March 13, 2009

March 13, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Perspectives Example of the suffering servant; everyday moments of pure joy

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI MARCH 13, 2009

From a Baptist boy to a Catholic priest

| Pages 14-15 Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

Children’s adoration teaches reverence for Blessed Sacrament by

CHARLOTTE — In Luke 18:16, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” This Bible passage illustrates the importance of encouraging the development of an intimate relationship with Christ from an early age.

In response to that call, one Charlotte parish has started a unique catechetical service for children to encourage devotion to Christ in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.

For the past year-and-ahalf, Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church, has been holding eucharistic adoration services for children.

Margaret Kennedy, a

staff writer

Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of conversion stories.

CHARLOTTE — He was raised Southern Baptist in western North Carolina, now he’s a priest serving in the Diocese of Charlotte.

As a child, Father John P utnam w ent to c h u r c h sporadically with his family.

His father was born in the North Carolina mountains and raised at the Baptist orphanage in Thomasville. His mother was raised Methodist but See CONVERT, page 5

Photo by Katie Moore

Children kneel before the Blessed Sacrament during adoration with Father Timothy Reid at St. Ann Church in Charlotte March 4.

Cardinal says new Obama stem cell policy favors politics over ethics by

KEVIN E. MURRAY

NANCY FRAZIER O’BRIEN

editor

catholic news service

CHARLOTTE — The diocese’s first shepherd may no longer be with us, but his legacy still shines throughout North Carolina.

March 12 was the 100th anniversary of the birth of

WA S H I N G T O N — President Barack Obama’s executive order reversing the ban on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research represents “a sad victory of politics over science and ethics,” Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia said shortly after the March 9 signing of the

See SHEPHERD, page 8

See EUCHARIST, page 12

Disregarding values

Bishop Begley’s legacy, spirit endure in Diocese of Charlotte by

KATIE MOORE staff writer

KATIE MOORE

Celebrating the first shepherd

no. 19

‘Let the children come to me’

Father John Putnam shares his conversion to Catholicism by

vOLUME 18

CNS photo by Paul Haring

People protest outside the White House around the time President Barack Obama signed an executive order March 9 reversing the Bush administration limits on embryonic stem cell research. The small protest was led by the Christian Defense Coalition.

order at the White House.

The chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on ProLife Activities was among Catholic, pro-life and other leaders who criticized the reversal, which Obama had promised during his campaign.

Speaking in the East Room See STEM CELLS, page 7

Youths in Action

Fighting to overcome

Culture Watch

Teens fast for poverty; Lenten pilgrimage to inspire

Africa’s poverty, culture counter church’s efforts

Media’s failures in covering religion; Catholic poet

| Page 4

| Page 9

| Pages 10-11

March 13, 2009

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

Current and upcoming topics from around the world to your own backyard

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has joined a broad group of religious, justice, and relief and development organizations in calling upon President Barack Obama to assist and protect vulnerable Iraqis and pursue efforts that lead to long-term development in wartorn Iraq.

In a March 4 letter to the White House, 44 organizations asked the president to mandate that “civilian agencies take the lead in formulating and implementing an effective humanitarian and development strategy.”

Stephen Colecchi, director of the U.S. bishops’ Office of International Justice and Peace, said the letter’s call parallels one aspect of the U.S. bishops’ 2006 statement seeking a responsible transition in Iraq and the eventual withdrawal of American military forces from the country.

A key to Iraq’s development is

To join a family of faith

CNS photo courtesy of Heidi Sierras

Heidi and Dan Sierras are shown with their four children, Logan, 3, 5-week-old Eleanor, Kayla, 8, and Ethan, 11, in their home in Ceres, Calif., Feb. 12. Heidi Sierras will be in a group of five — representing different areas of the world — who will be baptized by Pope Benedict XVI April 11 during the Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica.

California woman to be baptized by pope at Easter vigil WASHINGTON (CNS) — This year, parishioners at St. Joseph Church in Modesto, Calif., are more excited than usual about Easter.

That’s because 40 of them, along with their pastor, Father Joseph Illo, will be in Rome during Holy Week, and one person in their group, Heidi Sierras, will be baptized by the pope during the Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Sierras will be in a group of five — representing different areas of the world — who will be baptized by Pope Benedict XVI April 11. The 29-year-old mother of four will represent North America.

“It’s hard to put into words how I feel,” Sierras said March 2. “I feel honored. It’s an amazing opportunity.”

Father Illo said the whole parish was caught up in the excitement.

“If she were a different type of person, they might be envious,” he added, but because she is so nice they are glad for her.

Getting picked for an event of this magnitude falls somewhat in the “it’s all about who you know” category, because each year, just in the United States alone, tens of thousands of people are baptized during the Easter Vigil.

Sierras learned of the possibility of the papal baptism more than a year ago after a St. Joseph Church parishioner who frequently visits Rome found out from a friend of a friend of a Vatican official that there was an open slot for a North American representative to be baptized by the pope in 2009.

The parishioner gave this news to Father Illo, who in turn asked the director of the parish’s Rite of Christian Initiation

Bishops join call for U.S. to support long-term development in Irag

of Adults program to choose someone.

The participant would have to stay in RCIA for an additional year.

After several letters were exchanged between the parish and the Vatican, Sierras was told it was official.

Sierras, who had no religious upbringing, began attending Mass with her husband, who is Catholic, about three years ago. When she started asking him questions about the Catholic faith, he advised her to take part in RCIA at St. Joseph Church. Now, after more than two years in the program, her questions have been more than answered.

“I have no doubts this is what I want to do,” she said.

This year’s Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica would be, said Father Illo, “an affirmation of my priesthood” in which he will have the opportunity to “almost be a collaborator with the pope and the RCIA process — working together to bring people to the sacraments.”

Sierras plans to leave for Rome April 2 with her husband and two of their children. The group of parishioners joining them has obtained tickets to many of the papal liturgies during Holy Week.

Sierras, along with others to be baptized at the Easter Vigil, will attend morning catechesis sessions and afternoon tours of churches.

In the meantime, she has already talked a fair amount about her faith to friends, family members and co-workers.

“It’s incredible,” she said. “My weakness is that I tend to be shy but now I have a good opportunity to evangelize.”

Diocesan planner For more events taking place in the Diocese of Charlotte, visit www.charlottediocese. org/calendarofevents-cn.

ASHEVILLE VICARIATE HENDERSONVILLE — The 17th Annual United in Prayer Day will take place at Immaculate Conception Church, 208 Seventh Ave. W., March 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The program will focus on the topic of centering prayer and will include a showing of a DVD featuring Father Thomas Keating. This event is free and open to the public. Participants should bring a bag lunch and drink. For more information, contact Becky Hannah at (828) 667-2799 or e-mail becky.hannah@gmail.com. Or contact Sande Donecho at (828) 697-7420 or e-mail sdonecho@ bellsouth.net.

ARDEN — A Women’s Lenten Program on the theme, “Staying at the Cross” will be held at St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Dr., March 28. Stations of the Cross, led by local secular Franciscan women, will take place at 9 a.m., with registration at 9:45 a.m. The program begins at 10 a.m. with guest speakers and small group discussions. A soup and salad luncheon will be provided and door prizes will be awarded. All women are welcome; there is no cost to attend. To RSVP, contact Marcia Torres at (828) 697-1235 or e-mail johnandmarciatorres@yahoo.com.

creating a stable country where all Iraqis are safe and refugees — both Christian and non-Christian — can return to their communities, Colecci said March 9.

The two-page letter urged Obama to ask Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to lead an interagency effort within the federal government to develop a strategy that includes goals for humanitarian efforts and human development as well as ways to measure how those goals are being met.

The organizations placed particular emphasis on establishing programs that would allow Iraq’s 2.5 million refugees and another 2 million internally displaced people to return to their communities and live in safety.

The letter also sought aid for Iraq’s neighboring countries where refugees have fled and a commitment to resettle the most vulnerable Iraqi refugees in the United States.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CHARLOTTE — Solemn Vespers of Lent will be held at 6 p.m. every Sunday evening during Lent at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. E. Vespers is the name given to the official liturgical evening prayer of the Church and completes the Divine Service for that day. The Evening vespers will include a reflection on the seven last words of Christ. On March 15, Father John Putnam gives the reflection on the third word, “Woman, Behold Thy Son.” On March 22, Father Christopher Roux gives the reflection on the fourth word, “My God, My God, Why hast Thou forsaken me?” For more information, contact the church office at (704) 334-2283.

CHARLOTTE — A Lenten Day of Reflection for deaf, hard of hearing, and their friends and family will be presented by Mercy Sister Rita Marie Pickhinke at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., March 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sister Pickhinke has worked with deaf people since 1964 and is the founder of the program, Catholic Ministry to Deaf People, Inc. She holds degrees in teaching in special education and deaf education. This event is free and lunch will be provided. To register, go to www. stmatthewcatholic.org. For more information, contact Jo Ann Van Camp at jvcxtwo@aol.com.

CHARLOTTE — The Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. Basil the Great, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Rd., will host an introduction to Eastern Christian spirituality led by Father Deacon Daniel Dozier.

All Catholics are invited to attend this free event to learn more about the diverse and universal nature of the Catholic Church. The next meeting will be March 21 on the topic, “Manifestation of God’s Love: Economy.’ Meetings will take place in the fellowship hall after Divine Liturgy at 6 p.m.

CHARLOTTE — The St. Matthew Columbiette’s are now accepting applications for the Gene

MARCH 13, 2009 Volume 18 • Number 19

Publisher: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Editor: Kevin E. Murray STAFF WRITER: Katie Moore Graphic DESIGNER: Tim Faragher Advertising MANAGER: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Deborah Hiles 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-MAIL: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

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March 13, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 3

FROM THE VATICAN

Home-care workers need support, protection, says Vatican nuncio UNITED NATIONS (CNS) — Women and immigrants who provide home care to the sick and elderly need support and protection from exploitation, said the Vatican’s apostolic nuncio to the United Nations.

