Aug. 4, 2006

August 4, 2006

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Labor of love

Parish Habitat project builds home, hope | Page 5

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI August 4, 2006

Spreading the word

Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

Kids in the crossfire

by CINDY WOODEN catholic news service

DAVID HAINS

guest columist

Diocese launches podcast on Web site

See HAINS, page 13

Program sheds light on issues of human trafficking A representative of the U.S. b i s ho p s ’ M i gra t i o n and Refugee Services visited the Diocese of Charlotte today, Aug. 4, to address the global problem of human trafficking, which affects an estimated 700,000 to For the story, see page 17

no. 37

Pope repeats calls for Mideast ceasefire, cites deaths of children

Catholics & the Media

Several months ago I wrote a column about Pope Benedict XVI’s new iPod. The Holy Father was given one of the listening devices from Vatican Radio.

Putting together the column led me to some research about podcasting.

Even though I already owned an iPod, I wasn’t aware of its capabilities until I started reading about and then listening to podcasts. Before long I was hooked on this new form of communication.

As a result, and with the support of the diocesan chancery, this week we debut the program “docPod, the Diocese of Charlotte Podcast.”

vOLUME 15

CNS photo by Norbert Schiller

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI renewed his appeal for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, saying nothing could justify the shedding of innocent blood, particularly the blood of so many children.

Three days after an Israeli air raid in Qana, Lebanon, led to the deaths of 56 civilians, including at least 37 children, Pope Benedict asked people attending his Aug. 2 general audience at the Vatican to continue “to pray for the dear and martyred region of the Middle East.”

“Our eyes are filled with the chilling images of people’s bodies — especially children’s — torn apart. I am thinking particularly of Qana in Lebanon,” he said.

Sister Marie-Therese, director of St. Vincent Catholic School in Beirut, makes certain refugees staying at the school have what they need July 23. Sister Marie-Therese opened the doors of the school to hundreds of Shiite Muslims escaping the violence in southern Lebanon.

See WAR, page 6

Looking back, looking

Hayesville parish celebrates 50 years of faith by

JOANITA M. NELLENBACH correspondent

HAYESVILLE — Way back in the old days — the mid-1950s — non-Catholics often outnumbered Catholics at Mass in Hayesville. “ We h a d a b o u t f i v e Catholics and about 50 non-Catholics who came to

Mass — in Latin,” Glenmary Father Joseph Dean said. “They liked the doctrine about the Eucharist.”

During Mass July 28, Father Dean reminisced in his homily and at the reception afterward about the first events in Immaculate Heart of Mary See ANNIVERSARY, page12

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Joining in that old-time tent revival music are Pat McClure (left), Carol Maloof, Glenmary Fathers Robert Bond and Joseph Dean and Ellen McCray Bailey at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church July 28.

Faithfully retired

Culture Watch

Perspectives

CSS directors, multicultural worker leave legacies

Catholic radio grows; singer insults pope

Eucharistic Congress memoirs; finding self-esteem

| Pages 8-9

| Pages 14-15

| Pages 18-19

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

August 4, 2006

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

Care on wheels

Early Christian manuscript discovery excites Irish museum DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) — The discovery of an early Christian manuscript in an Irish bog has been called the “Irish equivalent to the Dead Sea Scrolls” by specialists from the National Museum of Ireland.

Fragments of an ancient church manuscript were found July 20 when an alert bulldozer driver spotted an unusual object in the earth of Ireland’s southern Midlands.

The find appears to be a Psalter dating from the early Middle Ages.

“It is impossible to say how the manuscript ended up in the bog. It may have been lost in transit or dumped after a raid, possibly more than 1,000 to 1,200 years ago,” museum specialists said July 26.

So far only one page of the vellum is legible, identified as Psalm 83, which refers to God’s lamentation when the people of Israel are at war.

Diocesan planner CNS photo by John Bohuslaw, Catholic Transcript

Archbishop Henry J. Mansell of Hartford, Conn., blesses the Malta House of Care Inc. July 12 outside St. Peter Church in downtown Hartford. The free, mobile health care clinic has begun offering health care one day a week outside the church. Archbishop Mansell has committed $100,000 a year for three years to support the project.

Mobile clinic gives free health care outside Catholic HARTFORD, Conn. (CNS) — A free, mobile health care clinic has begun offering health care one day a week outside a Catholic church in downtown Hartford to help care for the poor and uninsured in one of America’s poorest cities.

Hartford Archbishop Henry J. Mansell, who has committed $100,000 a year for three years in support of the project, dedicated the clinic on July 13. It is one of the initiatives that the 2006 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal is supporting.

The primary care clinic, called the Malta House of Care, will put an emphasis on prenatal, gynecological and pediatric care, according to J.P. van Rooy, a member of the Knights of Malta who is spearheading the project.

“The Malta House of Care will provide services regardless of clients’ race, religious creed or membership in local churches,” said Archbishop Mansell.

Van Rooy said all medications are being provided free of charge to patients, adding that they likely will be provided by local hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and foundations, which already are offering in-kind support to the project.

Services and pharmaceuticals will be offered on a first-come, first served basis.

St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, which donated the vehicle, has also pledged its support. The mobile clinic bears a St. Francis logo and the

eight-pointed cross of the Knights of Malta.

Patients in need of emergency care will be sent to local hospitals.

The initial clinical staff will consist of volunteer health care professionals from the area, including active and retired staff from St. Francis Hospital.

Van Rooy said the Knights of Malta have a strong interest in helping to improve the health of the people of Hartford.

Statistics show that Hartford, which has a population of about 120,000, is ranked as the eighthpoorest city in the United States. More than 10 percent of the population reportedly is uninsured.

Van Rooy said the Knights of Malta envision a staff of at least one physician, several nurses and administrative personnel.

John Schuster has been appointed as executive director of the newly formed Malta House of Care, which will operate the mobile health clinic. Plans call eventually for a building in which to house central operations supplemented by the mobile health clinic.

Schuster said that as the program grows, the van will spend one day at a time at different parish sites in Hartford to determine how many people will come.

He said, “We will adjust the van’s future movements to where services are needed.” He added that clinicians and

BOONE VICARIATE SPRUCE PINE — A Rosary of Intercession for Priests is recited each Friday at St. Lucien Church, 695 Summit St., before the 9 a.m. Mass.

Prayers are offered for bishops, priests and deacons, and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood. For more information, call the church office at (828) 765-2224.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CHARLOTTE — A Rosary and Benediction will follow the 5:30 p.m. Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. East, Aug. 5. The rosary will be offered for an end to abortion and all the culture of death.

CHARLOTTE — The Vietnamese Cursillo invites all Cursillistas to an ultreya, Mass and picnic Aug. 20 at Reedy Creek Park. The day’s events will begin at 10 a.m. and end with Mass at 4 p.m. RSVP by Aug. 13 to Nam Le at (704) 549-1525.

CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church will host a Christian Coffeehouse Aug. 26, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Roof with a View in the Cedar Hill Building, 800 W. Hill St. in uptown Charlotte. Single and married adults are invited for an evening of contemporary Christian music, food and fellowship. For more information, call Kathy Bartlett at (704) 400-2213.

CHARLOTTE — The Society of Mary and Martha meets the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd. For more information, call Peggy Pohlheber at (704) 588-7311.

CHARLOTTE —The Young Widowed Group meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the Fellowship Hall of St. Ga-

Pat Wallace, museum director, called the ancient manuscript’s survival and discovery “almost miraculous,” saying it was an extremely fragile object.

“It is not so much the fragments themselves, but what they represent, that is of such staggering importance,” Wallace said.

“In my wildest hopes, I could only have dreamed of a discovery as fragile and rare as this. It testifies to the incredible richness of the early Christian civilization of this island and to the greatness of ancient Ireland,” he said.

When the book has been restored and preserved by the museum’s laboratory, it will go on display in the National Museum in Dublin, alongside the Ardagh chalice and the Derrynaflan paten.

Excavations at the discovery site are under way to see if more fragments of the manuscript can be found or if it was buried near other valuable objects. briel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. For more information, contact facilitator Sister Therese Galligan at (704) 362-5047, ext. 216.

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. For reservations and more information, call Elaine at (704) 847-2835.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE HIGH POINT— Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4145 Johnson St., will begin the third series of the Hope of Seeing Everyone Again program. HOSEA is a program to invite Catholics who have distanced themselves from the Catholic Church, for whatever reason, to return. This small group will meet beginning Sept. 5, 7-9 p.m. and will meet weekly for six weeks to discuss various issues and concerns and to receive pastoral referrals and guidance. For more information, contact Larry Kwan at (336) 688-1220.

GUILFORD COUNTY — The Ancient Order of Hibernians Guilford County Division, the oldest and largest order of Irish Catholic men, is looking for more Irish Catholic men to join them for meetings, educational seminars and social events.

Contact Michael Slane at (336) 665-9264 for time and location.

HICKORY VICARIATE NEWTON — Fostering Justice Worldwide, sponsored by the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace, will share Catholic Relief Services (CRS) stories. This free event will take place at St. Joseph Church, 720 West 13th St., St., Sept. 9, 1:30-5 p.m. The program will provide an overview of Catholic social teaching, CRS-related work in the Diocese of Charlotte, CRS work in Africa, presentations on effective advocacy and more.

This event will be repeated in Stoneville Nov. 4.

For specific details about the Saturday afternoon events please call the Office of Justice and Peace

August 4, 2006 Volume 15 • Number 37

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.

The Catholic News & Herald 3

August 4, 2006

FROM THE VATICAN

Vatican official: Kneeling expresses meeting Jesus in the Eucharist VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Kneeling during the consecration at Mass is the most appropriate way to express the fact that in the Eucharist one meets Jesus, who was bowed down by the weight of human sin, said an article by a Vatican official.

“The Lord lowered himself to the point of death on the cross in order to encounter sinful man, freeing him from sin,” said the article in “Notitiae,” the bulletin of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.

“If the Eucharist represents the sacramental memorial of the death and resurrection of the Lord, it seems appropriate that those for whom the Lord bowed himself down would bow down before this supreme mystery of love,” wrote Msgr. Stephan Hunseler, a congregation official from Germany.

