June 15, 2007

June 15, 2007

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Perspectives Our promises to the world’s poor; curbing global warming; the Pope Speaks; letters to the editor

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI june 15, 2007

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

To love and serve the Lord

no. 32

School’s out for summer

Bishop Jugis ordains five to priesthood by

vOLUME 16

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

CHARLOTTE — The five men recently ordained to the priesthood are a gift from God, said Bishop Peter J. Jugis.

“We recognize that the Lord is answering our prayers for vocations to the priesthood,” he said in an interview with The Catholic News & Herald. “We are conscious of that blessing and we give thanks for it.”

The Diocese of Charlotte joyously welcomed its five newest priests — the largest number ordained in the diocese in one year since 2000 — during an ordination Mass at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte June 2.

Ordained to the priesthood

Photo by Karen A. Evans

See PRIESTS, page 8

Fathers Richard DeClue Jr., Frederick Werth Jr., Patrick Cahill, Patrick Toole and Patrick Hoare bow their heads in prayer during their ordination Mass at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte June 2.

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Charlotte Catholic High School graduate Katie O’Hara mugs for the camera before receiving her diploma June 6.

Schools across the Diocese of Charlotte celebrated graduations and end-ofyear festivities in the last few weeks.

A new church in Candler JOANITA M. NELLENBACH correspondent

CANDLER — Bishop Peter J. Jugis greeted the congregation assembled outside St. Joan of Arc Church May 30, then processed with them to the church’s front door.

After the ribbon across the front doors was cut, the people entered the church, which was filled with light from the tall windows.

As part of what he

called “the beautiful and rich symbolism in the dedication of the church,” the bishop first sprinkled holy water on the attendees to remind them of their baptism; then he sprinkled the church’s interior walls to symbolize cleansing.

In his homily, Bishop Jugis spoke of the “solemn sense of joy that we come together to celebrate the dedication of the new St. Joan of Arc Church.”

See CHURCH, page 5

The pope and the president Pope Benedict, Bush discuss many issues, including Christians in Iraq

Bishop Jugis dedicates new St. Joan of Arc Church by

For more coverage, see pages 6-7.

by JOHN THAVIS catholic news service

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Bishop Peter J. Jugis censes the altar of the new St. Joan of Arc Church in Candler during its dedication Mass May 30.

Around the Diocese Kids collect for mission trip; saint statue dedicated | Page 4

VAT I C A N C I T Y — Meeting for the first time, Pope Benedict XVI and U.S. President George W. Bush spoke about the precarious situation of Christians in Iraq and a wide range of other foreign policy and moral issues.

See BUSH, page 12

Culture Watch

Nourishment in ‘desert’

Book on Hitler’s plot to kidnap pope; teen movie

Pope leads Corpus Christi procession in Rome

| Pages 10-11

| Page 16

June 15, 2007

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

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

WASHINGTON (CNS) — With the June 7 failure of a procedural vote intended to bring the bill to a vote, the Senate’s attempt to pass comprehensive immigration reform will go back behind the scenes, though the bill’s backers in both parties vowed to bring it back to the floor.

After the failure of a second cloture vote to cut off debate, Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he would take the bill off the floor to allow other legislation to move along, though without closing the door to reviving its consideration.

Analysts on all sides have said that if immigration reform legislation isn’t passed before the end of 2007, it’s unlikely to get a serious shot at passage again until after the 2008 general election.

Some supporters of the bill accused President George W. Bush of failing to exert enough pressure on Senate Republicans to pass the bill. The legislation itself was the product of

Full of heart

CNS photo by Carolyn Hughes, Catholic Spirit

Seminarian Edmund Luciano III, walks with sister Danielle (left) and cousin Lisa Scarano in late May. It’s one of two daily walks he takes during his recovery from heart transplant surgery.

Heart transplant marks new beginning for seminarian KENDALL PARK, N.J. (CNS) — Scripture has taken on a deeper meaning for Edmund Luciano III, especially passages such as this one from Ezekiel: “I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you.”

For Luciano, a seminarian of the Diocese of Metuchen, that passage can be taken quite literally since his May 4 heart transplant at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

Recovering in his home, he looked back with eyes of faith on the saga that began a few months ago, ending in a successful surgery that should allow him to return to his third year of studies at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore in the fall.

When Luciano, 23, who had seldom been ill and who exercised regularly, began to feel breathless and had trouble climbing stairs, he went to see a doctor, suspecting he might have the flu. But his physicians’ surprising suggestion was a heart transplant.

The diagnosis was idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated means enlarged or expanded. Idiopathic means the cause is unknown. The condition may have been a consequence of a viral infection.

“Being young and in the early stages of congestive heart failure, they were trying to treat me with medicine, which wasn’t working,” Luciano said.

“After two months of steady decline, we decided to go to Beth Israel.”

More than 460 heart transplants have been done at Newark Beth Israel since 1990.

In April Luciano completed the necessary blood work to go on the list for a heart transplant. On May 3, he

Immigration bill stalled, not dead, backers say

was told his heart was too weak for him to leave the hospital until he received a transplant.

After receiving the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, he underwent surgery to insert a balloon pump into his heart to assist its beating. When he awoke after surgery, he was amazed to hear that a potential match had already been found — after being on the list for only two hours. Most patients wait an average of two to three months for a heart.

The transplant surgery was scheduled for the next day. Luciano was released just 10 days later in “good health.”

Luciano knows only that the heart donor was a 12-year-old boy.

“The donor’s family knows more about me than I know about them,” he said. “I was told that the grandmother was greatly comforted by the fact that I am studying to be a priest.”

He hopes one day to meet the family, a decision that is up to them.

“It has definitely been a mystical experience for me to think that there was a family in that much of their own tragedy that was able to respond to the needs of someone else, that they had enough love. ... How could I not want to meet people who can love that much?”

“Because I was praying to (Pope)John Paul II, I have kind of named him ‘Paul’ when I think of him and pray for him,” Luciano said of his donor.

Luciano plans to make himself available to transplant departments of local hospitals to support others.

“This is an area where I can bring not just the love of God, but my own witness to the exact thing they are going through,” he said.

Diocesan planner ASHEVILLE VICARIATE

ARDEN — The St. Martin de Porres Dominican Laity Chapter meets the fourth Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Academy, 564 Long Shoals Rd. Inquirers are welcome. For more information contact Joe Kraft at (828) 6481036 or jebkraft@juno.com.

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

JEFFERSON — Father Matthew Buettner will present a lecture July 16 at 6 p.m. in the parish hall of St. Francis of Assisi Church, 326 East Main St. The topic of the lecture will be related to his book, “The Mystery of the Mass.” Please call (336) 246-9151 for more information.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE

CHARLOTTE — Father Timothy Reid will present “Seeking the Heart of God” at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Thursdays through June 28, 7-9 p.m.

This lecture series deals with understanding the spirituality of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. Each participant will need a copy of St. Teresa’s “Interior Castle.” For more information, please contact Susan Brady at (704) 541-8362, ext.4.

CHARLOTTE — Pathfinders, a peer-led support group for separated and divorced

months of behind-the-scenes negotiations by the White House, Democratic and Republican senators.

While many supporters of comprehensive immigration reform, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the massive piece of legislation was flawed, most members of a vast alliance of faith groups, unions, civil rights groups and business organizations were urging that the bill be passed, as a starting point to fixing a broken immigration system.

In a series of press conferences June 8, representatives of many of those organizations said they believe Reid is sincere about bringing the bill to a vote and that backroom efforts could yield a viable plan for allowing more debate and a limited number of amendments.

The White House said Bush would use some of his time during a previously scheduled visit to the Capitol June 12 to try to persuade more Republicans to back the bill. adults, offers education, support and fellowship through the divorce process. The group meets Tuesdays, 7:30-9 p.m., in St. Gabriel Church’s Ministry Building, 3016 Providence Rd. For more information, call Nancy at (704) 752-0318.

CHARLOTTE — TGIF on Wednesday is a support group for separated or divorced women and men.

All are welcome to join us for encouragement and discussion with others making similar journeys at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in the New Life Center, Room 114. If you have any questions, call Bonnie Motuz at (704) 543-8998.

CHARLOTTE — The Healing Prayer Group will pray with you in the name of the Lord Jesus for your healing, be it mental, spiritual or physical.