Archbishop Celestino Migliore said very little of the funding spent on medical research and providing assistance to the weak and ill goes to supporting homecare workers.

“Studies have shown that community and home-based caregivers actually experience more stress than medical personnel; so better support must be provided for these persons, particularly women and older persons who are caregivers,” he said.

The archbishop made his remarks in a March 9 address to a meeting of the U.N. Economic and Social Council’s Commission on the Status of Women.

Commission members gathered March 2-13 at the United Nations to consider

how to promote an equal sharing of the responsibilities between men and women in offering supportive care, including the context of HIV and AIDS. Archbishop Migliore said the Vatican was particularly concerned about poor and immigrant women who have been responding to the market demands of providing home-based care for children, the sick, the elderly and severely disabled people.

In some parts of the world, he said, increasing demands for supportive care have meant many caregivers, especially women, “are found in situations of vulnerability due to nonregularization, social isolation, difficult working conditions and at times exploitation of every kind.”

Governments should recognize that family-based and privately funded inhome care saves them money and takes some of the pressure off in providing public facilities, he said.

Marie Alfaro Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who is pursuing a career in nursing or other health related fields. If interested, call Diana Congdon at (704) 814-0624. To be considered, applications must be received by April 14.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE STONEVILLE — The Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province will host a discernment retreat at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center, 477 Grogan Rd., March 20-22. The retreat is free and open to all men who are interested in a weekend of reflection and peaceful recreation. Come and discern where God is calling you, pray and celebrate the Eucharist, and enjoy the beauty of a 140-acre wooded reserve. For more information, call Father Brian Smail at (800) 677-7788.

CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Young Adult Life invites those in their 20’s and 30’s to Theology on Tap, “Lent: 40 Days in the Desert.” This series will be held once a month for four months at Mario’s Pizza/John’s Place, 3016 Weddington Rd., Suite 100 and will explore the various events associated with the Lenten season. On March 26, St. Matthew Church parishioner, Dean Nikodemski, will speak on The Passion, what does it mean and what does it have to do with us today. Come for food and drinks at 6:30 p.m. Speakers will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, e-mail st.matthews.yal@gmail.com.

CHARLOTTE — Dealing with Loss in the Years that Follow, a grief education event, will he held at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd., March 26 at 7 p.m. Presenter is Janice Olive of Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region. For more information, call BJ at (704) 362-5047 ext. 212.

MINT HILL — Deacon Rafael Torres will lead The Stations of the Cross in Spanish at St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Rd., Thursdays during Lent at 7 p.m. There will be a Lenten Retreat in Spanish with Deacon Edwin Rodriguez March 21 from 1:30- 3:30 p.m. For more information, call (704) 846-7753.

GASTONIA VICARIATE MOUNT HOLLY — A special Mass and wreath laying ceremony in honor of the Irish Catholic immigrants, who founded St. Joseph Church, will be held at the church, March 17 at 10 a.m. A wreath will be placed on the grave of the first Pastor, Father T.J. Cronin and flags on the graves of all those who are buried in the cemetery. Father Joseph Pearce, State chaplain for the North Carolina Ancient Order of Hibernians will celebrate Mass in the church. For more information, call, Joseph Dougherty at (704) 942-6345 or e-mail jdougherty09436@roadrunner.com.

Episcopal

calendar

March 19 Episcopal Ordination of Most Reverend Richard F. Stika, Bishop of Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican is considering the preparation of a major document on new media and their implications for the church’s communications strategy.

Bishops from 82 countries began a five-day meeting in Rome March 9 to discuss modern media and the new culture of communications that has arisen in recent years. The seminar was sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.

Archbishop Claudio Celli, president of the pontifical council, said the purpose of the seminar was to review with bishops the changing communications scene and see how the church should respond to the challenges and opportunities.

The pontifical council, in a plenary meeting in late October, will then decide whether to go ahead with a new document on the subject, he said.

The modern church’s communications strategy has been based primarily on the Second Vatican Council’s 1963 decree “Inter Mirifica” on the instruments of social communications, and on the pontifical council’s 1991 pastoral instruction, “Aetatis Novae” (“At the Dawn of a New Era”).

Archbishop Celli said that since 1991 “a lot of water has gone under the bridge. New media are posing new questions, new interests and new pastoral necessities.”

He said it was important for the church to understand that it’s not just new technological tools that have arisen, but a whole new attitude toward communication based largely on interactivity and dialogue.

He said his council has been pushing bishops around the world not only to have their own Web sites, but also to make sure these sites are interactive.

Archbishop George H. Niederauer of San Francisco, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ communications committee and a participant at the Vatican seminar, said effective use of new media is vital in reaching younger generations.

“You go where they are. And where are they? They’re on programs like Twitter and Facebook and others,” he said. “We need to be present, and we need the young people to help us be present.”

He said young people have seized on the communications opportunities of new media, and the church should welcome their talents and expertise.

Roman visit

GREENSBORO — A screening of the documentary, “Love Lived on Death Row,” will be shown in the Fellowship Hall at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Rd., March 26, 7-9 p.m. The documentary tells the true story of the Syriani sibling’s journey from hate and anger to love and forgiveness for their father who was sentenced to death for the 1990 murder of their mother. A panel discussion will follow the screening. For more information, call Jeannine Martin (336) 294-4696 ext. 225.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN VICARIATE MURPHY — An ecumenical Lenten worship service will be held at St. William Church, 765 Andrews Rd., each Wednesday during Lent from 12 – 12:30 p.m. The reflection will be given by a local preacher and an offering will be taken for a local charity. It is free and open to the public.

A soup and sandwich luncheon will be served following the service. For more information, contact Joan Kennedy at (828) 837-8519.

Is your parish or school sponsoring a free event open to the general public?

Deadline for all submissions for the Diocesan Planner is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to kmmoore@charlottediocese. org or fax to (704) 370-3382.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events:

March 17 (7 p.m.)

St. Patrick’s Day Mass St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

Vatican considering document on communications in age of ‘new media’

March 21 (7:15 a.m.)

Mass for candidates of Deacon Formation Program Catholic Conference Center, Hickory March 21 (10:30 a.m.)

St. Benedict Day Mass Belmont Abbey

CNS photo by L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters

Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd from the Campidoglio balcony during his visit to Rome’s City Hall March 9. During the visit, the pope addressed a special session of the city council. He told city officials that eradicating God and his moral guidance from their lives has not brought people greater happiness and freedom; rather it has deprived people of the strength and hope needed to overcome pressing difficulties.

A moral code is incomplete “if it does not hinge upon the inspiration of and submission to God, who is the source and judge of all good,” he said.

In his address, Pope Benedict also deplored a recent spate of violence in the city, saying it revealed a deeper social ill that exists within society.

Bill giving laity control of parish finances killed in Connecticut HARTFORD, Conn. (CNS) — At the request of its proponents, a bill that would have given laypeople financial control of their parishes in Connecticut has been withdrawn and is dead for this legislative session.

In a joint statement March 10, the cochairmen of the Connecticut Legislature’s Judiciary Committee announced the cancellation of a scheduled March 11 hearing on the controversial bill.

There was no immediate comment on the bill’s demise from the Catholic bishops of Connecticut, who had strongly opposed the legislation and urged Catholics to turn out at the hearing.

“It would serve no useful purpose to have a conversation about changing the laws that govern existing Roman Catholic corporations until we know if any of these existing laws are constitutional,” the co-chairman said.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

March 13, 2009

youths in action

Going hungry, raising hope Time for prayer, reflection Famine gives teens a taste of hunger by

Youth Lenten Pilgrimage ties into theme of upcoming Eucharistic Congress

MARY B. WORTHINGTON

by

KATIE MOORE

correspondent

staff writer

MOORESVILLE — “I’m hungry!” said Deanna Rizzo, 15. “But, this makes me appreciate that I have so much more!”

Deanna, a parishioner of St. Therese Church in Mooresville, and 14 of her fellow youth group members participated in the 30 Hour Famine Feb. 27-28.

This year, half a million U.S. teenagers are participating in World Vision’s 18th annual famine by fasting on water or juice and forsaking food for 30 hours.

The program helps young people learn about global hunger and poverty while they raise funds to fight hunger.

Through sponsor pledges by family and friends, the youths raise funds for World Vision, a Christian relief and development agency that works in nearly 100 countries around the world.

The youth group at St. Therese Church is one of eight Catholic groups — seven youth groups and one Catholic school — in the Diocese of Charlotte registered to participate in this year’s famine.

The youth group at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte incorporated a spiritual approach into its famine, according to Ruben Tamayo, parish youth ministry director.

The famine began with eucharistic adoration, during which time the sacrament of reconciliation was available. A vespers service was held at the conclusion of adoration.

“The fundraising component was secondary,” said Tamayo. “I wanted the focus to be on their spiritual growth, to take advantage of the fasting. The teens were very reverent.”

Tamayo reinforced the importance of adapting the program to meet the goals of the parish youth group: for the sanctity of the teens; for developing a strong, personal Catholic identity; and for fostering openness to religious or priestly vocation.

Throughout the weekend, the 20 teens at St. Vincent de Paul Church also spent time in service to the community.

A few of the young women assisted the Missionaries of Charity sisters with their new home in Charlotte, while the rest of the youths volunteered with the Salvation Army.

They listened also to Father Ho Lung’s Missionaries of the Poor tell their vocation stories and speak of service to the poor.

“The youths respond very well to our faith if you present it right,” said Tamayo.

During their famine, the teens from St. Therese Church learned about church teachings on solidarity and human dignity, prayed the Stations of the Cross and discussed the theme of sacrifice, according to Liz Manser, parish youth ministry director.

