Aug. 28, 2009

August 28, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Perspectives The power of making a stand; love is the most powerful tool for change

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI August 28, 2009

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

vOLUME 18

no. 36

‘We are A church to call home with room to grow called to be North Mecklenburg Catholics celebrate on fire …’ long-awaited completion of St. Mark Church

Revival celebrates, rejuvenates faith of African-American Catholics in diocese by

by

KATIE MOORE staff writer

KATIE MOORE staff writer

HUNTERSVILLE — In 1997, 250 families gathered to celebrate the first Mass of St. Mark Church at a bowling alley in Huntersville. Twelve years later the church has grown to 4,050 families.

From the beginning it was clear that a large church would be needed to accommodate the growing number of Catholics in north Mecklenburg County.

On Aug. 23, Bishop Peter J. Jugis celebrated the longawaited dedication of the new church building — a 26,000square-foot church with seating

CHARLOTTE — African-American Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte gathered recently for a fourday celebration of culture and Catholicism.

The Revival of the Spirit, sponsored by the diocesan African American Affairs Ministry, took place at four parishes throughout the diocese Aug. 13-16 and featured a dynamic speaker who challenged participants to reinvigorate their faith.

Revivals, similar to parish missions, have become customary within the African-

Photo by Katie Moore

See REVIVAL, page 8

Priests and faithful pray while Bishop Peter J. Jugis chants the Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer during the dedication Mass of St. Mark Church in Huntersville Aug. 23. The 26,000-square-foot church has seating for 1,500 people.

‘A priest forever’

See CHURCH, page 9

Back to school

Upcoming collection helps both retired and active priests in diocese by

KATIE MOORE staff writer

Photo by Katie Moore

Retired diocesan priests (from left) Fathers Joseph Waters, James Solari and Conrad Kimbrough celebrate Mass in the chapel at Pennybyrn at Maryfield, a Catholic retirement community in High Point June 5.

HIGH POINT — They have almost 140 years of priestly service among them.

Now as residents of a Catholic retirement living community in High Point, three retired priests continue to serve the people of God in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Fathers Joseph Waters, Conrad Kimbrough and James Solari are three of 25 retired priests within the diocese who exemplify what it means to be “a priest forever,” this year’s theme for the diocesan Priests’ Retirement & Benefits Collection.

See RETIRE, page 5

A Catholic school bus is pictured in the reflection of its side-view mirror in the parking lot of the diocesan Pastoral Center in Charlotte Aug. 24. Students have returned to classes in the 18 diocesan schools.

For MORE photos, see page 12.

27 days until the

Seniors and spirituality

Culture Watch

Day of Reflection offers ways to deepen faith

Book on religious life history; radio program wins awards

| Page 7

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

| Pages 10-11

Eucharistic Congress September 25 & 26

www.goEucharist.com See back page.

August 28, 2009

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

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

USCCB launches missal translation Web site WASHINGTON (CNS) — A new Web site launched Aug. 21 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was produced to educate Catholics about the forthcoming English translation of the new Roman Missal, the book of prayers used for Mass.

T h e s i t e , w w w. u s c c b . o r g / romanmissal, has background material on the process of development of liturgical texts, sample texts from the missal, a glossary of terms and answers to frequently asked questions.

Content will be added regularly over the next several months, according to an Aug. 21 news release from the USCCB. The bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship hopes the site will be a central resource for those preparing to implement the new text, the release said.

In the years since the Second Vatican Council, “we have learned a lot about the use of the vernacular in the liturgy

Remembering a leader

and the new texts reflect this new understanding,” said the committee’s chairman, Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of Paterson, N.J., in a video that welcomes visitors to the site.

“The new texts are understandable, dignified and accurate,” he said. “They not only strive to make the meaning of the text accessible for the listener, but they also strive to unearth the biblical and theological richness of the Latin text.”

After more than five years of consultation, study and reflection, the U.S. bishops are expected to conclude their review and approval of the final portion of the translated texts at the end of this year. Final approval, or “recognitio,” of the text from the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments will be the last step before the publication of the texts for use in the liturgy.

CNS photo by Paul Haring

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony and U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy address a Capitol Hill press conference on immigration in Washington March 6, 2007. Kennedy, who died at his Cape Cod, Mass., home late Aug. 25, was a major figure in the Democratic Party and took the helm of one of America’s most fabled Catholic political families after two older brothers were assassinated. He was 77.

Diocesan planner

Ted Kennedy, longtime senator, patriarch of famous family, dies at 77

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

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who died late Aug. 25 at the age of 77, stood firmly on the side of the Catholic Church on a wide range of issues from immigration reform to the minimum wage during his 47 years as a U.S. senator from Massachusetts.

But the youngest son of one of the nation’s most famous Catholic families ran into criticism from leaders of the U.S. Catholic Church for his stand on abortion. He opposed the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, supported Roe v. Wade and was a chief sponsor of legislation to limit protests outside abortion clinics and to permit the use of federal funds for research projects using fetal tissue.

Kennedy had served in the U.S. Senate since he was first elected in 1962 to fill his brother John’s unexpired term after he became president.

As the second-most senior member of the U.S. Senate, Kennedy joined with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in a bipartisan effort for immigration reform, which the Catholic Church backed but which was ultimately unsuccessful.

In earlier years, he championed a national health insurance plan that church leaders supported, except for its inclusion of abortion as a covered health service.

Kennedy also served as a co-sponsor and/or co-author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, and legislation raising the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 per hour.

In the 111th Congress he was chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and ranking member of several committees and subcommittees.

He was a vocal opponent of both the Vietnam War and the war in Iraq and a strong supporter of the civil rights movement, increased federal funding of public schools and early education programs such as Head Start, universal health coverage, the rights of workers to organize and to earn a living wage, and immigration reform that would lead toward citizenship.

On most of those issues Kennedy’s stance was on the same side as Catholic leaders, but on abortion they diverged sharply. He did not begin his Senate career as an abortion supporter, however, according to a 1971 letter that surfaced many years later.

“While the deep concern of a woman bearing an unwanted child merits consideration and sympathy, it is my personal feeling that the legalization of abortion on demand is not in accordance with the value which our civilization places on human life,” Kennedy wrote a year and a half before Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that lifted most state restrictions on abortion.

In recent years, however, Kennedy earned a nearly 100 percent negative rating from the National Right to Life Committee and a 100 percent positive rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America for his abortion-related votes in the Senate.

ASHEVILLE VICARIATE

ASHEVILLE — Catholic Daughters of the Americas is seeking Catholic women ages 18 and up to join the organization. The Catholic Daughters were founded in 1903 by the Knights of Columbus and now have more than 95,000 members worldwide. Courts in the Diocese of Charlotte are located in Charlotte, Asheville, Statesville, Salisbury, Greensboro and Sylva.

Membership is open to all Catholic women.

For more information, contact Essie Walker at (704) 577-7436.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE

CHARLOTTE — All adults are invited to attend the Christian Coffeehouse at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. Join us for energizing spiritual messages with live Christian contemporary music, snacks and drinks, all served in a candlelit atmosphere, Aug. 29 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Parish Center gym. There is no charge to attend this event.

CHARLOTTE — The Gospel According to St. John, a 12-week seminar stressing the divinity of Christ, will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd., Sundays beginning Sept. 13 from 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the activity center. This seminar aims to create in attendees

an interest in and a love for Scripture in order to foster spiritual growth. For more information, call (704) 554-1622.

CHARLOTTE — There will be an inquiry meeting for those interested in joining a Dominican Laity Group (Third Order of St. Dominic) Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. in Room 132 of the New Life Center at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. The group is open to all who are in conformity with the teaching of the magisterium and who are seeking the Dominican spiritual life. For more information, call Mary Snow at (704) 847-4405 or e-mail info@charlottelaydominicans.org, or visit the Web site at www.charlottelaydominicans.org.

CHARLOTTE — A new support group for unemployed parishioners has started at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Rd. The meetings will be held on Mondays at 10 a.m. in Aquinas Hall.

For more information, call Brother Doug Soik in the parish office at (704) 549-1607 or e-mail him at dsoik@stacharlotte.com.

CHARLOTTE — “Come and See,” an informational social to answer questions regarding the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), will be held in the Parish Hall at St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Rd., Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to learn more about the Catholic Church, we would love to help you on your faith journey. Classes will be held the second week of September through the first week of October on Sundays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, contact Karen Polce at (704) 545-7580 or kmpsjn@gmail.com.

CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Young Adult Life presents Theology on Tap, a speaker series for Catholics in their 20s and 30s. The Real Life series will take place once a month from August through November at Harper’s Restaurant, 11059 Carolina Place Pkwy. Come and mingle at 6:30 p.m., speaker will start around 7 p.m. The next session will be Sept. 17 on the topic “Finding Meaning in Your Work” presented by Deacon Mark King. For event details, visit www.meetup.com/youngadultlife

August 28, 2009 Volume 18 • Number 36

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

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.

August 28, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 3

FROM THE VATICAN

Vatican, bishops urge respect, help for migrants There is human right to be helped, rescued, says archbishop VAT I C A N C I T Y ( C N S ) — Prompted by a sea tragedy involving the apparent deaths of dozens of Eritreans trying to reach Italy in a rubber raft, the Vatican and the Italian bishops urged authorities to guarantee rescue, medical help and respect to migrants in trouble.

On Aug. 20, Italian maritime border police rescued five Eritreans off the Sicilian island of Lampedusa. The survivors recounted that more than 70 others had died of hunger and thirst during a three-week voyage from Libya, and said that no passing vessels had stopped to save them, although some fishermen had given them some food.

Archbishop Antonio Maria Veglio, president of the Pontifical Council or e-mail st.matthews.yal@gmail.com.

CHARLOTTE — A Blood Give-In will be held at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., in the Parish Center Family Room Sept. 20 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sign ups will be in the narthex the weekends of Sept. 5-6 and Sept. 1213. Walk-ins will be accepted as time permits.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE

GREENSBORO — The Men’s Early Morning Bible Study Group meets Tuesdays at 6:30 a.m. for an hour of prayer, sharing and Scripture study in the library at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Rd. The group began a 6-week program Aug. 25 on the book of Daniel in conjunction with the first and second book of Maccabees.

The program will review the history of Israel in the centuries before the Lord’s coming. For more information, contact Gus Magrinat at gmagrinat@ pol.net or John Malmfelt at jmalmsie@aol.com.

GREENSBORO — The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians will meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 3 in the main room of the Kloster Center at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 2210 N. Elm St. For more information, contact Alice Schmidt at (336) 288-0983.

GREENSBORO — Elizabeth Ministry is available to support parents carrying to term following the diagnosis of a fetal defect. The primary focus is to connect parents with others who have continues a pregnancy following a poor prenatal diagnosis.

Specialized resource materials and assistance are provided including referrals to community services.

Parents of all religions are served. For more information, contact Sandy Buck at (704) 948-4587 or e-mail elizabethministry@roadrunner.com.

HICKORY VICARIATE

MORGANTON — Attention all Cursillistas! The Cursillo Movement of the Diocese of Charlotte is hosting a diocesan-wide Grand Ultreya at Steel Creek Park/Campgrounds in Morganton, 7081 NC Hwy. 181 N., Sept. 19. The Grand Ultreya begins at 11:30 a.m. with Mass at 12 p.m. Lunch follows.

Participants are asked to bring a covered dish and a 2-liter drink; Cursillo will provide hamburgers/ hotdogs. Other events include guitar music, group

Episcopal

calendar

for Migrants and Travelers, said in an interview with Vatican Radio Aug. 23 that such tragedies call for a “strong and farsighted policy of international cooperation.”

He said that while governments have the legitimate right to regulate immigration, “there is nevertheless the human right to be rescued and given emergency help.”

He said this right is even more necessary in extreme situations, “such as being adrift in the middle of the sea.”

Archbishop Veglio referred to the recent encyclical by Pope Benedict XVI, “Charity in Truth,” which says that “every migrant is a human person” who “possesses inalienable fundamental rights.” reunion, spiritual talks and hiking/nature trails for children. The event ends at 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact Michelle Fabrize at mfabrize@aol.com.

Vatican economist emphasizes Christians’ business ethics VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The current global economic crisis shows that capitalism without ethical grounding doesn’t work, and Christians should keep this in mind whether they are business people, policymakers or simply consumers, a top Vatican economist said.

Thomas Han Hong-soon of the Vatican Prefecture for Economic Affairs said that “the root of this crisis is a moral deficit” and that when it comes to business, Christians have not always followed the principles of charity and justice found in the Gospel.

“Let’s start by honestly recognizing that the spirit of capitalism doesn’t agree with that of the Gospel. The heart of Christianity is love for others.

The nucleus of capitalism, rather, is competition, which is the opposite of love,” Han told the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano Aug. 22.

A radical overhaul of the capitalistic system is not very realistic, he said, considering that alternatives, such as communism, have not worked out historically. But better rules for governing the free market are needed, he said.

“It’s clear that as Christians we can’t only pursue the notion of the highest profit at the lowest possible cost,” he said.

“What is sometimes lacking is the awareness of a ‘social responsibility’ of their business. No business is an island,” he said.

Those who don’t remember that are destined to fail,” he said, recalling Pope Benedict XVI’s recent encyclical, “Caritas in Veritate” (“Charity in Truth”), that called for justice and equality in the world economy. This is true not only for single businesses, but for a whole system that involves shareholders, banks, workers and consumers, he said.

Mourning in Myongdong

SALISBURY VICARIATE

SALISBURY — The Ancient Order of Hibernians, an organization comprised of Catholic men of Irish birth or descent, will be forming a new division in the Salisbury area. If you are 16 years or older and are proud of you Irish heritage and are interested in your Catholic faith and Irish culture, contact Joe Dougherty, NC State AOH organizer, at (704) 942-6345 or e-mail uniteire@yahoo.com.

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE

WINSTON-SALEM — The Secular Franciscans of the Fraternity of St. Clare is sponsoring a blessing of the animals Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 1730 Link Rd. All caged or leashed pets welcome. For more information, call Anne Modrow at (336) 760-1938.

CLEMMONS — Eucharistic adoration takes place every Thursday in the Curlin Center of Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information contact Carole at pinmoney@bellsouth.net.

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.

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

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

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

Sept. 1 (10 a.m.)

Mass for blessing of Sacred Heart School Salisbury

Sept. 3 (10 a.m.)

Diocesan Foundation board meeting Catholic Conference Center, Hickory

Sept. 2 (7 p.m.)

Pastor installation of Salesian Father Paul Dechant Holy Cross Church, Kernersville

Sept. 5 (1 p.m.)

Blessing of cemetery Holy Family Church, Clemmons

CNS photo by Lee Jae-Won, Reuters

South Korean Cardinal Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk of Seoul speaks at a funeral Mass for former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung at the Myongdong Cathedral in Seoul Aug. 22. Kim, the first Catholic president of South Korea, died Aug. 18 at age 85.

South Korea’s first Catholic president was model Christian SEOUL, South Korea (CNS) — Former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung will be remembered as a model Christian, Cardinal Nicholas Cheong Jinsuk of Seoul said during his funeral Mass at Myongdong Cathedral.

The Asian church news agency UCA News reported that Cardinal Cheong praised the first Korean Nobel laureate, who won the peace prize in 2000 for his efforts to reach out to communist North Korea.

“He was a political leader who defined an epoch in Korean history and was an elder for all Koreans,” Cardinal Cheong said, describing Kim as a champion of human rights, democratization and peace on the Korean peninsula.

Cardinal Cheong urged Koreans to

follow Kim’s example and heal divisions in society.

Kim — South Korea’s first Catholic president, whose baptismal name was Thomas More — died Aug. 18 at the age of 85.

Following Kim’s death, Pope Benedict XVI sent a condolence message to President Lee Myung-bak through the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

“Pope Benedict XVI commends the late president’s soul to the mercy and love of almighty God and, upon all the Korean people who mourn his passing, he cordially invokes the divine blessing of peace and strength,” Cardinal Bertone wrote.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

August 28, 2009

aROUND THE DIOCESE

Honoring priests

Weaving warmth and comfort

Courtesy Photo Courtesy Photo

Members of the Blanketeers of Holy Spirit Church in Denver are pictured with some of their work during their quarterly workshop Aug. 15. Members sew approximately 500 comfort blankets per year for Project Linus, an international nonprofit organization that provides blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized or in need; for patients of Gaston Memorial Hospital and for fellow parishioners in need.