Come and know the gentleness and unconditional love of the Lord. We meet the third Monday of each month in the St. Matthew Chapel, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., at 7:30 p.m. For more information, e-mail Barbara Gardner at chlt5nc@aol.com.

HUNTERSVILLE — A Mass to Honor Deceased Loved Ones is celebrated the last Friday of each month at 7:30 p.m. St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Rd. For more information, call Pam Schneider at (704) 875-0201.

CHARLOTTE — A Support Group for Caregivers of a Family Member with Memory Loss meets the last Monday of each month, 10-11:30 a.m., at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. For more information, contact Suzanne Bach at (704) 376-4135.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE

GREENSBORO — If you have a special need for prayers, or would like to offer your time in prayer for others’ needs, please call the Prayer Chain at Our Lady of Grace Church. The Prayer Chain is a sizable group committed to praying for your needs and the needs of your family and friends on a daily basis. To request a prayer or to participate

June 15, 2 007 Volume 16 • Number 32

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

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.

June 15, 2007

The Catholic News & Herald 3

FROM THE VATICAN

At Vatican, whirling dervishes mark anniversary of Muslim mystic VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a Vatican palace decorated with frescoes and directly under a ceiling medallion invoking “the peace of Christ,” a group of Muslim mystics — commonly known as whirling dervishes — danced in prayer.

The June 5 event in the Renaissance Palazzo della Cancelleria, which houses several Vatican tribunals, was sponsored by the Turkish Embassy to the Holy See to mark the 800th anniversary of the birth of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, a 13th-century Muslim mystic, philosopher and poet.

Rumi’s version of Sufism, Islamic mysticism, is known for its use of music and dance in prayer rituals aimed at helping the one praying experience unity with God. Cardinal Paul Poupard, president of the pontifical councils for Culture and for Interreligious Dialogue, said the evening was an example of how “intercultural

dialogue often takes on the aspect of interreligious dialogue.”

He said the performance by 20 musicians and eight dancers under the watchful eye of a spiritual master demonstrated how “music and dance are universal languages that nourish the spirit.”

Muammer Dogan Akdur, Turkey’s ambassador to the Vatican, told the church officials, ambassadors, priests and other guests that “we all know that true dialogue cannot occur without understanding well and respecting other cultures and religions.”

He said the Turkish embassy wanted to promote the process by sharing an exhibition “inspired by a mystic philosophy of Islam in a sumptuous room of a Vatican palace.”

“I think that this context and this exceptional place form a very symbolic and meaningful image of dialogue between cultures,” he said.

in the Prayer Chain, call the church office at (336) 274-6520, ext. 10 and leave your name, address and phone number.

CLEMMONS — A Charismatic Prayer Group meets Mondays at 7:15 p.m. in the eucharistic chapel of Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd. Join us for praise music, witness, teaching, prayers and petition. For more details, call Jim Passero at (336) 998-7503.

HICKORY VICARIATE

MORGANTON — As Christians we struggle daily with negative emotions such as anger, anxiety and despair. “Spirituality of the Emotions” offers an opportunity to bring together insight, prayer and group support in this struggle. Dr. Ronda Chervin will present this program Wednesdays, 7:30-8:45 p.m., June 27–Aug. 8. These free classes will meet at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 728 West Union St. For more information, call Dr. Chervin at (828) 413-4624 or St. Charles Borromeo Church at (828) 437-3108.

SALISBURY VICARIATE

SALISBURY — Elizabeth Ministry is a peer ministry comprised of Sacred Heart Church parishioners who have lost babies before or shortly after birth. Confidential peer ministry, information and spiritual materials are offered at no cost or obligation to anyone who has experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a newborn.

For details, call Renee Washington at (704) 6370472 or Sharon Burges at (704) 633-0591.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN VICARIATE

MURPHY — A Charismatic Prayer Group meets Fridays at 3:30 p.m. in the Glenmary House of St. William Church, 765 Andrews Rd. join us for praise music, witness, teaching, prayers and laying on of hands for those in need. For more details, call Gery Dashner at (828) 494-2683.

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE

CLEMMONS — Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., has Eucharistic Adoration each Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. For more details, call Donna at (336) 940-2558 or Carole at (336) 766-4530.

Episcopal

calendar

CLEMMONS — The Knitting Ministry of Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., meets Monday evenings, 6:30-8 p.m., to pray, learn to knit, reflect on life’s lessons and reach out to others in our community. Opportunities exist for the beginner to the experienced as we knit and purl Prayer Shawls, Preemie Blankets or Squares for Survivors. Please contact Rosemary at (336) 766-2315 or Carmel (336) 766-0650 for more information.

German man sent for treatment after jumping toward papal jeep VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A 27year-old German man was forced to undergo immediate psychiatric treatment June 6 after he jumped over a barrier in St. Peter’s Square and reached the back of the open jeep in which Pope Benedict XVI was riding.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, refused to release the man’s name but said he was in a Rome psychiatric facility by 2:30 p.m., about four hours after being tackled to the ground by Vatican police.

The man was first taken to the Vatican police station and questioned

by Gianluigi Marrone, a Vatican judge, Father Lombardi said.

“The young man’s intention was not to make an attempt on the life of the pope, but to carry out a demonstrative act to attract attention to himself,” Father Lombardi said.

Because the young man was “showing clear signs of mental imbalance, psychiatric doctors from the Vatican health service were called, and they arranged hospitalization for obligatory treatment in a protected, specialized

health facility,” the spokesman said.

“The case is, therefore, considered closed,” Father Lombardi said.

Pope Benedict was in St. Peter’s Square for his weekly general audience.

The pope did not appear to have noticed the young man or the activity of Vatican security agents and police forcing the man to let go of the jeep.

Dressed in a red shirt, dark shorts and a baseball cap, the young man was in the third or fourth row of spectators behind a wooden barricade in the square.

As the pope approached, a police officer moved directly in front of the young man’s section of the crowd, although it was not clear what had attracted the attention of the officer.

The young man jumped over the people in front of him and used the barricade to push himself farther, knocking over the police officer.

He managed to hold onto the back railing of the jeep for a just a few seconds before being forced to let go.

Msgr. Georg Ganswein, the pope’s personal secretary, was in the jeep and also attempted to push the young man away.

Giving back to the earth

KERNERSVILLE — Holy Cross Church, 616 S. Cherry St., hosts a Senior Coffee House the first and third Mondays of each month, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., in Salesian Hall in the Child Development Building. Call the church office at (336) 996-5109 ext. 12 for directions or information.

WINSTON-SALEM — The Compassionate Care-Givers meet the first, third and fifth Thursdays of each month at St. Benedict the Moor Church, 1625 East 12th St. This group provides affirmation, support and prayer for people who have cared for and are caring for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and any other chronic illnesses. For more information, call Sister Larretta Rivera-Williams at (336) 725-9200.

Is your parish sponsoring a free event open to the general public? Deadline for all submissions for the Diocesan Planner is 15 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to kaevans@charlottediocese.org or fax to (704) 370-3382.

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

June 16 — 10:30 a.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of the Americas Church, Biscoe

June 25-27 Bishops’ provincial meeting Charleston, S.C.

June 16 — 5 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation St. James the Greater Church, Hamlet

June 30 — 10:30 a.m.

Mass for new tribunal advocates Pastoral Center, Charlotte

June 18-23 USCCB meeting Albuquerque, N.M.

July 1 — 11 a.m.

Installation of new pastor St. John the Evangelist Church, Waynesville

CNS photo by Romeo Ranoco, Reuters

Catholic nuns plant trees in a field, symbolizing a deforested area, during a program marking World Environment Day in Manila, Philippines, June 5.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

June 15, 2007

around the diocese

Collecting hope for those in need MINT HILL — Children in Mint Hill recently worked hard to answer the prayers of the needy in Jamaica.

Since August 2006, Nita Leslie’s third-grade faith formation class at St. Luke Church in Mint Hill collected toiletries for the parish’s Agape Missions to the Islands ministry.

The class presented the donated items — boxes of shampoo, deodorant, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other toiletries — to Theo Ennis and Steve Uzzell, members of the Agape ministry, May 9.

