Aug. 26, 2011

August 26, 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

Centuries of service Retired priests planted seeds of faith, helped our diocese grow, 6

FUNDED by the parishioners of the diocese of charlotte

WORLD YOUTH DAY 2011

THANK YOU!

Pope tells young to build on their faith and share it with others,

FAITH 2

Former Belmont Abbey College president dies, 5

Safe at last

Bhutanese refugees find new home in Charlotte with help from CSS, 14-15

24 Calendar 4 Diocese 3-15

St. Matthew Church in Charlotte celebrates 25 years of diversity, spirit and faith, 3

mix 21

nation & World 22-25 Schools 20

Retiros para ni単os hispanos, 16

Viewpoints 26-27

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

Our faith

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 26, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine Feast day: Aug. 27 Benjamin Mann Catholic News Agency

On Aug. 27, one day before the feast of her son St. Augustine, the Church honors St. Monica, whose holy example and fervent intercession led to one of the most dramatic conversions in Church history.

Monica was born into a Catholic family in 332, in the North African city of Tagaste (located in present-day Algeria). She was raised by a maidservant who taught her the virtues of obedience and temperance. While still relatively young, she married Patricius, a Roman civil servant with a bad temper and a disdain for his wife’s religion.

Monica dealt patiently with his distressing behavior, which included infidelity to their marriage vows. But she experienced a greater grief when he would not allow their three children – Augustine, Nagivius and Perpetua – to be baptized.

The St. Monica When Augustine, the oldest, Sodality began became sick and was in danger of at St. John Cantius death, Patricius gave consent for Church of Chicago his baptism, but withdrew it when in 1995. The he recovered.

Sodality’s purpose Monica’s long-suffering is to pray for a patience and prayers eventually return to Catholic helped Patricius to see the error unity and provide of his ways, and he was baptized prayerful support into the Church one year before for those who his death in 371. Her oldest son, have experienced however, soon embraced a way the loss of faith of of life that brought her further a loved one. For grief, as he fathered a child out more, go online to of wedlock in 372. One year later, www.cantius.org/ he began to practice the occult go/organizations/ religion of Manichaeism. category/st_ In her distress and grief, monica_sodality.

Monica initially shunned her oldest son. However, she experienced a mysterious dream that strengthened her hope for Augustine’s soul, in which a messenger assured her: “Your son is with you.” After this experience, which took place around 377, she allowed him back into her home and continued to beg God for his conversion.

But that would not take place for another nine years.

Learn more

A saintly life

In the meantime, Monica sought the advice of local clergy, wondering what they might do to persuade her son away from the Manichean heresy. One bishop, who had once belonged to that sect himself, assured Monica that it was “impossible that the son of such tears should perish.”

These tears and prayers intensified when Augustine, at 29, abandoned Monica without warning as she passed the night praying in a chapel. Without saying goodbye to his mother, Augustine boarded a ship bound for Rome.

Yet even this painful event would serve God’s greater purpose, as Augustine left to become a teacher in the place where he was destined to become a Catholic.

Under the influence of the bishop St. Ambrose of Milan, Augustine renounced the teaching of the Manichees around 384.

Monica followed her son to Milan and drew encouragement from her son’s growing interest in the saintly bishop’s preaching. After three years of struggle against his own desires and perplexities, Augustine succumbed to God’s grace and was baptized in 387.

Shortly before her death, Monica shared a profound mystical experience of God with Augustine, who chronicled the event in his “Confessions.” Finally, she told him: “Son, for myself I have no longer any pleasure in anything in this life. Now that my hopes in this world are satisfied, I do not know what more I want here or why I am here.”

“The only thing I ask of you both,” she told Augustine and his brother Nagivius, “is that you make remembrance of me at the altar of the Lord wherever you are.”

St. Monica died at age 56, in the year 387.

Augustine recounted her in his Confessions: “I will not speak of her gifts, but of Thy gift in her; for she neither made herself nor trained herself. Thou didst create her, and neither her father nor mother knew what kind of being was to come forth from them. And it was the rod of Thy Christ, the discipline of Thy only Son, that trained her in Thy fear, in the house of one of Thy faithful ones who was a sound member of Thy Church.”

St. Monica is the patroness of abuse victims, alcoholics,

difficult marriages, disappointing children, homemakers, married women, mothers, victims of adultery, victims of verbal abuse, widows and wives. She has also become the inspiration for the St. Monica Sodality, which encourages prayer and penance among Catholics whose children have left the faith.

Your daily Scripture readings SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF AUG. 28 - SEPT. 3

Sunday, Jeremiah 20:7-9, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 16:21-27; Monday (Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist), 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Mark 6:17-29; Tuesday, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11, Luke 4:31-37; Wednesday, Colossians 1:-18, Luke 4:38-44; Thursday, Colossians 1:9-14, Luke 5:1-11; Friday, Colossians 1:15-20, Luke 5:3339; Saturday (St. Gregory the Great), Colossians 1:21-23, Luke 6:1-5

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF SEPT. 4 - SEPT. 10

Sunday, Ezekiel 33:7-9, Romans 13:8-10, Matthew 18:15-20; Monday, Colossians 1:24-2:3, Luke 6:6-11; Tuesday, Colossians 2:6-15, Luke 6:12-19; Wednesday, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 6:20-26; Thursday (Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary), Romans 8:2830, Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23; Friday (St. Peter Claver), 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14, Luke 6:39-42; Saturday, 1 Timothy 1:15-17, Luke 6:43-49

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF SEPT. 11 - SEPT. 17

Sunday, Sirach 27:30-28:7, Romans 14:7-9, Matthew 18:21-35; Monday, 1 Timothy 2:1-8, LUke 7:1-10; Tuesday (St. Chrysostom), 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Luke 7:11-17; Wednesday (Exaltation of the Holy Cross), Numbers 21:4-9, Philippians 2:6-11, John 3:13-17; Thursday (Our Lady of Sorrows), 1 Timothy 4:12-16, John 19:25-27; Friday (Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian), 1 Timothy 6:2-12, Luke 8:1-3; Saturday (St. Robert Bellarmine), 1 Timothy 6:13-16, Luke 8:4-15

Our parishes

August 26, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

St. Matthew Church: 25 years of faith and service

In Brief Congress kids’ track registration deadline nears CHARLOTTE — The popular Education tracks of the Eucharistic Congress have been filling up. Families with children in grades K-12 are urged to register online at www.goeucharist. com before Friday, Sept. 2. The education tracks – elementary (K-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12) – will feature age-appropriate religious instruction and fun at the Congress, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 24.

photo provided by st. matthew church

Monsignor John McSweeney, pastor of St. Matthew Church in southeast Charlotte, speaks to youth in the faith formation program about the sacrament of reconciliation in February 2011.

‘Backpack blessing’ given as new school year begins CONCORD — Children of St. James the Greater Church in Concord brought their school backpacks and received a blessing from Redemptorist Father Joseph Dionne Aug. 21 during Mass. In conjunction with the “Backpack Blessing,” parishioners also collected school supplies and donations to benefit Cabarrus County’s Cooperative Christian Ministries program and Women and Children’s Ministry, a housing facility for homeless mothers and children.

— Angie Harness, Louise Thoreson and Kelli Olszewski

First Friday devotion begins at Belmont Abbey College BELMONT — A diocesan-wide Nine First Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus will begin Friday, Sept.

2, at Belmont Abbey College. All are welcome to join Dr. William Thierfelder, president, his family and the college community for 5 p.m. Mass at the Abbey Basilica followed by a casual buffet dinner. Donations to help cover the cost of food will be accepted at the door. RSVP by Wednesday, Aug. 31, to MaryWorthington@bac.edu.

St. Matthew Church celebrates 25 years of diversity, spirit and faith SueAnn Howell Staff writer

CHARLOTTE — A quarter century ago, Catholics in rural southeast Charlotte were given the gift of a new parish established by then Bishop John Donoghue of the Diocese of Charlotte. The date was Sept. 21, 1986 – the feast of St. Matthew, the new faith community’s patron saint.

At its inception, Bishop Donoghue directed that the parish, which began by celebrating its first two Masses on Nov. 2 in a nearby movie theater, “be a spiritual oasis following the spirit of Vatican II,” ultimately involving the recognition of the baptismal commitment and baptismal life of each member of the parish and the active involvement of lay ministries.

Monsignor Joseph Kerin, the founding pastor who served the parish for 10 years, emphasized the significance of choosing St. Matthew as patron saint of the new parish, saying: “Matthew was called from the tax collector’s table just as all of us are called from our business – our busy-ness – to follow Christ.”

He loved the new church that was “started out in

the middle of nowhere.”

“People come together when they have nothing,” he points out.

Bishop Donoghue offered to have the church built before the congregation began coming together for Mass, but Monsignor Kerin felt strongly that “you build a church first (of the people) and then you build a building.”

Monsignor John McSweeney, pastor for the past 12 years, takes seriously the founding mission given by Bishop Donoghue for the parish “to be Jesus’ hands and feet in this day and age, by the living stones called the people of the parish.”

The mission of the parish is by all standards a successful one, when you take into consideration the 103 active ministries available to the more than 8,500 registered families. More than 30,000 people now call St. Matthew their home parish, making it one of the largest – if not the largest – Catholic church in the U.S., not just North Carolina. The parish employs a staff of 58 people and has a $6 million operating budget.

The two pillars of the parish’s mission over ST. MATTHEW, SEE page 13

Nov. 2, 1986: First official Masses for St. Matthew Church are celebrated at the Tower Place Cinema in Pineville, with 600 faithful attending the two Masses offered that day by founding pastor, Monsignor Joseph A. Kerin.

1987: The first parish census in 1987 lists 237 registered families.

July 22, 1989: A multipurpose parish center is dedicated in southeast Charlotte, for the celebration of Mass as well as for parish activities.

March 17, 1996: Then Bishop William G. Curlin dedicates a new 1,800-seat church off Ballantyne Commons Parkway.

The parish totals 2,109 registered families, doubling demographic projections for south Charlotte.

1999: Monsignor John J. McSweeney is installed as pastor of St. Matthew.

2003: A building campaign funds the New Life Center, the St. Matthew School/Education Center, a daily Mass chapel and columbarium on the expansive parish campus.

2011: The parish now totals 8,500 households – making it the largest Catholic parish in North Carolina and most likely the U.S.

A festival to celebrate 25 years St. Matthew CHURCH invites all of the faithful of the diocese to its 25th anniversary celebration, to be held from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Sat., Sept. 17. The multicultural festival will feature music, food and entertainment. It will be held on the St. Matthew Church campus, located at the corners of Rea Road and Ballantyne Commons Parkway in southeast Charlotte.

For more information, go to www. stmatthewcatholic.org.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 26, 2011 OUR PARISHES

Diocesan calendar of events CHARLOTTE

st. pius x CHURCH, 22001 n. elm st.

charlotte convention center, 501 s. college st.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events over the next two weeks: Sept. 4 – 9 a.m.

Mass St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Mars Hill Sept. 5 – 10 a.m.

Mass with Missionaries of Charity Charlotte Sept. 7 – 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. Lawrence Basilica, Asheville Sept. 9 – 10 a.m.

Mass Christ the King High School, Mooresville Sept. 10 – 8 a.m.

Carmelite Profession of Vows St. Ann Church, Charlotte Sept. 11 – 11:15 a.m.

Mass for 70th Anniversary of Parish St. Joseph Church, Bryson City

— Seventh Eucharistic Congress, Sept. 23 and 24. The theme is “Do This in Memory of Me.” The Congress will include a procession of the Eucharist through the streets of uptown Charlotte. The keynote speaker on Friday will be Cardinal Francis Arinze. Visit www.goeucharist.com.

ST. GABRIEL CHURCH, 3016 PROVIDENCE ROAD — “I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me,” an educational workshop on migration issues and developing our Catholic faith response. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sept. 10, doors open at 9 a.m. International lunch buffet will be served.

For questions and/or to RSVP contact Roxana Bendezú at roxanabendezu@gmail.com or 704-264-4444.

This week’s spotlight: “The catholic faith and...” Deacon James Toner presents an insightful look into our faith and the different faiths that surround us. Sessions will be 7-8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 W. Market St., Greensboro. Topics include:

ST. john neumann CHURCH, 8451 idlewild road — “Why do Catholics do That?” Parish Hall, 6-6:30 p.m.

Sept. 11. Contact Karen Polce at kmpolce@gmail.com or 704-545-7580.

ST. luke CHURCH, 13700 Lawyers Road — Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Information Meeting, Family Life Center, 7 p.m. Sept. 6 ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, 8015 BALLANTYNE COMMONS PKWY. — “Moments Matter in Lectio Divina,” NLC Room 208, 10-11 a.m. and 7-8 p.m. Sept. 1 and 15. Group is limited to 10 adults. Contact patldonlevy@gmail.com, 704-5418960, or 704-323-7910.

— Our Lady of Perpetual Help Group Inquiry Meeting, NLC Room 132, 2-3 p.m. Sept. 11. Contact dominican3op@ gmail.com. Visit www.charlottelaydominicans.org.

— Centering Prayer Meeting, NLC Room 211, 7-8:30 p.m. second and fourth Wednesdays. Contact Bruce Hassett at 704-641-9041 or Janie Normile at 803-396-8016.

HENDERSONVILLE

... The Holy Bible,“ Sept. 8 ... Bible Christians,” Sept. 15

... Jehovah’s Witnesses,” Sept. 29 ... Seventh Day Adventists,” Oct. 6 ... Mormons (Latter Day Saints),” Oct. 13 ... Muslims,” Oct. 20 and 25

the CHARLOTTE MUSEUM OF HISTORY, 3500 SHAMROCK DR. — “SINGGALOT: The Ties That Bind,” the story, culture and contemporary issues of Filipino Americans, Free Family Days sponsored by the Philippine Cultural Legacy Project: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 10 and Oct. 1. Contact Dr. Nini Bautista at ninibautista@aol.com or 704-583-9421. Visit www. facc-charlotte.com.

DENVER HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, 537 N. HWY. 16 — Healing Mass, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 — “Moving on After Moving In,” 10-11:30 a.m. Sept. 15, a 10week program for women. Contact Candy at 704-4891696 or Maureen at 704-489-0544.

ST. patrick cathedral, 1621 dilworth road e.

— Fall Scripture Study, 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Childcare provided. Contact Michelle Rahilly at rahillyhome@ carolina.rr.com or Margaret Gustafson at jmgusto@ bellsouth.net.

