Sept. 2, 2005

September 2, 2005

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Year of the Eucharist

Sacred music concert at congress; Mystery of the Mass, Part 23

| Pages 1, 7

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI SEPTEMBER 2, 2005

Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

‘Business as Usual’ for many retired priests Upcoming collection to benefit priests’ retirements by

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

vOLUME 14

no. 40

High notes

Sacred choral music to open Eucharistic Congress by

KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

CHARLOTTE — While many people look forward to retirement as an opportunity to play lots of golf, spend more time with the grandkids, even take a long-awaited African safari, for many priests their retirement years are “Business as Usual.”

“Even in retirement, these priests are still an asset to the

CHARLOTTE — Heavenly voices will soon be wafting through uptown Charlotte.

A collection of sacred choral music will kick off the Eucharistic Congress on Friday night, Sept. 23. The congress, free and open to the public, will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center Sept. 23-24.

“The selection will offer music from several eras of

See PRIESTS, page 9

See MUSIC, page 7

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Back to the books

Bishop Peter J. Jugis incenses the altar during the rededication Mass of St. Lucien Church in Spruce Pine Aug. 19.

Haven in the hills

St. Lucien Parish celebrates dedication of refurbished, expanded church by

KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

SPRUCE PINE — A small church in the mountains recently celebrated a big achievement.

With months of renovation to the interior and exterior finally complete, Bishop Peter J. Jugis celebrated the rededication Mass at St. Lucien Church in Spruce Pine Aug. 19. The event drew Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin, former pastors and other priests of the diocese.

“We’ve had a lot of chang-

es over the years, but never a complete transformation of the church,” said Christiane Buchanan, a parishioner of 59 years and native of France.

“This is a beautiful experience for us.”

“We had a very nice church before Father (Christopher) Gober showed up,” said parishioner Jeff Hofschulz. “Now we have a small church in the mountains capable of being a cathedral.”

A new altar was installed and the sanctuary raised, walls were knocked out, the flat ceiling became vaulted with

wooden beams added and the entrance of the church was redesigned.

“The rite for rededication of a church says that in order to qualify for rededication there has to be a complete restoration of the interior of the church,” said Bishop Jugis during his homily.

“Father Gober, with the help of your parishioners, you have accomplished ... a marvelous, complete restoration and enlargement of the inside See HAVEN, page 5

Courtesy Photo

Second-graders at St. Michael School in Gastonia line up on the first day of school Aug. 22. More than 7,000 students have returned to 18 diocesan Catholic schools

by Aug. 25.

Students return to growing, renovated Catholic schools by

KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

CHARLOTTE — For students across the Diocese of Charlotte, it’s that time of year again.

More than 7,000 students donned uniforms and back-

packs for the start of another year at the 18 diocesan Catholic schools by Aug. 25.

Orientation meetings were held over the summer for new school staff and an in-service See SCHOOLS, page 12

Fiesta con Jesus

World Youth Day

Perspectives

Renewal day celebrates Hispanic faith, culture

Tribulation, triumph unites world’s youths

Labor Day; end-of-life directives; hurricane response

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2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

September 2, 2005

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

Sustaining Hope

USCCB official lauds FDA decision on emergency contraception WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision Aug. 26 to keep Plan B, an emergency contraceptive also known as the morning-after pill, as a prescription-only drug was called “welcome news” by a U.S. bishops’ pro-life official.

Barr Laboratories, the maker of Plan B, had petitioned the FDA to let the drug be sold over the counter (OTC).

“It is welcome news that the FDA seems to be taking seriously concerns about the impact on adolescents of making Plan B available over the counter,” said Gail Quinn, executive director of the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities.

“Recent studies in California and Scotland had clear results; pregnancy and abortion rates were no different among women with immediate access to emergency contraceptives (ECs) and a control

Diocesan planner CHARLOTTE VICARIATE

CNS photo by Paula Doyle, The Tidings

Linda and Kelly Hope look at bas-reliefs depicting milestones in their father’s life in the Bob Hope Memorial Garden at the San Fernando Mission in Mission Hills, Calif., in July. Hope’s wife, Dolores, chose the mission for her husband’s burial place because of his love for the San Fernando Valley.

Bob Hope Memorial Garden opens at San Fernando Mission MISSION HILLS, Calif. (CNS) — Two years to the day after legendary entertainer Bob Hope died, family members and friends attended a dedication July 27 of the Bob Hope Memorial Garden at the San Fernando Mission in Mission Hills, created as an inspirational final resting place for the beloved comedian.

Adjacent to the mission chapel and overlooking the cemetery, the Englishstyle flower garden decorated with religious statues and meditation benches opened to the public two days later.

“For most of his hundred years on old planet Earth and for all of his public life, Bob lived in the San Fernando Valley,” said San Fernando Mission director Msgr. Francis Weber during the dedication ceremony.

“On his many travels to the far corners of the world to entertain the nation’s troops, his returning plane banked over the Old Mission as it made its way to Hollywood-Burbank (Airport),” Msgr.

Weber added. “We welcome him home and rejoice that he will henceforth share his many memories with his friends and his fellow travelers.”

The dedication ceremony and Mass, with Los Angeles Cardinal Roger M. Mahony presiding, was the culmination of months of planning and construction

at the historic San Fernando Mission.

Hope’s wife, Dolores, chose the mission for her husband’s burial place because of his abiding love for the San Fernando Valley, where the couple raised four children and attended St. Charles Borromeo Church in North Hollywood.

The event drew two cardinals (including Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington), Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston, W.Va., and priests from across the country. Other guests included actor Mickey Rooney and Kathryn Crosby, Bing Crosby’s widow.

Before entering the garden, visitors pass by the Our Lady of Hope statue, a replica of a famous 17th-century sculpture of Mary at the Basilica of Our Lady of Hope in Pontmain, France, which was a family favorite.

“The statue was very meaningful to my mother — our dad did bring a little bit of hope to many,” said Linda Hope. To the right of the entrance gate is a work-inprogress memorial wall with bas-reliefs depicting important milestones in Bob Hope’s life.

Dolores Hope’s mother, Teresa Kelly DeFina, and the Hopes’ deceased son, Anthony J. Hope, are currently interred in the garden, with additional places for other family members.

CHARLOTTE — As part of the Just Second Fridays speaker series, Dr. Jack Glaser will present “Bringing a Catholic Voice to Healthcare Reform” Sept. 9, 1-2 p.m., in the lower level (Atrium Room) of the Annex Building of St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. JSF is sponsored by the Office of Justice and Peace, CSS and St. Peter Church.

Sandwiches and drinks are provided or you can bring your own lunch. Visit for www.cssnc.org/ justicepeace for further information about this presentation.

CHARLOTTE — A Blood Drive will take place at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Sept. 11, 8:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m. in the family room of the Parish Center. To register, call Ed Nenninger at (704) 366-6637.

CHARLOTTE — As a ministry to the hearing impaired, Vanessa Pappas will sign the Liturgy of the Word Sept. 11 during the 10 a.m. Mass at St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Rd. For more information, call the church office at (704) 536-6520.

