Sept. 26, 2008

September 26, 2008

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Perspectives Moral clarity in an election year; the abortion misconception | Pages 14-15

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI September 26, 2008

Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

Baptismal bonds

A window into heaven

Charlotte priest enriched by trip to Peruvian missions

by

by CHAZ MUTH catholic news service

Editor’s note: This is part of an ongoing series on the Bible.

WASHINGTON — As 11-year-old Phoenix resident Savannah Wix entered the Great Hall of the Library of Congress during an early August trip to Washington, her attention was immediately drawn to a featured interactive contraption that allows patrons See BIBLE, page 13

KEVIN E. MURRAY editor

See PERU, page 5

Library of Congress offers access to 800 years of biblical evolution

no. 40

Bishop Jugis rededicates expanded St. Bernadette Mission in Linville

CHARLOTTE — A priest of the Diocese of Charlotte returned recently from a twoweek trip to the jungles of Peru.

Father Mark Lawlor, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, visited Aug. 25-Sept.

11 the small-town church with which his parish has established an outreach program.

“While their ministry is in many ways different from the ministry here in a city parish in Charlotte, there is a bond that we all share by virtue of our baptism and faith,” said Father Lawlor.

It was two years ago that Father Lawlor and parishioner Luis Lecaros visited and established a relationship with St. Martin de Porres Church in Aguaytia, in the Apostolic Vicariate of Pucallapa.

“An apostolic vicariate is a

Preserving Scripture

vOLUME 17

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

LINVILLE — Many would agree the mountain scenery around Linville is aweinspiring. Now Catholics in Linville have a refurbished church to inspire awe in the Lord.

“In this church, our relationship with Christ will be deepened and nourished,” said Father Christopher Gober, pastor of St. Bernadette Mission in Linville, during the church’s rededication Mass.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis celebrated the Mass Sept. 19, with former pastors and other diocesan priests concelebrating.

The event was the culmination of more than a year’s worth of work to expand and refurbish the church, a growing mission of St. Lucien Church in Spruce Pine.

“St. Bernadette is unique in that it serves a largely seasonal population from beginning of summer to fall,” said Father Gober.

The additional Mass that was scheduled to accommodate the influx of visitors did not alleviate the growth.

“This was the most pressing reason for the expansion. We had to develop for the immediate need but for the future as well,” said Father Gober.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis incenses the altar during the rededication Mass at St. Bernadette Mission in Linville Sept. 19.

See DEDICATION, page 12

In the spirit of service St. Matthew Church celebrates 22 years by

KATIE MOORE staff writer

CHARLOTTE — Busy doesn’t even begin to describe the amount of activity that took place at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte Sept. 19–21.

The weekend was packed full of celebration marking the 22nd anniversary of the church.

At the center of it all was a spirit of service, a theme that runs deep through the parish and its 104 ministries.

“It was truly a community celebration of a parish trying to be connected to Christ, by being his hands and feet in this day and age,” said Msgr. John McSweeney, pastor.

Adding to the celebration was the feast day of St. Matthew, which was particularly fitting, and Catechetical Sunday whereby 600 catechists received a special blessing at See PARISH, page 4

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Hundreds of parishioners bring containers of pennies to the altar during Mass at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte Sept. 21, part of a fundraiser to assist needy families in the area.

7 days until the

Culture Watch

Standing for life

Dorothy Day diaries; Word to Life; Scripture readings

Life Chains to be held in Diocese of Charlotte

| Page 10

| Page 6

Eucharistic Congress

Oct. 3-4.

See pull-out pages 7-11 and visit www.goEucharist.com.

September 26, 2008

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

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

Food after the fury

CNS photo by Erik Noriega, Texas Catholic Herald

Volunteers assist in unloading a truck full of water and MREs (“meals ready to eat”) at St. Christopher Church in Houston Sept. 20. The food and water distribution was organized by the local Catholic Charities agency. More than 40 staff and volunteers distributed the much needed items to hundreds in the area, most of whom were left without electricity after Hurricane Ike swept through the area Sept. 13.

Catholic social agencies mobilize in Hurricane Ike relief efforts HOUSTON (CNS) — In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, Texas Catholic social agencies have swiftly mobilized to offer assistance to those affected by the storm, which hit the region Sept. 13.

In mid-September, staff members and volunteers from Catholic Charities visited coastal communities such as Texas City, Dickinson and Bacliff, as well as Houston, to provide assistance to those in need. They were continuing those efforts in the coastal area.

“Our goal is to take care of the immediate, basic needs by supplying water, canned goods, diapers, those kinds of items,” said Yolanda Gutierrez, on-site supervisor for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

By coordinating relief efforts, Catholic Charities USA has opened a warehouse specifically for the purpose of delivery of goods to distribution sites.

“We are focusing on Galveston County, and the needs of far-reaching communities who have limited access to government sponsored PODs (point of distribution),” said Jim Gajewski, Catholic Charities vice president of program services.

“We see our niche reaching out deeper into communities, the pockets of disenfranchised who are impoverished and don’t have the means to get to these PODs,” he said.

Catholic Charities planned to continue its efforts in the field into the foreseeable future, as long as supplies lasted and the needs remained.

“We are taking it day to day; we really have to be flexible and keep our ear to the ground,” Gajewski said. “As long as the need is out there, we want to be providing for those needs.”

Catholic Charities was out at St. Christopher Church in Houston Sept.

20, distributing water and MREs, which

stands for “meals ready to eat.”

James Rodriguez and his family waited in line for his allocation.

“It’s tough right now. We don’t have electricity so we can’t cook anything,” said Rodriguez, who is a house painter.

While he expects to be busy soon, he had been unable to work following the storm as potential clients waited for insurance companies to assess damage.

“You never want to complain as long as you’re eating,” Rodriguez said. “I appreciate Catholic Charities for feeding us tonight.”

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul suffered damage to all of its program locations, but officials were trying to maximize their resources to help others through their “Arms Wide Open” project.

“We have about 2,000 elderly clients in our program, so our mission right now is to go door-to-door of homes to visit and make sure everyone is OK,” said Wendy Garaghty, the society’s executive director. “We will bring them all of the essentials, as well. We also have some formula, because we have a lot of clients with newborns.”

Local organizations were relying on St. Vincent de Paul councils across the nation and state — including Austin, San Antonio and Dallas — who have been trucking food into the GalvestonHouston area.

Garaghty said she is always inspired to see so many people working together to assist others through a time of trial and devastation.

“To be able to go in and bring health and comfort to people in need ... we always walk away better people having met these individuals we serve,” she said.

“Our spirituality grows as well as the persons we are visiting. We don’t preach the Gospel, but we certainly see God everywhere we go.”

Cardinal urges Congress to reject proposed Freedom of Choice Act WASHINGTON (CNS) —Declaring that “we can’t reduce abortions by promoting abortion,” the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on ProLife Activities has urged members of Congress to reject the proposed Freedom of Choice Act. In a Sept. 19 letter, Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia said the legislation “would counteract any and all sincere efforts by government to reduce abortions in our country,” force all Americans to subsidize abortion with their tax dollars and overturn “modest restraints and regulations on the abortion industry” in all 50 states.

“No one who sponsors or supports legislation like FOCA can credibly claim to be part of a good-faith discussion on how to reduce abortions,” he added.

The Freedom of Choice Act was introduced in both the House and Senate April 19, 2007, the day after the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of

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

ALBEMARLE VICARIATE MONROE — The Missionaries of the Poor and Father Richard Ho Lung will be having a free Spirit Concert at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 725 Deese St., Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. For more information, call Becky Wright at (704) 289-2773.

CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CHARLOTTE — Be Strong: Exercises for Physical and Spiritual Strength, a new women’s ministry at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., combines gentle yoga with prayer, Scripture and spiritual reflection for a unique 90-minute workout that strengthens body and soul. Tuesdays 7:309 p.m. or Thursdays 10-11:30 a.m. Classes run Sept. 23 – Nov. 13. Free, but registration is required. Visit www.bestrongministries.org or contact Lisa Tolido at (704) 737-3222.

CHARLOTTE — Theology on Tap, a dynamic speaker series designed to provide adults 18-40 with the opportunity to discover more about their faith in a relaxed open environment, will

the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act in Gonzales v. Carhart.

It states that “every woman has the fundamental right to choose to bear a child, to terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability, or to terminate a pregnancy after fetal viability when necessary to protect the life or health of the woman.”

Although no action has been taken in either house since then, the U.S. bishops “are gravely concerned about any possible consideration” of the legislation in the final weeks of the 110th Congress, Cardinal Rigali said.

“Pro-abortion groups and some of the bill’s congressional sponsors have said they want this legislation enacted soon,” he added.