August 26, 2011 Volume 20 • Number 30

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

EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Denise Onativia 704-370-3333, catholicnews@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org STAFF WRITER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS: Carlos Castañeda 704-370-3375, cmcastaneda@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org

— “Learn to Pray the Liturgy of the Hours,” Kloster Center, 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 13, 20 and 27. Contact Elliott Suttle at spiusx.lothclass@gmail.com.

“The Catholic Faith and

... ’Once Upon a Time’ Catholics,” Sept. 22 — Catholic Social Services’ Natural Family Planning Bilingual Instructor Course (English/Spanish), Ministry Center Room A, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 17. Contact Batrice Adcock at cssnfp@charlottediocese.org or 704-370-3230, or Nannette Badillo at badillonannette@bellsouth.net.

— “Gospel of Matthew: The King and His Kingdom,” a 24-week study, 10 a.m.-noon starting Sept. 13. Register at the church office. Contact Ben Yorks at byorks9411@ aol.com.

GREENSBORO OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, 2205 W. MARKET ST. — Walking with Purpose Women’s Bible Study, 8 a.m.

Sept. 17. Contact Patty Disney at pdisney@ridgewoodnc. net. Visit www.walkingwithpurpose.com.

The Catholic News Herald is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 28 times a year.

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

ADVERTISING: Reach 165,000 Catholics across western North Carolina! For advertising rates and information,

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION church, 208 SEVENTH AVE. W. — The St. Francis of the Hills Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan order invites you to a “Come and See.” They meet 1-3:30 p.m. fourth Sundays. Contact Randy Hair, SFO at 828-698-6466 or Tim Gibson, SFO at 828-606-1728.

HIGH POINT immaculate heart of mary church, 4145 johnson st.

— Beginner and Advanced Spanish Classes, 7-8:30 p.m.

Sept. 15, will run for eight consecutive Thursdays.

Contact Nancy at 336-884-0522 or Dr. Kwan at hinglkwan@gmail.com.

MOUNT AIRY HOLY ANGELS CHURCH, 1208 N Main st.

— Mass in the Extraordinary Form, noon Sundays. Contact holyangelsmountairy@charlottediocese.org or 336-786-8147.

SAPPHIRE st. jude mission, 3011 U.S. Hwy. 64 E. — “Catholics and Cherokees: Healing the Soul Wound,” with featured speaker Patty Grant, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and founding member of Healing and Wellness Coalition. Registration requested to maryherr@dnet.net or 828-497-9498.

TRYON st. john the baptist church, 180 lAUREL AVE. — Italian Feast to Commemorate their 100th Anniversary, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 10 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.

contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.

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

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

facebook.com/ catholic news HERALD Diocese of Charlotte

August 26, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Former Belmont Abbey College president dies Wade Allen and Amanda Memrick The Gaston Gazette

BELMONT — Former Belmont Abbey College President Robert Preston, 80, died at noon Aug. 20 in High Point of pancreatic cancer.

Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey issued the following statement later that day: “It is with deep sadness that I must inform you that Dr. Robert Preston died peacefully at noon today in the healthcare center at Maryfield, in High Point. One of the religious sisters was reciting the Angelus in his room, when he took a few short breaths and died.”

Abbot Placid asked for everyone to remember the Preston family in their prayers.

A funeral Mass was celebrated by Abbot Placid Aug. 24 at the Abbey Basilica, followed by interment at the abbey cemetery.

Preston’s wife of 53 years, Helen, said he found out he had terminal pancreatic cancer on July 26 after a visit to the doctor’s office.

He attended a family reunion in the western U.S. in July when he began not feeling well.

He was diagnosed shortly after returning to High Point. She said her husband’s cancer diagnosis and death happened “very fast.”

“He was calm, always calm, even tempered, very slow to anger, always fair, generous to a fault, a gentleman,” Mrs. Preston said. “He was thoughtful, he was proud of his family, all of whom have done so well. He took great pride in that.”

Preston graduated from Belmont Abbey College in 1953 and served as president from 1995 until his retirement in 2001 at 70.

He was born June 6, 1931, in Richmond, Va. He served in the U.S. Army during the

Korean Conflict and worked as a reporter and feature writer for the Richmond TimesDispatch as a young man.

He received his doctorate from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and did post-doctorate studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., and Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

He taught undergraduate studies at John Carroll Preston University in Cleveland and taught in the graduate school at St. Louis University. He worked as academic dean at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Ky., and provost at Loyola University in New Orleans, before becoming president of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn.

From there, he became provost at Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill., and then president of Belmont Abbey College.

“He was a very busy man. He was very, very intelligent – did lots of things in his lifetime,” Mrs. Preston said. “He left a trail of friends all over the United States.”

She said her husband was active with the Rotary Club and other civic organizations.

She described him as a man who loved academics and although his career led to the administrative side of education, his heart was in the classroom.

“He very much made himself available for the students, as this was his mission, to be a teacher… and he was an excellent teacher,” she said. “He was an unusual man and very

much devoted to Belmont Abbey College.”

“They honored him and myself with a scholarship when he retired as president,” she said. “We’re most devoted to that.”

Preston was close to faculty, students and the abbey from the beginning of his tenure as president in 1995.

Dr. Mike McLeod, chairman of the biology department at Belmont Abbey College, said, “He was both a really good president for us and a really good president for that time. He came in and provided stability to the college and made people feel like they were valued employees. He had a very calming, relaxing demeanor with all the employees here.”

McLeod described Preston as a patient, friendly man who truly listened and knew people by name.

“He was not afraid to make decisions and he was not afraid to explain his reasons for his decisions,” McLeod said. “He listened to people before he made decisions. And again, he made people feel like they were important to the college, and he recognized that they were important to the college.”

As president, Preston started the Bradley Institute for the Study of Christian Culture, which has monthly speakers on topics relating to Christianity and Catholicism. He was a strong supporter of the liberal arts program, and he started the expectation that Belmont Abbey students perform community service.

He once wrote a letter to Phillip Morris declining a $40,000 grant sent to aid in establishing a literacy program. Preston didn’t decline the money because of their tobacco products. He rejected it because he stumbled upon an ad that appeared to promote

premarital sex. So he wrote a letter to Phillip Morris explaining his reasoning and ended up sitting down with company executives, who decided to pull that ad campaign.

Preston continued to be a part of the college even after he left the helm. He became director of the Bradley Institute after retiring as president. He also stayed involved teaching classes.

“And even last spring he taught several philosophy courses for the college,” McLeod said.

Belmont Abbey College senior Ian Moye enrolled in one of Preston’s philosophy courses this spring.

“He was someone who made his students work, for sure,” Moye said. “He made philosophy fun.”

Students enjoyed his sense of humor, Moye said. He remembered a saying that Preston would often reiterate before the weekends: “If you plan to go out Saturday night, do your best thinking Saturday morning, and for me, two beers and only two beers.”

“I will miss him,” McLeod said. “In my opinion, Dr. Preston was one of the best presidents we had and was the president we needed … because of his demeanor and his relationship style and the way he treated people.”

Preston was preceded in death by his son, Robert Andrews Preston Jr., and a sister, Patricia Hardie. He is survived by four children and nine grandchildren.

Donations may be made to the Robert Preston Family Scholarship Fund at Belmont Abbey.

McLean’s Funeral Service in Belmont was in charge of the arrangements.

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Through Him, with Him, in Him Left: Father Tony Ricard (right) elevates the Eucharist during the closing Mass of the annual revival sponsored by the diocesan African American Affairs Ministry held at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte Aug. 14. Father Ricard is a priest in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the chaplain for the New Orleans

Saints NFL team. He shared many stories and jokes about “saints” during his homily. Pictured with Father Ricard is Deacon Stephen Pickett (left) of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir.

Right: Members of the Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir sing at the closing Mass of

the four-day revival on Aug. 14.

Go online to the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel to hear an excerpt from Father Ricard’s homily.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 26, 2011 OUR PARISHES

2011 Priests’ retirement collection Priests’ Retirement Collection way to say ‘thanks’ At all Masses on Sept. 10-11, the faithful will have an opportunity to express their gratitude to the 23 retired diocesan priests and 30 retired religious order priests in the Diocese of Charlotte by contributing to the Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Collection.

The goal to fund the priests’ retirement and benefits program for 2011-’12 is $1,494,000. More than $893,000 will go toward pension contributions for priests’ retirement plans; more than $569,000 will be used for retirement benefit expenses for their health plan.

Each parish is assessed 3.5 percent of their annual offertory income. In most parishes, that amounts to slightly less than two times their average weekly offertory.

The collection also helps provide for the future retirement of the 78 current diocesan priests, ensuring the funds will be available when they retire from active ministry.

Monsignor Anthony Kovacic is one of 53 retired diocesan and religious order priests in the Diocese of Charlotte being supported in part by the annual priests’ retirement collection. A pioneer of desegregation in the diocese, Monsignor Kovacic has served as a priest for 64 years. He now lives at Pennybyrn at Maryfield in High Point, a retirement community that is home to four other retired diocesan priests. In the background is a photo of the house he lived in as a child in Slovenia.

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Centuries of faith-filled service Retired priests planted seeds of faith, helped our diocese grow SueAnn Howell Staff writer

HIGH POINT — There is no such thing as a retired priest. Just ask two of the diocese’s “founding fathers,” who between them have 118 years of service and have created state-wide legacies in the building up of the Church in North Carolina. They still minister, in their own way, every day at Pennybyrn at Maryfield, a retirement community and assisted living center in High Point.

Monsignor KOVACIC: HISTORIC CATHOLIC LEADER IN NORTH CAROLINA It’s a miracle that Monsignor Anthony Kovacic is with us

today. Born in Slovenia in 1920, he was a child when Hitler rose to power in Europe. He was one of the fortunate ones who escaped the tyranny, sneaking over the border into Italy one harrowing night to seek shelter with his uncle’s family. If the guards who had detained him that night had killed him as they had been told, so many seeds of faith planted by his hands would have never grown and flourished during the 64 years of his priesthood.

Monsignor Kovacic, who prefers to be called “Father Tony,” is now 91 and lives at Pennybyrn at Maryfield in High Point with four other retired priests of the Diocese of Charlotte. His life story makes for a great novel, spanning from world wars to the battle over desegregation in the U.S.

FROM ITALY TO N.C.

Monsignor Kovacic is one of a handful of seminarians from his homeland “rescued”

by Pope Pius XII. He studied in Rome and was ordained a priest in 1947. He was assigned to work in the Colonia Marina refugee camp in Salerno, helping fellow displaced persons from 1948 to 1951. He had hopes of working in foreign missions in Australia, but after discovering he had contracted tuberculosis, he couldn’t go. He continued to serve at the camp until a priest friend who had gone to the U.S. encouraged him to apply to join him in North Carolina.

After he was cured of the tuberculosis, he was cleared to come to the U.S. In 1951 then Bishop Vincent Waters of North Carolina (long before the second

diocese for Charlotte was carved from the Raleigh diocese) put him straight to work as assistant pastor at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. At that time there were only 5,000 Catholics in the entire state. Monsignor Kovacic spent a year at the cathedral before being transferred to eastern North Carolina, where he helped build up the Church in Kinston, Tarboro, Scotland Neck, New Bern and Greenville over 13 years.

OVERCOMING DESEGREGATION

Monsignor Kovacic’s experiences in the seminary at the Propaganda De Fide at the Vatican helped him desegregate the Catholic schools during his tenure in eastern North Carolina.

“I saw so many brown faces, and faces with color, looking out the windows when I walked up to the building for the first time that I thought I was in the wrong place,” Monsignor Kovacic said of his first day at the seminary.

His love for all people helped him during the 1960s when he was charged with creating the state’s first desegregated Catholic school, St. Joseph in New Bern. The school opened with 50 black students and one white student.

Monsignor Kovacic traveled to nearby military bases and communities and appealed to the families there to enroll their children, and eventually he saw enrollment grow to 100 students split evenly along racial lines.

BUILDING UP THE BODY OF CHRIST

During his 64 years as a priest, Monsignor

Kovacic has served in 12 parishes in the state, with more than 29 years of service in the Diocese of Charlotte. His legacy in the “missions of North Carolina” also includes the construction of churches and activity centers, the directorship of the diocesan permanent diaconate program at its inception, leading the Cursillo movement in the diocese for many years, and bringing the first active Knights of Columbus council to Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont.

“Parish work was always enjoyable,” Monsignor Kovacic said. He believes his ministry has always been to help people know the Faith, and he said his greatest joys have come from his work with converts, visiting the sick and spending time with his parishes’ families over the years.

Kerin

Monsignor Kerin: HUMBLE SERVANT WHO EMBRACED THE NEW CHARLOTTE DIOCESE

Monsignor Joseph Kerin lives just down the hall from Monsignor Kovacic at Pennybyrn. At age 79, he is the “new kid on the block” among the retired clergy at Pennybyrn, having moved there only nine months ago. His legacy of service, PRIESTS, SEE page 9

August 26, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 26, 2011 OUR PARISHES

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Deacon candidates get bishop’s blessing as they continue formation Patricia L. Guilfoyle Editor

CHARLOTTE — Eighteen men have taken a major step toward becoming permanent deacons – one of the largest classes ever in the nearly 30year history of the diaconate in the Diocese of Charlotte.

During the rite of candidacy at St. Patrick Cathedral on Aug. 10 (chosen because it is the feast day of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr), they were installed as candidates by Bishop Peter J. Jugis who blessed them upon stating their willingness to prepare themselves “in mind and spirit to give faithful service to Christ the Lord and His Body, the Church.”

“May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment,” Bishop Jugis prayed.

Ordained for service, or “diakonia,” the diaconate imprints a character and Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald communicates a specific Eighteen men of the Diocese of Charlotte began their formation as sacramental grace for service candidates to the permanent diaconate Aug. 10. More photos from the of the liturgy, of the Gospel Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral are on the diocesan YouTube channel. and of works of charity. The first of three orders the Church planted. may bestow – deacon, priest and bishop “I sure did not see myself being anybody – permanent deacons remain deacons in that the Church would want to have as its their assigned ministries. Deacons serve as public face,” he recalls. ministers of the Word, the altar and charity A few years later, he felt pulled to the and they are found in a variety of settings: diocese’s lay ministry program, which they assist priests at Mass and with pastoral also happens to be a prerequisite for the work; they proclaim the Gospel and may give homilies; and they can perform baptisms and diaconate. Then in 2009 – after the seed had grown for several years – he applied and was witness marriages. Funerals, visits to the invited to aspirancy, which he described as sick and homebound and, in this diocese in “a good period of peeling back what a deacon particular, ministry in jails and prisons are does and what he actually is.” diaconal ministries.

Why does Tamayo want to be a deacon?