BELMONT — Middle-, high schooland college-aged youths from across the diocese are invited to participate in the upcoming Diocesan Youth Lenten Pilgrimage to Belmont Abbey March 29.

The pilgrimage, a day of prayer and reflection, is part of the preparation for the fifth diocesan Eucharistic Congress, themed “And The Word Became Flesh and Made His Dwelling Among Us,” to be held at the Charlotte Convention Center Sept. 25-26.

It’s about “getting students excited about the Eucharist,” said Jenny Ryan, campus ministry director at Belmont Abbey College.

“Hopefully that will make the congress that much more fruitful for them in the fall,” she said.

Last year approximately 300 youths as well as youth ministers, other adults, diocesan priests and deacons, women religious and monks from Belmont Abbey participated in the pilgrimage.

“It is wonderful to have this opportunity with the Lord,” said Bishop Peter J. Jugis to participants at last year’s pilgrimage.

“The world of today teaches us to adore ourselves, our own egos, what we want to be fulfilled,” said Bishop Jugis.

“But we know by faith that we are to

Courtesy Photo

Alberto Castro and Stephanie Manasa clean a Salvation Army Meals on Wheels vehicle during the 30 Hour Famine held at St. Vincent de Paul Church Feb. 27-28.

The group’s outreach project involved gathering canned goods doorto-door from nearby neighborhoods and visiting the local Christian mission.

Both groups concluded the famine by attending Mass, followed by breaking the fast together in a meal shared with their families.

“I am able to relate with the hungry now,” said Emily Mertes, 17, a parishioner of St. Therese Church. “Though their (the poor’s) hunger is ongoing, and ours ends tonight.”

The teens spoke about physical pain and numbness, throbbing headaches and mood swings due to the lack of nutrition.

World Vision reports that nearly 850 million people worldwide go to bed hungry every night.

Its programs work with 100 million people annually — mostly children in conflict-ridden areas — to alleviate that hunger, using funds such as those raised by the 30 Hour Famine.

A recent report commissioned by World Vision showed that nearly 70 percent of parents “say their teens are now more aware of the needs of others because of the current economic climate.”

Contact Correspondent Mary B. Worthington at marybethworthington@ gmail.com.

adore Jesus. In eucharistic adoration, we are adoring Jesus, and adoration of Jesus is healthy for the soul,” he said.

This year’s pilgrimage will include a eucharistic procession, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, adoration, praise and worship music, witness talks by Belmont Abbey students, vespers and Benediction.

“In today’s busy world, it (the pilgrimage) is a moment for young people to reflect on what Lent is really about,” said Dr. William Thierfelder, president of Belmont Abbey College.

“It’s a time to reflect on, ‘Are we doing as much as we’re capable of doing?’” he said.

The pilgrimage offers an opportunity for “renewal and getting ready for Christ to come into our lives in the spirit of Easter,” said Ryan.

It is an opportunity to “let the Eucharist transform you so that you can be a tabernacle of Jesus,” she said.

Contact Staff Writer Katie Moore by calling (704) 370-3354, or e-mail kmmoore@charlottediocese.org.

WANT MORE INFO? For more information on the Youth Lenten Pilgrimage to Belmont Abbey, visit www.GoEucharist.com.

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari talks to the approximately 300 youths and young adults at the Lenten spiritual pilgrimage at Belmont Abbey College March 9, 2008.

IN THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

Groups in the diocese participating in the 30 Hour Famine are: Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, High Point; Our Lady of Grace Church, Greensboro; St. Pius X Church, Greensboro; St. Paul the Apostle Church, Greensboro; St. Mark School, Huntersville; St.Therese Church, Mooresville; St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte; St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte.

March 13, 2009

from the cover

The Catholic News & Herald 5

Priest shares conversion to Catholicism CONVERT, from page 1

began attending the Baptist church with his father after they married.

“I didn’t even know what a Catholic was until I was in sixth grade,” said Father Putnam.

His first real exposure to Catholicism occurred in 1978 — “the year of the three popes.”

During that year, “there was a great deal of ‘Catholic’ coverage because of the deaths of Paul VI and John Paul I and the election of John Paul II,” said Father Putnam.

“I remember being almost mesmerized by everything I was seeing,” he said.

A spiritual quest “When I was in high school I began a spiritual quest,” he said, a journey which led him to the Catholic Church.

“For some time there had been something missing inside me,” said Father Putnam, who began visiting different churches with friends.

During that time, “I remembered my attraction to things Catholic,” he said.

He wrote a letter to the pastor of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory. That

“Everything inside me said ‘this is where you are supposed to be.’”

— Father John Putnam letter was lost in the mail; after not getting a response he wrote again.

“With the second letter I received a response and the pastor, Msgr. Eugene Livelsberger, invited me to come see him at St. Aloysius Church,” said Father Putnam.

He “was the first priest who I had ever met.”

At Msgr. Livelsberger’s request, he attended Mass for the first time. It was there that he felt a profound sense of belonging.

“Everything inside me said ‘this is where you are supposed to be,’” said Father Putnam.

Looking back on that experience he attributes that feeling to the presence

Photo by Karen Evans

Father John Putnam, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, gives Communion to transitional Deacon (then-seminarian) Ben Roberts during the annual chrism Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte April 3, 2007. Father Putnam, a convert to Catholicism, said he is convinced his decision to convert and become a priest is “what God wanted.” of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

“The Catholic liturgy was very foreign to me since the Baptist worship service is so simple; yet, there was something that attracted me a great deal,” said Father Putnam, who soon began meeting with Msgr. Livelsberger for individual instruction in the faith.

His parents were not initially pleased with his decision to become Catholic.

“They had many misconceptions about Catholics,” he said, but it was a human experience that eventually won them over.

“During the course of that time, my parents had a crisis in their lives and no one to talk to,” said Father Putnam.

When he suggested that they meet with Msgr. Livelsberger, they reluctantly agreed.

“He was the only person who would take time to talk to them,” Father Putnam said.

After that, “they began to develop a very different view of Catholics and the church,” he said.

Father Putnam’s parents were present when he was baptized in the Catholic Church on his 16th birthday in 1981.

“They have been supportive ever since,” he said.

A deeper calling “My parents always wanted me to pursue medicine,” said Father Putnam, who studied pre-medicine and biology at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory.

“The priesthood was always on my mind,” he said, and “by sophomore year it became more and more pressing.”

At that time, he began looking into the possibility of becoming a priest.

During his senior year of college, he began the formal application process.

Remarkably, his parents were peaceful with his decision.

“When I decided to pursue the priesthood, my mother said that she really was not that surprised,” he said.

One thing about Catholicism that Baptists tend to be skeptical about is the

devotion to Mary. But that wasn’t an issue for Father Putnam, who said he has always had a natural comfort level with Our Lady.

“The rosary and devotion to her were very natural,” he said, “very comforting.”

In fact, Father Putnam credits Mary with his vocation.

After his first year of seminary he struggled with his call to the priesthood.

That summer, he went on a pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal, where Mary appeared over a six-month period starting May 13, 1917, to three shepherd children. After that, he felt at peace about continuing his formation.

Today Father Putnam serves as pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, where he has been since July 2000. He is also vicar forane of the Salisbury Vicariate and judicial vicar for the Diocese of Charlotte.

He said his conversion has helped him in his ministry as a priest, particularly when it comes to working with participants in the Right of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).

It is also helpful when he is working on cases for the diocesan marriage tribunal, especially when dealing with Catholics wishing to marry non-Catholics.

“It’s helpful to understand where they are coming from,” said Father Putnam. Being a convert allows him to “talk their language,” he said.

But even to this day, Father Putnam is an oddity in his family. My extended family still “doesn’t know what to make of me,” he joked.

But through it all, he has never looked back.

He feels confident in his decision to convert and become a priest.

“I’m convinced that it’s what God wanted,” he said.

Contact Staff Writer Katie Moore by calling (704) 370-3354, or e-mail kmmoore@charlottediocese.org.

6 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese

March 13, 2009

‘An example to be imitated’ Women reflect on Mary through own vocations by

MARY B. WORTHINGTON correspondent

WINSTON-SALEM — “Women who have Christ-centered friends are able to handle the stress of family life much better than before they developed Christcentered friends,” said Benedictine Sister Paula Hagen.

Sister Hagen, from St. Paul, Minn., led a retreat attended by 150 women from across the Triad-area at St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem Feb. 21.

The retreat, entitled “Strong Women, Strong Friendship, Strong Faith,” introduced participants to the life of Mary as seen in Pope Paul VI’s apostolic exhortation, “Marialis Cultus” (“To Honor Mary”).

For example, the women were encouraged to see Mary as one whose human need for friendship brought her to closeness with her cousin Elizabeth.

Sister Hagen is the national director of the Ministry of Mothers Sharing, or M.O.M.S., a ministry developed in 1992 by the Sisters of St. Benedict of St. Paul’s Monastery in St. Paul.

Sister Hagen travels nationwide to share the M.O.M.S. program through lectures, workshops and retreats. She said the program answers a need because mothers are “just hungry for the spiritual nourishment that comes from the support group within their own church.”

In a handout at the retreat, Marian devotion was explained as biblical, liturgical, ecumenical, anthropological and theological.

These themes are echoed in Pope Paul’s document when he said, “The Virgin Mary has always been proposed to the faithful by the church as an example to be imitated … . She is held up as an example to the faithful rather for the way in which, in her own particular life, she fully and responsibly accepted the will of God, because she heard the word of God and acted on it, and because charity and a spirit of service were the driving force of her actions. She is worthy of imitation because she was the first and the most perfect of Christ’s disciples.

All of this has a permanent and universal exemplary value.”

A unique aspect of the document is the exhortations given to modern women who may see Mary as a “passive and subservient woman,” said Sister Hagen.