Cardinal Rigali said that recently “the national debate on abortion has taken a turn that may be productive” as members of both political parties “have sought to reach a consensus on ways to reduce abortions in our society.” take place at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, 911 East Morehead St., Monday evenings during September. The topic for Sept. 29 will be “Life – From Beginning to End,” presented

by Maggie Nadol, Respect Life director for the Diocese of Charlotte. Nadol will discuss a variety of pro-life topics, including abortion, suicide, euthanasia and God’s true plan for us all. RSVP to jennifer.eues@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.stpeterscatholic.org/yam.

CHARLOTTE — The semi-annual rosary rally will be held Sunday, Oct. 12, at 3 p.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. East. Come honor Our Lady by participating in this 35-year tradition. The event will include recitation of the rosary, a eucharistic procession and Benediction. Father Roger Arnsparger, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia, will be the homilist. For more information, call Tina Witt at (704) 846-7361.

CHARLOTTE — A Monday morning Adult Spirituality series takes place once a month at New Creation Monastery, 1309 Duncan Gardens Dr. The next talk, “The Sacrament of the Present Moment: Living Deeply,” will be held Oct. 13.

The gathering will begin with Mass at 9 a.m. followed by the presentation and discussion of the topic at 10 a.m. In the afternoon there will be a homily preparation series for priests, deacons, catechists and anyone interested in sharing insights on the Sunday Scriptures of the month. The afternoon series will begin with bag lunch at 12 p.m. followed by chant midday prayer at 12:45 p.m. and homily preparation at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Father John Vianney Hoover at (704) 344-0934.

CHARLOTTE — The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians invites women of the diocese

SEPTEMBER 26, 2008 Volume 17 • Number 40

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

The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $15 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all other subscribers. The Catholic News & Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason deemed appropriate. We do not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.

September 26, 2008

The Catholic News & Herald 3

FROM THE VATICAN

Vatican official urges government to protect religious minorities GENEVA (CNS) — Governments must find ways to promote religious tolerance and avoid blasphemy laws that can backfire by targeting religious minorities, said a Vatican official.

The Vatican’s representative to U.N. agencies in Geneva, Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, said in some countries, religious defamation laws “have been used as weapons against personal enemies or as an excuse to incite mob violence.”

“Such actions result in polarizing religious communities rather than in promoting intolerance,” he said Sept. 19 at a U.N. Human Rights Council session focusing on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance.

Archbishop Tomasi noted that an “intensified expression of religious intolerance” has flared in recent weeks in several parts of the world.

Without specifically citing the recent violence and persecution against

Christians in India, Pakistan and Iraq, the archbishop discussed incidents of religiously motivated attacks and killings, the desecration of places of worship and the threats and fears forcing thousands of people to flee their homes.

“Impunity for these crimes, as is often the case, gives the message that violent aggression against, and even the physical elimination of, people from a different faith conviction is acceptable,” said Archbishop Tomasi.

He said governments should work to promote tolerance through concrete juridical norms, ending discrimination on the state and social level. He also said they should promote better protection of individuals from group violence and should adopt “the practice of reasonable accommodation of religious practice.”

Schools, the media and faith communities also play a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and constructive coexistence, he said.

to join them in celebrating their Irish-Catholic heritage. The next meeting will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd., Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Jeanmarie Schuler at (704) 554-0720.

Church, 2205 W. Market St., Oct. 1 6:30 – 9 p.m. The theme of the reflection will be the four objectives of the Catholic family. The event is free and open to all Catholic men.

Pizza and refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria followed by a talk 7 to 9 p.m. in the church. For more information, contact John Endredy at (336) 449-3656.

CHARLOTTE — Catholics from the Diocese of Charlotte are invited to gather on the steps of St. Peter Church, 507 South Tryon St., for the “Fourth Annual Blanket Banquet” Saturday Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. following the closing Mass of the Eucharistic Congress. Participants will share a simple meal in solidarity with the homeless while distributing much-needed items to help them prepare for the winter. Donations of gently-used blankets, sleeping bags, coats, knapsacks and new undergarments/socks are needed. All are welcome. For more information or to volunteer, call Linda Flynn at (704) 366-9889 or e-mail flynnlin7@aol.com.

GASTONIA VICARIATE GASTONIA — St. Michael School, 704 St. Michael’s Lane, will host a Road Race and Fun Fair, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Great fun for all ages, including rides, games, bingo, food and more. General admission is free. For more information, go to www.smsgastonia.com.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE GREENSBORO — To honor the 35-year anniversary of the St. Joseph Intercessory Prayer Group, a celebration will be held in the Kloster Center at St. Pious X Church, 2210 N. Elm St., Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Speakers will be Father James Stuhrenberg, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Grace Church, and Hannah Hammer, parishioner of St. Pius X Church. Music will be provided by Freeway. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call Pat Condon at (336) 288-6093.

GREENSBORO — A Men’s Evening of Reflection will be held at Our Lady of Grace

Episcopal

calendar

Sept. 27 (12 p.m.)

Mass for Cursillo Grand Ultreya Steel Creek Park, Morganton Sept. 28 (5:30 p.m.)

Sacrament of confirmation St. Eugene Church, Asheville

GREENSBORO — The parish health ministry and flames of fire prayer group will sponsor a Charismatic Healing Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 West Market St., Oct. 18, 1-3 p.m. The celebrant for the Mass will be Father Fidel Melo. Music will be provided by Freeway. Richard Collins, parishioner of Our Lady of Grace Church, will be speaking about the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Healing teams will be available for personal ministry after the Mass. For more information, contact Ben D’Apollo at (336) 812-3730.

Vatican newspaper says crisis shows failure of ‘new economy’ VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The current financial crisis pummeling the United States and beyond is a sign that the so-called “new economy” and its risky investments have failed, the Vatican newspaper said.

The booming growth of financial markets did not correspond to real growth or concrete development for society because it created an artificially robust gross national product, said a Sept. 24 article in L’Osservatore Romano.

The only real growth registered in this crisis has been “the commissions, profits of the banks and bonuses for the managers,” it said.

The article, with the headline “A costly illusion,” was written by Ettore Gotti Tedeschi, an Italian economist and professor of financial ethics at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, Italy.

The U.S. financial meltdown has been blamed on “the greed of managers and lack of regulations. But curiously, no one ever refers to the indirect responsibility of the government’s economic policy” which, he wrote, tried to cover the lack of any real economic development with a booming Wall Street.

He said the U.S. government’s proposed bailout may stave off any

worst-case scenario for its troubled financial markets, but it will not repair the root causes of the crisis.

“Despite various attempts, the Western world does not know how to map out a model of development that is capable of guaranteeing stable wealth,” the article said.

The West has “not succeeded with its new economy project, it did not succeed with accelerating growth in Asia by transferring low-cost production (there), and it did not succeed after inventing a boom in the GNP through risky financial models that were poorly conceived and badly regulated,” it said.

“In order to maintain this sham GNP, the banks financed things that were not guaranteed” and that should not have been financed, like the subprime loans, it said. Financial institutions created an “economic growth out of debt and, therefore, (created something) very risky,” it added.

The article said the lesson to be learned is that nations cannot build a healthy economy or experience real development if it is not based on “balanced demographic growth.”

It said the world economy also needs to be run responsibly and transparently with precise rules.

Sprinkling the sea

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE CLEMMONS — Justin Catanoso, author of “My Cousin the Saint, A Search for Faith, Family and Miracles” will be at Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., to share his spiritual journey and sign his book Oct. 4, 34:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Holy Family Church Evangelization Commission and Holy Family Church Seniors. For more information, contact Larry Chance at (336) 403-3689 or lchance@bellsouth.net.

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

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

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events: Sept. 29 (7 p.m.)

Pastor installation of Redemptorist Father Joseph Dionne St. James the Greater Church, Concord Oct. 3-4 4th annual Eucharistic Congress Charlotte Convention Center

CNS photo by Romeo Ranoco, Reuters

A Catholic priest sprinkles holy water during a Mass for the victims of sunken ferry MV Princess of the Stars at Manila Bay in the Philippines Sept. 23. The ferry ran aground and flipped over during Typhoon Fengshen June 21, killing about 700 passengers.

Priest, atheist debate God and science NEW YORK (CNS) — A conversation between the Catholic theologian Msgr.

Lorenzo Albacete and the outspoken atheist Christopher Hitchens was billed as an inquiry into the question “Does science make belief in God obsolete?”

In reality, the Sept. 23 post-luncheon tussle at a New York hotel was more entertaining than enlightening, but the 325 observers didn’t seem disappointed that there was no resolution to the question.

Msgr. Albacete, a former physicist, is national director of the Catholic lay group Communion and Liberation. Hitchens is a

critic and author of many books, including “God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything.” The event was one in a series of “Big Questions” conversations sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation.

Msgr. Albacete said he had defended his faith in scientific circles throughout his career and was able to affirm his faith every day, in part because it is the source of honesty, he said. When Hitchens dismissed religion as unscientific and unprovable, Msgr. Albacete quickly drew a distinction between religion and faith. He said religion is an attitude toward life and is of human origin.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese

St. Matthew Church celebrates 22 years of service, outreach PARISH, from page 1

each of the weekend Masses.

