The Catholic News & Herald 1
February 23, 2001
February 23, 2001 Volume 10 t Number 24
Inside Artists try to capture the face of Jesus
S e r v i n g C a t h o l i c s in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte
College students share faith, friendship; find fellowship at weekend retreat
...Page 7
Catholic Church seeks Hispanics’ loyalty ...Page 8
Local News Operation Rice Bowl opens with Lent ...Page 4
Whom Shall I Send?
Franciscan reaches out to Hickory Vicariate
...Page 9
Every Week Entertainment ...Pages 10-11
Editorials & Columns ...Pages 12-13
If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. Matthew 6: 14
Photo by Joann S. Keane
College students impose a blessing on Bishop William G. Curlin during the annual campus ministry retreat at Camp Thunderbird on Lake Wylie. During a Saturday afternoon dialogue, the bishop challenged the students to see Jesus Christ alive in one another and in all those they meet. “I hope that as you leave this retreat, Jesus goes with you, that you realize that in whomever you meet, you see the face of God in that individual.” When that happens, “your life will be different from that day on.” By JOANN S. KEANE Editor LAKE WYLIE, S.C. — Maura Proulx doesn’t mince words when it comes to her faith. “I love being Catholic.” Standing before a hundred of her peers, Proulx tells of her identity defined by her Catholicism. “There are aspects of the Catholic faith that have helped me develop into the person I am today, and challenge me to be a better person.” To wit, Proulx emphatically shared her devotion during a group discussion on “Living Catholic,” one of many presentations during the annual diocesan college retreat. Proulx told of faith challenges during her freshman year at Wake Forest, when she felt alone and incomplete. In retrospect, she knows it was a community in faith that got her through that tumultuous freshman year. “Difficulties made me want to grow further in my Catholic faith, to learn more and to be the example of love to which Christ calls all of us.” Prophetic words from a college student.
This year, student and campus ministry leaders selected “Living Catholic” as the theme, providing the framework for layer upon layer of stories of faith and the opportunity for teaching moments. “While college students sometimes feel disconnected from organized religion, they have an authentic spiritual life,” says Colleen McDermott, diocesan director of campus and young adult ministry. “They seek a deeper relationship with God, often in non-traditional settings, and respond to the invitation to explore their faith. And flexible formation that respects their searching faith and affirms their spirituality is critical. The students may not have the language to express their faith, but there is no question, they do have faith.” Moreover, McDermott calls retreats an opportunity for empowerment. “The church should discover, recognize, develop and share the gifts of young adults for the mission of Christ in the family, community, workplace, church and the world.” An organized retreat weekend is the perfect vehicle for inspiring faith expression. With lakeside serenity as a
backdrop, ample opportunity exists for students to contemplate not only their faith, but also the natural beauty of their weekend home-away-from-home, Camp Thunderbird. Diocesan groups frequently use Camp Thunderbird for overnight retreats. The YMCA property provides an environment conducive for students of all ages. “The [retreat] experience served as a reminder of what — as a member of the Catholic community worldwide — we’re called and asked to do,” says Wake Forest junior Brad Sherry, who served as one of the “team coordinators” for the weekend. A returning retreatant from last year, Sherry traded his participating stature to one of helping others find their way on the weekend journey. As for a specific recollection of the weekend, Sherry felt it unfair to single out any specific moment. “But,” he says, “the presence of the Holy Spirit was so powerful amongst everyone that was there, it’s impossible for anyone to suggest otherwise.” During a Saturday afternoon dialogue, Bishop William G. Curlin challenged the students to see Jesus Christ alive in one another and in all those they meet. “I hope that as you leave this retreat, Je-