known great marginalization and deep poverty, student who are striving to rise beyond these circumstances to make better lives for their children and families.”

Treseler is executive vice president of the John C. Grimberg Co., a local engineering and contracting firm. He is an active member of St. Mary Parish in Rockville, Md. He also currently is president of the business network at Jesuit-run Gonzaga College High School in Washington and is on the board of trustees for Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in Washington, which is sponsored by the Sisters of the Visitation.

Treseler said his faith has deepened because of the example of women religious. “We here in this room are the families of aging religious,” he added.

Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, an Immaculate Heart of Mary sister, who is president of SOAR, said the evening’s dinner raised $350,000.

The organization and its fundraising efforts are separate from the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection administered by the National Religious Retirement Office, which is also in Washington and based at the U.S. bishops’ headquarters.

are scheduled in 2016, such as a jubilee for consecrated men and women Feb. 2 to close the Year of Consecrated Life; a jubilee for the Roman Curia Feb. 22; a jubilee for those devoted to the spirituality of Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday April 3; and separate jubilees for teenagers; for deacons; priests; the sick and disabled; and catechists.

A jubilee for “workers and volunteers of mercy” will be celebrated on Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata’s feast day Sept. 5 and a jubilee for prisoners will be celebrated Nov. 6.

The Vatican is asking bishops and priests around the world to conduct “similar symbolic gestures of communion with Pope Francis” and his vision of reaching out to those on the margins.

— Catholic News Service

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read Pope Francis’ papal bull “Misericordiae Vultus” (“The Face of Mercy”) announcing the Jubilee Year of Mercy, and see a video of Pope Francis explaining why he has called for the jubilee year

religious communities stretch retirement dollars and plan for future needs. Strategic partnerships with various organizations further these efforts.

For example, support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is underwriting the creation of programming and materials that promote the effective management and/or divestment of outdated congregational properties.

“We remain committed to ensuring the broadest and most beneficial use of donations to the Retirement Fund for Religious,” said Sister Bader.

Learn more at www.retiredreligious.org.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter.

The National Religious Retirement Office contributed.

December 4, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

DOORS FROM PAGE 12

occasionally a special jubilee is proclaimed to mark an outstanding event. The custom of these so-called “extraordinary” jubilees began in the 16th century. There have been 26 “ordinary” holy years so far, the last one being the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000.

There have been two extraordinary jubilees in the last century: 1933, proclaimed by Pope Pius XI to mark the 1,900th anniversary of Christ’s redemption, and 1983, proclaimed by St. John Paul II to mark 1,950 years since the redemption.

What is the Holy Door?

The Holy Door, symbolizing the doorway of salvation, marks the “extraordinary” spiritual passage offered the faithful during a jubilee year. There are only seven Holy Doors: four at the major basilicas in Rome and one each in France, Spain and Canada.

In Catholic tradition, the Holy Door represents the passage to salvation – the path to a new and eternal life, which was opened to humanity by Jesus.

The door is also a symbol of Mary – the mother, the dwelling of the Lord – and she, too, always has open arms and is ready to welcome the children of God home. Pope Francis will open the door for the Year of Mercy on Dec. 8, the feast of Mary’s immaculate conception.

But the door especially represents Christ Himself – the one and only way to eternal life.

As Jesus said, according to the Gospel of John (10:9), “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.”

Pope Martin V, in 1423, opened the Holy Door in the Basilica of St. John Lateran for the first time for a jubilee. Next, Pope Alexander VI called for all four Holy Doors in Rome to be opened at Christmas in 1499 for the Jubilee of 1500.

Some have found meaning in the fact that Jesus had five wounds and St. Peter’s Basilica has five doors. Opening the Holy Door recalls the piercing of Jesus’ side from which poured forth blood and water, the source of regeneration for humanity. The Holy Door of St. Peter’s, in fact, is decorated with 16 bronze panels depicting the story of Jesus, in His

TALK FROM PAGE 13

is now a time of jubilee. It’s a time of hope.”