CHARLOTTE — New Creation Monastery invites you beg God’s mercy on our hurting world Sept 11 at 10:30 a.m. Also, we will celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. Both events take place at New Creation Monastery, 11517 Spreading Oak Ln. For more information, call Father John Vianney Hoover at (704) 541-5026.

CHARLOTTE —The Arthritis Support Group will meet Sept. 13, 10-11 a.m. in Room D of the Ministry Center of St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. Dr. John Babick will be the guest speaker. For more information, call Gail at (704) 847-5280.

group who had to request a prescription from a doctor,” she said Aug. 29.

“Clearly claims of ECs’ benefits to women are overstated at best, while their potentially lethal risk to human life at its earliest stages remains a grave concern,” Quinn said.

In announcing the decision, FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford said the FDA had to wrestle with, among other things, whether the prescription and OTC versions of the same drug could be marketed in a single package, whether age could be used as the only criterion to sell a drug over the counter, and how an age restriction would be enforced.

Crawford announced the start of a 60-day comment period on the matter.

“These regulatory and policy questions are too profound and cut across too many different products to be made behind closed doors,” he said.

CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Cancer Support Ministry is open to cancer patients, their caregivers and cancer survivors. If you would like to share your experience in a faith-based setting and receive group support and encouragement, join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the St. Matthew Church Office lounge, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. Call Marilyn Borrelli at (704) 542-2283 or Bob Wilcocks at (704) 542-1541 for more information.

CHARLOTTE — The Vietnamese Cursillo of Charlotte School of Leaders meets the second Sunday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Rd. For more information, contact Nam Le at (704) 549-1525.

GASTONIA VICARIATE BELMONT — Queen of the Apostles Church, 503 North Main St., will host a Catholic Scripture Study beginning Sept. 18. Classes will meet Sundays, 7-8:30 p.m. in the Msgr. Kovacic Center. The study is based on the writings of Scott Hahn and will address the Gospel of John. Please register by calling Wendy Hood at (704) 393-1561.

HICKORY VICARIATE HICKORY — St. Aloysius Church, 921 Second St. NE, is offering a weekly Catholic Scripture Study. Catholic Scripture Study is a program whose members not only learn the Scriptures, but come to a deeper understanding of their faith in a setting that builds Christian fellowship. Evening and daytime classes will be held each at the church, Wednesdays, 6:45-8:30 p.m., and Thursdays 9:30-11:15 a.m. For more information, call Ann Miller at (828) 441-2205, or email stalscss@ charter.net.

HENDERSONVILLE — The Widows Lunch Bunch, sponsored by Immaculate Conception Church, meets at a different restaurant on the first Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. Reserva-

SEPTEMBER 2, 2005 Volume 14 • Number 40

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

September 2, 2005

FROM THE VATICAN

Pope meets with Iraqi foreign minister, discusses Some church leaders in Iraq are concerned the draft constitution’s reference to Islam as the source of all laws for the country might translate into discrimination against Christians and other religious groups.

Father Benedettini said the talks among the pope, Cardinal Sodano and Zebari underlined the idea that the rebuilding of Iraq “must come about in an atmosphere of dialogue that involves all religious groups and various segments of society.”

The same day, political leaders in Iraq were due to submit the final draft of a new constitution that would be voted on by the country’s National Assembly and in a national referendum by mid-October.

Shiite and Kurd negotiators had agreed on a final draft, while Sunni representatives criticized provisions on federalism, which the Sunnis fear would lead to too much control by the Shiites

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI met with Iraq’s foreign minister on the day of the deadline for Iraqi political leaders to agree on a new constitution.

Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari met with Pope Benedict Aug. 25 at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, and with the Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, in the Vatican.

Discussions centered on the current situation in Iraq, including how the draft constitution, which was still awaiting approval by Iraq’s National Assembly, would guarantee the freedom of religion.

Passionist Father Ciro Benedettini, Vatican spokesman, said talks with the pope and at the Vatican “made particular reference to the text of the constitution” and “to the important subject of religious freedom.”

tions are necessary. For more information and reservations, call Joan Keagle at (828) 693-4733.

FRANKLIN — Respect Life meets the first Wednesday of every month after the 5:30 p.m.

Mass in the Family Life Center at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 299 Maple St. All those interested in promoting the sanctity of human life are invited to attend. For more information, contact Julie Tastinger at (828) 349-9813 or jatastinger@aol.com.

SALISBURY VICARIATE MOORESVILLE — St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Rd., will host Personal Foundation Program with Rosemary Santillo, a professional life and business coach. The free sessions will take place Sept. 14 and 28 and Oct. 5 and 19.

Attend all sessions or just come for one that sparks your interest. To register, call the faith formation office at (704) 664-7762 or e-mail dconklin@sainttherese.net. For more information about Rosemary Santillo and her programs, visit Coaching at Reflection Rock at www.reflectionrock.com.

MOORESVILLE — As part of the St. Therese Church Guest Speaker Series, Bill Martin will speak about Islam and Mohammed, including his background, beliefs and biases, Sept. 20, 7-8:30 p.m. in the Family Room of St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Rd. For more information, call the church office at (704) 664-3992.

SALISBURY — Our Lady Rosary Makers of Sacred Heart Church, 128 N. Fulton St., are making cord rosaries for the missions and the military.

The group meets the first Tuesday of each month in the church office conference room, 10-11 a.m.

For more information, call Cathy Yochim at (704) 636-6857 or Joan Kaczmarezyk at (704) 797-8405.

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 Mass for Senior Games Night, featuring games and a potluck dinner. Call Barbara Daigler at (704) 662-9752 for details.

calendar

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI expressed his spiritual closeness and concern for all those affected by Hurricane Katrina in the United States, and he offered special prayers for those engaged in relief efforts.

He assured all those affected by what was considered the most destructive storm to hit the country in decades of “his closeness in prayer” and “divine blessings of strength and consolation.”

In a telegram sent by the Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the pope said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic consequences of the recent hurricane.”

“The Holy Father commends the deceased to the loving mercy of almighty God, and upon their grieving families he

invokes divine blessings of strength and consolation,” the telegram said.

Pope Benedict also offered special prayers for rescue workers “and all those involved in providing assistance to the victims of the disaster.”

He “encouraged them to persevere in their efforts to bring relief and support,” said the text.

While hundreds were feared dead, millions of people were in need of assistance — including some who remained stranded on rooftops — as widespread flooding and storms rendered homes uninhabitable, downed power lines and blocked major roads. Food and clean water were running low in the hardest hit areas of New Orleans, where 80 percent of the city remained under water, and in Mississippi and Alabama.

New Orleans

WAYNESVILLE — Adult Education Classes are held the first three Wednesday evenings of each month beginning at 6:45 p.m. in the St. John the Evangelist Church Social Hall, 234 Church St. For more information, call Charles M. Luce at (828) 648-7369 or e-mail luce54@ aol.com.

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

WINSTON-SALEM — The Healing Companions is a grief support group for the bereaved that meets the first and third Thursdays of the month in conference room B at St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave. For further details, call Joanne Parcel at (336) 924-9478.