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Contact Staff Writer Katie Moore at (704) 370-3354 or kmmoore@ charlottediocese.org.

“Faith is best taught through faith traditions ... in the home.”

— Benedictine Sister Paula Hagen These aspects include meditation with the assistance of Scriptures on the assertiveness of Mary in the moments of her life, including the Incarnation.

In “Marialis Cultus,” Mary “will appear not as a mother exclusively concerned with her own divine Son, but rather as a woman whose action helped to strengthen the apostolic community’s faith in Christ, and whose maternal role was extended and became universal on Calvary.”

Sister Hagen’s passion for leading women to a deeper understanding of the personality and role of Mary stems from her experience with couples and individuals during various ministry responsibilities she has held throughout her religious life.

She noticed that some mothers, at baptismal preparation classes for their infants, did not know how to bless themselves nor know the basic prayers of the Catholic Church; as such, Sister Hagen felt called to educate women on the importance of their influence over their children’s faith.

“Faith is not taught. It is caught by the example of parents,” said Sister Hagen. “Faith is best taught through faith traditions … in the home.”

“Many parents think that it is the role of sisters and priests to teach the faith in school,” she said. “They do not realize that parents are the primary

Photo by Mary Worthington

Benedictine Sister Paula Hagen leads women in expressive prayer during a women’s retreat at St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem Feb. 21. educators of their children.”

Sister Hagen called motherhood and fatherhood vocations that parents are called to, even from the moment of their own baptisms.

“Parents live out their commitment to Christ through parenting,” she said.

Sister Hagen said this is a fulfillment of her vocation as a sister, which is to be a spiritual mother to the whole world.

“It seemed like I was making a big sacrifice to give up children and a family

of my own, but as Scripture says, God gives in return one hundred fold.”

She said she now feels like a “grandmother who is concerned with how the church is passing the faith to the next generation.”

Contributing to this story was Catholic News Service.

Contact Correspondent Mary B. Worthington at marybethworthington@ gmail.com.

March 13, 2009

respect life

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Cardinal: new stem cell policy favors politics over ethnics STEM CELLS, from page 1

of the White House, Obama said the stem cell policy of former President George W. Bush, in effect since Aug. 9, 2001, had forced “a false choice between sound science and moral values.”

Obama also urged Congress to consider further expansion of funding for such research.

Since 1995, the Dickey/Wicker amendment to the annual appropriations bills for federal health programs has barred federal funding of research involving the creation or destruction of human embryos.

But the president had strong words against human cloning, which he said is “dangerous, profoundly wrong and has no place in our society, or any society.”

He said he would work to ensure that “our government never opens the door to the use of cloning for human reproduction.”

Among the several dozen people present at the White House for the signing were members of Congress, scientists, families whose members had been or could be affected by stem cell breakthroughs, and representatives of the Episcopal and United Methodist churches, several Jewish bodies and the Interfaith Alliance.

Obama said a “majority of Americans — from across the political spectrum, and of all backgrounds and beliefs — have come to a consensus that we should pursue” embryonic stem cell research.

But Cardinal Rigali said the executive order “disregards the values of millions of American taxpayers who oppose research that requires taking human life” and “ignores the fact that ethically sound means for advancing stem cell science and medical treatments are readily available and in need of increased support.”

He reiterated points raised by Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago,

USCCB president, who said in a Jan. 16 letter to Obama that a change in the policy on funding of embryonic stem cell research “could be a terrible mistake — morally, politically and in terms of advancing the solidarity and well-being of our nation’s people.”

Bishop Elio Sgreccia, former president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, said allowing the use of public funds for embryonic stem cell research was “without ethical or scientific justification.”

The decision to reverse the ban on federal funding was based on “utilitarian logic” that failed to take into account the fact that embryos are human beings, he told the Italian news agency ANSA March 9.

“It’s about the destruction of human beings in order to turn them into material for experimentation,” he said.

The Italian bishop said it was unclear why research on embryonic stem cells would need to be pursued now that new discoveries have been made with other kinds of stem cells.

He referred to the work of a Japanese biologist who found in 2007 that adult stem cells could easily be reprogrammed to an embryonic state.

At the White House, Obama said he “cannot guarantee that we will find the treatments and cures we seek. No president can promise that.”

“But I can promise that we will seek them — actively, responsibly and with the urgency required to make up for lost ground,” he added.

Politics over life The Bush policy had allowed funding of embryonic stem cell research only when the stem cell line had been created before Aug. 9, 2001.

The executive order Obama signed permits federal funding of stem cell lines created since then, but would not allow funding of the creation of new lines, leaving that decision to Congress.

Obama also signed a “presidential memorandum on scientific integrity”

March 9, ordering the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a strategy for ensuring that “the administration’s decisions about public policy be guided by the most accurate and objective scientific advice available.”

He said scientific advisers should be appointed “based on their credentials and experience, not their politics or ideology.”

But Paul Long, vice president for public policy at the Michigan Catholic Conference, said the order “regrettably places ideology and political posturing ahead of proven scientific therapeutic advancements.”

“There are endless studies and stories of patients who have been treated, even cured of their debilitating condition following stem-cell therapies that do not necessitate the destruction of human embryos, yet the ... executive order makes every tax-paying American citizen unwittingly complicit in the destruction of human embryos for experimental research.”

Bishop Robert W. Finn of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo., called Obama’s action the “newest step by the president to eventually remove all legal protections for innocent, nascent human life.”

“The president boldly proclaimed

that he was taking the politics out of science,” Bishop Finn added. “Rather, it seems clear that he is only asserting ‘his politics’ over life itself.”

Kristen Day, executive director of Democrats for Life of America, said the president’s decision — which the organization “is against, ... period” — surprised the group and signaled “a cooling of our relations” with the Obama administration.

“While we have zero confidence that a call for a reversal of this executive order will prevail, we are hopeful that the president will heed our call for commonground solutions in dealing with prolife Democrats,” Day added, citing in particular the Pregnant Women’s Support Act. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., the author of a 2005 law authorizing $265 million in federal research funds for adult stem cells from cord blood and bone marrow, asked in a statement: “Why does the president persist in the dehumanizing of nascent human life when better alternatives exist?”

“On both ethics grounds and efficacy grounds nonembryonic-destroying stem cell research is the present and future of regenerative medicine — and the only responsible way forward,” Smith added.

Catholics urged to make prayer against abortion part of Lenten ritual

National pro-life postcard campaign to be supplemented by e-mails

INDIANAPOLIS (CNS) — Shawn Carney, national director of the “40 Days for Life” spring prayer campaign, is urging Catholics to pray in front of abortion centers as part of their Lenten commitment of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Carney, a 26-year-old Catholic from the Diocese of Austin, Texas, is the national coordinator of the “40 Days for Life” spring campaign of prayer, vigil and fasting.

More than 130 communities in the United States, Canada, Australia and Northern Ireland are hosting “40 Days for Life” events through April 5.

Three of those communities are within the Diocese of Charlotte — Charlotte, Franklin and Winston-Salem.

Carney said abortion providers want to convince each woman who is

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. bishops have launched a campaign to send e-mails with a pro-life message to members of Congress.

The campaign supplements the national postcard campaign begun in dioceses — including the Diocese of Charlotte — throughout the country in late January. Both efforts are being coordinated through the Washingtonbased National Committee for a Human Life Amendment.

“Tens of millions of cards have been distributed in parishes, schools, nonCatholic churches and civic organizations across the country,” said Deirdre McQuade, assistant director for policy and communications at the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, in a news release.

“The e-mail campaign will give even more citizens the chance to participate.”

experiencing a crisis pregnancy that she does not have the capacity to love her baby because of her difficult life circumstances.

“This is the lie that is sold to 4,000 women every single day in our nation,” said Carney, a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in College Station.

“No matter how many abortions are done,” he said, “the most basic, fundamental bond — the most beautiful bond in our humanity — between a mother and a child can never be ripped apart, and called ‘freedom’ and called ‘liberty’ and called ‘rights,’ no matter what laws we have, no matter who is in the White House.”

People who support abortion can only do that by dehumanizing the life of the unborn baby, he said, and becoming numb about the killing of a human life.

The e-mails, which can be sent from the USCCB’s Web site at www.usccb. org/postcard, contain the same message as the postcards.

“At this time of serious national challenges, Americans should unite to serve the good of all, born and unborn,” they say, urging members of Congress to oppose the Freedom of Choice Act “or any similar measure” and to “retain existing laws against funding and promotion of abortion. It is especially important that Congress retain these laws in the various appropriations bills, e.g., the Hyde amendment in the Labor/Health and Human Services appropriations bill.”

McQuade said “our voice is needed now more than ever” in order to “guard against the erosion of current pro-life measures and to keep abortion from becoming a federal entitlement.”

8 The Catholic News & Herald

from the cover

March 13, 2009

Bishop Begley’s legacy, spirit endure in diocese SHEPHERD, from page 1

Bishop Michael J. Begley, the first bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte.

Bishop Begley, born in 1909 in West Springfield, Mass., was ordained bishop of the newly-established diocese on Jan. 12, 1972. He served as bishop until his retirement on May 29, 1984.

“I realize I am among the chosen few to be graced with answering the call to serve through the priestly ministry and again serve as a bishop,” wrote Bishop Begley in a late-1980s series of columns.

“I have never taken either role for granted nor have I assumed I was worthy to have them,” he said.

But the foundations he laid, the impressions he made and the friendships he forged have survived and flourished long after his death in High Point on Feb. 9, 2002, at the age of 92.

“I would describe him as a man of God, who had zeal for the salvation of souls, and whose enthusiasm for his ministry was catching — you were drawn into that enthusiasm and that zeal for his work,” said Bishop Peter J. Jugis in a 2002 reflection of Bishop Begley.