The candidates have already been through He will do whatever God wills, he says, but an intense discernment process called he has been able to discern three goals: one, “aspirancy.” More than 50 men originally he seeks to grow in his interior spiritual life applied to enter for this class, but just 18 by cooperating with God’s sanctifying grace, completed the aspirancy period. so that he may help others as Jesus taught; One of the new candidates is Ruben he wants to participate in the life of the Tamayo, a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte and director of its youth Church more actively; and he wants to use his God-given talents as an educator and bridgeministry.

Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Tamayo builder to build up the Church in our diocese.

“I’m ready to put our Lord’s yoke on,” rediscovered his Catholic faith when his son he says, referring to the Gospel passage of was baptized. He’d spent his adult life in Matthew 11:28-30. corporate America building up a successful Tamayo and the other 17 candidates – career but not finding the peace and Guillermo Anzola, James Bozik, John Card, happiness that can only come from Christ.

Sigfrido Della Valle, Joseph Diaz, Michael The pastor who led him and his wife through Goad, John Harrison, Richard McDonald, baptism preparation classes told him Thomas McGahey, Marcos Mejias, Thomas “forthrightly” that he needed to practice his Sanctis, Charles Schreiber, Gary Schrieber, faith if he wanted his son baptized. It made William Sears, Miguel Sebastian, Jack Staub sense, Tamayo says, and it wasn’t long before and James Trombley – will now continue inhe developed a passion for the faith. depth studies to prepare for ordination to the He enrolled in a Bible study class at St. diaconate, expected sometime in 2014.

Matthew Church in Charlotte, and one day To learn more about becoming a a classmate asked him if he’d ever thought permanent deacon, contact Deacon Scott about becoming a deacon. He laughed... but Gilfillan at deacon.scott@att.net. the idea didn’t leave his mind. The seed was

August 26, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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Father John Starczewski installed as pastor in Mocksville MOCKSVILLE — Father John Starczewski was installed as pastor of St. Francis Parish in Mocksville by Bishop Peter Jugis Aug. 13.

The bishop emphasized the importance of Father Starczewski’s role in the three offices of the priesthood: teaching, sanctifying and governing the people of God. The bishop then proceeded to take Father Starczewski about the church where he will exercise those offices, not only in a sacramental way such as through confession and baptism, but also in the simple way of having the parish church open and available.

“Through these doors, people will come from their busy lives in the world,” the bishop said as he presented the front doors of the church to the new pastor. “They come to be refreshed by receiving the sacred mysteries … Make sure that the doors of your church, also, are open even at times outside of Mass times so the faithful of your parish can come spend quiet moments of prayer and be refreshed.

There are many burdens, many heartaches, many hardships, but the people need to have moments to come here, to be at peace, to spend some moments with the Lord in the Most Holy Sacrament.”

In his homily, the bishop also emphasized the role of the faithful in bringing the Gospel to those in their daily lives.

“Father cannot be everywhere in this big territory of Davie County, but by sanctifying you, you can go into your neighborhoods, into your community activities, into your schools. Your faith is not meant to be locked up here within the walls of the church building. But what happens here in transforming you makes the difference so you can go out there and bring Christ’s light into the darkness of this world.”

Mary B. Worthington | Catholic News Herald

PRIESTS FROM PAGE 6

first in the Diocese of Raleigh and then in the Diocese of Charlotte, spans 54 years, involving the creation of two of the biggest parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte: St. Matthew Church in southeast Charlotte and St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

OBEDIENT FAITH

A native of Scarsdale, N.Y., Monsignor Kerin grew up in a faithful Catholic family of nine children. He gave thoughtful prayer to becoming a priest in his youth and after discerning he was called to go to college and not seminary, he attended Niagara University to study accounting.

“By the time I got to college, I was confident I had really considered a vocation and that I didn’t have it,” Monsignor Kerin said. “I was confident God wasn’t calling me.

But after I graduated, during that summer, the thought came to me: ‘You are running from something.’”

His sister was a Dominican nun working

at a school in Raleigh at that time, so he applied to work that summer in the Home Missions set up by Bishop Waters, before he planned to enter law school that fall. But he never got there. Instead, he answered God’s call to the priesthood, and Bishop Waters sent him to the Catholic University of America to study theology.

Monsignor Kerin was ordained in 1957, and Bishop Waters assigned him to a teaching post in Asheville.

“Bishop Waters put me into school work, which I thoroughly enjoyed,” Monsignor Kerin said. He served as a teacher there for two years and then as principal for another six.

After the Charlotte diocese was created in 1972, Monsignor Kerin volunteered to join the new diocese. Then, Charlotte Bishop Michael Begley sent him to Mexico for two years in a missions program that proved to be an invaluable experience for the nonSpanish-speaking Monsignor Kerin.

“It was another new experience that really was a great help to me,” he recalled. “It was a growing experience being thrown into a totally different culture.”

BUILDING UP THE CHURCH

When he came back from Mexico,

The Diocese of Charlotte’s retired priests have served in ministry for a total of 1,066 years Father Joseph J. Ayathupadam Father James Cahill Father Francis M. Cintula Father Thomas P. Clements Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin Father William Evans Father James Hawker Father Conrad Hoover

Father Raymond Hourihan Monsignor Joseph Kerin Father Joseph Kelleher Monsignor Anthony Kovacic Father Andy Latsko Father Bernard Manley Father Richard McCue Father Gabriel Meehan

Monsignor Kerin began parish work around the Charlotte diocese. Bishop John Donoghue then asked him to serve as diocesan chancellor. He greatly enjoyed being a “pastor to the pastors” for seven years.

Monsignor Kerin also had the opportunity to help build the two largest churches in the diocese during the active years of his priesthood. Both St. Matthew and St. Mark churches were entrusted to him to build and grow. As a result, thousands of parishioners young and old have benefitted from his steadfast service.

“I feel I have been blessed with a very rich

Father Charles Reese Father Edward J. Sheridan Monsignor Joseph S. Showfety Father James Solari Father John Tuller Monsignor Thomas Walsh Father Joseph Waters

experience in this life,” Monsignor Kerin said. “I loved getting into things that were new. That was always exciting. Coming down here has been a great blessing.”

Monsignor Kovacic, Monsignor Kerin and their brother priests at Pennybyrn – Father James Solari, Father Joseph Waters and Father Bernard Manley – have more than 229 years of service among them. Their lives are a testament to the power of God’s grace working in the lives of our priests and a witness to the faith that has borne great fruit for the Church in North Carolina.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 26, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CRS ORB mini-grants now available Joseph Purello Special to the Catholic News Herald

In the Diocese of Charlotte, the promotion of Catholic Relief Services programs such as disaster response, fair trade and Operation Rice Bowl is coordinated by Catholic Social Services’ Office of Justice and Peace. CRS is the official international relief and development agency of the U.S. bishops and the U.S. Catholic community, operating in more than 100 countries.

More than $86,000 was raised last spring by diocesan parishes and schools to support the response of CRS partner Japan Caritas to the devastating earthquake and tsunami disaster. The people of the diocese have generously responded to special CRS appeals for disaster assistance after such calamities as the Haiti earthquake of 2010, the Southeast Asia tsunami of 2004, and the massive flooding caused in Central America in 1998 by Hurricane Mitch.

During Lent, 52 parishes and five Catholic schools participated in Operation Rice Bowl.

While $32,506 of the ORB funds raised this year went to CRS’s international office in Baltimore for its overseas work, $10,835 has remained in the diocese to support local Catholic efforts to address food insecurity and poverty through the CRS ORB MiniGrant Program.

For example, a grant to St. William Church in Murphy last year helped support an outreach ministry of its faith formation program to the local Head Start Program.

Youth volunteers from St. William Church Faith Formation Program filled about 40 brown bags each week with nutritious foods such as breakfast bars and fruit. These bags were then taken to the nearby Head Start Program so that children from low-income families would have healthy food to take

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

East African famine: How you can help Millions of people in East Africa are suffering from a devastating famine (especially in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti). Catholic Relief Services is providing emergency assistance to help alleviate the suffering. Online at www.crs.org/kenya/ somalis-crowd-kenya-camp/, there are story links to the crisis, each of which provide further links on how to donate to CRS. Donations can also be made by phone or mail.

To donate by phone, call 1-800-736-3467 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. To donate by mail, please send checks to: Catholic Relief Services (Memo: East Africa Emergency Fund), P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090.

home with them for the weekend.

Mini-grant applications for up to $1,000 in funding can be submitted for such good works as food pantries, meals for the homeless, and community gardens for the poor. A diocesan-based advisory committee, chaired by Deacon Edward Konarski from St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton, assists in the grant selection process.

Go to www.cssnc.org/cchdcrs to find the CRS ORB Mini-Grant guidelines and application as a PDF document. The postmark deadline for mailing grant applications is Oct. 15. Only one grant can be submitted per Catholic entity, and grant applications must be reviewed and signed by the pastor, school principal or director of the diocesan office applying for the grant.

children met the fictional characters Heidi Claire, Justin Time and Chef Pierre Mon Frère, who helped them learn from the parables about gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, grace and faithfulness.

At the end of the week everyone had learned that “Jesus makes a difference every day.”

— Betsy McLeod

Host families needed for Hispanic retreat

St. Margaret children learn at VBS

CHARLOTTE — The diocesan Hispanic Ministry’s Southeast regional retreat will be held Sept. 10-11 at Holy Trinity Middle School. Charlotte will be the host city for about 250 young people (aged 18-25) from all over the Atlanta Province. The Hispanic Ministry vicariate is seeking families to host 1-2 young people for one night. This is a great opportunity to share and experience our multiculturalism. Families will need to have a Protecting God’s Children certification. For details, contact Jorge Gómiz at 704-458-4757 or jxgomiz@charlottediocese.org.

MAGGIE VALLEY — The youth of St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Maggie Valley participated in a week-long vacation Bible school, whose theme was “Main Street USA.” More than 40 adults and

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

August 26, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Feast of the Assumption: Prayers and lessons for us all The faithful across the Diocese of Charlotte celebrated the Feast of the Assumption Aug. 15 – commemorating when Mary was assumed into heaven, body and soul. Tradition has it that the Archangel Gabriel came to Mary and told her of her impending departure into eternal life, and all of the Church leaders – including St. Peter, St. John, St. Paul and St. Timothy – were transported by the Holy Spirit from their various places of preaching to her bedside in Jerusalem. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “... when the course of her earthly life was finished, (she) was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as the Queen over all things, so that she might be more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son’s Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians.” (CCC 966) For more photos from both celebrations, check out the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel.

At St. Basil Ukrainian Catholic Mission in Charlotte, Eastern rite Catholics marked the feast of the “Dormition” (“falling asleep”) of the “Theotokos” (“God-bearer”) with Great Vespers. One of the prayers parishioners intoned was: “You have given birth to Life, and now by your holy Dormition you have crossed the borders into eternal life. The Angels, Principalities, and the Virtues, the prophets, the apostles, and all creation form a procession, and your Son receives your pure soul into His immaculate hands, O Virgin Mother and Bride of God.”

Parishioners of Our Lady of the Assumption celebrated their special feast day with Mass followed by an ice cream social. Father Philip Scarcella, pastor, preached during his homily that the Assumption gives all the faithful hope that we too may go to heaven if we model our lives on that of the Blessed Mother – during good times and bad. At the end of Mass, members of the Vietnamese community gathered around a statue of Mary and recited the Our Father, three Hail Marys and the Glory Be – part of their tradition on the Assumption.

Photos by Patricia L. Guilfoyle | Catholic News Herald

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 26, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Raleigh bishop to speak at Eucharistic Congress CHARLOTTE — Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh will deliver the homily during the morning Holy Hour at the Eucharistic Congress on Saturday, Sept. 24. A Pennsylvania native, Burbidge has been a North Carolina resident since his appointment to the Raleigh diocese in 2006. Bishop Burbidge was interviewed by diocesan Director of Communication David Hains. Answers have been edited for clarity: Q: What is the focus of your Holy Hour homily at the Eucharistic Congress?

Burbidge A: “Do this in memory of me” (the theme of the congress) is a beautiful theme.

My homily will be that we who receive the Body and Blood of Christ are called daily to imitate His humble and selfless service. So as we come to the Lord and are in His presence, we must go forth responding to His call to imitate His humble and selfless service in memory of Him. Q: You were instrumental in the creation of Catholic Voice North Carolina, the non-partisan public policy Web site of the state’s two bishops. What role does the Eucharist play in a more secular endeavor like Catholic Voice North Carolina?

A: My answer is tied to the homily I plan for the Congress in that as much as we desire to remain with the Lord, especially in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, we can’t stay on the mountain.

We must go forth and bring His truth, love and Gospel to the world. Catholic Voice NC is a tool that allows us to work in that ministry. The call to bring the Gospel to the society in which we live is rooted in the Eucharist. We know that proclaiming the gospel of life, consistently as Jesus has given it to us, is not always easy. We face opposition just like the

Lord did. Where we find the strength to persevere is the Eucharist. It is the source and summit of all of our parish life and activities. It is from the Eucharist that we receive the call, and it is from the Eucharist that we find the strength to respond.

Q: This is your first Eucharistic Congress – what was your initial reaction to being part of this event?

A: I’ve participated in Eucharistic processions at both the parish and the diocesan level, but never in the context of an entire Eucharistic Congress.

Upon my arrival in North Carolina, I heard just what a tremendous event this is in the Diocese of Charlotte. I know that people from my diocese are part of the Congress and are spiritually renewed and uplifted from participating. Its an event that touches the hearts of people, and they speak of it in such glorious terms. Bishop (Peter) Jugis has invited me a couple of times, but unfortunately I had been unable to attend. I’m very grateful that my schedule allows me to participate in it this year so I can also benefit from the graces of the congress.

Q: You grew up in Philadelphia and began your priestly ministry in that city. What are some of the differences between an urban archdiocese like Philadelphia and a smaller and widely dispersed diocese like Raleigh?

A: The first difference – and it still amazes me – is the vast territory, the traveling required to reach all the people of the diocese. In Philadelphia, even though we have three times as many parishes, travel time to the farthest parish is about an hour.

The thing that has touched my heart the most here in North Carolina is that the sense of community is so important. Because we are spread out and because many of us have come to this state from other parts of the country, and as Catholics we are a minority, the sense of community is so strong and so beautiful. It really is a great aspect of Church that I have really appreciated.

Cardinal Arinze: Keynote speaker at upcoming Eucharistic Congress Vatican leader to emphasize Sunday worship David Hains Director of Communication

Cardinal Francis Arinze was born in 1932 in an African village named Eziowelle, which means “a good place.” Today he lives in another good place: the marble halls of prayer and beauty at the Vatican, and next month he will come to Charlotte to deliver the keynote address at the 2011 Eucharistic Congress.