Festivities began on Friday evening with a Respect Life spaghetti dinner and the showing of the movie “Bella.”

“On Saturday we dedicated our sixth habitat house,” said Msgr. McSweeney.

Funded by the teenagers of the parish, the home was completed in 14 weeks with the help of more than 200 participants clocking approximately 2,200 hours of volunteer time.

In keeping with their ongoing effort to alleviate homelessness in Charlotte, in June Msgr. McSweeney challenged his parishioners to a special project. They were asked to save a penny per day, per family member, to be collected on the anniversary weekend.

At the weekend Masses Sept. 20-21, parishioners brought their pennies to the altar, which was particularly significant according to Msgr. McSweeney because the altar itself “was given by the people in 1996 by collecting coins.”

This time, the fruits of the collection will be focused on the community. The money will be distributed to different organizations serving the homeless in the Charlotte area, especially those serving single mothers and children.

A ministry fair, showcasing the 104 ministries of the parish was held

in the Parish Center gym following the weekend Masses.

To top everything off, St. Matthew Church was recognized with the national “Outstanding Parish” award by the Migration and Refugee Services of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. The award is given to a parish that has answered the call to “welcome the stranger” through its ministry to assist in the resettlement of newly arriving immigrants and refugees.

The award was presented by Mary Jane Bruton, community relations coordinator for Catholic Social Services’ Refugee Resettlement Office in the Diocese of Charlotte, who nominated the parish for the award.

Accepting the award on behalf of the parish was Bill LaMay, coordinator of the parish refugee ministry.

“St. Matthew Church has been a consistent standout in the measure of commitment and support, whether monetary or volunteer, for the refugee office for many years,” said Bruton.

“Msgr. McSweeney has a phrase that he uses, ‘attitude of gratitude,’ and I think it runs as a common thread through everything they do,” she said. “They give back in so many ways.”

Contact Staff Writer Katie Moore by calling (704) 370-3354, or e-mail kmmoore@charlottediocese.org.

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Msgr. John McSweeney, pastor, watches as Bill LaMay accepts the “Outstanding Parish” award from Mary Jane Bruton of Catholic Social Services’ Refugee Resettlement Office during Mass at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte Sept. 21. More photos online at www.charlottediocese.org.

September 26, 2008

Breaking ground at St. Ann Church

Photo by Katie Moore

Taking part in a ceremonial groundbreaking at St. Ann Church in Charlotte Sept. 20 are (from left) Sister of St. Joseph Helene Nagle, Sister of St. Joseph Judy Monahan, Peggy Mazzola, Bishop Peter J. Jugis, Father Timothy Reid, Clay Pressley, Tom Mathis and Chris Baratta. Construction of the new church is expected to begin soon.

September 26, 2008

The Catholic News & Herald 5

from the cover

Courtesy Photo

Father Mark Lawlor, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, baptizes a child in the chapel in Nueva Esperanza (New Hope) during his trip to Peru Aug. 25-Sept. 11.

Priest enriched by trip to Peru PERU, from page 1

mission territory that has not yet reached the stability to be named a diocese,” said Father Lawlor. A mission territory was “the status of North Carolina prior to the establishment of the Diocese of Raleigh.”

Peru is a nation of some 25 million people, 90 percent of whom are baptized Catholics. A significant percentage of adults earn about $2 per day.

The apostolic vicariate is a vast area served by 21 priests, 35 women religious and a number of lay leaders and catechists.

“There are approximately 400,000 Catholics in about 500 communities,” said Father Lawlor. “Each parish has the pastoral charge of numerous chapels.

Other communities meet in homes or public places.”

While some parishes and communities have a weekly Mass, others have Masses that are celebrated monthly, quarterly or even annually.

“In the absence of a priest to celebrate Mass, there may be a Communion service with the Liturgy of the Word or perhaps just the Lectionary readings and hymns,” said Father Lawlor.

Members of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy provide most of the pastoral care to Catholics in Aguaytia.

Although the apostolic vicariate was helping them to build a convent and pastoral center beside St. Martin de Porres Church in Aguaytia, the sisters still needed help acquiring supplies and catechetical materials.

So in 2006, St. Vincent de Paul Church began raising funds to assist the sisters and their outreach.

A year later, in October 2007, two priests serving in the apostolic vicariate visited St. Vincent de Paul Church to give an update on their pastoral challenges and needs.

From a special collection taken up at St. Vincent de Paul Church, funds were donated that were divided between

construction of a new chapel in Neshua, a small town experiencing a population increase; programs for children and the poor; catechetical and liturgical materials; and furnishings for their pastoral centers.

During his recent visit, Father Lawlor visited the site of the new chapel.

“We are all aware that there are many needs and many worthy projects.

I am pleased that we are able to do a small part to help with the mission of evangelization in another part of the world,” said Father Lawlor.

Father Lawlor visited three other communities and baptized 10 children in a small rural chapel with an earthen floor.

One of the trip’s highlights, he said, was visiting a small mission in Tournavista on the Pachitea River.

“It was like going to the end of the earth,” said Father Lawlor.

There, four sisters visit 52 communities scattered along the river via small motorized canoes. It may take them two-to-three days to reach some of the more distant communities.

The sisters live with four postulants in “what looked to be an old farmhouse,” said Father Lawlor.

“They do not have running water or a phone,” he said. “As they only have electricity for two-and-a-half hours per day, they have no refrigeration. They use a small gas burner for cooking.”

The sisters and postulants haul water from a community well for cooking and washing, and all share a rustic outhouse.

Father Lawlor said his heart was moved by their humble quarters and their Christian joy.

Upon his return, Father Lawlor consulted with his parish pastoral council about having another special collection this fall to raise funds to help build a well for the sisters in Tournavista.

“The trip to Peru energized me in my ministry here in Charlotte. I hope to return there again in the future,” said Father Lawlor.

“I promised to buy a mission bell for the chapel in Tournavista and I promised that I would return again to ring it,” he said.

6 The Catholic News & Herald

Standing for life

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Life Chains to be held around Diocese of Charlotte by

KATIE MOORE staff writer

GREENSBORO — Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte will soon line the streets of their cities and towns to show their support for the sanctity of human life.

The U.S. Catholic Church observes October as Respect Life Month, with Respect Life Sunday falling on Oct. 5.

To help kick off the month and show their support for life, hundreds of parishes in dioceses around the country will be participating in Life Chains.

In the Diocese of Charlotte, parishioners will be standing along the property lines of their respective churches, on city sidewalks and with other church groups in their towns.

People will hold pro-life signs with messages such as “Abortion

Kills Children” and “Jesus Forgives and Heals.”

“It’s a prayerful witness,” said David Foppe, organizer of the Greensboro Life Chain. “We’re holding our signs in public but we’re also praying while we do it.”

“We don’t get to see all the fruits of our prayers,” said Foppe, “but lives are definitely saved and mothers who have received abortions receive healing.”

This year, Foppe is expecting about 1,000 people from 35 area churches to participate in the Greensboro Life Chain.

The U.S. bishops inaugurated the Respect Life program with a resolution they adopted in the spring of 1972.

The first of what the resolution called a “week of prayer and study dedicated to the sanctity of human life and the many threats to human life in our world” was held that October.

LIFE CHAINS IN THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

Life Chains in the Diocese of Charlotte area will be held Oct. 5. Pro-life individuals are welcome to participate in any of the gatherings. Participants should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled start time. Life Chains include: BELMONT Queen of the Apostles Church, at N. Main St./N. Central Ave, 12:45-2 p.m.

MINT HILL St. Luke Church, at 13700 Lawyers Rd., 12:30-1:30 p.m.

CHARLOTTE Our Lady of the Assumption Church, at Shamrock Rd./Crestmont Dr., 1-2 p.m.

MOCKSVILLE St. Francis of Assisi Church, 862 Yadkinville Rd., 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Our Lady of Consolation Church, at Statesville Rd./Dearborn Ave., 12 p.m.

MOORESVILLE St. Therese Church, Highway 150 between Morrison Plantation Pkwy and Williamson Rd., 2:30-3:30 p.m.

St. Ann Church, at Park Rd./Hillside Ave., 2-3 p.m.

St. Gabriel Church, at Providence/Sharon Rds., 2-3 p.m.

St. John Neumann Church, at Idlewild/Valley Grove Rds., 1:30-2:30 p.m.

St. Matthew Church, at Ballantyne Commons Pkwy./Rea Rd., 2-3 p.m.

St. Patrick Cathedral, at Kings Dr./Morehead St., 2-3 p.m.

St. Peter Church, at S. Tryon/East 1st St., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

St. Thomas Aquinas Church, at UNC-C on University City Blvd., 1-2 p.m.

St. Vincent de Paul Church, at Old Reid/Park Rds., 12:45-1:45 p.m.

GREENSBORO/HIGH POINT Battleground Ave. between Cornwallis Dr. and Westridge Rd., 2:30-3:30 p.m.