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

SMOKY MOUNTAIN VICARIATE

Episcopal

Pope offers concern for Katrina’s victims, prayers for relief workers

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

Sept. 4 — 11 a.m. Mass Anniversary of the dedication Cathedral of St. Patrick, Charlotte

September 11–12 USCCB Priestly Life and Ministry Committee meeting Washington, D.C.

Sept. 9 — 6 p.m. Mass Triumph of the Cross Conference St. Barnabas Church, Arden

Sept. 13 — 11 a.m.

Presbyteral Council Meeting, Charlotte

CNS photo from Reuters/U.S. Coast Guard

Diocese collecting for Katrina relief Hurricane Katrina has hit the Gulf Coast area of the United States. This disaster has created a situation beyond which the local communities and agencies can handle without outside assistance.

The Catholic community of the Diocese of Charlotte is responding to this need by collecting funds to be used in short- and long-term recovery efforts. If you wish to donate, please respond to parish initiatives by remitting contributions directly to your parish (clearly marked for the relief effort).

Alternatively, you may mail your donation to: Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Disaster Relief 1123 South Church Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28203-4003

Correction — Aug. 19 issue The phone number for Judy Smith, director of planned giving for the Diocese of Charlotte, was incorrect. The correct number is (704) 370-3320.

The phone number for the diocesan African American Affairs Ministry was incorrect. The correct number is (704) 370-3267.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese

Fiesta con Jesus

Renewal day celebrates Hispanic faith, culture in Diocese of Charlotte by

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Hispanic Catholics recently were made to feel more a part of the spirit of the Catholic Church in North Carolina, thanks to the hard work of the diocese’s Hispanic Ministry.

An estimated 4,000 Hispanic Catholics gathered at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart Aug. 13 for Fiesta con Jesus, the first such “renewal day” for Spanishspeaking Catholics.

“We wanted to reach out to the Hispanic community and lift up their morale,” said Franciscan Sister Andrea Inkrott, director for diocesan Hispanic ministry. “There was a real spirit of celebration.”

The components for the fiesta came from its name: faith, intercession, evangelization, sacraments, transformation and amor (love).

In addition to several presentations on spiritual themes, vendors sold handmade goods and Latin music was per-

September 2, 2005

Feast day

formed throughout the day by a variety of local talent.

The day’s events concluded with a Mass featuring Bishop Emeritus Agustín Alejo Román Rodríguez of Miami as homilist.

Sister Inkrott said many of the participants took advantage of the opportunity to go to confession with priests who spoke Spanish. Bishop Román, a native of Cuba, also participated in hearing confessions.

One participant said she was thankful to have Bishop Peter J. Jugis participate in the fiesta, because it was “like a statement of being accepted.”

“It was a wonderful gathering of Hispanics,” said Sister Inkrott. “They felt welcome, having Spanish-speaking priests and bishops involved with the event.”

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

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Hispanic Catholics prepare to present the gifts during Mass Aug. 13. The Mass was part the Fiesta con Jesus, a renewal day that drew an estimated 4,000 Hispanics to the Charlotte Merchandise Mart.

Photo by Carole McGrotty

Parishioners of the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville celebrate the Aug. 10 feast day of St. Lawrence after Mass Aug. 15. Dinner and dessert was served. St. Lawrence was a deacon under Pope St. Sixtus II. Four days after the pope was put to death, St. Lawrence and four clerics suffered martyrdom, probably during the persecution of Emperor Valerian. The church built over St. Lawrence’s tomb became one of the seven principal churches in Rome and a favorite place for Roman pilgrimages.

September 2, 2005

FROM THE COVER

The Catholic News & Herald 5

Church rededicated in Spruce Pine HAVEN, from page 1

of this church,” he said. “I am grateful to you, and to all the parishioners of St. Lucien, for this marvelous church, this gift to our Lord.”

It was the liturgical guidelines in the Roman Missal as well as the Year of the Eucharist that inspired the renovations, said Father Gober, who became administrator in July 2003 and pastor in July 2004.

“I wanted to see what we could do as a parish to center ourselves around the Eucharist. That really drove the renovations,” said Father Gober. “To have a proper sanctuary with the Blessed Sacrament at the center of the church invites people to have Christ at the center of their lives.”

The overall beauty of the new church draws people deeper into the mystery of the Eucharist, said Father Gober.

“For many years this church has enjoyed the presence of Christ,” said Bishop Jugis. “But now being completely restored and made new, we are welcoming Jesus Christ once again into this new sacred space.”

“The celebration of the Mass, the celebration of the holy Eucharist, is what has and will continue to consecrate this place and make it holy,” he said.

“The greatest comment I heard from a parishioner was that the new church

made it easier to pray and she didn’t want to leave,” said Father Gober.

Family spirit The parishioners were very active in the refurbishing of the church.

“All of them made their own contributions,” said Father Gober.

There is a spirit, he said, that is evident in the 85-household parish.

“I like the smallness of it (the church). You know everybody,” said Greg Woody, a parishioner for 20 years.

“We’re the friendliest little parish,” said Hofschulz. “We help one another.

We watch out for one another.”

“The first time I came to Mass (59 years ago), there were six people,” said Buchanan. “Since then we’ve gained a lot of new parishioners, but the sense of family hasn’t changed.”

After the dedication, parishioners and clergy gathered to share an outdoor dinner and memories. Bishop Jugis mingled with parishioners who remembered him from when he celebrated Mass in 1989 while the parish awaited a new pastor.

“Coming back to the church, it is certainly different today,” said Bishop Jugis. “Not only are there many new faces, but the interior design is new.”

Growing in faith It was in March 1935 that Bishop

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Father Christopher Gober, pastor of St. Lucien Church in Spruce Pine, incenses the church during the rededication Mass Aug. 19.

William J. Hafey of North Carolina first received a gift of property on which the present church stands. Originally named St. Bernadette, it became the first Catholic church to serve Mitchell, Avery and Yancey counties. The first Mass was celebrated June 28, 1935.

Construction to build a new church and rectory began in November 1939, and the church was completed in April of the next year. At the order of the bishop, the church was renamed St. Lucien because the principal donors placed as a condition that the church be named in memory of their daughter, Lucien Price.

The new church and rectory were dedicated and blessed Aug. 17, 1940.

Glenmary priests took responsibility for the church in 1956, with an energetic period of evangelization following, including the church’s first renovation.

“We gained a lot of new people, and the social hall became part of the church,” said Buchanan.

The Glenmary priests remained until 1968. Diocesan priests have served the Spruce Pine parish since.

The church was again remodeled in the late 1960s. Increasingly larger crowds at Mass — both residents and visitors — led the parish to plan a building program in 1985, which involved

the construction of a new rectory and an expansion of the church.

Ground was broken for the rectory in 1987 and the house was completed within six months. The former rectory was transformed into the parish social hall, complete with offices and classrooms.

St. Lucien Church experienced continued growth over the next decade.

Expansion and renovations to the church more than doubled its seating capacity and improved the facility. Also, a house adjacent to the property was purchased and the parking lot was paved.

“I don’t know what we’ll do if we grow some more,” said Buchanan. “I guess the church will have to grow some more.”