The late-July article said that Christ’s self-emptying “reaches its climax when the lord Jesus Christ takes on himself, as the lamb of God, all the

sins of the world.”

When people kneel during the consecration, it said, they not only are assuming a position of humility, but are bowing down to meet Jesus where Jesus has bowed down to meet them.

“Kneeling during the consecration of the Eucharist, therefore, becomes one of the most eloquent moments of meeting Christ the lord,” the article said.

The 2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal, which provides guidelines for the Mass, said the faithful “should kneel at the consecration, except when prevented on occasion by reasons of health, lack of space, the large number of people present or some other good reason. Those who do not kneel ought to make a profound bow when the priest genuflects after the consecration.”

The U.S. bishops’ adaptation of that section of the instruction reads: “(The faithful) should kneel beginning after the

at (704) 370-3234 or (704) 370-3225, or e-mail justicepeace@charlottediocese.org.

Chapel, 211 W. Third St. Conventual Franciscan Father Conall McHugh will speak on “Meditating with the Bible” at the Sept. 6 program. Laura Graban– will speak on “Reconciliation: the Sacrament of Healing” at the Sept. 13 program. For more information and to RSVP, call Sister Kathy Ganiel at (336) 6241971 or e-mail kganiel@triad.rr.com.

SALISBURY VICARIATE SALISBURY — Catholic recording artist Michael John Poirier will perform a free concert Aug. 11 at 8 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 128 North Fulton St. For information on the musician or to listen to his music, visit www.riverormercy.org.

For more information, contact Dr. Martha Shuping at (336) 659-1342.

MOORESVILLE — A Support Group for Parents Who Have Lost a Child of any Age meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Rd. We draw strength from others’ experience of loss and grief.

For more information, call Joy at (704) 664-3992.

MOORESVILLE — Seniors ages 55 and up are invited to St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Rd., the second Saturday of each month following the 5:30 p.m. Mass for Senior Games Night, featuring games and a potluck dinner. Call Barbara Daigler at (704) 662-9752 for details.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN VICARIATE WAYNESVILLE — The Catholic Women’s Circle of St. John the Evangelist Church, 234 Church St., meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the church hall. For more information, call the church office at (828) 456-6707.

FRANKLIN — The Women’s Guild of St. Francis of Assisi Church, 299 Maple St., meets the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Family Life Center. The meetings feature guest speakers and special events periodically. For more information, call Claire Barnable at (828) 369-1565.

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE WINSTON-SALEM — The Spirit of Assisi hosts a Wednesday Lunch & Speaker Series each Wednesday, 12:30-1:15 p.m., at the Fatima

Episcopal

KERNERSVILLE — Catholic recording artist Michael John Poirier will perform a free concert Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, 616 S. Cherry St. For information on the musician or to listen to his music, visit www.riverofmercy.org. For more information, contact Dr. Martha Shuping at (336) 659-1342.

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.

singing or recitation of the Sanctus until after the amen of the eucharistic prayer, except when prevented on occasion by reasons of health, lack of space, the large number of people present, or some other good reason. Those who do not kneel

ought to make a profound bow when the priest genuflects after the consecration.

The faithful kneel after the Agnus Dei unless the diocesan bishop determines otherwise.”

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Cardinal

Cardinal says commission to review alleged apparitions at Medjugorje Vinko Puljic of Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, announced a commission would be formed to review the alleged Marian apparitions at Medjugorje and pastoral provisions for the thousands of pilgrims who visit the town each year.

“The commission members have not been named yet,” Cardinal Puljic told Catholic News Service in a July 24 telephone interview. “I am awaiting suggestions from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith” on theologians to appoint.

“But this commission will be under the (Bosnian) bishops’ conference” as is the usual practice with alleged apparitions, he said.

The cardinal said he did not expect the commission to be established until sometime in September because of the summer holidays.

He said the primary task of the commission would be to review a 1991 report from the region’s bishops that concluded, “It cannot be affirmed that these matters concern supernatural apparitions or revelations.”

In addition, he said, the commission would be asked to review pastoral

provisions that forbid official diocesan and parish pilgrimages to Medjugorje, while at the same time allowing priests to accompany groups of Catholics in order to provide the sacraments and spiritual guidance.

When asked if the new commission was the idea of the doctrinal congregation or of the bishops’ conference, Cardinal Puljic said, “I would rather not asnwer that question.”

Cardinal Puljic announced the future formation of the commission during the bishops’ July 12-14 meeting in Banja Luka.

On June 25, thousands of pilgrims converged on Medjugorje to mark the 25th anniversary of the first alleged apparition to six young people.

The Vatican continues to monitor events at Medjugorje, where the apparitions apparently continue, but it has not taken a formal position other than to support the bishops’ ban on official pilgrimages.

Officials from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith were not available July 24 for comment.

Efficient operator

WINSTON-SALEM — St. Benedict the Moor Church, 1625 East 12th St., hosts a 12:15 p.m. prayer service, Veni Sanctus Spiritus, the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

All are welcome to reflect on God and refresh the spirit in the middle of a day. For more information call Sister Larretta RiveraWilliams at (336) 725-9200.

Is your parish or school sponsoring a free event open to the general public? Please submit notices for the Diocesan Planner at least 7 days prior to desired publication date (Fridays) in writing to Karen A. Evans at kaevans@ charlottediocese.org or fax to (704) 370-3382.

CNS photo by Daniele Colarieti, Catholic Press Photo

calendar

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

Aug. 8 — 6 p.m.

Gathering for Seminarians and Priests Bishop Jugis’ residence, Charlotte Aug. 11 — 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Priesthood Vocational Discernment Day St. Joseph Church, Newton Aug. 13 — 12:30 p.m. Mass

Knights of the Holy Sepulchre Scroll Mass St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte Aug. 15 — 11 a.m.

40th Anniversary Celebration Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Cherokee

The flag of the Philippines sits on her desk as a nun handles a call at the Vatican July 22. The Vatican’s switchboard operators receive about 2,000 calls a day. All are answered by nuns who come from different places around the globe and speak a variety of languages.

CORRECTION

In the July 21 issue, Marianist Fathers Richard Kuhn and George Onida were incorrectly referred to as Glenmary priests in photo captions. The Catholic News & Herald regrets the error.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese

August 4, 2006

Helping make ‘Room at the

Volunteers sort donations, assist program’s efforts KEVIN E. MURRAY by

reach women,” said Brown. “We have a small staff but a big response from the community with donations, so volunteers are key to help manage and organize the distribution of items.”

More than just a place to live, Room at the Inn offers a Christ-centered rehabilitation program based on education, personal responsibility and spiritual direction punctuated with mental-health and adoption counseling services.

Transportation to medical and social appointments, work and school is provided, as is training in parenting, nutrition, budgeting, chastity and job skills. Mothers often work to pay off past creditors and to restore credit ratings.

Since opening its doors in December 1994, Room at the Inn has served more than 300 women and their children through its residency program.

The outreach center opened three years ago to assist mothers who had delivered their babies. Eight women and eight babies were helped the first year.

The next year, the center was opened to all mothers in need. Fifty individuals were served the second year.

“More than 400 women were served this last fiscal year,” said Gareis.

Room At The Inn recently received a $50,000 two-year grant from the Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation, Inc. to provide support for its Pre-Natal Counseling and Extended After-Care and Outreach Program. This newly established, non-residential program has served more than 200 pregnant mothers and 350 newborns/infants/toddlers in the last two years.

As a response to research showing that 37 percent of all pregnant college-age women have abortions, Room at the Inn is launching a program to provide the organization’s professional services to pregnant students on area college campuses.

“For many, they have to choose between continuing their education or having their babies,” said Gareis. “We don’t want them to have to choose.”

As such, Room at the Inn announced last fall that it will open a new maternity home on property owned

by Belmont Abbey in Belmont. The plan is to help expectant mothers give birth to their babies while continuing their education, either at Belmont Abbey College or another local college.

While the project is not a part of Belmont Abbey College, it will offer its students with volunteer and

editor

CHARLOTTE — At Room at the Inn, expectant mothers have a welcoming place to stay.

And thanks to the generosity of strangers and the efforts of young Catholic volunteers, those mothers have clothes for themselves and their babies.

A dozen members of Compass organized donated clothes and other items at Room at the Inn’s Outreach Center in Charlotte July 22.

“It was a huge help. Unless we have someone to go through the donations, they just sit there,” said Jennifer Gareis, an intern with Room at the Inn. “We need to get the clothes and other items out into our store because there is a constant need for them,” she said.

Room at the Inn is a Catholic maternity home that offers pregnancy assistance for unmarried pregnant women and their babies, both born and unborn.

The outreach center features a store, Fay’s Family Boutique, which provides free clothing, shoes and other accessories for new and expectant mothers and their babies.

“We want the mothers to feel welcome and leave with a sense of dignity ... and maybe have some fun while shopping,” said Gareis.

Compass, a Charlotte-area group of Catholics in their 20s to 40s, organizes social, community service and faith formation events monthly. The group has previously volunteered at Room at the Inn. “We wanted to help Room at the Inn reach more women, because we have a strong desire to spread the word that this is the true choice — to have your baby — and that there is help out there if you need it,” said Jennifer Schumacher, chair of Compass’ community service committee.

At Room at the Inn, the Compass volunteers sorted donated clothing, performed yard work around the facility and assembled “Shower in a Bag” packages — baby shower items such as blankets, bibs, clothes and toys for new and expectant mothers.

“For some expectant mothers, it may be the only time they have a baby shower,” said Gareis. “It’s also a way to welcome the babies and their mothers, and to help introduce them to the program.”

Help from the community is vital, according to Cindy Brown, Room at the Inn’s executive director.

“Volunteer help is vital to the success and ability of our program to

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Volunteers from the Catholic group Compass sort donated clothing items at Room at the Inn’s outreach center in Charlotte July 22. internship opportunities.

“We’re excited because we’ll be able to serve more pregnant women and their babies,” said Brown. “The women who are at the highest risk to have abortions ... will see that they do have a choice and the resources to stay in school and have their babies.”

Room at the Inn is in the process of conducting a planning study to accurately assess the potential for success of a capital campaign to fund the proposed new facility, according to Brown.