HUNTERSVILLE St. Mark Church, at Stumptown/Ranson Rds., 2-3 p.m.

KANNAPOLIS St. Joseph Church, at Highway 29/Chipola St., 2-3 p.m.

KERNERSVILLE Holy Cross Church, at 616 S. Cherry St., 9-10 a.m.

SALIBSURY Sacred Heart Church, at Innes/Main Sts., 1-2 p.m.

STATESVILLE St. Philip the Apostle Church, at Glenway Dr., 2:30-3:30 p.m.

WINSTON-SALEM Hanes Mall Blvd. from Stratford Rd. to Hanes Point Shopping Center, 2:303:30 p.m.

September 26, 2008

September 26, 2008

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

The Catholic News & Herald 7

Fourth Diocesan Eucharistic Congress OCT. 3-4, 2008 CHARLOTTE CONVENTION CENTER

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I invite you to participate in our Eucharistic Congress on Friday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Charlotte Convention Center.

During this past year, the Eucharistic Congress committee has devoted many hours of selfless labor to prepare for this joyful event, and I am grateful for the service they have given to the Lord and to the Church.

At the Eucharistic Congress we see the entire Diocese of Charlotte present. Parishioners from parishes, schools, lay movements and associations from across the diocese let us know they are participating by the banners they reverently carry in the eucharistic procession on Saturday morning and in the procession before Mass on Saturday afternoon.

In the great eucharistic moments that occur during the congress — namely, the eucharistic procession through the streets of Charlotte, the holy hour of adoration and the Sacrifice of the Mass — we see how marvelously the Eucharist brings us together as one. We, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one Eucharistic Lord. The Eucharist strengthens our unity as a diocesan family, and makes us grow in faith and charity.

After the consecration of the Eucharist at every Mass, the priest issues an invitation to the congregation: “Let us proclaim the Mystery of Faith.” We are invited at that moment to proclaim Christ and his paschal mystery, for he has indeed become really and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine. To proclaim Christ is the great privilege and mission of every Christian. The theme of this year’s Eucharistic Congress — “It Is Christ Whom We Proclaim” — reminds us of our mission to proclaim Christ in our daily lives.

This year’s congress begins Friday evening with a welcome from

Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin of Charlotte, followed by a concert of sacred music. We are honored to have His Eminence John Patrick Cardinal Foley as the keynote speaker this year.

Cardinal Foley is grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, and president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.

On Saturday, we start the day with a eucharistic procession through uptown Charlotte. The procession goes from St. Peter Church to the convention center. Archbishop Emeritus John F. Donoghue of Atlanta will deliver the homily during the holy hour that follows. We will then hear from an array of very inspiring speakers. Children, teens, adults and Hispanics have separate programs with messages specifically directed to them.

Eucharistic adoration and the sacrament of confession are available during the day.

The day culminates with everyone participating in the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the convention center. My brother priests will join me in the concelebration of the Eucharist.

This Mass will fulfill your Sunday Mass obligation.

On the following pages you will find more detailed information, as well as a map of the eucharistic procession route. Other information is available at the Web site www.goEucharist.com.

The Eucharistic Congress is a beautiful opportunity for the faithful of the diocese to come together in faith and charity each year to proclaim Christ Our Savior. I look forward to seeing you at this event, which is a great blessing for our diocese.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reveverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte

8 The Catholic News & Herald

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

September 26, 2008

Eucharistic

Watching and participating in the eucharistic procession THE ROUTE The eucharistic procession, led by Bishop Peter J. Jugis, will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, at St. Peter Church, South Tryon Street and First Street. (First communicants with parent or guardian, clergy, religious and banner carriers should gather on Tryon Street south of St. Peter Church at 8:30 a.m.)

The procession will head north on Tryon Street for two blocks, then turn east onto Martin Luther King Boulevard for two blocks. The procession will then turn south onto Brevard Street to the Charlotte Convention Center.

People of the Diocese of Charlotte are encouraged to line the procession route.

TO PARTICIPATE As the Blessed Sacrament comes near, it is the custom to be silent and kneel until the monstrance passes.

After the Blessed Sacrament passes by, look for your parish’s banner. When your parish banner passes by, you may fall in along with your parish to join in the procession. Once you have connected with your parish group, simply join in the communal prayers or just pray silently as the procession moves along.

When the procession arrives at the Charlotte Convention Center, move as directed by the ushers to enter the main hall. Proceed to the seating area, joining in the singing until the beginning of the holy hour.

Procession Map Legend PROCESSION STAGING AREA & PROCESSION CHECK-IN PROCESSION ENTRANCE INTO CONVENTION CENTER PROCESSION ROUTE PARKING

Frequently asked questions about the Eucharistic Congress What is the Eucharistic Congress?

The Eucharistic Congress is a teaching and worship event that is centered on the Eucharist, the source and summit of Catholic life.

What is the schedule of events?

The Congress begins Friday evening, Oct. 3, with a greeting from Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin, a concert of sacred choral music and a talk by Cardinal John P. Foley, grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Afterward, the Eucharist will be available for adoration throughout the night at St. Peter Church, 501 S. Tryon St. Events on Saturday, Oct. 4, begin at 9 a.m., with the eucharistic procession from St. Peter Church through downtown Charlotte to the Charlotte Convention Center, where there will be a holy hour with a homily by retired Atlanta Archbishop John F. Donoghue.

Beginning at 11:30 a.m., there are programs (or “tracks”) for adults, Hispanics, teens and children.

From 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. will be culture hours in native languages for Filipino, Korean and Vietnamese Catholics. At 3:30 p.m., there will be a concert of sacred music.

During the day, the Eucharist will be available for adoration in a special chapel in the Charlotte Convention Center.

Priests will be available for confessions all day and there will be an area for vendors selling religious merchandise and offering information about Catholic vocations, religious organizations and ministries, etc.

The Congress concludes with a Vigil Mass that begins at 4:30 p.m.

Where does the idea for a Eucharistic Congress come from?

The first eucharistic congress was held in Lille, France in 1881 under the

direction of Msgr. Gaston De Segur. In time, eucharistic congresses developed to their present international character.

The congress of 1908, which met in London, was the first occasion on which a representative of the pope had entered England since the Protestant Reformation.

Two international eucharistic congresses have been held in the United States — Chicago in 1926 and Philadelphia in 1976.

The Diocese of Charlotte celebrated its first Congress in September 2005.

Who is allowed to take part in the procession?

Everyone. Leading the procession will be altar servers, organized societies such as the Knights of Columbus, clergy and, most importantly, the Eucharist.

Following will be banner carriers representing churches, schools and organizations in the diocese.

The faithful are invited to join the

procession as the banner for their church or organization passes by.

What if I am handicapped or unable to walk in the procession?

The Charlotte Convention Center is handicapped-accessible. In addition, individuals with handicaps and those who choose not to walk in the procession are invited to witness part of the procession on the video screens in the Convention Center. Music and clergy will be available in this location until the eucharistic procession arrives.

What if it rains?

The Eucharistic Congress will be held rain or shine. The procession may be moved into the Charlotte Convention Center depending on the weather.

Where can I park?

There is ample parking around the

September 26, 2008

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

Procession

The Catholic News & Herald 9

Directions to the Eucharistic Congress Directions from Interstate 77 At exit 9, turn RIGHT onto Ramp I-277 / US-74 / Wilkinson Blvd / John Belk Frwy / West Blvd At exit 9B, take Ramp (RIGHT) onto I-277 N/US-74 E / John Belk Frwy Turn RIGHT onto Ramp College St / Caldwell St / Downtown Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto S College St College St / Downtown Arrive Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, (704) 339-6000 Directions from Interstate 85-North At exit 36 of Interstate 85- North, turn RIGHT onto Ramp NC-16 / Brookshire Blvd / US-74 E / Downtown Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto SR-16 [Brookshire Blvd] NC-16 / Charlotte / Bank of America Stadium Road name changes to I-277 [SR-16] At exit 1E, turn RIGHT onto Ramp Stonewall St / South Blvd / Kenilworth Ave Keep RIGHT to stay on Ramp Stonewall St / Kenilworth Ave Turn LEFT (North-West) onto E Stonewall St Turn RIGHT (North-East) onto S College St Arrive Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, (704) 339-6000 Directions from Interstate 85-South At exit 38 of Interstate 85 South, turn RIGHT onto Ramp I-77 / US-21 / Statesville / Columbia Take Ramp (LEFT) onto I-77 [US-21] I-77 / US-21 / Columbia At exit 9, turn RIGHT onto Ramp I-277 / US-74 / Wilkinson Blvd / John Belk Frwy / West Blvd At exit 9C, keep LEFT to stay on Ramp At exit 9B, take Ramp (RIGHT) onto I-277 [US-74] I-277 / US-74 / John Belk Frwy Turn RIGHT onto Ramp College St / Caldwell St / Downtown Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto S College St College St / Downtown Arrive Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, (704) 339-6000

Charlotte Convention Center. Since the Congress takes place on a weekend, traffic will be minimal but allowing extra time for parking is advised.

