May 6, 2011

May 6, 2011

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

A DAY OF THANKSGIVING More than 1 million people gather in Rome for Blessed John Paul II’s beatification, 20-21

FUNDED by the parishioners of the diocese of charlotte

Arrivals of refugees slowed by feds, 5

Catholic Social Services Week 2011

THANK YOU!

The local arm of Catholic Charities USA showcases ways to become the “bread that is broken” in service to others,

12-13 Calendar 4 Diocese 3-13

FAITH 2

mix 16

nation & World 18-21 Schools 14-15

Charlotte’s New Creation Monastery A place of prayer and peace for Father John Vianney Hoover, who is marking 35 years as a priest this month,

8-9 Viewpoints 22-24

Call us: 704-370-3333 E-mail us: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

Our faith

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | May 6, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Damien of Molokai’s life of sacrifice remembered May 10

Pope Benedict XVI

Prayer is natural part of human life

P

eople of every epoch and in every culture have prayed because human beings have always recognized that there is something greater than themselves in the universe, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“Human life is a mix of good and bad, of undeserved suffering and of joy and beauty, which spontaneously and irresistibly push us to ask God for light and interior strength,” to save us in this life and assure us that there is life beyond the grave, the pope said May 4 at his weekly general audience.

Under a banner of Blessed Pope John Paul II still hanging from the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Benedict began a new series of audience talks about prayer.

“We want to learn to live more intensely our relationship with the Lord” through prayer, he said. “Even those very advanced in the spiritual life feel a constant need to put themselves in the school of Jesus to learn how to pray.”

Every prayer shows two basic truths about a person: his or her experience of a need for help, and his or her “extraordinary dignity” as a being “able to enter into communion with God.” The desire for a relationship with God is “inscribed on every human heart,” he said, and the keys to entering into such a relationship are found in the Bible. It is only “in Jesus that human beings become able to draw close to God with the depth and intimacy of sons and daughters.”

“Let us ask the Lord to enlighten our minds and hearts so that our relationship with Him in prayer will be increasingly intense, affectionate and constant.”

Benjamin Mann Catholic News Agency

The Church will remember St. Damien of Molokai May 10. The Belgian priest sacrificed his life and health to become a spiritual father to the victims of leprosy quarantined on a Hawaiian island.

Joseph de Veuser, who later took the name Damien in religious life, was born into a farming family in the Belgian town of Tremlo in 1840. During his youth he felt a calling to become a Catholic missionary, an urge that prompted him to join the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Damien’s final vows to the congregation involved a dramatic ceremony in which his superiors draped him in the cloth that would be used to cover his coffin after death. The custom was meant to symbolize the young man’s solemn commitment, and his identification with Christ’s own death. For Damien, the event would become more significant, as he would go on to lay down his life for the lepers of Molokai.

His superiors intended to send Damien’s brother, a member of the same congregation, to Hawaii. But he became sick, so Damien arranged to take his place. Damien arrived in Honolulu in 1864, less than a century after Europeans had begun to establish a presence in Hawaii. He was ordained a priest the same year.

When he had been a priest for nine years, Father Damien responded to his bishop’s call for priests to serve on the leper colony of Molokai.

Their lack of previous exposure to leprosy, which had no treatment at the time, made the Hawaiian natives especially susceptible to the infection.

Molokai became a quarantine center for the victims, who became disfigured and debilitated as the disease progressed. The island had become a wasteland in human terms, despite its natural beauty. The leprosy victims faced hopeless conditions and extreme deprivation, sometimes lacking not only basic palliative care but even the means of survival.

Inwardly, Damien was terrified by the prospect of contracting leprosy himself. However, he knew that he would have to set aside this fear if he were to convey God’s love to the lepers. Other missionaries

A saintly life

had kept the lepers at arms’ length, but Damien chose to immerse himself in their lives and leave the outcome to God. The leprosy victims saw the difference in the new priest’s approach and embraced his efforts to improve their living conditions. A strong man, accustomed to physical labor, Damien performed the Church’s traditional works of mercy – feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and giving proper burial to the dead – in the face of suffering that others could hardly even bear to see.

His work helped to raise up the lepers from their physical sufferings, while also making them aware of their worth as beloved children of God. Although he could not take away the constant presence of death in the leper colony, Damien could change its meaning and inspire hope.

The priest’s devotion to his people, and his activism on their behalf, sometimes alienated him from officials of the Hawaiian kingdom and from his religious superiors in Europe. His mission was not only fateful, but also lonely. He drew strength from Eucharistic adoration and the celebration of the Mass, but longed for another priest to arrive so that he could receive the sacrament of confession regularly.

In December of 1884, Damien discovered that he had lost all feeling in his feet. It was an early but unmistakable sign that he had contracted leprosy.

The priest knew that his time was short, so he began to finish whatever work he could on behalf of the leprosy colony before the diseased robbed him of his eyesight, speech and mobility.

Damien suffered humiliations and personal trials during his final years. An American Protestant minister accused him of scandalous behavior, based on a mistaken belief of the time that leprosy was a sexually transmitted disease.

In the end, priests of his congregation arrived to administer the last sacraments to the dying priest.

In the spring of 1889, Damien told his friends that he believed it was God’s will for him to spend the upcoming Easter not on Molokai, but in heaven. He died of leprosy during Holy Week, on April 15, 1889.

He was beatified in 1995 and Pope Benedict XVI canonized him in 2009.

The facts of faith The meaning of the liturgical colors Joseph Bruck Catholic News Herald

Sometimes the priest wears red, and sometimes the priest wears purple, but more often than not, you’ll most likely see your local representative of Christ wearing green. Is there any meaning or significance behind the different colors of his vestments, or is this just some random fashion movement? A deeper look at the various colors of the priest’s vestments reveals more deliberate purposes: to signal the various seasons in the liturgical year and remind us of the virtues of our faith.

Let’s start with one we’re all familiar with: green. This light and jovial color, commonly worn during Ordinary Time, represents three important Catholic doctrines: the Holy Spirit, the virtue of hope, and the joyous anticipation of eternal life.

White is meant to remind us of such happy truths as light, innocence, purity and joy. It is usually worn on special feast days called solemnities as well as the glorious seasons of Easter and Christmas. Red is a clear indication of martyrdom and our Lord’s Passion.

Violet is used during times of penance, signifying the immaculate virtue of humility.

The final two colors worn by priests are black, for times of mourning and sorrow, as well as rose (not pink!), which indicates pure joy.

Close examination of these symbolic colors reveals a truth about our beautiful faith: there is a profoundly spiritual reason for every element of our worship.

To learn more, go online to Catholic.org.

Your daily Scripture readings SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 8 - MAY 14

Sunday, Acts 2:14, 22-33, 1 Peter 1:17-21, Luke 24:13-35; Monday, Acts 6:8-15, John 6:22-29; Tuesday (St. Damien of Molokai), Acts 7:51-8:1, John 6:30-35; Wednesday, Acts 8:1-8, John 6:35-40; Thursday (Sts. Nereus, Achilleus, and Pancras), Acts 8:26-40, John 6:44-51; Friday (Our Lady of Fatima), Acts 9:1-20, John 6:52-59; Saturday (St. Matthias), Acts 1:15-17, 20-26, John 15:9-17

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 15 - MAY 21

Sunday, Acts 2:14, 36-41, 1 peter 2:20-25, John 10:1-10; Monday, Acts 11:1-18, John 10:11-18; Tuesday, Acts 11;19-26, John 10:2230; Wednesday (St. John I), Acts 12:24-13:5, John 12:44-50; Thursday, Acts 13:13-25, John 13:16-20; Friday (St. Bernadine of Siena), Acts 13:26-33, John 14:1-6; Saturday (St. Christopher Magallanes and Companions), Acts 13:44-52, John 14:7-14

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 22 - MAY 28

Sunday, Acts 6:1-7, 1 Peter 2:4-9, John 14:1-12; Monday, Acts 14:5-18, John 14:21-26; Tuesday, Acts 14:19-28, John 14:27-31; Wednesday (Sts. Bede, Gregory VII, and Mary Magdalene de Pazzi), Acts 15:1-6, John 15:1-8; Thursday (St. Philip Neri), Acts 15:7-21, John 15:9-11; Friday (St. Augustine of Canterbury), Acts 15:22-31, John 15:12-17; Saturday, Acts 16:1-10, John 15:18-21

Our parishes

May 6, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

catholic news heraldI

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New law protects the unborn

In Brief

David Hains Director of Communication

Knights in action BREVARD — When the wife of a Knight of Columbus in the Jack Driscoll Council 8886 in Brevard recently fell and severely broke her leg, there was no way for her to return home to recuperate. In a show of charity, the Knights immediately designed and built a handicap ramp on the house, so she could return home instead of going to a nursing facility.

The Jack Driscoll Council 8886 was also recognized by the American Red Cross recently for being a top blood drive sponsor in the Asheville-Mountain Area of North Carolina. The Knights collected more than 350 pints of blood during their blood drives in 2010. Brother John Flynn, blood drive chairman, reported that for every pint of blood collected, three people benefit, resulting in more than 1,000 individuals being helped by the council.

dAVID hAINS | Catholic News Herald

Bishop Peter J. Jugis gazes at the Blessed Sacrament as he leads a procession to the new Perpetual Adoration chapel at St. Mark Church in Huntersville May 1. For more photos, go to the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel.

New adoration chapel opens at St. Mark Church David Hains Director of Communication

— Grand Knight Marti D. Felker, Council 8886

Organ virtuoso to perform in Charlotte CHARLOTTE — Grammy Award nominee Cameron Carpenter, a 29-year-old organ phenom, will play the dedication concert Monday, May 16, for the new Rodgers Custom Organ installed at St. Gabriel Church. The free concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Following graduation from the Julliard School in 2006, Carpenter, a former North Carolina resident, began a global organ concert tour and recorded his first commercial CD and DVD, “Revolutionary.” He has generated a level of acclaim, exposure and controversy unheard of for an organist.

In 2008, he became the first organist ever nominated for a Grammy. For details, go online to stgabrielchurch.org.

Room At The Inn to be featured on EWTN Room at the Inn will be featured on EWTN’s “Defending Life” in a broadcast tentatively scheduled for 11 p.m. May 12.

In this episode, co-host Janet Morana discusses with RATI’s executive director Jeannie Wray the importance of the new college-based facility that will be built on the grounds of Belmont Abbey. To learn more, go to rati.org.

HUNTERSVILLE — At St. Mark Church in Huntersville, Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is now available for adoration 24/7. On Divine Mercy Sunday, May 1, Bishop Peter J. Jugis carried the Blessed Sacrament from the main church to a new Perpetual Adoration chapel.

Monsignor Richard Bellow, pastor, observed Perpetual Adoration when he served as pastor of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

“My experience is that tremendous blessings came to individuals and to the parish (at St. Gabriel). There is something in the people’s needs that is calling for this,” Monsignor Bellow said.

Bishop Jugis carried the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance donated to the church during a recent building campaign.

The bishop was followed by approximately 250 worshippers who attended a special Divine Mercy Holy Hour at the church.

Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin also attended the Holy Hour.