In the meantime, volunteers help sort the donated items and help provide assistance and dignity to expecting mothers.

“It was a positive experience for all involved,” said Schumacher. “We’d love to go back, and probably will.”

Contact Editor Kevin E. Murray by calling (704) 370-3334 or e-mail kemurray@charlottediocese.org.

WANT MORE INFO? For more information on Compass, visit www.compass-catholic.com. For more about Room at the Inn, visit www. rati.org, or call (704) 704) 525-4673.

August 4, 2006

The Catholic News & Herald 5

around the diocese

A labor of love and faith

getting volunteers, according to Hoeing.

“We got ahead of schedule; the volunteers who signed up showed up and worked really hard,” she said. “The Habitat crew was also very enabling.”

Habitat for Humanity carefully scrutinizes its applicants. Qualifications for prospective homeowners are that they have a consistent history of employment and currently live in substandard housing.

The homeowner pays $68,000 for the home and is provided a 20-year, interest-free mortgage. They must complete extensive “homeowner” education, which includes courses in personal finance and home maintenance.

Another criterion is that owners must be able to provide a certain number of “sweat equity hours” in the construction of their homes and that of other Habitat homes.

Parish’s Habitat project builds home, hope by

SUSAN deGUZMAN correspondent

WINSTON-SALEM — A 26-yearold mother of two has a new home, thanks to parishioners of St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem.

Under the supervision of the Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County, approximately 200 volunteers erected walls, installed shingles, painted rooms and planted shrubs to make the family’s dream come true.

“There was a lot of enthusiasm for the project,” said Beth Hoeing, who coordinated the volunteers.

“St. Leo’s got involved in a house many years ago and I have been waiting all these years to do it again,” said Dave Harless, who helped with the construction.

The recent undertaking began more than a year ago, according to Bill Green, who helped initiate the project along with fellow parishioners Grover and Rene Myers.

They approached Father Thomas Kessler, pastor, with the idea for the parish to take on a Habitat house of its own.

With Father Kessler’s blessing, a steering committee was formed to get the project off the ground.

Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian ministry that operates worldwide to provide affordable housing to lowincome, working families living in substandard conditions. The Forsyth County chapter had completed construction of its 200th home when St. Leo the Great Church began its project.

The stipulation for taking on a Habitat house is that the sponsoring group raises $50,000, which covers the cost of the hard materials. In November 2005,

Courtesy Photo by Bill Green

Parishioners from St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem, including Patsy Hudson (standing), help construct a Habitat for Humanity house in April.

Father Kessler approached the parish to determine the level of interest, both financially and physically, to undertake the project.

“The project was initiated, supported and executed in a very enthusiastic manner by our parishioners,” he said.

“In response to a simple pulpit announcement at all the Masses one weekend, 22 individuals or families offered to donate $2,500 each to raise the $50,000 needed.

When it came to volunteers to actually do the labor, once again the response was more than necessary,” he said.

Father Johnathan (Hanic, parochial vicar) and I were inspired by our parishioners’ zeal to put their faith into action by performing yet another corporal work of mercy — to shelter the homeless,” said Father Kessler.

Building the house Construction began April 1 with a four-day work blitz. Approximately 20 people showed up each day, along with members of the parish Bible study group and Boy Scout troop, who prepared and served lunch and snacks to the workers.

The Habitat crew, who worked onsite with the volunteers, was impressed with the amount accomplished in such a short time.

Construction continued in the weeks following, Tuesdays through Saturdays, with eight to 10 people showing up each day, and tapering off slightly as the house was close to completion.

There was never any difficulty

A ‘faith-based initiative’ The new homeowner, her 7-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter were grateful to the parishioners of St. Leo the Great Church. She is happy that her children now have a safe neighborhood in which to play, that her family will have a chance to develop friendships with the neighbors.

Parishioner Bill Green worked alongside the mother on several occasions, including the first day she saw the house.

“She was not prepared to talk and completely broke down with emotion, feeling so joyful and appreciative,” said Green. “She said, ‘I can’t thank all of you enough for giving me this opportunity.’”

The labor was beneficial to the parishioners, as well.

“You do outreach to help other people, but in doing so, you find out how much your own parish community benefits from it. The sense of satisfaction ... that we get from working together ... is amazing,” said Green.

“You learn the technical skills of building a house, but you also learn a lot about how to work with other people,” said Harless. “You get a very good feeling from this. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Not only did the project help give a home to a family, but it drew “attention to the issues out there in the community,” said Green. “So many people live in substandard and overcrowded housing.”

Approximately 50 people, including many of the key volunteers, attended the Habitat house’s dedication by Father Kessler in late June.

“Verse 1 of Psalm 127 says, ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it,’” he said. “St.

6 The Catholic News & Herald

from the cover

Pope repeats calls for Mideast cease-fire, cites children’s WAR, from page 1

“This is the path humanity must follow today in order to achieve the desired good of peace,” he said.

Reaching out Pope Benedict asked the leaders of governments around the world to do everything possible to achieve a ceasefire and “begin building, through dialogue, a lasting and stabile coexistence among all the peoples of the Middle East.”

The pope also appealed for continued donations for humanitarian aid for the suffering and displaced.

“But, most of all, may there continue to rise from every heart a confident prayer to the good and merciful God so that he would give his peace to that region and the whole world,” the pope said.

Formally encouraging the Israeli government to take concrete steps toward a long-term cease-fire, Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, Vatican foreign minister, had a telephone conversation July 30 with Tzipi Livni, Israel’s foreign minister, reported Vatican Radio.

The Vatican did not release further

CNS photo by Carlos Barria, Reuters

An Israeli soldier with a mobile artillery unit prays in an area south of the Lebanese border July 27. The unit was supporting Israel’s attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon. by turning to the instrument of violence,” the pope said.

“More than ever we see how prophetic and, at the same time, realistic is the church’s voice when, in the face of wars and conflict of every kind, it indicates the path of truth, justice, love and freedom,” Pope Benedict said.

Ignoring the reality of such violence will make it more difficult to stop the killing, said the newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano.

“As the pope implored, there is a need to stop immediately this senseless spiral of violence, breaking the chains of vengeance and reprisals before our humanity itself dies,” L’Osservatore said.

Israel, which maintained Hezbollah guerrillas were using civilians as human shields, promised an investigation into the incident at Qana and later declared a 48-hour suspension of aerial bombings.

However fighting resumed hours later.

Asking those gathered in the courtyard of his summer residence to increase their prayers for peace, Pope Benedict said the situation in Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories was becoming more and more “serious and tragic” with “hundreds of dead, many injured, an enormous mass of homeless and displaced (and) houses, cities and infrastructure destroyed.”

As of Aug. 2, since fighting began in mid-July, 532 Lebanese had been killed, including 461 civilians, 25 Lebanese soldiers and at least 46 Hezbollah guerrillas.

Hezbollah rocket attacks had killed 54 Israelis — 36 soldiers and 18 civilians.

At the same time, he said, “in the hearts of many people, hatred and the desire for vengeance seem to grow.”

“These facts clearly demonstrate that you cannot reestablish justice, create a new order and build an authentic peace

August 4, 2006

“I want to repeat that nothing can justify the spilling of innocent blood, no matter which side does it,” the pope said.

“With a heart filled with affliction,” he said, “once again I renew a pressing appeal for an immediate cessation of all hostilities and all violence.”

Pope Benedict again asked the international community “and those most directly involved in this tragedy” to move quickly to create the conditions needed for a “definite political solution of the crisis,” a solution “able to give a more serene and secure future to the generations to come.”

The pope’s appeal came the morning after Israel began a major ground incursion into southern Lebanon in what was seen as an attempt to severely weaken and root out Hezbollah guerrillas from the border region before a cease-fire is called.

Pope Benedict’s appeal at the general audience echoed an appeal he made July 30 before reciting the midday Angelus prayer with visitors at Castel Gandolfo, site of his summer residence south of Rome.

“In the name of God, I address all those responsible for this spiral of violence so that immediately on all sides the weapons would be laid down,” the pope said July 30.

The July 30 appeal came several hours after the Israeli air raid on Qana.

Appealing for peace In a front-page editorial Aug. 2, the Vatican newspaper said that rather than avoiding photographs of the “dirt- and blood-covered corpses” of the children, people should look at them and allow themselves to be horrified and outraged.

August 4, 2006

Running from the reign of fire

in the news

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Nazareth’s streets empty as tourists retreat to safer southern Israel Joseph Pavlo, 35, his friend and business partner in the new Casanova Restaurant they opened in May, gave him a sidelong glance. The two invested half a million dollars in the restaurant, and all 48 groups they were set to serve from July 22 to the end of the month had canceled.

“With this war they have pushed us back 10 years. You can’t change history.

This will be this way forever,” Pavlo, a Greek Orthodox, said angrily.

“If Nasrallah goes, there will be another person in his place,” he said.

Hope and prayers Despite the Hezbollah-launched missiles and warning sirens, Christians in villages throughout the north have tried to continue with their regular lives since the July 12 start of the violence. As they attend Mass on Sundays, amid their prayers and the tolling of the church bells they hear the sound of Israeli artillery and Katyusha rockets in the distance.

“We pray to God to stop this war,” said Wakim Abu Faris, 73, a Catholic.

Katyushas landed on his property in the village of Gush Halav and killed six of his goats. Luckily, he said, he had taken his family to visit his wife’s family in another village at the time.

“They have to solve the problem in another way. Not like this with all the people killed and property destroyed,”

by

JUDITH SUDILOVSKY catholic news service

NAZARETH, Israel — Things were just starting to look up for the city of Nazareth: Tourist buses crammed the streets and new restaurants and coffeehouses opened their doors to gladly receive the influx of visitors.

But when the Hezbollah-Israeli violence broke out in mid-July, the tourists packed their bags and made a hasty retreat to southern Israel, where they could avoid rocket attacks and life was still fairly normal.

At Nazareth’s darkened, cavernous Basilica of the Annunciation July 25, two cleaning ladies rhythmically washed the floors while Eva Waisser, 60, and her family — Jews from Mexico — were the lone visitors.

“We are in Israel visiting friends and family and are visiting different sites.