The Agape ministry coordinates and supports two established missions in the Caribbean — the Missionaries of the Poor in Kingston, Jamaica, and the Batey Lecheria mission in the Dominican

Republic. The term “agape” means the self-giving love of one who looks exclusively for the good of another.

“All these things you gave are the answer to someone’s prayers,” said Uzzell to the children.

“It was interesting to think that these donations are the answer to prayers from persons in Jamaica who need help and items to improve their lives,” said Martha Hannah, parish faith formation coordinator.

During Lent, each child in the class took home a framed photo of someone living in Jamaica and prayed for that person each day.

“It made collecting the toiletries that much more meaningful to see who those items would help,” said Hannah.

Saintly statue

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Parishioners of St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Maggie Valley join Augustinian Brother and Deacon William Harkin (left) and Augustinian Father Francis Doyle for the dedication of the statue of St. Rita of Cascia, donated to Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center, adjacent to St. Margaret Church.

The dedication was held May 22, the feast of St. Rita (1382–1457), wife, mother, widow and Augustinian nun.

Courtesy Photo

Nita Leslie’s third-grade faith formation class at St. Luke Church in Mint Hill is pictured May 9 with toiletries they collected and presented to Theo Ennis and Steve Uzzell (seated), members of the parish’s Agape Missions to the Islands ministry. Also pictured are faith formation teachers Scott Glover and Leslie (standing).

St. Rita, known as a patroness of impossible or hopeless cases, was a stigmatic. She often meditated on Christ’s passion and received a wound in her forehead, according to a description of this miracle, “as though a thorn from the crown that encircled Christ’s head had loosened itself and penetrated her own flesh.”

Her incorrupt body is venerated in her shrine in Cascia, in the Italian province of Umbria. The statue was donated by St. Margaret parishioners Don and Ginny Condren in memory of his daughter, Trisha.

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A Resume of Some Contemporary Issues in the Church, and Their Solutions

Phone

The Science and Ethics of Stem Cells and Cloning

June 15, 2007

from the cover

The Catholic News & Herald 5

Bishop Jugis dedicates new St. Joan of Arc Church CHURCH, from page 1

“Not only do I greet all of you,” the bishop continued, “but also the one we are here for, the reason we are here — Jesus Christ, the one who comes to consecrate this church by his presence.

He is with us now. He will come to consecrate all of you in years to come.”

Taking off his chasuble after his homily and putting on an apron, Bishop Jugis poured fragrant oil, the sacred

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Father John Pagel, pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church, unlocks the front door of the new church in Candler May 30.

chrism, lavishly on the altar, then rubbed the oil into the wooden surface. This anointing reminds us that Jesus is the anointed one.

“We are reminded to unite ourselves to the altar and offer our hearts as a sacrifice to God,” he said.

He walked around the altar, censing it with incense as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice. Bishop Jugis also anointed the walls by placing the chrism onto crossshaped wooden candleholders hanging on the walls.

Parishioners brought in and lighted the candles, which they placed on the altar and on either side of the tabernacle, set in a niche in a stone “wall” behind the altar.

“The candles symbolize the light of Christ and remind us to take that light into the world,” the bishop said in his homily.

“We go forth into society to be a leaven of change. We are to bring light to a world where there is so much darkness.”

Bringing that light, he said, includes “seeking out people who don’t have faith or faith in Jesus Christ. We have the work of evangelization to do.”

“Are there people around (in the Enka-Candler area) who don’t have a church?” he asked. “Then we have work to do to find them and invite them to join us. People in poverty? People who have moved here from other countries? We have work to do to show Christ’s love in practical ways.”

“We are on a mission for God. What happens here (in the church) propels us to go out to bring Christ to others,” said the bishop.

Priests from a number of parishes

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Bishop Peter J. Jugis rubs sacred chrism into the altar during the dedication Mass of the new St. Joan of Arc Church in Candler May 30. Also pictured is Father John Pagel, pastor. concelebrated the Mass.

Building a church St. Joan of Arc parish was established in 1927; the old church was built on three acres in Asheville in 1936. Seating capacity was for fewer than 200 people.

The new St. Joan of Arc Church, which can hold up to 300 worshipers, stands on 13.5 wooded acres in Candler, which is near Asheville.

“We were told by the diocese that this area was going to grow and to plan for the next 20 to 30 years,” said Bill Kalarovich, building-committee chairman. “This building is constructed so that can happen. The wall behind the stone wall can come down so the building can grow. The (church’s) supporting walls are its side walls.”

The parish hall can also be enlarged in the same way.

St. Joan of Arc Church’s parish had a say in the design, executed by John Yurko and Holly Crabill.

“We asked the parishioners what was important to their experience and they said light, windows and wood,” Kalarovich said.

“Most of the parishioners have said that just being able to see the trees adds to their experience. In the morning and afternoon, the light comes through from behind the tabernacle and it just glows,” he said.

The planning committee met for the first time in December 1999; more than three years of planning followed, with the building committee’s first meeting in June 2003.

“The committees were composed of the ordinary people of St. Joan of Arc parish, who, under the instruction of the diocese, decided to do extraordinary

things,” Kalarovich said. “First, we prayed at each meeting for vision, wisdom, perseverance and often for a sense of humor.”

Kalarovich added that there was an extra beatitude: “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.”

An anonymous benefactor donated $100,000 toward the project, which parishioners more than matched through hundreds of hours spent on fundraising events such as dinners, raffles, and selling bumper stickers.

They also sought donations of some church furnishings, an energy-saving heating and cooling system, and other items. The pews and kneelers from the old church were refurbished for use in the new building. The front doors, as well as the crucifix, altar and ambo were made from trees grown on the property.

Landscaping and construction of the serenity garden are still under way.

In August 2004, Bishop Jugis presided at the first Mass, outdoors, on the new property. Construction of the new church began in March 2006.

At the last Mass in the old church, the liturgy included removing the Stations of the Cross, statues, and other artifacts, many of which are now in the new church.

“The last thing out was me with the Eucharist,” said Father John Pagel, pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church.

A developer purchased the old church property. The old school will be torn down.

“I’m very happy for our parish,” he said. “We’ve come a long way in our journey of faith.”

Contact Correspondent Joanita M. Nellenbach by calling (828) 627-9209 or e-mail jnell@dnet.net.

6 The Catholic News & Herald

in our schools

June 15, 2007

Gastonia graduates

Many memories

Courtesy Photo

First-graders sign their “My First Grade Memories� book at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem June 7. The book included work from each student and pictures of them at the start and end of the school year, documenting their growth over the year.

The school held graduation ceremonies for the eighth grade June 6 and kindergarten class June 8. They also held a picnic at Triad Park in Kernersville June 7, where the students spent time with their friends, played on the playground and enjoyed softball games.

Courtesy Photo

Pictured is the 2007 graduating class of St. Michael School in Gastonia.

Graduates received their diplomas and awards from Father Roger Arnsparger, pastor, and Joseph Puceta, principal, during Mass at

Friends ’til the end

St. Michael Church June 3.

The Pastor’s Awards, for eighth-graders who achieved the highest academic averages, were presented to Laura Valedon and Harry Caulfield.

The Mother Margaret Mary, R.S.M., Award, for the student who best demonstrated an eagerness to set goals and worked diligently to achieve them, was awarded to Zachy Girmay.

The Father Gregory Eichenlaub, O.S.B., Award, for the student who best exemplified the traits of scholarship, leadership, compassion and service, was presented to Laura Valedon.

Courtesy Photo

Catherine Dudley and Katherine Watkins, eighth-graders at St. Leo the Great School in Winston-Salem, sing “You’ve Got a Friend In Me� from the animated movie “Toy Story� during the eighth-grade graduation ceremony. The school held a family picnic and yearbook dedication day May 25, during which students signed each other’s yearbooks and enjoyed food and games with their families.

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Other awards were presented after Mass during a reception in the parish center.

June 15, 2007

The Catholic News & Herald 7

in our schools

Bishop McGuinness graduates celebrate commencement KERNERSVILLE — With fond memories of the past four years, and in eager anticipation of the next chapter in their lives, 105 graduates of Bishop McGuiness Catholic High School in Kernersville received their diplomas at the Stevens Center in Winston-Salem June 2.

The diplomas were conferred by Mgsr. Mauricio W. West, vicar general and chancellor for the Diocese of Charlotte; Linda Cherry, superintendent of diocesan Catholic schools; and George Repass, principal of Bishop McGuinness.