During his homily Bishop Jugis described the Blessed Sacrament as “a marvelous treasure Jesus has left us. Here He abides among us, and He waits for us to come and spend time with Him, to stop and be refreshed as we continue on our journey.”

St. Mark becomes the third location in the Diocese of Charlotte where Perpetual Adoration is observed.

In addition to St. Gabriel, it is offered at the

Pennybyrn retirement home in High Point.

Edna Corrigan, who coordinates the adorers there, says she has witnessed blessings of health and spiritual growth since 1994 when the adoration began.

The 17th anniversary of the Perpetual Adoration chapel will be celebrated there with a special Mass June 26, the Feast of Corpus Christi.

An adoration chapel on the campus of Belmont Abbey is also available, but not currently around the clock.

Perpetual Adoration is growing in popularity. The most recent statistics come from a 2005 Vatican report to bishops, stating that there are more than 2,500 Perpetual Adoration chapels in the world, with more than 1,100 in the U.S. alone.

Perpetual Adoration requires a great deal of commitment from a parish community.

Two adorers are needed for each hour – 336 adorers every week. At St. Mark more than 500 parishioners, clergy and parish staff members have signed up to participate.

Adoration is available to anyone, even non-Catholics. Monsignor Bellow describes the adoration chapel at St. Mark as a gift to people who live north of Charlotte. He hopes to eventually have more than 1,500 adorers regularly spending time with Our Lord.

Monsignor Bellow said he believes the new Perpetual Adoration chapel will bring the St. Mark community and its 4,300 families into deeper relationships with God. “I hope to see a greater respect for Sunday liturgy. I hope to see a greater respect for each other and for ministry,” he said.

RALEIGH — The Unborn Victims of Violence Act was signed into law by N.C. Governor Bev Perdue April 29.

North Carolina joins 25 other states that provide justice and protection for pregnant women and unborn children.

The law allows prosecutors to charge criminals for two crimes when they kill and injure both a pregnant mother and her unborn child in the course of a crime outside the context of abortion.

To rally support for the bill, Bishop Peter Jugis of the Diocese of Charlotte and Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Raleigh issued two alerts through Catholic Voice NC. In response, more than 1,300 e-mails were sent to all 50 state senators.

In thanking more than 600 Catholic Voice NC participants who responded to the alerts, the bishops stated, “While this is a satisfying victory for Catholic Voice North Carolina, there is more to do in upholding the sanctity of all life.”

The bishops noted that defining the unborn as people with rights is a step in the right direction toward recognition that all life in sacred.

Catholic Voice NC is a non-partisan Web site supported by the state’s two Catholic bishops. It promotes civic involvement in matters related to Church teaching. Learn more at CatholicVoiceNC.org.

Youth Conference set for May 13-15 The Diocesan Office for Youth Ministry will put on the 34th Annual Diocesan Youth Conference May 13-15 at Ridgecrest Conference Center in Black Mountain. The theme of this year’s conference is “Remember – Anamnesis” – a Greek term referring to things we should never forget, with its origin in the words of Christ at the Last Supper: “Do this in memory of Me.” It was chosen to reflect this year’s Eucharistic Congress theme: “Do This in Memory of Me.” The diocesan Youth Advisory Council has been instrumental in planning the event with the diocesan Office for Youth Ministry. It will feature English and Hispanic tracks. Bishop Peter J. Jugis will celebrate Mass at the end of the conference Sunday morning.

For details, call Ruben Tamayo at 704-554-7088, ext. 222.

— Christopher Lux

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | May 6, 2011 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar CHARLOTTE diocesan pastoral center, 1123 s. church st.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the next two weeks: May 7 – 10 a.m.

Blessing of new Stations of the Cross St. Joseph Church, Charlotte May 7 – 5:30 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury May 10 – 11 a.m.

Presbyteral Council Meeting Pastoral Center May 11 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Elizabeth Church, Boone May 12 – 7 p.m.

St. Michael Church Parish Mission Gastonia May 13 – 10 a.m.

Finance Council Meeting Diocesan Pastoral Center May 13 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Christ the King Church, High Point May 15 – 10 a.m.

Mass for Diocesan Youth Conference Ridgecrest, N.C. May 18 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. John the Baptist Church, Tryon May 19 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Jude Mission, Sapphire Valley May 20 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Holy Redeemer Church, Andrews

May 6, 2011 Volume 20 • Number 22

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

— Natural Family Planning Introduction and Full Course, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 21. RSVP required to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN at cssnfp@charlottediocese.org or 704-3703230.

OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION church, 4207 SHAMROCK DR. — Breast Cancer Awareness Talk, presented by the Health and Wellness Ministry, 9:30-11:30 a.m. May 14, st. ANN church, 3635 PARK Road — “The Catholicism Project,” a documentary by Father Robert Barron of Word on Fire Ministry. 6 p.m. May 14.

Reservation required to Mike Femenella at 704-321-2879 or online at wordonfire.org/the-catholicism-project/finda-screening.aspx.

— John Paul II Culture Day, 3:30 p.m. May 29, will include children performing music, poetry, art, and the debut of the play “The Missing Archangel.” Contact Tina Witt at 704-846-7361.

— Mass in Extraordinary Form, 6:30 p.m. first Saturdays.

Visit stannsparish.org or contact 704-523-4641. st. GABRIEL church, 3016 Providence Road — Grammy nominated Cameron Carpenter (organist) in Concert for the dedication of the new Rodgers Custom Organ installed at St. Gabriel, 7:30 p.m. May 16. Visit stgabrielchurch.org.

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 Ballantyne Commons pkwy.

— Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Information Meeting, NLC Room 132, 7 p.m. May 9. Contact Tom Lindemuth at 704-543-7677 ext. 1063 or 704-840-4088.

— Back to Basics Catholicism 101: Morality, NLC Room 203, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. May 11.

— “St. Joseph Didn’t Have a Blackberry,” NLC Banquet Room, 7-9 p.m. May 16. How do today’s Catholic men balance marriage, kids and jobs and still make time for God? Registration required to Michael Burck at mburck@ stmatthewcatholic.org or 704-541-8362 ext. 4.

— Living Your Strengths Discovery, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 21. Discover your top five God-given talents. Register at lysinformation@yahoo.com.

This week’s spotlight: Baccalaureate Masses and Graduations

DENVER Bishop McGuinness High School Baccalaureate Mass, Friday, May 27, 7:30 p.m. at St. Pius X Church, Greensboro Graduation, Sunday, May 29, 2 p.m. at Stevens Center, Winston-Salem

HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, 537 N. HWY. 16 — Cancer Support Group, Parish Activity Center, 2-3 p.m. first Thursdays

Charlotte Catholic High School Baccalaureate Mass, Wednesday, June 1, 5 p.m. at St. Matthew Church, Charlotte Graduation, Saturday, June 4, 11 a.m. at Bojangles’ Coliseum, Charlotte

our lady of grace CHURCH, 2205 w. market st.

— Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, 6:30 p.m.

Rosary, 7 p.m. Mass May 13

Holy Trinity Middle School Baccalaureate Mass, Sunday, June 5, 7:30 p.m. at St. Matthew Church, Charlotte Graduation, Thursday, June 9, noon at St. Matthew Church, Charlotte St. Mark School Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation, Thursday, June 9, 5 p.m. at St. Mark Church, Huntersville.

ST. pATRICK CATHEDRAL, 1621 DILWORTH ROAD E. — 70th Semi-Annual Rosary Rally, 3 p.m. May 22. Children ages 7-17 may participate by calling Tina Witt at 704846-7361.

— Eucharistic Adoration, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesdays ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH, 1400 SUTHER ROAD — Piano Solo Concert, with music director Valentino Piran, 7:30 p.m. May 10 — Anointing of the Sick, 11 a.m. May 21. Contact annettemorales@carolina.rr.com or 704-549-1607.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHURCH, 6828 old reid road — Film: “Nine Days That Changed the World,” Parish Activity Center, 7 p.m. May 10. Film highlights the events of John Paul II’s visits to Poland and how he inspired a nation through faith to throw off the yoke of Communism.

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

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Denise Onativia 704-370-3333, catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

The Catholic News Herald is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 35 times a year.

ADVERTISING MANAGER: Cindi Feerick 704-370-3332, ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org

NEWS: The Catholic News Herald welcomes your news and photographs for publication in our print and online PDF editions.

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.

STAFF WRITER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS: Carlos Castañeda 704-370-3375, cmcastaneda@charlottediocese.org

— The Called and Gifted Workshop: Discover God’s Call for Your Life, 7-9 p.m. May 13 and 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. May 14.

Bring your own lunch. Registration required to Andrea Vallandingham at andrea-vall@carolina.rr.com or Pat Rosa at pafrosa@bellsouth.net.

GREENSBORO

— “Straight Talk ...For Men,” Our Lady’s Cottage, 6:30-8 p.m.

May 16. Contact John Endredy at jendredy@gmail.com or 336-202-9635.

ST. MARY CHURCH, 812 duke st.

— Reflection on “The Promise of the Father,” sponsored by the Lady’s Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, 9 a.m.

May 7. Contact Elaine McHale at 336-292-1118 if you plan to attend.

MOORESVILLE ST. THERESE CHURCH, 217 brawley school road — Parishioner Suzanne Ruff, author or “The Reluctant Donor,” discusses her family’s experience with kidney disease, how she donated a kidney to her sister, and how her family’s faith and humor got them through it all, Family Room, 11 a.m. May 10 — Ladies Day of Reflection: “In God We Trust,” sponsored by S.W.A.T., 10 a.m. May 17

MURPHY ST. WILLIAM CHURCH, 765 ANDREWS ROAD — Protecting God’s Children Training Workshop, 3:30 p.m.

May 18. Register at virtus.org or call Sylvia at 828-8372000.

Is your PARISH OR SCHOOL hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions for the Diocesan Calendar is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org or fax to 704-370-3282.

ADVERTISING: For advertising rates and information about reaching our more than 165,000 readers, contact Advertising Manager Cindi Feerick at 704-370-3332 or ckfeerick@ charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.

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May 6, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

In Brief

Father Patrick Hoare (center), pastor of St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte, meets the Claro family who emigrated from Cuba to Charlotte last summer. Alicia Garcia (far right) of the Catholic Social Services Refugee Office met the family when they got off the airplane at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport and assisted them with getting settled into American life. Refugee resettlement offices across the U.S. have seen a slowdown in incoming refugees since the federal government changed its security measures.

Healing Mass set for May 21 CHARLOTTE — The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be offered during the 11 a.m. Mass on Saturday, May 21, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. If you or any Catholic you know is suffering from a serious or chronic illness, preparing for surgery, or is advanced in age, come to this special liturgy and receive God’s healing grace. For details, call the parish office at 704-549-1607 or e-mail annettemorales@carolina.rr.com.

Rosary Rally set for May 22 CHARLOTTE — The 70th Semi-Annual Rosary Rally will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East. This 35-year diocesan tradition will include recitation of the rosary, a Eucharistic Procession and Benediction. Homilist will be Deacon John Kopfle. Come honor Our Lady and pray for our country. For information or if children aged 7-17 would like to participate in the procession, call Tina Witt at 704-8467361.

