Sept. 8, 2006

September 8, 2006

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Perspectives Bishop Jugis discusses cremation in diocese; Father Buettner writes about holy hours

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI September 8, 2006

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

Faithfully enduring

Revival of the Spirit

Healing continues for parents, other relatives of Sept. 11 victims

by JIM MYERS catholic news service

Photo by Karen A. Evans

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Gene and Flo Yancey constantly think about their daughter, Kathryn Yancey LaBorie, a victim of the Sept.

11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

They keep her in prayers and offer a Mass for her at their parish, Holy Apostles Church in Colorado Springs, each Sept. 11.

“It’s been five years and I think of her every morning.

I think of her when I go to sleep,” said Flo Yancey. “She’s in my thoughts and prayers.

The comfort I get is I know she’s with God, and she’s watching over us.”

“We think she’s our guardian angel,” added

Two men are visibly moved by the preaching of revivalist Father Tony Ricard at the Revival of the Spirit at Our Lady of Consolation Church Aug. 27. Father Ricard spoke about the influence of the devil in people’s lives and how to overcome it.

See HEALING, page 7

Priest reveals ways to beat devil, evil by

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Father Tony Ricard has seen the work of the devil first-hand.

As pastor of two churches in New Orleans, he witnessed the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. On Aug. 28, Father Ricard and hundreds of thousands of New Orleanians fled the city as the category 3 storm bore down on the Gulf Coast.

Father Ricard returned 77 days later to find his churches, rectory and school damaged by rain, wind and flood waters.

The Archdiocese of New Orleans closed one of his parishes, St. Philip the Apostle Church. But Father Ricard refused to let the devil win. On Christmas Day, he celebrated Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church for the first time since August.

Father Ricard refused to give up and give in to the devil, and he told his audience at Our Lady of Consolation Church they must do the same.

“You can’t let the devil steal your joy,” said Father Ricard. “There is no sin that See REVIVAL, page 5

vOLUME 15

no. 40

Remembering a martyr Joseph Waclawski, a parishioner of St. William Church in Murphy, recalls an encounter with St. Maximilian Kolbe at the Auschwitz death camp, where the saint gave his life for a fellow prisoner.

See story on page 8

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Joseph Waclawski holds a woodcut of St. Maximilian Kolbe created by the Waclawski’s late friend, Eugene Sadowski, an architect and artist.

Out of Rwanda Family makes harrowing flight from war JOANITA M. NELLENBACH

by

correspondent

Editor’s note: This article contains descriptions of war.

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Grace Uwimfura plays with grandnephew Ian David Tabaro while Callixte Uwimfura watches in the background. Uwimfura’s family emigrated from Rwanda to Atlanta via Kenya with the help of St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Maggie Valley.

M A G G I E VA L L E Y — Thirteen was the luckiest number in the world for Grace Uwimfura when she greeted 13 family members at the Atlanta, See RWANDA, page 9

Funding the faith

Culture Watch

Youths in Action

Foundation presents two grant checks

Diocesan priest authors book; Vatican cinema award

Youths entertain with song and music

| Pages 10-11

| Pages 12-13

| Page 4

September 8, 2006

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

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

Cardinal: Failure to pass immigration fixes cannot be allowed Rallies call for comprehensive reform

A box of miracles

LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Los Angeles Cardinal Roger M. Mahony kicked off a week of immigration-related rallies nationwide with Labor Day letters to President George W. Bush and congressional leaders, urging them to push for comprehensive reform legislation and not let it become mired in partisan politics.

“Failure to enact comprehensive and fair immigration reform will simply continue the inequality of those living and working in our country for the benefit of all of us,” said Cardinal Mahony in the Sept. 4 letter to Bush. “We simply cannot allow that to happen.”

In a Labor Day homily preceding an immigrant-rights rally, the cardinal blamed Congress for adding to confusion about immigration and warned members of Congress that they “do not have the right or luxury to let four weeks go by and refuse to

CNS photo by Tom Dermody, The Catholic Post

Msgr. Paul Showalter, vicar general of the Diocese of Peoria, Ill., applies melted sealing wax in late July to ribbon on a package containing two folders documenting an alleged miracle attributed to the intercession of the late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, the famed radio and television host and author.

Two cases of alleged miracles claim intercession of Archbishop Sheen PEORIA, Ill. (CNS) — Documentation of two alleged miracles attributed to the intercession of the late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen were sent to Rome this summer as part of the promotion of his sainthood cause.

The cases claiming the archbishop’s intercession involve a woman from Champaign and a baby in Pittsburgh.

The cases were investigated and documented and, following ceremonies in Peoria and Pittsburgh, documentation was sealed and prepared for delivery to the Vatican Congregation for Saints’ Causes for further study.

The ceremony in Peoria was witnessed by several members of the Sheen family and officials promoting the sainthood cause. During the ceremony, folders containing more than 500 pages of witness testimony and medical data regarding the Champaign case were packaged and sealed.

The documents tell the story of the recovery of Therese Kearney, a member of Holy Cross Church in Champaign, who suffered a tear in her main pulmonary artery during surgery in December 1999.

When her husband, Frank, was told there was little chance for his wife’s survival, he prayed to Archbishop Sheen, whom he had long admired.

Kearney, then in her early 70s, survived, but died just five days before the Peoria ceremony. Her husband, who first shared his wife’s story with those promoting Archbishop Sheen’s cause,

died in February.

Msgr. Richard Soseman, whom Peoria Bishop Daniel R. Jenky appointed as delegate to the archbishop’s sainthood cause, said Kearney’s death at age 79, more than six years after the alleged miracle, will not impact the case.

Archbishop Sheen, a native of El Paso in the Diocese of Peoria, gained worldwide fame as a radio and television host and author. He died Oct. 3, 1979.

The Diocese of Peoria officially launched his cause for canonization in September 2003.

Andrea Ambrosi, postulator for the archbishop’s sainthood cause, traveled to Peoria to oversee the ceremonies and planned to hand-deliver the files to the Vatican congregation.

Ambrosi attended a similar ceremony in Pittsburgh with diocesan officials and documents surrounding the claim of a miraculous healing of a gravely ill Pittsburgh infant who recovered after his parents prayed for Archbishop Sheen’s intercession.

Ambrosi said the child’s disease and recovery were supported by the main physicians involved in his case and all of them “recognized that a force superior to their medical science intervened for his recovery.”

After beatification, in most cases at least one more miracle must be investigated and confirmed as having occurred before the person can be canonized and referred to as a saint.

Diocesan planner

deal with immigration reform.”

Congress returned to work after Labor Day for a brief session before planned adjournment in October, to allow campaigning prior to November’s general election.

The event in Los Angeles was one of many held around the country during the Labor Day weekend. In Chicago, several thousand people joined a rally to end a four-day, 45-mile protest march through various points around the city.

People from throughout the mid-Atlantic were expected to gather in Washington Sept.

7 for a march and rally to urge Congress to pass a legalization program.

Although they didn’t draw crowds as large as for a series of rallies in the spring, weekend rallies also were held in Miami, St. Paul, Minn., Trenton, N.J., Portland, Ore, and Milwaukee. site, www.GoEucharist.com.

HENDERSONVILLE — The Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be visiting Immaculate Conception Church, 208 Seventh Ave. West, Sept. 14, 2-4 p.m. The custodians of the statue will show an audiovisual presentation on the Fatima message and recite the rosary. For more information and to reserve a seat, call Carmen Caprio at (828) 890-0415.

CHARLOTTE — The Fourth Annual Red Mass for the Diocese of Charlotte will be celebrated at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. East, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. Bishop Peter J. Jugis will be the celebrant.

The Red Mass is an annual event celebrated to coincide with the opening of the Supreme Court’s judicial calendar. It is designed to provide all members of the legal community the opportunity to reflect on the God-given responsibilities associated with their profession. The celebration of the Red Mass is open to people of all faiths and beliefs, and all are invited to attend the Mass and the dinner following at Greek Isles.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE

GREENSBORO VICARIATE

ASHEVILLE VICARIATE

CHARLOTTE — St. Basil the Great Ukrainian Church will have a Ukrainian Mass in the chapel of Charlotte Catholic High School, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Rd., Sept. 17 at 11 a.m. The Mass is open to anyone who would like to attend.

For more information, please contact Father Deacon Mark Shuey at mshuey2@nc.rr.com or call (919) 779-7246.

CHARLOTTE — Blood Give-In Sunday will be held at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Sept. 17, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Appointments are encouraged and will be honored.