Cardinal Arinze will deliver the keynote address at the start of the two-day Congress on Friday, Sept. 23.

His talk is titled “The Necessity of the Sunday Mass: Source, Summit and Center of Catholic Life.”

Cardinal Arinze was raised in Africa and educated in Nigeria, Great Britain and Rome, and he was ordained a priest in 1958. Less than seven years later, at 32, he became the youngest bishop in the world.

He participated in the Second Vatican Council and later was posted to Nigeria during the genocide of the Arinze Biafra war of the early 1970s. Published reports from that time said, “with the help of foreign missionaries, Bishop Arinze supervised of the most effective and efficient distributions of relief materials.”

At the request of Blessed John Paul II, Bishop Arinze was called to Rome where he was appointed a cardinal and served in the Vatican Curia, first as president of the Pontifical Council on Interreligious Dialogue and later as prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He is currently the prefect emeritus of that council.

Before the 2005 election of Pope Benedict XVI, there was broad speculation in the media that Cardinal Arinze could someday be pope.

Father Roger Arnsparger, pastor of St. Michael Church in Gastonia and head of the Eucharistic Congress steering committee, says he hopes Cardinal Arinze’s keynote remarks will help the faithful think differently about the importance of Sunday.

“I hope the talk gives people a deeper appreciation of the universal nature of our worship and the beauty of the new language to be used in the Mass, as well as an appreciation of the Lord’s day,” Father Arnsparger said.

Coming soon The Catholic News Herald will publish a special edition Sept. 16 featuring complete advance coverage of the Diocese of Charlotte’s 2011 Eucharistic Congress, which will be held Sept. 23-24 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Go online to www. goeucharist.com for more about the event.

August 26, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

ST. MATTHEW FROM PAGE 3

the past 25 years that have contributed to its success are its education and outreach efforts.

In 2011, more than 4,500 youths and 2,600 adults participated in faith formation and educational programs. There were 274 classes taught by 757 catechists. And next year’s projections are even higher.

“The spiritual development of adults focuses what we do liturgically,” Monsignor McSweeney said. “We have Eucharistic Adoration, our spiritual movements, the faith formation ministry, youth ministry, young adults ministry, and so on. Over the years the parish has grown through small communities. Education is first and foremost.”

St. Matthew “YoUniversity” offers adult Bible studies and faith-building communities and programs. More than 3,100 adults participated in its programs last year alone.

The parish also has the only paid, full-time adult faith formation director in the diocese – a new position created in 2010 to help steer the parish’s educational efforts.

Parish outreach efforts are making a marked difference in the lives of people locally and around the world. In the past five years, St. Matthew has shipped more than 308 tons – 616,000 pounds – of food to both here in the U.S. and abroad. Just last month, 1,200 parish volunteers packed 285,143 meals to go to Africa. And the parish’s response to the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti in 2010

In Brief New to Charlotte?

CHARLOTTE — Susan Miller, author of “After the Boxes Are Unpacked, Moving On After Moving In” will speak from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Sept. 9 at St. Matthew Church, giving a free presentation on moving and transition. Registration is required.

E-mail welcomeministries@gmail.com to reserve a spot. For details, e-mail Lynn Brown at lbrownfacilitator@yahoo.com.

Educational workshop on migration planned CHARLOTTE — “I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me,” an educational workshop on migration and Catholic teaching, will be presented from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte. Father Les Schmidt, Glenmary Home Missioners regional representative; Sister Rose Marie Tresp, director of Justice South Central for the Sisters of Mercy; and Joseph Purello, director of the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace, will speak at this workshop, sponsored by a partnership of Catholic churches. An international lunch buffet will also be served. For details and to RSVP, contact Roxana Bendezú at RoxanaBendezu@gmail.com or 704-264-4444.

was monumental: $250,000.

Local charities have received more than $400,000 from St. Matthew parishioners in the past year.

“From the very beginning, St. Matthew has been involved in ecumenical outreach,” Monsignor McSweeney said. “One example is our work with HELP, ‘Help Empower Local People.’ We’re one of the founding members of that.”

The parish has also teamed up with St. Gabriel Church, the Salvation Army and the Mecklenburg County Housing Authority to provide more than 60 apartments for homeless women and children in the area.

The parish also provided funds to the Urban Ministry Center to hire a social worker to help homeless veterans.

“We also have a very active parish council, finance council and lay leadership, and have from the beginning,” Monsignor McSweeney said. They help steer the parish in the formation and realization of parish-wide long-term strategic plans.

So what does the future hold for St. Matthew?

Monsignor McSweeney is working with parish leaders to develop the church’s next three-year plan, which he says will focus on four things: “discovery, dream, design and destiny.” It will take eight months to develop the strategy as the strengths of the parish and feedback from parishioners are considered.

But no matter what plan the parish takes on next, one thing is for certain, Monsignor McSweeney emphasizes: St. Matthew will continue the mission set before it 25 years ago as it “lives and breathes the Vatican II spirit.”

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iiiAugust 26, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

Safe at last

Bhutanese refugees find new home in Charlotte, with help from CSS Christopher Lux Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — Hari Chamlagai will probably never forget what it was like when he arrived in Charlotte. “I came here on March 17, 2009, with my family. It was 8 or 9 o’clock at night,” he recalls with specific detail. “When we came to the airport, we get out from the airplane – everything was amazing.”

Having lived in a Bhutanese refugee camp in Nepal since he was 3, Chamlagai was under the impression that all Americans lived in areas of “big tall buildings like New York City.” As Ashir Haji-Mohamed, the case manager from the Charlotte Diocese’s Catholic Social Services Refugee Resettlement Office, drove him and his family to their new home, Chamlagai was certain Ashir “was going to take me to one of the tallest buildings here, in downtown. And when I saw downtown it was night, and it was very beautiful.” But to his dismay, he was not to live in a skyscraper – the van driver kept going.

Though Chamlagai was disappointed he would not get to live in the skyscrapers he saw in the movies in Nepal, he now takes pride in being able to “see the tallest building from my apartment.” photo provided by Bhutan News Service This is Beldangi-II, one of the seven Bhutanese refugee camps set up across the border in ‘a lot of suffering back then’ Nepal.

Chamlagai is one of thousands of

photos provided by Cira Ponce from css

Refugees arrive at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport often in the middle of the night, tired and disoriented. Case workers from Catholic Social Services’ Refugee Resettlement Office are always there to greet them with a smile and take them to their new home.

Hari Chamlagai is pictured (right) with two of his friends in 2009, just before he left the Bhutanese refugee camp in Nepal to come Bhutanese refugees who have been resettled in the U.S. When he was 3, his family left the small south Asian country of Bhutan and moved to nearby Nepal, into a refugee camp run by the United Nations. When the Bhutanese refugees first arrived, malnutrition and disease were common. Chamlagai vaguely remembers the beginning when “many people died. One of my brothers died at that time because no food, no shelter, no medication … There was a lot of suffering back then.”

The camps consisted of bamboo huts, and “the space was same size for all families.”

Each family, regardless of size, was given the same size plot, then given the bamboo and materials to build their own hut. “It is like this,” he explains. “When they start, they consider one family. For example, my brother was already married when we came to Nepal so he got a different hut and I was with my father, mother and brother and sister.

And when my other brother got married, we don’t get another house. We have to stay in the same house. So we are living (as) two families in one house.”

The refugees had no electricity. Camp dwellers cooked with small kerosene stoves, provided with rice every 15 days and vegetables once a week.

They also had no running water. Camp dwellers had to fetch water from taps, and water was available for only about two hours each morning, at noon and in the late afternoon. Each water tap was shared by 100 families.

Bhutan’s refugees are persecuted minority

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, nearly one-fifth of Bhutan’s population fled the country, complaining of persecution by the Bhutanese government. In what many

people believe w Bhutanese, were a policy of the p its Tibetan Mah rights groups.

This meant th to speak the prim Bhutanese cloth Tens of thousa camps across th which has been resolving the co The camps, wh overcrowded, la and finding work U.S.

‘A completely d

Just like Cham relocated to Cha They are part lived, played and

HE COVER

August 26, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

occasionally, they never truly experienced life outside – until they moved to Charlotte.

When they arrived, they faced “a completely different world,” Yjwal Pradhan says.

The plane ride from Nepal was trying: a 15-hour trip with four connecting flights. It was their first time on a plane, which was exciting yet scary.

Susanna Pradhan recalls, “I thought that America didn’t exist. I thought that those people who came to America, they just disappeared.”

By the numbers

Chris Lux | Catholic News Herald

‘Everything’s new’

Photo provided by Chida Adhikari

to the U.S. in 2009.

was an ethnic cleansing, the people of Nepali origin, mainly Hindu e forced to flee their homeland because of “One Country, One People” – predominantly Buddhist absolute monarchy in the name of preserving hayana Buddhist identity, which was criticized by international human

hat everyone – regardless of their ethnicity, religion or locale – had mary northern Bhutanese dialect, wear the customary northern hes and practice the predominant traditions. ands of ethnic minorities including Chamlagai’s family found relief in he border in Nepal set up by the UN’s High Commission for Refugees, unsuccessful in negotiating with the Bhutanese government in onflict and allowing the refugees to return home. hich were set up as a temporary solution two decades ago, are now ack electricity and plumbing, and restrict residents from moving freely k. So the U.N. is working to resettle the refugees in countries such as

different world’

mlagai, 17-year-old Yjwal Pradhan and his 13-year-old sister Susanna arlotte in 2009 from another refugee camp in Nepal. of a generation born in the Bhutanese refugee camps in Nepal. They d studied growing up in a camp, and though they left their camps

Hari Chamlagai is pictured with some of his friends and fellow refugees: Kiran Koirala, Susanna Pradhan and Yjwal Pradhan.

As refugees arrive at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport from all over the world, a case worker from Catholic Social Services’ Refugee Resettlement Office is there to greet them. Usually the incoming families don’t have much with them – they step off the plane bewildered, disoriented, tired and unable to speak much English. Many of the planes arrive in the middle of the night.

Chamlagai remembers being very concerned about where his family was going, what they would eat and where they would work.

“We did not know where to go. We were told that somebody would come and pick us up from an agency. And we were given a bag where it is written ‘IOM’ (‘International Organization for Migration’) and somebody from the agency will recognize us, and we were given one badge which says ‘I don’t speak English’ and has information about us.

It was very scary.”

The case worker comforts them and takes them to a simple apartment already furnished for them (from donations by people across the Diocese of Charlotte). Beds and sheets, dishes, tables, couches and more are there.

Chamlagai recalls, “When we get inside the apartment it was night time and there was already one Bhutanese family resettled [that] the case worker asked to prepare food for us so that the food was ready.” After a long flight with unfamiliar food, it was a great comfort to find a meal they were accustomed to, “our food to eat.”

That night his family showered and experienced a new standard of living.

“We have never used electricity, never used the kind of stove that we have here.

Never used, never seen! And door, lock system, the restrooms, the air-conditioning – everything’s new. Refrigerator, we never used refrigerator. And bed, we had bamboo beds (in the camp), and when I sleep for the first time on the bed that we have I felt very nice that time. It felt very good. And the room was full of furniture. We had one kitchen table, chairs, TV…first time I had TV.” But the case workers don’t just drop them off into a new place to live. They support them for months afterwards – providing help with social services, health care referrals, Social Security cards, job leads and more. They help them navigate a grocery store, learn what insurance is for, get the kids settled into local schools, and find English language classes.

After Chamlagai had taken English classes, he began to worry about employment. “I was worried about jobs, at that time we did not know that CSS was going to help us to get the job. The CSS caseworkers told us that they are responsible for finding us jobs. I felt very secure at that time. Before I was feeling unsecure about jobs, where to go, what to do. There were different kinds of worries in the mind, but after they told me that I stopped worrying. Linda Campbell (with CSSRRO) found me a job in a warehouse, (a) distribution center.”

Six months after working in photo provided by Kristen Schmitt from CSS the warehouse, Chamlagai learned Hari Chamlagai is now a case worker for Catholic Social how to put together a resume and Services, helping other refugees get settled into their applied for a job opening at the new community.

Refugee Resettlement Office. After a few interviews, he was offered the job.

Now – coming full circle from his experience in the camps to coming to America – Chamlagai helps other Bhutanese refugees settle into Charlotte, their adopted home.

n A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. n Refugees come to the Diocese of Charlotte from countries all over the world, including Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Haiti, Iraq and Somalia. n Countries where Bhutanese refugees have resettled, and how many: United States: 40,971 Canada: 3,215 Australia: 2,720 New Zealand: 563 Denmark: 483 Norway: 372 Netherlands: 228 United Kingdom: 111 (Source: www. bhutannewsservice.com) n Seven refugee camps were established in Nepal. More than 97,000 refugees were living there by 2000. As of January, 71,455 people remain. (Source: www. southasiaanalysis.org)

How you can help n When they get here, refugees receive between $181 (one person) and $521 (14 people) in monthly assistance for 6 months, plus food stamps, from the federal government depending on the size of their family.

Catholic Social Services supplements as it can, and relies upon donations from the faithful to live up to its Catholic mission to assist the poor and migrants. To donate, go online to www.cssnc.org or call 704-370-3277.

— Christopher Lux

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 26, 2011 16

De

Cerca

Alexandra Vilchez corresponsal

BOONE — Un grupo de jóvenes hispanos de la parroquia San Juan Bautista de La Salle en North Wilkesboro dedicaron parte de sus vacaciones de verano a evangelizar a más de 120 niños. La parroquia pertenece al Vicariato de Boone y hasta allí nos trasladamos para verlos en acción.

“Retiro para Niños,” un programa dirigido a niños de 4 a 12 años de edad, comenzó el año pasado en North Wilkesboro, cuando 74 pequeñitos de diferentes parroquias de la Vicaría de Boone, dedicaron tres días seguidos a escuchar la palabra de Dios y a descubrir los fundamentos de la institución eclesiástica.

José Cuauhtémoc “Temoc” González, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano de la Vicaría de Boone, está además a cargo de la dirección y coordinación del programa. “Fue un comienzo muy positivo que quisimos extender a más parroquias y comunidades del vicariato.

Este año pudimos extendernos hasta Jefferson, Sparta, y Boone, comunidades muy necesitadas de clases de formación religiosa,” explicó el coordinador al Catholic Herald News en Español.

Desde pequeños

El objetivo de la iniciativa, la primera de este estilo del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte, es inculcar a los más pequeños la importancia de asistir a la iglesia y motivarlos a que transmitan ese mismo interés y deseo a sus padres.