On May 31, Bishop Peter J. Jugis celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass for

the students at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point.

In the fall, the graduates will be attending 43 colleges and universities, from nearby High Point University to as far away as the University of Dublin Trinity College in Ireland.

Bishop McGuinness’ class of 2007 received more than $3 million in combined scholarships.

Graduates and their guests heard r e m a r k s f r o m K a t h e r y n Ly o n s , salutatorian; Nathan Nurse, valedictorian; and special guest speaker Dr. Edward Sadler Jr., retired superintendent for Gaston County Schools and uncle of graduate J.L. Sadler.

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Graduate Luka Suon leads his classmates in a rallying cry of “We are Cougars!” following commencement ceremonies for Charlotte Catholic High School June 2.

Charlotte Catholic grads march into bright future by

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

Courtesy Photo

The 2007 graduating class of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville is pictured in front of the school’s chapel May 31.

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CHARLOTTE — Spirits were high as the Charlotte Catholic High School class of 2007 received their diplomas at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte June 6.

Charlotte Catholic’s class of 2007 consisted of 282 students, who received more than $7 million in combined scholarships and will attend 74 colleges, academies and universities in the fall.

The diplomas were conferred by Mgsr. Mauricio W. West, vicar general and chancellor for the Diocese of Charlotte; Linda Cherry, superintendent

of diocesan Catholic schools; and Gerald Healy, principal of Charlotte Catholic High School.

Following the closing prayer, the graduates marched into the open space outside the auditorium. Several graduates hoisted Luka Suon on their shoulders, who led his classmates in a spontaneous cheer, shouting “Who are we?”

“We are Cougars!” the class of 2007 joyously responded.

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

8 The Catholic News & Herald

priestly ordination

June 15, 2007

Bishop Jugis ordains five to priesthood FATHER PATRICK CAHILL

PRIESTS, from page 1

Age: 27 Born: Richmond, Ind. Schooling: Studied at Belmont Abbey College; two degrees in philosophy from Theological College at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.; master’s degree in divinity and theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pa.; studied Spanish in Madrid, Spain.

Background: Oldest of six children.

FATHER RICHARD G. DECLUE JR. Age: 27 Born: Columbus, Ohio Schooling: Studied preveterinary medicine and biology with a chemistry minor at University of Findlay, Ohio; bachelor’s degree in theology from Belmont Abbey College in 2002; studied theology at Boston College; studied at Theological College at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Background: One of five children.

June 2 were Father Patrick Cahill, Father Richard DeClue Jr., Father Patrick Hoare, Father Patrick Toole and Father Frederick Werth Jr. “We have some fine newly ordained priests to appoint to parochial vicar positions in parishes,” said Bishop Jugis. “Because of that, six current parochial vicars are able to take on appointments as pastors, which helps our diocese tremendously.”

New priests also serve as inspirations to parishioners to pray for vocations and they encourage more men and women to consider religious vocations, the bishop said.

“I believe these ordinations to the priesthood are the Lord’s response to our prayers to ‘send laborers out for his harvest,’ as Jesus says in the Gospel of Luke,” said Bishop Jugis.

To live as a servant of God During his interview, Bishop Jugis said there are three important qualities every priest should possess: prayerfulness, joy and love.

“It’s important for a priest to be a prayerful person,” he said. “People want their priests to be prayerful, to be men of faith. Prayer is the center of the priestly ministry.”

New priests bring into their ministry the spirit of joy from their ordination and the celebration of their first Masses, he said.

“Our priests’ joyfulness in their ministries is evidence of the Holy Spirit at work,” said Bishop Jugis.

Finally, a priest must love all his parishioners and people unconditionally.

“As priests of the Lord, they should have the heart of Jesus and show that

FATHER PATRICK T. HOARE Age: 40 Born: Willow Grove, Pa. Schooling: A bachelor’s degree in business administration from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, Pa.; Master of Business Administration from Drexel University in Philadelphia; Master of Divinity and a master’s degree (concentrating in pastoral theology) from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pa.; studied Spanish in Madrid, Spain.

Background: One of six children.

Worked in insurance industry. Served as youth minister at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.

Father John Allen vests Father Patrick Cahill with the stole and chasuble, outer garments of the priestly office.

Fathers Patrick Cahill, Frederick Werth and Richard DeClue kneel before diocesan and visiting priests during the lay the most solemn moment of the ordination rite, as Bishop Peter J. Jugis looks on.

“It’s important for a priest to be a prayerful perso of the priestly ministry.” love by being good examples of it,” said Bishop Jugis.

Ordination Mass Concelebrants of the ordination Mass included Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey; Msgr. Mauricio W. West, vicar general and diocesan chancellor; Msgr. John J. McSweeney, pastor of St. Matthew Church; Father Christopher Gober, director of diocesan vocations; priests serving in the Diocese of Charlotte; and visiting priests. Also in attendance was Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin.

During the rite of ordination, Fathers Cahill, DeClue, Hoare, Toole and Werth made their promises to fulfill the office of the priesthood.

Kneeling, they placed their hands between Bishop Jugis’ hands in a promise of obedience him and to his successors.

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

During the rite’s most solemn moment, Fathers Cahill, DeClue, Hoare, Toole and Werth knelt 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.

The new priests were vested with stoles and chasubles — outer garments of the priestly office.

June 15, 2007

in diocese

The Catholic News & Herald 9

priestly ordination

FATHER PATRICK D. TOOLE Age: 28 Born: Voorhees, N.J. Schooling: Attended Belmont Abbey College and the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.; bachelor’s degree in philosophy and master’s degree in theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pa.

Above: Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin and Father Frederick Werth smile and clasp hands after Father Werth offered his first priestly blessing to the bishop at the conclusion of the ordination Mass.

Below left: Smoke from burning incense rises from the censer. Since the earliest days of the Christian church, incense has been used as a sign of purification.

Below right: Father Patrick Toole offers Communion for the first time as a newly ordained priest.

Photos by Karen A. Evans

ying on of hands, an ancient sign of ordination representing

Background: One of two children.

Visited Japan twice as part of high school diplomat program.

FATHER FRED M. WERTH JR. Age: 59 Born: Radford, Va. Schooling: Bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Military Institute; law degree from University of Virginia; studied at Blessed John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass.

on. ... Prayer is the center — Bishop Peter J. Jugis The bishop anointed their hands with sacred chrism and they were then presented with chalices and patens signifying their roles as celebrants of the Eucharist.

The newly ordained priests then joined their brother priests to concelebrate the Mass, thus opening a new chapter in each of their lives.

Background: Served in U.S. Air Force, later worked as trial lawyer. Married to his Catholic high school sweetheart for 19 years, with 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Raised Presbyterian; converted to Catholicism in 1989.

Lost wife and daughter in car accident in 2002.

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

PASTORAL ASSIGNMENTS

Bishop Peter J. Jugis announces the following pastoral assignments, effective July 5, 2007: Father Pat Hoare as parochial vicar, St. Mark Church, Huntersville

Fathers Pat Cahill and Pat Toole, as parochial vicars, St. Matthew Church, Charlotte Father Fred Werth as parochial vicar, Holy Family Church, Clemmons Father Rick DeClue, in residence at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte, then theological studies at The Catholic University of America.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis anoints the hands of Father Patrick Hoare with the sacred chrism oil.

June 15, 2007

10 The Catholic News & Herald

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

New book details Hitler plot to kidnap pope, foiled by Nazi general WASHINGTON (CNS) — An SS general close to Adolf Hitler foiled a plot to kidnap Pope Pius XII during World War II and to put the Vatican and its treasures under Nazi control, according to a new book.

The book, “A Special Mission” by Dan Kurzman, refutes arguments that Pope Pius XII maintained a public silence about Nazi actions during World War II because he was anti-Semitic or because he was sympathetic toward Hitler.

“They were bitter, bitter enemies.

They despised each other,” said Kurzman of the pontiff and the führer in a May 31 telephone interview. The pope hated Hitler “not only for his inhumanity but because he threatened the whole church structure,” said Kuzman.

Hitler, for his part, “saw the pope as his greatest enemy” and as someone with whom he was “competing for the minds and souls that he wanted to control,” the author added.

Kurzman also said he found no evidence that Pope Pius was anti-Semitic, noting that one of his closest childhood friends was a Jewish boy with whom he remained in contact throughout his life.

The book is subtitled “Hitler’s Secret Plot to Seize the Vatican and Kidnap Pope Pius XII.” It details the actions of SS Gen. Karl Wolff, chief of staff to SS Chief Heinrich Himmler, in the months after the overthrow of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in July 1943.

Describing Wolff as one of “history’s most successful opportunists,” Kurzman said the general earned the “full confidence” of both Hitler, who ordered him in September 1943 to kidnap Pope Pius, and of the pontiff himself, whom Wolff warned about the plot during a secret meeting at the Vatican in May 1944.

Hitler ordered the kidnapping, according to the book, because he feared that Pope Pius would speak out about Nazi actions against the Jews, and in particular against a proposed Nazi roundup of the Jewish community in Rome.

Hitler was afraid the pope’s words could trigger a “revolution” against the Nazis in Italy, worldwide and even within the Germany army, about 40 percent of which was made up of Catholics.

Pope Pius, for his part, was afraid that a strong public stand against the Nazis would force Hitler to take action against the Vatican and would also endanger the many Jews being sheltered in Italian monasteries, churches and convents.

The pope’s behind-the-scenes actions also brought the roundup of Roman Jews to a halt, Kurzman said. Only about 1,000 of the 8,000 Jews living in Rome at the time were deported to Nazi concentration camps, he said.

Kurzman was the first journalist to interview Wolff in 1970 after the former general was allowed to return to his home town of Darmstadt in Germany. Wolff died in 1984.

“He tried to close his mind to the reality” of the Holocaust by saying that his job was only to get the trains to destinations like Dachau and Treblinka on time, while ignoring what was happening to those who arrived at the Nazi concentration camps, the author said.

Although the Nazis were careful not to put any details of the kidnapping plot into writing, and Kurzman has not seen materials in the Vatican Secret Archives from that period, he said the plot and details about the pope’s actions during World War II were confirmed to him by Jesuit Father Peter Gumpel, who had read the archival material as chief investigator for Pope Pius’ sainthood cause.

Despite criticism from some Jewish groups, work on the sainthood cause for Pope Pius XII has continued in recent years. In a vote Father Gumpel called “unanimous and totally positive,” the Congregation for Saints’ Causes recommended May 8 that Pope Benedict XVI formally declare the World War IIera pope venerable.

Kurzman, who has written 16 other books, said he wanted to clear up certain untruths contained in “Hitler’s Pope,” a 1999 book by author John Cornwell.

“He was a human being and he made mistakes, but I found no evidence that he was anti-Semitic,” Kurzman said of Pope Pius.

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WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: june 24, 2007

June 24, Nativity of St. John the Baptist Cycle C Readings: 1) Isaiah 49:1-6 Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15 2) Acts 13:22-26 3) Gospel: Luke 1:57-66, 80

Diversity of voices enhances God’s message

by BEVERLY CORZINE catholic news service

Each year millions of families gather to celebrate the accomplishments of young people who have completed 12 years of education.

Some have made it by the skin of their teeth. At the other end of the spectrum others have achieved extraordinary honors. However, on graduation night 2007, halls everywhere radiated the promise of youth.

Waiting for the notes of “Pomp and Circumstance” to fill the air at my grandson Michael’s commencement ceremony, my attention kept returning to an older couple seated nearby. This couple showed all the signs of two people who have lived together for nearly a lifetime. Words did not seem to be needed between them. Someone’s great-grandparents were waiting for that magic name.

The woman studied the program; the man watched her. Her gloved fingers

followed each of the nearly 600 names as they were called. Finally, with five names left, she and her husband rose as one to cheer a proud young man across the stage.

On the way home someone in our family commented in a positive way on the diversity in Michael’s graduating class. I remember the proud couple in front of me. In their day skin color would have been the deciding factor in attending Michael’s school.

In the readings for this Sunday we are able to witness the strength that diversity brings to salvation history. For example, Isaiah, the great prophet; Paul, the great evangelist; David, the psalmist king and ancestor of Jesus; Elizabeth; Zechariah; and the infant John fill today’s readings.

We celebrate the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Unlike the people in Luke’s Gospel who “wonder ... what will this child be,” we know he will grow up to be the great desert prophet who will baptize large crowds and prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry.

Imprisoned with execution a certainty, John will send a messenger to Jesus, asking, “Are you the one?”

Jesus will not say yes or no; however, he will say the blind see, the lame walk.

Through this oblique answer John the Baptist, the great prophet, knows he has fulfilled his task because Jesus is the One. Questions: Who are some individuals whose words and actions have helped you recognize the promise of Christ? How does the diversity of these voices enhance the message?

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of June 17—23 Sunday(Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time), 2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13, Galatians 2:16, 19-21, Luke 7:36--8:3; Monday, 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Matthew 5:38-42; Tuesday (St. Romuald), 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, Matthew 5:43-48; Wednesday,2 Corinthians 9:6-11, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18; Thursday (St. Aloysius Gonzaga), 2 Corinthians 11:1-11, Matthew 6:7-15; Friday (St. Paulinus Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More), 2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30, Matthew 6:19-23; Saturday, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Matthew 6:24-34.

Scripture for the week of June 24—30 Sunday (Birth of St. John the Baptist), Isaiah 49:1-6, Acts 13:22-26, Luke 1:57-66, 80; Monday, Genesis 12:1-9 Matthew 7:1-5; Tuesday, Genesis 13:2, 5-18, Matthew 7:6, 12-14; Wednesday (St. Cyril of Alexandria), Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Matthew 7:15-20; Thursday (St. Irenaeus), Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16, Mark 7:21-29; Friday (Sts. Peter and Paul), Acts 12:1-11, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18, Matthew 16:13-19; Saturday (First Martyrs of Rome), Genesis 18:1-15, Luke 1:46-50, 53-55, Matthew 8:5-17.

Scripture for the week of July 1—7 Sunday (Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time), 1 Kings 19:16, 19-21, Galatians 5:1, 13-18, Luke 9:51-62; Monday, Genesis 18:16-33, Matthew 8:18-22; Tuesday (St. Thomas), Ephesians 2:19-22, John 20:24-29; Wednesday, Genesis 21:5, 8-20, Matthew 8:28-34; Thursday (St. Anthony Zaccaria), Genesis 22:1-19, Matthew 9:1-8; Friday, Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 6567, Matthew 9:9-13; Saturday, Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29, Matthew 9:14-17.

The Catholic News & Herald 11

June 15, 2007

Teen makes movie, raises awareness about crisis in Darfur ONTARIO, N.Y. (CNS) — Erin Schultz has never been to the Darfur region of Sudan but that has not stopped her from reaching out to ease the suffering of the people in that region.

After learning that Darfur is currently in the throes of a crisis so violent that many are classifying it as genocide, 15-year-old Erin, who lives in Ontario, created a short movie about the crisis and e-mailed it to everyone she knows.

She had only intended to raise awareness about the problem, but she has also raised approximately $2,000 for relief efforts in Darfur.

Last year at this time, Erin had barely even heard of Darfur. She was active in the youth group at her parish, St. Mary of the Lake Church in Ontario, and had volunteered at a food bank a few times, but she had never been overly involved in activist efforts. She did, however, regularly read news magazines and that’s where she first learned about what was happening in Darfur.

“I found it horrible how almost nobody knew” about what was going on there, she said.

She found out more information from news stories and Web sites devoted to raise awareness of the crisis.

Then she used a computer program to put together a five-minute movie that incorporates photos from Darfur, statistics about the number of people killed, injured and displaced, and a poem written by a Sudanese man who fled the country on foot when he was a teen.

She showed the video to her parish

CNS photo by Claire Soares, Reuters

A woman and her son displaced from the Darfur region of Sudan collect their monthly rations from a refugee camp in Chad May 5, 2006. youth group, then she e-mailed it and asked friends and family members to pass it on.

In early February, the parish youth group raised money for relief efforts in Darfur when they took part in a national effort called Souper Bowl of Caring.

Through this program, youth groups collect money in soup pots after Masses on Super Bowl Sunday and donate the proceeds to charities of their choice.

The teens raised $582.87 that weekend. Those who donated received a prayer card and a petition to send to President George W. Bush, asking him to push for a stronger multinational force to protect the people of Darfur.

Although there is no mention of fundraising in Erin’s video, people who saw the video soon started sending donations to Erin and Carol May, youth minister at St. Mary of the Lake Church, who then forwarded the money to Catholic Relief Services asking that the funds be used only for humanitarian aid in Darfur.

Erin hopes to eventually raise $10,000 for this relief work, but says fundraising is not her primary goal.

“That’s second. I’d really rather raise a lot of awareness,” she said.

May was so impressed with Erin’s efforts that she nominated her for the town’s “Catch a Kid Who Cares Award” honoring children and teens who do kind deeds. The town supervisor presented Erin with a certificate this spring.

“It was nice,” Erin said. “I just like that it’s going to spread more awareness, not because I want to have my name in the paper.”

12 The Catholic News & Herald

Pope, Bush discuss wide range of issues, including Iraq BUSH, from page 1

The pope and president looked relaxed as they greeted each other and spoke briefly with reporters before their 35-minute private encounter June 9.

Bush later held a separate 40-minute meeting with the Vatican’s top foreign policy officials.

A Vatican statement described the meetings as “cordial” and said they had focused in part on “the worrisome situation in Iraq and the critical conditions in which the Christian community finds itself.”

Tens of thousands of Christians have fled Iraq over the last four years to escape violence and discrimination.

The talks also touched on the overall situation in the Middle East, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and developments in Lebanon.

“The Holy See again expressed the hope for a ‘regional’ and ‘negotiated’ solution to the conflicts and crises that are tormenting the region,” the Vatican statement said.

Bush and the pope also discussed problems in Africa, the humanitarian crisis in Darfur and developments in Latin America, it said. “Finally, there was an examination of current moral and religious questions, including those related to human rights and religious freedom, the defense and promotion of life, marriage and the family, education of new generations and sustainable development,” the Vatican said.

Before the president’s visit, the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, went out of his way to

CNS photo by Kevin Lamarque, Reuters

U.S. President George W. Bush meets with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican June 9.

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June 15, 2007

from the cover

praise Bush for his position on abortion and for “positive initiatives in favor of the defense of life from conception.”

Exchanging pleasantries and gifts Bush arrived at the Vatican under very heavy security. The pope smiled broadly as he greeted Bush just outside his private library in the Apostolic Palace. The two men shook hands, and the pope ushered the president to a large desk. Reporters and photographers were allowed to stay for the first minute of the encounter.

“It’s good to be with you sir,” Bush said as he sat down opposite the pope.

“You come from the conference in Heiligendamm?” the pope said, referring to the G8 meeting in Germany.

“I did, your old country. And it was successful,” the president replied.

The pope asked whether Bush’s dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin was also successful. The president paused as photographers kept snapping photos and said: “I’ll tell you in a minute.”

Both men laughed. Putin and Bush had sparred over a U.S. proposal to build a missile defense system in Europe.

Bush then went on to tell the pope that he had recently asked Congress for $30 billion toward fighting the global AIDS crisis, a doubling of the previous U.S. commitment.

After reporters left, the two leaders met privately without aides or interpreters. Afterward, Bush’s entourage was introduced one-by-one to the pope, who handed each of them a medallion.

The pope and the president also exchanged gifts. Bush gave the pope a long wooden stick with a design representing the Ten Commandments.

Bush told him it had been made by a former homeless man in Dallas.

The pope presented Bush with an engraving of St. Peter’s Basilica and a gold medallion of his pontificate. The president remarked: “It’s beautiful, thank you very much.”

Concerns about Iraq The Vatican’s concern about Iraq was underlined in another way during the Bush visit.

As the president and the pope ended their meeting, the Vatican released a statement by the newly nominated prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches, Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, who said many Eastern-rite Catholics were suffering in Iraq, Lebanon and elsewhere because of “war, violence or fear of an uncertain future.” minimum; weekly for under $1000. Additional units available. Call 703-450-8480 or write wfkelle@aol.com for availability.

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Rates: $.70/word per issue ($14 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.

C h u r c h o ff i c i a l s h a v e b e e n increasingly distressed at the exodus of Iraqi Catholics following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

The last time Bush came for a papal audience, in 2004, Pope John Paul II told him of his deep concern for the situation in Iraq and reminded the president of the “unequivocal position” taken by the Vatican against the war.

During his first term, Bush met three times with Pope John Paul.

Before coming to see Pope Benedict, Bush told reporters that he would be in a “listening mode” when he met the 80year-old pontiff. He said a papal audience was always a “moving experience.

Sometimes I’m not poetic enough

to describe what it’s like to be in the presence of the Holy Father.”

After his meeting, Bush said the pope was “deeply concerned” about Christians in Iraq and feared that they were “being mistreated by the Muslim majority.”

The pope “was concerned that the society that was evolving would not tolerate the Christians’ religion,” Bush said during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Romani Prodi at Chigi Palace, the seat of Italy’s government.

“I assured (the pope) we were working hard to make sure” Iraqis would respect “that modern constitution voted on by the people that would honor people from different walks of life and different attitudes.”

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Greensboro has an immediate opening for a full time Director of Music Ministry. Applicant needs a solid background in traditional Catholic Masses and music, vocal, organ and piano skills, and the ability to motivate, expand and lead both youth and adult choirs. Salary commensurate with experience and ability. Full benefits available. Applicants who meet these requirements should send their resumes to: Tom Johnson, Our Lady of Grace Church, 201 South Chapman St., Greensboro, NC 27403; or fax to: (336) 274-7326.

Grant Writer Part-time grant writing position for Casa Guadalupe with possibility of full-time employment (with benefits). Research, identify, develop, and respond to public and private opportunities for funding in the area of Human Services. Bachelor's degree and writing sample required. Please submit resume and writing sample to Lisa Reyna at Catholic Social Services, P O Box 21314 Winston-Salem, NC 27120, or e-mail lcreyna@charlottediocese.org.

Applications must be postmarked by July 13, 2007.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC AND LITURGY Good Shepherd, Cumming, GA seeks full-time Director of Music and Liturgy to oversee 1600-family parish liturgical music program including adult choir, cantors and musical ensembles. Will work with parish staff on all liturgical needs and will assist in planning weddings and funerals as well as appropriate liturgical rites and prayers. Ability to implement additional musical ensembles required. Good working knowledge of Catholic liturgy with proven leadership skills and excellent musical abilities in keyboard and conducting. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Please fax resume and cover letter in c/o Fr. Peter J. Rau: 770-887-2241

Regional Minister of Christian Formation for Small Parishes The Catholic Diocese of Richmond seeks a Minister of Christian Formation for the Appalachian area of the diocese. The selected individual will support the local volunteer catechetical leaders in the 18 small parishes of Region 10 through consultation, resourcing, and implementation of the diocesan catechetical norms, and PATHWAYS, the diocesan catechist certification process. The regional minister will also promote Adult Faith Formation in the region and oversee the Region 10 Resource Library. The selected individual will have a master’s degree in Religious Education, Theology, or Pastoral Ministry, and have at least three years’ experience as a catechetical leader, preferably with small and/or rural parishes.

For a position description and additional information regarding this position, contact:

Dennis Beeman, 804-359-5661, ext. 113; dbeeman@richmonddiocese.org.

June 15, 2007

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The Catholic News & Herald 13

June 15, 2007

14 The Catholic News & Herald

Perspectives Reminders with occasion of the feast of Corpus Christi We recently had the joy of celebrating the feast of Corpus Christi (the Body and Blood of Christ). It is a perfect occasion to remind all faithful Catholics of the obligation to participate in this great mystery every Sunday, to observe the fast prescribed by the Catholic Church prior to Communion and to receive the sacramental species in grace, to be preceded by the sacrament of confession if necessary.

We faithful Catholics are grateful to be reminded of these obligations from our priests’ homilies. We need them, not only in this important feast, but often throughout the year.

I view homilies as excellent means for continuous doctrinal education and really appreciate these concrete and helpful messages to keep us closer to God. — Marina N. Carrillo Winston-Salem

Criticizing potential immigration reform

Regarding the article on immigration reform (“To welcome the strangers,” June 1), like many people, Bishop Thomas G. Wenski is missing a critical point in this current debate — he fails to make a distinction between legal and illegal immigrations. Legal immigrants are entitled to the benefits and protections of U.S. citizens. Illegal immigrants should have no rights.