Walk-ins are welcome, but will be taken as time permits. Donors will be required to provide identification, such as a driver license or Red Cross blood donor card. For more information, call Ed Nenninger at (704) 366-6637.

CHARLOTTE — The second annual Eucharistic Congress will be held Oct. 6-7 at the Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. The Eucharistic Congress brings together laity, clergy, religious men and women, and wellknown speakers for a day and a half of worship and lectures related to the Eucharist. For more information, visit the Eucharistic Congress Web

HIGH POINT — Cyber crime expert Koh Herlong will speak at Immaculate Heart of Mary School, 605 Barbee St., Sept. 21, 7-9 p.m., about How to Keep Children Safe Online. The lecture is free and open to the public. Herlong will outline the greatest risks children face online, how to recognize those risks and how to protect children. She will also discuss what rules to establish in the home about online usage, etiquette for the Internet, and ethical behavior while online. For more information, call Nancy Achter at (336) 887-2613.

GREENSBORO — The Greensboro Council of Catholic Women will open its 2006-2007 fiscal year with a luncheon Sept. 27 at Cardinal Country Club. The speaker will be Lorraine Ahearn, metro columnist for the Greensboro News & Record. For more information, please contact JoAnn StevensChurch at (336) 540-0786.

HIGH POINT — Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 4145 Johnson St. will offer a free Spanish course on Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m. beginning Sept.

7. For more information or to register, call Nancy Skee at (336) 884-0522 or e-mail Larry Kwan at hlkwan@lexcominc.net.

GREENSBORO — Catholic Daughters of the

Sept. 8, 2006 Volume 15 • 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.

September 8, 2006

The Catholic News & Herald 3

FROM THE VATICAN

Vatican to discontinue annual Christmas concert

Controversial musicians at heart of decision VATICAN CITY (CNS) — After a 13-year run, the annual Christmas concert at the Vatican will not be continued.

The Vatican did not say who made the decision, which was reported by Italian media Aug. 31. In recent years some church officials have viewed the concert as a distraction because of minor controversies involving performers.

Last year, church officials dropped Brazilian pop singer Daniela Mercury because they feared she would use the concert to promote the use of condoms as an anti-AIDS measure. Those who did perform were disappointed that Pope Benedict XVI did not make time for the traditional papal audience with the artists.

The annual event was taped in the Vatican audience hall in early December and rebroadcast on Christmas Eve. It

always drew a sellout crowd of about 6,000 people, including many cardinals, bishops and Vatican officials.

The concert was an initiative of the Diocese of Rome, which used proceeds to help build new churches in the city.

Pope John Paul II made it a point to greet the artists, lending publicity to the event.

Over the years, Pope John Paul chatted with artists like Jose Feliciano, Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, Gloria Gaynor and the late John Denver.

B.B. King, who performed “Merry Christmas Baby,” gave the pontiff one of his electric guitars.

In 2003, U.S. pop singer Lauryn Hill stunned the concert audience when she asked church leaders to “repent.” Vatican Radio termed the outburst a “sour note” to an otherwise enjoyable show.

Americas will meet Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. in Our Lady’s Cottage at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 West Market St. Any questions can be directed to Lawrene Kirwan at (336) 292-2776.

will be held this fall in the library at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, 1725 NC Hwy 66 South. The topic will be the creation stories. Classes will meet at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 30, Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 29 and April 19. For more information, call Loretta Bedner at (336) 564-1040.

HICKORY VICARIATE

MORGANTON — The Cursillo Movement of the Diocese of Charlotte is hosting a diocesan-wide Grand Ultreya at Steele Creek Park Sept. 30, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Events include Mass, guitar music, group reunion, witness/spiritual talks and hiking/ nature trails for children. Please bring a covered dish and a 2-liter drink. For more information, call Kathy Hack at (704) 548-1834 or e-mail hackhouse@ bellsouth.net.

SALISBURY VICARIATE

SALISBURY — Elizabeth Ministry is a peer ministry comprised of Sacred Heart Church parishioners who have lost babies before or shortly after birth. Confidential peer ministry, information and spiritual materials are offered at no cost or obligation to anyone who has experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a newborn. For details, call Renee Washington at (704) 637-0472 or Sharon Burges at (704) 633-0591.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN VICARIATE

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

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

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE

KERNERSVILLE — The Catechism of the Head and Heart religious education series for adults

Episcopal

calendar

Pope says visit to Germany to be personal, chance to thank people VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI’s September pilgrimage to southern Germany features 14 liturgies or religious encounters and only three public secular events.

That fact alone says a lot about the pope’s homecoming visit and about his entire papacy to date.

From Sept. 9 to 14, the 79-year-old pontiff will return to his Bavarian roots, stopping in Marktl am Inn where he was born, in Altotting where he used to pray at a local shrine, in Regensburg where he taught and in Munich where he was a bishop.

Along the way, he will preside over a string of public Masses, prayer services, processions and blessings. The visit is predominantly personal and religious, and the pope explained why in a recent interview with German TV and radio.

“I want to see again the places where I grew up, the people who touched and shaped my life. I want to thank these people,” the pope said.

Naturally, the pope added, he also wants to express a message that goes

beyond his native state of Bavaria. But when asked what the themes or issues would be, the pope said he hadn’t really chosen any — it would be the liturgy that would suggest them.

“The basic theme is that we have to rediscover God, not just any God, but the God that has a human face, because when we see Jesus Christ we see God,” he said.

Starting from that awareness, he said, people find a way to meet each other in the family, among generations and among cultures. The path to peaceful coexistence in today’s world is essential, he said, but “we won’t find it if we don’t receive light from above.”

The pope said he wanted to correct a widespread public opinion that Christianity is “a collection of prohibitions.” The faith is above all a positive spiritual invitation, and that’s the point he wants to get across, he said.

From his own words, then, it would appear the pope is going not to chastise his native culture but to awaken it.

Fashioning a revival

WINSTON-SALEM — The Spirit of Assisi hosts a Wednesday Lunch & Speaker Series each Wednesday, 12:30-1:15 p.m., at the Fatima Chapel, 211 W. Third St. Laura Graban will speak on “Reconciliation: the Sacrament of Healing” at the Sept. 13 program. The sacrament of reconciliation will be offered at 12 p.m. in the chapel. For more information and to RSVP, call Sister Kathy Ganiel at (336) 624-1971 or e-mail kganiel@triad.rr.com. Walk-ins are welcome.

WINSTON-SALEM — St. Benedict the Moor Church, 1625 East 12th St., hosts a 12:15 p.m. prayer service, Veni Sanctus Spiritus, the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. All are welcome to reflect on God and refresh the spirit in the middle of a day. For more information call Sister Larretta Rivera-Williams at (336) 725-9200.

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) 9965109 ext. 12 for directions or information.

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

Please submit notices for the Diocesan Planner at least 7 days prior to desired publication date (Fridays) in writing to Karen A. Evans at kaevans@charlottediocese.org or fax to (704) 370-3382.

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

Sept. 9 — 1:30 p.m.

“Fostering Justice Worldwide” St. Joseph Church, Newton

Sept. 16 — 5 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Basilica of St. Lawrence, Asheville

Sept. 12 — 11 a.m.

Presbyteral Council meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte

Sept. 19 — 7 p.m.

Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Charlotte

CNS photo by Max Rossi, Reuters

Pope Benedict XVI, wearing a Roman “galero,” greets the faithful at his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Sept. 6. A pope had not worn the “galero” since Pope John Paul II wore one during his 1979 trip to Mexico.

Pastoral Assignment

Bishop Peter J. Jugis announces the following pastoral assignment, effective Sept. 5, 2006: Augustinian Father Russel A. Ortega, as parochial vicar of St. John Neumann Church, Charlotte.

Popemobile used in 1982 sells for $70,000 at Scottish auction LONDON (CNS) -- An armor-plated popemobile used by Pope John Paul II during his 1982 visit to Great Britain has been sold at an auction for 37,000 pounds (US$70,000).

The converted bulletproof British Leyland vehicle, which had just more than 11,000 miles on the clock, was sold Sept. 2 in Dumfries, Scotland.

The popemobile was one of more than

2,000 items from the town’s Albion truck museum, founded by local resident Mick Hayton. He bought the vehicle in 1998 for his museum, which has now closed.