Join in first JPII Culture Day CHARLOTTE — The first John Paul II Culture Day will be held starting at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 29, at St. Ann Church in Charlotte. Held in honor of Blessed John Paul II and in response to his 1999 “Letter to the Artists” to promote Catholic culture, the event is free and will include children performing music, poetry, art and the debut of the play “The Missing Archangel.” For inquiries, call Tina Witt at 704-846-7361.

St. Pius X assists Greensboro food drive GREENSBORO — St. Pius X parishioners collected canned food from shoppers at the Golden Gate Food Lion April 2 to aid the Greensboro Urban Ministry. Founded in 1967, Greensboro Urban Ministry is an outreach agency providing crisis intervention and emergency services, including food aid, shelter and clothing. Peggy Murphy, a St. Pius X parishioner, has been coordinating the food collection for about 15 years.

— Lynn Duffy

SonFest 2011 is coming CHARLOTTE — St. John Neumann Church is gearing up for SonFest 2011 – a family festival featuring games, rides, ethnic and traditional fair foods, a petting zoo, entertainment, arts and crafts, silent auctions and more – set for Friday and Saturday, June 17-18, at the church located at 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte. For details, go to 4sjnc.org/sonfest2011.

We welcome your parish’s news. E-mail Editor Patricia Guilfoyle at plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org.

FILE | photo provided

Heightened security measures slow arrival of refugees to U.S. CSS prepares for potential rapid influx this summer SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — The number of refugees taking shelter in the U.S. has slowed to a trickle following new security measures recently put in place by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Meanwhile, Catholic refugee resettlement offices across the country are left waiting, uncertain when the flow of refugees will begin again – and when it does, how many refugees may be allowed to enter the country.

Last year, the U.S. welcomed 75,417 refugees. As of March 31, the government had accepted 27,714 refugees – only 36 percent of the State Department’s original goal of 77,000 for fiscal year 2011, which runs from October 2010 and September 2011.

U.S. dioceses work closely with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the State Department on accepting refugees from all over the world each year – people who are escaping religious or political persecution, poverty, natural disasters and more.

The USCCB and other organizations agree to accept a certain number of people each year, and in return the dioceses receive $700 per refugee to help in the resettlement process, providing vital services from the point of picking them up at the airport to helping them get settled into American life. This reimbursement is only awarded for the refugees who actually arrive.

Simply put, no new refugees means reduced funding for these aid organizations – and no reimbursement money to cover the expense of diocesan staff and all of the services needed for refugees who are already here, until more refugees arrive.

Last year the Diocese of Charlotte took in 192 men, women and children who came from Burma, Bhutan, Cuba, Vietnam, Eritrea, Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan and Iran. The diocese received $134,400 from the federal government to provide direct services for those refugees. This year, the diocese has resettled only 112 people during the same time period, with reimbursements totaling $78,400.

Delays in the refugee resettlement process are being caused by a backlog of security clearances and additional security “holds,” according to Larry Bartlett, acting director of the Office of Refugee Admissions for the CHARLOTTE — The Refugee State Department.

Resettlement Office of Catholic The additional Social Services is in critical security measures need of donations of money, are part of a larger furniture and household items series of security to furnish apartments for enhancements new refugees. The need for by the Homeland cash donations is particularly Security acute right now, since a large Department. number of refugees is expected Cira Ponce, to arrive soon in the wake of director of the security changes by the federal Catholic Social government.

Services Refugee Resettlement Office Call Cira Ponce at 704-370for the Diocese of 3277 or e-mail ceponce@ Charlotte, said she charlottediocese.org if you hasn’t seen this would like to help or need more level of security information. hold-ups since the Sept. 11, 2001 Go online to cssnc.org to make terrorist attacks. financial contributions.

At that time, the federal government provided budget allowances to accommodate for the significant reduction in the number of refugees, so aid agencies could maintain the level of services still needed for refugees already in the U.S. Now, the changes in security clearances are raising concerns, Ponce said.

“The delays mean more than a bureaucratic inconvenience or a financial impact on dioceses,” she said. “It means more people left stuck in refugee camps, facing illness and danger, and more families

Donations are needed

refugees, SEE page 17

OUR PARISHESI

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CDA to host 28th state convention May 20-22 SueAnn Howell Staff writer

ASHEVILLE — More than 100 members of three Catholic Daughters of the Americas courts in western North Carolina are expected to gather for the 28th Biannual State Convention at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville May 20-22. The convention’s theme is “I will raise my eyes to the mountains, from where my help will come,” based on the Song of Ascents – Psalms 121:1.

Nancy Hofmann, regent of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court 412 in Asheville, says this psalm is particularly appropriate for the convention because “when one looks at our mountains in western North Carolina – this theme just brings peace and serenity to one’s mind.”

The three local CDA courts hosting the convention are Court 412 Asheville, St. Mary Mother of God Court 2534 in Sylva and Joan of Arc Court 2471 in Candler.

Court 412 in Asheville is the oldest court in the state, celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2010.

“The state convention is where Catholic Daughters gather together as one body to review our bylaws and resolutions and make any necessary changes, elect our state officers for the next two years and make recommendations for improving our organization,” said Sheila Storey, CDA state regent.

Keynote speaker Leah Ferguson, co-director of Asheville City Schools, will highlight Marjorie Maxwell’s contributions to CDA and her outstanding service to the Asheville City Schools. In 2010, Asheville City Schools established the Marjorie J. Maxwell Lifetime Achievement Award.

The N.C. CDA has more than 850 members in 16 local courts.

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | May 6, 2011 OUR PARISHES

Photo provided by father christopher gober

Installations held at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary Two Diocese of Charlotte seminarians were installed as acolytes last week as part of their ongoing formation and preparation for the priesthood at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. Pictured with Bishop Peter J. Jugis (center) after the rite was concluded are (on the left) seminarians Peter Shaw and Jason Barone, who were installed as acolytes, and Matthew Codd (far right), who will be ordained to the transitional diaconate on June 18. Also pictured is Deacon Joshua Voitus, who will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, June 4. The ordination Mass will be celebrated starting at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. The new priest will celebrate his first Mass at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, June 5, at Holy Family Church in Clemmons.

photo courtesy of Mercy Sister Joanne Kuhlmann and Carol Cerar

Celebrating their jubilees Women religious in the Diocese of Charlotte who are marking their jubilees in 2011 were honored during a Mass and a luncheon on April 30 at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Charlotte. Rev. Monsignor Mauricio W. West, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, celebrated the Mass. Jubilarians pictured above are (from left): Mercy Sister Grace Joseph (25 years), Maryknoll Sister Mary Lou Herlihy (50 years), Mercy Sister Sara Bernadette McNamara (60 years), Mercy Sister Mary Timothy Warren (60 years), Mercy Sister Paula Diann Marlin (50 years), Mercy Sister Marianne Angert (70 years), Mercy Sister Ann Marie Wilson (50 years), and Mercy Sister Mary Charles Cameron (60 years). Not pictured is Sister Mary O’Duffy, Sisters Poor Servants of the Mother of God (50 years).

May 6, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

catholic news heraldI

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Father Matthew Buettner

‘Introibo ad altare Dei’

I

Approaching the altar of the Lord

n previous columns introducing the Mass and describing its purpose, we recognized that Jesus Christ fulfilled the Old Testament Passover ritual with His sacrifice, which He instituted at the Last Supper, the First Mass. In this lesson and in future columns, we address the longer and more arduous task of examining this ritual established by Our Lord and developed by His Church.

It is essential to note that the heart of the Mass, the consecration of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ, was demonstrated by Our Lord and given to His Church. This act is manifestly attributed to Our Lord. The remainder of the Mass developed organically as the Holy Spirit has inspired the Church throughout the centuries. We will come to discover that every ritual, activity, posture and response is laden with meaning from Sacred Scripture and sacred tradition.

Before the Mass begins, the celebrant and the ministers must first enter the sanctuary. This ritual is known as the entrance procession and is accompanied by the opening antiphon or hymn, which prepares the faithful to unite their minds and hearts to the worship of God. This is the first of two major processions in the Mass.

The entrance procession includes the celebrant, either a bishop or a priest, any concelebrating priests, deacons (if there is no deacon, a lector may carry the Book of the Gospels in the entrance procession), and the altar servers.

The entrance procession represents Our Lord’s earthly pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, He processed through the streets on a donkey to shouts of joy and victory by the awaiting crowd, who held palm branches and welcomed Him in song. Once a year, we recall this unique event liturgically on Palm Sunday. Within one week, this same crowd demanded the crucifixion and death of their King. And so Christ would enter the sanctuary of Calvary wearing a crown of thorns to be enthroned upon the cross. From the cross, Our Lord and King defeated sin, conquered death and redeemed mankind.

And so, for centuries the priest would arrive at the steps of the sanctuary and recite psalm 42 along with the altar boy: “Introibo ad altare Dei” (“I will go unto the Altar of God”).

And “Ad Deum qui laetificat iuventutem meam” (“To God, who gives joy to my youth”).

Our Lord and King is about to enter the sanctuary to defeat evil, sin and Satan once again. The entrance procession is a time for joy and victory, for our salvation is near!

Upon entering the sanctuary, the priest and ministers genuflect to the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the tabernacle (if the tabernacle is located in the sanctuary, or otherwise they make a profound bow to the altar).

The celebrant, concelebrating priests, and deacons then reverence the altar with a kiss.

The altar, which takes central importance in the sanctuary, has always been considered the greatest sign of Christ, whose own body became the altar upon which He would sacrifice Himself to the Father. It is the focal point of the Mass and the juncture between heaven and earth, time and eternity. The altar is consecrated with sacred chrism and usually contains a saint’s relic. Relics in the altar have a two-fold significance: First, many altars were erected over the tombs of Christians in the catacombs in the early life of the Church, and, second, the Mass unites the sacrifice of a martyr’s life with the sacrifice of Christ.

‘Dominus vobiscum’ The Mass is divided into two parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Each of these is subdivided into smaller parts called rituals or the abbreviated version, “rites.” Since the Mass has a structure and character that is universal and formal, the celebrant need only to follow the directions of the ritual: to read the prayers and perform the actions set out in the Missal. As we mentioned above, following the sacred ritual allows the freedom of both the celebrant and the congregation to participate in the Mass.

And so the Holy Mass begins with a short ritual known as the “Introductory Rites,” which include the Sign of the Cross, the formal greeting, the “Penitential Act,” the Gloria, and the Opening Collect or Prayer. The purpose of these “Introductory Rites” is to draw us into prayer and to prepare our hearts and minds to listen to God’s Word and to participate in His sacrifice.

After the priest processes into the sanctuary, reverences the altar with a kiss and incenses it, he arrives at the chair and Mass begins.

Notice that the Mass does not begin with an informal greeting by a lector or cantor welcoming people to the parish. The Mass does not begin with “Good morning” or “Did you catch the game last night?” or “Nice weather we’re having!” or other commentary. Rather, the Mass begins: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Why do we begin with this ancient Trinitarian formula?