There are robberies and kidnappings all over the world,” said Waisser, noting that Nazareth was as far north in Israel as they were willing to go.

In two weeks of violence between Israel and the militant Islamic group Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, two rockets fell on Nazareth, killing two children July 19.

However, the Franciscan superior of the basilica, Father Ricardo Bustos, said he did not think it would happen again, and he had not taken any special

CNS photo by Debbie Hill

The Casa Nova pilgrims’ hostel across the street from the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Israel, is devoid of tourists as the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel continued July 25. Tourism had picked up in Israel prior to the start of the c onflict. precautions to protect the basilica.

“There is no need to alarm anyone,” Father Bustos said. Hezbollah’s leader, Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, “said there was a miscalculation. It was only that one time.”

At the Franciscan-run Casa Nova pilgrim hostel next door to the Nazareth basilica, a man who identified himself only as Sami sat chatting with a friend at the front desk. Their voices echoed through the empty room.

“This month all the groups completely canceled. In August we usually have 90 percent occupancy, and now 70 percent of the groups have canceled and 30 percent have not confirmed. We hope it will be better in September,” said Sami.

“We only need peace. Without peace, we can’t do anything. There is enough land for everybody,” he said.

The only traffic on Nazareth streets was local residents, and shop owners sat dejectedly in their darkened stores. By midafternoon, everyone closed up shop and went home.

Hurling bombs and blame

“This is a very difficult situation.

People didn’t think this would happen,” said Shadi Boutrous, 42, as he watched news of more Katyusha rocket hits in Haifa, Israel.

“There is no work, and people are starting to have problems with the banks,” he said.

Boutrous, who is Catholic, said his wife works in elderly care in Haifa, and they are constantly on the phone to one another. When she has time off, he said, he goes up to Haifa to be with her.

For more than two weeks, Haifa was the main target of Hezbollah missiles, which “are very scary,” Boutrous said.

“I am not religious, but I do believe that God gave us religion to love one another, not to kill each other,” he said.

Launching Katyushas is not an exact science, and missiles have fallen in other nearby Arab villages as well, killing at least two people, including a 15-year-old Muslim girl who died July 25 when a Katyusha landed on her house next to a mosque in the village of Maghar.

Still, many Muslims in Israel find it difficult to openly criticize Hezbollah.

Amal Esa, 20, a Muslim, initially said both sides are to blame and differences should be settled through talks, but as the discussion progressed he commented: “Hezbollah are not terrorists.

They are fighting for their religion. Lebanon doesn’t do it, so Hezbollah has to.”

8 The Catholic News & Herald

Serving the community

CSS office director retires after 13 WINSTON-SALEM — David Harold, a longtime advocate for peace and justice, has retired as director of Catholic Social Services’ Piedmont Triad Regional Office.

After 13 years of service, Harold was honored at a farewell party held at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem July 17.

“David is known in the community as a strong advocate of peace and a tireless worker for justice,” said Elizabeth Thurbee, executive director of Catholic Social Services in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Harold, who received a master of divinity degree from Yale Divinity School in Connecticut, helped to position the Piedmont Triad Regional Office as an important service agency in the Triad area, said Thurbee.

During Harold’s tenure, the office established Youth Empowerment Support Services (YESS), which provides services to young people to help prevent sexual activity before marriage; Casa Guadalupe, which offers comprehensive services to Triad-area Hispanics; the Latino Family Center in High Point, which offers services to Hispanic families in High Point; and a counseling office in Greensboro, which provides faith-based counseling services.

Harold used his education and training

CSS office to expand services in Greensboro by

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

Courtesy Photo

Elizabeth Thurbee, CSS executive director, pays tribute to David Harold, who retired as director of CSS’s Piedmont Triad Regional Office in July. to hold training events for the N.C. Area Health Education Centers Program in the fields of psychotherapy, crisis intervention, personality disorders, neurolinguistic programming and case management.

He is also a practitioner of Tai Chi Chuan, a soft style martial art.

“David has added a richness and diversity to the programs offered in the Piedmont-Triad area. We will miss him,” said Thurbee.

Director retires after 15 years at Host New award named in Stevenson’s honor WINSTON-SALEM — After 15 years as director of Catholic Social Service’s Host Homes, Mable Stevenson has retired from the program she helped double in size.

During her farewell party June 17, Stevenson learned her efforts to promote respect for diversity would be fostered with an award named the Mable Stevenson Culture of Respect Award.

The Southeast Network of Youth and Family Services, a non-profit membership organization of youth service agencies in eight southeastern states, will give the award annually in her honor to a person or agency in the network that strives to foster a culture of respect.

Stevenson will present the first award this fall at the network’s annual conference.

Host Homes is an outreach program of Catholic Social Services in the Diocese of Charlotte. It works to restore and maintain healthy family relationships and promotes the well-being and safety of children and youths.

In addition to serving as Host Homes’ director, Stevenson served on the network’s board as president and area representative, and chaired its Cultural Respect Committee.

“Mable has left her mark through dedication and achievement,” said David Harold, Catholic Social Services’ director of its Piedmont Triad Regional Office.

“CSS is very grateful for her untiring service to youths and families here in Forsyth County,” said Harold, who also retired in July.

Host Homes services include individual and family counseling, temporary shelter to youths facing family crises, a mentoring program and a hotline.

August 4, 2006

catholic social services

Courtesy Photo

Mable Stevenson (left) is honored by Sherry Allen, executive director of Southeastern Network for Youth and Family Services, in Winston-Salem June 17.

GREENSBORO — Residents of Greensboro and surrounding areas will soon have easier access to affordable counseling services, thanks to Catholic Social Services in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Two part-time counselors and a social worker/office manager have been hired to staff the Greensboro Satellite Office of the Piedmont Triad Regional Office of Catholic Social Services.

Previously, CSS services at the satellite office included outreach by the Casa Guadalupe program, which provides Hispanic and immigration services.

“This office will greatly expand Catholic Social Services’ presence in Greensboro,” said Gerry Carter, interim office director of the Piedmont Triad Regional Office.

The new office is due in large part to the generosity of the late Aurelia Guffey, who left a generous bequest to Catholic Social Services.

Guffey’s bequest provided the majority of the funding for the new outreach, Carter said.

The Greensboro Satellite Office will work closely with parishes to offer individual, family and marriage counseling. Other services will include parenting classes, marriage enrichment and other services.

Providing counseling services will be Carol Wolf and Daniel Rhodes.

Wolf holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Duchesne College in Omaha and a master’s degree in theology from the University of San Francisco. She earned her master’s degree in counseling after moving to Greensboro and has been in private practice since 1987.

Wolf also worked for 16 years as a school counselor in the Guilford County school system. She is a licensed professional counselor in North Carolina, as well as a nationally certified counselor.

Rhodes received his master’s in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1996 and his

clinical license in 1999. He has been practicing clinical social work for the past 10 years, primarily in crisis and emergency services, as well as with therapeutic foster care.

Rhodes is currently working on his doctorate in cultural studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Darlene Stanley, office manager and social worker for the Greensboro Satellite Office, received a bachelor’s degree in sociology/psychology with a minor in religion from Greensboro College.

Currently she is pursuing a master’s in counseling at Webster University and will seek her professional counselor licensure.

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

NEED ASSISTANCE? The Greensboro Satellite Office of the Piedmont Triad Office of Catholic Social Services, located near Our Lady of Grace Church on West Market Street,

August 4, 2006

AROUND THE DIOCESE

The Catholic News & Herald 9

Multicultural worker retires, leaving legacy Efforts will ‘continue to bless,’ says priest Virginia. She did community organizing, learning about and addressing people’s needs, and providing training in such skills as how to approach legislators.

Next she got involved with FOCIS (Federation of Communities in Service), which brought health and legal services and other programs to communities throughout Appalachia. She was FOCIS president in 1975.

Herr’s FOCIS involvement garnered her recognition in the book “Mountain Sisters: From Convent to Community in Appalachia.”

The book states that “during this time, Mary, who had a natural interest in ‘legal stuff’ became increasingly aware of a lack of legal resources.”

“That was when all those people were trying to get their black-lung benefits and miners’ pensions, so we got Greg O’Connor, a lawyer, to come to Clairfield one day a week,” Herr is quoted in “Mountain Sisters.”

“So we got together and eventually I applied for a Ford Leadership Development Grant to get training as a paralegal and open the legal services in that area .... Greg O’Connor would come up one day a week and I would be there the other times.”

Other communities began to seek

by

JOANITA M. NELLENBACH correspondent

WHITTIER, N.C. — “If you live (in a community), it’s important to be involved,” Mary Herr said. “Don’t just be deadwood.”

Herr, 65, retired June 30 as regional faith formation consultant and Native American multicultural worker for the Diocese of Charlotte’s Smoky Mountain Vicariate.

“From one perspective, Mary’s retirement brings to a close many, many years of service to a wide range of people in far western North Carolina,” said Father George Kloster, vicar of the Smoky Mountain Vicariate and pastor of St. William Church in Murphy and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hayesville.

“While it is easy to identify the many positions she has held, church-related as well as with other agencies, there is no way to calculate the depth and breadth of the lives she has touched,” Father Kloster said.

Herr grew up in a Catholic family on a farm near Staunton, Ill. In 1967, she signed on with VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America).

“It was one of those turning points in my life,” she said. “I was 27. I’d been doing a lot of things I had wanted to do and felt like it was time to give back.”

VISTA sent her to Virginia and West

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Jan Valder Offerman (left) of St. Peter Church in Charlotte compare notes with Mary Herr during the Bishop Begley Conference in October 2005. Herr recently retired as regional faith formation consultant and Native American multicultural worker for the diocese’s Smoky Mountain Vicariate.

Herr’s paralegal expertise. Through a grant from CORA (Commission on Religion in Appalachia), she went to communities in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and Cherokee, N.C., to train paralegals.

“When the CORA grant ended, Mary coordinated and taught most of the courses for a program through the University of Tennessee and Manpower to give unemployed people paralegal training,” says “Mountain Sisters.”

“I moved (to Cherokee) in 1978 when the legal services program (on the Qualla Boundary, the Cherokee Indian reservation) offered me a job as a community educator and paralegal supervisor,” she said. “I guess my interest went back to knowing I had some Cherokee ancestry and wanting to know more about that.”