Esto además, ayudó a integrar una fuerza importante, la de los jóvenes, en el trabajo activo del ministerio con niños. “Es parte de nuestra nueva estrategia de formación religiosa,” acotó González, mexicano que lleva ya cinco años como coordinador Vicariato Hispano de Boone.“En esta área del estado existe mucha apatía de los miembros de nuestra comunidad para acercarse a sus parroquias, básicamente porque la mayoría se dedica a trabajar todo el tiempo y se olvidan un poco de Dios,” acotó.

Gónzalez cuenta con la ayuda del grupo juvenil de North Wilkesboro, los cuales ayudan a impartir el retiro de forma amena e interesante. El grupo, compuesto por muchachos comprometidos de entre 13 y 17 años, ha asumido junto a González este interesante reto. “En muchos casos es la

Retiros para niños hispanos primera vez que un niño o niña recibe la palabra de Dios, por ello lo hacemos lo más divertido posible, con cantos, películas, juegos, dibujos, y hasta rezamos el Rosario,” resaltó González.

Sembrando semillas de fe

Para el mexicano Félix Salazar, de 17 años, líder del grupo de jóvenes catequistas formado el año pasado, existe una gran necesidad de enseñar la palabra de Dios y la fe Católica a los hispanos, a pesar que muchos en sus países se formaron en esa religión.

“Aunque las familias creen en Dios, no participan de la misa y por ende no enseñan a sus hijos. En los retiros con niños buscamos sembrar la semillita de la fe; ellos aprenden rápido y es una experiencia que se les quedará grabada para el resto de sus vidas,” acotó el estudiante.

Acercamiento a los hispanos

El padre David Brzoska, párroco de la Iglesia Santa Elizabeth en Boone, opina que iniciativas como éstas ayudan a cumplir su meta de acercar a los hispanos a la iglesia y en un futuro lograr conformar grupos de catequistas.

“Por ahora tenemos pocas familias hispanas, apenas 50 miembros de los 300 de la parroquia, pero este programa es un ejemplo de lo que podemos hacer para poder acercarnos más,” enfatizó el sacerdote.

“Es muy positivo que participen jóvenes, porque así los niños los toman como un modelo positivo de vida cristiana a seguir,” añadió el párroco, quien fue asignado a la zona el pasado mes de enero.

Un amigo que me ama

A sus escasos 5 años, Marissa Ibarra dijo que los tres días que participó del retiro aprendió que “Diosito creó muchas cosas, sanó a muchas personas, que es un amigo en que siempre puedo confiar, y que necesito ir a Misa todos los domingos.”

“Lo que más me gustó fueron los cantos que aprendí, especialmente ésa canción que dice ‘Yo tengo un amigo que me ama, su nombre es Jesús,’ contó la pequeña.

González espera que el próximo año más padres de familias hispanas de las parroquias del Vicariato de Boone, inscriban a sus hijos en los retiros. Para mayores informes acerca de los retiros en el área, por favor comunicarse con Témoc González, al 828-773-2353.

Photos by alexandra vilchez | Catholic News Herald

(Arriba) El coordinador del Vicariato hispano de Boone, Temoc González y el grupo de jóvenes de la parroquia San Juan Bautista de La Salle en North Wilkesboro. (Izq.) El padre David Brzoska, de la parroquia Santa Elizabeth en Boone, junto a la niña Marissa Ibarra, de 5 años. (Der.) Los hermanitos Charlie (5) y Janeth Rivera (6), dibujando lo que aprendieron durante los tres dias de retiro.

August 26, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Aqui

estamos!

Picnic hispano en Eden La parroquia San José de las Lomas en Eden (St. Joseph of the Hills) realizará su picnic annual, en Freedom Park en Eden. La actividad se llevará a cabo el domingo 18 de setiembre, a las 11 a.m. El evento es gratuito y la parroquia proveerá de bebidas, salchichas y el ambiente familiar necesario para pasar un lindo dia familiar, en comunidad. Mayores informes al 336-623-2661. Llamar los dias martes y miércoles.

Conociendo

nuestra

Curso de Planificación Familiar El Programa de Planificación Familiar Natural de los Servicios Sociales Católicos ofrecerá un curso para Instructores Bilingües, el 17 de setiembre, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., en el Salón A del Centro de Ministerios de la Parroquia San Gabriel en Charlotte. El curso es gratuito. Esta es una excelente oportunidad para personas que trabajan o desean trabajar en preparación matrimonial. Para más información contacte a Nannette Badillo al e-mail: badillonannette @bellsouth.net

carlos castañeda | Catholic News Herald

Conversatorio sobre Inmigración en St. Peter El pasado Domingo 21 de Agosto se llevó a cabo un conversatorio acerca de Inmigración, organizado por el Comité de Justicia Social de la Parroquia San Pedro (St. Peter) y dirigido principalmente a informar a la comunidad anglo acerca de la realidad de los inmigrantes. En la foto los expositores, (de izq. a der.) Héctor Vaca (Charlotte Head Organizer/ NC Immigrant Rights Organizer Action NC), Ruben Campillo (Director of Advocacy / Latin American Coalition) y Lori Fernald Khamala (American Friends Service Committee, NC Immigrant Rights Program). carlos castañeda | Catholic News Herald

En

contacto

Envíenos sus noticias o anuncios y forme parte de esta sección Este espacio y sección es para promover y conectar a nuestra comunidad. Todos los comentarios y sugerencias son bienvenidas. Si desea escribirnos, dejar sus comentarios, sugerencias u opiniones, así como para enviar alguna noticia o promover algún evento de su parroquia o grupo, por favor contáctenos: Carlos Castañeda (cmcastaneda@charlottediocese.org,

704-370-3375.

Si desea participar escribiendo o formando parte del ministerio de comunicaciones, no dude en unirse! Contáctenos por email o visite: www. catholicnewsherald.com (Sección Español) e ingrese su información. Nosotros le contactaremos tan pronto como sea posible.

Fe

Padre Julio Domínguez

Nuevos ciudadanos en Holy Cross El Padre Paul Dechant junto a los parroquianos que recientemente se convirtieron en ciudadanos de este país, gracias a los servicios legales de Inmigración que proporciona la Parroquia de la Santa Cruz (Holy Cross), en Kernersville.

La parroquia ofrece estos servicios, con personal certificado por el BIA (Board of Immigration Appeals). Mayores informes al 336-996-5604, con Martín Mata.

17

Q

Excelencia de la Adoración Eucarística

ueridos hermanos, Cristo Jesús que murió, resucitó, que está a la derecha de Dios e intercede por nosotros” (Rm 8,34), está presente de múltiples maneras en su Iglesia: en su Palabra para hablarnos; en la oración de su Iglesia (“allí donde dos o tres estén reunidos en mi nombre” (Mt 18,20); en los pobres, los enfermos, los presos (Mt 25,31-46); en los sacramentos de los que él es autor, en el sacrificio de la Misa y en la persona del ministro. Pero sobre todo está presente bajo las especies eucarísticas, es un regalo divino del amor de Dios hacia nosotros, Dios en persona está en medio de nosotros.

El modo de presencia de Cristo bajo las especies eucarísticas es misterioso y singular. Eleva la Eucaristía por encima de todos los sacramentos y hace de ella “como la perfección de la vida espiritual y el fin al que tienden todos los sacramentos” (S. Tomás de A., s.th. 3, 73, 3). En el Santísimo Sacramento de la Eucaristía están contenidos verdadera, real y substancialmente el Cuerpo y la Sangre junto con el alma y la divinidad de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, y, por consiguiente, Cristo entero. Esta presencia se denomina `real’, no a título exclusivo, como si las otras presencias no fuesen reales, sino por Excelencia, porque es substancial, y por ella Cristo, Dios y hombre, se hace totalmente presente. La Eucaristía no es un símbolo, es presencia real, “Dios con Nosotros.”

Mediante la conversión del pan y del vino en su Cuerpo y Sangre, Cristo se hace presente en este sacramento. Los santos Padres de la Iglesia afirmaron con fuerza la fe de la Iglesia en la eficacia de la Palabra de Cristo y de la acción del Espíritu Santo para obrar esta conversión. Así, S. Juan Crisóstomo declara que: “No es el hombre quien hace que las cosas ofrecidas se conviertan en Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo, sino Cristo mismo

que fue crucificado por nosotros. El sacerdote, figura de Cristo, pronuncia estas palabras, pero su eficacia y su gracia provienen de Dios. Esto es mi Cuerpo, dice. Esta palabra transforma las cosas ofrecidas.” (Prod.

Jud. 1,6).

Y San Ambrosio dice respecto a esta conversión: “Estemos bien persuadidos de que esto no es lo que la naturaleza ha producido, sino lo que la bendición ha consagrado … La palabra de Cristo, que pudo hacer de la nada lo que no existía, ¿no podría cambiar las cosas existentes en lo que no eran todavía? Porque no es menos dar a las cosas su naturaleza primera que cambiársela (myst. 9,50.52).

Cristo, nuestro Redentor, dijo que lo que ofrecía bajo la especie de pan era verdaderamente su Cuerpo, se ha mantenido siempre en la Iglesia esta convicción, que declara de nuevo el Concilio de Trento: “Por la consagración del pan y del vino se opera el cambio de toda la substancia del pan en la substancia del Cuerpo de Cristo nuestro Señor y de toda la substancia del vino en la substancia de su sangre; la Iglesia católica ha llamado justa y apropiadamente a este cambio transubstanciación” (DS 1642).

Hermanos, la presencia eucarística de Cristo comienza en el momento de la consagración y dura todo el tiempo que subsistan las especies eucarísticas.

Cristo está todo entero presente en cada una de las especies y todo entero en cada una de sus partes de modo que cuando venimos a la Santa Misa recibimos a todo un Dios y cuando hacemos una visita o adoración al Santísimo, tenemos la firme certeza de que Dios está allí con nosotros. Fue Cristo quien lo dijo y la Iglesia lo sigue afirmando como misterio de fe y de amor.

El Padre Julio Domínguez es Párroco de la Iglesia San Francisco en Lenoir, y miembro del Comité Organizador del Congreso Eucarístico Diocesano.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 26, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Vox Clara works on more translations Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — As English-speaking parishes around the world await delivery of the revised translation of the Roman Missal, the Vatican’s Vox Clara Committee already is at work on additional texts.

The committee, which advises the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments on English translations, met in Rome July 24-26. Members spent most of their time on a revised translation of the prayers bishops use for the chrism Mass, the Holy Week liturgy where the oils used in the sacraments throughout the year are blessed.

In the U.S., the bishops’ prayers for blessing the oils were included in the old missal, which will go out of use on the first Sunday of Advent 2011. To avoid a situation in which bishops would need to pull the old missal off the shelf for the solemn Mass in 2012, the congregation commissioned its own draft translation of the prayers.

The translation was reviewed by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy. The new text “should be available in the first months of 2012,” it said, and bishops’ conferences can decide whether to adopt the new text for use in their countries, a Vatican official said.

The revised Roman Missal contains all of the prayers used at Sunday and weekday Masses throughout the year, as well as special Mass prayers for saints’ feast days. However, it does not include texts such as the rite of matrimony, confirmation, baptism or ordination – all of which, eventually, will be translated, too.

Father Matthew Buettner

The Offertory: Presenting the gifts and preparing for the Consecration

The Offertory procession and preparation

W

e have spent the past few weeks focusing on the significance of the Offertory.

Ultimately, Christ is offering Himself as both the priest and victim of the sacrifice of the Mass. And since we are members of His Mystical Body, the Church, we are also offering ourselves with Him. “Through him, and with Him and in Him,” we offer ourselves as a gift to the Father.

Before the offerings and gifts are consecrated, though, they must be collected and presented for sacrifice.

At the beginning of the Offertory, the altar is prepared. A square linen cloth, called the corporal, is unfolded in the center of the altar.

The name “corporal” comes from the Latin “corpus” (meaning “body”), since this linen cloth is unfolded to catch particles of the host or drops of precious Blood. Along with the corporal, the chalice and communion chalices (if Communion is distributed under both species) are also brought to the altar with their purificators. The purificator is the linen cloth used to wipe and cleanse the chalices or other sacred vessels. Finally, the Missal is placed on the altar. The altar is now prepared to receive the gifts of bread and wine.

Earlier we recalled that the first action of the Offertory is the collection. Here, the faithful have the opportunity to support the various material needs of the Church with their generous contributions. We also recognized that these donations not only support the needs of the Church, but purchase the bread and wine that are presented. Ultimately, the collection symbolically represents ourselves.

It is important to note that the bread and wine, along with the collection, is brought forward in procession by members of the faithful. In the early Church, the faithful would bring gifts to be offered and presented at the Offertory, including bread and wine, and food, money and clothing for the poor. The gifts of bread and wine are accepted by the celebrant or deacon and carried to the altar with the assistance of servers.

During the offertory collection and procession, the Offertory Hymn or chant may be sung by the choir or the congregation, at least until the gifts have been placed on the altar.

As the offerings arrive at the altar, the celebrant raises the paten above the altar and offers a prayer in silence or, if there is no music, he may recite the prayer aloud: “Blessed are You, Lord God of all creation, for through Your goodness we have received the bread we offer

You: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life.”

If prayed aloud, the congregation responds: “Blessed be God for ever.”

After this prayer, the celebrant places the paten and any ciboria with hosts on the corporal.

The chalice is prepared by the deacon or, if there is no deacon, by the celebrant. He adds a drop of water into the wine and prays in silence, “By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled Himself to share in our humanity.”

What is the significance of this ritual?

When He instituted the Eucharist, Jesus mixed water with the wine. Moreover, it was common in ancient Roman society to drink wine mixed with water. This social practice entered the sacred rites of the Mass and assumed a spiritual significance: the wine represents the divinity of Christ, and the water His humanity.

After the chalice is prepared, it is elevated above the altar while another short prayer of praise is recited silently or aloud by the celebrant: “Blessed are You, Lord God of all creation, for through Your goodness we have received the wine we offer You: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink.”

If recited aloud, the people respond again: “Blessed be God for ever.”

The celebrant places the chalice and any communion chalices on the corporal and he may cover the chalice with a stiff square cloth, called a “pall.”

My sacrifice and yours

After the offering prayers are recited and the sacred vessels are placed on the corporal, the celebrant bows to the altar and prays silently: “With humble spirit and contrite heart may we be accepted by You, O Lord, and may our sacrifice in Your sight this day be pleasing to You, Lord God.” The priest speaks in his own name, and on behalf of the faithful, asking God to receive the gifts being offered.

At this moment, the celebrant may place incense in the thurible, bless the incense, and incense the offerings, the altar and the crucifix.