The Gospel of St. Matthew records these words as part of the departing message of Our Lord as He was ascending into Heaven: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit… .” In other words, the Mass begins with the final words of the ascending Lord. As the Church celebrates the Sacred Mysteries, she faithfully continues the work of discipleship, extending the redemption to each person baptized in the name of “the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Therefore, we begin the Mass as we begin all prayer: by addressing God, greeting the Blessed Trinity, through whom

Learn more This is part 17 of a year-long series featuring the revised translation of the Third Missal. For more resources, check out the U.S. bishops’ extensive material online at usccb.org/romanmissal.

and by whom the Mass is celebrated. The Sign of the Cross marks the beginning of the Mass, as well as the end of the Mass with the final blessing.

From beginning to end, the Mass is accomplished “in the name” of God. Beginning with the Sign of the Cross reminds us that we gain access to the Father by virtue of our baptism: we were introduced to the cross as it was signed upon our foreheads and holy water was poured over our heads three times in the name of each person of the Blessed Trinity.

Baptism consecrates us as adopted sons and daughters of the heavenly Father who can now enter into the saving mysteries of the Son accomplished on our behalf. The Sign of the Cross is used throughout the Mass to bless and consecrate, for it is by the power of the cross of Christ that our redemption was won and our sanctification is completed.

Following the Sign of the Cross, the celebrant greets the congregation, not in his own words, but with words taken from Scripture, found in the epistles of St. Paul.

The priest has three options: “The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all,” “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” or “The Lord be with you.” Only the bishop says, “Peace be with you” (“Pax Vobiscum”) by virtue of his office, recalling the inaugural words of Our Lord to His Apostles after his resurrection.

The congregation responds, “And with your spirit.”

This response is perhaps one of the most notable changes in the Mass text in English from the familiar post-Conciliar translation. It is a more literal translation of the traditional Latin form that does not seem to have a singular precise meaning. This mysterious phrase, a more Scriptural way of responding, “And also with you,” refers to several citations found in the letters of St. Paul. This exchange between the celebrant and the congregation completes the first dialogue of the Mass, expressing the reciprocal conversation between Christ, the head, and the Church, His Mystical Body. Next week, we will complete our discussion of the “Introductory Rites” by examining the “Penitential Act.” Father Matthew Buettner is the pastor of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton.

This is excerpted from “Understanding the Mystery of the Mass – Revisited,” available for purchase online at tedeumfoundation.org. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of land for a future seminary in the Diocese of Charlotte.

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | May 6, 2011 OUR PARISHES

NEW CREATION MONASTERY

A place of prayer and peace in Charlotte Father John Vianney Hoover marks 35 years as priest Christopher Lux Intern

CHARLOTTE — Even though it is located just blocks from uptown Charlotte, New Creation Monastery is not a place you would find easily. There is no sign out front, no unique architecture to set it apart. You won’t find anything online about it, and don’t even think about trying to e-mail the monastery.

New Creation Monastery is, in fact, located in a townhome just one mile north of the Bank of America building. What would be a dining room is utilized as a beautifully decorated chapel. And the living room functions as a library, parlor, dining area and a showcase of art and religious items from around the world.

New Creation is a monastery comprised of 10 monks: nine lay oblate monks and an ordained oblate monk, Father John Vianney Hoover, who is celebrating his 35th anniversary as a priest later this month.

Father Hoover, who is the prior of the monastery, explains the order of the monastery as being “spiritually related to the family of Camaldolese Hermits.” The Camaldolese Hermits are semi-eremitical (semi-hermits), and are part of the Benedictine family of orders.

Father Hoover grew up in Charlotte, attending St. Patrick Cathedral. His family often took Sunday drives to Belmont Abbey monastery, instilling in him an interest in the monastic life at a young age. He later entered the Society of Mary, where he taught high school religion classes, among other duties. After eight years of being a Marianist brother, he returned to North Carolina and was ordained a priest of the

Charlotte diocese in 1976.

Father Hoover loved his work as a parish priest. He found it to be “good and meaningful, but,” he recalls, “I began to hear God calling me to live a slower-paced, more contemplative life. He said to me: ‘You have done, now I want you to be.’” After 18 years of serving as a parish priest, Father Hoover requested permission to start a monastery that would be “a school of the Lord’s service where people learn to listen, to pray and to serve.”

New Creation Monastery then began in 1993 with Father Hoover and some other oblate monks, including a former Methodist pastor and a former Trappist monk.

The first monks started out with five acres in Yadkin County, west of Winston-Salem.

For $100, they bought an old tobacco barn to use as part of their monastery. The one catch: they had to move it to their property.

Father Hoover recalls moving the old barn: “On a hot August day we took apart the tobacco barn and moved it on a flatbed truck. And it didn’t go well.” During the moving process, the truck became stuck on a hill and had to be pulled free by a local farmer’s tractor. They eventually got the barn moved and set up.

The monastery has since moved several times, and now only Father Hoover lives in the actual monastery-house in Charlotte.

The other nine monks are in various locations throughout the country. The setup of the monastery resembles that of the New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur, Calif.

There each monk lives in a small cottage, called a “cell,” which is divided from the neighboring cell by a wall.

In this fashion, Father Hoover explains,

the monks of New Creation Monastery live in different areas of the country: “We each pray as we would in our own cell if we were on the same property.” The monks live separately, but they practice the same way.

They attempt to meet as often as finances and their health permit.

The monastic life of New Creation consists of the chanting of Psalms each morning and evening as prayer. Using the Psalms as prayer is important “because they express the best and worse of what it is to be human,” Father Hoover says.

The monks, wherever they are, also try diligently to attend daily Mass. This is essential to the monks’ lives because, as Father Hoover points out, “the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.

Holy Communion feeds our heart and soul beyond words.”

New Creation Monastery is a house of holiness spread throughout various locations. The monks strive to live a life of contemplation and holiness, led by the Rule of St. Benedict. And, in the spirit of St. Benedict, the community is always open to others.

Father Hoover realizes that “sometimes monasteries forget their responsibility to be hospitable and welcome all as Christ.” But a visit to New Creation Monastery reveals an abundance of monastic hospitality.

New Creation Monastery welcomes people for Mass, spiritual direction or simply conversation. It is important to the monks that people are always welcomed as Christ because, Father Hoover explains, “humility and loving hospitality are the chief virtues of the monk.”

For anyone interested in being a lay

contemplative monk, Father Hoover recommends the following: “Spend time with God regularly in prayer and meditation; sing a psalm each morning, noon, evening and night; work your way slowly through the Gospels, just a paragraph at a time; look and learn from the joys and sorrows of your day; go to Mass several times a week; examine your conscience each day and go to confession several times each year; and journal your prayer experiences and seek spiritual direction.”

OUR PARISHESI

May 6, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

photos by Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald

(Above) Father John Vianney Hoover kneels at the altar in the chapel of New Creation Monastery in Charlotte.

(At left, top) Father Hoover pauses for a moment inside the chapel, which contains an extensive collection of religious art and sculptures.

(At left) Father Hoover shows off his prized relic of St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars and the patron saint of priests.

You are welcome Join New Creation Monastery for Mass at 3 p.m.

Sunday, May 22, at its rural hermitage in Albemarle (just one hour east of Charlotte) to celebrate Father John Vianney Hoover’s 35th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. Bring a picnic to share afterwards. Call 704-344-0934 for details.

PARISH MISSION AND FORTY HOURS DEVOTIONS May 9 – 15, 2011 St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Gastonia, NC “Do This in Memory of Me; Lord, Teach Us to Pray in Your Presence” Monday – Friday, May 9 – 13

Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament daily - 12:00 Noon – 8:00 PM Holy Hour, Sermon and Benediction each evening - 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Reception and visiting afterwards Monday, May 9

The Our Father

Fr. Christopher Gober Director of Vocations

Tuesday, May 10

Lectio Divina

Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B. Abbot of Belmont Abbey

Wednesday, May 11

Liturgical Prayer

Fr. Matthew Buettner Pastor, St. Dorothy Parish, Lincolnton

Thursday, May 12

Marian Prayer

Bishop Peter J. Jugis, D.D., J.C.D. Bishop of Charlotte

Friday, May 13

Meditation and Contemplation

Fr. Timothy Reid Pastor, St. Ann Parish, Charlotte

Sunday, May 15

Closing Ceremonies of Parish Mission and Forty Hours Devotions 10:00 AM Solemn Holy Mass in English 11:00 AM Outdoor Eucharistic Procession for all parishioners with Benediction at 3 altars: • In front of the School • In front of the Old Church • Inside the gymnasium 11:30 AM Parish Lunch in the Parish Center (hors d’oeuvres) (Provided by Family Life Commission; please register on line or in vestibule)

Welcome, New Parishioners!

12:00 PM Solemn Holy Mass in Spanish Parking is also available at the St. Michael’s Thrift Store Lot on US 321 - Shuttle Bus will run to and from the Church: 9:30 AM – 3PM

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | May 6, 2011 OUR PARISHES

New ministry reaches out to separated, divorced Catholics in Hendersonville, Asheville areas

In Brief

Kathleen Schmeider Correspondent

CSS golf tournament a success Catholic Social Services, Charlotte Regional Office, held its 8th annual Golf Tournament at the Palisades Country Club April 11. Money raised from the tournament helps support food pantry services, counseling, pregnancy support and burial assistance in the Charlotte area. Pictured is player Makensie Waters, who drives the ball towards the green against the backdrop of the Palisades clubhouse.

— Ann Kilkelly

Camporee held GREENSBORO — Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts from Troop 244 of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro attended the 35th Annual Catholic Camporee April 8-10 at the Belk Scout Reservation. About 70 parents and Scouts from the pack had lots of fun before bad weather forced them to cut the trip short.

— Lynn Duffy

HENDERSONVILLE — When Elisabeth Oehler expressed dismay that nothing existed to help and guide Catholic men and women who were separated and divorced at Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville, Pastor Nick Mormando had only one question for her, “What are you going to do about it?”

Over the past year Oehler organized a Sunday night group for separated and divorced Catholics that would fill the need to better understand how the Church can help parishioners during divorce and through the annulment process. The group, begun in September 2010, is led by Oehler, Lu Costa and Christopher Power.

The first sessions used the book “Divorce and Beyond,” to understand what they will face and how the Church will provide help for them during this very painful time. Very often Catholics who are facing divorce have unfounded worries that they will no longer be welcome in the Church.

Through groups such as this, the Church

is able to provide much-needed support and information.

“I’m coming back to the Church,” said Marty Julian, explaining that finding the outreach to separated and divorced Catholics encouraged her to attend not only the meetings on Sunday night, but also to renew her Catholic faith. “In May I’m moving to Chicago and will look for another group like this.”

Mormando and Oehler recently attended a meeting of the priests of the Asheville Vicariate.

“Every priest there knew the need for this ministry,” Mormando noted. “The idea that you are no longer wanted by the Church is a misunderstanding. The Church has to reach out. This is the first Separated and Divorced Ministry in western North Carolina – this is the seed.

All this group needs to do is keep moving!”

Moving is exactly what is happening as Oehler hopes to reach out to other parishes in the area and begin groups that will spread all around the state.

“My prayer is that God opens more support groups in the diocese,” she said.

Already plans are in motion to begin a second group at St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville.

Maureen Houston recognized her own need and when the notice went out to the parishes surrounding Immaculate Conception she joined and now intends to lead the Asheville group. “I feel I have a second life, I have a lot of hope and I’m excited about the future,” Houston said.