What age children will be able to participate in the Children’s Track?

Children from kindergarten through fifth grade are welcome to participate in the Children’s Track. All children in the Children’s Track must be registered. Seating will be limited. Children in the Children’s Track will be involved in age-appropriate activities and will be served lunch.

What is being done to provide a secure environment for the children?

The Diocese of Charlotte is committed to the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” as adopted by the U.S. bishops.

All adult volunteers at the Eucharistic Congress who will have supervisory

contact with children will be required to attend the diocesan training, “Protecting God’s Children.” Background checks will also be performed on any adult having supervisory contact with children.

Who is speaking at the Eucharistic Congress?

The list of dynamic, inspiring speakers can be accessed by visiting the speakers’ page of the Eucharistic Congress Web site at www.goEucharist. com and on page 16 of this issue of The Catholic News & Herald.

Will there be a Mass at the Eucharistic Congress?

Yes. A Vigil Mass will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Is there a charge to attend the Eucharistic Congress?

There is no charge for any of the

events associated with the Eucharistic Congress.

Everyone who desires a closer relationship to the Eucharist is encouraged to attend and participate.

The Diocese of Charlotte is accepting contributions to defray the cost of staging the congress. To donate, visit www.goEucharist.com or donate at the congress.

Will food be served?

The Charlotte Convention Center will offer a variety of food for sale throughout the day.

Lunch will be provided at no charge for the children attending the Children’s Track session.

Before and after the congress, attendees may want to take advantage of the restaurants, hotels and attractions that are within easy walking distance of the convention center.

Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Bishop Peter J. Jugis carries a monstrance in the eucharistic procession during the 2005 Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte.

10 The Catholic News & Herald

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

September 26, 2008

Speakers at the 2008 Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte FRIDAY, OCT. 3

Keynote speaker Cardinal John P. Foley, grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

Ordained a priest in 1962, Cardinal Foley has been involved in Catholic communications in its many forms. He served as editor of The Catholic Standard & Times, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and for 23 years was president of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Social Communications, a post he held until 2007.

Named an archbishop in 1984, he was made a cardinal in November 2007.

In his position as grand master, he guides the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre in the organization’s support of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and its response to the needs of Catholics in the Holy Land.

In April, he became only the fifth person to receive the Christopher Leadership Award in the Christopher Awards’ 59-year history. The Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have set a leadership example in the fields of media, church or government.

SATURDAY, OCT. 4

Archbishop John F. Donoghue, who

A dynamic speaker, Saab uses his business acumen and new visibility to advance pro-life causes across the country. He focuses on chastity, modesty, business ethics, pornography, abortion and prayer.

“Servant of the Poor” Father Richard Ho Lung

A former Jesuit and composer of liturgical reggae music, Father Ho Lung is founder of the Missionaries of the Poor, an international monastic order of brothers dedicated to service of the poor.

The order, which is recognized by the Vatican and was aided by the Blessed Mother Teresa, houses and cares for abandoned children, lepers, people with AIDS and others in need in India, the Philippines, Haiti and Jamaica.

Born in Jamaica to Chinese parents, Father Ho Lung converted from Buddhism to Catholicism and was ordained a priest in 1971. He founded Missionaries of the Poor in 1981.

His dynamic presentation will include praise and worship music.

“Proclaiming Christ in Sacred Art and Architecture” Denis McNamara

McNamara is an architectural

“Proclaiming Christ through Our Reverence for the Human Person” Dominican Sister Terese Auer

Sister Auer is chair of the bioethics department at Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Dumfries, Va. The high school, which opened this year, includes a comprehensive bioethics curriculum, the first of its kind in the country.

The curriculum was written by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, with whom Sister Auer has been a member for more than 30 years.

She received her master’s and doctoral degrees from the Center for Thomistic Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, and has taught on elementary, high school and college levels.

HISPANIC TRACK, SATURDAY

“Predicamos a Cristo Crucificado” Roberts Ramirez

retired as archbishop of Atlanta in 2004, will deliver the homily during the eucharistic holy hour and Benediction on Saturday morning. He has attended all of the Diocese of Charlotte’s Eucharistic Congresses since 2005.

Ramirez is an active member of the Community of the Servants of Christ founded in 1982 by Missionary of the Sacred Heart Father Emiliano Tardif, a priest from Quebec, and Deacon Evaristo Guzman.

Ramirez offers testimony of how, after finding God in 1989, he was

Bishop Peter J. Jugis, a Charlotte native

and fourth bishop of Charlotte, will offer welcoming remarks at the conclusion of the Saturday morning eucharistic holy hour.

GENERAL TRACK, SATURDAY “Faith Gut Check” Tarek Saab

A Maronite Catholic and daily communicant, Saab became an instant celebrity after appearing in 2005 on NBC’s “The Apprentice,” one of the most highly rated and critiqued shows on network television at the time.

historian, author and assistant director at the Liturgical Institute at the, University of St. Mary of the Lake and Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Ill. McNamara specializes in the study of sacred liturgy in relation to sacramental theology. He will examine how the role of sacred architecture effects the lives of Catholics.

CNS photo by Virginia Sherwood, NBC

Tarek Saab, who has a degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, will speak at the 2008 Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte Oct. 4.

impelled to make radical changes in his life.

“Jesucristo en la Vida del Laico” Lupita Venegas

Venegas, a family therapist since 1984, earned a degree in sciences of the family from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.

Venegas, an international speaker on human development and diffusion of mass media in society, teaches self-improvement courses to poor communities and businesses.

“Jesucristo y los mas Necesitados” Sister Bertha Lopez Chavez

Sister Chavez is a pro-life coordinator in Mexico, founding member of The City of Joy Foundation in Mexico and a director of PAIPID, a Catholic rehabilitation center providing care and counseling for people with HIV and AIDS and their families.

The Catholic News & Herald 11

September 26, 2008

Culture Watch

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

Dorothy Day diaries offer glimpses of very human saint reviewed by NANCY L. ROBERTS catholic news service

Just in time for this year’s 75th birthday of the Catholic Worker Movement, its co-founder Dorothy Day’s diaries have been painstakingly edited by Robert Ellsberg and published under the title “The Duty of Delight.”

Ellsberg, who lived as part of the Catholic Worker community in New York (1975-1980), whittles Day’s diaries to the wheat, not to mention the boon of an easy familiarity with her handwriting.

The historian David O’Brien has famously called Day (1897-1980) “the most significant, interesting and influential person in the history of American Catholicism.”

There was no separation between Day’s Gospel ideals and the way she lived, in voluntary poverty serving the poor and witnessing for peace and social justice, as Ellsberg has written in the introduction to “Dorothy Day: Selected Writings,” an earlier book he ably edited.

Unsealed 25 years after her death, Day’s diaries are kept in the Dorothy Day-Catholic Worker collection at Marquette University in Milwaukee along with her other personal papers.

The diaries eloquently reveal the daily challenge of trying to live the Gospel. They begin in 1934, shortly after the founding of the Catholic Worker, and end just before her death in 1980, transporting the reader with her through the Great Depression, World War II (in which Day and her paper, The Catholic Worker, remained staunchly pacifist), the Cold War, the Korean and Vietnam wars and the struggle for civil rights.

Day emerges as fully involved in the everyday work of feeding and

sheltering the poor.

She dealt each day with alcoholics, drug addicts and the insane; she worried about paying bills; she got her clothing from the common clothing bin and ate whatever was served in the soup kitchen each night. She also recounts witnessing to her long-standing pacifism and nonviolence through public demonstrations and civil disobedience, and on the most personal level, through her frequent struggle to become more compassionate and charitable, more forgiving and more prayerful.

Day, who found strength in daily Mass, prayer and the sacraments, is a very human saint here. She is also a devoted mother to her daughter Tamar and grandmother to nine, a lover of music and literature who devoured books from Dostoevski to Flannery O’Connor, a colleague of Blessed Mother Teresa’s, a world traveler and so much more.

A delightful sense of humor occasionally peeks through, as in her September 1964 account of caring for her grandchildren: “It is hard to write or think when the record player is blaring with ‘Devil Woman.’”

Ellsberg includes a thoughtful introductory essay and timeline as well as occasional excerpts from Day’s Catholic Worker columns.

The editor’s occasional annotations are well placed and clear. Overall, the book’s intimate look at how Day tried to see God in everyday life is extremely engaging and valuable.

Roberts is author of “Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker” and coeditor of “American Catholic Pacifism: The Influence of Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement.”

WORD TO LIFE

Sunday Scripture Readings: OCT. 5, 2007

Oct. 5, Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle A Readings: 1) Isaiah 5:1-7 Psalm 80:9, 12-16, 19-20 2) Philippians 4:6-9 Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43

What some underestimate, God raises to new heights

by JEFF HEDGLEN catholic news service

When I was in grade school I had a lot of friends. We played together every day at recess and spent the night at each other’s houses on weekends.