Federal government cutbacks in social services programs ended that position in 1981.

“Every time something ended something else came along, so I figured God must want me to stay here,” Herr said.

She continued her communityeducator work as a staff member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on the Boundary from 1981 to 1991, then spent a year as pastoral assistant at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and at St. Joseph Church in Bryson City.

According to “Mountain Sisters,” in 1993 alone “Mary helped more than 300 people obtain over $98,000 in retroactive disability benefits.”

Her paralegal experience allowed her to become the Qualla Boundary’s first Guardian ad litem, a children’s advocate.

While doing that, she also volunteered in administration, RCIA and adult faith formation at St. Joseph Church.

Through a grant from Glenmary Home Missioners, Herr assumed the position of Native American multicultural worker while assisting with administrative work at Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Joseph churches.

The Glenmary grant ended, but through a grant from the Office of Black and Indian Missions in Washington, D.C., Herr continued as a part-time Native American multicultural worker, with Father Kloster as her supervisor.

In 2000, she added another part-time position as regional faith formation consultant for the Smoky Mountain Vicariate.

“This lady is a no-nonsense-approach lady,” Dr. Cris Villapando, director of diocesan faith formation programs, said.

“She will do whatever it takes — evening sessions, weekends, whatever — to get the job done.”

Herr’s greatest joy, she said, has been teaching people: “It’s a good feeling to be able to share my skills and see others put them into practice. Doing the catechist recognition process has caused me to learn more about my own faith.”

She has also tried to help people learn more about Native American culture.

She and Father Kloster developed the “Catholics and Cherokees” conference held for three years in the Smoky Mountain Vicariate to help the two groups learn more about each other.

“In a quiet, determined, unassuming way Mary has been a messenger of healing and hope,” Father Kloster said. “She has wonderful gifts, both of vision of what needs to be done and how to develop the process needed to accomplish the vision.

One of our priests has referred to her as a ‘star’ and surely she is.”

Herr received the Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service in 1991, the Spirit Award 2000 for Volunteer Service from Catholic Social Services Office of Justice and Peace, and twice has been nominated for the Nancy Reynolds Award for Personal Service.

Herr plan is to stay involved, but first she’s traveling. Then she’ll return to become more involved at St. Joseph Church as a lector, taking Communion to the sick and working in other parish ministries.

On the Qualla Boundary, she’ll continue to work with organizations of which she was a founding member.

“The good news is that from another perspective Mary’s presence will still be felt in the mountains,” Father Kloster said. “She may have ‘retired’ from her official positions, but it is not in her personality to walk away and leave the people, projects and programs that she has loved

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald

YOUTHS IN ACTION

August 4, 2006

Helping hearts

Catholic Heart Workcamp offers teens camaraderie, chance to help CHARLOTTE — Teens from the Diocese of Charlotte and beyond recently put their hearts into helping others.

The Catholic Heart Workcamp program provides teens with a chance to clean up communities in a weeklong camp centered on faith-powered mission work.

The campers carry out service projects, giving them eye-opening experiences and showing adults there are good teens doing good things in the world.

Participants from the Diocese of Charlotte included a group from St. Aloysius Church in Hickory, who attended a camp in Louisville, Ky., and a group from St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro, who attended a camp in Pittsburgh, Pa., in July.

Meanwhile, St. Paul the Apostle Church and Charlotte Catholic High School hosted camps comprised of hundreds of teens from other states.

“It was wonderful to see so many young Catholics taking time out of their summer vacations to do God’s work,” said Timothy Mainhart, a parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle Church who attended the Pittsburgh camp.

“We saw God in the many faces of

Courtesy Photo

Catholic Heart Workcamp participants smile for the camera while stacking boxes inside Holy Angels’ storage area in July.

the people we went to serve and in each other,” he said.

“Our youths experienced what it was like to be working side by side with more than 300 Catholics, recognizing Jesus in everyone they met along the way,” said Jen Stickle, youth ministry director at St. Aloysius Church.

Nine teens and six adults from St. Aloysius Church spent a week in July with teens from other states making home improvements, doing landscaping and building handicap-accessible ramps and decks around Louisville.

Many of those whom the youths helped said they felt blessed by the work done to their homes.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve. We know that we also are blessed by this experience,” said Stickle.

The Orlando, Fla.-based Catholic Heart Workcamp was founded in 1993.

The first camp in Orlando drew 100 participants. Today, there are hundreds of parishes and thousands of teens involved in the camps held from June to August each year.

Not only do the teenagers sacrifice a week of their summer to help others, but they pay for the experience. The fee goes toward their food and housing.

The campers are responsible for making transportation arrangements to get to the host location, and many drive across the country with their church youth groups.

A group of campers staying at Charlotte Catholic visited Holy Angels, a nonprofit corporation in Belmont providing programs and services to children and adults with mental retardation.

The teens washed Holy Angels’ vehicles, cleared and organized storage areas, and cleaned and polished residents’ wheelchairs July 3-7. Teens also assisted with various service projects at Holy Angels’ Cherubs Café and Candy Bouquet in downtown Belmont.

“We truly look forward to this

program every year,” said Regina Moody, Holy Angels president and CEO. “They bring a wonderful energy and reminder to everyone about what volunteerism and service are all about,” she said.

The camps aren’t all work for the teenagers. The evenings showcase skits put on by the campers as well as prayer, reflection, videos, talks given by the staff and worship music. There is a different theme each night, as well as a free day during the week to explore the host city.

This year many of the camps

Courtesy Photo

Teens and adults from St. Aloysius Church in Hickory are pictured during their Catholic Heart Workcamp mission trip to Louisville, Ky., July 10-15.

for 10th- through 12th-graders were organized with the theme “Take It to the Next Level.” These camps offer more spiritual components: adoration, reconciliation, the rosary and Mass.

Contributing to this article was Ka-

August 4, 2006

AROUND THE DIOCESE

The Catholic News & Herald 11

Fun and ‘Fiesta’

Courtesy Photo

Children in pre-school through fifth-grade take part in “Sing and Play Ole,” a songand-dance routine that offers an overview of the day’s events during the Vacation Bible School at St. Ann Church in Charlotte June 26-30.

Approximately 50 children participated in this year’s Vacation Bible School, themed “Fiesta” and organized by adult and teen volunteers.

The children worked in small “crews” to learn Bible stories and complete tasks in fun and interesting ways. A service project involved children making blankets for the needy in Charlotte.

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

FROM THE COVER

August 4, 2006

Hayesville parish celebrates 50 years of faith ANNIVERSARY, from page 1

Church’s 50th-anniversary celebration.

Father George Kloster, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and of St. William Church in Murphy, celebrated the Mass, with Father Dean and retired Glenmary Father Robert Bond concelebrating.

Current and former parishioners packed the church for the Mass, and the reception in the parish hall.

“I just find it one of the warmest, most active parishes I’ve ever been in,” said Pat Ryan, who began attending as a seasonal resident in the 1990s before moving permanently to the area in 2001.

Parishioners were invited to write their names and thoughts on leaves that were then glued to a picture of a tree in the parish hall. The leaves, along with photos, a DVD about the parish and other mementos, will be placed in a time capsule in early 2007, to be opened on the church’s 100th anniversary in 2056.

Father Bond was pastor of Holy Redeemer Church in Andrews and Prince of Peace Church in Robbinsville until he retired several years ago. The last Glenmary priest to actively serve in the Smoky Mountain Vicariate, he now lives in Burnsville.

Father Dean, 85, still serves as a substitute pastor in Mount Pleasant, Texas; and Oklahoma.

Coming back to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church was a “wonderful experience,” he said. “I was so glad to see all the parishioners and the improvements (to the church).”

Pitching the tent Immaculate Heart of Mary Church can trace its roots to 1914, when Msgr.

Louis Bour was appointed pastor of an Asheville parish serving all of western North Carolina.

Then the Glenmary Home Missioners began coming to the area for tent revivals.

“One of the means that Glenmary used in the early days was to set up a tent in a field and invite people in to hear us sing and preach,” Father Bond said.

“They would never come into a Catholic

“I just find it one of the warmest, most active parishes I’ve ever been in.”

— Pat Ryan, parishioner church, but they’d come into a tent.”

At the July 28 reception, Fathers Bond and Dean and a few parishioners passed out song sheets and invited everyone packed into the parish hall to join them for a taste of tent-revival singing.

In 1954, Father Dean became the first resident Catholic priest in Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties.

He started out by visiting people in their homes and recalls chatting with James Lance, a Methodist deacon, on the front porch of his house in Lance Cove.

The first Mass in the Hayesville area was in a tobacco barn. Lance offered his home for Mass and invited family and friends to the services. So, it could be said that the first lay evangelist for Catholicism in Hayesville was a Methodist.

Lance and some of his family and neighbors eventually became Catholic.

“When he saw the Eucharist, he saw it was the real thing,” Father Dean said.

Revisiting the past As part of the anniversary celebration, parishioners planned to visit the Lance house and the former motel (now the Sister Loretto John Meehan Center) in Hayesville, where Mass was also celebrated when it was a convent for Glenmary sisters.

Glenmary priests staffed many of the parishes in far western North Carolina, turning them over to the diocese when they became self-sufficient.

Father Kloster spoke of “how deeply grateful (Immaculate Heart of Mary) is to the Glenmarys. From Waynesville on, these parishes were served by Glenmarys. We owe them a huge, huge debt.”

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

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Helen Berguin puts a leaf on the tree in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church’s parish hall July 28. The leaves will be gathered and placed in a time capsule along with other commemorative items and buried, to be opened in 50 years.

August 4, 2006

The Catholic News & Herald 13

FROM THE COVER

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

David Hains, director of communications, and Bishop Peter J. Jugis record the first PodCast for the diocesan Web site at the Pastoral Center in Charlotte July 28.

Diocese of Charlotte debuts podcast on Web site HAINS, from page 1

You may be asking, “What is a podcast?”, “Does it cost anything?”, “Why is the diocese investing in a podcast?” and “What does ‘docPod’ mean?”

That last question is the easiest: “docPod” has nothing to do with doctors; “doc” stands for Diocese of Charlotte.

“What is a podcast?” To put it simply, it is an audio program, similar to a radio show that is available on the Internet.

Podcasting has a big advantage over radio and other forms of broadcasting because the programs are available when you want them. You don’t have to be in front of a radio at a specific time to listen to your podcast. You can also pause, fast forward or rewind a podcast.

And podcasts give listeners the ability to subscribe to a program.

Once you sign up, new editions are automatically downloaded to your iPod when you plug it in to a computer to recharge the battery.

The diocese created “docPod” in order to spread the Good News of our faith to believers and seekers. Podcasting is perhaps the least expensive communications media since smoke signals.

The diocese invested in a high quality microphone and a piece of equipment to translate the spoken word into a digital signal, and that’s about it.

Editing software, the program listing in iTunes and other directories, even the music on “docPod,” are all free.

“Does it cost anything?” No, there is no charge for “docPod.” If you don’t own an iPod, you can listen to the program on any computer by visiting the Diocese of Charlotte’s Web site at www. charlottediocese.org.

You can subscribe to the program by downloading the iTunes software, which

also is free.

Since it is free, the next question is, “Where can I get it?” Most of the millions of people who download podcasts do so through the iTunes software program. The “docPod” Web page has one-click links to iTunes.

But if you don’t want the iTunes program, you can listen to the program at the diocesan Web site. Click on the “docPod” icon that can be found on the Web site’s home page.

The first episode of “docPod” features an interview with Bishop Peter J. Jugis, who will be a regular speaker on the program; music; a Scripture reading; an interview with Lori Fox, director of counseling services for Catholic Social Services; and a look at the news affecting Catholics from The Catholic News & Herald Staff Writer Karen Evans.

Future programs will focus on upcoming events, such as the Eucharistic Congress. We’ll also explore the way our church is an instrument of the Lord’s will through the ministries that address issues of social justice and education.

There is always something interesting happening in the Catholic faith. Hopefully, every episode of “docPod” will give you something to think about.

We are part of an ancient church with traditions that stretch back over centuries. Podcasting represents a new way for us to deliver an old, but still vibrant, message.

And who knows — the pope uses an iPod; maybe he will be a subscriber to “docPod.” WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? Do you have an idea, suggestion or feedback for “docPod”? Contact David Hains, director of communications, at dwhains@charlottediocese.org.

1 4 The Catholic News & Herald

August 4, 2006

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: aUG. 13, 2006

Aug. 13, Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Tuning in faith

Catholic radio growing in size, scope and audience

by MARK PATTISON catholic news service

WASHINGTON — Twenty-five years ago, a pop group called the Buggles had a hit on a new cable channel, MTV, called “Video Killed the Radio Star.”

Since then, numerous obituaries have been written for radio. It seems, though, that Catholic broadcasters have ignored those obituaries.

Catholic radio comes in virtually every size and shape, as does any other radio format. And the number of these stations is on the upswing. While dwarfed by the thousands of U.S. stations that identify themselves as Christian, the number is estimated at anywhere between 83 and 120.

There is one expanding network of Catholic stations. There is a global shortwave service that later decided to turn its gaze toward the States, offering its programming to anyone free, no strings attached.

There are producers of syndicated programming. There are a growing number of low-power radio stations striving to fill the spiritual needs of Catholics in remote areas. Podcasts are in vogue.

Early this fall, there will be a new channel on a satellite radio service devoted to the Catholic Church. The next step is high-definition radio, giving stations the technology to broadcast multiple channels simultaneously to listeners with the latest generation of radio receivers.

Relevant Radio owns 16 stations — nine in its home state of Wisconsin — and has affiliation agreements with 19 others, billing itself as the “largest Catholic talk radio network in the United States.”

Even though Relevant is noncommercial, it still has to pay today’s prices for precious radio-dial real estate.

Thanks to generous contributors, sponsors and pledge drives, it can.

“Catholics are the principal focus, but we appeal to other denominations as well — but we don’t hide the fact that we’re Catholic,” said CEO Dick Lyle.

While the Eternal Word Television Network is known as a cable television channel, one less-noticed aspect is its growing radio service.

According to EWTN radio marketing director John Pepe, it started as a shortwave service in 1992 to reach the far corners of the globe. Four years later, the network decided to offer the service’s programming free of charge to any and all takers.

The first one to accept was KBVM, a Catholic FM station in Portland, Ore. “There’s no bartering, there’s no spots,” Pepe said, citing two common radio industry terms that allow program suppliers to sell commercials on their shows rather than receive cash from a radio station for the right to air those shows.

“It’s a great opportunity to talk about divine providence,” he added.

Rather than merely simulcast EWTN’s cable offerings, the radio service, following a programming overhaul this winter, is heavy on call-in shows, although the daily Mass is still simulcast — and repeated.

Pepe estimates there are “in excess of 80” stations carrying EWTN’s radio feed 18 or more hours a day.

One that carries EWTN radio across the clock is Sirius Satellite Radio, the subscription radio service.

Early this fall, once the technical adjustments are all in place, Sirius will also carry the Catholic Channel, programmed by the Archdiocese of New York.

“We’ll be emphasizing on our channel a lot of live two-way talk ... to make it sound, in terms of format, like the best of popular radio,” Joseph Zwilling, New York archdiocesan communications director, said.

“We will be completely Catholic in terms of content in what our hosts say on the air,” with an eye on “the issues that are in the news,” he said.

“We do hope to market the channel through the Catholic press, through the (Sirius) Web site. We hope that when people learn about the Catholic Channel on Sirius, they’ll buy the radios and give us a listen,” Zwilling said.

Listeners need a satellite radio receiver to get Sirius.

“Where appropriate,” he added, “Sirius will promote the Catholic Church on some of the (program breaks).”

Catholic radio, by and large, doesn’t sell commercial time. If you don’t sell commercials, you don’t need to subscribe to ratings services that demonstrate who’s listening to your programming as a method to convince advertisers to buy time.

KLUX-FM in Corpus Christi, Texas, doesn’t sell ads, but it subscribes to a ratings service, which says KLUX is second in the Corpus Christi market for adults ages 35 and up, and sixth for listeners ages 12 and up.

“We follow the model of Our Lord, who walked among the sinners and the tax collectors,” said KLUX general manager Marty Wind. “Four times an hour, we have someone teaching about the Catholic Church, or the bishop teaching, or the Angelus, or a prayer from a priest.”

The U.S. bishops’ Catholic Communication Campaign’s “Catholic Radio Weekly” airs on about 70 stations, both Catholic and secular.

It begins its sixth season this fall and carries regular features on the Vatican, film and popular culture, reports from Catholic Relief Services field representatives, a forum on life issues, chats with Catholic authors and a Catholic Church Extension Society “Hidden Hero of the Month” on the home missions.

Cycle B Readings: 1) 1 Kings 19:4-8 Psalm 34:2-9 2) Ephesians 4:30-5:2 3) Gospel: John 6:41-51

The Bread of Life sustains us

by BEVERLY CORZINE catholic news service

One February morning snow and ice began to make Fort Worth commuters think twice before heading out. Nevertheless, this was the day our pastoral staff had chosen months ago for a day of recollection at the Catholic Renewal Center.

As part-time Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults director and full-time high school teacher, I had looked forward to the rare opportunity to join my colleagues in this day of prayer or, as someone had characterized it, a minivacation with the Lord.

We had asked our friend Dan Luby to design a day with the Eucharist as its central theme. As we embarked on our journey

in the relaxed warmth of a comfortable room, the world outside grew quiet while the temperature plummeted.

During some individual quiet time, I made a trip to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. I found Dan with shirt sleeves rolled up, kneading a substantial ball of dough.

I whispered, “Are you really making yeast bread for us?”

He nodded his head with the understanding that this secret would eventually have its own way of announcing itself.

As the day progressed, the smell of rising dough and then the glorious smell of baking bread permeated the air. Once the secret of the bread was out, a new spirit of joy filled the room. The discussion topic of Jesus as the Bread of Life took on a new dimension.

Later we gathered in the chapel, where our celebration of the Eucharist and the smell of baking bread rose together in thanksgiving. When we returned to our meeting room, loaves of warm bread, butter and jam greeted us.

Like giggling children, we feasted on authentic homemade bread, dripping with butter and jelly.

When Jesus describes himself as the Bread of Life in today’s Gospel, his listeners understand the importance of bread in their meager diets because in their world there was no life without bread.

Looking back through the cross, we recognize there is no life without the

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of Aug. 6-12 Sunday (Transfiguration of the Lord), Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, 2 Peter 1:16-19, Mark 9:2-10; Monday (St. Cajetan, St. Sixtus II and Companions), Jeremiah 28:1-17, Matthew 14:13-21; Tuesday (St. Dominic), Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22, Matthew 14:22-36; Wednesday (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross), Jeremiah 31:1-7, Jeremiah 31:10-13, Matthew 15:21-28; Thursday (St. Lawrence), 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, John 12:24-26; Friday (St. Clare), Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7, Deuteronomy 32:35-36, 39,41, Matthew 16:24-28; Saturday, Habakkuk 1:12—2:4, Matthew 17:14-20.

Scripture for the week of Aug. 13-19 Sunday (Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time), 1 Kings 19:4-8, Ephesians 4:30—5:2, John 6:41-51; Monday (St. Maximilian Kolbe), Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28, Matthew 17:22-27; Tuesday (Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary), Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10, 1 Corinthians 15:20-27, Luke 1:39-56; Wednesday (St. Stephen of Hungary), Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22, Matthew 18:15-20; Thursday, Ezekiel 12:1-2, Matthew 18:21—19:1; Friday (St. Jane de Chantal), Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60,63, Isaiah 12:2-6, Matthew 19:3-12; Saturday (St. John Eudes), Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32, Matthew 19:13-15.

Scripture for the week of Aug. 20-26 Sunday (Twentieth Sunday in ordinary Time), Proverbs 9:1-6, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:5158; Monday (St. Pius X), Ezekiel 24:15-24, Deuteronomy 32:18-21, Matthew 19:16-22; Tuesday (Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary), Ezekiel 28:1-10, Deuteronomy 32:26-28,30,35-36, Matthew 19:23-30; Wednesday (St. Rose of Lima), Ezekiel 34: 1-11, Matthew 20:1-16; Thursday (St. Bartholomew), Revelation 21:9-14, John 1:45-51; Friday (St. Louis, St. Joseph Calasanz), Ezekiel 37:1-14, Matthew 22:34-40; Saturday, Ezekiel 43:1-7, Matthew 23:1-12.

The Catholic News & Herald 15

August 4, 2006

‘Ballad’ hits too many bumps

CNS photo by Columbia

Will Ferrell stars in “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.” Despite Ferrell’s goofiness and scenes filmed around Charlotte, the script is full of juvenile jokes that turn vulgar, irreverent, or just unfunny.

Recurring crude sexual language, a running gag involving a gay character, some irreverent humor and profanity, drug references, comic violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L — limited adult audience. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13.

Ignatius stops sale of Charlotte Church works after singer’s TV pilot

by SIMON CALDWELL catholic news service

LONDON — The U.S. publishing company Ignatius Press has refused to sell any works by singer Charlotte Church after she called German-born Pope Benedict XVI a Nazi and mocked the Catholic Church.

The directors of Ignatius Press said they were offended when the Welsh singer mocked the church in the pilot of a proposed eight-part television chat show.

Church, dubbed the “Voice of an Angel” before she turned her talents to popular music, also dressed up as a nun and pretended to hallucinate while eating “communion” wafers imprinted with smiling faces signifying the drug Ecstasy.

She smashed open a statue of the Virgin Mary to reveal a can of hard cider inside, said she worshipped “St. Fortified Wine,” and stuck chewing gum on a statue of the child Jesus.

Ignatius Press announced that Church’s products have been withdrawn from its Web site and catalogue.

“It is with regret that we do this,” the company said in a statement to its customers on its Web site.

“Miss Church possesses a great gift

from God, and in the past she has used her talent often to offer praise and glory to Our Lord,” the statement said.

“We cannot stand by a young woman who uses her stature in the media to mock the Eucharist, slander the Holy Father, and denigrate the vows of religious women,” it continued.

“Therefore, our catalogues and Web site will immediately withdraw all compact discs, cassette tapes, DVDs and VHS tapes that feature Miss Church.

Please join us in praying for this troubled young woman,” the statement added.

Church declined to comment.

Church, 20, was raised a Catholic and sang for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican at the age of 12.

The pilot for her show was filmed before a live studio audience July 12.

Ignatius Press was founded by Father Joseph Fessio, a California Jesuit who studied under the future Pope Benedict in Germany in the 1970s and who continues to be a close friend.

Pope Benedict, the son of a German policeman opposed to Nazism, was forced into the Hitler Youth movement as a child, and during World War II he served briefly in an anti-aircraft battalion.

1 6 The Catholic News & Herald

August 4, 2006

in the news

Former owners deny claim that chapel replaced abortion facility WASHINGTON (CNS) — It made a nice story: A building where abortions used to be performed in a suburb of Buffalo, N.Y., becomes a Catholic chapel dedicated to the aborted children.

The trouble is the building’s only previous owners adamantly deny they ever rented space to anyone who performed abortions.

In mid-July Catholic News Service picked up and distributed a story about the chapel that originally ran in the Western New York Catholic, the Buffalo diocesan newspaper.

The story said a local independent Catholic radio station, WLOF-FM, had recently celebrated the dedication of a chapel in a building where abortions used to be performed.

On July 31 The Buffalo News, a local daily, reported on the story but quoted the building’s first owners, William and Mary Jane Howard, as saying there had never been an abortion provider in the building.

Mary Jane Howard told CNS they owned the building from 1975 until they sold it to the radio station in 2003 and she was the building manager.

She said she thinks the abortionist story arose from an “innocent misunderstanding.”

William Howard said that while the building was up for sale, one person who came to look at it was someone who they later learned was looking for a place to rent out as an abortion clinic. That person visited the building once and never returnedor made a purchase offer.

Howard told CNS he had never said there had been an abortion practice there. He said Jim Wright, co-founder of WLOF, may have misconstrued a comment he had made that he was glad the station bought the building instead of someone who wanted to set up an abortion clinic.

The 330-square-foot worship site, called the Chapel of the Holy Innocents, is intended as a place of meditation for the station’s employees and is wired to allow live broadcasts of the Mass on radio.

Following Howard’s denial, Wright told CNS, “I wouldn’t make up a story like that. I remember him telling me there was an abortionist down there.”

Mary Jane Howard said the building had housed medical practices over the years but never anyone who provided abortions.

The suggestion that they once rented space to an abortion provider “has caused all sorts of consternation in our family,” which is strongly Catholic.

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August 4, 2006

The Catholic News & Herald 17

in the news

Fighting a global

Program sheds light on human trafficking by

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

BELMONT — Trafficking in humans — whether for slave labor, the sex industry or domestic servitude— is a global problem, affecting an unknown number of men, women and children from Thailand to North Carolina.

“It’s a justice issue, it’s a human rights issue. It’s a mission that belongs to all of us,” said Sister Mary Ellen Dougherty of the U.S. bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services (MRS).

A member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Sister Dougherty is coordinator for education and outreach for MRS’ human trafficking program.

She was a featured speaker at a daylong program addressing human trafficking — its causes, scope and prevention — sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy in Belmont Aug. 4.

According to Catholic Relief Services, there are between 700,000 and 2 million victims of human trafficking around the world, primarily women and children.

Sister Dougherty said the U.S. State Department estimates that 16,000 people are trafficked into the United States each year. The United States is one of only 17

countries that have enacted specific laws against human trafficking.

Many victims agree to be smuggled into the United States, Sister Dougherty said.

“The trafficking comes not in the act of smuggling, but in the fraud in that they expect to be liberated or have a job of their own choosing,” she said.

“Sometimes, they are brought here by people who they think love them and will marry them.”

Instead, they find themselves enslaved in a job they can’t extricate themselves from, or in “debt bondage” from which they can never escape.

“We are broadening our search (for human trafficking) and finding that the problem is much vaster than we realized,” she said.

What was formerly considered, by cultural attitudes, to be child labor is now considered slavery. For example, 10 years ago, using child labor in African fishing industries was commonly accepted, but no longer, said Sister Dougherty.

Contrary to what many people may think, the majority of human trafficking victims are not brought to the United States for work in the sex trade, said Sister Dougherty.

CNS photo from Reuters

Vietnamese girls, one as young as 8, sit in a Cambodian brothel in this March 2002 photo.

Human trafficking has become a global problem, with as many as 2 million people living and working in bondage.

Although 70-80 percent of victims are female, “there is almost a 50-50 breakdown between sexual exploitation and labor,” she said.

When underage victims are forced into the sex business, she said, the U.S. mentality about juvenile delinquency often prevents their being recognized as victims. They are seen as teenage prostitutes, or criminals, rather than as the victims of commercial sex with a

minor, which is a crime throughout the United States, she said.

If minors caught up in prostitution are viewed as victims rather than criminals, the response will be quite different, she said.

Sister Dougherty said people can help victims of human trafficking in a variety of ways — by notifying authorities of trafficking activities, by lobbying social service agencies to help victims and by raising awareness about the widening scope of human trafficking.

In the Diocese of Charlotte, CSS employees have been trained to identify the signs and symptoms of human trafficking and how to assist victims.

Often, the only contact trafficking victims have with the outside world is through religious ministers, as weekly Mass might be the only activity that the trafficker allows them to do alone.

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

Contributing to this story was Jerry Filteau of Catholic News Service.

WANT TO HELP? Anyone who suspects a trafficking situation that has not yet been reported or investigated should start by calling the Justice Department’s Trafficking in Persons and Worker Exploitation Task Force complaint line at (888) 428-7581.

That will initiate a federal investigation into the matter.

1 8 The Catholic News & Herald

August 4, 2006

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

Memoirs of a Congress

Part 1 of a 7-part series on the second Eucharistic Congress After several long months of preparation, the day finally arrived. And over the next several and quickly passing hours, the day came to a close. What remained? Did the Diocese of Charlotte’s first Eucharistic Congress make an impact? Had it been worth the effort?

Friday, Sept. 23, 2005 — Charlotte Convention Center After the stage was set, which took a host of volunteers — including priests, seminarians and laity — and after a turbulent choir rehearsal, the moment arrived. The congress opened with a 100-voice choir concert, which explored our rich Catholic musical tradition in chant and song.

The choir elevated the hearts and souls of thousands of eager congress participants and set the stage for a mystical two-day event. As the final notes resounded through the ballroom and as the uproarious applause ended, the stage was then vacated for one solitary voice — one man, an actor, who would then fill the hall with his voice alone, at times gentle and at times commanding.

Jim Caviezel, most famous for his role as Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ,” led the faithful through an opening night Catholic “pep rally” that defined Charlotte’s first Eucharistic Congress.

But Caviezel did not conclude the night. Jesus did. Congress participants were invited to St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte for nocturnal adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. For nine consecutive hours throughout the night, faithful from throughout the diocese kept vigil with the Lord as the Knights of Columbus stood guard.

Early the next morning, the priests of the diocese spent a final hour with the Blessed Sacrament before departing for the eucharistic procession.

Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005 — St. Peter Church, Charlotte History continued to unfold as thousands of faithful Catholics arrived to participate in Charlotte’s first-ever eucharistic procession through uptown Charlotte. This moving display of Catholic faith involved every characteristic of the church’s life: clergy, laity, seminarians, religious; adults, youth, children.

As the procession entered the convention center, the faithful enjoyed a Holy Hour and Benediction to complete the morning devotions. The day had begun.

Over the next few hours, participants listened to inspired talks given in “tracks” for adults, teens, children in English and Spanish. The day also offered time for fellowship, shopping for books and religious articles from vendors, and the

Guest Column Father Matthew Buettner guest columnist

opportunity for confession and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the day.

The event reached its spiritual culmination with the celebration of the holy sacrifice of the Mass in the evening.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis surprised us with the announcement of Charlotte’s second Eucharistic Congress, which met with thunderous applause.

In retrospect, I think the faithful had already begun to taste the fruit produced by the Eucharistic Congress and were eager for more.