The group is now using the DVD series, “The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide,” a 12-week guide to help Catholic men and women, published by St. Benedict Press of Charlotte. All of the materials and more are available through the Web site nacsdc.org, a Catholic resource for those who are facing or have faced separation and divorce.

Helping each other to heal and learn how the Church will support them, the group at Immaculate Conception continues to grow and provide a critical resource for healing. The classes offer support and the knowledge that the Church does care, remaining a steadfast support during this time of difficulty for Catholics, whether newly separated or long divorced.

Thanks Mom, For The Beautiful Gift of Life To mothers on this day of honor, we thank you for your courageous love in giving us life . . . and to those birth mothers who lovingly choose adoption for their children and those who give the love of their hearts to adopted children, we say to all,

“Happy Mother’s Day!” © Photos by Shutterstock

We love you and give you our thanks every day of our lives.

Respect Life Program 704-370-3229

May 6, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

OUR PARISHESI

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Scenes from Holy Week

Photo provided by Al Tinson

Parishioners gathered on Good Friday for outdoor Stations of the Cross at St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte. The program, put on in four languages, was a very moving and inspiring one with their pastor, Father Pat Hoare, portraying Jesus.

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Bishop Peter J. Jugis processes with a lighted candle into St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte at the Easter Vigil on April 23.

photo provided by Father Jean Pierre Swamunu lhoposo

Living Stations of the Cross were also held at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory on Good Friday.

Parishioners of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory gathered to experience the wonderful devotion of our faith. People wept, meditated and prayed during the cold day.

Patricia Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald

Bishop Jugis (center) washed the feet of 12 men, symbolizing the Apostles, on Holy Thursday at St. Patrick Cathedral.

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iiiMay 6, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

‘In the context of our faith, the bread that we break in Eucharist compels us to become “bread that is broken” in service to others.’

Learn more Go online: cssnc.org Call: Asheville: 828-255-0146 Charlotte: 704-370-3262 Greensboro: 336-274-5577 Murphy: 828-835-3535 Winston-Salem: 336-727-0705

Your local Catholic Charities agency

FROM TH

Catholic Social

HE COVER

May 6, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnewsiii

l Services Week 2011 In service to others

Enriching lives, deepening faith

Feeding the hungry: In 2010 Catholic Social Services provided food for 21,462 people. The food pantries in Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem have increased their services to meet the growing needs.

During 2010 more than 8,800 individuals from 91 percent of the parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte participated in more than 150 different educational and advocacy events. Many events provided information about a particular social issue – such as environmental stewardship, immigration reform and new methods of providing food assistance with dignity. Other programs offered direct services to participants through marriage preparation, natural family planning, financial literacy and other workshops. Events also encouraged prayer and nurtured participants’ spiritual lives through Elder Ministry Days of Reflection, Rachel’s Vineyard retreats, and the National Night of Prayer for Life.

Only through partnership with hundreds of supporters and volunteers across the diocese can Catholic Social Services provide these and other services. Together, we provide help, create hope and help people change their lives.

Thank you for being the “bread that is broken” for the sake of our brothers and sisters!

Burying the dead: The Charlotte Regional Office provides burial with dignity for families in Mecklenburg County who are without means and without insurance. Catholic Social Services has the only program in the county to meet this very basic need in the community. Last year, 107 families received assistance to bury their loved ones.

Responding to various needs so that people may change their lives: counseling, adoptions, pregnancy support, youth programs – all help people and families strengthen and improve their lives.

Welcoming the stranger Catholic Social Services in Charlotte resettles approximately 400 refugees each year, providing intensive case management and other services to help them adjust to a new country and become independent. Nim Eya (pictured at right), a Montagnard from Vietnam and new American citizen, fled his home in the highlands where the Communist government destroyed his family’s crops and imprisoned family members in retaliation for their befriending U.S. special forces in the war.

Catholic Social Services in Asheville provides assistance to primarily Moldovan refugees who are resettled but who need additional assistance, interpretation and other services as they raise their families and become citizens in a new country.

In 2010 Catholic Social Services assisted with 1,125 immigration cases. Recently, through the efforts of immigration staff in the Winston-Salem office, a man with legal status in the United States was finally able to secure approval for his wife to join him after 21 years of living in separate countries and raising their family.

‘This year Catholic Social Services Week will promote the theme of the upcoming Eucharistic Congress: “Do this in memory of Me.” The common theme provides us an opportunity to help connect the Eucharist with everyday living for our parishioners…. In the context of our faith, the bread that we break in Eucharist compels us to become “bread that is broken” in service to others. Lives are changed in many ways through our Catholic Social Services. I am deeply grateful to those of you who support these efforts with food drives and contributions.’

— Bishop Peter J. Jugis

from his letter to pastors and parish leaders marking Catholic Social Services Week

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Our schools

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | May 6, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

MACS Academic Team takes honors at national competition

In Brief

The Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Academic Team performed very well in the national competition in Orlando, Fla., earlier this week, Superintendent of Schools Linda Cherry announced Tuesday. Below are all of the results.

Students take part in Operation Rice Bowl WINSTON-SALEM — Fifth-graders at St. Leo School in Winston-Salem learned more about Catholic Relief Services during Lent through participating in Operation Rice Bowl.

Parent volunteers prepared dishes each Friday from impoverished countries featured in the program for students to sample, including Riz National from Haiti, Sayur Asem (sour soup) from Indonesia, Senegalese Stew from Senegal, Sopa de Capirotadas (Cornmeal Cake Soup) from Honduras and Irio from Kenya. The students collected $453 to donate to Operation Rice Bowl.

— Donna Birkel and Kathy Dissosway

Fifth-graders go on retreat CHARLOTTE — Fifth-grade students at St. Gabriel School in Charlotte participated in a Lenten retreat April 19. The retreat consisted of several speakers, making more than 400 sandwiches for the neighbors at Urban Ministry Center, a Lenten craft and a study of parables found in the Bible. The day concluded with a prayer service in the school’s outdoor classroom.

In the elementary school division: n MACS “Dream Team” took first place in the President’s Competition n MACS “President’s X Team” won eighth place in the President’s Competition n Of the top 10 players in the overall President’s Competition, four were MACS students: Troy Smith, first; Uwa Akhere, fifth; Jake Sheridan, sixth; and Melanie Vandenberg, eighth n MACS “Macsimum Power Thinkers” won first place in the

Propaganda Competition n MACS “Propaganda X Team” won fourth place in the Propaganda Competition n Of the top 10 players in the Propaganda Competition, three were MACS students: Melanie Vandenberg, first; and Troy Smith and Christe Westbrook, who tied for fourth place.

In the middle school division: n MACS “Dream Team” took first place in the President’s Competition n MACS “MACS-A-MILLION Team” won fifth place in the President’s Competition n Of the top 10 players in the overall President’s Competition, two were MACS students: Anthony Charlonis, second; and Shannon O’Grady, sixth n Of the top 10 players in the Propaganda Competition, one was a

MACS student: Erin Lisi, who placed third.

Congratulations and thanks go to Allana-Rae Ramkissoon, MACS coordinator/administrator; Mary Morales, Holy Trinity Middle School’s team coach and lead coach at the nationals; Yasmin Santschi, Our Lady of the Assumption School team coach and assistant coach at the nationals; Michelle Pratt, St. Patrick School’s team coach and assistant coach at the nationals; and Susan Marcoux, Holy Trinity Middle School’s assistant coach and assistant coach at the nationals.

Cherry also thanked all of the parents and supporters of the MACS Academic Team, as well as the MACS Education Foundation for its funding of the team trip to the national competition.

Scenes from Lent Stations of the Cross Students at Immaculata School in Hendersonville took part in a living Stations of the Cross in Immaculate Conception Church after Mass April 20. Pictured above are eighth-graders Mary Allen as “Mary,” Jake Slawek as “Jesus,” and Levi Metcalf and Chris Able as the guards. The students wrote their own meditations for the stations and prayers, under the guidance of Maria Ashbrook, eighth-grade religion teacher.

Photo provided by Yvonne Krowka

— Kristine Calderone

Homeschoolers put on Passion play CHARLOTTE — A group of homeschoolers from several Charlotte parishes re-enacted the last hours of the life of Jesus with a Passion play, based on the Gospel of St. Matthew, April 15. Christopher Brock played the role of Jesus and Molly Rusciolelli was the narrator. Participating families were the Brocks, Rusciolellis, Arnetts, Flemings, Petersons and Schiffianos.

A chain of Lenten sacrifices Charlotte Catholic High School’s Latin students spent time during Lent engaged in prayer, almsgiving and sacrifice. They made a chain containing 1,080 links, each one inscribed with their personal prayers, sacrifices and acts of charity. The chain measured 269 feet long!

— Kelly Schiffiano

Principal honored GASTONIA — Joe Puceta, principal of St. Michael School in Gastonia, has been named the “Best School Principal in Gaston County” by readers of the Gaston Gazette. He was nominated by several parents and staff members and won the top spot over 33 other nominees.

Suzanne Cona | Catholic News Herald

May 6, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

photo provided by Jean Navarro

Students put on musicals The St. Pius X Junior Players presented “101 Dalmations, Kids” in the Greensboro school’s alumni auditorium April 15. The cast consisted of 45 third- through fifth-grade students and was directed by Meg Weckworth and choreographed by Amanda Hacker, St. Pius X School alumnae. St. Pius X School students also attended Blumenthal Performing Art’s Broadway Junior Theater Celebration in Charlotte on April 13. The group of students included 47 cast members from “Seussical, Jr.” and “101 Dalmatians, Kids,” as well as faculty members and parent chaperones. The two casts presented scenes from their musicals to other participating schools and to five Broadway Theater professionals experienced as playwrights, musical directors, choreographers and actors. The students were also able to attend workshops to learn more about actors’ posture, diction, pronunciation and movement.

Full-time Bi-lingual Counselor Needed Winston-Salem Catholic Social Services is seeking a full-time counselor to provide individual, group and family counseling to youth based at our Winston-Salem location. A master’s degree in counseling or social work and possession of LPC/LMFT/LCSW are required. Must be fluent in English and Spanish (verbal and written).

Qualified applicants should send resume and cover letter to: sjmoxley@charlottediocese.org. For more information visit cssnc.org/employment.

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | May 6, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Church needs blogs, bloggers need Church

In theaters ‘Vito Bonafacci’ In this meditative exploration of spirituality, the title character, a happily married and financially successful businessman whose relationship to his Catholic faith has become tenuous, re-examines his life in light of a nightmare during which he foresaw his death and condemnation to hell. While not for the impatient, since it unfolds at a leisurely pace, writer-director John Martoccia’s suburbanset Everyman story features impeccable theology, some eloquent poetic reflections from the protagonist’s deceased mother, who visits him during his transformative dream, and beautiful cinematography.

CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents), MPAA: not rated

Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

‘There Be Dragons’

‘African Cats’

Generally powerful, partly fictionalized dramatization of passages in the life of St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer (1902-’75), founder of Opus Dei, here intensely yet appealingly portrayed by Charlie Cox. As a fictitious Spanish-born reporter (Dougray Scott) investigates Escriva’s life, he discovers that his own father (Wes Bentley), from whom he has long been estranged, was the future spiritual leader’s childhood friend and seminary classmate. With the violent tumult of the Spanish Civil War looming, the two men took different paths, one toward the establishment of a movement dedicated to achieving personal sanctity through everyday work, the other toward a duplicitous role in the conflict engulfing their society. Occasionally bloody action violence, a few sexual references.