This is now the third time that the incense may be used to signify the Church’s offerings and prayers rising like incense in the sight of God. The incense unites the symbols of Christ: the altar, the central symbol in the sanctuary for Christ; the crucifix, recalling the redemption that is re-presented in the Mass; and the bread and wine, which will actually become the Body and Blood of Christ.

The incense may then be used to incense

Learn more This is part 25 of a year-long series featuring the revised translation of the Third Missal. Previous articles in this series are archived online at www. catholicnewsherald.com. For more resources, check out the U.S. bishops’ link at www.usccb.org/romanmissal.

persons: first, the celebrant and then the concelebrants, by virtue of their sacred ministry as priests, then the faithful, by reason of their baptismal dignity, which grants them a share in the royal priesthood of Jesus Christ.

After this third incensation, the celebrant then washes his hands. What is the purpose of this gesture?

Ritual purification is not a unique practice in the Mass. Many ancient religions, particularly Judaism, maintained numerous rites for the purification of vessels, as well as for the hands of those participating in the ritual. In the early Church, it was a practical necessity for the priest to wash his hands after the offertory, for the faithful would present a vast array of offerings for the benefit of charity to the poor: food, bread, vegetables, fruits, flasks of wine and clothing.

Known as the lavabo rite, the washing of hands now refers to an internal spiritual purification more than an external one. As the celebrant washes his hands, he recites a private prayer in silence to this effect: “Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

The celebrant returns to the center of the altar and implores the faithful to unite themselves with him in the coming sacrifice. The priest says, “Pray, brethren (brothers and sisters), that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.”

The prayer indicates the two distinct sacrifices of the Mass: Christ and His Body, the Church.

The prayer is a sort of extended form of the more common “Let us pray.” The people stand and say, “May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of His name, for our good and the good of all His Holy Church.”

Finally, the “Prayer Over the Offerings” signals the end of the Offertory. The Church prays that God will accept what we offer with sincerity and respond with generous graces as we prepare to enter the most solemn movement in the Mass: the Consecration.

Father Matthew Buettner is the pastor of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton. This is excerpted from “Understanding the Mystery of the Mass – Revisited.” Previous columns are at www.catholicnewsherald. com.

August 26, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Father Brandon H. Jones

I

Consubstantial: One word that means so much

magine a time in which the greatest controversy in the Church was centered around one letter in one word, literally one iota – a time in which everyone, from those sitting in barber shops to those praying in cathedrals, were debating the word’s meaning!

Such a time did exist in the fourth century and the controversy led to the first Ecumenical Council, a gathering of all the bishops of the Church, in Nicaea, located in modern-day Turkey, in the year 325 A.D. The conflict raged between the followers of a priest by the name of Arius and the majority of the bishops of the Church. Arius held that “our Lord was a pure creature, made out of nothing, liable to fall, the Son of God by adoption, not by nature, and called God in scripture, not as being really such, but only in name.” To describe this relation between the Lord Jesus and the Father, Arius used the term “homoiousion,” which translates, “of similar substance” to the Father.

In response to Arius, on the other hand, the bishops of the Church, gathered at Nicaea, formulated a unique word, which they placed in the Profession of Faith.

The Lord Jesus is “begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.” The word in Greek, “homoousion,” drops the one iota, which made it mean something entirely different!

This word “is the special non-Scriptural word which the council adopted to characterize the true, traditional belief, a word it was impossible to square with Arius’ theory, a test word that would always make it clear that any [theory like that of Arius] was incompatible with the Christian tradition…”

In the Catechism we read, “Following this apostolic tradition, the Church confessed at the first ecumenical council at Nicaea (325) that the Son is “consubstantial” with the Father, that is, one only God with Him.

The second ecumenical council, held at Constantinople in 381, kept this expression in its formulation of the Nicene Creed…”

(CCC 242).

In the revised English translation of the Roman Missal, we shall sing or recite: “I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through Him all things were made.”

The word used by the Council of Nicaea was translated into the Latin as “consubstantialis.” This has now been translated into English as “consubstantial,” which means that Jesus shares the same “substance” – that which “stands under” – as the Father.

In other words, the Lord Jesus is God. As I have emphasized in our moments together before, when we enter the Sacred Liturgy, with its vestments, gestures, sounds and words, we enter into a different country, a place where we encounter the mystery of God’s Presence. Everything has a meaning, and perhaps the most poignant example of this is the word “consubstantial,” which has a very long and technical history and which must be translated as precisely as possible.

“The Church’s faith precedes the faith of the believer who is invited to adhere to it.

When the Church celebrates the sacraments, she confesses the faith received from the apostles – whence the ancient saying: lex orandi, lex credendi …The law of prayer is the law of faith: the Church believes as she prays. Liturgy is a constitutive element of the holy and living Tradition.” (CCC 1124).

The revised English translation of the Creed is a significant illustration of how the Liturgy helps us to be authentic disciples of the Lord Jesus by professing and praying the faith handed down to us through many centuries and controversies.

Father Brandon H. Jones is the pastor of Holy Redeemer Church in Andrews. A video of Missal Moment #5 can be found at www.catholicnewsherald.com and on the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube page.

19

Schools

20

charlottediocese.org/catholicnews | August 26, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

IHM wins technology grant HIGH POINT — Immaculate Heart of Mary School is one of 50 schools recently awarded a SAMCAM 860 Digital Presenter. This cutting-edge technology is becoming part of the curriculum at IHM due to the efforts of technology coordinator Anna Bragg, who applied for the Samsung grant by writing about the merits of how technology in the classroom will better prepare students for the future.

The SAMCAM 860 Digital Presenter will be invaluable in the classroom and offer instructors multiple uses. Teachers can demonstrate lessons live on a big screen to the entire class. They can also record presentations and make them available on the Internet for students to refer to at any time.

The retail value of the new SAMCAM 860 Digital Presenter is $799.

“Grants and community sponsorships allow businesses to ensure that the next generation is well-prepared for a technology-rich economy,” Bragg said. “This is one example of a grant partnership bringing a cutting-edge tool to the hands of our teachers and students at IHM.” — Mendy Yarborough

OLM hires director of advancement WINSTON-SALEM — Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem has hired Lara Davenport as director of advancement. This is a newly-created full-time position at OLM, and only the second of its kind in the diocese at an elementary school. Davenport will be responsible for student recruitment and retention, fundraising and marketing.

Along with Principal Sister Geri Rogers, SSJ, and Business Manager Mayra Villalon, she will report directly to Friar Bill Robinson, pastor of Our Lady of Davenport Mercy Church, and the four will serve as the leadership team for the school.

“This is a step we needed to take to grow our school,” said Friar Robinson. “Up to this point, OLM has been a well-kept secret. We want everyone to know what a great place our Blue Ribbon School is for children to learn and grow. Having a person like Lara working full-time to spread the word about Mercy will keep us moving in the right direction.”

Davenport, who moved last August to WinstonSalem from Houston, Texas, was a marketing consultant and owned her own promotional products company. She is a graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a lifelong Catholic. Her three boys all attend Mercy.

“You can’t put a price tag on the values that children learn at a Catholic school,” she said. “It is difficult to make the sacrifice to pay tuition in these economic times, but I’ve seen the difference in my own children. Academics are essential, of course. However, I am just as concerned about what kind of people my kids grow up to be. I can’t say enough about Catholic education, and will work to tell everyone how wonderful Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School is.”

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

MACS 2011-’12 Education Foundation grants awarded CHARLOTTE — This year the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Education Foundation awarded 42 grants to Catholic school teachers in the MACS system to fund innovative, educational programming.

This year’s award winners were recognized at a luncheon with Bishop Peter J. Jugis Aug. 16 at the St. Gabriel Church Ministry Center. Here is a list of the schools, programs, recipients and a brief explanation of the programs awarded grants this year:

Charlotte Catholic High School n TI-Nspire Technology in the Lab: Terence Jordan and Gwen Freeman. This calculator compatible software replaces antiquated science lab probes and enables students to more accurately collect and analyze lab data. n Extension of the MACS Technology Infusion Project: Dana Zimmer and Shawn Panther. Uses a MacBook-compatible printer that complements the Technology Fusion Project started last year. n Artist in Residence Program: Stanley Michalski, Tracy Shoff and Alan Kaufman.

Professional musicians will spend seven days with band students from Holy Trinity Middle and Charlotte Catholic High schools.

Holy Trinity Middle School n Innovations & Interventions with the iPad: Regina Pastula and Maureen Cherry. Students with reading and writing expression disorders as well as those with language-based disabilities will use iPads to gain mastery of reading, writing and critical thinking skills. n Thinking Outside the Taco – Adapting for 21st Century Language: Jennifer Cabrera, Socorro Davaz and Anni Carroll. Creates a glog–an interactive visual platform on a Web page with text, audio, video and still images, graphics and data.

Enables students to creatively interact with other Spanish-speaking classes at St. Mark School. n Let’s Get Inspired with Visuals: Maureen Cherry. Uses Inspiration to help students learn to brainstorm, sort and organize their ideas as they are writing. n Artist in Residence Program: Stanley Michalski, Tracy Shoff and Alan Kaufman. n Stepping Up to Middle School: Molly Sequeira, Regina Pastula, Emily Wenning and Robin Siczek.

This skill-based reading program focuses on the individual needs of students in the learning support program and provides continued intervention strategies as they move into middle school. n Calculator Inspired Learning: Jeff Prys, Sarah Heck and Todd Wilson. The TI-Nspire Navigator System will be used in Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and Geometry to create an interactive classroom. n Planting Seeds of Diversity to Grow Acceptance: Annie Jost and Regina Pastula.

Creates an interdisciplinary opportunity between science, religion and language arts to learn about diversity. Students will read the novel “Seeds,” plant a diverse garden and learn about compassion, acceptance and patience by relating the novel and science together.

n Brain Buster Robotics 2: Jacqueline Durrett and Tracy Landschoot. Replaces and enhances the Brain Busters Robotics with 12 new sets of Lego’s Mindstorm NXT Robotic systems. This program enables progressive learning for eighth-grade science and technology students.

Our Lady of the Assumption School n Read Naturally: Reading for Success!: Vanessa Baker-Truong and Kitty McIndoe. Increases reading level and fluency for students in the learning support program. n Chess for Everyone: Sondra Bryn. Utilizes the Championship Chess series as an enrichment program to interested K-6 students. n Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: Sandra Theresa Brighton. Provides training to a teacher for Level II of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd which will expand the program from ages 6 to 9. n OLA Phoenix Science Club: Melissa Ocejo.

Starts a science club for grades 4-6. n Empowering Writers: Melissa Ocejo. Uses the “Empowering Writers” program to strengthen teachers’ skills to empower writers in grades 3-6. n Get Set for School: Diana Lambropoulos. Uses the “Get Set for School” curriculum which helps develop core readiness during the preschool years.

St. Ann School n Viva el Español: Workbooks A, B & C: Yazmin Jones. Provides workbooks with written and visual illustrations introducing new vocabulary, concepts and phrases for all Spanish classes. n Books Alive!: Annemarie Mancusi and Kay Roberts. A Preschool Arts learning program, designed to bring books to life using art projects sponsored by Community School of the Arts. n Language and Social Skills Centers: Susan Gordon and Kari Moses. Supplements resource materials for the learning support program. n BrainPop, BrainPop Jr., BrainPop Español: Lauren Chinchar and Lisa Horton. Incorporates the BrainPop series into all classes by using these interactive lessons, quizzes and experiments to encourage learning. n Making the Most of your Smartboard: Katherine Smith. Incorporates Smartboard software into the literacy and math curriculum through student centers which allow students to practice reading skills. n Listen & Learn: Siobhan Loendorf. Expands the audio book collection through a subscription to “One Click” audio books and purchases 24 MP3 players for students and faculty.

St. Gabriel School n Viva el Español: Addy-Jean Mullis and Michele Snoke. n The Classroom Economy: Nicole Warren.

A year-long study of economics for third-grade students where they can earn credits and debits while maintaining a class bank and store. n Lending Library: Liane Christmas and Anna Maria Strassner. Develops a kindergarten lending library to enhance language arts literacy. n Listen Up: Nicole Warren. Implements a listening center for audio books and CDs. n Faith on Wheels: Jaimee DeFrancesco and Marion Scherger. Second-grade students follow Jesus through enriching experiences in

the “Classroom Prayer Corner” with a better understanding of the Mass, sacraments, religious feasts and vocations within the Church. n Witnessing Our Faith: Michelle Boyle, Jean Spegal, Betsy DesNoyer and Denise Heskamp. A faith-in-action program enabling all fourth-graders to interact with residents at a local nursing home. n SPARKS Curriculum: Phillip Harrington, Heidi Guerin and Patty Martin-Wong. The SPARKS (“sports, play and active recreation for kids”) curriculum is designed to encourage all children to be more active.

St. Mark School n Why Am I Here?: Lisa Modzelewski. A program for children aged 6-9 to explore, celebrate and defend the best version of themselves by teaching them to make good choices. n Interactive Literacy Centers with Multisensory Activities: Janet Batres, Holly Roberts and Laura Mulkeen. Provides activities for first-graders. n Calculator Inspired Learning: Jenifer Selzer and Kim Antolini. The TI-Nspire Navigator System will be used in Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and Geometry to create an interactive classroom connecting teacher and student for real-time student evaluation. n Journeying Through Advent and Lent with Jothma, Amon and Tabitha: Christina Ostrom. An innovative way for middle schoolers to experience the seasons of Advent and Lent through the lives of three young people. n Clifton Youth Strengths Explorer: Kim Antolini.

Helps youth aged 10-14 discover and develop the unique talents within themselves. n No More Limitations: Renee Birch and Amy Dill. Helps middle school students with disabilities to learn coping skills.

St. Matthew School n Zoo-Phonics Language Arts Program: Bernadine Armstrong. This TK program adds a multi-sensory component to teach phonemic awareness, an essential component to reading success in later years. n iTeach MACS: Debra Lee, Patty Fischer and Patti Dickson. Provides professional development for teachers to teach with iPads and to buy a data management system for the equipment. n Junior Great Books Reading Club: K. Michelle Rogers Kuhn. Helps above grade level third- and fourth-grade readers advance by providing books, more discussion time and critical analysis. n SPARKS Curriculum: Phillip Harrington, Heidi Guerin and Patty Martin-Wong.

St. Patrick School n The Thoughtful Classroom: Sheila Zagar. The HOTS (“Higher Order Thinking Skills”) program will be used to add complexity and novelty to problem and solution finding, and a new way to approach critical thinking skills for grades 1-5. n Viva el Español: Yazmin Jones. n Making Reading Connections with E-Readers: Kelly Parks and Linda Nagel. Introduces E-Readers to students in the learning support program to improve their engagement and responses to the words they are reading. n Projecting the World to our Students: Suzanne Beasley, Becky Jacobson, Crystal Watts and Maggie Menze. Uses Digital Visual Presenters along

Mix

catholic news heraldI

August 26, 2011 | charlottediocese.org/catholicnews Father Robert Barron is pictured during filming of the “Catholicism” project, a series that will air on more than 80 public television stations across the U.S. this fall.