Was it worth the effort? Indeed.

That is why we are preparing now for the Diocese of Charlotte’s second Eucharistic Congress to be held at the Charlotte Convention Center on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6-7, 2006.

Come and taste again the fruit of God’s grace.

Father Buettner is pastor of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton.

Pope tells 42,000 altar servers they are all Jesus’ friends

by CINDY WOODEN catholic news service

VATICAN CITY — Although billed as his weekly general audience, Pope Benedict XVI’s Aug. 2 appointment in St. Peter’s Square was mainly an audience for 42,000 European altar servers.

And, in fact, there was a special focus on the 35,000 altar boys and altar girls from Germany.

“Because most of the servers gathered in this square today are German-speakers, I will address them first in my mother tongue,” the Germanborn pope explained at the beginning of the audience.

Instead of giving his main audience talk in Italian, as is customary, the pope delivered his speech in German, then offered short greetings in Italian, French, English, Spanish, Polish and seven other languages.

Including the altar servers, about 55,000 people had gathered in St. Peter’s Square on a hot, humid day for the audience.

The pope explained to the altar servers that he was in the midst of a series of audience talks about the Twelve Apostles.

“The apostles were friends of Jesus,” he said. “He himself called them that during the Last Supper.

“They were apostles and witnesses of Christ because they were his friends, united to him by a bond of love enlivened by the Holy Spirit,” the pope said.

Pope Benedict told the young people

Catholics have many means of expression Recent letters to the editor expressed dismay and disdain to see Mexican Catholics praying for a World Cup victory and dressing a statue of the child Jesus in a soccer uniform (“Mexican Catholics pray for a World Cup miracle,” June 23).

It made me smile, just as I smile when I see our local Hispanic Catholics paint icons to Our Lady of Guadalupe on their work trucks or hang rosaries from their rearview mirrors.

The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI

that Jesus also calls them his friends and wants to transform them into courageous witnesses of the Gospel.

The pope asked them to listen to Jesus’ voice and to be open to his call, particularly if he is calling them to “give yourself without reservation” in the priesthood.

“Dear friends, in reality you already are apostles of Jesus,” he said. “When you offer your service at the altar, you give a witness to all. Your attitude of prayer, your devotion that comes from the heart and is expressed in gestures, song and responses, all this is apostolate.”

Pope Benedict asked the altar boys and altar girls to be on guard against becoming too used to serving at the altar and, instead, to let themselves marvel again and again at the love of Christ who sacrificed himself on the cross and sacrifices himself on the altar.

“That love which you receive in the liturgy, carry it to everyone, especially to those places where you see love lacking,” he said.

Letter to the And when athletes make the Sign of the Cross to celebrate a touchdown, good for them — what a lovely way to express our thanksgiving in all things.

Hooray for scapulars, holy cards, icons and other Catholic distinctives that set us apart. I say, enjoy being Catholic!

Viva Jesus del futbol!

— Steve Judge Arden

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Photo by Karen A. Evans

Bishop Peter J. Jugis carries the monstrance holding the Eucharist during the eucharistic procession of the Eucharistic Congress Sept.

24, 2005.

To be considered for publication, each letter must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification. Letters may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for clarity, style and factual accuracy.

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The Catholic News & Herald 19

August 4, 2006

‘Beloved’

Eucharist: Bread of Life Jesus can satisfy our hunger Council in 1215 or similar words.

The reality is that “any reference to the Eucharistic species as bread and wine is wrong. They are properly called the Body and Blood of Christ,” as quoted in “Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Encyclopedia” (see Transubstantiation on ps. 940-941).

The Eucharist is the food for the journey, and Jesus is the magnet drawing us to this bread and drink of life. Our hunger is not so much for bread that we buy at the supermarket — the hunger for God is definitely more striking.

Today’s world finds itself in a paradoxical situation: We are thirsty, but we don’t go to the fountain, which is God; and most of the time, we expect the fountain to come to us.

We want to be happy, but we run away from happiness. On our spiritual journey, we sometimes pay attention to so many minutiae that we lose ourselves in the details and forget the cornerstone, which keeps the structure together.

In this land of plenty, would it not be ironic to die of spiritual starvation?

Capuchin Father Aurilia is pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.

Guest Column CAPUCHIN FATHER JOHN AURILIA guest columnist

There are many hungers in our human life that cry out for nourishment.

As we gather together in these hot summer weeks to celebrate the Eucharist, we are challenged in our Scripture readings to consider all these hungers.

Through the various accounts, believers are reminded that God wants to satisfy every human hunger and that we are to reflect on what we receive and who is the giver. Some examples of this process can be found in Elisha feeding 100 people (17th Sunday), the manna in the wilderness (18th Sunday), Elijah being fed by an angel (19th Sunday) and Jesus multiplying the bread for many (20th Sunday).

Not by accident, the Catholic Church brings to the attention of the faithful

Re-entering the world A grieving mother’s compassionate journey It is almost impossible to comprehend the horror that shattered Elaine Stillwell’s life in 1986.

In her own words, she tells what happened: “In an instant my life changed forever when my two oldest children, 21-year-old Denis and 19-year-old Peggy, were killed in a freak car accident Aug. 2, 1986, not far from our home on Long Island.”

I could relate, having suffered the sudden deaths of two sons myself less than three years apart. Small wonder that I would want to read what Stillwell wrote about her new “journey” in a book titled simply “The Death of a Child, Reflections for Grieving Parents.”

Like her, my immediate reaction to this unbearable loss was to ask as she asks: “Where do we go from here? How do we get up in the morning?”

But unexpected healing and learning was to come from her grief, bringing her to live a “meaningful life” again.

This happened because she had a faith in the Lord that would, as she says, “light up” her life.

This trust led her to see the work she now could do precisely because of what grief had taught her.

“I was armed with three solid reasons to get up each day. I didn’t want my children to be erased from peoples’ minds. I wanted to keep doing everything

I could to make them proud of me. And I didn’t want to waste the special love I had for them,” she said.

She “re-entered the world,” asking the Lord to design a new path that would lead her to live a “meaningful life” again.

The work Stillwell has done since then is astounding. She began to work with Compassionate Friends, a selfhelp group for bereaved parents and siblings, and founded a chapter of this organization in her own Rockville Centre Diocese on Long Island.

She then became New York state regional coordinator for the group, serving on the board of the National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved.

She has chaired grief seminars and conferences, written for national magazines and authored books and pamphlets for the bereaved.

All this work is in the name of her children, and all royalties and stipends she receives go to the “Peggy and Denis O’Connor Memorial Scholarship,” established at the University of Dayton, Ohio.

This summer marks the 20th anniversary of their deaths, and Stillwell planned a “big Aug. 5 affair” for the scholarship fund on the grounds of Bishop Kellenberg High School on Long Island.

“This is one of the ways I share

chapter 6 of John’s Gospel for five Sundays in a row. This chapter has 71 verses and all of them speak about the Eucharist as the bread of life.

The people were drawn to Jesus at the seashore and in the wilderness because their lives were as dry as the sand of the shore and as lost in the wilderness of unsatisfied hungers.

The story of the multiplication of bread is so important that it is reported six times in the four Gospels. In each account, we find some common denominators: large crowds, a remote setting, the estimated cost of buying food for such a crowd (200 denarii = $9,000), the seating of the crowd, the menu (bread and fish) and the leftovers are more than they started with.

The story beyond the story is far more important than the Gospel’s pericopae. Actually, Jesus says to you and to me today, “Bring me your barley loaves and your dry fish and see what I can do with them.” Don’t wait until you are perfect to act, because you never will be. Giving something is always better than giving nothing.

It would be unfair to understand the Eucharist only in terms of “transubstantiation” as adopted by the Fourth Lateran

The Bottom Line ANTOINETTE BOSCO cns columnist

Peggy and Denis with the world,” she said, acknowledging that everything she does “is connected with them,” giving her energy and keeping her feeling “really close to them.”

Yet, she also has met people “who can’t let go of their pain and are stuck” in their agony and anger.

“I think they just crumble because they have no anchor in a religion,” Stillwell writes.

“I could never have imagined the array of joys that would light up my life after suffering the deaths of Peggy and Denis. I did not have a master plan, but the Lord did!”

A truly God-connected woman, she can say, “When I envision heaven, I see Peggy’s and Denis’ beaming faces and the faces of my babies lost through miscarriage.

“My heart is overwhelmed with tears of joy as I patiently await our glorious reunion. Every day we are one day closer!”

Peace of Mind LORI FOX guest columnist

Finding self-esteem through God’s eyes, and our own In this day and age, it’s no wonder so many of us find ourselves lacking in the “self esteem department.” Just consider the messages that bombard us in our daily routines.

When was the last time that you received a pat on the back for a job well done? When did someone you love look you square in the eye and tell you, “I think you are amazing.”

Have you turned on the TV lately and thought, “Wow, those thin, beautiful, rich people are just like me?”

Unfortunately, we’re more likely to hear when we have missed the mark at work, done something to disappoint someone at home or angered someone by an unintended maneuver on the freeway. We humans are conditioned to look outward and feed our hunger for approval by what we see reflected there.

Self-help books tell us to stop relying on others to build our self-esteem. We need to look within and feel great about our lives no matter what anybody else has to say about us.

This is easier said than done.

But what if the love and appreciation we crave were right before us all along?

Of all the gifts the life of Jesus has brought to mankind, one of the greatest was the chance for us to experience the unconditional love of God as a father in a very human way.

In turn, Jesus allowed God to experience a father’s love for his child.

When Jesus is baptized, we hear God speak of his Son in words all children long to hear: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

What would it mean to you to hear those words coming from God’s lips?

Would you feel that even in your imperfections, God loves you and has a father’s boundless pride in you?

Would you feel more at peace about your life and the choices you have made?

Would you feel like what you do is recognized and matters?

Would you feel so full of love for yourself that you would try to help others feel this same self-acceptance?

These questions beg to be answered because it happens to you every day.

A father rests his hand on his child’s precious head and he calls you by your name, “Beloved.”

Lori Fox is supervisor of counseling services at Catholic Social Services in the Diocese of Charlotte.

August 4, 2006

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