CNS: A-III (adults), MPAA: PG-13

Actor Samuel L. Jackson narrates this impressive nature documentary charting the varied fortunes of a pride of lions and a clan of cheetahs living on the savannah in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.

CNS: A-I (general patronage), MPAA: G

‘Madea’s Big Happy Family’ Tyler Perry, who wrote and directed this screen adaptation of his eponymous play, puts on the muumuu again as the always short-tempered Madea. Marijuana use, some adult humor, slapstick violence.

CNS: A-III (adults), MPAA: PG-13

‘Water for Elephants’ Life under the big top is not all clowns and cotton candy in this lavish but morally flawed period drama about a promising veterinary student (Robert Pattinson) who inadvertently joins a traveling circus. Intense violence, including murder and animal abuse, nongraphic but implicitly condoned adultery, partial nudity.

CNS: O (morally offensive), MPAA: PG-13

‘Fast Five’ An all-star cast culled from the previous four films in the action-oriented franchise of “The Fast and the Furious” reunite in Rio de Janeiro for more speeding cars. Much violence, a premarital pregnancy, some profanity.

CNS: A-III (adults), MPAA: PG-13

VATICAN CITY — The Church needs active members who blog, but Catholic bloggers also need the Church, especially to remind them of the virtue of charity needed in their writing, said participants at a Vatican meeting May 2, sponsored by the pontifical councils for culture and for social communications.

The councils accepted requests to attend, then drew the names of the 150 participants once the requests were divided according to geography, language and whether the blog was personal or institutional.

Richard Rouse, an official at the culture council, said news of the Vatican meeting already has encouraged other Church officials to begin a dialogue with local bloggers.

The Vatican meeting, he said, was not designed as a how-to seminar, and it was not aimed at developing a code of conduct, but rather to acknowledge the role of blogs in modern communications and to start a dialogue between the bloggers and the Vatican.

Father Roderick Vonhogen, a Dutch priest and author of “Katholiek Leven” (“Catholic Life”), told the meeting that blogging “allows me to be a shepherd for people who need one, not those who already have one” because they are active in a parish.

“If you write a blog post and no

one comments, you feel miserable ... alone and isolated,” he said.

The comments let the writer and readers experience being part of a community.

But, it’s only when you have established interest and friendship that you can bring someone to faith, Father Vonhogen said.

Elizabeth Scalia, who writes “The Anchoress,” said that while the mainstream media tend to view blogs as “little more than a means of self-promotion,” the Catholic blogs generally are real sources of “Catholic clarity.” But bloggers can’t claim to be purveyors of clarity unless they do so with charity, she said.

“Charity is one of the biggest challenges we face,” she said, because “freedom is both a gift and a source of temptation for our egos.”

Scalia said that the Catholic blogosphere is host to too much “us and them” on both the conservative and liberal sides of the Church. As Catholics, she said, “we have no business fostering enemies.”

“The Church needs us,” Scalia said. “It needs us for evangelization.

It needs us to disseminate information and often to correct information.”

“The Church needs us to be where the sheep are grazing,” but at the same time, bloggers need the Church and its pastors to remind them that God’s mercy reaches out to all people and that Jesus wants His followers to be united, she said.

On TV n Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m. (EWTN) “Joan’s Rome Profile: Cardinal Dziwisz.”

In this exclusive interview, EWTN’s Rome Bureau Chief, Joan Lewis sits down with his Eminence Stanislaw Cardinal Dziwisz to discuss his book “A Life with Karol” and his role as the private secretary and closest friend of Pope John Paul II. They’ll cover everything from his pontificate to his legacy and the cause for beatification. n Saturday, May 7, 10:30 a.m. (EWTN) “EWTN Theology Roundtable: The Canonization Process.” EWTN’s theology staff discusses important issues of the day in light of the common theology of the Church.

n Friday, May 13, 10-11:30 p.m. (EWTN) “St. Bernadette of Lourdes.” A cast of more than 160 Catholic children tells the story of St. Bernadette Soubirous, a poor, humble, 14-year-old girl from a village in the south of France, whose 1858 visions St. Bernadette of a “beautiful lady” would change the lives of people around the world.

May 6, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

Refugees: FROM PAGE 5

waiting to be reunited with loved ones already in this country. Many of them have already been waiting years to come to America.”

“Some refugees are in camps and have been interviewed, cleared and are ready to travel,” Ponce added. “They have had the necessary security checks, health screenings, etc. (With the new security measures) they are then put in another holding pattern.”

And if the people are forced to wait too long, those screenings will expire and they’ll have to get back in line before they can be resettled, she pointed out – meaning even more delays for the refugees and for the Catholic agencies anxious to help them.

No one knows when the backlog may be cleared, and refugee resettlement staff are concerned that when it does, a flood of refugees might overwhelm dioceses.

“While some of our sites are on target for arrivals, most have seen the impact of these new clearances with lower than projected arrivals,” said the USCCB’s director of resettlement services, Anastasia Brown.

“We are concerned that numbers have not yet increased in a way to meet the new projection. However, weekly allocations of

refugees has improved, and we are hopeful this trend will continue.”

Brown said the USCCB is advising diocesan refugee offices to plan for getting 75 percent of what they had been expecting this year.

The State Department’s Bartlett said that he believes the resettlement process “will be back on track in May.” “In the last five months of the fiscal year, we’ll be able to make up for some of the lost arrivals,” Bartlett said. “Our goal will be to admit between 6,000 and 8,000 individuals per month in as steady a pace as possible.

At this point, we do not expect to admit any more than 9,000 in the month of September, meaning that our admissions are likely to fall somewhere between 63,000 and 74,000 for the year.”

Diocesan staff are doing all they can to brace for the impending arrivals – no matter how many of them there may be.

They have communicated the situation to the volunteers, agencies and companies they work with in obtaining homes, jobs, food assistance, education and health care for new refugees.

“Although this is a hardship, we are hopeful. This is a ministry that has and will continue to be blessed by the generosity of our community and God’s hand in our work. We are people of faith, and God guides us and answers our prayers,” Ponce said.

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Our nation 18

charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | May 6, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Dioceses cope with aftermath of worst storms in decades Chaz Muth Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Southern U.S. Catholic dioceses are seeking aid for those shattered by the violent storms and devastating tornadoes that tore through their region in late April, killing more than 350 people.

Officials from several dioceses said they are also busy assessing damage to church buildings and schools, and several special collections have been started to help those in need.

In an April 29 letter, Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile, Ala., asked all pastors in his archdiocese to hold a second collection at Masses over the weekend to assist tornado victims, especially in the neighboring Diocese of Birmingham, which covers the northern portion of Alabama, home to the hardest hit cities of Birmingham, Cullman and Tuscaloosa.

Birmingham Bishop Robert J. Baker has toured some tornado-ravaged areas in his diocese and comforted survivors of the devastating storms, but diocesan officials are still determining the extent of the damage, said Mary A. Crockett, managing editor of One Voice, newspaper of the Diocese of Birmingham.

“I’ve got to say I’ve never seen devastation like this,” President Barack Obama said during an April 29 tour of tornado-damaged areas in Alberta, Ala. “It is heartbreaking.”

Pope Benedict XVI also sent his prayers and support to victims and those engaged in

relief and rebuilding efforts in the region.

The pope’s message was sent in a May 2 letter to Archbishop Rodi from Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican secretary of state.

Pope Benedict “was saddened to learn of the tragic consequences of the devastating tornado which struck Alabama and neighboring states, and he asks you to express his deep solidarity and pastoral concern to those affected by this natural catastrophe,” Cardinal Bertone said in the letter.

“He joins all of you in offering fervent prayers that Almighty God will grant eternal peace to those who have died and consolation and strength to the homeless, injured and suffering,” the cardinal added. “Upon the local civil and religious leaders, and upon all engaged in the work of relief and rebuilding, he invokes the divine gifts of wisdom, strength and generous perseverance.”

In the past several weeks tornadoes have caused death and destruction in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.

“Quite tragically, the severity of this spring tornado and storm season has taken lives and created destruction in unheard of proportions,” said Father Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA. “Our prayers go out to all of the families and individuals impacted. In the aftermath, we need your help and support.”

Catholic Charities USA and Catholic

CNS | Mary D. Dillard, One Voice

Bishop Robert J. Baker of Birmingham, Ala., speaks with a resident in a tornado-ravaged neighborhood in Tuscaloosa April 29. The bishop toured an area destroyed in a string of deadly tornadoes that struck Alabama and other states in the South earlier that week. More than 340 people lost their lives in the storms.

Charities agencies are conducting damage assessment and providing immediate relief to disaster survivors.

The national organization is coordinating

with local agencies and providing assistance and support as needed, and fundraising efforts are under way, Father Snyder said.

May 6, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

In Brief Bishops join drive to protect anti-poverty programs from budget cuts WASHINGTON, D.C. — Religious leaders, including two prominent Catholic bishops, challenged lawmakers to avoid cutting federal spending on anti-poverty programs that help the poorest and most vulnerable people during the country’s mounting budget crisis. The challenge came April 27 as the leaders introduced the Circle of Protection campaign, pointing to Biblical values of justice and care for the “least of our brothers and sisters” that Congress and the White House must uphold as the debate over the 2012 federal budget unfolds.

“The poor don’t have powerful political voices speaking on their behalf so we are speaking on their behalf. We want to be a strong moral voice that speaks for the common good and those who are most poor,” said Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., chairman of the bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

“A just (budget) framework cannot rely on disproportionate cuts in service. They require shared sacrifices by everyone,” he said during one of three nationwide media teleconferences introducing the campaign.

Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, Calif., echoed his California colleague in a separate teleconference for Spanish-language media. Also supporting the effort is Father Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA.

NCEA convention held in New Orleans NEW ORLEANS — More than 7,000 Catholic teachers and administrators attended the National Catholic Educational Association’s

annual convention in New Orleans April 26-28.

Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, chairman of the NCEA board of directors, said NCEA has been a trusted voice in Catholic education for more than 100 years.

“We recognize that our primary task is the communication of the person and the message of Jesus Christ,” Archbishop Gregory said.

Bishop Galeone of St. Augustine retires; Bishop Estevez to succeed him WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop Victor B. Galeone as head of the Diocese of St. Augustine, Fla., and appointed Auxiliary Bishop Felipe de Jesus Estevez of Miami to succeed him. Bishop Estevez, a 65-year-old native of Cuba, is one of 26 Hispanic bishops serving in the U.S. and will become the 13th among active Hispanic bishops to head a diocese or archdiocese. Bishop Galeone, 75, has headed the Diocese of St. Augustine since 2001. He had submitted his resignation to the pope at age 75, as required by canon law.

Bishop Gettelfinger of Evansville retires; Louisville priest to succeed him WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger of Evansville, Ind., and named Father Charles C. Thompson, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Ky., to succeed him. Bishop Gettelfinger, who turned 75 last October, had submitted his resignation at that time, as required by canon law. He had headed the Evansville diocese since 1989. Bishopdesignate Thompson, 50, has held a variety of parish, educational and administrative posts since his ordination as a priest of the Louisville Archdiocese in 1987.