Photo provided by Catholic News Agency

Groundbreaking series on Catholicism to air on PBS Catholic News Agency

DENVER — A high-definition series exploring the beauty and richness of Catholicism is set to air on more than 80 public television stations across the U.S. this fall.

Father Robert Barron, head of Word on Fire media and the visionary behind the “Catholicism” series, said his hope is that the films will be used “as a tool of evangelization for everybody.”

“I want the series to go out beyond the walls of the Church,” he said. “That’s why we’re so happy it’s going to be on public television.”

Set in 50 locations in more than 16 countries, the series examines major themes within the Church such as the person of Christ, the mystery of God, the Virgin Mary, Saints Peter and Paul, the “missionary thrust of the Church,” the liturgy and the Eucharist, prayer and spirituality and the saints, Father Barron said.

In the episode on the Virgin Mary, for instance, the crew traveled to the Holy Land, France, Mexico and “around the world to see where the Marian faith shows up.”

“The approach I used,” he said, “was just to go to places around the world that visually show the themes I’m talking about.”

Father Barron said that the series comes at time when the U.S. is going through what he believes to be “the darkest period in the history of the American Catholic Church,” and that the “wrong” people are telling the story of what the Church actually is.

He pointed to the secular media’s depiction of the Church “as the place where the sex

abuse scandal happened,” a narrative that he finds “so tiresome and counterproductive.”

“I think Catholics from the inside have to tell a much richer, broader, fascinating story,” Father Barron said, stressing the importance of not allowing the Church to be “reduced to the sex abuse scandal.”

He noted that during challenging times in Church history, the saints “tended to come forward in the times of crisis and bring things back to their evangelical basics.” Taking his cue from the saints, Father Barron said, he was inspired to show Catholicism for what it really is.

He also wanted to address the modern problem of what he called “domesticating” Jesus – “that is, turning Jesus into one more guru.”

Top film and production experts from NBC worked with high-definition equipment to capture the colors and details of every location. The episodes also feature an original musical score by Chicago composer Steven Mullen.

From the beginning, he decided, “If we’re going to show off this beautiful tradition that we have, I don’t want to do it in some secondrate way.”

The priest expressed his desire that people who are “not religious at all – maybe they’re atheists, agnostics, fallen away Catholics – would see the series and maybe be drawn in by the beauty of it, drawn in by culture, drawn in by history.”

“That’s my hope – that it would be used inside the Catholic world but also as an evangelical tool outside the Catholic world.”

On TV n Sunday, Aug. 28, 8-10 p.m. (TCM) "My Man Godfrey" (1936). Classic screwball comedy in which an empty-headed socialite wins a posh scavenger hunt with the help of a jobless, homeless "forgotten man" who's then hired as butler for her wacky rich family and in the process transforms them and himself. Director Gregory La Cava has a lot of fun with a top cast, but the Depression-era story is treated with social conscience as well as comic wit in its portrayal of a person's worth as more than wealth or position. Some romantic situations.

CNS: A-I (general patronage) n Thursday, Sept. 1, 12:10-1:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “The Catholic University of America: The Mass of the Holy Spirit (Live).” From the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, a live broadcast of the opening Mass of the academic year for The Catholic University of America. n Friday, Sept. 2, 10-11 p.m. (EWTN) “Encounter with Padre Pio.” An encounter with Padre Pio (18871968) through footage of the saint, his monastery and his beatification ceremony; with commentary from his close friend Msgr. Giancarlo Setti. n Saturday, Sept. 3, 8 p.m. (NBC) “Game Time: Tackling the Past.” An exciting sports drama that explores what’s left when winning is everything. n Thursday, Sept. 8, 2 p.m. (EWTN) “Mass of Installation of the Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., as the ninth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (Live).”

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In theaters

‘Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D’ Writer-director Robert Rodriguez’s third sequel to 2001’s “Spy Kids” offers the novelty of “AromaScope,” giving viewers the chance, via a scratchand-sniff card, to “smell” the action as they watch our young heroes, and their parents, fight to save the world. Now retired to be a housewife, the former top agent for the Organization of Super Spies is called back into service when a villain threatens to unleash a super weapon that will take away all time.

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

‘One Day’ Turgid screen version of the best-selling romance novel scripted by the book’s author, David Nicholls, and directed in a plodding style by Lone Scherfig.

Ill-assorted Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, play a prim children’s writer and a whiny TV host are shown in a series of 20 annual episodes as they progress from awkward friends to something more.

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

Our nation

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 26, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Biden accused of ‘selling out’ Chinese WASHINGTON, D.C. — A leading human rights advocate in the U.S. House of Representatives says Vice President Joe Biden betrayed Chinese women and children by saying he “fully understood” the country’s one-child policy and was not “second guessing” it.

“The one child per couple policy is cruel, inhumane and the most egregious systematic attack on women ever,” said Representative Chris Smith (R-N.J.) Aug. 23. “For the vice president to publicly state that he fully understands the one-child policy is unconscionable.”

Biden made the remarks during his state visit to China Aug. 21. He was discussing the United States’ dilemma of paying for entitlement programs when the number of retirees exceeds the number of workers, a problem he said China shared.

“But as I was talking to some of your leaders, you share a similar concern here in China,” Biden said. “Your policy has been one which I fully understand – I’m not second-guessing – of one child per family. The result being that you’re in a position where one wage earner will be

taking care of four retired people. Not sustainable.”

Biden’s remarks in Chengdu drew widespread criticism, particularly from pro-life activists and his political opponents.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said Aug. 22 that he was “deeply troubled by the comments ... regarding China’s reprehensible one-child policy, which has resulted in forced sterilizations and coerced abortions and should not be condoned by any American official.”

On Aug. 23, the Daily Caller Web site reported that it received an e-mail from Biden’s spokeswoman Kendra Barkoff, stating that “the Obama Administration strongly opposes all aspects of China’s coercive birth limitation policies, including forced abortion and sterilization.”

Barkoff said Biden himself “believes such practices are repugnant.” She said his remarks were a way of “arguing against the One Child Policy to a Chinese audience.”

— Catholic News Agency

Dolan: Marriage redefinition in N.Y. harms Catholic families Catholic faith is ‘counter-cultural’ MADRID — Archbishop Timothy Dolan predicts that the recent redefinition of marriage in New York will have a “big impact” on future attempts by young people to build up Catholic family life.

“That’s a good example of how our young people find, very often, the culture of our society to be at odds with what they treasure as Catholics,” the Archbishop of New York said Aug. 17 prior to an evening prayer service for hundreds of young New Yorkers at World Youth Day. Gay “marriage” became legal in New York last month following the passage of the Marriage Equality Act in the state legislature by 33 votes to 29. The approved bill was signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo the same day.

Archbishop Dolan says the most effective thing that young Catholics can now do to defend marriage is “to model happy, faithful, life-giving marriage. That’s the best thing we can do.”

But he also stressed that young Catholics will have to be prepared to “never to shy away from the prophetic part of speaking the truth” in “letting people know that the defense of traditional marriage is not just some weird,

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superstitious, medieval Catholic cause.”

Instead, it “is at the heart of the common good – namely providing the healthiest, most wholesome environment for children.”

Archbishop Dolan believes that events such as World Youth Day play a crucial role in equipping young people to defend the family. On Wednesday evening he led more than 400 young pilgrims in evening prayer and benediction where, he said, they could be “united in prayer before Our Lord.”

“That’s what young people will tell me is so liberating and uplifting and enlightening and inspirational about this event,” observed Archbishop Dolan. “It’s that they are with a million young people who share their values, who love the faith and are committed Catholics who are struggling day-in and dayout to live the kind of life that Jesus and His Church expect.”

World Youth Day is “a real boost to them because, for at least five days, they’re in a culture of support and encouragement,” said Archbishop Dolan. “And that arms them for the counter-cultural aspect of the faith which Blessed John Paul II spoke about always – that the faith is also counter-cultural.”

— CNA/EWTN News

August 26, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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In Brief New policy could allow some migrants to stay in U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C. — An Obama administration announcement that new discretion will be exercised in whether to deport immigrants who do not have criminal records has been hailed by advocates for immigrants and supporters of comprehensive reform. The new policy could mean some people facing deportation will be allowed to remain in the U.S. and get work permits, a development praised by Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, a consultant to the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Migration.

“This could help keep families together and give hope to young persons who know only America as their home,” he said in a statement.

Others also expressed support for the policy, but like Bishop Wester were quick to add that comprehensive immigration reform would be the best approach to fixing the nation’s broken immigration policy.

Judge: Illinois not required to renew Catholic Charities’ contracts PEORIA, Ill. — An Illinois county circuit judge ruled Aug. 18 that Illinois may refuse to renew its foster care and adoption services contracts with Catholic Charities in the dioceses of Belleville, Joliet, Peoria and Springfield. The decision could potentially impact thousands of children and hundreds of Catholic Charities employees.

In a strongly worded response hours after the ruling, Peoria Bishop Daniel R. Jenky said he was “extremely disappointed” to learn of the decision

by Judge John Schmidt of the Sangamon County Circuit Court. It came one day after a hearing in Springfield on an ongoing dispute between Catholic Charities in the four dioceses and the state over the legislative intent of the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, which took effect June 1.

“Clearly the intent of the civil union law was not to force the state to end these contracts

and force the transfer of thousands of children’s cases,” said Bishop Jenky. Catholic Charities is one of the lead providers of foster care services in the state, he noted, and said the state and the agency have been “valued partners for decades.”

The legal issue stems from Catholic Charities’ long-standing practice that prospective adoptive and foster care parents who are cohabiting – regardless of sexual orientation – be referred to other agencies or the Department of Children and Family Services. Lawyers for the Illinois attorney general’s office argue that policy now violates state anti-discrimination laws that accommodate gay and lesbian couples in civil unions.

Wisconsin Franciscan named new LCWR president GARDEN GROVE, Calif. — Franciscan Sister Florence Deacon is the new president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, elected at the closing of the organization’s Aug. 9-12 annual assembly where members described themselves as “contemplative activists.” Sister Deacon, director of her St. Francis, Wis.-based congregation, has represented Franciscans at the United Nations and around the world, including as director of the New York office of Franciscan International.

This year’s assembly drew a wide variety of congregations’ representatives from across the country. But attendees concluded that decreasing membership in a large number of religious communities requires a review of LCWR’s structure. There are a total of 46,451 women consecrated to religious life in the country, down from 60,642 in 2007.

Oblates settle abuse lawsuits WILMINGTON, Del. — The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales have settled all 39 lawsuits against the order and its Salesianum School in Wilmington for charges of sexual abuse of minors by its priests. According to the settlement announced Aug. 4, plaintiffs will share $24.8 million paid on behalf of the order with significant contributions from insurance carriers. Oblate Father James J. Greenfield, provincial of the WilmingtonPhiladelphia province – which works in ministries from Boston to southwest Florida – said that while he is grateful the suits are settled, he knows more work is to be done toward healing and reconciliation.

— Catholic News Service

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Our world

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 26, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pope tells young to build on their faith, share it with the world Catholic News Service

MADRID — Pope Benedict XVI saw that 1.4 million young people could be buffeted by winds and drenched by rain and still fall silently to their knees to adore the Eucharist.

At the final Mass closing World Youth Day Aug. 21 in Madrid, the pope challenged the pilgrims to take that faith, make it grow and share it with the world.

The closing Mass provided an emotional crescendo to the week-long pilgrimage in which the pope encouraged young people to strengthen their faith, share it with others, and encourage vocations. He also announced that he will soon proclaim St. John of Avila, a 16th-century Spanish preacher, the 34th Doctor of the Church.

Despite the hardships of getting to the Cuatro Vientos military air base in blistering heat Aug. 20 and the downpour during the nighttime vigil with the pope, hundreds of thousands of young people from around the world spent the night on the open field, praying, singing and perhaps trying to snatch a few hours’ sleep. But they were up, ready and rowdy when the pope arrived for the morning Mass – the closing event at World Youth Day. The pope noticed.

In his homily, he said, the vision of that sea of happy souls “fills my heart with joy.”

“I think of the special love with which Jesus is looking upon you. Yes, the Lord loves you and calls you His friends.”

Faith is not about understanding a bunch of facts, he said, “it is an ability to grasp the mystery of Christ’s person in all its depth.”

The downpour during the overnight vigil and Eucharistic Adoration did not dampen pilgrims’ spirits.

The pope, however, skipped the longer speech he had prepared in favor of short

CNS | Paul Haring

Pilgrims exchange the sign of peace during the closing Mass for World Youth Day at Cuatro Vientos airfield in Madrid Aug. 21. “The Lord loves you and calls you His friends,” the pope told the 1.5 million pilgrims.

CNS | Susana Vera, Reuters

Pope Benedict XVI greets young people as he arrives for the World Youth Day vigil service at Cuatro Vientos airfield in Madrid Aug. 20. The pontiff was in Spain four days for World Youth Day. addresses to pilgrims in seven languages.

He told the young people to be proud of the gift of their faith and they should “gather with others to deepen it, be faithful to the celebration of the Eucharist, the mystery of faith par excellence.”

Pope Benedict asked that the youths, during the Eucharistic Adoration that followed, “raise our minds and hearts to Jesus Christ” so He “may he pour out His Spirit upon us and upon the whole Church, that we may be a beacon of freedom, reconciliation and peace

for the whole world.”

He encouraged them to seek their vocation and to “persevere in it with joy and fidelity, knowing that He never abandons you or betrays you.”

“Guard the flame which God has lit in your hearts tonight. Never let it go out, renew it each day, share it with your contemporaries who live in darkness and who are seeking a light for their way,” he said.

During Mass earlier on Aug. 20 with about 6,000 seminarians from around the world, Pope Benedict made the announcement about St. John of Avila. Telling seminarians they must prepare seriously for the priesthood by devoting themselves to becoming saints, the pope said the saint can be a role model.

St. John of Avila will become the 34th Doctor of the Church, a short list of saints formally honored for making a big mark on Catholic theology through their teaching and writing.

As he left Madrid Aug. 21, the pope said he was filled with gratitude to the Spanish people, World Youth Day organizers and volunteers and the million-plus pilgrims.

“I leave Spain very happy and grateful to everyone. But above all, I am grateful to God, our Lord, who allowed me to celebrate these days so filled with enthusiasm and grace, so charged with dynamism and hope.”