Bishop Wenski does not understand that illegal immigrants have broken the law by sneaking across the border. In some instances, illegal immigrants have stolen social security numbers. This is a felony called “identity theft.”

Bishop Wenski also spoke about how deportation divides families, yet these people made a conscience decision to sneak across the border and start a family.

Did they expect that they would never be caught? All of the responsibility falls on the parents — they made their choices, let them deal with the consequences.

The way to stop illegal immigration is relatively straight forward — enforce the existing laws and make employers accountable for who they hire. If an employer is caught hiring an illegal, the employer should have to pay a hefty fine and serve jail time.

It is absolutely absurd to reward 12 to 20 million illegal immigrants with amnesty for breaking the law. It is simple greed that drives employers to want cheaper labor. Hold big business responsible, not the average law-abiding American citizen.

— Ted Jaskot Charlotte In “To welcome the strangers,”

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

Letters to the Editor Bishop Wenski raised many good points regarding Catholic social teaching as it relates to the current immigration debate.

As Catholics, we should and must react to the injustices committed against anyone, regardless of legal status.

However, Bishop Wenski presented a completely one-sided analysis and I challenge all Catholics to look at all the issues from all sides. Is justice served when illegal immigrants are granted amnesty while thousands of other immigrants wait in line to follow the process in a legal manner?

Is justice served when our students are subjected to a severely limited education because of the inability of so many new students to speak English?

Is justice served when our medical costs spiral upward to accommodate the millions who cannot pay?

Is justice served when U.S. citizens are forced to pay for the explosion in governmental services? The retirement portion of the amnesty provision of the bill currently being debated will generate a net cost of some $2.3 trillion alone.

The untold consequence of the new legislation concerns the voting pattern of the new citizens. If granted citizenship, many immigrants will undoubtedly vote for the party that promotes the “welfare state.” The inevitable stranglehold of the Democratic party on all branches of government — with its radical support of abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stemcell research, homosexuality, etc. — will directly conflict with Catholic moral teaching. Will justice be served when countless more of God’s children are aborted or euthanized?

— Paul E. Deer Charlotte

Response to David Hains’ ‘spin zone’ column Is “fair and balanced” the intent of David Hains’ June 1 column, “Catholics in the ‘spin zone’”? I failed to note the perspective of the conservative Catholic.

Did not Jesus reach out to tax collectors, soldiers, fishermen and rabbis — people of all political persuasions?

A study by researchers at Indiana University is the springboard for creating a fear-monger out of Bill O’Reilly in particular and Fox News in general.

This inflammatory conclusion is at once dangerously naïve or malevolent.

Contrary to the findings of Mr. Hains, as a frequent viewer of Bill O’Reilly’s show I have never witnessed an attack on law-abiding immigrants and foreigners. O’Reilly’s astute oratory against terrorism is a service to our country and to our faith.

Why is it that Mr. O’Reilly is not

credited for his effective defense of abused children?

Many people are attracted to O’Reilly’s program because of his consistent fight to preserve our JudeoChristian values in an increasingly secular and intolerant belief system. As a retired Catholic schoolteacher, I am proud that O’Reilly has made the public aware of these issues.

— Deanna Hagan Huntersville David Hains’ column “Catholics in the ‘spin zone’” was not very wellresearched. Indeed, the study from which Mr. Hains quotes was debunked several weeks prior.

The Indiana University researchers used terms like “conservative” and “liberal” in their count of “names.”

Certainly, if a political commentator is to be charged with name calling every time he utters the word “conservative” then it’s surprising the count wasn’t far higher.

The intentionally skewed results of this study were ignored by O’Reilly’s rivals in the media, and yet here I read about the study in our diocesan newspaper. It’s irresponsible journalism, to say the least. Not only does political rhetoric have no place in a diocesan newspaper, but the irresponsible printing of false claims and bad facts has no place in any respectable publication.

Mr. Hains owes us a retraction, if the case is that he simply did not research the facts. If this was deliberate, he owes us an apology for attempting to mislead us, and he owes Mr. O’Reilly an apology for unjustly attacking his credibility.

— H. Kennedy McGovern Clemmons Does David Hains watch The O’Reilly Factor on a regular basis, or is he just taking his information from other sources?

O’Reilly’s favorite targets? He complains about illegal immigrants who commit crimes; judges who sentence child molesters to light sentences; people who constantly cut down our country, giving fuel for our enemies and terrorists.

Wow! How nervy of him. Thank God someone has the guts to do it.

— Catherine H. Bauer Hayesville David Hains’ characterization of Bill O’Reilly was so off-base — to lump O’Reilly in with Hitler and Mussolini was incredible!

The sad reality is that in most of our mainstream media, the conservative point of view is not being heard or presented appropriately. Before Fox News, the only way to hear a fair and balanced report was to read The Wall Street Journal. Now, at least there is a network that gives both sides of the story when reporting on a host of issues that affect our country.

Fox News and The O’Reilly Factor deserve more credit than you offer for covering issues from both sides — if you were a regular viewer, you would know that O’Reilly is not a Republican patsy and he disagrees with the Bush Administration on a number of issues.

Today I see what millions of

Americans see — a media that is biased toward a secular society steeped in the wants and needs of the individual. I don’t always agree with what Bill O’Reilly says, but at least Fox News is talking about conservative issues and successfully rebutting liberal diatribe.

— Ralph A. Castillo Sparta David Hains’ column “Catholics in the ‘spin zone’” does a disservice to himself, his readers and The Catholic News & Herald. His comparison of Bill O’Reilly’s program and Father Charles Coughlin’s radio program rises to the level of ridiculous. The only comparison is that they were both media personalities.

There is no question that Father Coughlin was opposed to the U.S. intervention in the war in Europe. But to compare O’Reilly’s and Father Coughlin’s use of “name calling” is pure hyperbole, despite the questionable “research” cited. In fact, Mr. Hains reverts to the very same tactic by labeling O’Reilly as a fear-mongerer.

— John C. Tuffy Murphy I am a news junkie; I watch all the networks and I personally like a strong debate — this shows that both sides are getting a fair hearing. Is David Hains afraid of someone challenging the standard left of center views? As Catholics, we should encourage open, honest debate, not condemn it, especially when our values are given a fair hearing.

I do not always agree with Bill O’Reilly, but he does often promote Catholic viewpoints: anti-abortion, pro-Christmas, pro-child, anti-porn, proreligion, pro-family. He is very vocal about his anti-abortion stance — why was this not reported?

On a recent episode of The O’Reilly Factor, O’Reilly exposed a doctor who was performing late-term abortions.

During that show O’Reilly did “name call” — he called the doctor a “murderer.”

Is it wrong to call a doctor performing an abortion a murderer?

We should be glad to have a strong media personality such as O’Reilly supporting moral convictions and we should not completely condemn him.

Complete condemnation is not Catholic, it is political ideology.

— Brian Walser Charlotte

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June 15, 2007

The Catholic News & Herald 15

To distribute the wealth Keeping our promises to the world’s poor Every day 25,000 people — 18,000 of them children — perish from not having enough food to eat. And every year over 9 million fellow human beings die because they are too poor to live.

These appalling facts reported from Friends of the World Food Program should deeply disturb those of us who have more than enough to live well.

These facts should especially bother the consciences of the leaders of the world’s richest nations.

As I write, heads of the G-8 (the Group of Eight), the world’s leading industrial nations, which includes the United States, are meeting in Germany to discuss global economic issues of mutual interest.

But as they deliberate over how to better assist each other’s economies, they should more importantly commit themselves to ensuring that the world’s poor have a valued place at their economic tables.

Since being poor is the principle cause of hunger, they should vow to rapidly eliminate global poverty. And they can begin by honoring past promises.

To this point, presidents of the bishops’ conferences of seven of the G-8 nations sent letters to the leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Russia, Canada, France and Germany, urging these political leaders to honor the commitments made at the G8 summit in Scotland two years ago.

There the world’s richest countries promised to spend an additional $50 billion per year on foreign assistance by 2010, with half that amount going to Africa. But the Organization for

Economic Cooperation and Development reports that foreign aid levels have remained stagnant through 2006.