— Catholic News Service

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | May 6, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Vatican says bin Laden’s death cause for reflection, not rejoicing

In Brief Church leaders warn of possible backlash after bin Laden’s death LAHORE, Pakistan — A retired archbishop said Pakistani Christians could suffer a backlash after the death of Sept. 11 mastermind Osama bin Laden, but it also might return balance to the nation. In India and Philippines, Catholic leaders also warned of backlash.

“We are a soft target as they cannot attack America,” said retired Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore, Pakistan. He told the Asian church news agency UCA News that, despite the risk of short-term retaliation against Christians, bin Laden’s killing could return balance to Pakistan’s society. He said he hoped the killing of the world’s mostwanted terrorist would reduce the militant radicalism that has engulfed Pakistan in recent years.

In India, Father Babu Joseph, spokesman for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, prayed the al-Qaida leader’s death would not lead to retaliatory attacks. “The Church never endorses violence or associates with violence,” he said.

The head of the Bangladeshi bishops’ Christian unity commission also expressed concern about bin Laden’s death. “No killing is welcomed. A criminal should be brought to trials and be duly prosecuted,” said Bishop Bejoy D’Cruze of Khulna.

Mexican priest found murdered MEXICO CITY — A Catholic priest was found murdered in his Mexico City parish, a victim to what local authorities said was an early morning robbery attempt. The body of Father Jose Francisco Sanchez Duran, 63, was found April 26 by a sacristan in St. Joseph Parish in the Coyoacan borough of Mexico City.

— Catholic News Service

John Thavis Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican said the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, a man who sowed division and hatred and who caused “innumerable” deaths, should prompt serious reflection about one’s responsibility before God, not rejoicing.

The Vatican statement May 2 came the day after President Barack Obama announced that U.S. forces had killed bin Laden in an attack on his hideout in northwest Pakistan.

In several U.S. cities, the news prompted street demonstrations and expressions of jubilation.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, released a brief written statement reacting to the news.

“Osama bin Laden, as we all know, bore the most serious responsibility for spreading

divisions and hatred among populations, causing the deaths of innumerable people, and manipulating religions to this end,” Father Lombardi said. “In the face of a man’s death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred.”

The Vatican missionary news agency, Fides, reported that Christian schools and other institutes were closed and churches put on guard in Pakistan’s main cities out of fear of possible repercussions on the Christian minorities there. Pakistani Christians are often identified in extremist literature with the West and the U.S. Paul Bhatti, a government adviser for religious minorities in Pakistan, told Fides that “the situation is tense.”

“In fact, there are strong fears of

reactions – senseless reactions – against the Christian minorities. The government is giving the maximum attention to prevention measures,” he said.

Father Mario Rodrigues, director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Pakistan, said after a meeting with government officials May 2: “They put us on alert, requesting the closure of our institutes and making available additional police personnel around the churches. The Christians of Pakistan are innocent victims in this and other situations.

Any pretext is used to threaten them or launch an attack.”

Rodrigues said some experts predicted that bin Laden’s killing would weaken the Taliban and their ideologies, which could help diminish anti-Christian persecution in the long term. But he said radical Islamic groups were flourishing in Pakistan, and other extremist leaders could arise.

Thousands of pilgrims pray before Blessed John Paul’s new tomb Carol Glatz and Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Before a slab of gleaming white marble inscribed “Beatus Johannes Paulus PP. II,” thousands of pilgrims made the sign of the cross, snapped a picture and said a quick prayer.

Some left photographs or letters in a basket in front of Blessed Pope John Paul II’s new tomb in the Chapel of St. Sebastian in St. Peter’s Basilica. A few also left flowers and monetary contributions to support the process of declaring him a saint.

After hundreds of thousands of people filed past Blessed John Paul’s mortal remains May 1, the day of his beatification, and May 2 after a Mass of thanksgiving, a small ceremony was held to place the remains – still in their original triple-casket – under the altar and seal it with the white marble slab.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said the ceremony began May 2 at 7:15 p.m., after St. Peter’s Basilica had been closed to the public. Before the marble slab was put in place, nine cardinals, several bishops and the priests who staff the basilica chanted “Blessed John Paul” in Latin. They recited the approved Mass prayer for his Oct. 22 feast day and the casket was censed.

Vatican officials had said more than 250,000 people visited Blessed John Paul’s mortal remains on the day of his beatification.

CNS | Paul Haring

Swiss Guards stand at the casket of Blessed Pope John Paul II during public viewing in front of the main altar in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican May 2. The Vatican said 250,000 people passed by to pay their respects following the pope’s May 1 beatification. The casket was set on a raised platform in front of the main altar on the basilica’s main level. Placed on top was of the “one of the most precious Gospels in the Vatican Library’s holdings,” the illuminated Lorsch Gospels from the medieval era, the Vatican said.

May 6, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

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Beatification events highlight Blessed John Paul’s courage, faith Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Pope John Paul II was a true believer, a courageous voice of truth and a man whose witness to the faith grew more eloquent as his ability to speak declined, Pope Benedict XVI and others who worked closely with the late pope said at events for his beatification.

“John Paul II is blessed because of his faith – a strong, generous and apostolic faith,” Pope Benedict said May 1 just minutes after formally beatifying his predecessor.

In the beatification proclamation, Pope Benedict said that after a consultation with many bishops and faithful and a study by the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, he had decided “the venerable servant of God, John Paul II, pope, henceforth will be called blessed” and his feast will be Oct. 22, the anniversary of the inauguration of his pontificate in 1978.

Italian police said more than 1 million people had gathered in and around the Vatican for the ceremonies.

CNS | Paul Haring

Polish Sister Tobiana Sobodka, left, who ran Pope John Paul II’s household, and French Sister Marie SimonPierre, whose cure from Parkinson’s disease was accepted as the miracle that paved the wave for his beatification, place a relic of the late pope near the altar during his beatification Mass.

The official celebrations began with a nighttime prayer vigil April 30 at the Circus Maximus, the site of ancient Roman racetrack. A crowd of 200,000 cheered French Sister Marie Simon-Pierre, whose cure from Parkinson’s disease was accepted as the miracle that paved the way for Pope John Paul’s beatification. The nun beamed as she recounted her unexpected healing.

She said when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2001, she found it difficult to watch Pope John Paul, who suffered from the same disease. Two months after the pope died, her condition worsened. Then, after prayers to the late pope, she awoke early one morning feeling well rested.

“I felt something had changed in me, and I was healed,” she said.

Pope Benedict ended his homily at the beatification Mass by sharing his own personal story. “I would like to thank God for the gift of having worked for many years with Blessed Pope John Paul II,” he said.

As prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith from 1982 until his election in 2005, Pope Benedict said he worked at the pope’s side “and came to revere him.”

“His example of prayer continually impressed and edified me: he remained deeply united to God even amid the many demands of his ministry,” the pope said.

After the Mass, Pope Benedict went into St. Peter’s Basilica and knelt in prayer before Blessed John Paul’s casket, which was set in front of the main altar.

Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow, who was Pope John Paul’s personal secretary for nearly 40 years, spoke at the beginning of the thanksgiving Mass, noting that the late pope was declared blessed in the same square where almost 30 years ago a Turkish gunman tried to assassinate him.

“We can never forget that 30 years ago, in this very square, he gave his blood for the cause of Christ,” Cardinal Dziwisz said.

The assassination attempt took place May 13, 1981, while the pope was riding through the square during his weekly general audience.

During the beatification Mass May 1, a silver reliquary containing a vial of Blessed John Paul’s blood was carried to the altar

by Polish Sister Tobiana Sobodka, who ran Pope John Paul’s household, and by Sister Marie Simon-Pierre, who was cured of Parkinson’s disease.

While the biggest groups of pilgrims at the beatification events came from Italy and Poland, more than 80 countries sent official delegations and most of them had at least a few pilgrims present as well.

Priests and seminarians from the Diocese of Charlotte who are in Rome also experienced the beatification ceremonies.

Noah Carter, a seminarian at the Pontifical North American College, said via e-mail afterwards, “Experiencing the beatification Mass on Sunday was one of the most moving experiences I have had since coming to study in Rome. I was surrounded by laughing sisters, joyful priests and seminarians, singing youth groups, praying pilgrimage groups, and happy families who poured towards St. Peter’s Square in thanksgiving for Blessed John Paul II’s life. Some stood in the large crowds and others found quieter places to sit and pray. Confessors stood up and down the street hearing confessions. Everyone was singing and cheering. That crowd came from all over the world, but on Sunday we were all speaking the same language, the language of faith and thanksgiving.”

CNS | Massimo Sestini, Italian National Police via Catholic Press Photo

People pack St. Peter’s Square during the beatification of Pope John Paul II May 1 at the Vatican. The late Polish pontiff moved a step closer to sainthood during a joyous ceremony that drew more than 1 million people.

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | May 6, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

By the numbers

U.S. WORSHIP TRENDS David Hains

When abortion becomes illegal, what then?

D

uring the 40 Days for Life vigil over Lent, I joined thousands across the country who held signs, prayed and thought about a future world in which abortion is outlawed.

I chose Sundays to maintain my vigil. Even though the abortion facility was closed, operators were standing by to take appointments at the call center next door. It was quiet, with few cars coming and going, and no one calling out to pregnant women begging them to consider an alternative to death for their unborn sons and daughters.

As I walked outside the abortion facility on Latrobe Avenue in Charlotte, I came to the realization that praying and marching to end abortion may be the easy part of the battle.

What do we do when we win the fight and abortion is outlawed?

Who would then be found guilty and punished when a woman procures an illegal abortion? The abortionist, of course, but what about the woman who seeks the abortion? Does she get charged as a conspirator, as would the boyfriend who helps to pay for the procedure or the mother who drives the young woman to the abortion center? If abortion is murder, as we proclaim, then shouldn’t the punishments fit the crime?

Catholics are stunned when I ask them if women who receive abortions should go to prison. They haven’t thought about it. The idea of prison for them, or for me, has no appeal. This is where the abortion fight gets tricky with pro-life advocates taking different approaches.

Father Frank Pavone of Priests for Life thinks that only the abortionist should be held accountable, with the woman who requested the abortion testifying against the doctor who performed it.

“It is the same principle by which the state grants immunity to a small-time drug user in exchange for information leading to a big-time drug dealer,” wrote Pavone in a 2008 column.

But not all states take that view. El Salvador is the only country in the Western Hemisphere that chooses to protect the unborn by punishing abortive mothers. According to the Pew Center for Research, abortion is illegal there in all cases and the law is vigorously enforced. Women, boyfriends, drivers and abortionists who conspire to kill an unborn child face prison terms that can exceed 30 years.

If we are to be taken seriously in our opposition to abortion, we must develop a compelling answer to the question of who would be punished in the case of future abortions. If we say the abortive mothers are HAINS, SEE page 24

The gap between those who attend religious services regularly and those who do not closed in 2008 with about 28 percent of the U.S. population attending services weekly or more.

TIM FARAGHER | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Letters to the editor

Pro-life advocacy must include protection of even the most frail

I felt deep compassion when I read Batrice Adcock’s reflection regarding her recent miscarriage of baby Aaron Joseph. I hope her story increases the sensitivity with which our parishes respond to parents who lose children before birth.

As the mother of a child prenatally diagnosed with a condition “incompatible with life,” I would like to correct the perception that abortionists destroy infants at 20 weeks who are “beautiful and perfectly formed.” Public health policy and charitable organizations like March of Dimes encourage prenatal testing so that parents like me could abort babies who are not beautiful and perfectly formed. In a recent survey of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 90 percent of the responding obstetricians indicated that they consider abortion a “justifiable treatment option” for babies like mine who are diagnosed with a fatal fetal anomaly. My husband and I did not consider abortion a treatment option, and our precious Casey was born still at 32 weeks’ gestation.

It’s wonderful to read about all the babies who have been saved through the prayers and witness of so many people dedicated to anti-abortion efforts like 40 Days for Life.

But sometimes in our enthusiasm, our pro-life advocacy becomes too focused on the notion that every baby saved has potential. When abortion is suggested for a baby who has a poor prenatal diagnosis, it’s more likely that choosing life means accepting a disability or a birth that is also a death.

If we truly believe that every human life exists simply because God willed it – and every person conceived possesses inherent dignity from the instant of conception because of this fact – our advocacy must also protect the dignity of the most frail and vulnerable of the unborn.

Casey was loved in spite of his imperfections. It’s disheartening to hear that parents are discouraged to allow their babies to live because of the perceived lack of worldly potential. My son would never have scored a touchdown, driven a car or found the cure for cancer. The life God chose for him was brief and without accomplishment in this world.

I respectfully request that we reframe the argument against abortion to include every soul: those who could be our next president as well as those who, like Casey, will be our next saint.

Sandy Buck lives in Huntersville. She is co-founder of Be Not Afraid, a ministry dedicated to aiding mothers who have received poor prenatal diagnoses to continue their pregnancies and not to choose abortion.

St. Joseph leads us close to Jesus Rico De Silva’s column in the April 22 edition of the Catholic News Herald gave us joy. We are eternally thankful to St. Joseph for his powerful intercession. He always gives a better answer than the one for which we pray! In his humility, St. Joseph draws no attention to himself but instead leads us close to Jesus. To anyone interested, the Pious Union of St. Joseph, a confraternity of prayer for the suffering and dying, can be found online at pusj.org or by mail at 953 East Michigan Avenue, Grass Lake, MI 49240.

The booklet, “The Holy Cloak in Honor of St. Joseph,” is available from the Pious Union.

Thank you, Mr. De Silva, for sharing your devotion to St. Joseph as well as the great favor he obtained from God for you!

Kim and Sallie Catalano live in Charlotte.

Letters policy The Catholic News Herald welcomes letters from readers. We ask that letters be originals of 250 words or fewer, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be in good taste.

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

The Catholic News Herald does not publish poetry, form letters or

petitions. Items submitted to the Catholic News Herald become the property of the newspaper and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

Mail: Letters to the Editor Catholic News Herald 1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203

E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

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May 6, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews

Peggy Bowes

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The ‘benefits’ of embryonic stem cell research

Motherhood and the Joyful Mysteries

love that Mother’s Day is celebrated in May, the month dedicated to the Blessed Mother. As I prayed the Joyful Mysteries of the rosary on my bike this week, I considered how they apply to motherhood.

The Annunciation reminds me that Mary willingly accepted her role as Mother of the Savior. I sometimes tire of my vocation as wife and mother, seeking other means of “fulfillment.”

Inevitably, I realize that motherhood is a blessing and requires much prayer and effort to do it justice. Mary is my role model. She never needed a day at the spa or a new pair of perfect spring sandals but found fulfillment in humbly serving her family.

The Visitation shows us that we are called to help members of our community, especially other women.

We can be so catty, judging one another’s appearance, parenting styles, clothing, etc. Instead, we should follow Mary’s example and offer charity to our neighbors. We can do little things like bake a casserole for a new mother, visit a lonely widow, or watch a neighbor’s boisterous children to give her a break. These little acts of charity help us become more like the Blessed Mother, and ultimately, her Divine Son. The Nativity is touching because we all love babies, but we sometimes long for our children to grow up. We sigh and say, “I can’t wait until this child can finally take his own bath.” Later, we sadly reminisce about how he once giggled and splashed in the tub. Mary treasured each moment of Jesus’ life and reflected on them in her heart. A child is a precious gift from God. Live in the moment and enjoy your children.

At the Presentation, Mary and Joseph obediently offered their Son to God, trusting that He would guide them in raising Jesus. We mothers should also place our children tenderly in God’s care, trusting that He will choose the best course for us. We must also help our children determine their vocations because God has a role for each of them in His Divine Plan. Teach your children not only to pray but to listen to God’s gentle guidance in their lives. One way BOWES, SEE page 24

Rico De Silva

Deacon James H. Toner

adult stem cells, James Sherley of the Boston Biomedical Research Institute and Theresa Deisher of AVM Biotechnology, had challenged the legality of the funding.

They also argued that the administration’s rules will result in increased competition for limited federal funding and will injure their ability to compete successfully for research money from the National Institutes of Health.

The administration had immediately appealed Judge Lamberth’s injunction against the funding. The court panel agreed that the injunction would impose a substantial hardship on stem cell researchers at the NIH, particularly because it would halt multi-year projects already in progress.

The majority opinion also noted that Congress has re-enacted the 1996 law year after year with the knowledge that the government has been funding embryonic stem cell research since 2001. They said this was evidence that Congress considers such funding permissible.

FUNDING, SEE page 24

De Silva, SEE page 24

A

This empty space is not a mistake. Not one human being has benefited from the deaths of many thousands of human beings who have been intentionally killed or who live, frozen, in cans.

On the other hand, adult stem cell research, approved by the Church, kills no one, and thousands of lives have been saved through its use. Go online and read usccb.org/stemcellcampaign/q_and_a.shtml to learn more.

Deacon James H. Toner serves at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro. Before retiring and moving to North Carolina to be near grandchildren, he taught apologetics, bioethics and moral theology at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, Conn.

Court lifts injunction on embryonic stem cell research funding WASHINGTON, D.C. — A U.S. court of appeals panel has said the U.S. government can use federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. The decision reverses a judge’s injunction last year, but does not end the original legal challenge.

In a 2-1 decision, the court said that opponents of taxpayer funding for the research are not likely to succeed in a lawsuit to stop it and so funding may continue.

However, the original lawsuit can still proceed before U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth.

The ruling reverses Judge Lamberth’s August 2010 decision which said the research likely violates the 1996 DickeyWicker Amendment that bans funding the destruction of human embryos.

Private money has been used to destroy the embryos, whose cells can reproduce in lab dishes indefinitely. The Obama administration has issued rules permitting taxpayer dollars to work on these cell lines.

Two doctors who conduct research in

M

y mother had to be hospitalized the first week of April because of irregular heartbeats and other minor heart complications. My mom is 92, so there’s really no such thing as a “minor” health issue at that age.

Doña Lety, the Spanish equivalent of “Mrs. Mom,” lives in Panama, where I grew up. Not willing to take any chances, I followed the advice of my older sister, who is a nurse, to go down to Panama and spend time with Mom. On Holy Saturday I flew to Panama City. It was hard to believe that the last time I had seen my mom was the summer of 2007, when she had hip replacement surgery. When I saw her this time around, her spirits were high and she was excited to see me.

I decided to make every minute with my mom count, since my trip would last only three days. Most of our time together, either eating or just chatting in her room, we didn’t talk about anything of substance and just really enjoyed each other’s company. However, after dinner on Easter Sunday, I felt prompted to ask her the last question anyone would want to ask a parent: “Are you ready (to die)?”

Without hesitating, she shook her head.

“Why not?” I asked.

“Because I don’t want to abandon my kids,” she said.

I reminded her that as the youngest of nine children, I was already pushing 50.

“All of us are old, Mom, and we’re the ones who should worry about you and not the other way around.”

Then I managed to change the subject, telling her that my late father and she were my heroes because I couldn’t fathom raising nine kids as they did. She just smiled and reminded me that it was time to watch “Mujeres Asesinas,” her favorite TV show.

My mom walks slowly with a cane, hunched over. (I jokingly tell her that with her cane, she looks like a female version of Blessed John Paul II.) She is unable to get up from the table or even take a single step without the help of her guardian angel, Josefina, a live-in nurse assistant. Josefina stays with Mom 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even sleeping in a fold-out bed next to my mother.

Like the Blessed Virgin Mary’s

lthough the Church warns us against embryonic stem cell research (because it is the intentional killing of unborn children), we still hear much about its supposed benefits.

Below is a listing of all the human beings in the world who have benefited from this research, as well as a listing of all the therapeutic treatments making use of embryonic stem cells:

Catholic News Agency

A mother’s love never dies

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charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | May 6, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bowes:

De Silva:

FROM PAGE 23

FROM PAGE 23

to do this is to teach them to pray the rosary.

Mary promised that those devoted to the rosary will receive signal graces – signs that let us know if we are on the right path.

In the Finding at the Temple, Jesus took His place among the Jewish leaders, amazing them with His knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures. Even Mary and Joseph were astonished. As mothers, we must prepare our children to be Soldiers of Christ. We are their

primary educators in the Catholic faith, a huge responsibility. This, of course, requires that we know our faith. Read the Catechism, study the Bible and cultivate a rich prayer life. Pass this on to your children, and some day they will amaze not only you but others they encounter.

Peggy Bowes is a member of Holy Angels Church in Mt. Airy and the author of “The Rosary Workout” (rosaryworkout.com).

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maternal care for us, a mother always worries about her children and tries to protect them with her love. A million words are not sufficient enough to describe a mother’s love towards her children. It’s like trying to experience the beauty of a rose by looking at its picture, instead of holding it

Hains: FROM PAGE 23

not guilty of a crime, then we diminish the value of the unborn and, in effect, we agree with current law that denies personhood to the unborn baby.

If we believe in the sanctity of all human life then we, as a society, must be willing

Funding: FROM PAGE 23

Backers of embryonic stem cell research say the research has the potential to address some of the most difficult areas in medicine,

and smelling its fragrance.

As I witnessed on my visit to Panama, even though my mom is 92 and in ill health, she is still more concerned about her children’s welfare than her own. And that will be the case until the day she dies.

This Mother’s Day, let’s tell our moms that we love them. Thanks, Mom, for the years of care, even to the present day. Feliz Día de la Madre Mamá. Te quiero mucho.

Rico De Silva is a member of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

to consider an appropriate punishment for those who violate that sanctity.

Prayer to end of killing of the innocent unborn is eventually going to prevail. But perhaps we should also pray for guidance in how to deal with some difficult legal questions that we will face in a future without abortion.

David Hains is director of communication for the Diocese of Charlotte. Contact him at dwhains@charlottediocese.org.

including treatments for spinal cord injury, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease.

Catholic bioethicist Father Thomas Berg, director of the Westchester Institute for Ethics and the Human Person, had praised the decision to block the research funding.

He said funding embryonic stem cell research is “complicity in the destruction of individual, embryonic human persons.”