Bishop Jugis is one of the many priests in the dioceses of both Charlotte and Raleigh who have been inspired by this “good and holy man of God,” as Bishop Begley was described by one of his successors, Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin.

A shepherd’s mission Bishop Begley was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Raleigh on May 26, 1934. He knew years prior that he would become a priest.

“It was not unusual for Catholic boys to consider a life in the priesthood and to enter seminary upon graduation from high school,” wrote Bishop Begley. “I was one of those young men.”

His priestly career carried him throughout the state, where he served in parishes in both the Diocese of Raleigh and what would later become the Diocese of Charlotte.

His first assignment was as pastor of St. Mary Church in Wilmington. Next he was sent to serve as assistant pastor of St. Edward Church in High Point.

He served as pastor of St. Therese C h u r c h i n Wr i g h t s v i l l e B e a c h , Immaculate Conception Church in Carolina Beach and St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem.

In 1955 he became the founding pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte, where, as a monsignor, he would baptize in 1957 a baby who would later become the fourth bishop of Charlotte.

“I had the honor of being baptized by the future bishop of the diocese,” said Bishop Jugis.

“When I was growing up, I had always heard about Msgr. Begley and what a wonderful pastor he was — and what a wonderful person he was,” he said.

Bishop Begley served also

as superintendent of the Diocese of Raleigh’s Catholic orphanage and was serving as pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro when he was appointed by Pope Paul VI as the first bishop of Charlotte in 1971.

By coincidence, Bishop Begley was a cousin of Bishop William J. Hafey, first bishop of Raleigh.

“I was challenged to begin a new role in leadership and set up the newlyestablished Diocese of Charlotte,” recalled Bishop Begley.

“But the details of being a bishop were not nearly as challenging as the transformation of my attitudes,” he said.

“Where once I was a peer among my priests, now I was their leader. Where once I was charged with caring for the spiritual lives of my parishioners, now I must care for the entire diocese … .”

Fruitful journey During his tenure as bishop, he quickly earned a widespread reputation as a kind-hearted champion of the poor, an enthusiastic bridge-builder in the ecumenical community and a humble administrator who counted on the blessings and contributions of many.

As chairman of the Catholic Committee on Appalachia (CCA), he led 26 bishops from 13 states in issuing a joint pastoral letter on the state of the powerless in the mountain region in 1975.

“This Land is Home to Me” attracted national attention for its forthright approach to the problems of the people in the economically-depressed area.

“Through the work I did on CCA, I came to know the Appalachian families and the struggles they faced. I was moved by their spirit and humbled by their poor existence,” wrote Bishop Begley.

“I had a clearer understanding of the need for the church to reach out to all people, but especially the poor,” he said.

“He was really a man of prayer,” said Msgr. John McSweeney in his homily during Bishop Begley’s Mass of Christian burial at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte Feb. 15, 2002.

“With strength from his divine office, his daily Mass, his rosary and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, he worked hard and long hours,” said Msgr. McSweeney, pastor of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte and the first priest ordained for the Diocese of Charlotte in 1974.

“He was focused on his work, but always as the shepherd of the diocese,” said Msgr. McSweeney. “He was a bridge who brought unity to his priests and much happiness to his new diocese and its people.”

Bishop Begley wrote upon his retirement that he was satisfied with his career and life.

“I accepted the plans God laid before me,” he said. “Though the road was sometimes twisting and covered in fog, the journey has been exciting and fruitful. And what more could I ask?”

MORE REFLECTION Read Bishop Jugis’ reflection of Bishop Begley on page 14.

File Photo

Bishop Michael J. Begley (right) is pictured with Father Killian Mooney, a priest of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, and Houston Elmore (left) of the United Mine Workers of America at Eastover Mine in Evarts, Ky., in March 1974. As chairman of the Catholic Committee on Appalachia, Bishop Begley was at the mine to mediate during a strike. His visit was prompted by articles in a Charlotte newspaper depicting the distress of many people over the strike.

Bishop Begley later initiated a joint pastoral letter, “This Land is Home to Me,” on the state of the poor in Appalachia in 1975.

March 12 was the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bishop Begley, the founding bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte.

File Photo

Bishop Michael J. Begley reads to students at All Saints School in Charlotte in this undated photo.

March 12 was the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bishop Begley, the founding bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte.

March 13, 2009

challenges in africa

The Catholic News & Herald 9

Fighting to overcome

Africa’s poverty, culture counter church efforts to control HIV

by MWANSA PINTU catholic news service

Editor’s note: This is part of a series in anticipation of Pope Benedict XVI’s March 17-23 trip to Africa and the October Synod of Bishops on Africa.

LUSAKA, Zambia — Extreme poverty and cultural practices are contributing to the AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa, despite efforts to control HIV, said church officials.

Dr. Gilbert Buckle, executive secretary of the health department at the National Catholic Secretariat of Ghana, said although Africans have seen their peers die from AIDS, many — especially women — still indulge in desperate acts in order to earn a living, hence exposing themselves to infection.

“Sub-Saharan Africa has about 30 million people living with HIV/AIDS; this figure is likely to rise due to cultural, social and economic factors, particularly in West Africa,” he told Catholic News Service.

Sister Matildah Mubanga, a member of the Daughters of the Redeemer and national health coordinator for the Zambian bishops’ conference, said the fight against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, will remain difficult as long as poverty levels continue to rise.

“Lack of money and poor living standards have greatly contributed to the rise in HIV/AIDS infections in Africa,” she said.

“In Zambia, for instance, where about 70 percent of the people live in poverty, most young women and girls resort to earning a living through prostitution,” she said. “This exposes them to HIV.” She explained that the continued migration of people from rural to urban areas in search of jobs and a better life and the increase in cross-border trade have created new challenges to the continental fight against HIV.

She and other church workers said in most parts of rural Africa the HIV situation is compounded by inadequate stocks of essential drugs, insufficient medical personnel and the long distances between health facilities.

“In some rural areas, persons infected with AIDS are neglected and abandoned by their families; some die right in their homes because of lack of food and because they cannot manage to walk to health centers, which are usually situated miles away, to access treatment,” Sister Mubanga said.

Cultural attitudes In South Africa, Dominican Sister Alison Munro, director of the AIDS office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, said the church’s involvement in the fight against AIDS has brought about a tremendous change.

She said church programs have emphasized education, because officials believe that “understanding will lead to change of behavior and attitudes.”

“So far, not much has been achieved in terms of changing of people’s attitudes and sexual behavior because statistics indicate HIV/AIDS is still on the rise,” she added.

Sister Munro said some people still do not believe they can get AIDS through sexual intercourse while others “just don’t care” and tend to pin their hopes on antiretroviral medicine, which suppresses HIV, and condoms.

“Some rural people think AIDS is a white man’s disease and therefore cannot affect them, while others still believe it has to do with witchcraft,” said Sister Munro, who also put part of the blame on what she called bad cultural practices.

Church workers and health care personnel in Africa say sexual practices emphasize the desires of the man over the life of a woman. One priest told CNS that it has been ingrained into African women that “they have no right to refuse their husbands sexually,

CNS courtesy of Vivian Glyck, Just Like My Child Foundation

An HIV patient receives a CD4 count test at Bishop Asili Memorial Rehabilitation Center and General Clinic in Luweero, Uganda, in May 2007. Extreme poverty and cultural practices are contributing to the AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa, despite efforts to control HIV, said church officials. under any circumstances.”

“The traditional attitudes produce fatal results,” said another priest.

In many African countries, polygamy and large families are the norm, so one infected man might pass on the disease to several wives, who in turn pass on HIV to the children. In many parts of Africa, if a man dies, by tradition his brother is honor-bound to help the widows produce children. In some countries, partly because of the stigma, people still refuse to discuss AIDS. “The subject of AIDS is largely taboo here, frustrating health workers’ efforts to promote AIDS awareness,” said Irish Salesian Father Larry McDonnell, who works with AIDS orphans in Swaziland.

Support and success Sister Munro said that, since 2000, church-supported HIV programs in Swaziland, South Africa and Botswana have placed more than 600,000 patients on antiretroviral treatment and provided better care and support to people affected by the pandemic.

“I think the Catholic Church way outshines all other faiths and denominations when it comes to investing in responses to the pandemic,” she said.

“The church has been on the forefront of providing quality care and support,” said Sister Munro. “As Christians our concern for people goes beyond basic material needs such as food and shelter to the emotional welfare of people.”

“We often struggle as a church to get money and material resources for our work, especially among the poor,” she said. “We must never forget, however, that we have a treasury of spiritual riches which doesn’t diminish as it is used: the Bible, prayer and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and the sacrament of the sick.”

In Kenya, U.S. Maryknoll Father Edward Phillips, coordinator of the church-run Eastern Deanery AIDS Relief Program based in Nairobi, agreed that antiretroviral treatment and education

have changed the African situation.

Antiretrovirals “are definitely improving the lives of people,” he said.

Such treatment “keeps families intact,” he said.

“The difference between today and the 1990s is that, in the past, people simply died of AIDS without any access to real treatment. People did not know much about AIDS. But today the question is not about death but ongoing life,” he said.

The Eastern Deanery program is one of Kenya’s leading providers of antiretrovirals and tuberculosis treatment, especially to slum dwellers.

Father Phillips said that his program is also involved in the development of the country’s AIDS testing and TB services and is spearheading the integration of TB services into HIV care in the country.

A way to go Elizabeth Mataka, the U.N. secretarygeneral’s special envoy for AIDS in Africa, told CNS that, while Africa may have some successes to celebrate, much of the continent is still failing to make progress in the areas of HIV prevention, treatment and care.

“There could be lots of reasons for the situation ... but mostly it is because of failure by governments to prioritize their HIV strategies and programs,” she said.