With Christ’s Passion, death and resurrection, He “assumes His throne of mercy, which is nothing less than the cross,” he continued. “What is the act of the cross? It’s an act of mercy. It’s the act of taking up the debt of someone who’s been offended.”

The cross is the ultimate expression of mercy, he noted, and when Christ asks His followers to pick up their crosses and follow Him, He’s essentially asking them to do as He has done: “to pick up the burden of forgiving.”

To pick up one’s cross, Christians must have the disposition to forgive. “We have to become merciful as our Father is merciful,” he said, regardless of whether the offending person repents or not.

But mercy is not easy, he said. “Mercy is not cheap. Mercy comes at something of a price.”

Justice demands that there’s a consequence to sin. When someone commits a sin, they create a debt to the person they offended, to God and to themselves, he said.

The sinner feels those consequences through guilt and the pain of contrition.

The sacrament of confession and acts of restitution can relieve those burdens, but we can never repay fully our debt to God, he

mercy, seeking His lost sheep.

The Holy Year traditionally begins with the opening of the Holy Door to represent a renewed opportunity to encounter or grow closer to Jesus, who calls everyone to redemption.

That is why passing through a Holy Door is part of a longer process of sacrifice and conversion required for receiving an indulgence granted during a Holy Year.

What is an indulgence?

As a way to stress the importance of forgiveness and renewing one’s relationship with God, plenary indulgences are offered during holy years.

A plenary indulgence, the remission of temporal punishment due to sin, is customarily granted to those who make a pilgrimage to Rome and fulfill certain other conditions: reception of the sacraments of penance and the Eucharist, visits and prayers for the intention of the pope and performing simple acts such as visiting the sick.

Besides these conditions, to gain the jubilee indulgence you must: cross through a Holy Door or Door of Mercy, and stop in for prayer and pray the Profession of Faith and perhaps the Jubilee Prayer of Pope Francis.

Those who do not make a pilgrimage to Rome can gain the indulgence by receiving penance and the Eucharist and praying for the pope during a visit or local celebration in a church designated by the local bishop.

What is a papal bull?

Pope Francis announced the jubilee year with the papal bull “Misericordiae Vultus” (“The Face of Mercy”).

“The term bull – from the Latin ‘bulla’ meaning ‘bubble’ or, more generally, a rounded object – originally indicated the metal capsule used to protect the wax seal attached with a cord to a document of particular importance to attest to its authenticity and, as a consequence, its authority,” notes the Vatican press office.

“Over time, the term began to be used first to indicate the seal, then the document itself, so that nowadays it is used for all papal documents of special importance that bear, or at least traditionally would have borne, the pontiff’s seal.”

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JULIET STEVENSON said. We must rely upon His mercy and love.

“No wonder we’re constantly thanking Him.” Doing penance enables the sinner to restore relationship with God. “Contrition hurts! The pain of regret is so awful. But all of us who’ve been through it know that it will end,” he said.

The offended person also carries the burden of having been wronged, he noted.

Mercy can be painful, because it requires the offended person to forgive the person who wronged them in the first place.

Mercy, he emphasized, is “a twist on justice. The one who’s paying the price is the one who’s offended.”

And, he added, “it is as painful as what the cross looks like.”

Christ had to suffer and die for our sins, he continued. “There’s a necessity to the cross. There is a consequence to human sinfulness. It can’t be glossed over, it can’t be washed away, it can’t be forgotten. We can’t have ‘abracadabra.’”

“We live in the time of mercy, but one day we will live in the time of justice,” Father Winslow also noted.

At the end of time, Christ the King will sit on His throne and administer justice at the Last Judgment – separating the sheep from the goats, the wheat from the chaff, as He told the disciples.

Then, Father Winslow said, “The time for mercy will be complete. Everyone will either have made a decision to accept His mercy, or not.”

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 4, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Dr. Kamila Valenta

Welcoming Syrian refugees could make our country safer

T

Protecting God’s Children We proclaim Christ to the world around us by our efforts to provide a safe environment for all people, especially the young and the vulnerable.

In 2002, the bishops of the United States issued the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The charter addresses the Church’s commitment to respond effectively, appropriately and compassionately to cases of abuse of minors by priests, deacons or other church personnel.