World Youth Day lets the Church look toward the future with greater hope and trust in God, he said. That is why the Church “continues to be young and full of life,” even as it confronts challenging situations.

The next World Youth Day will be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2013.

CNS | Tony Gentile, Reuters

A nun waves Spain’s flag outside the Basilica of St. Lawrence in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain, during Pope Benedict XVI’s meeting with young women religious Aug 19. He told them the Church needs their “youthful fidelity.”

CNS | Susana Vera, Reuters

Pope Benedict XVI puts on a hat given to him by a young man during a World Youth Day welcoming ceremony in Madrid Aug. 18.

More online More photos and stories from World Youth Day in Madrid are online at www.catholicnewsherald.com.

August 26, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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“overall draft report,” but the congregation is expecting another 400 reports from the sisters who visited each community and from many of the communities themselves.

In Brief

Vatican publishes documents related to Oregon abuse cases

Vatican aims to regain trust of U.S. religious women, official says

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican published online more than 70 pages of documents which, it said, prove the Vatican had no knowledge of a priest’s sexual misconduct until he and his religious order petitioned for his laicization. The case involves the late Andrew Ronan, a former Servite priest who was laicized in 1966; a man who says he was abused by Ronan in Oregon in 1965 has taken the Vatican to court, claiming Ronan was a Vatican employee.

In a statement Aug. 17, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said, “While most of the case has been dismissed, two accusations made by (the) plaintiff’s attorneys have persisted and have been repeatedly reported in the press: that the Holy See knew that Ronan was an abuser, and that the Holy See transferred Ronan from one place to another with that knowledge. Those would, of course, be very serious accusations – if true,” Father Lombardi said. “But, as we are learning with the development of the case, the accusations are decidedly not true.”

The Vatican spokesman said that “to assist those in the public who wish to study the matter carefully, and to assist the United States court in resolving the remaining issues in the case, the Holy See is releasing today documents relating to Ronan, principally with respect to Ronan’s dismissal from the clerical state.” The documents are posted at www.radiovaticana.va/ pdf/documents_Doe_v_Holy_See.pdf.

VATICAN CITY— In the final stage of the apostolic visitation of U.S. women’s religious communities, the Vatican congregation overseeing the study not only is facing mountains of paper, but must try to rebuild a relationship of trust with the women, said the congregation’s secretary. U.S.-born Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin, secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, said, “I believe a visitation has to have a dialogical aspect, but the way this was structured at the beginning didn’t really favor that.”

Archbishop Tobin said the congregation hoped its review of the visitation reports and its responses to the participating religious communities would be marked by dialogue and would be a step toward healing.

The former prefect of the congregation, Cardinal Franc Rode, initiated the visitation in January 2009, saying its aim would be to study the community, prayer and apostolic life of the orders to learn why the number of religious women in the U.S. had declined so sharply since the 1960s.

Archbishop Tobin said Mother Mary Clare Millea, superior general of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the apostolic visitor appointed by the Vatican, has submitted her

— Catholic News Service

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 26, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Reader poll

Bishop Peter J. Jugis

We are grateful to our retired priests

M

y dear friends in Christ, Each year we are asked to respond generously and with grateful hearts to the priests who served us so faithfully for many years of ministry, through the annual diocesan collection to fund the priests’ retirement and benefits plans.

Our 23 retired diocesan priests represent a total of 1,066 years of priestly service. These holy men average nearly 46 years of ministry. Many of our retired priests continue to serve the people of our diocese in their retirement. They visit the sick in nursing homes and hospitals. They go to our prisons, where they counsel the inmates. These men pray daily for the people of the diocese, offer Mass for the intentions of parishioners, and give of their time and talent to help with Sunday Masses and confessions in parishes throughout western North Carolina.

They gave years of faithful service, and it is now our turn to respond with gratitude.

The annual diocesan collection to fund the priests’ retirement and benefits plans will be taken in all parishes on the weekend of Sept. 11. We will have an opportunity to show our appreciation for the many years of service our priests have given. Our goal for the priests’ retirement and benefits plans for 2011-2012 is $1,494,000. In addition to the 23 retired diocesan priests, we currently have 108 priests serving the faithful of western North Carolina.

Thirty of those are religious order priests for whom retirement contributions will also be made.

Please give prayerful consideration as to how you can show your gratitude to the many priests who serve the people of our diocese so faithfully, and I ask you especially to remember our retired priests in your daily prayers.

Reconciliation: It’s one of the most beautiful sacraments that Jesus instituted, yet people may at times be loathe to seek it. Yes, frank recognition of one’s sinfulness is humbling. Examining our consciences to discover our failures and weaknesses, and then describing the ugly truths to a priest, certainly isn’t easy. But the process is a healing one, in which we experience repentance and receive God’s pardon and peace.

This month we asked readers:

What I learned at the Cradle

How often do you seek the sacrament of reconciliation? n Once a year n Less than once a year n Never

n Weekly n Monthly n Whenever I realize I’ve committed a mortal (grievous) sin Readers responded:

— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor

Most-read stories on the web From Aug. 1 to 24 at press time, 276 page titles www. catholicnewsherald.com were viewed a total of 6,537 times.

The top 5 local headlines in August were: Online registration now open for 2011 Eucharistic Congress................639 Scripture Study conference in Charlotte draws 200-plus Catholics....614 Diocese of Charlotte’s faithful celebrate Feast of the Assumption.....522 Charlotte’s WYD pilgrims excited to see Pope Benedict ........................471 Andrews joyfully welcomes Father Brandon Jones as pastor............. 454

Bishop Peter J. Jugis serves the Diocese of Charlotte.

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Rico De Silva

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Mail: Letters to the Editor Catholic News Herald 1123 S. Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203 E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

M

y daughter Brianna started kindergarten yesterday. However, she was blessed to attend preschool at St. Gabriel’s Cradle in Charlotte.

The four years Brianna spent there flew by. I still remember my wife dropping Brianna off at the “young 2s” classroom and dealing with her little one’s initial separation anxiety. The school’s former director, Karen Werth, and all the teachers who taught my daughter were wonderful, loving, caring women. Thanks to them, my daughter went from a shy, somewhat clingy toddler to an inquisitive and affectionate young girl.

One particular teacher made a lasting impression on me as a fellow Catholic: Jean Biscombe. “Ms. Jean,” along with “Ms. Barbara,” were Brianna’s last teachers during her pre-kindergarten year. Ms. Jean had an incredible gift with children, and it was obvious she loved all her students as if they were her own.

Like every Christian, though, Jean carried a cross: ovarian cancer. She was diagnosed with it 12 years ago, and it went into remission for a while. Unfortunately, the cancer returned three years ago. She underwent chemotherapy, and her positive demeanor and upbeat personality never flinched. Quite frankly, over the past few months I forgot she was struggling with the illness.

Ms. Jean loved Indy car racing, and the last time I saw her was in May after the school year ended. She was getting ready to drive to the Indy 500, a tradition she shared with her husband each Memorial Day. This year she was also proud to have drafted her teaching sidekick of eight years, Ms. Barbara, and her husband to go along with them.

On Aug. 11, Ms. Jean passed away in the company of her immediate family. My wife, daughter and I attended Jean’s memorial Mass on Aug. 13 at St. Gabriel Church.

Close to 300 people packed the church to say goodbye to Ms. Jean. Father Frank O’Rourke, pastor, said that during the last moments of her life, as he and her family gathered to pray around her, Jean appeared to make the sign of the cross, even though she appeared unconscious.

Jean Biscombe touched the lives not only of many children, but also of everyone around her. There was not a single dry cheek at her memorial Mass, and I thank God I was able to cross paths with such a courageous and loving woman.

I’m glad you went on to your reward Jean, but we’ll definitely miss you at the Cradle.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine on her. May her soul and the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

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

August 26, 2011 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Deacon James H. Toner

The Poor Clares

The power of silence Step back from the noise to hear God’s voice

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s the oldest of 10 children, I have clocked in many hours of babysitting. I grew comfortable manning the ship while relying on tried-and-true cookie recipes, fingerpaints, and three-hour long movies. From changing diapers to running to basketball practice, I felt confident that I had everything under control – until a sudden deafening silence would alert me that, in the twinkling of an eye and behind my back, the little guys had disappeared. In chagrin and haste, I would search for the small rascals because I knew that the lack of noise meant they were probably up to something.

In a similar way, silence in the interior life is not simply a void or mere absence of noise, but the fertile ground for action – in this case, it is the prerequisite for the positive action of God in the life of the soul. The truth of this reality is revealed within nature itself. A constant reminder of God’s hidden action, nature’s example inspires us to open our hearts to silent activity within prayer.

In prayer we come to know Christ, who chose the way of silence Himself as the conduit for His greatest works. Modern society bombards us with noise, distracting us from recognizing those graces of Jesus. By fostering a deep silence through practical means, we can cultivate the seedbed of our soul for the fruitful action of the Father in our lives.

First of all, consider the natural phenomena that take place in hidden silence.

The sun rises and sets, wildflowers sprout up and bloom, and human life develops within a mother’s womb. The miracle of life in nature is shrouded in silence.

From these examples, we recognize God’s invitation to draw close to Him in prayer with His own silence. He revealed Himself to Elijah, not in thunder or an earthquake, but in a small, still voice.

Regarding the Trinity, St. John of the Cross points out, “One Word spoke the Father, which Word was His Son, and this Word He speaks ever in eternal silence, and in silence must it be heard by the soul.”

God sent His Son on that “Silent Night,” while most of the world remained oblivious to the miracle taking place. Jesus spent 30 years of His life out of public view, giving us an example of how to live the interior life. When He completed the greatest act of love on the Cross, He gave us His Last Testament in merely seven sentences. The Resurrection itself occurred in silence in the early morning.

Through His own example, God wants us to grasp the importance of silence and to pattern our interior life in such an atmosphere.

God invites us to foster an atmosphere of interior silence, but our society makes it difficult. Everywhere we go, we are bombarded by noise: cell phones, iPods, portable computers, televisions. We constantly overload our minds with information, while making ourselves available at every moment to everyone – except for that quiet voice of our Lover.

God will not compete with the clamor of the world. He waits for us to make Him the treasure of our hearts, so it is up to us to make the necessary efforts and movements to nurture silence in our lives.

Here in the monastery, we have set times for silence, because we know it is absolutely vital to our spiritual life. Religious, however, are not the only ones called to deep interior lives. The laity are also called to reach into the depths of divine love and to scale the heights of holiness. Without some degree of silence in your daily lives, this is simply impossible.

Incorporating small habits of silence is vital for everyone. Take at least 15 minutes a day to step back from noisiness of life and retreat to a quiet place to listen to God. Try to leave the computer off on Sundays.

At first, silence may be intimidating, but repetition is the key. We must regularly practice exterior silence to cultivate interior silence, when God will speak to us in the depths of our hearts. Practicing silence is like learning a new language – the language of God – and the most beautiful conversations take place in the silent soul.

Sister Mary Raphael of the Divine Physician is professed with the Poor Clare Nuns of Perpetual Adoration St. Joseph Monastery in Charlotte. This is part of a monthly commentary by the Poor Clares to focus on topics of faith and to address questions about religious life. Learn more about the community and subscribe to their newsletter by going online to www.stjosephmonastery.com.

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Let us tell it as it is

Does anyone think he is religious?” we are asked in the Letter of James. “If he does not control his tongue, his religion is worthless and he deceives himself.” Controlling the tongue means, of course, not taking God’s name in vain, not swearing, not lying or bearing false witness, and generally not running people down with our words. (Thank God for the sacrament of confession!)

Controlling one’s tongue means more than that, however. It also means we should use words without slanting and shading, without half-truths and twisting – the kind of talk that we see so much in advertising and politics.

George Orwell once said that the first sign of moral and political corruption can be found in the deterioration of language. Those who use words deliberately to deceive, or to hide genuine meaning, are more than mistaken; they are frauds and are not to be trusted. After a while, though, if we continually hear words used deceitfully, we can become accessories to that language and we begin carelessly to use that language ourselves.

There was a time not long ago when seemingly every organization had to have a vision statement or a mission.

Even Catholic churches fell in with this, occasionally developing the most majestic statements imaginable. The mission statement of any Catholic church should be both sacred and simple: it is about the salvation of souls, not political, economic, social or ecological concerns. “For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his own soul?” (Matt 16:20//Mark 8:36//Luke 9:25 DR). The words of a church mission statement should remind us that the spiritual works of mercy must always be companions of the corporal works of mercy (Youth Catechism, 450-451), for we are, first, citizens of Heaven (Phil 3:20).

Even the word “church” may mislead. A democratic spirit is a good thing, but it shouldn’t lead to relativism or indifferentism – as in “all churches are the same.” Although the Church teaches us that there may be much good in religious bodies outside the Church, and they may be “means of salvation,” the sole Church of Christ entrusted to Peter’s care is the Catholic Church (see CCC 813-819). We should not think of Christ’s Church as a collection of various religious beliefs and bodies. The Catholic Church, in short, is not just another “denomination.” It is the whole, the fullness of faith.

So often, we talk about “our” church, and that is fine. It’s misleading in the extreme, though, to think of the Church as “ours.” It isn’t; it’s Christ’s Church (CCC 84). There are things even the pope cannot do – such as ordain women. We are taught to be careful of civil authority, but as Christians, we remember that Christ taught with the authority He bestowed upon His Church (Matt 7:29). When we seek to change the truths of the Church for things we might find more convenient, we are trying to make His Church ours rather than making ourselves His. In “Through the Looking Glass,” Lewis Carroll has Humpty Dumpty say: “When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean – neither more nor less.” This is what is happening today with the attempted redefinition of marriage, which some seek to distort into their own ideological preference. We Catholics should always refer to marriage as “holy matrimony.” The word “nature” can similarly be abused, but it’s harder to warp it when we think of “creation,” which implies, as it should, a “Creator.” Even the word “compassion” can be twisted. Some regard killing the elderly, the ill, the unborn, or embryonic human beings as “compassionate” or “merciful.” As the Swedish diplomat Dag Hammarskjold observed: “Misusing words means despising people.”

Blessed John Paul II taught us that “we need now more than ever to have the courage to look truth in the eye and to call things by their proper names” (Gospel of Life, 58). As Catholics, we must speak the truth in love so that we will not “be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful men, who lead others into errors by the tricks they invent” (Ephesians 4:14-15).

‘When we seek to change the truths of the Church for things we might find more convenient, we are trying to make His Church ours rather than making ourselves His.’

Deacon James H. Toner serves at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro.

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catholicnewsherald.com | August 26, 2011 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD