June 11, 2004

June 11, 2004

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Help for Haiti

St. Matthew Church donates 20 tons of food to island nation | Page 5

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI june 11, 2004

Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

Diocese gifted with three new priests

vOLUME 13

Jubilee festivities

Bishop Peter J. Jugis encourages them to inspire God’s people

Immaculate Conception Church celebrates 50 years by

by

KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Bishop Peter J. Jugis watches as priests lay hands on the three ordinands during the ordination Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Charlotte June 5.

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis called it a “day of great rejoicing for the church of Charlotte” as he welcomed the diocese’s three newest priests.

Before a church filled with clergy, seminarians, the three candidates’ families and other parishioners, Bishop Jugis ordained Robert Conway, Timothy Reid and John Starczewski during a Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church June 5.

The men were the first priests to be ordained for the Diocese of Charlotte by Bishop Jugis since his ordination as bishop in October 2003. The bishop ordained See PRIESTS, page 7

‘Threshold of our future’ Bishop McGuinness graduates look back, forward during commencement

More Coverage page 8 I St. Leo

REV. MR. GERALD POTKAY correspondent

WINSTON-SALEM — Eighty-one students walked across the stage and toward their futures after high school.

Commencement exer-

the Great School celebrates graduations

See GRADS, page 10

Grace School unveils book page 12 I Asheville

Catholic School honors graduates

JOANITA M. NELLENBACH correspondent

CANTON — Nick Bonarrigo remembers arriving in Canton in 1942, when there were only seven Catholics there.

“We didn’t have a church,” he said. “We met in people’s homes. The Champion (International Paper Company) YMCA gave us space for services.”

More Catholics moved to Canton. Eventually, property See JUBILEE, page 6

Pope pays tribute to Ronald Reagan, cites role in fall of communism

by JOHN THAVIS catholic news service

page 9 I Our Lady of by

no. 35

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Graduates of Charlotte Catholic High School toss their caps into the evening sky following commencement ceremonies June 3. For the Charlotte Catholic graduation story, see page 11.

BERN, Switzerland — Pope John Paul II paid tribute to the late President Ronald Reagan, noting his important role in the fall of European communism.

A papal spokesman said the pope was saddened to learn of Reagan’s death June 5 and had prayed for the “eternal rest of his soul.”

The pope was visiting Switzerland when Reagan, See REAGAN, page 16

Culture Watch

Mother Teresa award

Perspectives

Harry Potter movie darker but delightful

St. Francis of Assisi parishioner embodies nun’s traits

A look at the death penalty moratorium

| Pages 14-15

| Page 17

| Pages 18-19

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

June 11, 2004

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

Bush cites Catholic programs as examples of faith-based success WASHINGTON (CNS) — President George W. Bush recognized Migration and Refugee Services of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops as an example of faith-based initiatives that work.

Speaking at a White House conference on faith-based and community initiatives June 1, Bush cited the cases of two refugees whose resettlement in the United States has been handled through Catholic agencies as examples of people whose lives have been changed through their association with faith-based organizations.

Operating on a contract basis for the federal government, the Catholic Church has for decades resettled more refugees in the United States than any other entity.

Like people with addictions or children with parents in prison, refugees are among those who benefit from social service programs run by people whose motivation comes from religious faith, Bush said.

“That’s what the faith-based and com-

Spelling success

Diocesan planner ASHEVILLE VICARIATE CNS photo from Reuters

David Scott Tidmarsh of South Bend, Ind., expresses relief before winning the 77th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee contest in Washington June 3. The 14-year-old won in the 15th round of the contest by correctly spelling the word “autochthonous,” which means indigenous.

Spelling bee champ says he was nervous but likes SOUTH BEND, Ind. (CNS) — Be forewarned, future young spellers of the United States, that David Scott Tidmarsh, the 2004 national spelling bee champion, may bequeath his talents to younger brother Kevin.

Besides admitting he probably will pass on his word lists to his sibling, Tidmarsh, 14, said June 7 he is enjoying his time in the spotlight following his besting 264 other spellers June 3 at the 77th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington.

He spelled 39 words correctly and won the competition with the word “autochthonous,” meaning indigenous.

“The place just exploded” with enthusiasm, he said in an interview with Today’s Catholic, newspaper of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese.

He came home, he thinks, with $18,000 and plaques, one for him and another for his school, Edison Intermediate Center, a South Bend public school.

Among his strong supporters was English teacher and spelling bee coach Brian Ginzer, who said he was so nervous he had to stay home to watch the nationally televised competition.

To be a good speller, Ginzer said, “a person has to be an avid reader. David reads and reads and reads. I gave him ‘Dracula’ at the beginning of the

year; it was a difficult read ... but he pummeled through it.

“He did read the dictionary. He has a photographic memory and can commit it to memory. He not only sees the word but also its pronunciation and origin and part of speech and definition,” he said.

Since the third grade, he said, Tidmarsh has shown he is a “raw talent and continued to improve.”

Tidmarsh, whose parents and three siblings belong to Little Flower Church in South Bend, said besides really liking to read, he also enjoys “playing board games, chess, checkers, Monopoly, things like that.”

“And I like sports, like soccer and baseball, and I like to swim. I play the piano,” he said, with a little laugh, and although he began seven years ago, “I’m not very good at it.”

He isn’t sure who or what triggered his interest in spelling.

“It’s just something I always liked to do. When I had spelling bees in elementary school, I thought it would be fun,” he said.

With no more spelling bees ahead for him, he thinks he might get more involved at his parish. Until now, “I just haven’t had time to do more,” he said.

ASHEVILLE — The St. Martin De Porres Dominican Laity Chapter meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the rectory building at the Basilica of St. Lawrence, 97 Haywood St. Inquirers are welcome. For more information, contact Beverly Reid at (423) 6338-4744 or bebereid@adelphia.net.

HENDERSONVILLE — The St. Francis of the Hills Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order meets the fourth Sunday of each month 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 208 7th Ave. West. Visitors and inquirers are welcome. For more information, call Joanita Nellenbach, SFO, (828) 627-9209 or jnell@dnet.net.

BOONE VICARIATE SPARTA — St. Frances of Rome Church, Hendrix and Highlands Rds., sponsors the Oratory of Divine Love Prayer Group in the parish house the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. Call (336) 372-8846 for more information.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CHARLOTTE — All men are invited to join the Saint Joseph Society of Charlotte June 18 at 8 p.m. in the reception room of St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd. Father Patrick Winslow will serve as guide on the path to holiness. The fulfillment of vocation can only be attained through knowledge and awareness. For more information contact Michael Kitson at paxetbonum@mindspring.com.

CHARLOTTE — All women are invited to

munity initiative is all about,” Bush said.

The Bush administration’s faithbased initiatives have included creating centers in federal agencies to assist small community and religious organizations provide social services through federal government programs. It also has focused on eliminating administrative barriers that previously might have kept faith-based organizations from participating in federal programs.

“I fully understand it’s important to maintain the separation of church and state. ... But I do believe that groups should be allowed to access social service grants, so long as they don’t proselytize or exclude somebody simply because they don’t share a certain faith,” Bush said.

Bush said there is a way to accomplish the separation of church and state “and at the same time, accomplish the social objective of having America become a hopeful place and a loving place,” which he said faith-based institutions are better equipped to do than government acting

join Women in the Word for weekly gatherings for prayer, reflection on Sunday scripture, music and sharing experiences of Christ in daily life. The group meets each Thursday, 9:4511:45 a.m. in the family room of St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. For details, call Linda Flynn at (704) 366-9889. For childcare reservations, call Jurga Petrikene at 704) 9070205.

CHARLOTTE — St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St., will offer Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of every month following the 12:10 p.m. Mass and Benediction at 1:30 p.m.

CHARLOTTE — The Cancer Support Group for survivors, family and friends meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. For more information, call Marilyn Borrelli at (704) 542-2283.

CHARLOTTE — The Charismatic Prayer Group of St. Matthew Church will host a Prayer Service for the Sick at St. Matthew Chapel, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Barbara Gardner at chlt5nc@aol.com.

CHARLOTTE — The 50+ Club of St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Rd., meets the second Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m. with a program and lunch in the parish hall. The May 12 meeting will honor those couples celebrating 50 years of marriage. For reservations and more information, call Lucille Kroboth at (704) 537-2189.

CHARLOTTE — The St. Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order gathers the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 Statesville Ave. Those interested in learning more about the SFO and the Franciscan way of life

JUNE 11, 2 0 0 4 Volume 13 • Number 35 Publisher: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer: Karen A. Evans Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Sherill Beason 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

The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $15 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all other subscribers. The Catholic News & Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason deemed appropriate. We do not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.

Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.

The Catholic News & Herald 3

June 11, 2004

FROM THE VATICAN

Vatican official: Arms spending robs citizens of

national law.”

These foundations of peace are based upon the fundamental right to life that cannot be fully realized in conditions where there is a lack of food, housing, education, health care, work and freedom, he said.

“In order to guarantee these conditions, huge economic resources are needed, but they unfortunately are often lacking,” Cardinal Sodano said.

Cardinal Sodano urged donor countries and financial institutions to “make a generous effort” in offering help to those countries in dire economic straits or in need of financing for development projects.

“A donation made today may result in substantial savings tomorrow and help contribute toward peace and security,” he said.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Arms spending robs citizens of their basic needs, said the Vatican’s secretary of state.

Bringing a dignified standard of living to all people would do more in guaranteeing greater stability and peace than the latest weaponry, Cardinal Angelo Sodano said to members of the Organization of American States, who held their general assembly June 6-8 in Quito, Ecuador.

“Even today, so much wealth continues to be wasted on procuring ever more sophisticated instruments of war while that which is necessary for full human development is lacking,” Cardinal Sodano said.

The cardinal noted that the OAS’ commission on security in the Americas defined peace as being based on “democracy, justice, respect of human rights, solidarity, security and respect for inter-

are invited to attend. For more information, call Skyler Harvey, SFO, at (704) 545-9133.

CHARLOTTE — Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF), a weekly support group for separated and divorced women, meets every Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the New Life Center building, room 114, of St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Pkwy., including a potluck dinner.

Divorced men are invited every third Wednesday of the month. TGIF is a healing ministry sponsored by Catholic Social Services, Charlotte Regional Office and St. Matthew Church.

For details, call Karen Wepasnick at (704) 5411891 after 3 p.m.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE

tails, call Debbie Vickers at (828) 495-2039.

HICKORY — A Grief Support Group meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the parlor of St. Aloysius Church, 921 Second St. NE. For more information, call the church office at (828) 327-2341.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN VICARIATE

HIGH POINT— To mark 10 years of perpetual Eucharistic adoration at Maryfield Chapel, 1315 Greensboro Rd., Bishop Peter J. Jugis will celebrate Mass June 13 at 3 p.m. with a Corpus Christi procession and blessing of the sick. All are welcome to attend. Father Frank O’Rourke, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church, will be master of ceremonies. For more information call (336) 886-2444.

GREENSBORO — Jim McCullough, director of faith formation of Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 W. Market St., will present “Key to the Scriptures,” a new way to read the Bible with understanding. Classes will meet Tuesdays 7-9 p.m. beginning June 15 in the library. To register, leave your name, address and phone number with Mary-Ann DipPaola at (336) 274-6520, ext. 33.

HICKORY VICARIATE NEWTON — The Little Flowers Catholic Girls’ Group is for all Catholic girls ages five and up.

The group meets the fourth Monday of each month at St. Joseph Church, 720 West 13th St., at 4 p.m. in the Holy Family Hall. For more de-

Episcopal

calendar

June 13 — 3 p.m.

Corpus Christi Mass and Procession Maryfield Chapel, High Point June 14-19

John Paul II urged U.S. bishops to counter “erroneous yet pervasive thinking” that has paved the way for acceptance of social evils like abortion, pornography and homosexual unions.

The pope said that over the last 40 years in the United States, human rights have become detached from the search for truth and have sometimes turned into “self-centered demands.”

The pope made his critique June 4 to bishops from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming who were making their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican.

The theme of the pope’s speech was “evangelization of culture,” which he said touched upon the fundamental dynamic of the church’s activity, enabling people of every culture to be transformed by the power of the Gospel.

But he said this essential task is challenged today by a loss of transcendent values and goals. He cited a “growing reluctance to acknowledge that all men and women receive their essential and common dignity from God and with it the capacity to move toward truth and

goodness.”

“Detached from this vision of the fundamental unity and purpose of the whole human family, rights are at times reduced to self-centered demands: the growth of prostitution and pornography in the name of adult choice, the acceptance of abortion in the name of women’s rights, the approval of same-sex unions in the name of homosexual rights,” he said.

This is a sign that “false secularist forms of humanism” can turn into a “veritable idolatry” in the modern age, the pope said.

In the face of such a mistaken approach, he said, bishops should “do everything possible” to encourage lay Catholics to take seriously their responsibility for evangelizing culture, and to teach that human dignity is tied to creation by God and redemption by Christ.

“So again I say to the people of the United States, it is the paschal mystery of Christ that is the only sure point of reference for all of humanity on its pilgrimage in search of authentic unity and true peace,” he said.

‘God Speed, Smarty

SYLVA — The North Carolina State Court cordially invites you to attend the institution of Court St. Mary, Mother of God Catholic Daughters of the Americas at St. Mary, Mother of God Church at 22 Bartlett St., June 27 during the 11 a.m. Mass. For more information, e-mail Rita Goffinet at springtyme 71@aol.com.

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE MT. AIRY — Holy Angels Church, 1208 N. Main St., offers Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., and every Thursday, 10-11 a.m. Adoration concludes with Benediction.

CLEMMONS — Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., offers Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday. Exposition begins at 6 p.m. and benediction is at 9 p.m.

Is your parish or school having an event? Please submit notices for the Diocesan Planner at least 15 days prior to the event date in writing to Karen A. Evans at kaevans@ charlottediocese.org or fax to (704) 370-3382.

CNS photo from Reuters

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

June 12 Corpus Christi Celebration with Youth and Young Adults Belmont Abbey College, Belmont

Pope urges U.S. bishops to counter acceptance of abortion, gay unions

Spring General Meeting of the USCCB Denver, Colo.

June 21-24 Convocation of Priests Asheville June 27 North Carolina Black Catholic Conference Greensboro

Sister Patricia Friel of Queens Village, N.Y., a Little Sister of the Poor, holds a sign that reads “God Speed, Smarty Jones” for 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Smarty Jones, as she and other nuns visit Belmont Park in Elmont June 3. They were out to support the horse, which was attempting to become the first since 1978 to win horse racing’s coveted Triple Crown by winning the Belmont Stakes June 5. The much-favored horse lost to longshot Birdstone.

Correction Father John Trigilio’s name was misspelled in a May 21 story.

Notice to Readers The Catholic News & Herald is now on its bi-weekly publishing schedule for June, July and August. Our next issue will be June 25.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese

Praise for a protector

June 11, 2004

Breaking ground

Officer Bazluki receives employee award

CHARLOTTE — Detention Officer Matthew Bazluki of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office Special Services was the recipient of the May 2004 Employee of the Month Award.

Bazluki, a parishioner of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte and a graduate of both St. Patrick School and Charlotte Catholic High School, received a plaque, a day off with pay, a denim shirt with the sheriff’s office logo, $300 from the Quality Achievement Awards (QAA) Program for his exemplary work, a QAA pen and a commemorative pen.

Bazluki was commended for leading an active and professional law enforcement Exploring post, overseeing a child identification program that serves nearly 10,000 children annually and conducting child passenger safety

seat inspections throughout the county.

This is in addition to spearheading the intern program between Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Central Piedmont Community College and the sheriff ’s office.

Bazluki has also served as a member and past vice-president of Charlotte Catholic High School’s alumni board of directors and as chairman of “Safe Kids Charlotte-Mecklenburg.”

It was also noted during the presentation that Bazluki had not missed a day of work during his six years as an officer.

Bazluki has the distinction of being named as the 2002 Law Enforcement Community Service Officer of the Year for the state of North Carolina by the state chapter of Mothers Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Parish holds groundbreaking for new Senior parishioners Cristina Ammons and Harry Robbins dig in as Augustinian Father Dennis McGowan, pastor, and other parishioners watch during the groundbreaking ceremony May 30 for the new St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville. The new church will stand adjacent to the present facility, with construction expected to begin within the next few months. The current church, built in 1941 with seating for nearly 200 people, will be converted to classroom and meeting space. Seating capacity in the new church will add about 100 more seats and the facility will be handicap accessible.

Courtesy Photo

Chief Deputy Daniel E. Bailey presents Detention Officer Matthew Bazluki of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office Special Services with the May 2004 Employee of the Month Award.

June 11, 2004

around the diocese

The Catholic News & Herald 5

Help for Haiti

St. Matthew Church donates 20 tons of food, supplies to Caribbean nation could help on different levels,” said Sandy Farrelly, head of the parish mission board.

Parish priests spoke of the food drive from the pulpit. Volunteers attended weekend Masses to hand out empty banana boxes and lists of where to purchase needed items. Some parishioners went shopping, others did packing. St. Matthew School students brought in food, and many wrote and drew cards of love and support for the Haitians.

The result was 40,000 pounds of aid lining the church’s gymnasium for people the majority of the 5,000-household parish had never met.

“The response was so enthusiastic,” said Farrelly. “What impressed me the most was the spirit the people had — they were so excited to help out.”

The response was an example of Catholics living out their faith, said George.

“It was rewarding and encouraging to see all the people getting involved,” he said.

And the students who participated learned the importance of helping others in need, said George.

“That will benefit them later on, and the people of Haiti benefited from their efforts,” he said.

The shipment of food will last about three to four months, said George. St. Matthew Church has partnered with Catholic churches in New Jersey and Georgia to rotate drives and keep food going to Haiti on a regular basis.

“I think it was a very nice way to do something,” said parishioner Beth

Courtesy Photo by Mark Sartori

A youth does his part to help pack items for the St. Matthew Church’s food drive for Haiti. by

KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

CHARLOTTE — As the pallets were loaded into the truck, weeks of hard work were finally coming to a close.

“We had such a great turnout from the parish,” said Joe George. “We hope it will turn into an annual event.”

George coordinated the five-week food drive during which parishioners of St. Matthew Church amassed 20 tons of food and supplies for the people of Haiti.

The pallets were loaded June 9 onto a truck bound for Fort Lauderdale, Fla. From there, they will venture via cargo ship to the

Courtesy Photo by Mark Sartori

Parishioners of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte sort items for the church’s food drive for Haiti. The parish collected 20 tons of food and supplies.

Cape Haitian mission of the Missionaries of the Poor, an order of Catholic priests and brothers who care for the homeless and destitute.

Cape Haitian, home to about 1.8 million people, is in the heart of a ghetto surrounded by often-impassable mountains.

The Missionaries of the Poor will use the food and supplies in their mission and to help feed hungry residents.

Haiti, a Caribbean nation where 85 percent of the residents are illiterate, has long been a country of crisis.

A drought last year was followed by flash floods in December. In February of this year, a violent insurgency by rebels forced out the country’s first freely elected president, Jean-

Bertrand Aristide, leaving the country in shambles.

May brought several days of heavy rain, resulting in floods that have killed more than 1,000 people and left more than 50,000 homeless and hungry.

In Baltimore, Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops’ international relief and development agency, announced it would provide emergency funds to assist flooded communities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The people of St. Matthew wanted to do their part to help, too.

“It emanated from an ongoing relationship with the Missionaries of the Poor,” said George.

The parish has been involved with the Missionaries of the Poor in Kingston, Jamaica since February 1998. In October 2002, a group from the parish visited Haiti.

“As a result of that trip, we decided we needed to do something to help out and collect food,” said George.

Last year, the parish collected and donated 10 pallets of food and supplies for the Haitian mission. Haiti’s recent troubles in the news helped this years food drive double that amount.

A banner was hung outside of the church; flyers were distributed calling for needed items, including white rice, cornmeal, dry pinto beans and pasta, flour, powdered milk, peanut butter and tuna.

“It’s a neat project because people

6 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese of our unity is the Eucharist. Regardless of our country of origin or the first language we speak, when we partake of the Eucharist, we become one body in Christ.”

Concelebrating were Augustinian Father Dennis McGowan, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church and of St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville; retired Father James Cahill, former pastor of St. Mary Church in Sylva; and Father C. Morris Boyd, administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jefferson and St. Frances of Rome Church in Sparta.

Before going on a Spanish-immersion sabbatical in Mexico in 20022003, Father Boyd, then pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Franklin, drove to Canton every Sunday for a year to celebrate Hispanic Mass at Immaculate Conception Church.

Father McGowan celebrates the English-language Mass each Sunday morning for the parish’s 33 Anglo families. On Sunday evenings, Father Shawn O’Neal, administrator of St. Joseph Church in Bryson City and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Cherokee, celebrates Hispanic Mass about once a month, often with 100 or more Hispanic worshipers.

June 11, 2004

The crowd is smaller when a communion service is offered rather than Mass.

June 6 was the parish’s second Mass that Anglos and Hispanics attended together.

Following Mass, the Immaculate Conception Dancers performed on the theater stage. Then six of the church’s original parishioners were recognized: Bonarrigo, Mildred Pharr, Lucille and Steve Czarnicke, and Edna and Morris Kelley.

Bishop Jugis commended the fortitude that brought people to the mountains in the past and still brings them there today.

“How blessed you are to have founding parishioners still with you,” he said.

“As the current bishop of Charlotte, I want to thank you for your pioneer spirit .... I think it’s a good sign, that the parish is growing so much that you could not Want More Information?

For more on the history of Immaculate Conception Church, please see the Parish Profile on page 20.

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Bishop Peter J. Jugis exchanges confidences with 2-year-old Vanessa Games during Immaculate Conception Church’s 50th anniversary celebration June 6.

Immaculate Conception Church celebrates 50 years JUBILEE, from page 1

was purchased and Immaculate Conception Church became a reality. The first Mass was celebrated in June 1954.

“Bishop (Vincent S.) Waters was here,” Bonarrigo said. “It was a very moving experience. We finally had a church. It was a great thing to drive past the church and say ‘That’s our church.’”

For the church’s 50th anniversary celebration, held June 6, Bishop Peter J. Jugis was principal celebrant. Since Immaculate Conception seats only

about 80 people, the Mass was held in the Colonial Theater in downtown Canton. Some 200 people nearly filled the theater’s main seating space; a few more watched from the balcony.

An embroidered white cloth covered the folding table that served as an altar on the theater stage decorated with palms in woven baskets. At the rear of the stage, Immaculate Conception Church’s combined Anglo and Hispanic choirs sang, the congregation joining in.

“On this solemn feast of the Holy Trinity, we give thanks for this Catholic presence in the mountains,” Bishop Jugis said in his homily.

He emphasized that, “The source

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Six- and 7-year-old members of the Immaculate Conception Dancers perform in the post-Mass program at Immaculate Conception Church’s 50th anniversary celebration June 6.

June 11, 2004

FROM THE COVER

Photos by Kevin E. Murray

The ordinands lie prostrate before the altar while the Litany of the Saints is sung during the ordination Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Charlotte June 5.

Three priests PRIESTS, from page 1

the men to the transitional diaconate at St. Vincent de Paul Church Dec. 21, 2003.

During his homily, the bishop encouraged the priestly candidates to use their ministry to tell the people the truth of Christ.

“St. Peter reminds us that Christ made all his people a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart,” said Bishop Jugis in his homily. “Yet our Lord decided to establish a priestly office in his church, and to do this he chose certain men, Apostles, so that he could continue visibly to exercise his office of teacher, priest and shepherd in the church.”

The bishop said that through the sacrament of holy orders, the new priests will be “configured to Christ through a sacramental identification with the Eternal High Priest.”

Teaching, sanctifying and shepherding in the name of Christ are sacred du-

ties, said Bishop Jugis.

“By your ministry, the spiritual sacrifices of the Christ’s people will be made perfect, as they are united to the sacrifice of Christ which you will offer,” he said.

“May the holiness of the sacrifices you celebrate consecrate you interiorly so that you can put to death whatever is not of Christ, and the life of the risen Christ may shine in you,” he said.

The bishop told the new priests that Christ’s people would look to them for direction.

“Strive to bring Christ’s people together into one family in unity, and lead them together to God the Father,” said Bishop Jugis. “Through your living ministry of this holy gift of priesthood, which you receive today, may God make you true pastors who nourish the faithful with the world of life and with the body of Christ, the bread of everlasting life.”

Concelebrants of the Mass included Msgr. Mauricio W. West, vicar general and diocesan chancellor; Father Philip Scarcella, administrator of

Newly-ordained Father Timothy Reid offers Communion during the ordination Mass June 5.

Our Lady of the Assumption Church; Father John Allen, diocesan vocations director; and other priests serving in the Diocese of Charlotte. In attendance was Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin.

During the rite of ordination, the candidates made their promises to fulfill the office of priesthood. Kneeling, each man placed his hands between Bishop Jugis’ hands in a promise of obedience to the bishop and his successors.

The congregation was invited to join in prayer for the candidates, the church and its people as the candidates lay prostrate before the altar.

During the rite’s most solemn moment, the candidates knelt in silence before Bishop Jugis, who laid his hands on their heads. The celebration of the sacrament of holy orders was completed as the bishop extended his hands over the kneeling candidates and prayed the prayer of consecration.

Each new priest was vested with a stole and a chasuble — outer garments of the priestly office. The bishop anointed their hands with sacred chrism and each was then presented with a chalice and paten signifying his role as celebrant of the Eucharist.

The newly ordained Father Conway, Father Reid and Father Starczewski then joined their brother priests to concelebrate the Mass, thus opening new chapters in their lives.

The Catholic News & Herald 7

“They each bring unique gifts and very generous hearts to the service of God’s people,” said Father Allen. “I’m sure their diverse gifts and professional backgrounds will equip them to be very effective priests.”

The road to the priesthood is marked by a series of milestones: lector, acolyte, candidacy, transitional deacon and priestly ordination.

“Now the real journey begins,” said Father Reid.

Father Reid was employed in the Office of Migration and Refugee Services of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C. prior to his acceptance as a seminarian for the Diocese of Charlotte.

“I hope to be an instrument of God’s mercy,” said Father Reid, “to love people as Christ loved them and to help sanctify them.”

“It’s the fulfillment of a dream that I’ve always had to serve God’s people,” said Father Conway. “Through the grace of God, I’ll be worthy to serve them.”

Widowed in 1988, Father Conway worked as a corporate accountant in New Jersey before entering the seminary.

“He’s going to be a priest of the people,” said Msgr. James J. McGovern, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Morristown, N.J., and Father Conway’s former pastor. “He’s really extends his heart to people.”

“It’s a wonderful power of God that he can take any one of us and use us for his will,” said Father Starczewski.

A native of Utica, N.Y., Father Starczewski worked for several years in manufacturing research and development in western North Carolina before entering the seminary.

“I would like to do what all good clergy are called to do — to bring the compassion of Christ to all people,” he said.

Editor’s note: More photos available at www.charlottediocese.org/ catholicnews.html.

Priest Assignments Effective July 6

Father Robert Conway will be parochial vicar at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

Father Timothy Reid will be parochial vicar at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

Father John Starczewski will be parochial vicar at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte.

8 The Catholic News & Herald

Another step in the journey

class of 2004

St. Leo students celebrate graduations The graduates made two presentations. The first was a class gift to the school of a new cross for the front entrance and restored lettering of “St. Leo School.” Second, as a sign of their love and gratitude, the students presented their parents with red roses.

Seventh graders saluted the graduates by singing “We’re the Future of Tomorrow” and “May the Road Rise to Meet You.” Father Thomas Kessler, pastor

June 11, 2004

One last St. Michael grads ready for high school gathering

of St. Leo the Great Church, blessed the graduates and their families, and wished them well as they begin their new educational and life journeys.

Father Kessler also bestowed a special blessing upon the kindergarten class during its graduation ceremony May 28.

The students sang a song to the tune of “New York, New York” to say “goodbye” to kindergarten and “hello” to the first-grade.

Courtesy Photo

Eighth-grade graduates gather outside St. Michael School in Gastonia for a group photo May 5. Back row (from left): Rex Woodville-Price, Mary Beth Moore, Jonathan Ramirez, Melissa Sherrill, Robbie Frye, Jenny Collier, Jonathan Elkin, Vanesa Henao, Andrea Valedon, Samantha Capps, P. J. Accurso.

Front row (from left): David Streng, Jonathan Hinson, Elizabeth Black, Brittany Adams, Kaley Falls, Allison Scott, Kelsey Abernathy, Manuel Carvajal, Robert Stover and Sarah Geyer.

Courtesy Photo

The eighth-grade class of St. Leo the Great School participates in its graduation ceremony June 1.

WINSTON-SALEM — Students at St. Leo the Great School are celebrating big changes in their lives.

The eighth-graders bid a fond farewell to the school at their graduation ceremony June 1.

The students were treated to memories of distinguished alumna Karen Wiggins Jacobsen, a 1984 graduate. Jacobsen said that, while the school’s appearance may have been changed and expanded over the years, its core is still built upon a strong

Catholic foundation.

Several academic awards were presented during the ceremony. Sister of St. Joseph Dennis Eileen Gamber, minister to the sick at St. Leo the Great Church, presented a $1,000 scholarship award to Casey Moore that will go toward her first year’s tuition at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville.

Sister Dennis Eileen said that in her mind the award stands for the “three Cs” — consideration, courtesy, and cooperation.

June 11, 2004

The Catholic News & Herald 9

class of 2004

‘G is for Grace’

Grandest of

School unveils anniversary book at ceremony by

REV. MR. GERALD POTKAY correspondent

Courtesy Photo

St. Gabriel School celebrated its annual Grandparents Day April 30. Pictured are (from left) Nancy LeFlore with grandsons Hank (fifth grade) and Sam LeFlore (third grade), and Roger and Nancy Schmidt with grandsons Hunter (fourth grade) and Alex Brawley (kindergarten).

GREENSBORO — Students, faculty and staff at Our Lady of Grace School proclaim, “G is for Grace.”

“It was the jubilee year for Our Lady of Grace and we wanted to do something very special to celebrate our 50th birthday, so we decided to write a book,” said Shirley Kinlaw, assistant principal.

During the past school year, the student body — with help from faculty and staff — has planned, written, drawn and colored numerous poems, articles and pictures based on the alphabet for the book “G is for Grace — An A to Z Celebration.”

An unveiling ceremony of the finished book for the students, faculty, parents and invited guests was held in the school gymnasium May 27. Afterward, Father Francis O’Rourke, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church, blessed the books.

“The words and work that went into this book bring the alphabet alive while expressing the thread and fabric of the faith,” said Father O’Rourke.

According to Kinlaw, all of the school’s 415 students, from kindergarten through eighth grade, have had some of their work incorporated into the book, which opens with a poem from Celia McMullen’s kindergarten class: “A is for angels Who guard you at night.

If you ask them to help They come with great might.”

Each class worked with a different letter of the alphabet — students and teachers collaborated to create a fourline poem based on the assigned letter for each page of the book. Working with

church historian Jim Patton and using materials available in the school library, each class developed appropriate historical text for its page that tied its assigned letter into important elements of the school’s 50-year history and school life of its students.

With help from artists from ArtQuest, part of the Greenhill Art Gallery in Greensboro, graphics depicting each letter and using different media were created to illustrate the book.

“We had to brainstorm our ideas. We all made (the poems and letters) and put it together. We all drew pictures,” said fifthgrader Stephen Marrujo.

“We wrote poems and essays, then put them all together,” said sixth-grader Mary Kate Young. “One of the poems went into the book. That’s what I liked best.”

After receiving a grant to offset some of the production costs, the school contacted Carole Crane, author of alphabet books such as “T is for Tarheel” and “P is for Pilgrim.”

Crane held a faculty workshop detailing the “how-tos” of creating an alphabet book, then met with each class to explain to the students what was needed for their projects.

“It was fun because we were one of the only schools to publish a book,” said seventh-grader Sandra Merlini.

“It’s a good book because it’s inspiring,” added seventh-grader Tommy King.

Contact Correspondent Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay by calling (336) 427-8218 or e-mail gpotkay@triad.rr.com.

Photo by Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay

Students Anna Peterson and Zachary Yokeley present the letter “C” during the unveiling ceremony of the book “G is for Grace” at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro May 27.

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald

June 11, 2004

class of 2004

Bishop McGuinness holds commencement

curring, except at our Catholic high schools.”

During the commencement ceremony, graduates were excited yet apprehensive about graduating.

“I’m speechless. It still hasn’t hit me yet,” said graduate Lauren Michelle Croughan.

“I’m happy and very sad at the same time because I will probably not see my friends again,” said graduate Leslie Bowen. “I loved Bishop (McGuinness), especially the relationships that existed between the teachers and the students.”

“In the name of the Diocese of Charlotte, I acknowledge the dedication of the faculty, administration and the families for the students at Bishop McGuinness,” said Msgr. Mauricio W. West, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese. “We congratulate these graduates and leave them our love and support.”

Contact Correspondent Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay by calling (336) 427-8218 or e-mail gpotkay@triad.rr.com.

Photo by Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay

Graduates of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville leave the Stevens Center in Winston-Salem after the commencement ceremony May 29.

GRADS, from page 1

cises for Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville took place at the Stevens Center in WinstonSalem May 29.

“Tonight we are on the threshold of our future,” said Kimberly Marie Burke, valedictorian. “Four years ago we were little ducks in a big pond.

But we rose to every occasion .... This rite of passage has been earned by all those special moments that got us to this point.”

“This year’s graduation is most notable because this graduation class is the last class that has any connection whatsoever with the old Bishop McGuinness (school),” said Principal George Repass.

The original Bishop McGuinness High School was located in WinstonSalem. The Kernersville school opened in August 2001; the old Bishop McGuinness facility is now used by Our Lady of Mercy elementary school.

The event was also notable, said Repass, becuase the two salutatorians, Kyle Jordan Barbour and Michael Joseph Lee, were separated by 1/10,000th of a point.

“Tonight is a celebration of all of the experiences of our high school years,” said Barbour during his salutatory address. “It is a time to look back ... to remember those times we enjoyed with each other ... and everything we did.”

“Our decisions have molded us into what we are today,” said Lee. “High school is a lot of work and stress, but is also filled with fun and happiness ... to which we must seek a good balance.

DON’T PROCRASTINATE! CALL NOW!!

Photo by Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay

Bishop McGuinness salutatorian Kyle Jordan Barbour addresses fellow graduates and others during the commencement ceremony at the Stevens Center in Winston-Salem May 29.

We have spent four years developing, now we must move on.”

The guest speaker at the event was Daniel Morrison, a 1985 graduate and member of Secretary of State Colin Powell’s speech writing staff.

“In a world which has changed from my class to yours, you have the privilege of growing up as Americans,” said Morrison.

He urged the graduates to write their own stories, their own plots and their own dialogue.

“The story must read like you ...

Be original to be successful,” he said.

“You must walk out (of here) with the obligation to show the difference Bishop McGuinness has made for you.”

The graduating class, which earned $1 million in scholarships, was honored during a baccalaureate Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro May 27.

“Watching the baccalaureate Mass with Bishop (Peter J.) Jugis and the many parish priests concelebrating brought forth the real purpose of our schools — our Catholic faith,” said Linda Cherry, superintendent of diocesan Catholic schools.

“When the seniors presented roses to the mothers or mother-figures in their lives, it was done with the honor that is associated with the Blessed Mother,” said Cherry. “Nowhere else at a graduation ceremony this spring would you have experienced this oc-

June 11, 2004

The Catholic News & Herald 11

class of 2004

Final fanfare

Charlotte Catholic graduates celebrate lessons learned in and out of the by

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Spring inevitably brings with it warms days, summer vacation and, for many ecstatic teenagers everywhere, the culmination of 12 years of school.

There was no deviation from this schedule as the 228 seniors of Charlotte Catholic High School’s class of 2004 proudly walked across the stage of Ovens Auditorium to receive their diplomas June 3.

The Charlotte Catholic Band played the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance,” graduates clad in navy robes filled the center section of the auditorium while proud family and friends watched.

The diplomas were conferred by Mgsr. Mauricio W. West, vicar general and diocesan chancellor; Linda Cherry, superintendent of diocesan Catholic schools; and Gerald Healy, principal of Charlotte Catholic High School.

“The diploma I receive tonight will be hung up on a wall somewhere ... but in time, the ink will fade,” said Alex Queen, salutatorian. “But the imprints you won’t see on it, the lessons you can’t learn with

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Graduates applaud at the conclusion of commencement exercises held at Ovens Auditorium June 3.

More than 200 seniors participated in the 49th annual ceremony. your mind but with your heart, those will last me a lifetime and beyond.”

Soon these close-knit students will take their first steps into the world beyond high school. In the fall, they will attend universities as diverse as the members of the class of 2004 — including University of Georgia, Appalachian State University, Loyola Marymount University, several of the University of North Carolina campuses and both Mi-

ami University (Ohio) and University of Miami (Florida).

Seventy-seven members of Charlotte Catholic’s class of 2004 were awarded scholarships totaling more than $4.3 million. Scholarships were bestowed by institutions as prestigious as Vanderbilt University, Catholic University of America and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Four students — valedictorian Michael Florack, Sarah Knish, Stephen

Saying goodbye

Courtesy Photo

St. Ann School fifth-graders were honored during an awards ceremony and Mass June 4. The school gymnasium was lined with parents, students, teachers and others who cheered the graduating students as they bid farewell to the school. Linda Cherry, superintendent of diocesan Catholic schools, and Carol Breerwood, principal of Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School, shook hands with the fifth-graders and welcomed them to Holy Trinity in the fall.

Norris and Geoffrey Sholler — were among 8,000 National Merit Scholarship finalists.

“There are so many gifts and talents, so much faith and courage among the seniors,” said Mary Jayne Dawson, campus minister.

The commencement exercises for Charlotte Catholic High School reflected the Catholic faith that is taught alongside French, American history and algebra.

“From the baccalaureate Mass with Bishop Jugis to the opening and closing prayers by seniors at the actual graduation, our Catholic faith was evident,” said Cherry.

“Watching some little kindnesses at the baccalaureate Mass and graduation ceremony ... assures me that these seniors will carry forth their Christian attitudes and Catholic faith as they go out to the many corners of the world,” she said. “I wish them much success and happiness.”

“I have been privileged to listen as they shared their stories on retreats and offered so much of their time reaching out among the community,” said Dawson.

“When help has been needed, they are there without question, without complaint, with enthusiasm and effort.”

“I look forward with pride to what this generation, specifically these seniors, will do to help make the world a better place,” she said.

In his salutatory address, Queen listed the twelve most important lessons he learned as a student at Charlotte Catholic High School.

Lesson Four, he said, was “Sometimes, it’s best to plan ahead in life. Other times, live for the moment.”

“You need to work hard to accomplish your goals, but remember to play hard also,” he said was Lesson Two. “Life is much tougher than any course you could ever take. ... There is no set syllabus telling you exactly what you need to do,” said Queen. “And you can’t take it over again when it’s done. Luckily, you have more than one teacher to guide you along the way.”

“God didn’t give us a world free of fear, pain and suffering, but what he did give us to make these things bearable is each other,” said Queen.

Following the closing prayer, the euphoric graduates marched out into the open green space outside the auditorium. After tossing their caps into the air against a soft evening sky, young men and women embraced each other as if for the first time and the last.

Queen’s sixth lesson: “It’s great to get hugs. It’s even better to give them.”

Contact Staff Writer Karen A. Evans by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail kaevans@charlottediocese.org.

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

class of 2004

Seizing the day

Pre-K, eighth-graders celebrate graduations at Asheville Catholic School by

CAROLE McGROTTY correspondent

ASHEVILLE — During the school year, Asheville Catholic School’s eighth-graders devoted some of their time to the school’s pre-kindergarten class as part of the Big Friends/Little Friends program.

The older students acted as mentors, helping with arts and crafts, projects and assignments. After school, they ensured that the pre-K students were safe in the car pickup line.

Throughout the year, they forged memories and made friends.

On May 28, the Big Friends/ Little Friends shared another memory — both classes held graduation ceremonies.

In the morning, the pre-K students marched to the front of St. Eugene Church for their graduation ceremony.

Teacher’s assistant Tracey Stage held

a picture that each student had drawn as he or she came forward to talk about what each had learned that year. Topics ranged from bugs and dinosaurs to space shuttles and planets.

After singing “You Are My Sunshine,” the students presented yellow roses to their parents. Diplomas were awarded, and the students moved the tassels around on their caps. During a reception following the ceremony, eighth-graders gave gifts to their Little Friends.

Later that evening, 20 eighthgraders — many who had been classmates since their own preschool days — marched into the church for their baccalaureate Mass and graduation ceremony.

“Don’t ever stop appreciating and giving thanks to God for what he has accomplished in each and every one

of you,” said Father Francis Cancro, pastor of St. Eugene Church, to the graduates.

Father Cancro, Principal Virginia Hutton and teacher Sue Banks presented class awards and certificates.

Honor graduate Caitlin Bradley, who received attendance and first honors

June 11, 2004

awards, delivered a message to her fellow graduates. She encouraged her classmates to believe in themselves and “seize the day,” saying each graduate was “like the piece of paper that waits for the poet to write on it.”

Like their Little Friends, the eighth-graders presented yellow roses to their parents. The faculty then came forward and placed their hands on the graduates’ shoulders as Father Cancro offered a prayer and a blessing for the outgoing class.

Portraying Olympians

Photo by Carole McGrotty

Asheville Catholic School pre-kindergarten students move their tassels during their graduation ceremony at St. Eugene Church May 28.

Courtesy Photo

To celebrate the upcoming summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, St. Patrick School in Charlotte held an Olympic Field Day on the last day of school, June 4. The event, organized by Candace Mazze, physical education teacher, involved each class picking a country to represent and creating a flag to display for that country on the field. The students also made T-shirts or wore colors of that country.

June 11, 2004

class of 2004

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Matching wits and wizards

Courtesy Photo

Fourth-graders at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem play their version of a Quidditch Match June 2 in preparation for “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” released June 4. The two teams of Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, based on houses at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, faced off riding broomsticks (pool noodles) while their respective Seekers looked for the Snitch (a gold-painted golf ball with feathered wings). The idea for the game was taken from a Family Fun Magazine article, “Bringing Books to Life.” Daria Wooten, mother of student Carly Wooten, hosted the event as Madame Hooch, Hogwarts’ flying instructor.

1 4 The Catholic News & Herald

June 11, 2004

Culture Watch

Calligrapher transcribes Psalms into illuminated

by JOSEPH YOUNG catholic news service

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Donald Jackson had a special hand in producing the “Book of Psalms.” It’s an artistic hand that used a quill and flowing elliptic motions to produce an illuminated manuscript version of the biblical text.

The “Book of Psalms,” 150 songs traditionally ascribed to King David, is the third volume to be completed of the Saint John’s Bible. Six pages of the 80-page volume were unveiled in late April at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

The completion of Psalms marks “the midpoint of this great endeavor,” said Benedictine Brother Dietrich Reinhart, president of St. John’s University, which commissioned the project in 1998. The illuminated Bible is scheduled to be completed by 2007.

Jackson is artistic director of the Saint John’s Bible and a former longtime scribe to Queen Elizabeth’s Crown Office at the House of Lords in London. In the field of calligraphy and illumination, Jackson is also regarded as royalty.

Calligraphy is beautiful handwriting. Illumination is decorating a page with gold, silver, copper, platinum and brilliant colors, or with elaborate designs or miniature pictures.

“As the page turns, what is drawn there captures light, delighting the eye,” Jackson said. “That’s what it means to illuminate.”

Jackson is not illuminating and doing calligraphy for all 1,150 or so calfskin pages of the seven volumes. A team of 14 calligraphers and artists is creating this Bible, directed by Jackson from his scriptorium in Monmouth, Wales.

It will be the first handwritten and illuminated Bible since the early 1500s.

Jackson said he created a font with a lighter weight script for the “Book of Psalms” which befits their more poetic and melodic nature compared to the text of the other completed volumes: “Gospels and Acts of the Apostles” and the “Pentateuch,” the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Each volume measures about 16by-24 inches.

The content of the “Book of Psalms” is not prose, “not even poetry. This is song,” Jackson said as he demonstrated calligraphy by making a huge blue cursive “R” on an easel, his arm arcing elliptically like a blade on an eccentric windmill.

“The psalms are so powerful,” he said. “In them there is anguish, fear, love, joy, regret that type of thing. Yet, they are contained within the page. It is passion contained.”

Jackson, however, finds it difficult to contain his passion for his artistry, a

WORD TO LIFE

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

Sunday Scripture Readings: June 20, 2004

June 20, 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle C Readings: 1) Zechariah 12:10-11, 13:1 Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9 2) Galatians 3:26-29 3) Gospel: Luke 9:18-24 by

SHARON K. PERKINS catholic news service

CNS photo from Catholic Press Photo

Pope John Paul II views illuminated works of art that illustrate The Saint John’s Bible May 26.

passion fashioned when his aunt, to keep her precocious young nephew occupied, propped him at a table with a pen and bottle of red ink.

“I was just a little kid, but I still can feel the joy of dribbling that red wet stuff all over the page,” said Jackson, 66.

The bulk of the work of the Saint John’s Bible, using the text of the New Revised Standard Version, requires less flourish and more nourishing one’s concentration and attention to textual detail.

To hint at how handwritten fonts are fashioned, Jackson drew an “o” on the easel, then drew over it successively, producing an “a,” “c” and “g.”

“Inside that ‘o’ live an ‘a’ and ‘c’ and ‘g’,” he said. “People are used to type, they’re not used to calligraphy. We’re not trying to sell beer on a highway billboard here. People are not going to be driving past this Bible at 70 miles per hour.”

St. John’s plans to make available trade reproductions of each volume of the Saint John’s Bible, as well as limitededition, full-size facsimiles, fine art prints and a CD-ROM computer version for worldwide distribution.

Undertaking a project that has been his lifelong dream has made a difference in Jackson’s life, but in subtle ways.

“Has it made me more spiritual? No. But my spirituality has more of a workout than that of the average guy,” said Jackson, who said he goes “to an Anglican church because it’s nearby, but I’m not a regular churchgoer.”

Jackson admits, however, to being moved by what he renders artistically.

“My soul thirsts for the Lord like a deer thirsts for flowing streams,” he said, alluding to Psalm 42. “How can you remain unaffected when you’re playing with words like this? You’re writing like God with words that are megaphonable, mega-explosive.”

The remaining volumes of the Saint John’s Bible are “Prophets,” scheduled for completion in February 2005; “Wisdom Books and Poetry,” scheduled for completion in November 2005; “Historical Books,” scheduled for completion in

Then Jesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” (Luke 9:20) At certain ages, it is not uncommon for human beings to take stock of their lives and assess what they are really all about. For many of my friends, it is the “women in their 50s” syndrome: Children are grown (or at least less dependent), parents often have passed away and longcherished or habitual roles are shifting.

Most of the time a wisdom born of surviving life’s challenges enables one to assess what is most important and what is peripheral in the larger scheme of things.

When all the roles, accomplishments and possessions are stripped away, one naturally asks, “Who am I really?”

Jesus’ disciples are called upon in today’s Gospel to answer this question, not about themselves but about their friend and teacher. When Peter finally gets it right, Jesus warns him to remain silent, explaining that much suffering and rejection must occur before his messiahship can be affirmed.

Most of the persons I know who are “finding themselves,” in the truest sense, are those who have suffered loss, rejection and heartache. An older gentleman in an adult confirmation class describes the awakening that came with his widower status; an aunt whose children are grown goes back to school to acquire a degree that no one thought was practical or possible.

Even among the young, the crucibles of lack or tragedy, like the refiner’s fire, often create a clearer self-identity and a stronger sense of direction. While none of us are messiahs in the way that Jesus is, we are in fact “anointed” (the meaning of the word “Messiah”) in baptism and confirmation to recognize and fulfill our God-given purposes. Emptied of our false selves through trial and trouble, losing our lives for Christ’s sake, we find our best — and blessed — selves.

Questions: What experience of loss or brokenness has enabled me to recognize my true self more clearly? What have I learned about myself and my purpose through that experience?

Scripture to Illustrate: “But you — who do you say that I am?” (Luke 9:20a)

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of June 13 - June 19 Sunday (Body and Blood of Christ), Genesis 14:18-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Luke 9:11-17; Monday, 1 Kings 21:1-16, Matthew 5:38-42; Tuesday, 1 Kings 21:17-29, Matthew 5:43-48; Wednesday, 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18; Thursday, Sirach 48:1-14, Matthew 6:7-15; Friday (Sacred Heart of Jesus), Ezekiel 34:11-16, Romans 5:5-11, Luke 15:3-7; Saturday (The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary), 2 Chronicles 24:17-25, Luke 2:41-51 Scripture for the week of June 20 - June 26 Sunday (Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1, Galatians 3:26-29, Luke 9:18-24; Monday (St. Aloysius Gonzaga), 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18, Matthew 7:1-5; Tuesday (St. Paulinus, Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More), 2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36, Matthew 7:6, 12-14; Wednesday, 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3, Matthew 7:15-20; Thursday (Nativity of St. John the Baptist), Isaiah 49:1-6, Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66, 80; Friday, 2 Kings 25:1-12, Matthew 8:1-4; Saturday, Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19, Matthew 8:5-17

The Catholic News & Herald 15

June 11, 2004

‘Camel’ carries tender tale

Harry, Hogwarts and Hippogrifs New Harry Potter movie darker yet delightful

by GERRI PARE catholic news service

“The Story of the Weeping Camel” is a captivating docudrama set against spectacular expanses of the Gobi Desert about a family of nomadic Mongolian herders who summon a musician from a far-off village to perform an ancient ritual, which they hope will coax a mother camel into nursing the newborn calf which she rejected at birth. Though it doesn’t sound like much of a plot, the film is a tender tale — beautiful both cinematically and narratively — whose message of family bonds, the importance of tradition and the centrality of love for survival is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Subtitles. Thematic content. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested.

NEW YORK — With a new director at the helm of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” the franchise forges forward.

This is the third adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s wildly successful Harry Potter fantasy novels about the boy wizard.

Chris Columbus, who directed “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” in 2001 and ’02, switches to a producer’s hat this time, as Alfonso Cuaron (“A Little Princess”) slips into the director’s chair.

Cuaron brings a more cinematic sensibility to the tale just as Steve Kloves’ screenplay is less concerned with a literal translation of Rowling’s novel. The resulting visuals are impressive, sometimes glorious — and occasionally frightening.

In other words, too intense for young children unable to distinguish between reality and fantasy, for whom nightmares about snapping monsters would be a natural aftermath.

The story opens as wizard Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), now 13, is seething under the insulting remarks made by his Uncle Vernon’s cruel sister (Pam Ferris) about his tragically murdered parents.

Unable to rein in his temper or his promise not to perform magic outside his Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry bloats her and floats her up and away like a giant blimp.

This is a scene of comic delight that precedes the darker emotional territory Harry is headed for. Storming out of the house, he’s picked up by a magical purple bus and taken on a warp-speed ride eventually ending up with his best buds, Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint), back at school.

Danger lurks there as prison escapee Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), accused of killing Harry’s folks, is in the area, and said to be set on adding Harry’s scalp to his belt. Just as fearful are the Dementors, black-hooded spirits who can suck the soul from their prey and have Harry in their sights.

On the plus side, giant Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) has been promoted to teacher status and the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Lupin (David Thewlis), helps Harry defend himself against the Dementors while

harboring a shocking secret.

There are fewer classroom scenes, although Emma Thompson as a heavygoggled, clueless soothsayer, contributes periodic comic relief. Nor does the swooping game of Quidditch figure much in the telling of this tale. Overall, the film is visually enthralling and displays an equally intoxicating sense of fun and of danger.

The three teen leads are showing growth in their acting skills and Cuaron has especially been able to tone down Grint’s tendency to make Ron hammy. More seasoned performers such as Maggie Smith and Michael Gambon (replacing the late Richard Harris’ Professor Dumbledore) do well in their small roles and the ever-reliable Alan Rickman’s sinister Snape does not disappoint.

But all is not goodness and light as the story centers on Harry’s learning about those involved in his parents’ deaths and coping with a deep desire for revenge.

It’s seen as sheer fantasy when Harry makes the arrogant aunt inflate (she’s rescued later and none the worse for wear) but his wish to destroy Black is grounded in reality, just as it’s problematic when Hermione is cheered and congratulated when she slugs her classmate-tormentor, Malfoy.

Happily, Harry gradually matures through the narrative as he uncovers the truth, stays loyal to his friends and gleans lessons in living from his experiences. To its credit, this is accomplished in well-paced, polished fashion, and — as in the two previous movies — it remains very clearly a fantasy, in no way a textbook for teaching black magic, and thus is no threat to Catholic teaching.

“The Prisoner of Azakaban” is likely to hold a worldwide audience captive.

Due to some frightening images and scenes of intense menace, the USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG— parental guidance suggested.

Pare is the director of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

1 6 The Catholic News & Herald

June 11, 2004

IN the NEWS

CNS photo by Brad Reynolds

Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan meets Pope John Paul II at the Fairbanks International Airport in Alaska May 2, 1984. The former president was on a return trip from Thailand and the pontiff was en route to Seoul, South Korea. Reagan, president from 1981 to 1989, died June 5 at his home in Bel Air, Calif., after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. During eight years in office, he drew Catholic support on abortion issues and aid to private schools. He was 93.

Pope pays tribute to REAGAN, from page 1

president in 1981-89, died at age 93.

He had suffered for more than a decade from Alzheimer’s disease.

“The pope recalled the contributions of President Reagan to the historical events that changed the lives of millions of people, especially in Europe,” Joaquin Navarro-Valls, the Vatican spokesman, told reporters.

The pope also noted Reagan’s contributions to U.S. society, NavarroValls said. The spokesman said the Vatican would send a representative to Reagan’s funeral, which was to take place June 11 in Washington.

The spokesman said that when President George W. Bush visited the Vatican June 4 the pope knew Reagan was very sick and sent a warm message to the late president’s wife, Nancy.

Reagan met with the pope four times as president — twice at the Vatican and twice in the United States.

It was under Reagan that the United States finally established full diplomatic relations with the Vatican in 1984.

The president and the pope, along with former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, are considered by many to have been the main protagonists in the disbanding of the Soviet empire and

the fall of communist governments throughout Eastern Europe.

In unpublicized visits and through diplomatic channels, Reagan administration officials provided information to the pope and his aides on events in Eastern Europe, particularly in the pope’s native Poland.

While Reagan oversaw an arms buildup in the United States and Western Europe aimed at pressuring the Soviets, the pope pressed for respect for human rights throughout Sovietbloc nations.

Despite their agreement on the bankruptcy of the Soviet system, the pope and Reagan sometimes disagreed over tactics. For example, the pope and other church leaders opposed U.S. economic sanctions imposed against Poland during the 1980s, on the grounds that they took a bigger toll on the country’s people than its leaders.

Classifieds EMPLOYMENT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND FORMATION COORDINATOR: Dynamic and energetic person wanted to co-ordinate “Whole Community Catechesis” in the small, diverse community of St. Joan of Arc (Asheville). Part-time position beginning immediately. Will work on a pastoral team with primary area of responsibility grades K-12.

Coordinator must be a practicing Catholic with a firm commitment to the Church and its teachings. Job description is available.

Please send resume to: St. Joan of Arc Parish, c/0 Fr. John Pagel, 919 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806.

RETAIL POSITIONS: In Charlotte. School Uniform retailer seeking high energy parttime employees, summer and year round positions available. Call 704-372-9595.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES: J.S. Paluch Co. (est. 1913), the nation’s oldest Catholic Publisher, is now interviewing for the position of Sales Representatives for parish church bulletins. Realistic earnings potential of 40K+, health insurance, paid vacation, 401K. Some travel required. Self motivation a must. Bilingual helpful in some areas. To arrange an interview call Les Black at 800432-3240. Seniors welcome to apply.

TEACHERS: Asheville Catholic School has the following positions open for the 2004-2005 academic year: MUSIC teacher (liturgical and general music) for grades Pre-K through 8th; Ten (10) hours per week; flexible schedule. RELIGION teacher for grades 6th, 7th, & 8th; twelve (12) to fifteen (15) hours per week. Requirements: must be a practicing Catholic with Catechetical Credentials; experience with middle school students preferred. We are an EOE. Please send curriculum vitae to: The Principal, Asheville Catholic School, 12 Culvern Street, Asheville, NC 28804 .

FOR RENT HILTON HEAD VACATION RENTAL HOUSE: 12 Jacaca St. New rental, new furniture, pool, hot tub. 4 BR, 4 bath, less block to beach. Walk to restaurants & shops! Great for multi-families. Info and PICTURES on website www.seacoasthv.com or call 1-800654-7101 SERVICES MOBILE AUTO DETAILING: Marie’s Multi-Cleaning Services. Interior Vacuuming and Dressing. Comprehensive hand washing. Expert waxing and polishing. At YOUR convenience. Call 704-394-4617.

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Rates: $.60/word per issue ($12 minimum per issue) Deadline: 12 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication How to order: Ads may be E-mailed to ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org, faxed to (704) 370-3382 or mailed to: Cindi Feerick, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Payment: For information, call (704) 370-3332.

June 11, 2004

AROUND THE DIOCESE

The Catholic News & Herald 17

This Month In — 1996 St. Therese Church in Mooresville celebrated two milestones with a parish party and picnic June 2, 1996.

More than 450 people attended the celebration, which honored both the founding of the church in 1946 and then-pastor Jesuit Father Bob Wiesenbaugh’s ordination to the priesthood in 1971.

Among the event’s attractions was a potluck dinner, an inflatable slide, a dunking booth, volleyball games, a water balloon toss, horseshoes and a cake walk.

Courtesy Photo

Bernadette Zimmerman receives the Mother Teresa Memorial Award at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jefferson June 6. Front row (from left): Father C. Morris Boyd, parish administrator; Bernadette and her husband Zeke Zimmerman; and Olga and Burton Zimmerman, her sister-in-law and brother.

Back row (from left): John Harrison, Knights of Columbus state chairman; Dave Onofrio, state deputy; and Bob Grabasky, state secretary.

Jefferson parishioner receives Mother Teresa Memorial Award Zimmerman best exemplifies nun’s motto to ‘do small things with great love’

JEFFERSON — Father C. Morris Boyd, administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Church, presented Bernadette Zimmerman with the 2004 Mother Teresa Memorial Award June 6.

The N.C. State Council of the Knights of Columbus, who selected Zimmerman for the award, also presented a $500 check to New Beginnings, a program that works to enhance the lives of Ashe County children in foster care or in crisis situations. Zimmerman is the program’s director.

The Knights of Columbus created the award in 1998 to be given annually to two parishioners in North Carolina (one in each diocese) who best exemplify one of Mother Teresa’s mottoes, “Do small things with great love.”

The Knights ask pastors in the dioceses to submit nominations for the award. Recommendations are judged on the nominee’s dedication to serving the Catholic Church, community, families and God with true humility and love.

The institution of the award was approved by Sister Nirmala Joshi, superior general of the Missionaries of Charity. In

her letter she accepted, with gratitude, the Knights’ request “as a token of love for our dearest Mother.”

In addition to helping found New Beginnings in 1997, Zimmerman has been instrumental in arranging meal deliveries to homebound parishioners, as well as transportation to doctors’ appointments and other treatments.

She speaks on behalf of children of Ashe County at local churches and organizations, on radio shows, at business and civic clubs. Her other accomplishments include various fundraising efforts for community organizations and a phone card drive for Ashe County military personnel who are serving overseas.

The Knights of Columbus, the world’s largest Catholic service organization with nearly 1.7 million members in over 12,000 local councils, provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, the community, families and young people.

In 2002, the last year for which figures are available, Knights of Columbus at all levels of the organization raised and distributed a record $125 million to charitable causes and volunteered 60 million hours of service. There are over 12,000 knights in 116 local councils in North Carolina.

1 8 The Catholic News & Herald

June 11, 2004

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

Seeking justice and

A look at the death penalty moratorium A Death Penalty Moratorium Bill (Senate Bill 972) was passed by the N.C. Senate in April of 2003. Members of the N.C. House of Representatives will likely have the opportunity to vote on this bill during the current legislative session in the General Assembly.

The moratorium bill calls for a two-year halt on executions so that there can be a comprehensive review of the administration of the death penalty. The bill’s primary concerns are to investigate whether bias exists in the way the death penalty is applied and whether the death penalty process adequately safeguards against sentencing and executing the innocent.

The Catholic Church’s social teaching does not consider the use of the death penalty, against those for whom culpability for serious crimes has been conclusively established, an intrinsic moral evil. The church teaching, however, does state that if the death penalty must be applied to protect the innocent in society, albeit extremely rarely, it must be implemented only against those for whom no doubt of culpability exists. In the Revised Catechism of the Catholic Church, Sec. 2267, one finds the church’s position on the death penalty clearly stated as follows: “Assuming that the guilty party’s identity and responsibility have been fully determined, the traditional teaching of the Church does not exclude recourse to the death penalty, if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor. If however, non-lethal means are sufficient to defend and protect people’s safety from the aggressor, authority will limit itself to such means, as these are more in keeping with the concrete conditions of the common good and more in conformity with the dignity of the human person.

“Today, in fact, as a consequence of the possibilities which the state has for effectively preventing crime, by rendering one who has committed an offense incapable of doing harm — without definitely taking away from him the possibility of redeeming himself — cases in which the execution of the offender is an absolute necessity are very rare, if not practically non-existent.”

Our society might very well have already executed some innocent persons.

Such a possibility is difficult to prove, given the destruction of evidence and the closing of files after executions. Yet the high number of innocent people who have been released from death row in the United States after having been duly convicted of capital crimes — at least 113 to date since 1976 in 25 states; four in North Carolina — certainly begs the question whether only those truly guilty of capital crimes have been executed.

Guest Column JOE PURELLO Director, Office of Justice & Peace In his March 26, 2004 letter of support for the death penalty moratorium bill in the N.C. General Assembly, Bishop Peter J. Jugis wrote: “Another fundamental principle of the Church’s teaching on the death penalty (expressed in the very first sentence of the catechism’s statement on the death penalty) is that this most severe and final of all punishments is to be used only when the guilty party’s identity and responsibility have been fully determined ....

“Even assuming that there may be a limited and just reason to use the death penalty to protect society, the death penalty process must ensure that innocent persons are not executed.

Since the evidence clearly suggests that we are not sure that this will always be the case, further study of the death penalty process is warranted. It only seems prudent that executions should be halted while a study of the death penalty process takes place ....

“The church’s opposition to the use of the death penalty in modern society and the church’s current concern that the death penalty process needs to be studied (to eliminate bias and errors in its application) in no way diminish the Church’s heartfelt concern for the victims of terrible acts.

“I call on all the faithful to reach out to those who have experienced the violent death of loved ones. Let us pray for their healing and for the souls of their departed loved ones.”

The death penalty moratorium has received support from both those who oppose the death penalty in all circumstances and those who believe capital punishment is a justifiable response to particularly heinous acts of violence.

Even supporters of the death penalty want to make sure the death penalty is only imposed on the truly guilty and applied without bias against those who are poor and members of minority groups.

An April 2004 survey of North Carolinians indicates that public support for a moratorium is strong, with 63 percent of state residents supporting a temporary suspension of executions so that the capital punishment process can be studied. (Read a press release on this survey at http://www.ncmoratorium.org/ site/pr_05172004.asp.)

Young people should discover harmony between faith, life, pope says

by CAROL GLATZ catholic news service

VATICAN CITY — Young people should discover the harmony between faith and life in order to be ready to fulfill God’s plan with joy, Pope John Paul II said at his weekly general audience.

In his June 9 address to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pope reflected on his June 5-6 visit to Switzerland.

He said he encouraged young people there to answer God’s call with enthusiasm.

“This message, which is very dear to me, can be summed up in three words: ‘rise,’ ‘listen,’ and ‘follow him.’

It is Christ himself, risen and alive, who offers these words to every young man and woman of our time,” he said.

Following Christ “gives full meaning to one’s life,” he said.

“Only Christ, redeemer of mankind, can help young people ‘rise again’ from negative experiences and mentalities in order to grow to their full human, spiritual and moral stature,” he said.

The Pope Speaks POPE JOHN PAUL II

The pope extended this message to all young people around the world.

“May the young people of Switzerland and the whole world discover the wonderful harmony between faith and life and so prepare to carry out the mission which God calls them to with enthusiasm,” he said.

Looking rested and alert, the pope read almost all of his one-page statement. He gave greetings in seven different languages to some 10,000 pilgrims — many of whom sought respite from the scorching sun under colorful umbrellas and handkerchiefs.

Ask the Bishop Do you have a question for Bishop Peter J. Jugis? The Catholic News & Herald is starting a new feature in which Bishop Jugis will answer questions that are submitted via regular mail or e-mail.

Questions about the faith and the Diocese of Charlotte that have a broad appeal will receive priority consideration for response in the newspaper.

Unfortunately, due to the anticipated volume of questions, individual responses will not be possible.

When submitting a question, please include your name, address and a daytime telephone number. Questions may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for clarity, style and factual accuracy.

Send your “Ask the Bishop” question to Ask the Bishop, The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28203, or e-mail askthebishop@charlottediocese.org.

To learn about some simple steps to take to advocate for the moratorium, and for further information on the Church’s position on the death penalty, contact the Office of Justice and Peace, Catholic Social Services, at (704) 370-3225 or e-mail justicepeace@charlottediocese.org.

You can read Bishop Jugis’ March 26, 2004 letter in its entirety at www.cssnc. org/justicepeace.

Some Facts on the Death Penalty in North Carolina On North Carolina’s death row, 191 men and women await execution, more than 5 percent of the total U.S. death row population.

In 2003, North Carolina executed seven people, a number exceeded only by Texas and Oklahoma. In 2003, North Carolina’s rate of executions increased, while nationally the execution rate has dropped significantly in the last 10 years.

Nearly every person on North Carolina’s death row is a person without means, with

more than 90 percent defended by courtappointed attorneys. A recent Columbia Law School study, “A Broken System: Error Rates in Capital Cases,” found that 71 percent of all death penalty convictions in North Carolina between 1973 and 1995 involved serious error at the trial court level.

A 1989 study in North Carolina showed that a defendant’s chances of receiving the death penalty were 3.5 times greater if the victim was white than if the victim was a member

The Catholic News & Herald 19

June 11, 2004

The Internet: A new Just when I think I have licked all my addictions, my husband tells me that I am obsessed and need help.

Cigarettes? I used to smoke socially — until I was socializing all the time. Caffeine? My daughter’s irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that my obstetrician detected when I was seven months pregnant put a quick end to full-leaded lattes. And alcohol has been out of the picture since before high school graduation.

So now, sober as I can be this hour, I battle yet another foe: e-mail and Internet addiction.

Yes. It keeps me up at night. I can’t stop checking the sales rank of my last book on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. I can’t resist clicking on “Receive Messages” when the last thing I need to read is an e-mail from a stranger who claims to be my secret admirer (or my husband’s?), or information on losing 60 pounds in five weeks.

But I scan and delete when I should be praying, or cleaning, or reading, or something other than staring at pixels on a screen that only make me dizzy.

I thought this loopy behavior didn’t haunt normal people, but I was pleasantly surprised to read that many young adults (and people in general) suffer from the same neurosis. In fact, this condition is so prevalent that

Our Turn THERESE J. BORCHARD CNS Columnist

computer scientist David Levy has organized a conference in Seattle called “Information, Silence and Sanctuary” for those like me, who, unable to escape their virtual office, can’t resist using their cute laptops even if the information overload is robbing them of inner peace.

Much like environmentalists gathered and lobbied their causes in the 1960s, Levy is leading a movement to fight for something just as valuable as

Drinking to the point of sin good and bad, while under the influence. Those who drink heavily frequently discover later that they have done things while drinking that they wouldn’t think of doing otherwise.

Inhibitions are lost, moral compasses cease to exist, people are violated or injured — all, we realize, as a result of the fact that we were “drunk.” Eventually, if this tendency isn’t caught, one will almost inevitably end up inflicting terrible physical, emotional and spiritual damage on oneself or someone else.

Of course, the usual three conditions for mortal sin apply here as anywhere else: serious matter, sufficient reflection and full consent of the will.

The first time one drinks to intoxication there may not be real consent.

The individual just doesn’t know how that amount of alcohol will affect him.

After a bit of experience, however, the person knows that drinking a certain quantity of alcohol will render him or her out of touch, unable to judge right from wrong, unable even to remember what happened during the drinking binge. The resulting intoxication is then not “accidental,” but deliberate and sinful. When this point is reached, one can know she or he is in heavy sin territory.

It should go without saying that these dangerous circumstances do not normally arise suddenly, though they may do so, especially in younger people who have no experience of

Q. When drinking alcohol, how do you know when you have committed a serious sin?

What is the line you cross, making drinking more than just a “little” sin? (Missouri) A. The line, as you call it, isn’t that hard to tell in theory, but in practice a lot of common sense and personal honesty is necessary.

As everyone knows, any use of alcohol affects our thinking and emotional processes somehow. It’s sometimes called social drinking because people expect it to “loosen us up” and make social activities a bit freer and more congenial.

Any drinking, however, that deliberately causes loss of reason is a serious sin. One can know when the use of reason is lost, for example, if one cannot later remember what he or she said or did while under the influence of alcohol. The “lost weekend” syndrome is not unusual for people who drink heavily.

Hours, or in some instances days, may become a fog. People cannot remember where they were or what they did. Everything is a haze the next morning when they find themselves at home and wonder how they got there.

Others will drive long distances, even travel to other cities, or visit friends and never remember a minute of what occurred during these episodes.

Another sign is that one cannot distinguish between right and wrong,

endangered wetlands that is at risk of becoming extinct: quiet time.

An observant Jew, he literally unplugs on the Sabbath. No e-mail, Internet, telephone or television for him from Friday’s sundown to Saturday’s sundown. And although he acknowledges that the primary responsibility for quiet times lies with the individual, he is encouraging businesses and government to offer more paid vacation time hours to do, well, nothing.

I can’t go that far right now.

Just last weekend I told myself the computer was staying off for a day. I made it one hour before I had to check the weather forecast, and since I was logged on I might as well check how my book was doing.

An hour later, my fingers were still doing the walking, as I sipped on a decaffeinated coffee, needing some kind of distraction to drag me away.

Thankfully, as a mom I get that about twice a minute: God’s subtle way of directing me to dirty diapers and spilled apple juice, which are much better for my soul than junk mail.

Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN CNS Columnist alcoholic intake but whose initial experience is so severe it causes critical trauma, even death.

Usually, warning signs are present long in advance, signs that tell us we’re headed for trouble unless we change the track we’re on. It’s when we ignore those signs that we end up in serious loss of ability to control ourselves and in serious sin.

Obviously other important factors may enter the picture as well, how one’s use of alcohol affects one’s family, work and personal health, to mention only three.

Two more points are appropriate.

First, to deliberately cause another person to come under the influence of alcohol or other dangerous drug is also gravely sinful, a serious sin at least against charity, love of neighbor.

Second, we all have seen movies of frontier days when injured people were deliberately made drunk with whiskey in preparation for painful surgery. Here, as in more modern forms of general anesthesia, the physical good of the patient justifies rendering him or her partially or fully unconscious during surgery.

The newly ordained The Human Side FATHER

EUGENE HEMRICK CNS Columnist

As I concelebrated with a newly ordained priest at his first Mass, my thoughts drifted back to all the unexpected happenings I experienced when I was newly ordained.

I knew I would be sent to a parish, but never expected to be with a pastor who was a model of kindness. From my first day on the job, he was there to help me as best he could. He could be firm, but he was never overbearing.

He was concerned that I keep up my studies, take my day off and stay healthy.

The parish had a school and two fulltime assistants. Never did I expect that one assistant would become a good friend and support me throughout my 41 years of priesthood. We still call each other on a regular basis, even though I am hundreds of miles away from him.

Other priests helped us on a regular basis because of a heavy Mass schedule. They were the first priests truly to teach me about the fraternity of the priesthood. We debated theology, competed in golf and were forever chiding each other.

As a newly ordained priest, I received lessons from them that I still follow and pass on to other priests: —Don’t overextend yourself !

—Keep a sense of humor!

—Don’t neglect prayer!

—Get away every so often!

—Shorten, simplify your homilies!

Our honesty with each other was fraternal correction at its best because we cared for each other.

What deeply touched me was hearing first confessions and experiencing how seriously the laity lived their spiritual life. Often I felt nowhere near their level of spirituality. In fact, the more I ministered to parishioners and saw the deep faith they had when suffering, the more I realized that here were theological lessons you can’t find in textbooks.

The celebration of Mass was and is an awesome experience for me. At age 25, giving a homily was also awesome. Many of the parishioners were much older than I and knew much more about life and God’s place in it for them. Yet they came to listen to a young priest and his view of God and life.

This May and June, many newly ordained priests are beginning a life of new, unexpected experiences. I pray their first pastor is a model pastor, that they experience the fraternity of the priesthood in its fullness, that they are

June 11, 2004

The Catholic News & Herald 20

PARISH PROFILE

Immaculate Conception Church ministers to small, dedicated Catholic community Immaculate Conception Church 42 Newfound Rd. Canton, N.C. 28716 (828) 456-6707 Vicariate: Smoky Mountain Pastor: Augustinian Father Dennis McGowan Number of Households: 34 Mission of St. John the Evangelist Church, Waynesville

Augustinian Father Dennis McGowan

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Immaculate Conception Church in Canton, founded in 1954, celebrated its 50 anniversary June 6, 2004.

CANTON — Immaculate Conception Church traces its beginnings back to the 1940s, when Catholics in the area gathered for Mass in private homes.

Father Ambrose Rohrbacker, then-pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville, celebrated those liturgies; later a mission was established in Canton.

During the gasoline-rationed World War II years, a school bus transported Canton Catholics through the mountains to Waynesville for Mass.

The local Catholic population increased when veterans, Catholics among them, returned home after the war. Catholics were also included in the workforce who gained employment at a new paper

mill in town.

Through the 1950s, the clergy of St. John the Evangelist Church began ministering to more and more Catholics throughout North Carolina’s westernmost counties. From 1951, St. John the Evangelist Church became responsible for missions in Fontana, Murphy, Franklin, Canton and Sylva.

Several became parishes in later years, with Immaculate Conception Church staying on as the Waynesville church’s only mission.

In Canton, Mass was celebrated in the YMCA building during the early ’50s. An altar was set up on a bare floor, and parishioners sat on slatted wooden chairs. A hallway served as

the confessional. The visiting priest brought a makeshift altar: a suitcase containing vestments and altar furnishings, which folded out and was propped on legs.

Father (later Msgr.) Lawrence Newman was pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church when one of his parishioners, Mrs. R. E. Davis, informed him that suitable property for a church in Canton was for sale. The lot was purchased, the house on it was torn down and a parking lot was constructed.

All this activity made way for construction of the new Immaculate Conception Church to begin. A church hall and kitchen were included on the lower level of the new building. The redbrick structure is simple in design, with a native pine ceiling and ornate stained-glass windows highlighting the church’s nave.

In 1954, the 54 members of the Canton mission gathered with Bishop

Vincent S. Waters of Raleigh, Father Newman and more than 20 other priests during the dedication service.

The event had added significance for one group of parishioners, who received the sacrament of confirmation during the Mass.

Like many churches in the Diocese of Charlotte, Immaculate Conception Church serves an ever-increasing Hispanic population. Before embarking on a Spanish-immersion sabbatical in Mexico in 2002-2003, Father C. Morris Boyd, then pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Franklin, drove to Canton every Sunday for a year to celebrate Hispanic Mass at Immaculate Conception Church.

Presently, Father Shawn O’Neal, administrator of St. Joseph Church in Bryson City and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Cherokee, celebrates Mass in Spanish about once a month for about 100 Hispanic worshipers in Canton.

Immaculate Conception Church celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1979 with a Mass concelebrated by Bishop Michael J. Begley, the Diocese of Charlotte’s founding bishop, and a dozen priests who had served the area’s Catholics.

More than 200 Anglo and Hispanic parishioners gathered at the Colonial Theater in Canton to celebrate the church’s 50th anniversary June 6 with a special Mass concelebrated

by Bishop Peter J. Jugis; Augustinian Father Dennis McGowan, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church and of St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville; retired Father James Cahill, former pastor of St. Mary Church in Sylva; and Father C. Morris Boyd, administrator of St. Frances of Assisi Church in Jefferson and St. Francis of Rome Church in Sparta.

Immaculate Conception Church continues to maintain a close relationship with St. John the Evangelist Church. Father McGowan, pastor of the two congregations, celebrates Mass each Sunday in the Canton church.

Registered membership in the mountain mission has both declined and swelled since those early years.

Retirees now make up a significant percentage of today’s parish and Mass attendance goes up each summer as Catholic visitors flock to the area to take in Haywood County’s cool mountain air and slow-paced lifestyle.