We built forts in the woods, told ghost stories, talked about girls and played a lot of sandlot whiffle ball. We were inseparable.

Something mysterious happened in the summer between grade school and middle school. Part of my group of friends found other friends. They became the popular crowd, and I was left in the dust with the rest of the group.

I did not understand what had happened. I didn’t feel any different, and my old friends in the new popular crowd didn’t look any different. It seemed arbitrary, but for some reason I had been rejected by them.

This feeling of rejection stayed with me until my family moved to Texas. I was given a new start. There was a whole new set of people who didn’t know my history of being rejected.

I got involved in church and school activities and soon found that I was being included instead of abandoned, invited instead of left out, sometimes even leading instead of following.

In my previous life in Michigan I didn’t know what I could become because rejection had stifled my spirit in a powerful way. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would lead teenagers to deeper faith for more than 20 years, play in a band before 3,000 people, or be a published columnist.

I could not dream it, but God never doubted.

As today’s readings show us, God protects and upholds that which he created for good. What others underestimate, and even reject, God raises up to new heights.

When others saw a poor shepherd boy, God saw King David. When others saw simple fishermen, God saw the foundation of a new church.

When I saw only rejection, God saw the future.

God always believes in us, no matter what. Nothing can shake his faithfulness.

We may be broken, wounded, depressed, lost, exhausted, empty or rejected, but God stays at our side, always loving, always encouraging and always believing we are a cornerstone.

Questions: Have you ever seen God raise up someone others underestimate? How have you seen the God’s faithfulness?

Scripture to be Illustrated: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes” (Matthew 21:42).

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4 Sunday (Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Ezekiel 18:25-28, Philippians 2:1-11, Matthew 21:28-32; Monday (St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael), Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, John 1:4751; Tuesday (St. Jerome), Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23, Luke 9:51-56; Wednesday (St. Thèrése of Lisieux), Job 9:1-12, 14-16, Luke 9:57-62; Thursday (the Guardian Angels), Exodus 23:20-23, Matthew 18:1-5, 10; Friday, Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5, Luke 10:13-16; Saturday (St. Francis of Assisi), Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17, Luke 10:17-24.

Scripture for the week of Oct. 5-11 Sunday (Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time), Isaiah 5:1-7, Philippians 4:6-9, Matthew 21:33-43; Monday (St. Bruno, Bl. Marie-Rose Durocher), Galatians 1:6-12, Luke 10:25-37; Tuesday (Our Lady of the Rosary), Galatians 1:13-24, Luke 10:38-42; Wednesday, Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14, Luke 11:1-4; Thursday (St. Denis and Companions, St. John Leonardi), Galatians 3:1-5, Luke 1:69-75, Luke 11:5-13; Friday, Galatians 3:7-14, Luke 11:15-26; Saturday, Galatians 3:22-29, Luke 11:27-28.

12 The Catholic News & Herald

from the cover

September 26, 2008

Bishop rededicates church DEDICATION, from page 1

The church can now accommodate about 500 people for Mass. Other changes include a new 5,000-squarefoot social hall complete with kitchen and faith formation classrooms, a wider parking lot and a new rectory.

“Father Gober had a vision of what he wanted to do. He asked for our help and we said we’d be honored to do it,” said Bill Woolley, who served as project manager and co-chaired the capital campaign with his wife, Delores.

“It was a thrilling project with lots of challenges, but it’s been wonderful,” she said. “There has been such generosity from the parishioners.”

“The response was overwhelming.

They really supported the vision,” said Father Gober.

During the Mass, Bishop Jugis expressed appreciation for their efforts.

“I am grateful for the faith and devotion of all you who have come together to refurbish this church. I am grateful as your bishop for the sacrifices you have made,” said the bishop.

He noted that the capital campaign proceeded at an “amazing pace.”

“The co-chairs, Bill and Delores Woolley, worked diligently and devoted many hours on behalf of their brothers and sisters here,” said Bishop Jugis.

“They put a significant, personal investment into the project, not only in helping raise funds but their overall management of the project,” said Father Gober, who presented them with a papal blessing from Pope Benedict XVI during the Mass. “They put their hearts into it,” Father Gober added.

In his homily, Bishop Jugis noted the Mass’s Scripture readings “describe the beauty of the church and the beauty of the sacred mysteries that are celebrated here.”

The second reading, from Revelation, “describes the beauty of the heavenly Jerusalem,” said Bishop Jugis. “A parish church is a foretaste of the heavenly Jerusalem for two reasons.”

They are that the “worship of the Lamb that takes place continuously in the heavenly Jerusalem already takes place in the parish church” at Mass, he said, and the “beauty of the heavenly Jerusalem is reflected in the beauty of the parish church and its furnishings and decorations.”

“Both the beauty of the Mass and the church building prepare us to celebrate the fullness of that beauty one day in the

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heavenly Jerusalem,” he said.

The Scripture reading described Jerusalem gleaming with God’s splendor, its radiance like that of a precious stone.

“This parish church, now renovated and enlarged, also gleams today with the splendor of God and is radiant like a precious gem,” said Bishop Jugis.

Among the interior features are a tabernacle from Spain, an altar from Italy and four angel statues from Holland.

“I love that Father Gober brought in historical pieces from faraway places,” said parishioner Mikey O’Neal. “He put a lot of research and effort into making the church more spiritually connected to those places.”

“The changes and beauty within the church are to inspire the people and draw them deeper into the sacred mysteries,” said Father Gober.

“As an icon is described as a window into heaven, the new church will be a window and reflection of the heavenly Jerusalem,” he said.

Humble beginnings In 1984 the Diocese of Charlotte purchased a 10-acre tract of land facing Grandfather Mountain. Fundraising efforts began and in 1987, then-Bishop John F. Donoghue gave approval for building to begin.

The first Mass was celebrated in the new St. Bernadette Mission Dec. 31, 1988.

Bishop Donoghue dedicated the building in June 1989. During the summer of 1999, a grotto honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Bernadette was dedicated.

Father Gober was appointed pastor of St. Lucien Church and St. Bernadette Mission in 2003.

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Rates: $.80/word per issue ($16 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.

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Photo by Kevin E. Murray

Bishop Peter J. Jugis anoints the altar with chrism during the rededication Mass at St. Bernadette Church in Linville Sept. 19. More photos online at www.charlottediocese.org.

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September 26, 2008

exploring the bible

Library of Congress offers access to 800 years of biblical evolution BIBLE, from page 1

to closely examine the Giant Bible of Mainz and the Gutenberg Bible.

The computerized display intrigued her and once at the site she wanted to know more about these giant books filled with Scriptures.

“You can read it and you can flip through the pages just by touching the screen,” she said. “Look, this one was handwritten by monks. It’s so cool.”

This is the kind of excitement library officials were hoping to generate in the spring of 2008 when they set up the hitech apparatus next to the two famous centuries-old bibles, which are glassencased and out of the reach of human

touch, said Erin Allen, a staff member in the Public Affairs Office of the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world.

“Are these the only two Bibles in the library, or are there more?” the curious Savannah asked her mother, who shrugged her shoulders indicating she didn’t know the answer.

The Library of Congress actually has thousands of Bibles in more than 150 languages, about 1,500 of which are considered significant editions for their rare or historic value, said Mark Dimunation, chief of the library’s Rare Book and Special Collections Division.

Some of the oldest Bibles in the collection date back to the 13th century and were handwritten by scribes, Dimunation said.

In the Lessing & J. Rosenwald Room — a space separated from the Great Hall in the library’s Thomas Jefferson

Building by a maze of hallways, an elevator shaft and a locked golden-caged door — the rare books chief showed a reporter and photographer from Catholic News Service some of the most significant Bible editions in the Library of Congress collection.

Though most of the Bibles are more than 100 years old, the library official was generous with the accessibility of the books, some with worn leather, pigskin, embroidered or velvet bindings, often complete with gold-leafed pages of yellowing paper.

“They are all accessible to the public,” Dimunation said. “As long as you are over the age of 18 and registered (with the library) to be a reader, you can come in and look at them.”

And those who have valid research agendas are permitted to page through the rare books, under proper supervision, Allen said.

“The library gets about one research request a week to pour over the rare Bibles,” Dimunation said.

The most celebrated Bibles in the

The Catholic News & Herald 13

collection are the Gutenberg and the Giant Bible of Mainz, which are proudly featured in the Great Hall, but some of the rarest Bibles, written in languages ranging from Hawaiian to Mongolian, are housed on shelves far removed from the main exhibits.

The Giant Bible of Mainz is one of the last great handwritten Bibles of Europe and it represents hundreds of years of work disseminating the word of God, according to the library’s Web site.

The Gutenberg Bible is the first great book printed in Western Europe from movable metal type and it marks a turning point in the art of bookmaking and consequently in the transition from the Middle Ages to the modern world, the Web site reads.