A spokeswoman for the auction house Thomson Roddick & Medcalf told reporters Sept. 2 that no details of the buyer were available but added that interest had been “overwhelming,” with inquiries coming from around the world.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese

Funding the faith

THE DIOCESAN FOUNDATION DISTRIBUTED $66,973 AMONG 24 GRANTS IN 2006 Our Lady of the Americas Church, Biscoe Hispanic Ministry Materials $5,000

Divine Redeemer Church, Boonville Hispanic Outreach $2,000

St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Mars Hill Hispanic Outreach Project $1,500

Ministerio Catolico Hispano, Greensboro Vicariate Hispanic Outreach, Evangelization Efforts and Office Equipment $2,000

St. Eugene Church, Asheville Hispanic Outreach and Materials $2,000 St. Elizabeth Church, Boone Hispanic Pastoral Services $4,000 Our Lady of Consolation Church, Charlotte Education Programming $4,000 Our Lady of Consolation Church, Charlotte African-American Cultural Enrichment $1,865 St. Joseph Vietnamese Church, Charlotte Vietnamese Youth Enrichment $2,000 Charlotte Catholic High School Creative Writing Lab $5,000 Photo by Karen A. Evans

Jim Kelley, director of diocesan development, presents grant checks to Sandra Murdock director of the African American Affairs Ministry, and Franciscan Father Jude Duffy, pastor of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte Aug. 27.

Foundation presents two grant checks

Funds will be used to provide spiritually-based workshops by

KAREN A. EVANS staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Our Lady of Consolation Church will be able to improve the quality of life for many of its parishioners, thanks to the Foundation for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte.

Jim Kelley, director of diocesan development, presented two checks to Franciscan Father Jude Duffy, pastor of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte, and Sandra Murdock, director of the African American Affairs Ministry, Aug. 27.

One grant, for $4,000, will be used to provide a spiritually-based economic development series of workshops.

The second grant, for $1,865, will be used to support the Kabaka Dancers

WANT MORE INFO?

For more information on the diocesan foundation and endowments, call Jim Kelley at (704) 370-3301, or e-mail jkkelley@charlottediocese.org.

More info is available on the diocesan Web site at www.charlottediocese.org/developmentoffice.html.

September 8, 2006

and Drummers.

The Kabaka Dancers and Drummers perform a traditional West African style of dancing and drumming as a way to preserve West African culture. Their presentations, given throughout the Carolinas, educate people of all races and cultures about African heritage.

The Foundation for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte has more than 140 endowments, all but three of which have been established for specific parishes, schools and agencies. The three general endowments provide income to fund grants such as those presented to Our Lady of Consolation Church.

The ministry for the diocesan development office takes its development staff to visit more than 50 churches and schools each year.

“Our funding will assist you in doing your good work,” said Kelley to the congregation at Our Lady of Consolation Church. “May God bless your efforts and may God bless each of you here today.”

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

Our Lady of Assumption Church, Charlotte Cross-Cultural Youth Ministry Program $1,500 Belmont Parish Nurse Ministry African-American Health Project $1,635 Our Lady of the Angels Church, Marion Hispanic Outreach $5,000 Hmong Catholic Youth, Diocese of Charlotte Hmong Youth Outreach $2,000 International Friendship Center of Highlands Hispanic Outreach $2,500 St. Leo School, Winston-Salem Phonics Program for Special Needs Students $1,973

Ministerio Catolico Hispano, Winston-Salem Vicariate Hispanic Outreach and Evangelization Efforts $2,000 Office of Economic Opportunity, Catholic Social Services Economic Outreach for the Poor $4,000 African American Ministry, Diocese of Charlotte African American Education Scholarships $2,500 University of NC at Asheville and Mars Hill College International Mission Work $500 Office of Hispanic Ministry, Diocese of Charlotte Hispanic Ministry Outreach Planning $2,000 Volunteers for Wilkes Literacy, North Wilkesboro Summer School for Hispanics and other at-risk children $4,000 Hurlburt-Johnson Friendship House, Murphy Homeless Shelter Ministry $3,000 Helping Empower Local People (H.E.L.P.), Charlotte Multicultural Outreach $5,000

September 8, 2006

from the cover

The Catholic News & Herald 5

Priest reveals ways to beat devil at annual revival REVIVAL, from page 1

God is not willing to pull you out of … that is unforgivable, except rejecting the Holy Spirit.”

Even in the midst of despair and destruction, people can find true joy and peace, he said.

Father Ricard was the preacher for “Revival of the Spirit 2006” at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte Aug. 25-27. The annual event is sponsored by the diocesan African American Affairs Ministry.

The revival, this year themed “Who Invited the Devil?”, was designed to be reminiscent of the early days of outdoor preaching and was an opportunity to worship publicly in the spirit of the black church.

In addition to his pastorate of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Father Ricard, who first preached at the revival in Charlotte in 2002, is the director of Knight Time

The DIOCESAN African American Affairs Ministry:

— makes recommendations to the bishop regarding the needs, hopes and concerns of African Americans; — articulates the needs of the African-American community to diocesan agencies, schools and organizations and assists them in the planning, coordination and implementation of programs and activities that involve the AfricanAmerican community.

Ministries; serves as an administrator, campus minister and religion teacher for the MAX Satellite School of New Orleans; and has spoken across the United States and in 13 other countries.

“The Revival of the Spirit continues to be a method of bringing people from all over the Diocese of Charlotte together to hear the ‘Good News,’” said Sandra Murdock, director of the diocesan African American Affairs Ministry.

“It is a time of renewal for those who attend, as our revivalist always presents us with ways to enhance our spiritual growth and view different perspectives of the various teachings of the church,” she continued.

The battle for power “There is a power that will draw us away from all that God offers,” said Father Ricard. “Until we acknowledge that there are evil forces in this world, we can’t overcome them.”

“Once you recognize that there is an ultimate evil in the world, you then know there must be an ultimate good … that God exists,” Father Ricard said.

What should a person do to overcome evil?

“Pray, pray and pray some more,” Father Ricard said. “Continue to ask God repeatedly for the strength to make it through the day.”

It is possible for the entire world to reject the power of evil and to choose to live for the ultimate good — God, he said.

Father Ricard said he does not think the people of the world will ever defeat evil. However, he does believe the day will come when the good will win out.

“That will be the day when the kingdom of heaven is ushered in,” Father Ricard said. “I don’t think we are destined to have a day when everything is great – that’s why we have a heaven.”

Photos by Karen A. Evans

Above: An unidentified woman claps along with the music as the choir sings during Mass Aug. 27.

Left: Father Tony Ricard preaches to the congregation at Our Lady of Consolation Church Aug. 26. The weekend-long revival is designed to be reminiscent of the early days of outdoor preaching in the black church.

Below: The Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir sings during the Mass concluding the Revival of the Spirit Aug. 27.

6 The Catholic News & Herald

September 8, 2006

around the diocese

Fiesta and faith

Week of work and faith

Courtesy Photo Courtesy Photo

Father Carmen Malacari, pastor of Holy Spirit Church in Denver, is pictured Aug. 4 with participants of the parish’s Vacation Bible School, themed “Fiesta, where kids are filled with Jesus.”

More than 80 children and 30 teen and adult volunteers participated in the July 31-Aug. 4 event, which featured Bible stories, crafts, games and songs.

The children also took part in a collection to benefit the East Lincoln Pregnancy Counseling Center.

Parishioners donated diapers, bottles and other baby items.

Playground, popsicles at St. Pius X Principal Mark Akerman of St. Pius X School in Greensboro is pictured with his wife Angie, daughter Emma, and kindergar ten teacher Laura Collins (left) on the school playground Aug. 21.

The 50 new kindergar ten students and their parents were invited for “popsicles on the playground” as a fun way to meet and greet each other and their teachers before school started Aug. 28. Emma Akerman is in the kindergarten class.

Courtesy Photo

Parishioners of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton, including youth minister Denise Hussey (far left), are pictured in the parish’s Murray Hall Aug. 9. The youths and adult leaders are participants in the parish’s workcamp, inspired by the Orlando, Fla.-based Catholic Heart Workcamp that provides teens with a week of faith-powered community mission work.

The Aug. 7-13 parish workcamp, organized by Hussey, involved extensive yard work around the church; cleaning the inside of the church; praying the rosary and teachings on the rosary led by Father Kenneth Whittington, pastor; and afternoon chores at a local hospice facility.

A number of youth groups from parishes around the Diocese of Charlotte participated in Catholic Heart Workcamps around the country.

Attention Readers!

Have a Story to Share?

Do you have a 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 Karen Evans at (704) 370-3354 or kaevans@charlottediocese.org.

September 8, 2006

from the cover

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Healing continues for families after Sept. 11 HEALING, from page 1

Gene Yancey.