A place of prayer

Father James Solari (third from right) was the principal celebrant of a Mass in honor of the Year for Priests held at Pennybyrn at Maryfield in High Point Aug. 4, the feast of St. John Vianney. Pennybyrn is a retirement community sponsored by the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God. Pictured are (from left) Poor Servant Sister Mona Comaskey; Deacon Ron Steinkemp of St. Pius X Church in Greensboro; Poor Servant Sister Lucy Hennessy; Father Joe Waters, Father Solari and Father Conrad Kimbrough, retired priests; and Poor Servant Sister Loretta O’Connor.

“It’s dining with that we like.”

service

~ Roy and Dot Culler, Pennybyrn residents since 2008. ~

Courtesy Photo

Pictured is a statue of Jesus in the new parish prayer garden blessed and dedicated by Father Joseph Dinh, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jefferson Aug. 16. Nearly 100 people from the parish and its mission, St. Frances of Rome in Sparta, attended the dedication of the prayer garden built by parishioners and featuring a path with Stations of the Cross and benches.

“ We love the food at Pennybyrn,” says Pennybyrn resident Roy Culler. “The desserts are just too good! Dot and I enjoy choosing from a menu.

The staff is so gracious and the dining room is beautiful. We look forward to it every day.”

Roy says Pennybyrn’s atmosphere also satisfies. “There’s a unique spirit, as though you’ve all known each other for years. It gives you a good, safe feeling.

We’re very pleased.”

You too can enjoy retirement living with a menu of advantages. Call (336) 821-4050 or toll-free (866) 627-9343.

www.PennybyrnAtMaryfield.com ~ 109 Penny Road, High Point, NC 27260

August 28, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 5

from the cover

Collection helps both retired and active priests in diocese RETIRE, from page 1

The three priests are residents of Pennybyrn at Maryfield, a full-service retirement community founded 61 years ago by the religious sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God. For Father Kimbrough, living at Pennybyrn has significance dating back to his youth. He visited High Point in 1947 when he was an Episcopal college student.

It was a predominately Protestant area back then and the sisters had just founded Maryfield.

He was curious when he first saw the sisters in their habits.

“Little did I know what would happen in the future,” he said.

“When I came here I thought, ‘I’m giving it all up now,’” joked Father Kimbrough about his retirement.

But that certainly wasn’t the case.

Even in retirement, each of the priests continues to serve an instrumental role within the Catholic community, both at Maryfield and at nearby parishes.

For Father Waters and Father Kimbrough, who live in the assisted living phase of the community, their service includes hearing confessions and celebrating daily Mass at the Maryfield chapel.

“Sometimes they call me out to offer Mass in Spanish at different parishes,” said Father Waters, who was one of the first priests in the diocese to minister to Hispanic Catholics.

In terms of retirement, Father Solari is hoping that the fourth time will be a charm. He originally retired in 2000, but has been subsequently pulled out of retirement to serve at parishes in Statesville, Greensboro and Gastonia.

“We had need at the time,” he said, “I was happy to be able to do it.”

In March 2008, Father Solari moved to Maryfield where he serves as

The Priests’ Retirement & Benefits Collection is a way to show your gratitude for the faithful service of the 25 retired diocesan priests Your contribution also helps provide for the future retirement of 80 diocesan priests who are currently involved in active ministry, as well as 26 priests representing eight different religious orders serving in The Diocese of Charlotte.

Each parish is assessed 3.5 percent of its annual offertory collection to raise the funds needed to support priests’ retirement and benefits. In most parishes the assessment amounts to slightly less than two times the regular Sunday offertory.

Of the collection, $618,850 is allocated to the retired diocesan priests’ health plan and $827,150 will be directed to pension contributions for the diocesan and religious priests’ retirement plan.

Come to Celebrate and Learn 10th Anniversary Celebration Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) Friday Evening, October 23, 6 – 9 pm &

4th Bishop Begley Conference on Appalachia Saturday, October 24, 9 am – 3:30 pm A combined event, sponsored by the Office of Justice and Peace, CSS, on the theme:

Partnering Ecumenically for Social Action and Justice Site for Friday evening’s activities - St. William Church in Murphy, NC Site for Saturday’s activities - Hinton Rural Life Center in Hayesville, NC The Friday evening and Saturday event features four Plenary Speakers presented below in order of appearance in weekend schedule: Rev. Msgr. Mauricio W. West, Vicar General and Chancellor, Diocese of Charlotte W. Joseph Mann, Director, Rural Church Division, The Duke Endowment Rev. Larry Snyder, President, Catholic Charities USA Rev. George M. Kloster, Pastor, St. William and IHM Catholic Churches Go to www.cssnc.org/justicepeace for registration procedures and additional information, including Hinton Rural Life Center (HRLC) lodging opportunities. Since event meeting space is limited to 100 people, and lodging options at HRLC and area hotels during the autumn season are also limited, early registration is recommended.

Questions? Call 704-370-3225 or E-mail justicepeace@charlottediocese.org.

Office of Justice and Peace, CSS, 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203

Photo by Katie Moore

An accomplished artist, Father James Solari, shows one of his drawings to Edward Cordick, development and public relations leader for Pennybyrn at Maryfield, and Barbara Gaddy, associate director of development for the Diocese of Charlotte. part-time chaplain.

In that role, he celebrates Mass every Wednesday morning, along with a vigil Mass on Saturday evening and a Sunday morning Mass. He performs quarterly anointings of the sick and is on call to respond to emergencies.

Being in a retirement community provides an “opportunity to see a lot of dear people who are hampered

by Mother Nature’s problems,” said Father Solari.

“It’s nice to personally interact with them,” he said.

His take on retirement: “It doesn’t

mean you sit around and do nothing.

You can be as active as you choose.

There is more freedom to enjoy things that you didn’t have time for when you were full-time.”

He enjoys playing bridge with other residents once a week and painting in an art studio in his apartment.

He also helps out at nearby parishes.

One of the things Father Solari doesn’t miss about being a pastor is the paperwork.

“There was always a great deal of administrative pressure,” he said. “All of that is no longer on my shoulders.”

Without the pressure of pastoral duties, Father Solari has been able to grow deeper in his faith.

“I can celebrate the sacraments with greater joy,” said Father Solari.

And as far as being “a priest forever,” he said, “That is what we committed to at ordination — that we would continue to serve the Lord.”

AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE

704-449-4279

ON THE WAGON Charlotte Airport: $35 TOTAL, depending on distance Parishioner, St. James The Greater

6 The Catholic News & Herald

August 28, 2009

around the diocese

Welcoming a Sister

Attention Readers!

Have a NEWS Story to Share?

Do you have a news story to share with The Catholic News & Herald? Do you know of people who are living the tenets of their faith? Do you have photos of a parish- or ministry-based event?

If so, please share them with us.

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

Courtesy Photo

Mercy Sister Paule Benedict Barbeau (center) receives a blessing from Mercy Sister Carol Ann Wenning (left), incorporation minister, and Mercy Sister Kathy Green, president of the South Central Community of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, during a reception ceremony at Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont in July. Sister Barbeau will enter the institute canonical novitiate of the Sisters of Mercy in Laredo, Texas, in August.

She was attracted to the Sisters of Mercy because of the charism and the opportunity to work with women and children. “This is an opportunity to deepen my faith and immerse myself in the Mercy tradition,” she said.

Celebrating Columbiettes

SIX DATES & LOCATIONS TO CHOOSE FROM! Tuesday, September 15 — St. Joseph, Kannapolis Check-In: 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Presenter: Fr. Kieran Neilson Topic: Pope Benedict XVI’s Encyclical “Saved by Hope” Program: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cost: $14 per person includes lunch Deadline for Registration: Monday, September 7th

Thursday, October 8 — St. Luke, Mint Hill Check-In: 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Presenter: Bishop Emeritus William Curlin Topic: “The Jesus Who Lives in Us” Program: 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cost: $14 per person includes lunch Deadline for Registration: Tuesday, September 29th

Thursday, October 29 — Catholic Conference Center, Hickory

Courtesy Photo

Pictured are (front, from left) Lori Lozano, vice president; Jessica Hughes, secretary; Father Tustin; Carol Pennington, president; and (back, from left) Muriel Peeling standing in for Martha Schafer, treasurer; Shannon Meyer, immediate past president; Mary Ann Albright, sentinel; and Fran Petticord, financial secretary.

DO YOU WANT TO BE A MODEL OF STYLE AND VIRTUE?

Don’t miss your chance to model in the 2010 Pure Fashion Greensboro show!

Deadline is September 11, 2009 – don’t miss out!

Enjoy the 6-month model training program and develop your personal beauty from the inside out.

Log on to www.purefashion.com/cities/greensboro to learn more about the 2009/2010 model training program.