“Botswana, for instance, has managed to reduce the rate at which children born to HIV-infected mothers contract HIV because the country decided to prioritize the prevention of mother-to-child transmission,” she said.

Mataka also said African countries must design cross-border strategies and programs that ensure access to displaced and mobile populations.

“Regional institutions, like the Southern African Development Community and civil society organizations, require further strengthening” so they can effectively participate in the fight against the pandemic, she said.

March 13, 2009

10 The Catholic News & Herald

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

Media failures in covering religion highlighted in new book reviewed by BOB ZYSKOWSKI catholic news service

In “Blind Spot,” six analysts — syndicated columnists, editors, academics, media sources and authors — point out flaws in journalistic techniques and systems that prevent the media from accurately covering religion and that contribute to mainstream media missing some of the biggest stories of our time.

Chapters focus on topics such as biased reporting on the religious right in U.S. politics; major media missing the importance of religion in international terrorism; and the tendency to simplify and stereotype complex religious identity, among others.

It may be that stereotyping people of faith leads to the biggest sin by media professionals.

Allen Hertzke, a University of Oklahoma professor, says “secular blinders” keep reporters and their editors from seeing religious people in anything other than their preconceived stereotypes.

The bias of journalists leads to “a reluctance to feature evangelicals in a favorable light,” Hertzke notes.

Even when religious groups or alliances are involved in human rights actions that journalists tend to approve of, mainstream media tend to dismiss the story or see it as an ideological one rather than a human story.

For example, The New York Times referred to the tragic plight of Sudanese refugees as a “pet cause of many American religious conservatives.”

Hertzke counters: “It is hard to imagine the Times describing the plight of Soviet Jewry as a ‘pet cause’ of American Jews, or opposition to apartheid as a ‘pet cause’ of African-Americans.”

Authors and political scientists C. Danielle Vinson and James L. Guth show the extent to which journalists misunderstand religious voters in the United States, attesting that “the most significant problem is not media bias but media ignorance.”

The Christian right was seen as particularly suspect by mainstream media; in contrast, some reporters and editorial writers saw a broader agenda for some religious voters than just the “culture war” issues of abortion, samesex marriage and stem cell research.

This was particularly true in coverage of Catholics, who on occasion were seen as wrestling with a number of “moral” issues, Vinson and Guth note.

Catholic readers in particular may enjoy the chapter that tackles how the media treated Mel Gibson and his film, “The Passion of the Christ.”

Jeremy Lott, an editor as well as a press critic, writes, “News coverage of the movie was bad, the opinion writing was cliched, and the movie criticism

WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: march 22, 2009

March 22, Fourth Sunday of Lent Cycle B Readings: 1) 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23 Psalm 137:1-6 2) Ephesians 2:4-10 Gospel: John 3:14-21

Acting on our faith lets us walk with Jesus was worse,” yet the movie was a huge success.

The reasons? Perhaps, Lott says, because of “the press’ failure to honestly grapple with the broader questions of religion,” but also because of “the estrangement of American journalists from their audience.”

The editors and contributors of “Blind Spot” offer a handful of examples of the press doing it right when covering religion.

They also offer a number of ways the media can begin to correct what’s wrong with stories about religion, urging them to understand that religion is a motivator of human behavior; realize that religion is important to people; and disregard pack and “tribal” journalism, where journalists as a group tend to report the same stories and agree on what is good and right.

The editors of “Blind Spot” recommend that mainstream media hire people who practice their faith, who go to church, who know details about religion.

They urge reporters to take religion seriously and know about it to properly cover all the news, not just religious news, because they are missing the religious factors in much of the news.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but “Blind Spot” has a blind spot or two of its own.

In complaining how popes shouldn’t be described in terms of liberal or conservative, press critics shouldn’t pigeonhole Catholic bishops into those same camps.

And much of the analysis offered is about only the press giants — The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Pack journalism admittedly leads to many other newspapers and media outlets taking their cues from the coverage from those big boys, but there are a lot of other newspapers and media across this country, and coverage may very well be different in newsrooms and locales where religion is more understood and appreciated.

That would be an interesting study.

Zyskowski is associate publisher of The Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and president of the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada.

by JEFF HEDGLEN catholic news service

The coffee is brewed, hot chocolate is marshmallowy and the sweets are scrumptious.

It is once again time for Paradox Cafe, an event where the youth group at our parish sips coffee and ponders the big ideas of our faith.

Tonight’s topic centers on this question: Is faith a gift from God, or is it a human act?

Of course, as with most paradoxes, the answer is “both.” But we take our time getting to that conclusion.

First we talk about how faith is a gift from God. The youths say things such as we cannot make faith or invent it, so it has to come from somewhere. We do not earn it, so it must be a gift.

After awhile the conversation turns to faith being something that we do.

The youths use the example of a Christmas present.

The gift becomes truly yours only after you do something — open it.

As the evening comes to a close, we all agree that faith is both a gift we receive from a loving God and an action we take.

We see this truth come to life in this Sunday’s readings. St. Paul says to the Ephesians, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God.” Here it is clear that faith is something given. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that “everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” To believe is an action that we take of our own free will.

In the next verse, the whole formula is wrapped up in a nice neat package.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”

God gives and we believe, gift and action united to bring about faith.

We are in the middle of Lent, looking ahead to Easter. Our Lenten fasts and activities are things we do to increase the faith that we have been given.

By taking action on our faith, we walk with Jesus through the desert to the cross and into the resurrection where faith and action merge into one, and we are completely one with the triune God. Questions: How would you explain faith as a gift from God? What actions have you taken to receive and/or increase your faith?

Scripture to be Illustrated: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of March 15-21 Sunday (Third Sunday of Lent), Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Corinthians 1:22-25, John 2:13-25; Monday (Lenten Weekday), 2 Kings 5:1-15, Luke 4:24-30; Tuesday (St. Patrick), Daniel 3:25, 34-43, Matthew 18:21-35; Wednesday (Lenten Weekday), Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9, Matthew 5:17-19; Thursday (St. Joseph), 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16, Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22, Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24; Friday (Lenten Weekday), Hosea 14:2-10, Mark 12:28-34; Saturday (Lenten Weekday), Hosea 6:1-6, Luke 18:9-14.

Scripture for the week of March 22-28 Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent), 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23, Ephesians 2:4-10, John 3:1421; Monday (St. Toribio de Mogrovejo), Isaiah 65:17-21, John 4:43-54; Tuesday (Lenten Weekday), Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12, John 5:1-16; Wednesday (The Annunciation of the Lord), Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10, Hebrews 10:4-10, Luke 1:26-38; Thursday (Lenten Weekday), Exodus 32:7-14, John 5:31-47; Friday (Lenten Weekday), Wisdom 2:1, 12-22, John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30; Saturday (Lenten Weekday), Jeremiah 11:18-20, John 7:40-53.

The Catholic News & Herald 11

March 13, 2009

Rhymes of the times

Canadian Catholic poet finds new venues, sources for creative voices by

MIKE MASTROMATTEO catholic news service

TORONTO — A Toronto poet is using her creative gifts in new venues to inspire a new generation to the simple pleasures of poetry and creative use of language.

Desi Di Nardo, a product of Toronto’s Catholic school system, is a rising star in Toronto’s literary community.

Her poetry has been featured in a number of literary journals, and her poem “Rainbird in the Annex” was featured on the Poetry on the Way displays on Toronto’s public transit system. The poem was composed when Di Nardo was just 8 years old.

Di Nardo’s work now is coming to the attention of audiences outside Toronto. Her eight-line poem, “Cup 253,” was recently published on coffee cups in Starbucks throughout the United States.

The text of the poem was crafted specially to fit the curved surface of the coffee cup, allowing patrons easy readability.

“When I learned that the Starbucks company was interested in my poetry, I

decided to tailor my work so it would fit the cup specs with a slant to it so that it might appeal to the masses and not just to a literate or specified audience,” Di Nardo said in a recent interview. She said the Starbucks poem has generated positive response from throughout the United States and beyond.

“I’ve received a fair bit of positive feedback from people across the world who have reached out to express thanks and to relay how it affected them,” she said. “Regardless of whether you share the same sentiments, the important thing is individuals speaking up, speaking out and sharing ideas.”

For Di Nardo, a parishioner at Toronto’s downtown St. Peter Church, poetry and creative writing are a means to stay attuned to one’s spirituality.

Di Nardo, who studied literature at the University of Toronto, caught the attention of Father Giorgio Di Cicco, a priest of the Toronto Archdiocese and the poet laureate for the city of Toronto.

Father Di Cicco describes Di Nardo’s work as poetry to be “thankful for.”

In the preface of Di Nardo’s latest work of poems, “The Plural of Some Things,” Father Di Cicco outlined his

CNS photo courtesy of Desi Di Nardo

Poet Desi Di Nardo is a rising star in Toronto’s literary community. Di Nardo, a Catholic, is pictured in an undated publicity photo. own impressions of the young creator.

“How refreshing to find a writer so unabashedly poetic as Desi Di Nardo,” he said.

“In a world of politicized screeching and lament, one is reminded of Pablo Neruda’s definition of art as that which ‘gives people hope.’ By that definition Di

Nardo stands head and shoulders above the mob of academic sirens and macho wailers,” he said.

Di Nardo uses words, language and artifice to see everyday realities in a new way, drawing inspiration from nature, urban life and plain geography.

Her work “Canadian Moose” is a seemingly simple poem about homelessness that on nuanced reading takes on a more troubling message about suffering and society’s tendency to ignore social problems.

“I believe poetry is universal and is something that everyone can relate to,” Di Nardo said. “As an advocate for poetry, I get satisfaction from seeing people get excited about poetry, whether it has to do with reading it or even attempting to write it.”

Di Nardo also mentors young people looking for outlets for their own creative expression. She conducts poetry and writing workshops in Toronto high schools, and she is about to begin a 10-week internship as a writer in residence with Loretto College Catholic secondary school.