LaBorie was a flight attendant on United Airlines Flight 175, the second airliner to hit the World Trade Center Sept. 11, 2001. She was one of 56 people, including five hijackers, who died aboard the Boeing jet that morning.

“I just could not believe what was happening,” said Flo Yancey. “It was surreal. It still is to me.”

In the past five years, the Yanceys have drawn strength from their Catholic faith and the help of those around them.

“I don’t think I could be where I am today if it wasn’t for my faith,” said Flo Yancey. “I know (Kathryn is) safe now.”

Holy Apostles Church, as well as the community at large, was there in the Yanceys’ time of need. Father Paul Wicker, pastor, visited with the Yanceys every day for a week after the terrorist attacks.

People offered prayers, condolences and assistance where they could.

Holy Apostles Church held a memorial Mass for LaBorie in late September 2001. The Yanceys also attended various memorial events that first year, including one at ground zero.

The first year was a flurry of activity, but the family has not heard much from the airline or government since, Flo Yancey said. The couple also expressed frustration in how the world situation has progressed since Sept. 11.

“I’m sad that after five years there doesn’t seem to be any resolution.

(Osama) bin Laden still has not been found,” she said.

Her husband added that he was distressed by “lives we’re losing every day in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Fighting back In St. Paul, Minn., Tom Burnett Sr. and his wife also draw strength from their faith and the courage of their son, Tom Burnett Jr., who died aboard United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa., Sept. 11.

Their son was one of the passengers who led a revolt that brought down the hijacked plane.

The Burnetts say they feel their son’s absence every day.

The father noted that amid his loss he doesn’t like the word “closure” because he will never be able — and does not want — to put his son behind him. But the intense pain that he once felt has softened a bit over time.

“Things have changed,” he added.

“Our sorrow, our grieving have taken

CNS photo by Jim Myers, Colorado Catholic Herald

Flo and Gene Yancey of Holy Apostles Parish in Colorado Springs, Colo., hold a photo of their daughter, Kathryn Yancey LaBorie. LaBorie was a flight attendant on United Airlines Flight 175, which was hijacked by terrorists and crashed into the World Trade Center Sept. 11, 2001. several twists and turns, and it’s come to the point where I look at things a bit differently than I used to.”

The couple, who attend St. Dominic Church in Northfield, said that during the past five years they have prayed more than ever. Beverly Burnett, 74, said she refuses to believe that God had a hand in her son’s death.

“God did not kill our son,” she said emphatically. “The terrorists did.”

They also take comfort in the belief that their son is in heaven. They planned to visit the crash site in Shanksville this Sept.

11 for a memorial service, as they have done every year since their son’s death.

The story of Tom Burnett Jr. lives on in the book “Fighting Back,” written by his wife, Deena Burnett, and a Minneapolis public relations specialist, Anthony Giombetti.

Deena Burnett, who became a Catholic after she married, said her faith

played a major part in helping her to cope with his death. She said she spent many hours in church praying for strength and came to understand that “God is a God of love instead of one of retribution and condemnation,” which kept her from “becoming angry after Tom’s death.”

The book’s title refers to how she “fought back to find purpose and joy” in her life again. Simply by writing it, she said she was able to take stock of her blessings.

“I knew I had lost Tom, and it was incredibly heart-wrenching,” Deena Burnett said. “But what I had left were three beautiful children.

“And more than that, I had the support and gratitude of a nation. I had an incredible network of friends and family.

I had the comfort and peace that God intends for us,” she said.

Contributing to this story was Julie Carroll in St. Paul.

8 The Catholic News & Herald

September 8, 2006

around the diocese

Remembering a martyr

Polish POW recalls encounter with saint, daring escape by

JOANITA M. NELLENBACH correspondent

Editor’s note: This article contains descriptions of war and imprisonment.

MURPHY — “Reflecting on Maximilian Kolbe in the presence of Joe is like writing the Scriptures in the presence of God,” Father George Kloster said.

Father Kloster is pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hayesville and St. William Church in Murphy, where Joseph Waclawski and his wife, Irene, are parishioners.

The Waclawskis live near Murphy in a home with a view of green hills.

Sixty-five years ago, though, Joseph Waclawski’s view was limited to Auschwitz’s drab concentration-camp gray. A Polish army lieutenant, he had been arrested by the Gestapo in March 1940 and sent to Auschwitz in May 1941.

“My daily routine of very hard menial labor, the inhumane treatment together with the unheard-of living conditions that left me numb to the environment,” he wrote in 1991 in a memoir. “What was left of my energy was directed to the thought of survival.

“But during these particular days I was shaken and stunned by the courage and selfless brotherly love of inmate No. 16670 from our block (barrack),” he said. “At the time I did not know, but I was told by other inmates that the special person was Franciscan Father Maximilian Kolbe.”

On Aug. 14, 2006, the feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who was ordained a Conventual Franciscan priest in 1918, Father Kloster and St. William Church parishioners — Deacon Carl and Carole Hubble, Susan and Mike Kauffman, and Rosemary and Delmont Light — visited the Waclawskis.

Joseph Waclawski, 94, is in frail health, so he cannot regularly attend Mass at St. William Church. The Mass celebrated at his home honored all who died at Auschwitz.

Father Kloster reflected on John 15:13: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

St. Maximilian Kolbe “gave his life so that one of his brothers could live.

That is what Jesus did. That raises the

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Father George Kloster, pastor of St. William Church in Murphy, celebrates Mass at the home of Joe and Irene Waclawski (at right) on the feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe Aug. 14. Other attendees include Rosemary and Delmont Light (left) and Mike Kauffman. bar. Jesus becomes the standard for how we should live our lives,” said Father Kloster.

One day in August 1941, Auschwitz inmates were told that a prisoner in Waclawski’s cellblock had escaped.

“After an unsuccessful search by the SS-men, the inmates from the other blocks were dismissed and our block remained standing in the rain while further checking and searching went on,” Waclawski wrote.

“We stood wet, hungry and half dead until morning,” he continued. “The roll call was taken again and all other inmates were ordered to proceed to their work and our block remained standing in files 5-men deep.

“The ‘Lagerfuehrer ’ (camp commandant) announced that since one man was missing, 10 inmates would be chosen as hostages and placed without water or food in the ‘bunker’ (isolation cells underground) until the missing prisoner was found dead or alive.”

Waclawski has forgotten nothing of those moments when his life hung in the balance: “I can still see the Lagerfueherer with his index finger up and slowly moving down to point to the inmates selected by him. It was a death verdict.

“As he walked in front of us, he looked at each one of us. We were dying a thousand deaths at this moment. As he passed, we were as if reborn and a glimmer of hope lightly touched our souls,” Waclawski said.

“God Almighty in his mercy saved us and just maybe we could come out alive from this nightmare. In terror we looked at the selected victims who were

ordered to step forward,” he said.

Grateful to be spared, Waclawski was even more overwhelmed by what happened next. As the Lagerfuehrer pointed to Franciszek Gajowniczek, a Polish army sergeant, the man moaned, “Oh, God! What will happen to my wife and children?”

“At this moment, inmate No. 16670 stepped forward and said in a clear voice that he wanted to take the other man’s place. The Lagerfuehrer stopped for a second, looked at the man who was willing to give his life for another and asked him if he knew what he was doing.

‘Yes, sir,’ was the short answer.

“Inmate No. 16670 remained in front and the man he saved was ordered to step back,” Waclawski said.

The 10 condemned prisoners were locked in the bunker to starve to death.

Most died within a few days, but Father Kolbe lived for about two weeks. He was finally killed when a block elder in the camp hospital injected him with

carbolic acid on Aug. 14, the feast of the Assumption of Mary.

By the end of the war, Waclawski had been in two other concentration camps: Mauthausen, July to October 1942; and Sachsenhausen, October 1942 to early 1945.

Four months before the war ended, Waclawski was assigned to a “bauzig,” a sort of railroad concentration camp, whose inmates repaired rail and electrical lines.

Waclawski’s bauzig was working in the Austrian Alps shortly before the war ended in May 1945.

“I escaped at the top of a mountain,” Waclawski said. “I walked through Austria, more than 100 miles. I was free.”

He made it to Italy, where he met and married his wife, Irene, who is also from Poland. She was not interned in the camps, but some of her uncles died in Auschwitz.

The Waclawskis moved to England; Joseph studied chemistry. They immigrated to Detroit, where he worked for a paint company. For years, Joseph Waclawski never spoke of what had happened to him. He wanted to erase it from his mind, but he couldn’t forget.

Eventually the Waclawkis retired and moved to Port Charlotte, Fla. On Aug. 14, 1991, the 50th anniversary of St. Maximilian Kolbe’s death, ground was broken for St. Maximilian Kolbe Church there.

Waclawski wrote his account, printed on the program for the groundbreaking, of a man offering his life for another.

“It is probably the most difficult of all the commandments to live,” Father Kloster said during the Mass on Aug. 14.

“We have within ourselves that sense of self-preservation.”

Soldiers going into battle hope that they’ll survive.

“To willingly give up our lives and to do it so intentionally — in this situation, when (Father Kolbe) made that decision so intentionally, he knew he was giving his life,” Father Kloster said.

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

September 8, 2006

from the cover

The Catholic News & Herald 9

Family makes harrowing escape from war RWANDA, from page 1

Ga., airport last September.

Some she had never thought to see alive again, but they had left a refugee camp in Kenya to start new lives in America.

This Sept. 3, most of those family members, plus others who had arrived earlier, were in Maggie Valley at St. Margaret of Scotland Church’s annual Labor Day picnic to meet the parish that had helped to bring them to new lives in Atlanta.

St. Margaret of Scotland Church helped pay for the 13 plane tickets from Kenya to Atlanta.

Parishioners first met Uwimfura and two of her daughters, Laura and Martina, when they visited the church two years ago.

Uwimfura spoke at Masses that 2004 weekend about the Giving Back Foundation, which she founded to help African widows and orphans. She herself was a victim of the genocide that ravaged Rwanda in 1994.

That year, the country’s Hutu majority slaughtered nearly 1 million Tutsi and moderate Hutus.

Marauders murdered Uwimfura’s first husband, Martin, and their 17-yearold daughter, Odette, in their home.

Six months pregnant with her youngest child, Martina, Uwimfura and

her three other children — Francine, 16; Oliver, 10; and Laura, 5 — fled to a refugee camp in Kenya, where they spent two years.

Heartbreaking choice At one point in the refugee camp, Martina was dying of malnutrition.

“There was food but no control in how the food was distributed,” Uwimfura said, “so people in the camps have to fight to get food.”

Augustinian Father Francis Doyle, pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Church, met Uwimfura when he visited Notre Dame Sister Jane McAndrews, who was working in the camp.

Sister McAndrews helped Uwimfura and her two youngest children, Laura and Martina, immigrate to Atlanta. In the camp, Uwimfura had met Callixte Uwimfura, whose wife and six children had been murdered as he was forced to watch. The Uwimfuras married in Atlanta in 1998.

But Grace Uwimfura had had to make heartbreaking choice — to leave Francine, who was too ill to travel, according to the U.N. officials.

When she found an American doctor willing to provide Francine’s healthcare, she was able to get permission for her to come. She now works in reception for a hotel and as a sales and services specialist with Bank of America, which hired her because she speaks four languages: English, French, Swahili

Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach

Gustave Habimana and St. Margaret of Scotland Church parishioner Carol Peterson discuss some of the finer points of football throwing during the parish’s annual Labor Day picnic at Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center in Maggie Valley. and Kinyarwanda.

The long road In June, Uwimfura’s grandnephews, John Habimana, 18, and his brother Gustave, 15, two of the 13 who arrived last September, thanked parishioners during Mass at St. Margaret of Scotland Church.

Family members were personally thanking every organization that had helped with support money while they were in the camp and in getting them to the United States.

After Mass, Habimana told what happened to his family during the violence.

In 1994, his father, an ambulance driver, came home to say that the local hospital had burned and that they had to leave. The family got into their car and headed for some safer area.

Three days later, soldiers stopped them on a bridge, ordered the family out of the car, and told them to lie down. One solder handed Habimana’s father a gun and told him to kill his wife; the father refused.

Other soldiers ran up, warning that members of the opposing force were headed that way. All the soldiers ran off.

Soldiers stopped the family again and took them to a house where others had been killed.

“There was blood all over,” Habimana said.

A soldier was ordered to kill them, but finally, Habimana recalls, he said, “I don’t think I can do this.”

Instead, he gave them bread, then fled.

Their car was stolen but the parents found someone to drive the boys ahead.

The boys met up with their former babysitter who walked with them three days to a Rwandan orphanage. The babysitter finally told Habimana and

Gustave that he knew their parents were dead.

The boys’ uncle, Octave Tabaro, found them and took them to Kenya, where it would be safer and easier to contact Uwimfura. They lived in the camp from 1996 to September 2005, when they left for Atlanta.

Other relatives arrived with Habimana, Gustave and Octave were a number of other relatives. Habimana and Gustave are in high school. Habimana works at McDonalds and wants to become a lawyer; Gustave is considering a career in clothing design.

The others are also in school or working.

The gift of hope “The refugee camp is like hell, and you don’t know how you will get out of hell,” Uwimfura said. “When I left the refugee camp, women said, ‘Remember us.’ Now I have to give back. Now I can be the voice of the voiceless.”

When Uwimfura visited St. Margaret of Scotland Church in 2004, after starting the Giving Back Foundation, the parish’s Sewing Angels group showed her how to make the tote bags they give to victims of domestic violence.

Uwimfura taught others in the foundation to make the bags. When Uwimfura visited the camps last November to assess the refugees’ needs, she gave them the bags “as an initial gift of hope.”

She taught women outside the camps to make the bags so they can earn a living.

“We’re here because of other people,” she said. “We can’t forget others who are suffering. I was not the smartest one or the most beautiful one, but God chose me to come here for a reason. If I can help just one, that’s a number.”

September 8, 2006

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

Uniting teachings and Scripture Diocesan priest authors book on Catholic beliefs, practices by

KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

FOREST CITY — Father Herbert Burke, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City, has written a book that delves into the scriptural aspects of the Catholic faith.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis provides the forward for Father Burke’s “A Scriptural Catechism: Expanded Edition.” Bishop Jugis also gave the book an imprimatur, or ecclesiastical approval certifying the work is in conformity with Catholic understanding of Scripture.

“As the title of the book suggests, the unique contribution of ‘A Scriptural Catechism’ is to provide the scriptural basis for the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church,” said Bishop Jugis in his forward.

“It seeks to unite the basic teachings of the church on the Creed, the sacraments, the commandments and prayer, with Scripture quotations, references and practical reasons,” said the bishop. “Thus the reader is able to see the harmony between Catholic beliefs and sacred Scripture.”

The expanded edition is the fourth edition of the book, which was 14 years in the making.

Father Burke noticed that many people studying for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) were not reading the lengthy class materials.

“We needed something short but thorough that covered the faith. Other books did a good job, but didn’t really teach Scripture and the faith,” he said.

Father Burke’s book combines apologetics and t h e c a t e c h i s m .

Apologetics is the branch of theology having to do with the defense and proofs of Christianity.

“There’s not really anything else available on the market that combines both,” said Father Burke.

Fully indexed to the “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” “A Scriptural Catechism” covers topics including

the Mass, the Eucharist and eucharistic adoration, as well as science and relativism, sanctifying grace and why God allows evil.

“I wanted it to be brief but thorough, so that people would be ready and able to defend their faith,” said Father Burke.

He wrote the book with four groups in mind.

In addition to those in RCIA, the book is good for youth groups, especially those preparing for confirmation; for those who want a quick review of Catholicism and Scripture; and for college students “so they don’t lose their faith,” said Father Burke.

“It is also a useful tool for religious educators, priests, religious and all involved in education and evangelization,” said Bishop Jugis.

The book has received excellent feedback. The last version sold 17,000 copies in a year and a half.

Both Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey, who granted the book a nihil obstat (Latin for “nothing stands in the way,’’ a judgment by an official church representative that a book contains no errors of faith or moral teaching), and Bishop Jugis offered “helpful ideas and corrections,” said Father Burke.

The expanded edition, he said, features even more information, and a Spanish-language edition is due out within the next six months.

Bishop Jugis said he hopes the book will contribute to the spread of the Gospel and the salvation of souls.

“May it inspire the reader to grow in friendship with Christ, and to share the Lord’s love and truth with others,” he said.

The book is reaching people near and far. Father Burke noticed his book for sale at the Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine in Orlando, Fla. It was displayed next to “Understanding the Mystery of the Mass,” written by Father Matthew Buettner, pastor of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton.

“Tourists get to see two books written by priests of the Diocese of Charlotte,” he said.

WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: Sept. 17, 2006

Sept. 17, Twentyfourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B Readings: 1) Isaiah 50:5-9a Psalm 116:1-6, 8-9 2) James 2:14-18 3) Gospel: Mark 8:27-35

Jesus is with us in suffering

by BEVERLY CORZINE catholic news service

I see my friend lying in a bed filled with pillows, surrounded with a web of plastic tubing. The clicks and whirrs of medical machinery fill the otherwise silent hospital room.

Years of suffering have elapsed, but now she is on the cusp of leaving us behind. Once she was a young bride, always a lover of Christ. Now she is a wife, mother and grandmother whose suffering has been horrific but whose faith has never wavered.

The night just passed has been filled with the struggle to breathe. Now the merciful drip flows through the plastic tubing to allow a respite from pain and to let her pass into the welcome realm of blessed sleep.

Standing quietly by her bedside is

enough; I do not wish to make a decibel of noise. One of her relatives sits quietly in the corner.

We exchange a familiar wave and nod that means, “I’ll tell her you were here when she wakes up.”

At that moment my friend opens her eyes. “Beverly,” she says. “I thought I was dying last night.” Then she closes her eyes and falls asleep again.

During my next visit my friend’s husband is the sentinel, sitting quietly in the corner. However, my friend is awake. The three of us share a lighthearted conversation.

The deep love that these two have for each other is palpable in their gentle jokes that skirt the extreme situation that being a long-term resident on the oncology floor presents.

In Mark’s Gospel we hear Jesus begin to reveal his identity to his disciples. He confirms that he is the long-awaited Christ, but he must suffer and die.

To help Peter make some sense of this mysterious teaching, Jesus comforts them by saying, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. ...

Whoever loses his life for my sake ... will save it.”

Leaving, I pass other doors on the oncology floor. I know that this teaching of Jesus is the bedrock of faith for my friend and countless others as they struggle to live or face the end of their lives with the promise of Jesus on their lips.

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of Sept. 10-16 Sunday (Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time), Isaiah 35:4-7, James 2:31-37, Mark 7:31-37; Monday, 1 Corinthians 5:1-8, Luke 6:6-11; Tuesday (Holy Name of Mary), 1 Corinthians 6:111, Luke 6:12-19; Wednesday (St. John Chrysostom), 1 Corinthians 7:25-31, Luke 6:20-26; Thursday (The Exaltation of the Cross), Numbers 21:4-9, Philippians 2:6-11, John 3:13-17; Friday (Our Lady of Sorrows), 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27, Luke 2:33-35; Saturday (Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian), 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, Luke 6:43-49.

Scripture for the week of Sept. 17-23 Sunday (Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Isaiah 50:5-9, James 2:14-18, Mark 8:2735; Monday, 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33, Luke 7:1-10; Tuesday (St. Januarius), 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31, Luke 7:11-17; Wednesday (St. Andrew Kim Taegon, St. Paul Chong Hasang and Companions), 1 Corinthians 12:31—13:13, Luke 7:31-35; Thursday (St. Matthew), Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13, Matthew 9:9-13; Friday, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 8:1-3; Saturday (St. Pio of Pietrelcina), 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49, Luke 8:4-15.

The Catholic News & Herald 11

September 8, 2006

Hard to beat ‘Invincible’

CNS photo by Disney

Mark Wahlberg (right), stars in “Invincible,” an inspirational and feel-good sports drama based on the true-life story of unlikely football star Vince Papale (Wahlberg), a bartender who tries out for his hometown Philadelphia Eagles and makes the team. Some mildly crude language, intense football violence, and a presumed off-screen premarital situation, limiting its appropriateness to older adolescents and up.

The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Vatican awards cinema prize to Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yuan VENICE, Italy (CNS) — The Vatican awarded its annual cinema prize to Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yuan, saying his movies have depicted people’s search for spiritual meaning.

U.S. Archbishop John P. Foley, head of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, presented the Bresson Prize to Zhang at the Venice Film Festival Sept. 5.

The 43-year-old filmmaker said he was honored and hoped that the award would be “the first building block of a bridge” that connects the cultures of the Vatican and China.

Archbishop Foley said Zhang was chosen because his films showed great sensitivity to “the difficult course that every person must face in the search for the spiritual sense of existence.” He said Zhang’s work expressed realism and hope.

The archbishop praised his 1999 film, “Seventeen Years,” which told the story of a parole visit home by a woman convicted of killing her stepsister and showed the crime’s emotional effects on the protagonist and her family.

A more recent film, “Little Red Flowers,” was a poetic parable about children, offering lessons about life that are also valid for adults, Archbishop Foley said.

Zhang’s films have been censored in China.

The Bresson Prize, named after French director Robert Bresson, was established in 2000 to recognize artists who “give significant witness” in the spiritual meaning of life. The award is organized by the Italian Magazine of Cinematography and the pontifical councils for Culture and for Social Communications.

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

youths in action

Rising in the Spirit

September 8, 2006

Plans and prayers

Courtesy Photo

Members of Y.E.S. (Youth Echoing the Spirit), the youth group at St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte, are pictured after “Family ’60s Night,” a concert they performed to raise funds for the parish, Aug. 12.

Under the direction of youth minister Irene Kilzer, various members of Y.E.S. researched the fashions and songs of the 1960s, gathered and made era-appropriate costumes, decorated the parish hall, sold tickets and snacks and performed more than 40 songs during the concert. The concert raised $2,500 for the parish. In addition to the concert, the youths have also helped with landscaping around the church.

“I witnessed young people working hard, having a good time and building community,” said Connie Milligan, parish director of religious education. “This is every parent’s dream — to know that your teen is voluntarily involved in a wholesome Christian environment with others who share their faith and values.

This is what church is all about — living our faith.”

Ministering to the ‘Millennials’

Courtesy Photo

Grey Nun of the Sacred Heart Sister Eileen Spanier, director of young adult ministry for the Diocese of Charlotte, and Auxiliary Bishop Jaime Soto, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on Youth and Young Adults, are pictured during a national leadership forum for professionals and volunteers ministering to those in their 20s and 30s, sponsored by National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association, in San Francisco, Calif., Aug. 2-4. The forum’s theme, “Meet the Millennials,” focused on understanding and developing effective strategies to minister to young adults (the “millennial generation”).

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

Courtesy Photo

The Catholic Campus Ministry 2006-07 Leadership Team at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is pictured at the Catholic campus ministry house in Charlotte during a weekend retreat July 7-9. They gathered seven weeks before classes started to discuss and plan activities and events to address the spiritual, social and service components of campus ministry. They also attended Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

Pictured are: (back row, from left) Ryan Harris; Aynnie Cole; Grey Nun of the Sacred Heart Sister Eileen Spanier, director of diocesan young adult ministry; Luis Villavicencio; Elizabeth Coradini; and Mary Wright, UNC-Charlotte campus minister and director of diocesan campus ministry; (front row, from left) Brendan Janssen; Katie Moore; Stephanie Auger; and Brighton, canine mascot. Not pictured is Mark Cecil.

September 8, 2006

youths in action

His melodies prompt memories

Piano student entertains and builds a future toward stardom

by LEE McCRACKEN university magazine

CHARLOTTE — The elderly residents at The Laurels in Highland Creek delight in 15-year-old Brandon Brown’s visits. They comment on how he’s grown over the years and what a polite young man he is.

But Brandon doesn’t go to the assisted living center to see a grandparent or great-aunt. He’s the star attraction one Monday evening a month when he sits at the piano and plays melodies that bring to mind days gone by.

“They always request ‘Somewhere My Love,’ and they like ‘Send in the Clowns’ and ‘Moonlight Sonata,’” said Brandon. “I always end with a patriotic song — they like to sing along.”

Learning jazz, improv Brandon, a sophomore at Charlotte Catholic High School, is the son of Jim and Michelle Brown of Highland Creek.

He began taking piano lessons in the neighborhood at age 5.

Teachers Debbie Barry and later Judy Barravecchia taught him the fundamentals.

Now, he’s learning to put his own style into pieces with current teacher Noel Freidline, who also lives in Highland Creek and is an accomplished jazz musician who came to Charlotte from Las Vegas.

“I’ve had students who have had

Courtesy Photo by Richard Rudisill

Brandon Brown, a sophomore at Charlotte Catholic High School, learns to play jazz pieces under the direction of Noel Freidline. talent, but no discipline, and vice versa — not much talent, but willing to work hard,” said Freidline. “Certainly those who have some self-discipline always do better.

“When you get a young man like Brandon, you get to see the wonderful combination of talent, commitment and passion. That truly is a rare and wonderful thing,” he said.

Not only is Brandon learning to inject his own style into music, but he also has begun writing music. For his own enjoyment, Brandon plays jazz

and Ray Charles and Beatles tunes. He practices about 20 minutes a day (or every other day).

“It’s sheer enjoyment for him,” said mom Michelle Brown. “I’ve never had to tell him to practice. The first thing he’ll do when he comes home from a lesson is sit down at the piano.”

His mother says Brandon’s talent came from her side of the family.

“It skipped me — I took lessons but never had the passion,” she said.

“Brandon’s grandmother and greatgrandfather played the organ in church.

His great-great-grandfather was a cathedral choral director and organ player in Poland. He was pretty famous in his time.”

Sharing his time, talent Besides The Laurels, Brandon’s other gigs include occasionally playing at The Speedway Club. He auditioned when he was 12. Although he doesn’t get paid, Brandon said he sometimes gets tips.

His first paid gig was this past spring at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. Brandon provided dinnertime entertainment for the Young at Heart club.

In April, he was the youngest performer at John Tosco’s third annual Beatles Tribute Music Party at Spirit Square.

“Brandon already has more public playing experience at the age of 15 than I had in my first year of college,” said Freidline. “I see no reason why he would not be able to pull off a regular four-hour gig by the time he is a junior or senior in

The Catholic News & Herald 13

high school.

In many ways, he is still a diamond in the rough, but what is so impressive is the speed at which he picks up new things ... and his ability to season and mature,” he said.

At The Laurels, the faces of Brandon’s loyal audience light up and their toes tap to the music. Brandon is at peace as his fingers dance over the keys and he shares his talent. After each concert, he spends time shaking hands and chatting with the residents, many of whom he knows by name.

At his Christmas concert, Brandon gave out goody bags.

“It wouldn’t be right for me not to show up,” he said. “They look forward to me coming. They’ve almost become a part of my family.”

Reprinted with permission from University City Magazine/August 2006.

Sunde achieves rank of Eagle Scout Jonathan Sunde, 17, a rising senior at Charlotte Catholic High School, recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout after completing a landscaping project for St. Ann Church in Charlotte.

The project involved removing a decayed wall, building a new wall of keystone, tilling the slope, planting bushes and liriope, mulching, as well as fertilizing and trimming the grounds.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouts.

September 8, 2006

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Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

The hour of power

Part 4 of a 7-part series on the second annual Eucharistic Congress One of the landmark events of the Diocese of Charlotte’s Eucharistic Congress involves a holy hour of eucharistic adoration.

Last year, the holy hour was directed

by Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin of Charlotte. Likewise, the Eucharistic Conference held in Asheville June 24, 2006 featured a holy hour led by Bishop Peter J. Jugis as an integral part of its brief schedule.

This year, the Eucharistic Congress will host another holy hour led again by Bishop Curlin, along with the opportunity for participants to make private holy hours throughout the day.

The holy hour is certainly a familiar and foundational event in our Eucharistic Congress. But what is the significance of this holy hour of adoration and how does it contribute to the fruit of our Eucharistic Congress?

To understand the significance of the holy hour, we need to return to the first holy hour, which was led by our Lord, accompanied by his apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is no coincidence that on the night that our Lord instituted the sacraments of the holy Eucharist and holy orders at the Last Supper, Jesus invited his apostles into the garden for a time of intense prayer.

It is also no coincidence that on the night that our Lord instituted the sacrament of the holy Eucharist, which signifies his real and abiding presence in the world, Jesus would invite his disciples into an hour of prayer and communion. Thus began the practice of the holy hour.

From its inauguration, the holy hour is, in fact, a response to a personal invitation by Jesus to come away with him from the mundane events of our day.

Every holy hour is mysteriously a return to that first holy hour. Our Lord summons his disciples to this hour that we might enjoy divine communion, respite from our worries and anxieties, consolation from our sorrows and rest from our labors.

But he also beckons us to communicate

Guest Column FATHER MATTHEW BUETTNER guest columnist

and, indeed, to share his agonizing passion, as did his first disciples (between moments of slumber!). Consequently, the holy hour signifies comfort and affliction, peace and penance, prayer and passion, slumber and suffering.

Indeed, the holy hour unites us with our Lord and strengthens our friendship with Christ.

Thus, the holy hour produces an abundance of spiritual fruit within the soul of the faithful disciple that, in turn, generates the very fruits anticipated by the Eucharistic Congress.

This year, the bishop has taken as our congress theme, “The Love of Christ Impels Us.” Indeed, the faithful disciple who responds to Christ’s invitation to communion with him in the holy hour receives an abundance of divine love, which then impels him to communicate that love to his neighbor. Love generates love.

The holy hour impels us to serve God and our neighbor; the holy hour is power. It is certainly no wonder that the holy hour would assume such an intimate and foundational role in our Eucharistic Congress.

The Lord asked his first disciples the question that continues to echo throughout time, “Could you not keep watch for one hour?”

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

If you would like to pre-register for an hour of adoration during the Eucharistic Congress, please sign-up online at www.charlottediocese.org/adorationsign_up.html.

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‘Who do you say that I am?’

Catechetical Sunday a chance to reflect on Jesus’ teachings “Who do you say that I am?”

That simple question from Jesus was so timely. Even though he was well aware of his identity and mission, it was essential that his hearers understand and appreciate the uniqueness of his person.

Within the pages of the Gospel, Jesus asks that people accept him, identify with him and then accept his message. It should not be surprising that he would be eager that his hearers share their understanding of him in order to appreciate the authority on which his teachings rest.

This Scripture is the first of four encounters between Jesus and Peter that enable Peter to gradually clarify his recognition of the identity and mission of Jesus. In this instance there is the acknowledgement on Peter’s part that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah.

He did not state on this occasion that Jesus was divine. This encounter then was an important step along the way of growth and understanding.

On another occasion, when Jesus spoke about the Eucharist and many disciples ceased following him, he asked, “Aren’t you going to leave me, too?” Peter’s immediate response was, “Lord, where can we go?”

Within this proclamation, Peter acknowledges that Jesus Christ is his Lord and Savior. His awareness of the identity and mission of Jesus is expanding.

Recall the Last Supper event during which Jesus indicates that he, as servant, wishes to wash the feet of Peter as a sign of his everlasting love. This event on Holy Thursday would point to Calvary’s hill upon which Jesus would “give his life for our salvation.”

At the Last Supper, even though Peter initially rejected the offer of Jesus, upon being challenged, he immediately welcomed this manifestation of Jesus’ love and service. During the Last Supper, then, Jesus offered to Peter a vision of service.

Guest Column FATHER JAMES HAWKER vicar of education

After the resurrection, the risen Lord queried Peter about the depth of his love, and having received from his apostle a pledge of loving fidelity, Jesus shared the invitation, “Follow me.”

Peter, enlightened by the gift of faith and instructed by these encounters with Jesus, came to grasp the truth that Jesus was the Christ, his Lord, his teacher, his guide. Although Peter would make mistakes and, at times, not follow Jesus as best he could, Peter would strive to be faithful to his Lord and God. As we celebrate Catechetical Sunday Sept. 17, we are invited once again to reflect prayerfully upon the meaning of our response to the question directed not only to Peter, but to each of us, “Who do you say that I am?”

We might consider the extent to which we act upon the truth that Jesus is our messiah, our Lord and God, our teacher, our guide. We should evaluate the degree to which we accept each dimension of his teaching with integrity and implement his message faithfully.

In this diocese, we are blessed beyond measure by the selfless service of so many men and women, both in parishes and schools, who minister as catechists. These friends, disciples and witnesses of Jesus, by their example and assistance, enable children, youths and other adults to respond in faith to the question, “Who do you say that I am?”

Father Hawker is vicar for education in the Diocese of Charlotte and pastor of St. Luke Church in Mint Hill.

Letters to the Editor Gibson should be chastised

Simple House makes big difference

It was gratifying to read the article on A Simple House lay mission apostolate (“A Simple House is a spiritual, material outreach to poor,” Sept. 1).

Among others, my daughter and other recent graduates of Catholic University of America are involved in helping Clark Massey build this outreach and evangelization process for some of the most disadvantaged sections of our nation’s capitol. They have found it a transformative experience.

People can find out more at A Simple House’s Web site, www.asimplehouse.org.

— Jim McCullough, director of religious education Our Lady of Grace Church, Greensboro

After reading David Hains’ column on the media and Mel Gibson (“Mel Gibson’s revelation,” Aug. 18), I was angered by what seemed to be a misplaced response to a serious offense. Hains wrote, “Hey, Mel, ‘forget about it.’” I think not.

Regarding Gibson’s operating of a motor vehicle while intoxicated, I cannot make excuses for anyone that would put people’s lives in grave danger. They should be chastised in the press. We all know that a car becomes a weapon when driven by a drunk. We need to think about the victims.

Furthermore, anti-Semitic remarks affect us all in a negative way. Alcohol should not be an excuse. Mr. Gibson should not forget.

— Mary Vorlicek Hendersonville

September 8, 2006

The Catholic News & Herald 15

Burial of the body or cremation?

Moratorium a chance to study uses and cemeteries in diocese This is the will of my Father, says the Lord, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, and that I should raise it up on the last day.

(Alleluia Verse from the Funeral Rite, from John 6:39) On Jan. 17 of this year, our diocese entered into a moratorium on the construction and expansion of columbaria within the diocese. During the moratorium, a study is being done regarding the use of columbaria and cemeteries in our diocese.

When decisions are being made regarding the final arrangements for the body after death, the choice of burial of the body or cremation of the body are often presented as equal alternatives by our American culture.

The Catholic Church, however, does not consider the burial of the body and cremation of the body to be equally weighted alternatives. The Church prefers the burial of the body of the deceased over cremation of the body.

The Order of Christian Funerals, revised after Vatican Council II and promulgated in 1969, is the rite that is used for the celebration of funerals of the faithful departed. In 1997, the Vatican approved an Appendix to the Order of Christian Funerals which contained texts to be used for the celebration of funeral rites in the presence of the cremated remains of the deceased.

Of great interest in this appendix is the affirmation by the American bishops that cremation does not enjoy the same value as burial of the body. The preferred arrangement for the human body after death is burial of the body.

This preference for burial of the body is expressed in the following words: “The Church clearly prefers and urges that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites, since the presence of the human body better expresses the values which the Church affirms in those rites.

“The Church’s teaching in regard to the human body as well as the Church’s preference for burial of the body should be a regular part of catechesis on all levels, and pastors should make particular efforts to preserve this important teaching.” (nn.

413-414) Reasons for burial What are the reasons for the Church’s preference that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites and that the body be buried rather than cremated?

The Order of Christian Funerals gives three reasons.

The first reason for the preference that the body of the deceased Christian be buried and not cremated is that the Lord himself willed to be buried. This is expressed in the following way: “The funeral is to be celebrated according to the model in use in the region. It should be carried out in a

way, however, that clearly expresses the Church’s preference for the custom of burying the dead, after the example of Christ’s own will to be buried” (n. 15) The second reason for the Church’s preference is that values on the natural level are affirmed by the presence of the body at the funeral rites and the burial of the body. The presence of the body at the funeral rites expresses in a natural way the manner we had been accustomed to relate to the person while he or she was alive, namely through a human body.

The rite uses the following words to express this: “The Christian faithful are unequivocally confronted by the mystery of life and death when they are faced with the presence of the body of one who has died. Moreover, the body which lies in death naturally recalls the personal story of faith, the loving family bonds, the friendships, and the words and acts of kindness of the deceased person.

“Indeed, the human body is inextricably associated with the human person, which acts and is experienced by others through that body. It is the body whose hands clothed the poor and embraced the sorrowing.” (n. 411) The third reason for the Church’s preference is that values on the supernatural level are affirmed by the presence of the body at the funeral rites and the burial of the body. The presence of the body at the funeral rites expresses Jesus’ teaching regarding the supernatural dignity and destiny of the human body.

The rite expresses this in the following words: “The body of a deceased Catholic Christian is also the body once washed in baptism, anointed with the oil of salvation, and fed with the Bread of Life.

Thus, the Church’s reverence for the sacredness of the human body grows out of a reverence and concern both natural and supernatural for the human person.

“The body of the deceased brings forcefully to mind the Church’s conviction that the human body is in Christ a temple of the Holy Spirit and is destined for future glory at the resurrection of the dead. This conviction in faith finds its expression in a sustained and insistent prayer that commends the deceased person to God’s merciful care so that his or her place in the communion of the just may be assured.

“A further expression is the care traditionally taken to prepare the bodies of the deceased for a burial that befits their dignity, in expectation of their final resurrection in the Lord.” (n. 412) These three reasons influence the Church’s reverence for the sacredness of the human body in death, and explain the Church’s preference for the presence of the body at the funeral rites and burial of the body over cremation.

The Order of Christian Funerals presents cremation as an exception to the normal situation of burial of the body.

The rite allows the Christian faithful

From the Bishop BISHOP PETER J. JUGIS bishop of charlotte

to have recourse to cremation “when extraordinary circumstances make the cremation of a body the only feasible choice.” (n. 415) Circumstances which go far beyond the usual or regular situation may make cremation the only feasible choice in certain individual cases. For example, an infection by a fatal communicable disease or deadly bacterial agent which does not die with the death of the body might be one such extraordinary circumstance to recommend cremation of the body, in order to prevent the outbreak of an epidemic.

Our American culture asserts that since the human body eventually decomposes anyway, cremation should be employed in order to hasten the inevitable natural process. The Order of Christian Funerals, however, proposes that the burial of the body is to be preferred because the Lord Jesus himself willed to be buried. (n. 15) Our American culture asserts that the human body is of no use once we die, so we should not fuss so much over it. The Order of Christian Funerals, however, proposes that the burial of the body is to be preferred because the human body of the Christian is a temple of the Holy Spirit and is destined for future glory at the resurrection of the dead. (n. 412) Pastoral planning A moratorium is a time of study. It is an opportunity to engage in pastoral planning regarding the use of columbaria and cemeteries in our diocese.

To be addressed during this period of study is the observation that the Church is now apparently promoting cremation over burial of the body, since it provides columbaria on-site at some parish churches but does not offer at those locations the option of burial of the body.

With utmost love, God in his Providence cares for each one of us during our pilgrimage on earth, and when we die He receives our body with tenderness and grants us a period of rest until the day of resurrection.

Jesus himself experienced this great providential love of the Father.

The Gospel writers tell us that Jesus commended his spirit into the Father’s hands and entrusted his human body into the hands of his disciple to be cared for after his death: Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’ body down from the cross, and with Nicodemus tenderly dressed the body, prepared it for burial, and then reverently placed the body in his own tomb.

Because of the witness of the New Testament Scriptures, the death of a Christian is often referred to as a falling asleep in the Lord, awaiting the day of resurrection (Mark 5: 35-43; 1 Thess. 4: 13-18)

Being Christian means knowing Jesus personally as a friend, pope says The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI

by

CAROL GLATZ

catholic news service

VATICAN CITY — Being Christian is not just about listening to God’s word and understanding his teachings, it is also about getting to know Jesus as a friend and personally discovering who he really is, Pope Benedict XVI said.

Jesus “in fact is not only a teacher but is a friend, indeed, a brother. How can we know him from afar? Intimacy, familiarity, routine” are what help people discover who Jesus really is, the pope said during his Sept. 6 weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

To shade himself from Rome’s intense sunlight, Pope Benedict wore a Roman “galero,” the wide-brimmed red hat often worn by Popes John XXIII and Paul VI. The last time a pope wore the hat was when Pope John Paul II visited Mexico in 1979.

In his address, the pope continued a series of talks on the apostles, this time focusing on the life and example of Philip.

Even though Jesus had told the apostles, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father,” Philip still asked Jesus to show them God the Father so as to know and see him, the pope said.

Jesus assured Philip that “I am in the Father and the Father is in me,” adding his surprise that “you still do not know me, Philip?” Pope Benedict said.

Jesus invited all the apostles not just to listen to him, but to be with him, to take part in his life and become his friends so that they would know God. The pope said, “The important thing is to learn Christ, not only and not just by listening to his teachings, but even more so by knowing him in person, that is, his humanity and divinity, his mystery, his beauty.”

This friendship with Jesus and truly getting to know him is like any real friendship in that “it necessitates closeness, it even exists in part” on being close to each other, the pope said.

But Christians are also called to share with others and show the way that leads to Jesus, he said.

When bystanders asked Philip to show them Christ, he did not just “announce the Gospel like a theory,” the pope said, but he invited the others to experience Jesus in person.

“This teaches us to also always be ready both in welcoming questions and requests from wherever they come and in directing (people) toward the Lord, the only one who can fully satisfy” people’s needs, said the pope.

September 8, 2006

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