2 2 The Catholic News & Herald
In the
New Vibrations reach audiences around Each student is welcomed and appreciated for the talent they bring, such as singing, playing a musical instrument, dancing, signing and helping with setup. “The kids bond and draw close to each other,” said Wallace. “I enjoy getting to know them. We put together a new concert each year and a new group of students about every three years.” Seven adults make up the support staff. They serve as advisors to the students as well as help with sound and lighting. Melissa Withers, who has had three children and two godchildren in the choir since 1988, enjoys being around the choir and helping out as needed. Donna Shenoha, who attends St. Matthew Catholic Church, doesn’t have any children in the choir but loves music and the opportunity to be in a ministry. Concerts are every Sunday evening between February and May in churches within a 100 mile radius of Charlotte. Students tour for a week in the summer presenting performances in several states.
BY MARY MARSHALL Correspondent CHARLOTTE — The New Vibrations, an ecumenical touring youth choir sponsored by Idlewild Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, began 29 years ago with 18 young people who enjoyed making music. Since that time, 472 teens from seven nations have participated in the choir. Forty-four high school students, 33 females and 11 males, compose this year’s choir. They represent nine towns, 17 schools and 23 churches. Twelve of these students are members of Charlotte Catholic parishes: Meghan Morrison and Catherine Stallings from St. Matthew; Anne Diener from St. Vincent de Paul; Maggie Alter and Nina Stewart from St. Ann; Lisa Banta, Chris Cosentino, Courtney Cosentino, Stephanie DuBois, Katrina Leister, Michael Rupp and Katie Wall from St. Luke. Dr. Bob Wallace, minister of Idlewild Presbyterian Church and coordinator of the choir, enjoys watching each teen’s confidence grow as they assume responsibilities and perform with the group. “One student was terrified of performing in front of a group,” said Wallace.
ClassiEMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Bilingual (Spanish/English) Counselor: Full or part-time. Counseling Hispanic children and adults at Centro para Familias Hispanas in Raleigh, NC. Master’s required in counseling/mental health field. Send resume to CSM, 226 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27603. EOE. Sales Position: Church Goods and Religious Supply Company looking for representative to establish contacts with Parishes in the N.C area. Fax Resume: 212-813-2160 Teachers: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School, located in Fairburn, Georgia, is seeking teachers in all disciplines for the 2002-2003 school year. Mercy offers an excellent teaching environment and well as competitive salary and benefits. Interested individuals should send resume and cover letter to: John Cobis, Our Lady of Mercy High School, 861 Highway 279, Fairburn, GA 30213. Work from Home: Growing busi-
ness needs help! Mail-order/E-commerce. $522+ per week part-time. $1,000-$4,000 per week full-time. www.changeyourfuture4ever.com (888) 207-9771 RENT New Creation Monastery is opening a new House of Prayer off Carmel Road Extension (Charlotte). Are you drawn to become a core member? Resident? Father John Vianney Hoover (704) 541-5026. WIN THE RAFFLE! Our Lady of Grace School: Greensboro. $10,000 - 1st Prize. $1,000 - 2nd Prize. $500 - 3rd Prize. Drawing March 9, 2002. Need not be present to win. Cost - $100 per ticket. Visa, Mastercard accepted. Only 350 tickets will be sold. Call Laurie Benko (336) 294-0520.
Classified ads bring results! Over 116,000 readers! Over 47,500 homes! Rates: $.50/word per issue ($10 minimum per issue) Deadline: 12 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication How to order: Ads may be E-mailed to ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org, faxed to (704) 370-3382 or mailed to: Cindi Feerick, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.
“Overcoming this fear, he became a soloist and today is one of the top sales representatives for his company.” Marsha Colbert-Smith, who currently co-produces and performs with Colbert and Company, a professional cabaret company, directs the musical program, which offers an uplifting message to people of all ages. The repertoire of sacred music ranges from contemporary to traditional to toe-tapping gospel. Linda Booth’s choreography and Michael McIver’s accompaniment energize each concert. The prayer circle is a tradition before each concert. Wallace leads the students in prayer giving each an opportunity for prayer requests. His kind, gentle, fatherly manner strengthens them. Adding valuable words of advice he says, “Remember you are going to make mistakes; just remain composed, smile and go on.” The choir is well organized and very professional including their performance clothing. Girls wear black palazzo dresses with sequined tops, and boys wear tux pants and shirts with bright blue bow ties and cummerbunds. Drummer and soloist Chris Cosentine said, “It’s a lot of fun to do something you enjoy with those who also enjoy spreading the news of Jesus Christ.” Following each performance, students shake hands with the audience, thanking them for coming. Ann Diener, who signs as well as sings, especially likes the friendships she has made. “I love to sing,” she said. “There is a lot of energy and smiles in this group. We are praising God and having fun doing it.” There are no auditions for the choir.
February 8, 2002
Applications invited for local poverty grants CHARLOTTE — The Office for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is accepting grant applications for the 2002 funding year. CCHD makes small grants from $500 to $5,000 to organizations without regard to religious affiliation. Applications must be postmarked by February 15, 2002. Established in 1970 as the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ domestic anti-poverty program, CCHD is a response to the Biblical call for justice for the poor. The Diocese of Charlotte CCHD Committee will consider programs and projects that: seek to affect the root causes of poverty in the target community; involve genuine participation of the people served in the planning and decision-making of the sponsoring organization; and indicate potential for institutional change, empowerment of the people and community involved, and the development of local leadership. For an application, contact Terri Jarina, diocesan director, CCHD, Office of Justice and Peace, 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28203-4003; (704) 370-3234; FAX (704) 370-3377. To obtain the application as an email attachment in a MS Word document, send an email request to thjarina@charlottediocese.org. The application is also available on our website at www.cssnc. org/justicepeace.