You can join the lucky group of young women from the Greensboro area who will Models must be in grades 8 – 12. discover their own dignity, style and beauty and how to foster it by living a life of virtue.

Info: 336/292-2237

Apply online today!

Check-In: 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Presenter: Fr. Brian Cook Topic: “Autumn Grace — Growing Older…Growing Wiser” Program: 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cost: $14 per person includes lunch Ad – pure fashion Deadline for Registration: Monday, October 19th Modify last year’s FULL ad with changes in

Tuesday, November 10 — Queen of the Apostles, Belmont Check-In: 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Presenter: Deacon Matt Reilly Topic: “I Made It…Now What?”

Program: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cost: $10 per person includes lunch Deadline for Registration: Tuesday, November 3rd

Please use the same picture and same colo wording on next two lines.

On third line, change the number from 69 t

Wednesday, November 18 — St. Paul the Apostle, Greensboro

Check-In: 9:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Presenter: Msgr. Richard Bellow Topic: Cure of Ars — St. John Marie Vianney, “The Priest To Among Priests” the right of the listing of the times, keep Program: 10:15 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Save now on tickets! $35 until April 5 ($40 a Cost: $8 per person includes lunch Order at: www.purefashion.com Deadline for Registration: Monday, November 9th Questions? Rmack3@carolina.rr.com

Tuesday, December 3 — St. James, Hamlet Check-In: 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Presenter: Sr. Ann Marie Wilson, R.S.M. Topic: “Jesus…Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” Program: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cost: $14 per person includes lunch Deadline for Registration: Monday, November 23rd

2:15 Doors Open – Raffle and fashion mer available for purchase (cash or check only) 2:45 Afternoon Tea Show Social begins Services) - hosted by our National Register as a group or individually by sending your check (payable to3:00 Catholic Director, Brenda Sharman. Entertainment b and your parish name to: Sandra Breakfield, CSS Elder Ministry Christian recording sensation, Sarah Bauer

1123 S. Church St. Charlotte NC 28203-4003

For more information call Sandra at 704-370-3220 or Sherill at 704-370-3228.

August 28, 2009

Seasons, seniors and spirituality

The Catholic News & Herald 7

around the diocese

Days of reflection offer opportunities to deepen faith by

s.

KATHLEEN HEALY SCHMIEDER correspondent

BREVARD — One’s spiritual life changes and continues just like the seasons, said a speaker at an annual Fall Day of Reflection for Seniors.

Catholic Social Services Elder Ministry recently sponsored two Fall Days of Reflection for Seniors at Sacred Heart Church in Brevard Aug. 20 and St. William Church in Murphy Aug. 27.

At both events, speakers shared how the participants could use their places in life as opportunities to deepen their faith.

More days are scheduled in the coming months.

In Brevard, Father Edward Sheridan, pastor of St. Eugene Church in Asheville, spoke on the “Seasons of Our Life.”

The spiritual life, he said, parallels the seasons of the year.

“We go through stages, like nature.

It is a continuous cycle,” said Father Sheridan. “We should not think all

seasons are the same. Your relationship with God changes year by year and we need to be open to the changes in our spiritual growth.”

After serving 46 years as a diocesan priest in various parishes throughout the state, Father Sheridan retired two years ago. But when the request came for him to return to the active role of parish priest, Father Sheridan accepted the opportunity.

He said he now finds himself at the beginning of another new season in his own life. As with all prior seasons, he said, this one will unfold in as yet unimaginable ways, and with faith he has responded to the call and looks forward to what lies ahead.

“When there is a need and if the community asks — or in my case, when the church asks — we should, if at all possible, respond positively,” said Father Sheridan.

“Today presented an opportunity for a serious get-together about what our faith means to us as we go through

Photo by Kathleen Healy Schmieder

Father Edward Sheridan (left), John and Edna Bell and Patrick Bohan speak during the Fall Day of Reflection for Seniors at Sacred Heart Church in Brevard Aug. 27. life,” said Patrick Bohan, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church.

Bohan also appreciated seeing Father Sheridan, who had served at that parish years prior.

“It was nice to have him here again. It’s good to have people from neighboring parishes here,” said Bohan.

“It reminds us of the old hymn, ‘All One Body We.’” Elder Ministry provides leadership and guidance to parishes and their older adults within the Diocese of Charlotte, to enhance their well-being and to promote the development of programs to benefit them.

Annual events such as the Fall Day of Reflection for Seniors and the Spring

sponsored by Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Charlotte

Celebrating 25 or 50 years of marriage this year?

holic Social Services

d the

WANT MORE INFO? For upcoming dates and locations for Fall Days of Reflection for Seniors, see the ad on page 6 or visit www.cssnc. org/elderministry_falldayofreflection.html or call (704) 370-3220.

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INTRODUCTION CLASSES Please note: To receive an in

Charlotte – St. Patrick Cathedral register.

September 5 – 6:45 pm September 6 – 10:45 am and 1:45 pm Sponsored by the Family Lif Concord – Northgate Family Medicine September 16 – 7 pm (Include CSS Logo) Salisbury – September 24 – 7 pm

en EspañolIf you were married during 1959 or 1984,

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Fling provide opportunities for elders to gather from throughout the diocese.

“We are hoping to offer one-day reflections in each of the vicariates in the diocese,” said Sandra Breakfield, diocesan Elder Ministry director.

“The program allows seniors to come together, share their faith and grow in fellowship.”

you and your family are invited to attend the

CLASS SERIES

Annual Diocesan Anniversary Mass at the

Greensboro – Our Lady of Grace Church September 12 – 2 pm October 10 – 2 pm November 7 – 2 pm

Cathedral of St. Patrick in Charlotte Sunday, October 25 — 3pm

Winston-Salem – St. Leo the Great Church September 20 – 1:30 pm October 18 – 1:30 pm November 15 – 1:30 pm Take a local class or learn from the convenience of your home with a FREE home-study course CD. Keep your NFP charts online or use your iPhone!

Please note: To receive an invitation, you must call your parish office to register.

Sponsored by the Family Life Office of Catholic Social Services

Information: (704) 370-3230

cssnfp@charlottediocese.org

www.cssnc.org/naturalfamilyplanning.html

8 The Catholic News & Herald

August 28, 2009

from the cover

Revival celebrates, rejuvenates faith of African-American Catholics

Charlotte, followed by a concluding Mass Sunday morning at St. Helen Mission in Spencer Mountain.

“It was, indeed, a joyous occasion to bring together so many people from different cultural, sociological, geographical and economical American Catholic tradition as an backgrounds — from infants to seniors, opportunity for spiritual renewal and a males and females,” Murdock said. time to build up the church community.

“The Good News was being delivered “The Revival of the Spirit is a onceby a Bible-fed, spirit-led preacher and the a-year event that is intended to revive the spirit could be felt moving throughout spirit in all souls who come and receive every service,” she said. the goodness of the Lord,” said Sandy Revival services included Scripture Murdock, diocesan ministry director. with West, Chancellor and and Vicar General readings Gospel music.

The theme of Fr. thisMo year’s Revival of her people During his sermon at Our Lady of of the Spirit was “Trouble Don’t Consolation Church Aug. 15, Father Last Always.”

Nutt addressed the issue of dealing The message from guest revivalist with hardships.

Redemptorist Father Maurice Nutt was “You can handle it,” he told the simple: “No matter what hardships or audience. “No matter what comes your dilemmas you are going through, God way, God would never give it to you will see you through.” unless he knows you can handle it.”

As Catholics, revivals “draw us to “He gives you a test in order for have more commitment to church service, you to have a testimony,” said Father evangelization and to understand the Nutt, whose dynamic preaching included graces that come from the sacraments,” standing on pews and running down the said Father Nutt. center aisle of the church.

“I’m trying to help people deepen “We are not called to be lukewarm,” their personal relationship with Jesus he said in an interview. “We are called Christ,” he said. to be on fire with the Gospel as we try to The four-day event consisted of serve God and serve the church.” nightly revival sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at St. Mary Contact Staff Writer Katie Moore by Church in Greensboro, St. Benedict the calling (704) 370-3354, or e-mail Moor Church in Winston-Salem and kmmoore@charlottediocese.org.

Our Lady of Consolation Church in

* the breathtaking countryside * the traditions of our Catholic faith * the legends of her people

REVIVAL, from page 1

and Fr. Mo West, Vicar General and Chancellor, for the

ALASKA CRUISE and RETREAT with a day in Seattle!