Known as Student Writers and Teachers, the program is sponsored by the Toronto Catholic District School Board and Descant literary journal.

Lenora Rissin, a teacher at Jarvis Collegiate, a Toronto public high school, has invited Di Nardo to conduct a number of writing workshops, which would include “huge classes of students who were not academically inclined.”

“Desi approached them with such enthusiasm, such warmth, such a contagious love for her subject, such insight which was communicated so clearly, gently and interactively,” that the students responded quite well, Rissin said.

‘Kings’ based on biblical account

NEW YORK (CNS) – “Kings” is a new drama series based loosely on the biblical account of the life of King David in which the pious but scheming monarch of an imaginary land called Gilboa, King Silas Benjamin (Ian McShane), attempts to capitalize on the sudden fame of farm boy turned warrior David Shepherd (Chris Egan), who becomes a hero after rescuing the sovereign’s son, Jack (Sebastian Stan), taken prisoner by the forces of Gilboa’s neighbor and enemy, the land of Gath.

David falls for Silas’ daughter, Michelle (Allison Miller), while preacher Ephram Samuels (Eamonn Walker), General Linus Abner (Wes Studi) and financier William Cross (Dylan Baker) all jockey for influence.

Though lavishly mounted and ably acted, especially by McShane, this tale of courtly romance and political intrigue is essentially a prime-time soap opera with religious overtones.

And a few mature plotlines turning on adultery and homosexuality, while discreetly handled, make it best for adults.

Kings premieres Sunday, March 15, 8-10 p.m. EDT on NBC.

12 The Catholic News & Herald

from the cover

March 13, 2009

Children’s adoration teaches reverence for Eucharist EUCHARIST, from page 1

parishioner, got the idea from a friend in her hometown of Nashville, Tenn.

“I thought it was particularly appropriate for this diocese because we have the Eucharistic Congress,” Kennedy said.

When she approached Father Reid with the idea, he agreed to host the service.

“It’s a way to educate kids about the Eucharist and what we believe as Catholics,” said Father Reid.

“Once a month we invite the kids to come,” he said, and each time, “we teach them a little bit more.”

The services, which are open to all families of the diocese, are typically held on the second Wednesday of each month during the school year.

When they began in October 2007, approximately 75 children came to the first one.

“Parents want to be able to bring their children to adoration,” said Father Reid, but “a lot of kids don’t know how to behave in front of the Eucharist.”

That’s where he steps in.

“If you teach them, they can be quiet in front of the Blessed Sacrament for 15 or 20 minutes,” he said.

“Father Reid is really good with the kids,” said Molly Beckert, a parishioner at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte who brings her three young children to adoration each month.

“I want to teach my children that the center of their lives has to be the Eucharist.”

— Margaret Kennedy

“He coaches them all along as he’s going,” she said.

“He talks about his vestments and the way we are supposed to be in front of the holy Eucharist,” said Kennedy.

Most of the kids who come on a regular basis can follow along with the prayers in the missal.

“They know the ‘O Salutaris’ and ‘Tantum Ergo’ and they can recite the Divine Praises,” said Father Reid.

“Exposing them at such a young age, I think, has an impact on them that we don’t even realize,” said Beckert.

“In a way the little kids grasp it easier,” she said, referring to her children’s comprehension of the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

“They just believe innocently.”

Kennedy agreed, “Even my 2-yearold knows to prostrate in front of the holy Eucharist,” she said.

“I want to teach my children that the center of their lives has to be the Eucharist,” Kennedy said. “And this has only reinforced that.”

Eucharistic adoration “is a part of our faith,” said Father Reid. “It’s a great gift that we can share with our kids.”

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Photo by Katie Moore

Children and Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte, kneel before the Blessed Sacrament March 4. During the children’s adoration service, Father Reid teaches them about the vestments and instruments he uses and then he leads them in prayer and song.

March 13, 2009

Handmade with love

in our schools

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Lined with food

Courtesy Photo

Cassidy Kreber, Elizabeth Knox and Elyssa Emerick, students of St. Pius X School in Greensboro, and a resident of Dolan Manor hold handmade Valentine’s Day cards on Valentine’s Day Feb. 14. Students made the cards and delivered them after school to residents of Dolan Manor and Hall Towers senior apartments in Greensboro.

Relax on a summer cruise and visit 5 exciting cities!

Courtesy Photo

Sara Patterson, Talley Mortara, Mackenzie Zinkil, Georgialee Christmas and Quinn Tardif, fifth-graders at St. Gabriel School in Charlotte, stand Feb. 20 beside the 2,433 food items collected to help replenish the food pantry of Catholic Social Services in Charlotte. The students collected enough items to line them up nearly the length of the school track. Members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Charlotte Catholic High School collected the items for delivery in three pick-up trucks to CSS.

March 13, 2009

14 The Catholic News & Herald

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

The gathering of souls for the Divine Shepherd

Bishop Begley’s missionary spirit continues to guide, inspire throughout the Diocese of Charlotte This month we celebrate the centennial of the birth of Bishop Michael J. Begley, the first bishop of Charlotte, who was born March 12, 1909.

As we celebrate 100 years since the birth of our founding bishop, we thank God that he provided us with such a good shepherd to bring the Diocese of Charlotte into existence.

After having served as a priest in North Carolina for 37 years, Bishop Begley was ordained the first bishop of Charlotte at St. Patrick Cathedral Jan. 12, 1972.

Bishop Michael J. Begley Bishop Begley’s words The following words from Bishop Begley’s address to the congregation at the end of his ordination Mass in St. Patrick Cathedral remind us of the humility with which he exercised his ministry as bishop.

He acknowledged that he bore a “burden of servitude” under the Lord, and that not only he, but everyone in the diocese, bore the burden of servitude to further Christ’s mission.

Here are Bishop Begley’s words from his ordination Mass: “It is with a sense of deep humility that I acknowledge the responsibility vested in me here in what is now St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the Diocese of Charlotte.

“I am grateful to His Holiness, Pope Paul VI, for his confidence entrusted to me. I am also grateful to His Excellency, the Most Reverend Apostolic Delegate, for this expression of his kindness to us in coming here; to Bishop Waters, and for all of you in expressing your kindness in being with us for the erection of this Diocese of Charlotte.

“To you, my brothers and sisters of the diocese, I express my appreciation of your acceptance of me as your bishop.

“This day of ordination brings an added awareness to me of sharing in the priesthood of our Divine Lord. For those of you who have been coworkers with me over the past several years in the

From the Bishop BISHOP PETER J. JUGIS bishop of charlotte

Cursillo movement, I should like to say to you as to the others that I refer to this not as a new day, but the beginning of a fourth day in my priestly life.

“I ask all of you to pray that the Holy Spirit will guide all of us in the gathering of souls for the Divine Shepherd. This is a challenge that lies ahead.

“We are all aware of the circumstances and environment of the day. We need not exaggerate nor underestimate therefore. However, as the people of God we shall pray and work together that his will be accomplished.

“We are all one in Christ, and we all bear an equal burden of servitude under our Lord.”

Missionary spirit Besides his humility and his spirit of devoted service to the Lord, Bishop Begley’s missionary spirit was also evident in the address he gave that day at his ordination.

This spirit already had guided him for 37 years of priestly ministry in North Carolina. As he now moved forward with the new diocese, he asked everyone to pray with him that the Holy Spirit would guide the entire diocese “in the gathering of souls for the Divine Shepherd.”

To this day, the gathering of souls for the Lord remains the mission of the diocese. The salvation of souls is the mission of the entire Catholic Church.

The desire to share the Gospel of Christ and to bring Christ’s salvation to everyone continues to motivate the Diocese of Charlotte and all its ministries.

Bishop Begley left his missionary mark on the diocese.

Tributes to Bishop Begley Several tributes to Bishop Begley remain part of the life of our diocese even to this day.

The most important tribute is the vibrant and growing Diocese of Charlotte itself, which is now 37 years old, and which continues to be impelled by the apostolic zeal of our founding bishop

to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and to work for the gathering of souls for the Divine Shepherd.

Another tribute to him is the Bishop Begley Conference on Appalachia, which is convened bi-annually to study justice and peace issues as they relate to ministry to the people of Appalachia.

Three Bishop Begley Conferences have been held over the last five years, and a fourth conference is planned for this fall.

The legacy of Bishop Begley’s concern for social justice is also honored by the Bishop Begley Award which is given each year by the Diocese of Charlotte’s Office of Youth Ministry.

This award is given to a high schoolaged youth who excels as a Catholic leader in social justice and community service. This honor has been bestowed on a young person in our diocese every year since 1989.

The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte has a Bishop Michael J. Begley Endowment Fund to provide for the general needs of charitable ministries throughout the Diocese of Charlotte.

This endowment reminds us of the many years that Msgr. Begley served as director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Raleigh before becoming the bishop of Charlotte. His attention to the needs of the poor continued to be foremost in his mind throughout his ministry as bishop.

The strength of the Cursillo movement in the Diocese of Charlotte is another lasting tribute to the bishop.

Having served for many years as the director of the Cursillo movement in the Diocese of Raleigh, he continued to carry on his interest in helping the laity understand their call to holiness by means of Cursillo and other movements, even when serving as bishop of Charlotte.

Cursillo was so dear to the bishop that he referred to it in his talk at his ordination Mass.

The Bishop Begley Parish Center at St. Leo the Great Church in WinstonSalem honors the memory of the good bishop who had served as the pastor of the parish for two different terms, 1942-1946 and 1966-1971, before his appointment as bishop.

The memory of Bishop Begley is also honored in the Knights of Columbus council which bears his name: Bishop Michael J. Begley Council 770 in Charlotte. This is the first Knights council in North Carolina.