The rest of the collection — which Dimunation said is ongoing with new acquisitions, and will never be complete — provides readers with an opportunity to witness 800 years of biblical evolution.

Some of the Bibles are considered significant because of the number of copies printed, the volumes that survive or the massive undertaking that was involved in the distribution, such as the Indian Bible, printed in 1663 in Cambridge, Mass., in the Algonquin language, which was used to evangelize Native Americans, Dimunation said.

“This Bible is also significant because it was the first Bible printed in America.

There are 16 languages alone in the Bibles from the Thomas Jefferson collection,” Dimunation said. “The older Bibles are in Latin. However, we start to see different languages as the years go on, from Hungarian to Arabic. We can reflect on the history of the Bible when we examine these rare and wonderful books.”

Though the featured Bibles in the glass-encased exhibits in the library’s main hall are as wide as a door frame, some of the Bibles are small enough to fit in an adult hand.

A copy of the Confederate Soldier’s Bible printed in 1862 in Augusta, Ga., is small enough to fit in the pocket of a uniform worn by the men who fought for the South in the U.S. Civil War. The Bible used during the 1861 inauguration of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln isn’t necessarily considered a significant book, except for the fact that it was used to swear in the man who is credited with preserving the nation during one of its bleakest periods in history, Dimunation said.

An interesting detail about that Bible is that Roger B. Taney — the first Catholic appointed chief justice of the U.S., the author of the Dred Scott decision that would indirectly lead to the Civil War and a bitter political rival of Lincoln — was required to administer the oath of office to a man he would continue to cross swords with for the next three years.

Most of the rare Bibles were gifts to the library, but others have been purchased, and vary in price depending on their significance, Dimunation said.

“You can’t really put a price tag on these books, from a curator’s point of view,” he said.

“We are a major resource for the study of the Bible. We never talk about the money. It gives people the wrong sense of these books, with texts that remain a valid expression for all sorts of interests,” he said.

September 26, 2008

14 The Catholic News & Herald

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

Moral clarity in an election year Editor’s note: A version of this column ran Oct. 22, 2004.

Every election year places added responsibilities and burdens upon us as faithful Catholic citizens. If we are to participate in the world, it is necessary to become acquainted with the pressing issues of the day as well as the candidates who are seeking public office.

We are encouraged by the church to participate willingly, to the extent possible, in worldly affairs. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) teaches that “submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one’s country …” (CCC No. 2240).

In other words, as faithful Catholic citizens, we have a privilege, right and obligation to express our faith by our participation in the electoral process.

As such, let us look at the complex issues to inform our consciences on Election Day. Indeed, our Catholic faith can provide us with guidance as we sift through the moral considerations of electing officials to public service. We could all benefit from a prayerful and reasonable consideration of the task of electing our representatives to office.

Before we evaluate issues, candidates and positions, we must first clarify the role of the conscience. Contrary to popular understanding, one’s conscience cannot determine right and wrong. Many people today mistakenly think that “following their conscience” means that they create the moral laws and rules by which to live, as if their conscience were akin to the legislative branch of government.

But the conscience cannot create law. On the contrary, the function of the conscience (built into our human nature

by God) is merely to judge whether our particular actions are in conformity with the truth, whether our actions are in accord with God’s law or natural law (CCC Nos. 1776-1785).

As such, the conscience resembles the judicial branch of government, rather than the legislative branch. It is only capable of applying already existing law, revealed by God or found in nature itself, to specific situations.

What criteria must we use to make our voting decisions? We are encouraged not to base a vote on a particular party affiliation or our earlier voting habits since many candidates, especially today, do not establish their agenda on traditional party platforms and positions.

We are also encouraged not to base a vote on a particular candidate’s appearance, personality or opinion of the media. And we are also encouraged not to vote for candidates who merely claim to be Catholic, since many politicians who claim to practice the Catholic faith

reject basic Catholic moral teaching, which is, in fact, a great sign of a lack of a candidate’s integrity.

We are encouraged, therefore, to base our vote on candidates who seek to promote political agenda that are in accord with God’s revelation and natural law, especially concerning the human person.

These issues are the most significant because they treat issues of life and death and the very stability of the family and society. They are non-negotiable because each of the issues concerns actions that are always morally wrong, morally illicit and must never be promoted by law.

Abortion According to natural reason, abortion is always intrinsically evil and is never to be permitted or tolerated.

This truth also is confirmed by divine revelation and therefore taught by the church without compromise. In fact, the church has consistently taught this ever since the first century and will never change its teaching (see CCC No. 2271).

The catechism states: “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person — among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life” (No. 2270).

And although our modern, secular society and culture uses euphemistic language to conceal the truth — such as “women’s rights,” health of the mother, population control, the termination of pregnancy, “pro-choice,” even the word “abortion” — the harsh truth is that those who promote such social and political programs are promoting the killing of thousands of innocent babies each day.

Each day more than 4,000 innocent children are put to death legally by abortions. Imagine the loss of life greater than the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001 — each day. That is the brutal reality that permeates the society in which we live. We have a very serious obligation to speak out against this evil by not promoting and encouraging it with our vote. To be Catholic is to be pro-life — period. One cannot be pro-abortion and claim to be a practicing Catholic.

Euthanasia Closely related to abortion is euthanasia, which usually involves the direct killing of a handicapped, sick or dying person. Like abortion, euthanasia is always morally wrong and illicit and must never be promoted or made licit by law.

In the case of abortion, age does not determine personhood. Likewise, old age does not forfeit the rights and dignities afforded to humans. Moreover, sickness, disease or other handicaps and impairments, including imminent death,

Guest Column FATHER MATTHEW BUETTNER guest columnist

do not render human beings non-persons.

It is never permissible to kill oneself (suicide) or assist in another’s death (homicide) as in cases of euthanasia, but it is permissible to allow the effects of a disease or illness to run their course if the medical treatment is overly burdensome, dangerous or disproportionate to the expected outcome (Cf. CCC No. 2278).

As in cases of abortion, much confusion and euphemistic language has been employed to obscure the dehumanizing reality of euthanasia.

Many who seek its justification and legal acceptance speak of euthanasia as an act of “compassion.” However, this is nothing more than a diabolical reversal of the truth. The word “compassion” comes from two Latin words meaning “to suffer with.” Oftentimes the desire to commit or to comply with euthanasia comes from the refusal “to suffer with” the patient. Euthanasia is an act that rejects compassion; it is an act that makes “suffering with” a loved one impossible.

stability is homosexual “marriage.”

While the church does not condemn those struggling with homosexuality and, in fact, advocates that such persons “must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity,” nonetheless, the inclination towards persons of the same-sex is “objectively disordered” (No. 2358).

Further, the law of human nature, sacred Scripture and the constant tradition of the church all affirm the truth that “homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered” (No. 2357). Therefore, while the church respects the dignity of persons, it also encourages them to turn away from sinful acts, live chastely and seek the freedom of Christian perfection as it encourages all who are bound by various spiritual or psychological disorders.

By definition, marriage is the life-long partnership between a man and a woman, which is ordered to the well-being of the spouses and to the procreation and education of children. We should support only those candidates who regard the common good of society by protecting the institution of marriage from those who would seek to redefine and destroy it.

Stem cells, cloning Akin to abortion and euthanasia, embryonic stem-cell research redefines the human person in order to justify the murder of persons for scientific and medical advancements. The problem: extracting the embryonic stem-cells from a living human embryo kills the embryo, thus murdering the human person. The solution: legitimate and highly effective procedures already exist for obtaining human stem cells that do not require killing human beings.

It is well documented that stem cells from bone marrow, placentas and umbilical cords of live births are already in use in treating leukemia and show promise for possible results in treating Parkinson’s and other diseases.

Human embryos bear the same rights as every person (No. 2274). In the same manner that the church defends the dignity and legal rights of the human embryo, it also condemns human cloning: “‘Certain attempts to influence chromosomic or genetic inheritance are not therapeutic but are aimed at producing human beings selected according to sex or other predetermined qualities.

Such manipulations are contrary to the personal dignity of the human being and his integrity and identity’ which are unique and unrepeatable” (No. 2275).

Non-marital means of engendering human life change its generation from an act of procreation to one of reproduction, treating the child as if he or she were a product of a scientific experiment. In other words, in the generation of a child in the marital act, the child is “begotten, not made”; whereas in the case of human cloning, the child is made, not begotten.

War, capital punishment While war and capital punishment are concerned with the protection of the common good — a principal duty of the state — they are not intrinsically evil and both can be justified under certain criteria.

The church teaches that “as long as the danger of war persists … governments cannot be denied the right of lawful selfdefense, once all peace efforts have failed” (No. 2308). “The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good” (No. 2309). Therefore, the church recognizes elected officials have the moral responsibility of protecting citizens, without excluding the possibility of war as a legitimate means of defense.