August 17-25, 2007

Photo by Katie Moore

The Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir leads the congregation in song during a revival service at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte Aug. 15. The Revival of the Spirit, sponsored by the diocesan African American Affairs Ministry, was held at four parishes throughout the diocese Aug. 13-16.

The diocese of Charlotte invites you, your family and friends to discover

The Charm, Colors and Treasures of MEXICO

including the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe February 6-13, 2010

Highlights of your trip include: * Mexico City - an exciting mix of colonial, European and modern influences at the Zocalo, the Basilica, La Reforma Blvd., and so much more! * Aztecan ruins and Pyramids of the Sun and Moon tell the archaeological history * Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine – special Mass, free time to reflect, explore and purchase spiritual keepsakes * Famous Xochimilco market experienced by a gondola ride through its canals * Historic Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a magnificent converted monastery is our hotel for 2 nights as we explore this picturesque valley in the mountains * Day trips to both architecturally-important Taxco (known also for beautiful silver creations) and Cuernavaca, with its history and beautiful gardens * Free time for relaxation, reflection and shopping! * Colorful Ballet Folklorico – optional evening of world-renown national music and dance celebration * Local arts and craft demonstrations to see famous Talavera pottery, the maguey plant, etc., and Diego Rivera’s famous storytelling murals * San Miguel de Milagro, site of St. Michael’s miraculous apparitions and well of curative waters * Mass celebrated each day in special historical holy sites

photo by Katie

Moore

Redemptorist Father Maurice Nutt, guest revivalist for the Revival of the Spirit, preaches during a service at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte Aug. 15. Revivals have become customary within the African-American Catholic tradition as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and a time to build up the church community.

PRICE: only $1,869 (register before Oct. 29) from Charlotte INCLUDES AIRFARE, full-time professional tour manager, most meals, first class hotels and all tour fees. Airport taxes/fees, tips and insurance are extra.

Travel with the diocese – we take care of the details!

Call Cindi Feerick at 704/370-3332 for a brochure with complete details or Pentecost Tours 800/713-9800 for registration.

August 28, 2009

from the cover

The Catholic News & Herald 9

Catholics celebrate long-awaited completion of church CHURCH, from page 1

for 1,500 people.

It has been a long journey from those days at the bowling alley — one that taught parishioners that a church foundation has little to do with mortar and concrete.

For years they were a roving parish.

Masses were celebrated at a nearby Methodist church and then on the campus of Davidson College.

In 2000 they established a permanent home with the completion of the parish family center, a multipurpose building that would serve as the church for the next nine years. It was later named the Msgr. Joseph A. Kerin Family Center in honor of the parish’s founding pastor.

Back in those days “Msgr. Kerin used to carry around the entire altar in a green Tupperware container,” said Tony LaRocca, an original parishioner. “That’s when I learned that we are the church, not the building.”

“Just seeing the building gives you chills,” said Barb Kearschner, another one of the original “holy rollers” from the bowling alley days. “It far exceeds my expectations.”

“Finally having a place to worship, that is just for worship, will affect us greatly,” said Msgr. Richard Bellow, pastor.

Msgr. Bellow said he is excited about the new church and sees this as an opportunity for parishioners to focus on growth in other areas.

“My hope is that it will give the people a greater sense of ownership of their faith, a willingness to come here and be strengthened in their faith and share that faith with others,” he said. “Now we can start building up

the spiritual community and being part of the spiritual growth of this area of Huntersville, Davidson and Cornelius.”

Bishop Jugis also touched on the topic of the spiritual church in his homily during the dedication Mass.

“This dedication ceremony also reminds us that we have a mission to bring Christ to the world,” said the bishop. “We have a mission which takes us far beyond the confines of this physical building.”

Bishop Jugis celebrated the Mass along with concelebrants Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey; Msgr. Kerin; Msgr. Bellow; Father Brandon Jones, parochial vicar; Father Patrick Hoare, pastor of St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte; and other clergy of the diocese.

Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin was in attendance and Father Christopher Roux, rector of St. Patrick Cathedral, served as master of ceremonies.

Deacons of St. Mark Church, Louis Pais, Robert Murphy and Ronald Sherwood, assisted.

The building itself is traditional in form and designed in the shape of a cross. The exterior includes a piazza with fountain, a bell tower and a covered walkway linking the family center to the church.

The piazza is paved with close to 1,000 engraved bricks, which were purchased by parishioners as part of a building fundraiser.

A future building phase may include stained glass in the church windows and equipping the sanctuary with audiovisual equipment, for which the building has been pre-wired.

One of the most noteworthy features is the altar, which came from St. Anthony on Hudson Seminary in Rensselaer, N.Y., where Msgr. Bellow studied as a seminarian.

When he learned that the building which housed the seminary was going to

28th Cardinal Newman Lecture

THE ORATORY 434 Charlotte Avenue, P.O. Box 11586 Rock Hill, SC 2973-1586

(803) 327-2097

rockhilloratory.com

Contemplative Prayer – A Continuing Silence

Photo by Katie Moore

Bishop Peter J. Jugis, assisted by Father Christopher Roux, burns incense on the altar of the new St. Mark Church in Huntersville. The incense signifies Christ’s sacrifice, which will be offered on the altar.

It also symbolizes the prayers of the people of God ascending to heaven. be torn down, Msgr. Bellow asked if it would be possible to acquire some of the sanctuary furnishings.

A pulpit, celebrant chairs, a crucifix and candle holders all came from the seminary.

A small piece of slate was cut from the sanctuary floor at the seminary and will be sealed in the marble of the floor under the altar in the new church serving as a reminder of its origins.

Bishop Jugis anointed the new altar with chrism oil to signify its dedication to the celebration of the sacrifice of Christ.

In his homily, the bishop reminded the congregation that the mission of the parish is evangelization.

“Evangelization begins with the Eucharist, the source and the summit of the Christian life,” Bishop Jugis said.

9:30 a

“From this place, we want Christ’s message to go out to the whole world, so that all may become children of God and enter the kingdom of heaven.”

The bishop closed his homily with a challenge for the congregation: “Please make me the promise that in the future, at every Mass on every Sunday, there will be overflowing crowds to fill this church.”

Contemplative Prayer – A Co

Contact Staff Writer Katie Moore by calling (704) 8 370-3354, e-mail pm Fridayor– 3pm Saturday kmmoore@charlottediocese.org.

MORE PHOTOS ONLINE

For more photographs of the St. Mark Church dedication Mass, visit the diocesan Web site at www.charlottediocese.org.

Cost: $35 Commuters $70 Overnight

8 pm Friday – 3 pm Saturday September 11-12, 2009 December 4-5, 2009 February 26-27, 2010 June 4-5, 2010 A continuing community of prayer support gathers every quarter at the Oratory. Schedule includes early morning Taize prayer, several sessions of quiet contemplation, noon Eucharist and lunch.

Cost: $ 35 Commuters $ 70 Overnight

Ma

August 28, 2009

10 The Catholic News & Herald

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

Masterful history explores key time in development of religious life reviewed by RACHELLE LINNER catholic news service

Silvia Evangelisti, a lecturer in history at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England, is a specialist in women’s religious life of the early modern period, and in this masterful study she identifies and explains the impact of secular and ecclesiastical history on female monastic communities.

Her concise analysis of these broad issues is coupled with precise details that afford a glimpse into the richness of convent life.

“Nuns: A History of Convent Life” is a tapestry that succeeds in combining serious scholarship with a writing style that is accessible to the lay reader.

“Enclosure” was the most important defining factor of convent life in the period Evangelisti explores, 1450-1700, and appropriately it is the cohesive theme of this study.

Cloister was an early feature of monastic communities and especially stressed for women, who were “radically exhorted never to leave their convent and to practice full, unbroken enclosure.”

These practices “relied on a longstanding Christian tradition that associated female chastity with the protection of a closed environment, whether this was a domestic one or a monastic one.”

Enclosure “assumed a new relevance” at the Council of Trent in 1563, Evangelisti writes. Legislation extended enclosure “to all female religious, including tertiaries, who often lived uncloistered and performed care work in the service of the civic community, assisting the poor and the dying.”

Evangelisti offers fascinating evidence of how some communities resisted the Tridentine reforms and details how enclosure altered both the physical space of convents and also the nuns’ relationship with society.

“Enclosure challenged the economic status of convents, representing a real practical problem for nuns’ lives. The loss of direct contact with society led to a dramatic fall in all activities, economic as well as religious.”