We love the brethren At Bishop Begley’s ordination Mass, St. John’s Gospel was read, which contains Our Lord’s command: “This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you.”

The Lord’s command to love one another took root in the heart of Bishop Begley, and through his ministry as bishop it also took lasting root in the life of the Diocese of Charlotte. His service as bishop was guided by his motto: We love the brethren.

May the Holy Spirit, who inspired a spirit of humble service in our founding bishop, continue to guide every one of us throughout the Diocese of Charlotte in the missionary work of the gathering of souls for the Divine Shepherd.

The suffering servant The Human Side FATHER EUGENE HEMRICK cns columnist

The word around the country is that Washington has become the epicenter of the nation. Daily we are hearing of billions of dollars being doled out to bolster the economy.

Models aimed at bailing out businesses, home owners and families are being redesigned behind congressional doors, and President Barack Obama is on the airwaves continuously trying to guide the U.S. through its woes.

These strategies are laudable. New models are always helpful when business as usual isn’t helping. And it is heartening to experience the country’s leader working feverishly to reverse our major problems.

If these efforts are to succeed, however, the model of Christ, the suffering servant, must be at the epicenter. During his ministry, Christ asked the apostles, “Who do people say that I am?”

They replied, “John the Baptist.”

Still others said one of the prophets.

Then Peter spoke up and said Jesus is the Christ.

What followed next is ironic. Christ said he must go up to Jerusalem to suffer and die. Peter then took Christ aside and rebuked him.

Christ turned to Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are not thinking as God does, but as human beings do.”

One moment there is accord, and the next moment there is discord, but why?

In the minds of the Jews, the Messiah was to come as a triumphal conqueror and bring lasting peace and prosperity to Israel. Christians embrace Christ as the Messiah who has come to suffer and die for us, and not wallow in self-serving triumphalism.

Selfless sacrifice and suffering for another is the divine model for true living. It is the ultimate means for achieving peace, harmony and joy.

Many of our financial problems are the result of immoral people whose selfishness has brought suffering to families, retirees, businesses, schools, charitable institutions and a host of others.

Prominent people thought to be respectful and reliable succumbed to the “get it now, don’t deny yourself what is in it for you” way of life.

The antithesis of this is the suffering servant model that teaches us we were not created for ourselves, but for others.

It is the opposite of narcissism, vanity and self-indulgence.

And it advocates the common good over personal preservation, citing sacrificing and suffering for others as the highest principles of life. If we are to overcome our present crisis, thinking the way God thinks must be preferred to thinking as human beings do.

March 13, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 15

Every day has moments of pure joy God wants YOU to be happy, even during Lent How do I know that God wants me to be happy, even during Lent?

Jesus came precisely to teach us that God is our Father in heaven.

Doesn’t every father want his children to be happy?

At the Last Supper Jesus summed up his mission on earth: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete” (Jn 15:11).

Believing this is a matter of faith, not feelings. But isn’t Lent supposed to focus on the cross? Yes, but the joy of Easter is the theme of the entire season of Lent. Christ commanded us to love one another, which is both a joy and a cross.

Wherever there is love, there is service; wherever there is service, there is sacrifice; and wherever there is sacrifice, there is suffering.

We are called to the cross, but there is nothing contradictory between joy and the cross.

Jesus told us that he wants his joy to be in us. He knows very well that the only way to find real joy is to put aside self-pity. By serving others we tend to forget ourselves.

Gratifying our senses is good, but it can only bring temporary happiness, like quenching one’s thirst on a hot day. We

can only drink so much water.

Supernatural joy, on the other hand, is being aware that God truly dwells within us. That awareness is what brings true human fulfillment.

We all need to love and be loved, and we all need to strive to fulfill our purpose in life. Finding one’s purpose is a thrilling adventure.

Psalm 9:3 sings of supernatural joy: “I will delight and rejoice in you.”

St. Paul repeats the theme: “Eye has not seen ... what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor 2:9).

Jesus said, “Be not afraid.” He implied that there is no true danger in life because your heavenly Father is always close by, protecting you.

We’ve all had days when feelings get in the way of living joyfully. We get down on ourselves and forget to hold on to the knowledge of God’s love.

However, the ascetical discipline of controlling our thoughts can liberate us! And as such, why not put on the indomitable will to count your blessings?

In the book “War Within and Without: Diaries and Letters of Anne Morrow Lindbergh,” Lindbergh tells how she dealt with times when her joy seemed

Deprivation of freedom A double standard on conscience rights The Obama administration wasted little time in working toward revoking a regulation protecting the conscience rights of health care professionals.

The regulation took effect only two days before the inauguration. Issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, the regulation implements three statutes passed by Congress in the past 35 years prohibiting discrimination against health professionals who decline to participate in medical procedures — including abortion — because of religious beliefs or moral objections.

The rules apply to institutions receiving government money and would require as many as 584,000 employers ranging from major hospitals to doctors’ offices and nursing homes to certify that they are complying with several existing federal laws that protect the conscience rights of health care workers.

The regulation was approved last summer and took effect after a required waiting period. During that period, the attorneys general of eight states, Planned Parenthood of America and the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association filed suit to block its implementation.

There is an obvious double standard at work here.

The repeated claim of those who want to keep abortion legal is that abortion is a decision involving a woman and her physician, not appropriate for government involvement. This implies that conscience trumps law.

If that is the case, why such reaction

to a rule that merely implements statutes that protect the same primacy of conscience?

The notion that a court can demand health care professionals perform actions they believe to be evil “is getting lost in the heated rhetoric” surrounding the abortion issue, said John Brehany, executive director of the Catholic Medical Association.

Abortion is not the only issue.

The premise that the government can supersede the conscience of a doctor or nurse can be extended.

States with physician-assisted suicide laws, such as Washington and Oregon, could demand participation by physicians for the same reason. In some states, physicians have refused to participate in capital punishment.

For the same reason, that conscience clause could be overridden.

“By eliminating conscience rights for health care providers who adhere to traditional medical ethics, we will effectively eliminate future as well as present health care providers from the health care system,” wrote Nancy Valko, president of Missouri Nurses for Life.

“Will the health care system be populated with health care professionals who are comfortable with ending life?” she asked.

The hypocritical double standard was predicted by Cardinal Justin Rigali, chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, in a letter to Congress last July. He said the issue “provides selfdescribed ‘pro-choice’ advocates with

Spirituality for Today FATHER JOHN CATOIR cns columnist

to evaporate.

She resolved to think about the moments of inner satisfaction. These came her way each day, and were times of laughter and kindness provided by her family and friends.

“Every day has these moments of pure joy,” she told herself, “even on the dullest and saddest day.”

When we make a point of appreciating the daily little joys of life, we can begin to relax more, taking pleasure in them.

“Some blessings are so subtle,” she continued, that “we can easily miss them if we are not watchful; like the memory of a special smile, or a beautiful flower in full bloom, or a welcome letter from a friend.

All the little joys of life can contribute to a brighter mood. The experiences that lift the spirit can be savored for hours, even days, and the list is limitless. Keeping a gratitude journal.”

Take responsibility for your own happiness. It pleases the Lord when you do.

Consider This STEPHEN KENT cns columnist

an opportunity to demonstrate their true convictions. ...

“Do they at least hold that ‘freedom of choice’ must belong to everyone, including those who have deep moral concerns in this area? Or is the ‘prochoice’ label a misleading mask for an agenda of actively promoting and even imposing morally controversial procedures on those who conscientiously hold different views?”

The revocation proposal will undergo review by the Office of Management and Budget and then be published in the Federal Register, which begins a 30-day period for public comment.

“Physicians must defend their right to practice medicine in accordance with their conscience,” said Brehany.

It is oppression to force people to compromise their conscience in order to practice their profession.

Let’s accept as fact that the rights of patients would be limited by the rule. The result would be no more than inconvenience as patients would have to seek another physician whose views are in concert with theirs.

But inconvenience resulting from limiting a right is a lesser evil than denial of a right of conscience.

Being forced to do something against conscience is a serious deprivation of freedom.

Christianity promotes human progress, pope says

The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Because Christianity promotes a culture of values, it aids in human development and progress, Pope Benedict XVI said.

Early Christian monastic women and men began this essential role by proclaiming the Gospel and spreading knowledge about the arts and sciences to the general population, he said March 11 during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

Promoting the Gospel “must also entail promoting a true human culture,” he said.

The pope continued his catechesis on early Christian writers of the East and West by focusing his talk on St. Boniface, the eighth-century martyr and missionary of the Germanic peoples.

The Apostle of Germany tirelessly spread the faith, promoted Christian morality and established dioceses and monasteries throughout northern Europe, the pope said.

He said St. Boniface was so ardently in love with the word of God that he zealously followed its call and his duty to bring it to others even though it meant risking his own life.

Here is the text of the pope’s audience remarks in English.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, In our catechesis on the early Christian writers of East and West, we now turn to St. Boniface, the apostle of the Germans.

Born in England and baptized with the name Winfrid, he embraced the monastic life and was ordained a priest.

Despite his promise as a scholar, he sensed the call to proclaim the Gospel to the pagans of the continent.

After an initial setback, he visited Rome and was charged by Pope Gregory II with the mission to evangelize the Germanic peoples.

Taking the name Boniface, he worked tirelessly for the spread of the faith and the promotion of Christian morality, established bishoprics and monasteries throughout northern Europe, and contributed in no small way to the growth of a Christian culture.

He crowned his witness to Christ by a martyr’s death, and was buried in the great monastery of Fulda.

St. Boniface continues to inspire us by his example of missionary zeal, his complete fidelity to the word of God and the integrity of the Catholic faith, his strong sense of communion with the Apostolic See, and his efforts to promote the fruitful encounter of Germanic culture with the Roman-Christian heritage.

March 13, 2009

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