Similarly, the church recognizes and teaches that the state “has the right and the duty to inflict punishment proportionate to the gravity of the offense” (No. 2366) and “the traditional teaching of the church does not exclude recourse to the death penalty” (No. 2367).

Therefore, in both war and capital punishment, the church upholds the state’s obligation to protect the common good of its citizens. Neither is preferable. However, there is a fundamental difference between acts that are intrinsically evil and never morally licit, such as abortion, and those that are justified under certain circumstances, such as capital punishment.

We live in difficult times with many serious issues, such as a failing economy, a lingering war, the consistent threat of worldwide terrorism, immigration reform policies and the increasing energy crisis. Yet, none of these compare to the non-negotiable issues affecting the dignity of human life.

We have the opportunity and obligation to elect to public office candidates who will ensure justice and social stability for all citizens, especially the most vulnerable and those unable to speak on their own behalf.

Homosexual ‘marriage’ Another evil threatening our society’s

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

September 26, 2008

The Catholic News & Herald 15

The abortion misconception Poor prenatal diagnosis often leads mothers to wrong choice Editor’s note: This is the first in a series on prenatal diagnosis.

Kelley Wheeler knows how it feels to carry a baby to term following a poor prenatal diagnosis.

Months before her son’s birth, a routine ultrasound found an abnormality that had allowed abdominal organs to move up into his chest. This condition, known as congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or CDH, resulted in the crowding of the heart and lungs and made normal growth and development impossible.

Unwilling to consider abortion, Kelly began searching for information regarding available treatment options.

She was convinced that Baby Michael could be saved, and she was right. Today Michael is a playful preschooler, running and jumping like any other child his age.

Judy Townsend has a similar story.

Her son, John Isaac, was diagnosed with a fetal heart defect known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, or HLHS, 20 weeks into her pregnancy.

HLHS causes a fatal underdevelopment of the left side of the heart.

At diagnosis, little hope was offered for John Isaac’s survival, but Judy would not consider abortion. Instead, she sought treatment options because she believed he could be saved and felt she owed her son the best possible chance at life.

Almost a year later, following surgeries and even a few setbacks, John Isaac Townsend is doing very well. Despite the requirement of one more surgery, the prognosis his mother was given bears little resemblance to the promise of the

smiling baby she now holds.

That is the problem with the connection between poor prenatal diagnosis (PPD) and the abortions that follow. The grim medical prognosis often provided robs parents of hope, and that — coupled with a fear of the unknown — make carrying to term seem unbearable.

The truth gets lost that some fetal defects, though lethal, can be treated successfully. Thinking that a PPD is an ending, approximately 80 percent of parents choose to abort their unborn babies.

My world was turned upside down by the news of a PPD in 2000. Having declined an abortion, I too focused on the hope of treatment for my unborn son.

In that pursuit, Tanner had two surgical procedures “in utero,” and I drove 80 miles round trip two times a week for amnio-infusions that would support healthy lung development.

I met with pediatric nephrologists and researched dialysis and kidney transplants, and I even toured the children’s hospital where Tanner would be treated after birth. With no regret, I did everything I could do to give Tanner the best possible chance at life.

That’s not to say that carrying to term was easy. It was a time of indescribable anguish and grief. My resilience was tested everyday. I had to rely on family and friends for support and encouragement, and often even strangers for the kindness of prayer.

I was pressured by medical providers to reconsider abortion, which left me feeling unsupported. Often the burden

The rabbit and the wolf A tale of love and St. Francis of Assisi As the Diocese of Charlotte celebrates the fourth Eucharistic Congress Oct 3-4, the whole world celebrates the “Poverello” (or, little person) of Assisi — the feast of St. Francis of Assisi is Oct. 4.

What is peculiar about this saint is the fact that he is admired not only by Catholics but by Christians, Muslims and Hindus. Among his qualities was his humble holiness. I like him because he embraced the whole world, made of people, animals and nature. He saw and loved all of these as a reflection of God. For instance, St. Bonaventure related to us in his “Legenda Major” (VIII:8) that when Francis was in Greccio, he was given a small hare, which he put down to run free where it pleased. And at his call, it leapt quickly into his lap.

He nurtured it with the pious affection of his heart and, after warning it with gentle talk not to let itself get caught again, he let it go free. But as often as he placed it on the ground to run away, it would return to him as if it perceived with some hidden sense the piety he had for it. Finally, at his command, his brothers carried the rabbit away to a safer place of solitude.

In the same way, on an island in the lake of Perugia, also known as Lago Trasimeno, a rabbit was caught and offered to St. Francis. Although it had fled from everyone else, it entrusted itself to his hands and heart as if to natural security.

Then, in the “Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi” (Ch.21), there is the fascinating story of the wolf of Gubbio — a fearsome and ferocious wolf that devoured both animals and humans. The citizens were in fear as this wolf came near the town, where St. Francis was staying. He decided to go out against advice and meet the wolf.

When the wolf saw him, it ran forward with its mouth open. As it neared, St. Francis made the sign of the cross toward the wolf and said, “Brother Wolf, come here. I command you on behalf of Christ that you do not harm me or anyone.”

Immediately the fearsome wolf closed its mouth and stopped running, and became meek as a lamb.

“Brother Wolf,” Francis continued, “I want to make peace between you and these people ... I promise that I will have food given to you constantly, as long as

Life Issues Forum RENEE NOVICK PIERSON guest columnist

felt overwhelming, and at those times I would cling to my faith that God would not leave me to bear this cross alone.

I somehow always found the faith and strength for the day I was living, and enough trust that tomorrow God would provide the same.

Like Kelley and Judy, I never lost hope that Tanner could be saved, and when he was born my heart overflowed with love at first sight of him. But quickly the news was bad.

His beautiful life lasted for 36 hours, for despite all my best efforts, his kidneys could not be repaired.

Sometimes there is the misperception that only those parents whose babies live will feel positive about the experience of carrying to term. Sadly, that supports the notion that abortion is somehow easier. I couldn’t disagree more.

Whereas Kelly and Judy’s stories might have haunted me had I given up on Tanner too soon, they provide instead the best possible argument for having hoped.

I wouldn’t change a thing I did despite our very different outcomes.

I miss Tanner every day, but I would never trade the gift of those brief newborn hours in which he knew the comfort of my arms. In the end, there is tremendous peace in knowing that I mothered my son to the best of my ability, even if just for the brief time that he was mine.

Pierson is a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury.

Guest Column CAPUCHIN FATHER JOHN C. AURILIA guest columnist

you live, and you promise me that you will never harm any human person nor any animal. Do you promise this?”

The wolf bowed his head as a sign of promise. St. Francis reached out his hand, and the wolf lifted its right paw and tamely placed it on top of the hand.

The story goes on to describe the behavior of the wolf and the people of Gubbio in remarkable detail. What we learn is that when we really love, we become contagious with it.

As Christians, we want everybody to love God. In St. Francis’ “Canticle of All Creatures,” he invites the sun, moon, stars, water, wind and air to praise God above all: “Praise and bless my Lord and give him thanks, and serve him with great humility.” Happy feast of St. Francis!

Father Aurilia is pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.

Pope: Faith based on personal encounter with Jesus through the church

The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI VATICAN CITY (CNS) — For St. Paul and for all Christians, faith is not based on a myth, but on a personal encounter with the risen Jesus through the church, Pope Benedict XVI said.

At his Sept. 24 weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict focused on St. Paul’s relationship with the Twelve Apostles first chosen by Jesus to preach the word of God to the ends of the earth.

Because St. Paul never met Jesus during his public, earthly life, he needed to consult with and be confirmed by the first disciples who lived with Jesus and were chosen by him, the pope said.

In his writings, the pope said, St. Paul makes it clear that he recognizes the primacy of the first apostles and that the teaching he is handing on is the teaching of the apostles.

St. Paul makes clear his position that the Eucharist is the center of the church’s life and that Christ “is risen and continues to live in the Eucharist,” the pope said.

Here is the text of the pope’s remarks in English.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, In today’s catechesis we turn again to the life of St. Paul and consider his relationship with the Twelve Apostles.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul speaks of his visits to Jerusalem where he consulted Peter, James and John, reputed to be the “pillars” of the church.

Paul’s mission to the Gentiles needed to be confirmed and guaranteed by those who had been disciples of Jesus during his earthly life, and they offered to him and to Barnabas the right hand of fellowship.

Paul passed on the living tradition that he had received: the words of Jesus at the Last Supper, his death and resurrection, and his appearances to Peter and to the Twelve.

Paul emphasizes that Jesus died “for our sins,” he offered himself to the Father in order to deliver us from sin and death. And now that Jesus has risen from the dead, he is living in his church and in the Eucharist, where we continue to encounter him.

Just as Paul’s teaching is rooted in his experience on the road to Damascus, and in his knowledge of Christ acquired through the church, so too our faith is grounded, not on myths or pious legends, but on the words and deeds of Jesus of Nazareth, and on our encounter with the risen Lord, present in the life of his church.

September 26, 2008

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