If enclosure is the central theme of this book, the paradox of religious life is its subtext.

“Silence was required by monastic regulation as it fostered contemplation and full dedication to God. It was therefore the natural condition for religious women whose main task was to pray and interact with God on behalf of all human beings.

“Precisely in these silent and cloistered environments, however, nuns found the means to write.”

They also developed and performed elaborate theatrical and musical productions, another means to “create

WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: Sept. 6, 2009

Sept. 6, Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B Readings: 1) Isaiah 35:4-7a Psalm 146:7-10 2) James 2:1-5 3) Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

Christ calls us to put faith into action

by JEFF HEDGLEN catholic news service

palpable and impalpable links with the outside world. For the nuns these celebrations were a way of enhancing their symbolic presence in society.”

The period that Evangelisti writes about also saw the emergence of the founding nun.

“There are numerous examples of very determined nuns leaving their convents and moving to other cities, and even other countries, in order to found new communities.”

Nuns were “closely intertwined with the main political and religious developments of their time” and “convents were amongst the first institutions to be transplanted to the colonies.”

The book’s concluding chapter focuses on the active apostolate.

Although the church promoted the contemplative life, “from the late Middle Ages onward women practiced a range of different forms of religious life, including the more flexible option of joining a community but taking simple vows only.”

This “socially oriented form of commitment” fostered “an active spirituality in direct contact with the world, rather than pure contemplation.

They served God by praying as well as performing charitable service for the benefit of the most vulnerable members of society.”

The identity of these communities was challenged by the Tridentine emphasis on enclosure, and Evangelisti narrates the histories of Angela de Merici (14701540), who founded the Ursulines, and Mary Ward (1585-1645), whose English Ladies failed to attain approval for an Ignatian mode of life that would allow women “to participate in active spiritual renewal and fight for the Catholic faith.”

Evangelisti writes with authority and insight into the 250-year struggle to negotiate the complex tension between enclosure and worldly involvement, silence and speech, class and wealth, contemplation and action.

“Nuns” is a fascinating history of a period that gave us the style of religious life we know today, a history that models how women can learn to live with paradox and change as they give form to their desire to worship and serve.

Linner, a freelance writer, lives in Boston.

I heard a story once about an obviously homeless man sitting on the steps of a church on a Sunday morning.

He was wrapped in a dirty blanket, wore a hat and scarf and was hunched in a corner shielding himself from the cold.

As parishioners came up the steps they looked at him and hurried into the church. Inside there was some murmuring about the situation on the steps, but no one took any action.

As the service was about to begin the back doors of the church opened, and the man who had been sitting on the steps now slowly made his way down the center aisle. He sat in the first pew and readied himself for the service.

The murmuring grew but still no one did a thing.

When it was time for the homily the

priest said there was a visiting missionary who was going to give the message. At that point the man from the steps rose from his place in the first row and took his place at the ambo.

He began to preach on James 2:1-5: “My brothers and sisters, show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. For if a man with gold rings and fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, ‘Sit here, please,’ while you say to the poor one, ‘Stand there,’ or ‘Sit at my feet,’ have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs?”

This Sunday’s readings challenge us to look past ourselves and to put on the mind of Christ who is bigger than all obstacles. It is one thing to have a strong faith, but it is another thing altogether to put that faith into action. Jesus did not just say powerful words, he did powerful things.

We are called to walk in his footsteps.

Questions: How have you seen people being the hands and feet of Christ in the world?

What are some of the things that hold people back from putting their faith into action?

Scripture to be Illustrated: “Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?” (James 2:5)

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of Aug. 30-Sep. 5 Sunday (Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time), Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8, James 1:1718, 21-22, 27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23; Monday, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Luke 4:16-30; Tuesday, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11, Luke 4:31-37; Wednesday, Colossians 1:1-8, Luke 4:38-44; Thursday (St. Gregory the Great), Colossians 1:9-14, Luke 5:1-11; Friday, Colossians 1:15-20, Luke 5:33-39; Saturday (Bl. Teresa of Calcutta), Colossians 1:21-23, Luke 6:1-5.

Scripture for the week of Sept. 6-12 Sunday (Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time), Isaiah 35:4-7, James 2:1-5, Mark 7:31-37; Monday, Colossians 1:24--2:3, Luke 6:6-11; Tuesday (The Nativity of Mary), Romans 8:2830, Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23; Wednesday (St. Peter Claver), Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 6:20-26; Thursday, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 6:27-38; Friday, 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14, Luke 6:39-42; Saturday (Most Holy Name of Mary), 1 Timothy 1:15-17, Luke 6:43-49.

The Catholic News & Herald 11

August 28, 2009

Maryknoll radio program wins sixth Gracie award

By honoring radio segment, organization shines light on important issues MARYKNOLL, N.Y. (CNS) — The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers’ weekly radio program, “Voices of Our World,” recently won the 2009 national Gracie Award in the category for outstanding public affairs program.

A segment on domestic violence, “Till Fear Do Us Part,” received the program’s sixth Gracie Award in eight years.

The Gracies are the highest recognition presented by the American Women in Radio and Television, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the impact of women in the media.

“Till Fear Do Us Part” features two women from New York state, Joanne Rodda and Elizabeth Grant, both victims of domestic violence who reached out for help.

According to “Voices” producer Kathy Golden, Rodda&and Grant’sCatholic News Herald

courage and determination ultimately led them to form their own empowerment group, Women Achieving More, to inspire women in similar circumstances.

Golden accepted the award along with other 2009 national winners at the Gracies Gala June 3 at the New York Marriot Marquis Hotel, with both Rodda and Grant in attendance. Golden said the award was important because it recognized the work of the radio program itself but also the efforts of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers to speak up for the underrepresented.

“By honoring the segment we ran on domestic violence, AWRT is shining a light on that issue as well,” Golden said.

According to the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, nearly 5.3 million incidents of domestic violence occur each year in the United States, resulting in 2 million reported injuries and at least 1,300 deaths annually.

CNH-TH09 - 5x8

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CNH-TH09

St. Paul updated as graphic novel: Hit or miss?

Artwork, writing, theme hamper effort reviewed by

SHARON BOEHLEFELD and CHRIS BOEHLEFELD Jr. catholic news service

Sure, Steve Ross retells and updates the horrors faced by the early Christians in his graphic novel “Blinded,” but it’s hard to see the light that Paul of Tarsus saw that day on the road to Damascus.

In a style that seems to imitate Frank Miller’s “Sin City,” the novel is drawn completely in black and white.

But the art, while in some ways reminiscent of the underground comics of the 1960s and ‘70s, emphasizes blood and guts and exaggerates anatomy in ways that, if a movie, would probably earn it at least an A-III classification (for adults) from the U.S. bishops’ film office.

For the most part, the graphics are run-of-the-mill — technically proficient, but not groundbreaking.

Because of the genre, it would seem Ross is aiming at a largely male audience, but it’s hard to tell whether he sees his book in the hands of younger or older readers of graphic novels.

There is frequent sexual innuendo, and one blatant incident that wouldn’t make it to a “general audience” movie.

And there’s the recurring theme of circumcision.

Paul does write in his letters that the gentiles who want to follow Christ aren’t bound by the same laws as their Jewish brethren, so the example is salient, but a little over the top in advancing the story line.

As for the dialogue, it seems a little contrived. It has neither the poetry of good biblical translations, nor the currency of daily conversation.

There are a few lighter moments, but

no real, laugh-out-loud comic relief.

Granted, the times were hard for Paul and the “flesh eaters” who ate the body and drank the blood of Christ.

But the “K.O.H.,” kingdom of heaven — at least as Ross describes it — doesn’t seem reason enough to martyr oneself for the truth.

Yes, there are moments — prison time, shipwreck, mass martyrdoms — that come across as action-movie high points.

And perhaps the most compelling scene finds Paul, alone in prison, cutting the back of his own wrist so he can get blood to write letters to the faithful.

But, in the end, the message of hope and love feels faint, even trivial.

The original might actually make a better summer read than the graphic novel.

“Blinded” could make for an interesting couple of hours, but you could give it a pass and never miss it.

Sharon Boehlefeld, a staff member at The Observer, the newspaper of the Diocese of Rockford, Ill., is a DC comics reader from back in the day. Chris Boehlefeld Jr. is a fan of today’s graphic novels from DC, Marvel and Vertigo publishers.

12 The Catholic News & Herald

August 28, 2009

in our schools

Father football

Dog days of school

Courtesy Photo

Father Robert Conway, chaplain at Holy Trinity Middle School in Charlotte, is pictured on the sidelines during a football game as part of the school’s annual opening week football jamboree Aug. 22. Holy Trinity currently has three football teams.

Pittsburgh Priest to Host

Courtesy Photo

Pepper, the “school dog,” wears his uniform along with sixth-graders Andrew Buchmeier, Analisa Camacho and Nicholas Buchmeier on the first day of classes at Our Lady of Mercy School in Winston-Salem Aug. 24.

Glad to be back

Fir st-gr ader Corbin Rusch is all smiles on his first day of classes at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro Aug. 24.

Courtesy Photo

Going green at St. Leo

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15 Day – 4 Island Tour Departs January 21, 2010 

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14 The Catholic News & Herald

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

Learning the power of making a stand The students of today will be the leaders of tomorrow One of the lessons taught in every social studies or government class in high schools across the United States is the importance of civic responsibility.

The voice of the people is essential to ensure those elected to public office understand the views of those whom they represent.

Teens who want to actively engage in the democratic process and let their voices be heard often take the lessons learned in the classroom and immediately apply them to the real world.

That’s just what dozens of teenagers are doing in eastern Kentucky. The teens belong to the Pike County Youth Leadership Council.

They’re on a mission — they want the towns in their community to ban smoking at restaurants — and they’re demanding that their voices be heard.

Depending on where you live, that may not seem like a big deal. In the Northeast and other parts of the country, smoking sections in restaurants have been outlawed for years.

In Kentucky, however, things are a bit different. Kentucky has more tobacco farms than any other state. These kids aren’t just standing up for better health; they’re standing up against the industry that likely provides jobs to their families and many people they know.

The leadership council’s message is simple: A smoking ban will improve the health of the community and protect children who don’t have a say in where they eat.

Taking such a stand is courageous, but you might be surprised to learn it has also been successful.

So far the teens have visited three communities in their area. One enacted a smoking ban soon after the teens appeared before the town council.

And in follow-up, the teen organization’s president shared with the town’s leaders new information indicating that since that town initiated its smoking ban many of its restaurants have shown increases in business.

Coming of Age ERICK ROMMELL cns columnist

The second community hasn’t taken any action yet. And the teens just met with the third community earlier in August.

When the teens visited this community, they didn’t just bring statistics. They also offered petitions with the signatures of thousands of registered voters who also support a smoking ban.

The town’s leaders were impressed by the teens’ presentation, but government being government, no decision is forthcoming. The council wants to investigate the issue further and hear from businesses that will be affected by any changes.

Whether these teens are ultimately successful with all of their quests is irrelevant to the bigger picture. They’ve learned that people with a common cause can be heard, a lesson that’s often lost in our world of Facebook and Twitter, where many people talk as individuals and not as a group.

Years from now, the current members of the Pike County Youth Leadership Council will graduate and move on to different activities. But they won’t forget.

They’ve given their voice and initiated change. It may not be too long before some of those teens are on the town councils they once appeared before.

Maybe their sights will be set even higher.

Wouldn’t it be something if these students who are learning about government today became those who lead government tomorrow?

If that happens, we’ll be in very good hands indeed.

Catholics must take on health care reform We are in the midst of a volatile situation surrounding health care reform in the United States. There are numerous accusations, misstatements, half-truths and distortions of facts.

Often these statements come from people who are uninformed or threatened by any type of reform discussion.

It is important for our Catholic leadership to speak loud and clear at this

time, both on the national and local levels (including pastors in our parishes).

Today 46 million of God’s children are left out with no health insurance coverage, and 14,000 more are losing their coverage every day. Our leadership must help us find a common ground to discuss and solve this moral issue.

And this is a moral issue, not simply a political one.

Nobody’s perfect Remembering Sen. Ted Kennedy Walter Sheridan, who died in 1995, was one of my closest friends.

For many years he worked at the side of Robert F. Kennedy as an investigator on the Senate labor rackets committee and as a special assistant to the attorney general as head of what some called the “Get Hoffa” squad in the Justice Department.

After Bob Kennedy’s death, Walter became a special assistant to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

News of Ted Kennedy’s death brought me back in memory to a conversation I had with him in the mid1970s in a corridor of the Russell Senate Office Building.

The senator and I had met previously on a number of occasions, and as we approached each other in the hallway, he stopped and asked: “Don’t I know you? Aren’t you a friend of Walter Sheridan’s?”

After I responded, the senator smiled, spread the forefinger and middle finger on his right hand in slingshot fashion, and said, “Whenever I look at Walter, and I see him every day, I can’t help but think of Bobby. And whenever Walter looks in here,” his two fingers pointing directly into his eyes, “he’s trying to find Bobby, but he’s just not here.”

Sen. Kennedy disappointed his staff assistant on occasion by not voting the way Walter advised on some issues where the two saw the integrity principle that was at stake from different perspectives.

But they respected one another and worked well together.

Ted Kennedy will be remembered as a legislative strategist without peer and a truly great United States senator.

But he never claimed to be perfect in his public or private life. Both his critics and admirers will have lots to talk about for years to come.

Upon hearing the news of the senator’s death, a priest I know asked whether or not he would be buried in the church.

Of course he will, I said; he was a Catholic in good standing.

True, he was divorced and remarried.

But there was an annulment and he had the benefit of the sacraments.

Some will ask whether he was able to obtain the annulment because he was a Kennedy. This excerpt from Adam Clymer’s 1999 biography may or may not help clarify things: “Ted was able to take Communion (at his mother’s funeral) because the

Letter to the Editor As people of faith we must not stand by and simply let the vociferous control the process. Sensible reform is possible if enough of us demand it.

— James Doll Columbus

Looking Around JESUIT FATHER WILLIAM J. BYRON cns columnist

Catholic Church had granted him an annulment a couple of months before. He and his office never discussed it, but Joan (his first wife) said years later she had not opposed it, and that the ground Ted had cited was that his marriage vow to be faithful had not been honestly made.”

In the eyes of the church there is no marriage if the persons entering into it are not free to marry (such as, already bound to another in marriage), do not enter freely into the marriage (there must be no coercion), do not intend to be faithful to the other, do not intend the marriage to be permanent, and do not have the physical or psychological capacity to make the marriage work.

The annulment process looks at all of these elements, and if there is proof of fraud or misrepresentation on any count, there is, the church declares, no marriage.

I was told by a mutual friend, but have no other proof, that upon learning of his terminal cancer, Ted Kennedy had a meeting with Joan, his first wife, for purposes of apology and personal forgiveness.

I have no way of verifying that, nor am I inclined to want to check it out.

Judgment is God’s work, not mine.

Ted was too ill to attend his sister Eunice’s funeral a few weeks ago. I suspect they are together now with their other siblings, surrounding a mother who died at age 104 and who will be remembered as one who said: “The most important element in human life is faith. If God were to take away all his blessings, health, physical fitness, wealth, intelligence and leave me with but one gift, I would ask for faith, for with faith in him and his goodness, mercy and love for me, and belief in everlasting life, I believe I could suffer the loss of my other gifts and be happy.”

As Ted remarked in eulogizing his mother at her funeral, “She was ambitious not only for our success, but for our souls.”

Write a Letter to the Editor Letters must be originals of 250 words or fewer, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be in good taste. 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.

Send letters to Letters to the Editor, The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, N.C. 28237, or e-mail catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.

August 28, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 15

This is the last issue of The Catholic News & Herald under the direction of Kevin Murray. After eight years of dedicated service as editor, he is leaving to pursue a new creative venture. We at The Catholic News & Herald are excited for him and wish him well in his future endeavors.

The constant gardener

TLC is the best ingredient for growth, change While editing a recent issue of The Catholic News & Herald, I came across a quote by Capuchin Franciscan Father Nick Mormando, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville, in regard to his goals for his parish.

“My vision may not be God’s. You have to be willing to let go of your own to find the strength and grace to implement what God wants.”

I read those words as I was discerning my own vision — not for this newspaper, but for my future.

Hoping to clear my head, I decided to take a walk through the neighborhood outside the diocesan Pastoral Center. It was a blisteringly hot day, so I moved along at a leisurely pace, more consumed with the thoughts rattling about in my head than where my feet were taking me.

As I turned a corner, I happened upon a man toiling in a small yard outside a modest house. He wore a wide, floppy hat and was humming a delightful tune while using a hose to water the most peculiar of lawns.

The grass was lush in some areas but speckled with weeds in others. Vines snaked their way through the blades.

Patches of dirt pockmarked the interior, and the oddest assortment of flowers and shrubs in all colors, shapes and sizes lined the perimeter.

As I strolled by, the man called my name. I turned to see God beaming at me from underneath the hat.

He drew a cloth from his work shirt and wiped his sweaty brow. “My, it’s hot as Hades out here,” he huffed.

“I wouldn’t know,” I replied with a smile.

His laugh was hearty. “And let’s keep it that way!” He then reached into a nearby cooler, withdrew two soft drink cans and offered me one. “Fresca?”

I eagerly accepted and took a gulp.

Soon we were sitting idly in the shade on God’s front porch, watching the sun bake. A man walked by with his dog. God waved, but the man barely

afforded him an upward glance.

God shrugged. “Ah, well. Maybe tomorrow.”

We sat a while longer, and God keenly noticed how my eyes kept drifting to his yard.

“It’s something, isn’t it?” asked God, admiring his work.

“That’s one way to put it,” I hedged.

“It’s … well, it’s not what I expected.”

“How so?”

“It’s your yard, God,” I answered. “I expected it to be … well, perfect.”

He simply smiled. “It’s perfect to me.”

So I began to point out all the imperfections. When I started listing the various methods and chemicals he could use to “fix” and “better” the yard, God finally held up his hands.

“I think the issue is that you and I have a difference of opinion about what a yard should look like,” he said.

“But, don’t you want it to look like all the other yards?”

“Goodness no. You can’t be too hands-on when it comes to such things.

Sometimes you just have to let the grass grow as it’s meant to grow. That’s what makes it unique. Where would the fun be if it all grew the same way? It’s the variety that makes it interesting. It’s the trouble spots that make it challenging, and its overcoming them that makes the growth all the more worthwhile in the end. Only then can it truly blossom.”

“But, sometimes you do have to help it along,” I insisted. “Otherwise, the weeds will take over.”

“Of course you help it along,” God agreed. “You provide food and nutrients as needed. You tend and protect as needed. But forcing the weeds, for example, to be something they’re not, or not ready to become?” He shook his head. “No, heavy hands only crush the beauty. I prefer a different, more delicate approach. It’s the one constant that has never failed me.”

“What is it?” I asked.

Make room for trust A 40-year-old diabetic named Paul lost his job and went into a funk. He had serious health issues, and without a job he was running out of cash. He tried prayer but felt God was not listening.

By accident, he came across a quote from Pope John Paul II: “Christianity is about salvation that comes from a loving God.” That thought touched him deeply.

The idea that we are all being prepared for eternal life according to God’s plan made him ponder the deeper mystery of life. He felt called to trust God more but didn’t know how to go about it. He needed a path out of the fear and self-pity that were tearing him apart.

He accepted in blind faith that the Lord’s love was guiding his life. He didn’t understand it, but he began to see that the beautiful saving plan of

God sometimes leads us down paths we would not have chosen for ourselves.

Faith enables us to see the miracle of God’s love present at every stage of life, and joy is the simplest response to God’s love and beauty. For this reason Paul took to heart these words of St. Paul, the saint he was named after but hardly ever thought about: “Rejoice always. ... In all circumstances give thanks” to the Lord.

Paul decided to trust God more. He began to focus on the beauty of creation all around him, and he suspended fear about the future. It wasn’t easy, but trusting that God would help him find his way made a big difference in his emotional life. He persevered in his good intentions and developed a good frame of mind, which in turn helped him to find a new job. It paid less, but he was happy.

Murray’s Musings KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

“Love,” he stated. “A true gardener loves his creations, and to help them grow good and strong all you really need to use is some tender loving care.”

“Love,” I said dryly.

“It’s the most powerful thing in the world,” God affirmed. “And too often, the least used.”

As I rolled that around in my brain, God took an easy sip of his Fresca.

“It’s not really my lawn that’s troubling you, is it?” he asked.

“No,” I admitted. “An opportunity has presented itself and I’m considering pursuing it, but it will take me away from my job at the diocese.”

God smiled and beckoned to his neighbor’s yard. “Grass always seems greener on the other side of the fence.”

“But what should I do?” I asked.

“What if the grass isn’t greener over there?”

He took another sip of his drink.

“Sometimes it is. Sometimes it’s not. All you can do is have faith, do your best to spread the love and help it grow. And in turn, you grow.”

“And blossom?” I asked.

He grinned and patted me on the head.

“But if I go, will it be what you want me to do?” I asked.

He inclined his head toward his most peculiar of yards. “My son, have you not heard a thing I’ve said?”

I smiled. “Yes, God. I think I have.

And, thank you.”

“For the Fresca?” he asked.

“Anytime.”

As I reached the sidewalk, God was back in his yard, a watering can in his hand, a delightful tune emanating from his lips. I looked up and down the street, at the path I had taken and the way I had yet to go.

And with a clear mind and God’s voice in my ears, I picked a direction, turned and started to walk.

Spirituality for Today FATHER JOHN CATOIR cns columnist

Attaining spiritual joy may seem impossible, but “what is impossible for human beings is possible for God.” Here was a man who thought he was at the end of his rope. But when his attitude changed his life improved immensely.

An amazing grace was given to him, a grace to trust God more and his fears less. Then all he had to do was expect the best. It is what we call a leap of faith.

Trust the past to God’s mercy and the future to his divine providence.

Pope says global leaders must take care of environment, remember poor The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI urged world leaders Aug. 26 to address global environmental issues “with generous courage” and reminded them that the world’s resources are to be shared by all, including poorer countries.

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

The church considers that matters concerning the environment and its protection are intimately linked with integral human development.

In my recent encyclical, “Caritas in Veritate,” I referred to such questions recalling the pressing moral need for renewed solidarity not only between countries but also between individuals, since the natural environment is given

by God to everyone, and so our use of it entails a personal responsibility towards humanity as a whole, particularly towards the poor and towards future generations.

How important it is then, that the international community and individual governments send the right signals to their citizens and succeed in countering harmful ways of treating the environment!

The economic and social costs of using up shared resources must be recognized with transparency and borne by those who incur them, and not by other peoples or future generations. The protection of the environment, and the safeguarding of resources and of the climate, oblige all leaders to act jointly, respecting the law and promoting solidarity with the weakest regions of the world.

Together we can build an integral human development beneficial for all peoples, present and future, a development inspired by the values of charity in truth.

For this to happen it is essential that the current model of global development be transformed through a greater, and shared, acceptance of responsibility for creation: this is demanded not only by environmental factors, but also by the scandal of hunger and human misery.

With these sentiments I wish to encourage all the participants in the United Nations summit to enter into their discussions constructively and with generous courage.

Indeed, we are all called to exercise responsible stewardship of creation, to use resources in such a way that every individual and community can live with dignity, and to develop that covenant between human beings and the environment, which should mirror the creative love of God!”

August 28, 2009

The Catholic News & Herald 16

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The Word Became Flesh and Made His Dwelling Among Us Jn 1:14

Bishop Peter J. Jugis invites you to the DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE 5TH EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS September 25 & 26, 2009 CHARLOTTE CONVENTION CENTER No Admission Charge* – Bring Your Friends

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Immaculée Ilibagiza, author “Left to Tell” Prayer and survival in the Rwandan genocide

· Concert of Sacred Music

· Keynote Speaker – Immaculée Ilibagiza · All Night Eucharistic Adoration · Catholic Shops

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·

Vigil Mass at 4:30 PM Homilist – Bishop Peter J. Jugis

· Eucharistic Procession through Uptown Charlotte · Holy Hour: Homilist – The Most Reverend Felipe Estévez, Auxiliary Bishop of Miami, Florida

· Eucharistic Adoration · Sacrament of Reconciliation · Catholic Shops

GENERAL TRACK SPEAKERS Father Tad Pacholczyk

“The Science and Ethics of Stem Cells and Cloning”

Fr. Leo Patalinghug “Grace Before Meals”

Immaculée Ilibagiza “Our Lady of Kibeho”

HISPANIC TRACK SPEAKERS Sr. Maria de la Defensa Michel

“Jesucristo y los más Necesitados”

K-5 TRACK Rob Evans “The Donut Man”

Padre Walter Lawson

“Predicamos a Cristo Crucificado”

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O.A.T.H. Brothers and L.I.H.M. Sisters

Loving God is Cool

Brother Milton Lopez

“Jesucristo en la Vida del Laico”

HIGH SCHOOL TRACK Catholic Worship for a New Generation

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