“We went from a small church of 10 seats to 120 seats,” said Bernice Trzpis, a parishioner of 20 years. “It’s been a lot of hard work, but we’ve come a long way and look what we have today. We’ve been blessed by God.” WANT MORE HISTORY? For the history of St. Lucien Church, read the parish profile on St. Lucien Church’s Web page at www.charlottediocese.org/parishes-all.html.

6 The Catholic News & Herald

September 2, 2005

world youth day

‘We Have Come to Worship Him’ Tribulation and triumph unites world’s youth by

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

CHARLOTTE — What happened when 1 million Catholics converged on Cologne, Germany for World Youth Day 2005?

Hundreds of thousands of young people camped out in sleeping bags in Marienfeld, a former open-cast mining area 15 miles west of Cologne. Mass transit trains were delayed and stations were shut down due to a lack of oxygen.

During the opening Mass Aug. 14, some pilgrims who were standing in the overflow section were unable to receive Communion.

“Instead we began shaking hands, hugging and giving high fives to the hundreds of other pilgrims that passed by,” said Corein Brown, assistant director of campus ministry for Belmont Abbey College.

Brown was part of a group of pilgrims that included 15 young people, the director and associate director for youth ministry from the Diocese of Charlotte; six members of the Belmont Abbey community; and three young people from the Diocese of Evansville, Ind. and chaperones.

“World Youth Day was very faithfilled,” said Peg Ruble, associate director for youth ministry for the Diocese of Charlotte. “The pope was a distant experience, but the encounter with Jesus in the faces of other pilgrims was constant and clear.”

The young pilgrims at World Youth Day, themed “We Have Come to Worship Him,” were amazed at the different ways Catholics celebrate the same Mass. “(In Germany) they take Communion in the hand, while we always take it in the mouth, and our women always wear head coverings,” said Fitzgerald Umah, president of the Catholic student association at the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

Courtesy Photo

Pilgrims from the Diocese of Charlotte proudly display the diocesan flag during the World Youth Day 2005 celebrations in Cologne, Germany. Twenty-one young people, ages 18-24, and their chaperones attended the six-day event, along with an estimated 1 million young Catholics from 193 nations.

“We walked side by side as a small group of 18 in a sea of a million and we realized that (we) were now sharing ... in Christ’s love.”

Mass is much livelier in Nigeria, said Amaka Ogbuenu.

“Young people in our host parishes have come up to us and said that we have brought them back to their faith by showing that Mass can be youthful,” said Ogbuenu. “They sang and danced with us and they liked it, telling us that German Mass is traditionally more conservative and thus has less to offer for young people.”

Many pilgrims were eager to bring the customs they witnessed back to their own parishes.

“When we pray, we are very spiritual,” said Shirley Fernandes of Pune, India. “We always close our eyes, fold our hands and pray, but here I think the way of praying is very different.

It’s more through singing, more lively, and that’s what I’d like to take back to India.”

Franziska Broich helped host Polish pilgrims in a village near Cologne.

“They have a such a strong faith,” she said. “I think we can learn from it.

We were so impressed when they came on the first evening, and they prayed for a half an hour before their dinner. We said, ‘How can that be, they are praying and singing and that it is so much fun for them?’ So we want to learn from them.”

Despite the crowds and inconvenience, Jim Arnold of St. Patrick Church in Milford, Pa., said he left with “a stronger feeling that Catholicism is right, that it crosses boundaries, that there is a common belief, and it’s a wonderful feeling to take all of this and bring it back home to that small part of the world, and to share it with the people that we live with and are closest with.”

“One thing that especially impacted me was the way the German people took our antics in stride,” said Ruble. “They were stuck on the trains, in the streets, in restaurants and shops with these throngs of enthusiastic, sweaty, singing youth ... and they smiled. God bless them.”

The group from North Carolina walked with pilgrims from Italy, Kosovo, Nigeria and Ireland. They danced with drummers from Ecuador, Guatemala and Madagascar.

“We walked side by side as a small group of 18 in a sea of a million and we realized that (we) were now sharing in the history of Germany, sharing in the celebration of our Catholic unity and sharing in Christ’s love,” Brown said.

Michael Lawton contributed to this story.

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

DID YOU KNOW? * Pope John Paul II announced the first World Youth Day celebration in 1984. * The first World Youth Day was in Rome on Palm Sunday, 1985. * The next World Youth Day will take

September 2, 2005

Music begins MUSIC, from page 1

church history and feature classical composers including Bach, Mozart, Schubert and (Thomas) Tallis,” said Dr. Larry Stratemeyer, director of music at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

Stratemeyer and Tiffany Gallozzi, music director at St. Barnabas Church in Arden, are preparing the choir comprised of about 75 parishioners from churches around the Diocese of Charlotte.

“More than likely, you will know someone in the choir. And they have put in an exorbitant amount of preparation,” said Gallozzi.

“We’ve been rehearsing all month,” said Stratemeyer Aug. 29. “It’s a remarkable effort on their behalf to sing music that is beautiful and challenging. Their enthusiasm has been high.”

Gallozzi will lead her choir in performing the same music at the opening of the fourth annual Triumph of the Cross, to be held at St. Barnabas Church Sept.

9-10. Andrew Davis, director of music at the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville, is serving as the organ accompanist.

“It will be traditional Catholic music from various time periods put in a contemporary format,” said Gallozzi. “It really shows the beauty of music that God has given us.”

The free concert at the Eucharistic Congress, expected to run 60-90 minutes, is “an opportunity to experience live choral music, which is a treat,” said Stratemeyer.

“The selections are all wonderful, very

year of the eucharist

likable music,” he said, adding that some pieces specifically honor the Eucharist.

The Eucharistic Congress will be “a time of celebration, adoration and teaching centered on the mystery of the Eucharist,” according to Bishop Peter J. Jugis.

In addition to the program of sacred music, Friday evening will feature eucharistic adoration and a talk by actor Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus in last year’s film “The Passion of the Christ.”

Saturday will begin with a eucharistic procession from St. Peter Church in Charlotte to the convention center. The procession will feature choirs, Catholic organizations, youth groups and parishioners from all 92 parishes and missions in the diocese. The monstrance carried

by Bishop Jugis through uptown Charlotte was blessed by Pope John Paul II. The congress will feature seminars, speakers and activities for adults, children and youths, and conclude with a Mass Saturday afternoon.

Several shorter pieces of music will be extracted from the Friday concert for use during the closing Mass.

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

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The Eucharistic Congress sacred choral music concert starts at 7 p.m. in the Charlotte Convention Center’s Main Ballroom, accessible through the Second Street entrance. For more information on the congress, visit www.goeucha-

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Third Movement: Communion Understanding the Mystery of the Mass, Part 23 As we began our discussion of the Liturgy of the Eucharist a few weeks ago, we discovered that the drama of our redemption is unfolded in three movements during the holy sacrifice of the Mass: the offertory, the consecration and the reception of holy Communion.

In the offertory, not only are bread and wine presented and offered, but more importantly, we offer ourselves to the Father along with Christ who offers himself. In the offertory we present ourselves for sacrifice with Christ; in the consecration we die with him. We apply his death to ourselves that we may share his resurrection and glory.

And in holy Communion, we find that we have not died, but that we have come to life. In a certain sense, the substance of bread and wine must be sacrificed, must cease to exist, so that it may become the body and blood of Christ. In the same way, our old habits of sin must also be sacrificed so that we might have new life in Christ.

Let us now turn to the Communion Rite to inspect this third movement of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The Communion Rite begins at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Prayer. The faithful now stand and, at the invitation of the celebrant, sing or recite the Lord’s Prayer.

It is important to note that there is no instruction in the Roman Missal to join hands during this prayer or during any prayer of the Mass. However, if you wish to hold hands with your neighbor, please keep in mind that: your neighbor may not wish to hold your hand (many are uncomfortable holding hands) and, since there is no universal instruction to do so, this gesture is not universally practiced in all Catholic churches.

So if you visit another Catholic church, do not be surprised if they do not hold hands during the Lord’s Prayer.

From the most ancient historical documents and records of theologians and saints, the Lord’s Prayer was included in the Mass prior to receiving holy Communion. It is fitting that this prayer is placed between the Eucharistic Prayer and reception of holy Communion since: 1) the seven petitions of the Lord’s Prayer summarize the petitions offered in the Eucharistic Prayer and 2) the Lord’s Prayer is the proper prayer of the whole Catholic Church, uniting and preparing the faithful for divine communion (Cf. CCC #2770).

In the Mass, the celebrant invites us to pray to our heavenly Father with filial boldness, since it was Jesus, the Son of God, who taught us to call God “our Father.”

Through the sacrament of baptism, we

Guest Column Father Matthew Buettner guest columnist

truly have become adopted children of the heavenly Father through his Son. Therefore, when “we pray to the Father, we are in communion with him and with his Son, Jesus Christ” (CCC #2781). But this communion is a spiritual communion, one that prepares us for the sacramental Communion that will occur when we receive the holy Eucharist.

From early on, reciting the Lord’s Prayer in the Mass contained a unique conclusion. The “Didache” and the apostolic constitutions added a doxology to the end of the Lord’s Prayer. This practice is retained in the Mass, but the final doxology follows a prayer recited by the celebrant, known as the embolism.

Developing the final petition of the Lord’s Prayer, the celebrant prays for deliverance from evil for the entire community of the faithful and ends with the hope of the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The short ritual known as the Rite of Peace follows the Lord’s Prayer and is introduced by the celebrant with a prayer directed to Jesus Christ, who is truly present on the altar. This prayer recalls the gift of the risen Christ to his apostles on the day of his glorious resurrection and expresses ecclesial communion and mutual charity before receiving holy Communion.

The deacon or priest may invite us to exchange the sign of peace with those nearest to us. The priest and ministers are not normally allowed to leave the sanctuary to exchange the sign of peace, since the priest has already exchanged peace with the faithful.

Ultimately, what we discover as we approach holy Communion is that our communion with another (in faith, as well as charity) is to be established before it is to be expressed by receiving Communion.

Next time, we will finish our examination of the rites that prepare and dispose us to receive holy Communion.

Father Buettner is parochial vicar of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton.

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Collection will benefit retired PRIESTS, from page 1

diocese,” said Barbara Gaddy, associate director of development for the Diocese of Charlotte. “No matter where our retired priests are, they are still celebrating their priesthood in a variety of ministries.”

Many of the dedicated retired priests of the Diocese of Charlotte fill in for priests who are on vacation, retreat or sick. Others spend their time praying for the intentions of parishioners or visiting the sick or imprisoned.

Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte soon will have the opportunity to show they care about these priests who have faithfully served the Diocese of Charlotte, many for more than 40 years of their lives.

The annual Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Collection, this year themed “Business as Usual,” will be taken up in every parish the weekend of Sept. 10-11.

The collection helps provide monthly benefits for the 25 retired diocesan priests, including Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin.

“There is no real retirement for priests,” said Bishop Curlin. “But we are now able to devote all our time to the

The Catholic News & Herald 9

from the cover

funds needed to support the Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Collection. In most parishes, that amount is slightly less than two times the regular Sunday offertory.

Proportionate contributions on the weekend of Sept. 10-11 will help parishes pay the assessment.

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

Diocese of Charlotte’s retired priests Father James Cahill Father Francis M. Cintula Father Thomas Clements Father Francis Connolly Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin Father Aloysius D’Silva Father William Evans Father Patrick Gavigan Father Raymond Hourihan Father Joseph Kelleher Msgr. Joseph Kerin Father Conrad Kimbrough Msgr. Anthony Kovacic Father Andrew Latsko Father Bernard Manley Father Richard McCue Father Gabriel Meehan

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin gives the homily during a Mass celebrating the 100-year anniversary of a Knights of Columbus council at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro Nov. 13, 2004. Bishop Curlin is one of 25 retired priests in the diocese, many of whom remain active in a variety of ministries.

Msgr. William Pharr Father Charles Reese Msgr. Joseph Showfety Father James Solari Father Edward Sullivan Father John Tuller Msgr. Thomas Walsh Father Joseph Waters

spiritual and pastoral work for which we were ordained, free from the administrative tasks of a pastor or bishop.”

Bishop Curlin is as busy, if not busier these days than he was before his retirement in 2002. Much of his time is spent leading priests’ retreats and parish missions throughout the United States. He is also in demand to celebrate weddings, baptisms and funerals, and visits the hospitalized almost daily.

In the four years since he retired, Father Joseph Waters has continued to serve many of the Hispanic Catholics of the diocese.

“I celebrate Mass in Spanish in Eden (at St. Joseph of the Hills Church) Saturday evenings and in Mooresville (at St. Therese Church) on Sunday afternoons,” Father Waters said.

He also hears confessions every other Sunday at Divine Redeemer Church in Booneville and often celebrates daily Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church.

Father Waters does find time to play golf about once a week, he said.

Contributions also help provide for the future retirements of the 86 diocesan priests currently involved in active ministry, as well as the retirement funds of the 49 religious order priests serving in the diocese.

The campaign’s goal is to collect $1,175,000 — $812,300 to fund the diocesan priests’ retirement and benefits plans; $335,700 to support the retirement funds of religious order priests currently serving in our diocese; and $27,000 to cover campaign expenses.

Each parish is assessed 3.5 percent of its annual offertory collection to raise

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald

September 2, 2005

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

Jesuit’s prayer book for military personnel in its third edition

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. (CNS) — A Boston College Jesuit, Father Daniel Sweeney, has compiled a pocket-size book of prayers and catechism lessons specifically for men and women serving in the military.

The 64-page waterproof booklet, designed to fit in the pocket of a battle dress uniform, is actually in its third edition. It is being distributed free of charge by the Knights of Columbus in conjunction with the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services.

Based in Washington, the military archdiocese is responsible for the pastoral care of more than 1.4 million Catholics, including people in uniform and family

members of active-duty personnel; and those serving in government service overseas or in Veterans Affairs hospitals.

Regarding the prayer book, “Armed With the Faith: A Catholic Handbook for Military Personnel,” Father Sweeney said he hoped it will meet demand among military personnel to better understand the teachings and traditions of the Catholic faith in a manner that directly addresses the realities of military life.

The book includes prayers, devotions, sacramental theology, catechetical information and hymns, and a brief outline of just-war theory in the Catholic tradition. It also includes information on duties battlefield chaplains.

WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: sept. 11, 2005

Sept. 11, Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A Readings: 1) Sirach 27:30-28:9 Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 2) Romans 14:7-9 3) Matthew 18:21-35

Forgiveness is infinite through God

by BEVERLY CORZINE catholic news service

We know down to the split second what we were doing and remember the fear, anger and overwhelming sadness we felt when we witnessed the unbelievable on Sept. 11, 2001. My own son-inlaw narrowly missed being in the very spot in the Pentagon where the plane exploded in a fireball.

When I consider 9/11 and the horrifying days and months that followed, I thank God for the extraordinary efforts of our parish priest, Father Joe Scantlin, who confirmed for all time that the word “pastor” is truly a verb.

Father Joe crafted his homilies to help us grapple with the sorrow, rage and brutal sense of uncertainty we were experiencing. He encouraged us to pray and to depend on the Lord for guidance. If he happened to shake your

hand before or after Mass, the handshake came with the sense that all will be well.

An almost ironic thread runs through the readings for this Sunday. They are so pertinent for life in 2005 that they could have been written yesterday.

The ancient wisdom writer Sirach warns about the devastation that anger and vengeance cause when a person continues to “hug” wrath rather than let it go.

Peter asks for us a question about forgiveness in today’s Gospel reading.

“Lord ... how often must I forgive?”

Notice that Peter also gives Jesus a suggested answer: “As many as seven times?”

However, Peter receives an unexpected answer and a parable to illustrate the point so there will be no doubt about the importance Jesus places on forgiveness. When Jesus uses the number 77, he means our ability to forgive can be infinite only with God’s assistance.

We have to remember what the servant in the parable forgot: Forgiveness is a process. When we are forgiven, the Lord expects us to forgive in return. We cannot cling to hatred and vengeance; we must cling to God instead.

The challenge of the readings in the context of today’s anniversary is immense. However, St. Paul reminds us that “whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For this is why Christ died and came to life.”

Questions:

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 4-10 Sunday (Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time), Ezekial 33:7-9, Romans 13:8-10, Matthew 18:15-20; Monday, Colossians 1:24-2:3, Luke 6:6-11; Tuesday, Colossians 2:6-15, Luke 6:12-19; Wednesday, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 6:20-26; Thursday (Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary), Micah 5:1-4, Matthew 1-16, 18-23; Friday (St. Peter Claver), 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14, Luke 6:3942; Saturday, 1 Timothy 1:15-17, Luke 6:43-49 SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 11-17 Sunday (Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Sirach 27:30-28:7, Romans 14:7-9, Matthew 18:21-35; Monday (Most Holy Name of Mary), 1 Timothy 2:1-8, Luke 7:1-10; Tuesday (St. John Chrysostom), 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Luke 7:11-17; Wednesday (The Exaltation of the Holy Cross), Numbers 21:4-9, Philippians 2:6-11, John 3:13-17; Thursday (Our Lady of Sorrows), 1 Timothy 4:12-16, John 19:25-27; Friday (Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian), 1 Timothy 6:2-12, Luke 8:1-3; Saturday (St. Robert Bellarmine), 1 Timothy 6:13-16, Luke 8:4-15

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September 2, 2005

Catholic TV, film actor says faith helps him navigate career,

by PAULA DOYLE catholic news service

LOS ANGELES — Filming a wedding scene in his own parish church was a bit jarring for actor Nestor Carbonell, who plays wealthy entrepreneur Jonas Ray on the drama series “Strong Medicine,” airing on the Lifetime cable television network.

“It was bizarre to film in a church where I worship every Sunday,” said Carbonell, 37, a native of New York who attends St. Brendan Church in Los Angeles.

The busy television and film actor, who spent three lean years in Hollywood before landing his 1996-2000 breakout role as ladies’ man Luis Rivera in the sitcom “Suddenly Susan” starring Brooke Shields, “married” his television fiance, Dr. Lu Delgado, in the Aug. 21 episode of “Strong Medicine.”

Like his Jonas TV character, Carbonell comes from a large CubanAmerican family. In spite of the fact that his family moved 13 times for his dad’s corporate position, his Catholic parents made sure Carbonell and his brother and

sister attended Mass and received the sacraments.

“Catholicism was what I was raised in,” he said. “To me, it’s a map on how to lead your life. I’m glad I had it. I found it very important in my life to guide me.”

After getting bitten by the acting bug at Harvard, Carbonell performed in offBroadway plays before moving west in his mid-20s to try his luck in Hollywood.

To support himself, he made fruit drinks at a juice bar and later taught English at night to students in Los Angeles’ Koreatown.

“I turned to my faith to find strength,” said Carbonell, who would often go to St. Ambrose Church in West Hollywood to sit and meditate during those strugglingactor days.

In 1995, Carbonell was cast in the short-lived television series, “Muscle,” where he met his Australian-born Catho-

lic wife, Shannon Kenny.

Currently a stay-at-home mother to their two boys, Nestor Rafael, 3, and newborn Marco, Kenny has had a recurring role as a neighborhood mom on the WB series “7th Heaven.”

She and the children visited Carbonell on the St. Brendan “set” during the episode’s taping in July.

When not acting or helping with the children, Carbonell works on a screenplay adaptation of a book, “Against All Hope,” by Armando Valladares, who spent more than 20 years in a Cuban prison because he objected to Fidel Castro’s communist revolution and refused to renounce his faith.

In 2000, Carbonell wrote and starred in “Attention Shoppers,” a film about an actor who learns about life and love on his way to host a store opening.

‘Gardener’ grows suspenseful

CNS photo from Universal Studios

Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz star in “The Constant Gardener,” a complex political thriller about an African-based British diplomat who sets out to uncover the mystery behind the murder of his apparently unfaithful activist wife and uncovers a web of intrigue involving conspiracies, government corruption and betrayal at the highest levels of power and the pharmaceutical industry. The adaptation of a novel is a long, but generally absorbing, suspense story and a condemnation of drug testing on unsuspecting Third World people, with solid performances and flavorful location shooting in Kenya. Brief rear and partial nudity, scattered profanity, rough language and crude expressions, a restrained premarital bedroom scene, quick blurry shots of violence including lynching, and a gruesome description of death. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted.

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Back to school again SCHOOLS, from page 1

day was held for new-to-teaching teachers. Additionally, new teachers attended a religious in-service day with Mercy Sister Maureen Meehan, director of religious education in schools.

“Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools’ enrollment is up dramatically, especially with an increase at Charlotte Catholic High School of almost 100 students,” said Linda Cherry, superintendent of diocesan Catholic schools.

“The Catholic community continues to grow in the diocese and that is reflected in a growing interest in our Catholic

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schools,” said Cherry.

Renovations, both inside and outside, have taken place at many of the schools, noted Cherry.

The new school year also features three new principals: Linda Kenzik at Immaculata School in Hendersonville, Mary Leva at Our Lady of the Assumption School in Charlotte and Gary Gelo at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro.

“What a privilege it is for our community to ensure that Catholic schools continue to flourish as centers of faith, hope and love within the diocese,” said Father James Hawker, vicar of education in the Diocese of Charlotte and pastor of St. Luke Church in Mint Hill.

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Rates: $.70/word per issue ($14 minimum per issue) Deadline: 12 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication How to order: Ads may be E-mailed to ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org, faxed to (704) 370-3382 or mailed to: Cindi Feerick, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203.

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

September 2, 2005

back to school

The Catholic News & Herald 13

SCHOOL FACTS The 18 diocesan Catholic schools are separated into three entities: — Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS), a centralized, regional system of schools in the Charlotte (a high school, a middle school, five K-5 schools and one K-8 school).

— Diocesan parish-based schools, which include nine schools serving K-8 and, in some instances, preschool..

— A diocesan-based high school, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville, which services the Triad area of North Carolina.

Courtesy Photo Courtesy Photo

Above: Regina Daniel, a physical education teacher at St. Leo the Great School in Winston-Salem, paints hopscotch lines on the playground so students can play at recess on the first day of classes Aug. 25.

Above: Carrie Vest, a teacher’s aide and parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point, explains the line-up procedures to new kindergarten students on the first day of school at Immaculate Heart of Mary School Aug. 25.

Right: Parents of new first-graders at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro attend a parent orientation meeting at the school Aug. 23.

Courtesy Photo

1 4 The Catholic News & Herald

September 2, 2005

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

Remembering the rights of workers Labor Day statements recall teachings of Pope John Paul II ethical value of its own, which clearly and directly remains linked to the fact that the one who carries it out is a person” (“Laborem Exercens”).

Pope John Paul II saw work as “the key to the solution of the whole social question.”

Work is never an end in and of itself or the means by which one profits at the expense of another. Work is a noble means by which one “maintains and develops humanity” in which “we must work out of regard for others, especially our own families.”

Pope John Paul II saw work as a continuation of the contributions made by those who went before us, and our way of sharing “in the building of the future of all those who will come after us.”

On Labor Day, we celebrate the American worker — past, present and future. We celebrate not only current workers, but also those who, through innovation, hard work and sacrifice (often under unjust conditions), contributed to the making of our diverse economy that provides so many with sustenance.

We also consider the future of labor and ask how our work provides for future generations an economy where workers’ rights and dignity are more fully respected.

Millions of workers in health care, public safety, retail, food and other service industries work on Labor Day to make the holiday enjoyable and safe.

Those of us who do not have to work on Labor Day might consider showing special appreciation for those workers we encounter that day (e.g., a word of thanks; a particularly generous tip; a prayer offered for their safety).

The USCCB Labor Day statements are a call to the Catholic community to apply the principles of the church’s social doctrine to our economic system.

Please consider visiting www.usccb. org to read this year’s Labor Day statement.

Let us ask also St. Joseph, patron of workers, to pray for us.

Joe Purello is director of Catholic Social Service’s Office of Justice and Peace in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Guest Column JOE PURELLO

director, office of justice & peace

Each year as Labor Day approaches, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issues a statement focusing on a particular aspect of work, worker’s rights and the condition of labor, offered in the light of the church’s social doctrine.

Past statements have visited global trade, farm worker justice, the rights of workers to organize and the importance of the family when analyzing working conditions. These statements seek to be timely and relevant to the existing economic conditions of the day; they serve as a reminder that issues of workplace justice are also issues of concern for communities of faith.

“Labor Day 2005: Work, Pope John Paul II, and Catholic Teaching,” issued Aug. 25 by the USCCB’s Domestic Policy Committee, can be read in its entirety (in English and Spanish) at www.usccb.org. The statement focuses less on a particular labor issue and more on offering a general summary of the church’s teachings on work, worker rights and a framework for economic life.

It emphasizes the tremendous contribution of Pope John Paul II to the development and promulgation of Catholic social doctrine on work and workers’ rights.

Pope John Paul II struggled side by side with the workers of Poland facing Communist repression as they sought a voice to improve their working conditions and shape the Polish economy. His profound concern for worker rights was manifested in his third encyclical, “Laborem Exercens” (“On Human Work”), published in 1981.

In this encyclical, the pope challenged materialistic or utilitarian views of labor as an affront to human dignity.

Such views of labor lead to economic systems that stifle the desire of workers “to share in the responsibility and creativity of the work process,” and leave workers to “feel themselves to be cogs in a huge machine moved from above.”

The Catholic Church’s social doctrine considers the human person as the measure of the dignity of work: “In fact there is no doubt that human work has an

Back to school

Learning how to love project The school buildings were willing and ready to welcome students and teachers of the new academic year. I presume the students and teachers were anxious and excited to start another year, and they could not wait for it.

Going to school, as we know, is more than learning math and science; it’s about learning how to live, rather than simply how to make a living.

We are called to be the image of God, the Scripture tells us, and to the extent that we learn how to reflect a clear image of the Divine Model, we draw ourselves into real life and love. Learning how to love is what life is all about. That’s why we get up each morning. That’s why we bring children into the world. That’s why we are here today.

In a “Peanuts” comic strip, Charlie Brown is busy with a woodworking project. His friend Lucy comes along and asks, “How’s the birdhouse coming along, Charlie Brown?”

He replies, “Well, I’m a lousy carpenter, I can’t nail straight, I can’t saw straight and I always split the wood. I’m nervous, I lack confidence, I’m stupid, I have poor taste, and absolutely no sense of design.”

Then, in the last frame, he concludes, “So, all things considered, it’s coming along OK.” Our life is a “learning how to love project” and, if someone should ask how our project is coming along, in truth we would have to acknowledge our shortcomings as builders of loving relationships in the image of God. If, by accident, we see ourselves as perfect, we do have a real problem.

We are beginners, apprentices, we develop our skills, and after all is said and done, we agree with Charlie Brown: “All things considered, it’s coming along OK.” When you look into the mirror of your own soul, what do you see reflected? Do you see a perfect image of God and love? If you are inclined to say yes, then I would urge you to look again.

Hopefully, a closer look will reflect an image of you as a dedicated apprentice in the school of learning how to love, an image of one who can say in all honesty: “I need to do more, I need to practice more, I need to try harder but, all things

Guest Column FATHER JOHN AURILIA, ofm cap. guest columnist

considered, It’s coming along OK.” A certain pastor was becoming disheartened by the attitude of many parishioners. “This church is lifeless,” they were saying. Sunday attendance began dropping sharply and the spiritual life of the church was at such a low ebb that the pastor proposed a course of action to improve the situation.

Since the church was considered “dead,” he announced he would conduct its funeral the following Sunday. When Sunday came, the church was crowded.

From their pews, the people stared curiously at the coffin that had been placed in front of the pulpit.

The pastor climbed onto the pulpit and eulogized “the deceased.” He spoke of how much the church had accomplished in the past and he expressed sorrow over its untimely demise. Then he invited the congregation to come forward and view the “corpse.”

One by one the people looked into the casket, and each was amazed to see his or her own face reflected from a mirror laying in the bottom of the coffin.

Most were shocked, some were indignant. They slowly but surely began to realize that the church’s lifelessness of which they complained was due largely to their own spiritual indifference.

As you begin the new academic year, remember that you make the difference in a world that may be indifferent at times. A good school teaches us science and math, but more important, how to love and live.

Capuchin Franciscan Father Aurilia, Ph.D., is pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.

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September 2, 2005

Helping hands in a hurricane Media, Christians can work together to assist those in need News coverage of hurricanes, like what we saw as Katrina made landfall in Louisiana, brings out the best and the dumbest in the media.

The dumbest are those foolhardy reporters who unthinkingly stand on the seashore telling us that it’s a dangerous place that should be evacuated. Duh! This double standard of “you go, me stay” is as clichéd as the shots of windblown palm trees. I was once one of those television reporters who perched on a sand dune and contemptuously looked Mother Nature in the eye. Fortunately, God seems to have a special love for fools, and I survived.

I’ve lived to say, many times, that the dumbest thing I ever did was to greet Hurricane Hugo when it clobbered Charleston in 1989. The 135 m.p.h. winds of that storm created monster-movie sounds that I can still hear. I spent the night hunkered down in a Market Street hotel alternately praying for deliverance and cursing my foolish self for accepting the assignment.

Watching rain-soaked reporters might be riveting television, but it’s dumb for the reporters to be in the path of a force of nature that is like a runaway train. And it is completely irresponsible for news organizations and The Weather Channel, which should know better, to

Catholics & the Media DAVID HAINS guest columnist

routinely put people in harm’s way when the most important news of a storm, its direction, can be safely seen on radar.

The rain was still pummeling New Orleans when I received my first call from a Charlotte reporter wanting to know how the Diocese of Charlotte was going to help the people of Louisiana.

This is what the media does best — sharing news of a need to thousands, even millions, of people.

It is reassuring to know the Catholic Church is one of the first places the media contacts when a disaster strikes. In addition to the offering of prayers for everyone who was affected by the winds and rising waters, our church can quickly marshal resources to address the needs of people across the country or across the planet, as was the case when the tsunami struck Southeast Asia in December.

Gerry Carter, associate director of Catholic Social Services in the Diocese of Charlotte, helps the diocese respond to disasters.

“We are a secondary responder,” he said. “We respond to a call from a bishop

End of life issues, Part 1

A Catholic look at North Carolina advance directives On March 20, 2004, Pope John Paul II gave a concluding address to the Vatican-sponsored International Congress On Life-Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative State. He had some wonderful words on the topic of end-of-life (and perhaps “not-so-end-of-life”) decision making, especially in the context of a “persistent vegetative state.”

The words were immediately misquoted and misunderstood. The address certainly rankled many who did not understand what he had to say, including Catholic physicians.

In fact, any Catholic with an understanding of the Catholic Church’s teaching on the subject (particularly the teaching of our late pope) will understand the immediate need carefully to prepare and execute advance directives that comply with secular law. These directives, also misunderstood, can be used to enforce death and to enforce life.

I will summarize the state of North Carolina law in view of the church’s teaching and what you can do to ensure that you have a set of advance directives that complies with both secular law and church teaching.

An in-depth treatment of the church’s position on the topic is impossible in this column. In a nutshell: Euthanasia is the intentional killing of another for the purpose of eliminating

all suffering. It is never acceptable.

It is, on the other hand, morally permitted to forego aggressive medical treatment that will be disproportionate to the expected results and impose an excessive burden in view of the patient’s real situation when death is clearly imminent and inevitable.

“Disproportionate” means that there will be a cost-benefit analysis; if the pain and intrusiveness of the treatment clearly outweigh any expected benefit to the patient, the intervention will be “disproportionate.” Whether the termination of medical treatment amounts to euthanasia involves an examination of the will behind the omission and the means used.

Interestingly, the foregoing standards might be considered a base moral norm. Pope John Paul II wrote in “Evangelium Vitae” that the voluntary acceptance of suffering, while a heroic measure perhaps not meant for everyone, might be worthy of praise.

Nevertheless, a Catholic may forgo aggressive medical treatment with a clear conscience if death is neither willed nor sought, and if that decision to forgo treatments will not prevent the discharge of important moral and religious duties.

Also in a nutshell: Furnishing nutrition and hydration is never a medical act; it is an ordinary act. As an “ordinary act,” it is usually morally obligatory.

or from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops when a need arises.”

The response to the tsunami need in January was generous. Nationally, $150 million was pledged by Catholic Relief Services for the victims. In the Diocese of Charlotte, $520,078 was raised and forwarded to CRS for distribution.

When the surging waters recede, the media stories will follow a predictable pattern. First are the scenes of destruction combined with stories of miraculous survival. These are followed by stories about the efforts of relief organizations and, finally, how the survivors are coping. Inherent in all of these stories are messages of thanks and messages of need that pull at our heart and often our purse strings.

Disasters represent a curious intersection of the media and the people of faith who offer the prayers and write many of the checks that restore the lives of the devastated. Unfortunately for all of us, the good that the media does after a storm like Katrina is short lived. News organizations are compelled to move on to the next disaster.

There will always be another disaster, just as there will always be a need for those of us on the high ground to offer a helping hand.

D a v i d H a i n s is director of communications for the Diocese of Charlotte. Contact him at dwhains@charlottediocese.org.

Guest Column BOB MASON guest columnist

When might it not be morally obligatory? Pope John Paul II, in his address to the International Congress, provided an answer: when hydration and nutrition have reached their “proper finality,” when they provide neither nourishment nor the relief of pain.

And finally: vegetative state. A patient in a vegetative state is not a “vegetable.” He or she retains all of the dignity of a human being created by, and in the image of, God. The consideration of whether a patient is in what some physicians may determine to be a technical vegetative state is never appropriate when making end-of-life decisions. The North Carolina statutory definition of “persistent vegetative state” must be considered carefully.

More on that will follow.

These are difficult teachings to understand thoroughly. When in doubt talk to your priest, inform yourself and pray. Then set out to understand North Carolina law.

Next time, I will discuss North Carolina law regarding advance directives.

Bob Mason is an elder law attorney and a parishioner at St. Joseph Church in Asheboro.

Pope, at audience, says children are gifts from God The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI

by CAROL GLATZ catholic news service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Children are gifts from God, and they offer joy and support for parents and society, Pope Benedict XVI said in his weekly general audience.

Nations with declining birthrates are missing “the freshness, the energy, the future” brought by children, he added.

In his Aug. 31 audience in St. Peter’s Square, the pope reflected on Psalm 127, which celebrates the Lord’s gift of children “who are seen as a blessing and a grace” and as a source of support for parents in their old age.

The pope flew by helicopter from his papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, 20 miles away, to hold his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square to accommodate the large number of pilgrims in attendance.

Some 11,000 people gathered in the square to hear the pope and receive his blessing.

“Whatever we do or undertake can only bear fruit if it has God’s blessing,” he said.

“A strong society is, of course, built out of the labor of its members, but it also needs the blessing and support of God who, unfortunately, is instead often excluded or ignored,” said the pope.

A person’s efforts also need divine grace in order to be fruitful, he said.

“The peaceful and faithful relinquishment of our freedom to God renders our activity to be solidly based and capable of long-lasting fruit,” he said.

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September 2, 2005

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