DIOCESAN REQUIREMENTS FOR REPORTING MINISTRY-RELATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR 1. Any individual having actual knowledge of or reasonable cause to suspect an incident of ministry-related sexual abuse is to immediately report the incident to the Chancery.

2. The Chancery will then report the incident to the proper civil authorities. The individual reporting the incident to the Chancery will be notified of the particulars regarding the Chancery’s filing of the incident with civil authorities.

3. This reporting requirement is not intended to supersede the right of an individual to make a report to civil authorities, but is to ensure proper, complete and timely reporting.

Should an individual choose to make a report to civil authorities, a report is still to be made to the Chancery.

The charter can be found on the diocesan website, Charlottediocese.org, click on the tab, “Safe Environment.”

he recent refugee crisis in Europe, coupled with the terrorist attacks in Paris, Beirut and other cities around the world, has spurred a heated debate over our reaction to these events – mainly whether the United States should accept more refugees from Syria.

While Church leaders have repeatedly asserted our moral obligation to help refugee families in need, some politicians have warned of the potential danger of terrorist attacks on our soil if we are too generous in resettling Syrian refugees here. More than 30 governors have expressed unwillingness to accept refugees and members of Congress passed a resolution that would halt further acceptance of these people in the U.S. As a consequence, many Christians are faced with the dilemma of supporting the intake of refugees out of our Christian generosity on the one hand, and supporting stricter limits to immigration out of our responsibility to protect the American population from terrorist violence on the other. However, this perceived dilemma is largely the result of misinformation and unfounded fears. There is reason to believe that accepting more Syrian refugees could actually make our country safer.

Evidence suggests that refugees are no threat to American citizens and do not increase the likelihood of a future terrorist attack. To be granted refugee status, a person must go through a screening process that involves the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the FBI, the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and other national intelligence agencies – each of which reviews candidates independently in a thorough screening process which takes 1-3 years, all while the refugee applicant remains outside the U.S. This screening process has proven very effective. Since 2001, the U.S. has accepted approximately 800,000 refugees from around the world, and only three people have been charged with a connection to a terrorist group abroad (according to the Migration Policy Institute, Washington, D.C.). None of the persons admitted through the U.S. refugee screening process have actually committed or conspired to commit an act of terrorism on American soil. In addition, the Migration Policy Institute and the Pew Research Center both consistently show that refugees and other legal immigrants living here commit significantly fewer crimes than native-born Americans.

The vast majority of terrorists tend to be home-grown citizens from marginalized communities in their native countries. Those terrorists who were born outside the U.S. and committed crimes in our country usually traveled here on student or tourist visas – a much easier way for them to enter the U.S. than going through the very lengthy refugee

screening process. Furthermore, in this globalized world, terrorist attacks tend to be organized from outside the target countries, and thus the terrorist masterminds have no need to ever cross American borders. They usually connect with radicalized citizens but not with refugees, who have their own horrific experiences with these groups from which they are trying to flee.

Accepting Syrian refugees will not only not increase the risk of a terrorist attack in our country, it will most likely help fight terrorism and defeat ISIS. It is the strategy of Islamic extremist groups such as ISIS to recruit as many Muslims as possible and to frame their conflict in terms of Islam versus the West. Rejecting refugees fleeing from war-torn countries just plays into their perverted narrative.

The best strategy for winning any war is to maximize the amount of allies and to minimize the number of enemies.

By integrating peaceful and desperate Muslims into our societies, we would be doing exactly that, and at the same time isolating these terrorist organizations. By accepting them and integrating them into our society, we are giving them the chance to start new lives in peace and freedom, and they become less motivated to join terrorist groups out of fear and desperation.

Furthermore, to effectively fight the international threat of terrorism, America cannot stand alone. We desperately need to strengthen alliances with other countries.

Our European partners are overwhelmed with the numbers of refugees and asylum seekers streaming into their countries, which has prompted serious security and humanitarian concerns. By welcoming our share of refugees, we will strengthen our international credibility and show our commitment to leading the global fight against terrorism. We cannot be a credible world partner, much less a leader, if we do not share in the effort to alleviate this crisis caused by the massive exodus of desperate people seeking safety from the violence of these extremist groups.