Recently Pope Benedict XVI called for a more just distribution of the wealth of the planet.

The pope said, “In the modern world it is more than ever important to affirm the bonds that unite countries, with special attention toward the poorest nations. ... Authorities in all countries have a duty to work together to ensure greater distribution of the wealth and resources of the planet.”

Pope Benedict expressed hope “for a renewed commitment among all nations, especially the richest, to ensure that all human beings may become aware of their responsibility in this matter and accept a transformation of lifestyle with a view to an evermore just distribution” of wealth.

Commitments made at the 2007 G-8 summit will do little to alleviate the

Making a Difference TONY MAGLIANO cns columnist

misery of the world’s poor unless we insist that our political leaders honor past and present promises.

Please e-mail, write or call President Bush (White House comment desk: (202) 456-1111) and your two U.S. senators and congressperson (Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121), urging them to appropriate an additional several billion dollars per year to global poverty reduction assistance — as our government promised to do at the 2005 G-8 summit.

Waiting until 2010 will only allow tremendous misery to continue.

Also, please regularly give whatever you can to help the poorest of the poor.

Hunger will not end until we demand justice for the poor, give generously to their needs and keep all our promises.

Small is beautiful

alternative.”

One of the contentions of the university students was that people’s appetites were geared to making things forever bigger. To back up their thinking they pointed to regular-size hamburgers becoming Big Macs; simple station wagons becoming SUVs; skyscrapers getting taller; ordinary homes becoming gigantic mansions.

Unwilling to do without some foods out of season, some countries import them from other parts of the world where they are in season. As one professor on Lehrer’s “NewsHour” pointed out, flying in cargoes of food requires jets, and jets pollute the atmosphere. He lauded farmers markets because people didn’t need to travel to purchase local produce.

No doubt curbing appetites is necessary, but how do you curb an appetite once it has been cultivated? Changing ingrained habits is extremely difficult.

One meaning of the word “appetite” is “to have a craving.” The word “crave” can also mean to desire something one feels he or she has a right to.

One answer to curbing an appetite is to realize no one has an unlimited right to the resources of this earth. They are

POPE BENEDICT XVI VATICAN CITY (CNS) — True believers look at the life and history of the Catholic Church seeking signs of God’s love, rather than trying to highlight the curious or being fixated by the scandalous, Pope Benedict XVI said.

When Catholics take church history seriously, they are inspired to live lives that are more Christian so that they, too, may add their own evidence of God’s greatness, the pope said June 13 at his weekly general audience.

Pope Benedict focused on the thirdcentury Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea, the author of a 10-volume history of the church. Eusebius set a “moral” standard for recounting church history, the pope said. The aim of a church history “is not just to know the past,” but to prompt reflection leading to “conversion and an authentic witness of Christian life on the part of the faithful.”

Eusebius’ approach to history “invites us to be in awe, to contemplate in history the great works of God for the salvation of humanity and, with as much energy, he invites us to the conversion of life,” Pope Benedict said. “Let us do everything in our lives in order to leave a trace of God’s love.”

Here is the Vatican text of Pope Benedict XVI’s remarks in English.

Curbing ‘appetites’ may help curb global warming As I watched the “NewsHour” with Jim Lehrer recently, I told myself, “I’ve been here before.”

In a discussion on global warming, an expert on climate change suggested we need to change our ideas about bigness, to think more in terms of smallness.

Several years ago while cycling through Europe, I met a group of university students who were proponents of E. F. Schumacher’s book “Small Is Beautiful.” The British economist proposes thinking in terms of smaller, less and fewer: “For humane, aesthetic, moral and political reasons, the overwhelming nature of modern technology threatens a quality of life that has meaning, freedom of choice, a human sense of scale and an equal chance for justice and individual creativity.

“Supporters of this viewpoint have proposed a value system in which all people recognize that the earth’s resources are limited and that human life must be structured around a commitment to control the growth of industry, the size of cities and the use of energy.

“Restoration and renewal of natural resources has become the technological objectives of the appropriate-technology

True believers look at life of church seeking God’s love, says pope The Pope Speaks

The Human Side FATHER EUGENE HEMRICK cns columnist

gifts of nature and ultimately a gift from God. If we are to conserve resources and protect the environment, practicing gratitude in its deepest spiritual sense is imperative.

Developing a sense of heartfelt thankfulness is our best means for developing an ecological revolution aimed at saving our planet.

For thankfulness to truly move us, however, it must be based on a reverence of God. One of the meanings of reverence is to be in awe. The more we are in awe of God’s gifts, the more we will cherish them.

To know how true this is, all we need do is recall a gift we received from a dear friend and how we made every effort to preserve and cherish it.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Continuing our catechesis on the writers of the early church, we turn today to Eusebius of Caesarea.

The many theological, exegetical and historical writings of Eusebius reflect the rich Christian culture of his time, which spanned the period of the last persecutions, the peace of the church under Constantine and the controversies surrounding the Council of Nicaea.

He attended the council as the bishop of Caesarea and subscribed its teaching on the Son’s divinity and consubstantiality with the Father. Eusebius is best known for his “Ecclesiastical History,” which documented the first centuries of the church’s life and preserved much precious evidence which would otherwise be lost.

His Christocentric approach to history emphasized the gradual revelation of God’s merciful love for humanity, culminating in the coming of Christ, the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the church. Eusebius’ writings continue to inspire Christians in every age to let their study of history bear fruit in a greater appreciation of God’s saving works, a deeper conversion to Christ and a more generous witness to the Gospel in everyday life.

June 15, 2007

The Catholic News & Herald 16

in the news

Nourishment in the ‘desert’

Pope says Eucharist essential for Christians in often-hostile world

by CINDY WOODEN catholic news service

CNS photo by Chris Helgren, Reuters

Pope Benedict XVI leads a eucharistic procession in Rome on the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ June 7.

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ROME (CNS) — Before leading a Corpus Christi procession with the Eucharist through the streets of Rome, Pope Benedict XVI said the sacrament is essential nourishment for Christians walking through an often-hostile world.

“For every Christian generation, the Eucharist is the indispensable nourishment that sustains them as they cross the desert of this world,” he said in his June 7 homily for the feast of the Body and Blood of the Lord.

The world is “made arid by ideological and economic systems that do not promote life, but rather mortify it,” he said during the Mass celebrated outside Rome’s Basilica of St. John Lateran.

Ours is “a world where the logic of power and possessing dominates more than that of service and love; a world where often the culture of violence and death triumphs,” the pope said.

“But Jesus comes to meet us and reassure us: He himself is the bread of life,” Pope Benedict said.

The pope rode in the procession in the back of an open flatbed truck. The pope knelt before the Blessed Sacrament as security officers and candle-bearing altar servers, bishops and cardinals walked beside the truck.

Because the Mass was considered a Rome diocesan event, despite the thousands of foreigners present, Pope Benedict celebrated the liturgy, including the eucharistic prayer, in Italian rather than Latin.

The pope told people gathered for the Mass that they should not be surprised that many people have difficulty accepting church teaching that Jesus is truly present in Eucharist.

The real presence is a mystery, and “a God who becomes flesh and sacrifices himself for the life of the world puts human wisdom in crisis,” he said.

But Catholics continue to proclaim the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist

and, in traditional Corpus Christi processions, they bear witness to their faith by carrying the Eucharist through their cities, the pope said.

Pope Benedict said Luke’s Gospel account of the miracle of the loaves and fishes emphasizes the fact that everyone present ate and was filled.

In the same way, he said, the public procession “calls attention to the fact that Christ sacrificed himself for all humanity,” the pope said. “His passage between the houses and along the streets of our city will be an offering of joy, of eternal life, peace and love to those who live there.”

Pope Benedict said Luke’s Gospel story also emphasizes the fact that the bread and fish multiplied by Jesus were offered by people in the crowd.

“The five loaves and two fish indicate our contribution, poor but necessary, which he transforms into a gift of love for all,” the pope said.

The Eucharist, he said, calls Christians to give themselves to others “because the vocation of each of us is to be, like Christ, bread broken for the life of the world.”

CNS photo by Chris Helgren, Reuters

Pope Benedict XVI kneels before the Blessed Sacrament in Rome June 7.