There are two very compelling reasons for welcoming them with open arms.

First, it is our basic moral obligation to aid desperate people who are escaping violence in their homelands. As Christians, it should be easy for us to identify with the plight of the Syrian refugees, especially at this time of year when we commemorate the Holy Family fleeing to safety in Egypt.

Second, accepting more Syrian refugees and providing them with a new future is the best and most effective political strategy to fight terrorism and make our country safer over the long run.

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

December 4, 2015 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Parish spotlight

Breaking bread at St. Vincent de Paul Church Dr. Gerard Carter

We are called to serve the most vulnerable among us

O

n Dec. 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, we begin a Holy Year focused on a hallmark theme of this papacy – the boundless mercy of God, “Be merciful just as your Father is merciful” (Lk 6:36). In announcing an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy throughout the world, Pope Francis promulgated in the papal bull, “Misericordiae Vultus”: “It is my burning desire that, during this Jubilee, the Christian people may reflect on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. It will be a way to reawaken our conscience, too often grown dull in the face of poverty.

And let us enter more deeply into the heart of the Gospel where the poor have a special experience of God’s mercy. Jesus introduces us to these works of mercy in his preaching so that we can know whether or not we are living as his disciples. Let us rediscover these corporal works of mercy: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead.”

During this Year of Mercy, Catholic Charities will engage in a number of activities to share how, working together, our diocesan faith community carries out the work of mercy and charity for the most vulnerable in our midst.

Our work during the Year of Mercy continues many decades of services across our diocese. Last year, for example, your contributions to the Diocesan Support Appeal, individual donations and the support of parishes enabled Catholic Charities’ staff and volunteers to serve more than 19,000 of our poorest neighbors in need. In very real terms, the local Church helped feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome Catholic Charities partnered with St. Matthew Church to distribute bins of Thanksgiving food Nov. 23 to 100 Charlotte families in need.

St. Thomas Aquinas Church also brought 20 bins. Each reusable bin contained food used to make a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and other staples. Families also received a $20 gift card to a local grocery store to buy turkey, ham and other perishable foods. Many other Charlotte area parishes made donations to the food pantry during the week for the Thanksgiving holiday, including St. Gabriel, St. Joseph Vietnamese and St. Ann. Catholic Charities also supports parish holiday outreach efforts at St. John Neumann, Our Lady of Consolation, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of the Americas parishes with turkeys, food bins and gift cards.

Photo provided by Kathleen Durkin, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

the stranger, heal the sick and bury the dead.

Our website, www.ccdoc.org, contains information about the number of clients served in various programs, the geographic locations of our offices, and the use of funds as demonstrated by our annual audit.

Those disclosures are a critical element of transparency by permitting you, our partners in mercy and charity, to better understand how their beneficence was put to work last year in this ministry.

But even more important to me during this jubilee year is the expression of deep humility and exceptional pride in the professional staff and dedicated volunteers who, through the financial sacrifices of our benefactors and supporters, are able to perform works of mercy and charity under the auspices of the Church in the Diocese of Charlotte. Although we are all called to do more and to be more closely conformed to the call of the Gospel, it is abundantly clear from countless interactions I have that our faith community is filled with so many people of faith and good will who do “reflect on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy” and who have not “grown dull in the face of poverty” but respond to the poor and marginalized among us with generosity, kindness and compassion.

Those whom we are privileged to serve are the concrete recipients of reawakened consciences I witness every day in this ministry.

I close with a request for your prayers that Catholic Charities always reflect the love of God through our combined works of mercy and charity.

Dr. Gerard A. Carter is the executive director and chief executive officer of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE — On Nov. 26, a special bilingual Mass for Thanksgiving was offered at St. Vincent de Paul Church, after which Father Mark Lawlor and Deacon John Kopfle handed out loaves of sourdough bread to parish families.

Photos by Travis Burton, T O Squared Photography | Catholic News Herald

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 4, 2015 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD