Issuu

,, i

iii'""«ir"ii-i

r T TiTn"

in"i

The MH 1331103

Volume

2000

18,

Number 24

9 t

own 3«

atnolic NEWS HERALD

S9SS

February

•

Serving Catholics

Insid

Western North Carolina

the Diocese of Charlotte

Family Center dedication

Census 2000: Everybody

Mark parish community celebrates St.

counts in diocesan census ...Page

newfamily center Arden parish celebrates By

with multicultural event

JOANN

KEANE

Editor

...Page

HUNTERSVILLE

—A

vision, a

community and population growth beyond expectations. These are the key elements that once combined

Congressional

—

resulted in the formation of the diocese's newest parish, St. Mark.

Gold Medal House approves

On Feb. 12, St. Mark Family Center was dedicated with a standing-room gathering of nearly 900 pa-

Congressional

Gold Medal for Cardinal O'Connor

rishioners, friends and

members of community at large. For the dedication Mass, Bishop William G. the

...Page

Curlin presided, with Msgr. Joseph Kerin, St. Mark pastor, and Father Peter Jugis, parochial vicar, concelebrating. Also concelebrating were Charlotte-area pastors Msgr. Richard Allen, pastor of St. Ann, Msgr. William Pharr, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul, and Father Paul Gary, rector of St. Patrick Cathedral. After just 30 months, St. Mark is

Local News Landings

program gears up

making history as one of the fastest growing parishes in this and sur-

Hickory

rounding dioceses. In June 1997,

Mark was ...Page

growing population

idly

See

St.

established to serve a rapin the

FAMILY CENTER,

north-

page

Living the Faith Catholic educators

tell

reawaken to vision of

teachers to

Msgr. Joseph Kerin observes Bishop William G. Curlin prepare the holy

faith

...Page

water used to bless the parishioners at the new St. Mark parish center. At left,

fvcry Week ...Pages

Editorials

By DIANNE RIGGS

10-11

...Pages

12-13

The feast of the Chair

the

—

ASHEVILLE

Sister Marie Frechette was searching the Internet. In rushed International Adoption social worker Carol Meyerriecks with the news that a large, century-old house, kitty-corner to the Catholic Social Services Western Regional Office in

downtown

Asheville,

was

for

sale.

of Peter

celebrated Feb. 22.

Sister

Marie

e-mailed

the

manager Marie Bucher made an appointment and by that afternoon, a realtor was showing the realtors, office

staff the property. "It

was

office expands,

Sister Marie, a Missionary Servant of

Correspondent

& Columns

Guy Piche as looks on.

assisted by Rev. Mr.

Todd

Photo by Joann S. Keane

Western Regional CSS

Entertainment

Rev. Mr. Curtiss

totally staff driven," said

their

small,

space," said Sister Marie.

Office

director, of the effort. In

current

OPEN WIDE the

Charlotte.

to Eliza-

Then

the dio-

Mr. Guy

Piche, diocesan director

to Christ.

facilities.

"Then we

had to pray and wait for the diocese to

served.

make

a decision," said Sister

Additionally, they

Marie.

couldn't expand their services to the

fast-growing needs in the area. even had an office in a bathroom

went

cese sent Rev.

Doors

write grant proposals, no more space for additional clients to be

call

beth Thurbee, executive director of Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of

building, there was no more space for interns, no more space for grant proposals office space to

offices

had utilized every square inch of

Most Blessed Trinity and CSS

Western Regional

moves

Jan. 4, 2000, the modernized,

"We ...

See

WESTERN

CSS, page 7

The Catholic News & Herald

The World

February 18, 2000

in Brief

Catholic rural life group endorses Rally for Rural America

than 60 married priests

come

—

DES MOINES,

—

the time has

to clarify the status of those

who

Iowa (CNS) The National Catholic Rural Life

have refused the Vatican's terms, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the

Conference has endorsed the Rally for Rural America, planned for March 20-21 in Washington. "Rural life is being left out of the economic prosper-

Faith said in a statement released Feb. 14. "Difficulties

ing discussion

Report says hunger can be halved in 15 years WASHINGTON (CNS) A new report from the Bread for the World Institute says world hunger

Americans, said Holy Cross Brother Andrews, the rural life conference's executive director, in a statement. "We'll be there in force,

David

—

bishops, clergy, laity from across the

country," Brother Andrews added. "This is the Great Jubilee; rural life is at the heart of the heritage of jubilee."

can be cut in half over the next 15 years with the help of an extra U.S. contribution of $1 billion per year to nutrition programs. The trends in

Guest worker bill said to take too much, give too little

WASHINGTON

(CNS)

hunger eradication are promising, said the report, "A Program to End

— A Sen-

bill addressing issues related to immigrant agricultural workers neglects critical needs and would make circumstances worse for employees, according to the chairman of the U.S. bishops' Migration Committee. In a letter to Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., Bishop Nicholas A. DiMarzio of Camden, N.J., argued that the Agricultural Job Opportunity Benefits and Security Act lowers the level of wages and eliminates benefits, such as requirements for certain employers to provide housing for immigrants allowed to work in the United States temporarily. Smith is the prime sponsor of the bill, which has been assigned to the Judiciary Committee. As of Feb. 15 it had not been scheduled for hearings. Colombians meet with Vatican officials to gain support for peace VATICAN CITY (CNS) A Colombian delegation held talks at the

Hunger," released Feb. 10 by the institute, which works closely with Bread for the World, a Christian citizens' anti-hunger movement. "The proportion of hungry people in the developing world has dropped from one-third to less than one-fifth since

ate

—

Vatican as part of a European tour to gain support for the war-torn country's peace process. Msgr. Giorgio Lingua of the Vatican's Secretariat of State met Feb. 14 with Colombian

government

and members of

officials

the country's largest rebel group, the

Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known by its Spanish acronym of FARC. "It was an informational meeting. did not go into details," Msgr. Lingua told Catholic News Service Feb. 15. "The delegation

CNS

Vatican and PLO sign agreement on Jerusalem

February

Volume

2000

18,

believes the role of the Catholic is

Church

important," he said.

Namibian religious leaders warn against spread of Angolan war

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CNS) Namibian religious leaders expressed concern over the

—

government's increasing involvement in the conflict in neighboring Angola and stressed that the war be kept outside Namibia's borders. Nine members of the Council of Churches of Namibia, including Catholic Archbishop Bonifatius Haushiku of Windhoek, met with Namibian President Sam Nujoma in Windhoek in mid-February and stressed their concern that "everything be done to regain control" of Namibia's border

Editor:

Associate Editor: Staff Writer:

Bishop William G. Curlin will take

Number 24

•

Most Reverend William G. Joann S. Keane

Publisher:

pari in the following events:

Curlin

February 24

Jimmy Rostar

Production Associate: Julie Radcliffe

Secretary: Jane Glodowski

1123 South Church P.O.

Mail:

St.,

Box 37267,

Charlotte,

NC 28203 NC 28237

February 27

Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

The Catholic News & Herald by the

Roman

Church

St.,

except

for

USPC 007-393,

published

Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South

Charlotte,

NC 28203,

44 times a year, weekly

Christmas week and Easter week and every

two weeks during June, July and August

for $1 5 per

year

for enrollees in parishes of the

Roman

Diocese

Catholic

Charlotte and $18 per year for

of all

Second-class Charlotte NC and

other subscribers.

postage paid other

cities.

POSTMASTER: Send

The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267,

address corrections Charlotte,

28237.

—

Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick

mated

— 11 am

Confirmation at St. Mark Catholic Church, Huntersville March 3 7:30 am Knights of Malta Mass St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte March 3 7 pm Confirmation Hispanic Center, Charlotte 11 am March 4 Diaconal recommitment day St Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

—

ordained

(CNS)

— The

Vatican said clandestinely ordained priests and bishops in the Czech Republic who have failed to reconcile with church authorities are forbidden to celebrate Mass and the sacraments. After several years of Vatican efforts to regularize those secretly ordained under communism including: more

—

21 CHARLOTTE

—

St.

Thomas is

Capuchin 20th Century Her talk and slide presenfocusing on the life and works

of Padre Pio, takes place tonight at 7:30 p.m. in Aquinas Hall. Call the church office for more information at (704) 549-1607.

22 ASHEVILLE

— The

Basilica of

Lawrence, 97 Haywood St., is offering a course on the doctors, scholars and fathers of the Church. The series of classes are being held in the St.

St.

Justin Building across the street

from

Lawrence. Tonight's class focusing on St. Thomas Aquinas takes place from 7:30-9 p.m. Call the church faith formation office for furSt.

— The

He wrote

the landmark on Earth."

social

—

All families are

invited to St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621

stigmatist. tation,

sions.

encyclical "Peace

23 CHARLOTTE

hosting Ellen Bartanzetti, the author of two books about Blessed Padre Pio,

the

(CNS)

Vatican has confirmed that Pope Pius IX and Pope John XXIII will be beatified in a Sept. 3 ceremony, along with three other churchmen. Archbishop Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation for Sainthood Causes, made the announcement Feb. 7 as he presided at a memorial Mass on the anniversary of Pope Pius' death. Pope Pius, who reigned from 1846 to 1878, convoked the First Vatican Council, solemnly declared the dogma of Mary's Immaculate Conception and led the church during the rocky period in which the papacy lost its temporal control over Rome and the papal states. Pope John, pontiff from 1958 to 1963, convoked the Second Vatican Council and presided over its first ses-

ther details at (828) 252-8816.

Diocesan. planner February

791 million in 1997.

VATICAN CITY

Czech Republic

VATICAN CITY

Vatican confirms beatification date for John XXIII, Pius IX

with Angola "and to contain the spilling over of the war into Namibia." Nujoma repeatedly has affirmed his commitment to helping the Angolan government. The Namibian government recently gave Angola permission for its troops to cross its border too crush pockets of resistance. Vatican clarifies status of secretly

Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Rd,

Confirmation at Holy Angels Catholic Church, Mount Airy February 26 10:30 am Meeting with Women Religious Catholic Conference Center, Hickory

Alesha M. Price

more people to feed," it said. The number of hungry people was esti-

lion

Palestinian Liberation Organization signed an agreement saying both view any unilateral decision affecting Jerusalem's special character as morally and legally unacceptable.

Episcopal. calendar

1970. The absolute number has also declined in spite of there being 2 bil-

photo from Reuters

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat presents a gift to Pope John Paul II during their meeting at the Vatican Feb. 15. The Vatican and the

& H E R A

clarify-

requested," the state-

ment said, without specifying when or where such a meeting would be held.

now being enjoyed by many

ity"

remain and a

Dilworth Rd. East, for a Mass for those who have suffered a loss. The Mass is being celebrated tonight at 7:30 p.m. In order to have the name(s) of the deceased remembered during Mass and for further details, call the church office at (704) 334-2283. 25 CHARLOTTE St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Rd., is hosting "Tales of Wonder," a musical production featuring all of the church's singing groups. Drama and dance are also part of the performance as they tell the Biblical stories through song and dance. There are two performances, one at 7:30 p.m. tonight and on Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. Call the church office at (704) 545-1224 for more details. Immaculate Heart HIGH POINT of Mary Church, 5 1 2 Montlieu Ave., is sponsoring a meeting for Catholic

—

divorced, single moms tonight at 7: 1 p.m. This serves as a time and place to

February 18, 2000

The Catholic News & Herald 3

Around the Diocese

Family Center dedication, from page 1 western corner of Mecklenburg County.

Two

hundred and ninety one families signed up as charter members. Today, 1,204 families more

—

than 4,000 parishioners constitute the St. Mark community. Until Saturday's family center dedication, St. Mark was a parish family on the move. Beginning with

Mass

in a nearby bowling alley, moving into gymnasiums and with benevolent support of the ecumenical community, St. Mark has been a mobile community. "This was made possible through the graciousness of local churches and clergy in the area,"

Photo by Joann S. Keane

Msgr. Joseph Kerin shared words of praise for the parishioners of the family center of St. Mark parish.

St.

Mark's priest

HUNTERSVILLE

—

It's

ironic

what attracted Monsignor Joseph Kerin to North Carolina in 1953 was the fact that so few Catholics that

lived in the state.

Today, Kerin, 68, is pastor of St. Catholic Church, one of the

Mark

fastest-growing churches in the state. Born in Scarsdale, N.Y., Kerin

graduated from Niagara University in 1953 with a degree in business administration with an emphasis in management and accounting. After graduation, he began theological

The Family Center is not a formal church building, stresses Msgr.

munities," said Pattie Fulford, chair of the parish's pastoral council. "They

of the parish, including Mass. A formal sanctuary planned adjacent to the Family Center is expected to be built upon completion of the current debt.

welcomed us into their churches, which gave us the space we needed for worship, education and fellowship." "We had the benefit of starting our church without a facility," said Msgr. Kerin. "Instead of being a detriment, this allowed our parishioners to build a church of people instead of concentrating on bricks and mortar." "It is powerful for a parish this large to feel that connected," said

makes 50-year home

North Carolina ever

Asheville Catholic High School; as pastor of St. John's in Tryon, Our Lady of Assumption in Charlotte and Our Lady of Mercy in Winston-Salem; and as rector of St. Patrick's Ca-

since,"

said

was originally attracted

the missionary character of the state

and the scarcity of Catholics at the time. I remember hearing Bishop Waters of Raleigh say that there were less Catholics in North Carolina than

thedral in Charlotte.

also partici-

most foreign missions, less than 7/ lOths of one percent."

share joys and sorrows, successes and challenges and questions and suggestions. On-site childcare is provided, so to reserve a space or share your story, call Betsy Strauss at (336)

allowing couples preparing for marriage to concentrate exclusively on each

March 1 ASHEVILLE

other free of tensions and pressures. This weekend's retreat is being held at

885-5210.

south of Charlotte, today and tomorrow. For registration, directions and other information, call Dorothy Menze

Lawrence, 97 Haywood St., is offering a course on the doctors, scholars and fathers of the Church. The series of classes are being held in the St. Justin Building across the street from St. Lawrence. Tonight's class focusing on St. Ignatius of Loyola takes place

—

The

St.

Gabriel Church Adult Education Department presents "Journey into Lent 2000" today from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. This year's theme "Are there doors in my life that I have closed?" is being explored by Mercy Sister Jeanne Marie Kienast, pastoral associate at St. Charlotte. The

Matthew Church theme

will cover "the

doors to reconciliations, unresolved grief and new beginnings." Continental breakfast is being served, but please bring a bag lunch. For more information about registration, call

Caryn Cusick, adult edu-

cation coordinator, at (704) 3625047, Ext. 276.

ROCK HILL, SC. gaged Encounter is

—

Catholic En-

weekend

retreat

Winthrop University, 30 minutes

at (888)

310-8040 or (704) 364-6726.

27 HENDERSONVILLE

— The

St.

— The

from 7:30-9 p.m. Upcoming classes include St. Theresa of Avila on March 7 and St. Eusebius of Caesarea on

March

tion Church,

208 7th Ave. West, in the new office wing. Visitors and inquirers are welcome to sit in and participate. For more information, call Pat Cowan

mation

at (828) 884-4246.

living with cancer and their family

28 CHARLOTTE

— The Alzheimer/

Dementia Support Group meets today from 2-3:30 p.m. in rooms D and E of the St. Gabriel Church Ministry Center, 3016 Providence Rd. Activities are provided for the memory-impaired. For more information, call Suzanne Bach at (704) 376-4135.

church

CHARLOTTE

—

The

Church Support Group and

friends.

place after

on the third ter,

faith for-

office for further details at

(828) 252-8816.

St. is

Gabriel

for those

Tonight's meeting takes

Wednesday night dinner floor of the ministry cen-

located at

building to host

Mark parish is located on 23 on Stumptown Road, near the intersection of Ranson Road in St.

acres

Huntersville.

Contact Editor Joann Keane by call-

ing

(704)

370-3336

e-mail

jskeane@charlottediocese.org

cellor of the Diocese of Charlotte for seven years. St. Mark is Kerin's second startup parish. He also oversaw the beginnings of St. Matthew in Charlotte from 1986 until 1996. Kerin sits back and smiles as he reflects back on his more than 40 years of serving North Carolina Catholics. "I've enjoyed every minute of it," he said. "I never had a moment's question in my mind about where I should be. I have been blessed by

God

work."

WINSTON-SALEM There is a pre-Lenten Taize service taking place this evening at 5:30 p.m. at Joseph's House, 1903 South Main St. For further information, call (336)

722-0028. Joseph's House is a minisOur Lady of Mercy Church. 5 CHARLOTTE The St. Gabriel Church Respect Life Committee hosts a rosary prayer session this afternoon at 3 p.m. in front of Our Lady's Grotto, located at 3016 Providence Rd. In case of rain, the session moves to the daily chapel. Call the church office at (704) "364try of

5431 for further

CLEMMONS

—

details.

—

Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., is holding a charismatic Mass tonight at 7:30 p.m. Call the church office at (336) 778-0600 for more details.

3016 Providence Rd.

For more information,

call

Bob

Poffenberger at (704) 553-7000 or Eileen Correll at (704) 362-5047, Ext. 217.

it is

—

Basilica of St.

Francis of the Hills Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order meets today from 3-5 p.m. at Immaculate Concep-

15. Call the

Kerin. Rather, activities

North Carolina

Kerin has found his challenge. Since 1957, he has worked with Catholics throughout the state including heading a mission in Boone; as a teacher and a principal at

five offices.

Msgr. Kerin. "We were fortunate to have the clergy from our neighboring faith com-

studies at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and was ordained a priest May 30, 1957 in Wilmington, N.C. "I've been serving Catholics in Kerin.

of the building alone. The multipurpose building will be home for Mass, with a separate chapel, rooms for receptions and meetings, 15 classrooms, a youth room, a kitchen and

said

pated in a special project on behalf of the Charlotte Diocese in Mexico City for nearly three years, and was Chan-

26 CHARLOTTE •

new

With a roster of 1,200 famiFulford adds, "That's a lot of people to feel connected as a family." However, the heart of the parish, she said, is its strong sense of community. Now, 25,600 square feet in the form of a multipurpose facility will tether the community. And Msgr. Kerin expects the church population to grow another 50 percent by virtue Fulford.

lies,

Please submit notices of events for the Diocesan Platiner at least 10 days prior to publication date.

The Catholic News & Herald

Census 2000: Everybody counts in diocesan census By

ALESHA

M. PRICE Staff Writer

CHARLOTTE — With

ments received, lic,

available.

on the new millennium and a new century, the arrival of another decade

Cobb

has become lost in the hype. After ten years pass, the U.S. Census takes place during the first 15 days of that April. Along with this year's national roll call of citizens and general information about their lives comes a census of Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte.

of registered Catholics

grown seemingly overnight; however, the exact number is not known. The census will deterin the diocese has

mine that figure based on questions about religion within a household.

"We now have

estimates

Catholics in the Diocese of Charlotte based on what the parishes tell us,

not always accurate, and we make the assumption that the Catholic population mirrors the general population based on household size," said George K. Cobb, diocesan director of planning, who will receive the information and process the results. The Catholic census will coincide with the national census so that statistical methods can be used in order to build correlations between the general population and the Catholic population. Estimates can then be made from that data, which will be tested for accuracy and completeness, explained Cobb. The reasons for the Catholic census include having an accurate portrait of the diocese, concerning ethnic make-up, number of people, household size and other areas and providing accurate future estimates of that portrait. The census will also provide parishes and the diocese with basic information for long-term planning and grant applications and will answer specific questions that the laity and the Church hierarchy want to know, said Cobb. Simple information about each member of the household is needed:

which

age, marital status, ethnicity, sacra-

religion, if not

Korean-American Sharing Event

Arden parish celebrates

Catho-

education level and occupation,

the focus

The number

stressed,

"The information

given to the diocese will remain confidential and will be reported as totals, not on an individual basis. People should feel comfortable about supplying honest answers to the questions because we are not asking anything of an overly confidential nature." "The purpose is to census is learn how we are similar or different from the general population - not to intrude on the privacy of our parishioners," said Father Mauricio W. West, vicar general and chancellor. "After the initial responses are entered and checked, the names of the respondents will be removed from the census database to preserve privacy." The churches are doing most of the work by gathering the information about their parishioners already in their databases. Parishes with 300 families or less are submitting paper forms. There are high numbers of people who attend church who are not registered in a particular parish. More work in gathering the unregistered population numbers, especially in the Hispanic community, needs to be done, said Cobb. "Current estimates show that the number of unregistered Hispanic households will equal the total number of registered households in the future," continued Cobb. "We have no clear understanding of the ethnicity of Catholicism in the diocese," he said. "We are increasingly

becoming

a multi-ethnic diocese,

the census will allow the

become more responsive

and

Church to the

Nursing

—

The church was

Home

has provided

a Catholic environment.

When you need more care than home, come visit us. We invite you to discover for yourself our many available at your

which make Maryfield

the best possible choice for

30 years. Sister Anna had

leadership and staff to help them understand some of the misunderstandings possible when two cultures come together. The event was one of several

Event at St. Barnabas Church in Arden Feb. 5. Using the occasion of the Lunar New Year, the parish community of St. Barnabas celebrated the rich heritage of their Korean parishio-

programs throughout the diocese this year supported in part by

ners by incorporating Korean-language prayers and readings into the Sunday liturgy, offering an orientation for other parishioners on

ity, this effort

grants from Catholic Relief Services from funds collected from Operation Rice bowl.

Based on the concept of mutualwas designed to show how important this small group of Korean families is to parish life, and how important it is for the larger faith community to support and reach out to them. As a result of the increased

the Korean culture. Sister Theresa

Mangieri led

a dialogue for

Korean

members The event culminated with a presentation by members of the Ko-

communication, a growing trust and a mutual dependence between the two groups, members of the parish community who speak English as a first language will be trained and become tutors for those

rean community on their customs, a Korean dance and a potluck dinner featuring all the cultures represented by those in attendance.

learning English as a second language. Parish leaders note that many Korean Catholics end up in other churches because the language barrier is so difficult to over-

It is the custom for Koreans to go from house to house on the New Year to offer a blessing to the elders

of each family. In addition to demonstrating this custom for parishioners, the Korean community honored the pastor of the parish, Father Roger Arnsparger, as "father of the St. Barnabas family" by presenting him with a gift. The featured speaker for the vent was Sister Anna Boland, a Maryknoll sister who has served in

come. Parish leaders hope that a natural outreach to other Korean Catholics in the Asheville area will occur.

"This Catholic census will give us information needed for our parishes and the diocese to plan well into the next decade," said Father West, t

Contact Staff Writer Alesha

Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or email amprice@charlottediocese. org.

Catholic Gift & Book Store Over 700 Book

Titles, plus Bibles, Rosaries, Statues,

& much, much more! Monday - Friday

Medals, Tapes, CD's, Plaques, Hours:

9am -5pm

233 N. Greene

(336) 273-2554

TTITTTIfflffflTTimi

Greensboro,

St.

NC 27401

TimiMimiTTITf

JOHANNUS CHURCH ORGANS America's best value in sound

& price.

SYNTHIA MUSIC SYSTEMS Catholic

Hymns at the push

of a button.

SOUND SYSTEMS Totally wireless systems

and hearing impaired

devices.

CHURCH PIANOS Quality pianos for affordable prices.

ELECTRONIC ORGAN SERVICE ON ALL MAKES

Long Term Care.

1315 Greensboro Road High Point, NC 27260 >

for

several in-service sessions with lay

—

stimulating daily activities and services

Korea

with beaming faces, colorful silk gowns embroidered with flowers, dancing and plenty of food. It may sound like the scene of a wedbut, in fact, it ding celebration was the Korean-American Sharing

century, Maryfield

outstanding nursing care in

ARDEN filled

nority population."

With Great Love.

For half a

with multicultural event

mi-

Providing Quality LongTerm Care . .

February 18, 2000

Around the Diocese

56.886.2444

Fax

56.886.40^6

www.greensboro.cont/mnh

A Continuing CareR

Music

& Electronics, Inc. &

Broad Corner of Oak (704) 663-7007

Streets, Mooresville,

— (800) 331-0768

— February 18, 2000

The Catholic News & Herald

the New!

Encuentro 2000 will include multiethnic array of speakers WASHINGTON

—

(CNS)

The

and pastor of Nativity Parish Washington. He has been active in encouraging interfaith efforts in the vivalist

speakers at the upcoming Encuentro 2000, the celebration of the jubilee year for the church in the United

District of Columbia.

—

States, are Hispanic,

African-American, Vietnamese, Native American, Jamaican and Latin American.

The

speakers'

list

was announced

Feb. 7 by Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala of Los Angeles, chairman of the event which is

slated for July 6-9 at

the Los Angeles

Con-

vention Center. will

Sister Marie Chin, president of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. She is a native of Ja-

Encuentro

maica and a popular speaker who has worked in educational

2000

draw participants from around the nation to

Encuentro 2000 draw participants

to look at their experi-

ence as Catholics and seek ways to improve the acceptance of the many cultures which make up the U.S. church today.

—

ways

Mercy

Sister

Carolee Chanona, native of Belize and coor-

as Catholics and seek

dinator of small Chris-

to improve the

communities in the Diocese of Belize Citytian

acceptance of the

Belmopan.

many cultures which make up the U.S.

— The Rev. David

Beckmann,

a Lutheran minister, economist and president of Bread

church today.

for the World, a nationwide Christian citizens' movement whose members seek justice for hungry people through lobbying efforts. He is author of "Friday Morning Reflections at the World Bank" and coauthor of "Transforming the Politics

Previous Encuentro meetings have focused on Hispanics in the church, but for the jubilee year 2000 the bishops' Committee on Hispanic Affairs is seeking to broaden the event by inviting representatives of groups.

of Hunger."

Encuentro 2000 speakers

— Bishop Wilton D. Gregory of

in-

clude:

Belleville,

III, vice president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Bishop Gregory holds a doctorate in sacred liturgy and has written extensively on liturgical issues, especially in the African-American com-

—

Archbishop Francois X. Nguyen Van Thuan, a Vietnamese bishop and president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

—

Georgiana Sanchez, lecturer in American Indian studies at California State University Long Beach. Sanchez, a member of the Chumash Nation, is a storyteller and nationally published writer.

—

bean.

look at their experience

from around the nation

all

and retreat programs throughout the United States and the Carib-

will

Msgr. Raymond East,

tionally

a na-

known African-American

re-

munity.

—

Kathy McGinnis, co-founder with her husband of the Institute for Peace and Justice, an interfaith, nonprofit organization based in St. Louis and working to respond to violence rooted in war, racism and global eco-

nomic injustice. She is also co-founder of a spinoff organization called Parenting for Peace and Justice. She will be speaking with her daughter Theresa. Father Mario Vizcaino, executive director of the Southeast Pastoral Institute in Miami, one of the nation's eight regional offices for Hispanic ministry.

—

"The many faces in God's house at Encuentro 2000 will show dramatically the picture of the

Sponsored by

TH E

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES T-SHIRTS,

OFFICE

CATHOLIC CAMPOREE iOOO Camp

The purpose of The Bradley institm for the Study of Christian Culture at Belmont Abbey College is to provide opportunities fir business executives, career professionals

"' rxa '"'" c relevant ethical, theological and philosophical topics within the context of their lives and our present-day cultures, as presented by respected academicians, professional men and women and public officials.

Barnhardt, Badin

For information

APRIL 7-9

base," said Sis-

call:

(704) 846-5155

February 18, 2000

The Catholic News & Herald

f^gyyj

House approves Congressional Gold Medal for Cardinal O'Connor By PATRICIA

News

Catholic

WASHINGTON

ZAPOR Service

(CNS)

The same

— With

just one dissenting vote, the House voted Feb. 15 to bestow the Congressional Gold Medal on New York Cardinal John J. O'Connor "in recognition of his accomplishments as a priest, a chaplain and a humanitarian."

likely t6 be presented in

said.

of the medal.

"To me, it seemed a particularly good opportunity to demonstrate

his pro-life activities, his contribu-

one's genuine convictions by spend-

tions to the Irish peace process and his sense of humor. Rep. Christopher Smith, R-N.J., said Cardinal O'Connor is "a good and holy priest who radiates Christ and the healing power of God to believers and nonbelievers alike." Smith praised the cardinal for working "tirelessly and effectively to bring an end to the culture of death." Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., said in recognizing Cardinal O'Connor with the Congressional Gold Medal, the House honored "all those men and women who each day put their faith

ing one's own money rather than that of the taxpayers, who remain free to contribute at their own discretion to the work of Cardinal O'Connor as they have consistently done in the past," Paul said. None of the members

he approached took him up on his offer.

Mother Teresa received Gold Medal. And one has been approved but not yet awarded to Holy Cross Father Theodore M. Hesburgh, former president of the University of Notre Dame. President Clinton in December In 1997,

a Congressional

into action."

Father Hesburgh. That medal is an early summer ceremony, said Chris Mehl, spokesman for Rep. Tim Roemer, DInd., who sponsored the legislation to honor Father Hesburgh. Mehl said it typically takes about six months to design the individual gold medals and have them cast. There have been times when the recipient is honored before the medal is ready, however. Mother Teresa attended a June 1997 ceremony honoring her with the gold medal within weeks of the bill's approval. Her medal was presented to the Missionaries of Charity in September 1998, about a year after her death. In the past, some medal awards ceremonies have been held in the Capital Rotunda, and others at the White House. Mehl said secondary presentations near the recipient's home also are common and that Father Hesburgh would probably have one at Notre Dame.

gressional Gold Medal on the late Charles M. Schulz, the cartoonist who created the comic strip "Peanuts." In both votes, Rep. Ron Paul, RTexas, cast the lone dissenting vote. Paul said in a statement about the

Paul said he invited colleagues who asked for his vote to match his contribution of $100 toward the cost

O'Connor, 80, was members of the House for

signed the law authorizing the honor for

ment

Cardinal

to put money your IRA.

their wives;

and John Walsh, victims' rights advocate and host of the TV show

In addition to the legislation for Cardinal O'Connor and Schulz, bills have been introduced that would bestow gold medals on Pope John Paul II and a wide range of Americans. Possible recipients include: the Apollo 1 1 astronauts; Gen. Henry Shelton, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; 1960 Olympics three-time gold medal-winner Wilma Rudolph; civil rights activists Jesse Jackson and Rosa Parks; former Presidents

"America's

Most Wanted.

Some

of those bills have languished more than a year without action. The House bill to honor Cardinal O'Connor was introduced Jan. 31. Both House and Senate versions of the bill honoring Schulz were introduced Feb. 10, two days before his death and three days before his last original "Peanuts" strip ran in Sunday newspapers.

—

landscaping and new ideas, too! Plus, an enormous selection

of quality shrubbery

& trees.

Come visit one of the country's

Jeanne O. McCulloch, Financial Consultant,

most exciting garden centers!

CHRISTIAN SUMMER CAMPS

721-9221 or (800) 334-4401 for your free copy of The Salomon Smith Barney IRA Distribution Manual.

(336)

GARDENS & NURSERY

Salomon Sm ith Barney

10605 Park Rd.,Charlotte Next

A member of atiqroupT' is

Reagan and Ford and

about anything you need to enhance your

Find out how to minimize taxes and penalties in our exclusive IRA Distribution Manual.

Barney

signature are necessary before the

medal may be awarded.

Colchester Place has just

What's the best way to take it out?

CNS FILE PHOTO

Cardinal John O'Connor of New York was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the House on Feb. 14. Senate approval and the president's

how

into

Call

also ap-

that he opposed spending $30,000 for such a medal. "Appropriating $30,000 of taxpayer money is neither constitutional nor, in the spirit of Cardinal O'Connor, who dedicates his life to voluntary and charitable work, particularly humanitarian," the state-

Rep. Vito Fossella, R-N.Y., lauded Cardinal O'Connor for his commitment to education for all, his care for the sick, elderly and disabled, his involvement in interfaith understanding and his long career as a Navy chaplain, bishop and archbishop. the approval and Senate president's signature are necessary before the medal may be awarded.

You know

House

vote

In bringing the measure to a vote,

praised by

day, the

proved a measure to bestow the Con-

Smith Barney

Inc.

a service mark of Salomon Smith Barney

Black Lion

(704) 341-2200

Member SIPC. Salomon Smith

Members of SI.

Inc.

Peter's

Administration, Refugee, Justice & Peace, Special Ministries Executive Director: Elizabeth Thurbee (704) 370-3228

370-3298 fax Refugee Office:

In the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina Owned and Directed by Roman Catholics

place where a child can explore, build self-confidence and self-esteem.

A wholesome and challenging environment where our youth can play learn

and grow

Two mountain camps, Whitewater rivers and

in faith together.

in the heart of the Blue Ridge,

waterfalls offering:

surrounded by national

forest,

rock climbing, swimming, drama, Whitewater

(704)

Catholic

(704)

(Social ervices 23 South Church Sf, Charlotte, NC 28203 vww.cssnc.org 11

(7041

370-6930

& Peace:

biking, kayaking, gymnastics, tennis, nature study, riflery

Joanne

K. Frazer

Gerard A. Carter

(704)

370-3228

specific

programs, please call your local office.

and

sports,

crafts,

and

mountain

more...

/ CAMP

370-3377 fax

Ages 8-17

Charlotte Area Office 1 123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Geri King (704) 370-3232 (704) 370-3377 fax

Western Area Office 35 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801 (828)255-0146 Marie Frechette

Sr.

621 W. Second

arts

team

(704)370-3225

253-7339 fax

—

FOR GIRLS

Please callfor a VIDEO.

Chosatonqa FOR BOYS

Box 10962, Winston-Salem, NC27108 David Harold (336) 727-0705

2500 Morgan Mill Road, Brevard, (828) 884-6834

Satellite Office (336)

274-5577

Tuition starts around $2100

CAMP

Street, P.O.

Area Director (336) 727-9333 fax Greensboro,

/—N (828)

Piedmont Triad Area Office For information

canoeing, horseback riding, archery, high ropes, backpacking,

370-3377 fax

Special Ministries: (704)

Ponce

370-3290 fax

Justice

(704)

Cira

NC 28712

E-mail: kahdalea@citeom.net

"I will lift

to the

whence comes

—

my eyes

mountains, from

my help."

Psalms 121:1

February 18, 2000

The Catholic News & Herald 9

the News

Sick treated to musical festival at Vatican for jubilee event By BENEDICTA CIPOLLA

News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) The Vatican's Paul VI Audience Hall was Catholic

—

"We cannot pass by in front of those who are sick. We must stop, bow down before their infirmity and generously share in it, thus lightening

its

transformed into a concert stage as artists from all over the world donated their time and talent to the Jubilee for the Sick and Health Care

Workers. Between performances from

burden and

difficulties."

Pope John Paul

More than 60,000 people, including 4,000 sick pilgrims, thronged St. Peter's Square, each holding a candle and a copy of the Gospel of Luke, for prayers in several languages.

art-

Australian actress, singer and breast cancer survivor Olivia New-

Enormous television screens in showed a simultaneous procession at the French Marian

ton-John and 92-year-old Cuban jazz sensation Compay Segundo, thousands of pilgrims listened attentively Feb. 12 to testimonials of spiritual triumph in the midst of physical pain. . U.S. volleyball player Kirk Kilgour, who led an Italian team to the country's national championship in 1975, said the 1976 accident that left him paralyzed changed his life forever. "I found out very quickly that as an athlete everything I did was physical," he said. "But I learned quickly that my arms and legs were not important. It was the mind that made me a man," Kilgour said to thunderous applause

the square

sanctuary

John Paul

While Buffon was unable to stay long due to a big match the following

Pope crowd from

service,

blessed the

The pope concluded the three days of celebrations for the sick and health care workers Feb. 13 at his weekly Angelus. Before reciting the Marian prayer, he said sickness helped all people to understand human fragility and the desire

35,000

year-old boy.

true year of grace.

young

No sooner had Andrea pronounced Buffon's name than the soccer star walked on stage, carrying an official team jersey and ball for the 9-

Lourdes.

the window of his private apartment and asked that Mary, "health of the infirm," might make the Holy Year a

A nun

keeper.

At the end of the

from the audience. Andrea, an Italian boy from Naples who has spent much of his admiration for Gian Luigi Buffon, the Italian national soccer team's goal-

previous evening, a torch-

Marian procession illuminated

Peter's Basilica.

ists like

hospitals, recounted his

The light

Via della Conciliazione, the street leading from the Tiber River to St.

life in

the Cross service.

CNS

comforts a sick

service Feb. 11. ill

man

photo from Reuters

Square during a special Holy Year presided over a Mass that drew some

in St. Peter's

Pope John Paul

people and caregivers.

for healing.

In Christ, said the pope, suffering acquires meaning.

"Sickness does not cease to be a but it becomes illuminated by

trial,

hope," he said.

day, he said he would not have missed the concert for anything. "Faced with certain human issues, I think soccer can move into second place," Buffon said. The concert was broadcast live in

on state television and around the world via satellite. Italy

Earlier in the day, jubilee celebra-

brought the sick to the Colosseum. Once the site of bloody Christian sacrifice, the ancient Roman amphitheater was transformed into a symbol of hope. Organizers rendered the Colosseum handicapped-accessible for the first time to allow wheelchair-bound pilgrims to take part in a Stations of tions

Earlier in the celebrations, at an outdoor Mass in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul told 35,000 faithful including 4,000 sick pilgrims that Christ's incarnation gave mean-

—

ing to suffering, so that "pain, illuminated by faith, becomes the source of

hope and salvation. "We cannot pass by

who bow down those

MECKLENBURG AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

'Our Specialty

Loving Your Pets'

Animal

Pineville

Hospital

Providing quality education in a Catholic tradition.

10833

Pineville

Road,

Pineville,

(704) 552-2005 addition to our complete facility,

also offer:

Boarding Kennels Professional

Ann

Catholic School 600 Hillside Avenue St. Gabriel Catholic School

stop,

ing its burden and the pope, t

difficulties,"

said

Refurbished mm * Computer Monitors

— $20-$25 15" — $35-$38 17" — 14"

$70-$ 125

20" Callfor details 30 day warranty

7000 Endhaven Lane Our Lady of the Assumption

St.

must

Grooming

School

Catholic School 4225 Shamrock Drive

in front of

before their infirmity and generously share in it, thus lighten-

tuikm

(Near Carolina Pavilion/AMC 22 Theater)

All Saints Catholic

VGA & SVGA

medical care

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools

are sick.

Thomas N. Buckley, DVM, owner Member of St. Vincent's

O.C. STAFFORD ELECTRONIC SERVICE & DEVELOPMENT COMPANY 408 Banner Are., Greensboro, NC 27401 E-mail:

urpac408@u orldnet.att. net (336) 274-9917

3028 Providence Road St. Patrick

Catholic School

1125 Buchanan Street

Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School 3100 Park Road Charlotte Catholic High School 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road

FUNERAL HOME &

Assuring Absolute Integrity

CREMATION SERVICE For more information, call the Admissions Office at

(704) 370-3273

1401 Patron Ave. Asheville,

(828) 252-3535

72 long Shoals Road Arden,

(828) 687-3530

Asheville's Catholic Funeral Directors

Dale Groce

•

John Prock

Toll-free (888)

874-3535

Pre-arrangements and obituaries on-line at www.grocefuneralhome.com

February 18, 2000

10 The Catholic News & Herald

Readings

Book Review

character appeal Patterson's latest, but Plot,

in little

Word to Life

else

Corinthians 1:18-22 3) Gospel: Mark 2:1-12 2) 2

was murdered

—

Catholic

However, once you get past the character of Alex Cross, there a clever one.

not much left to be positive about if you discount the fact that reading the is

book doesn't consume an undue amount of time. "Pop Goes the Weasel" is Patterson's 12th

—

worst

— and

possibly his

book. At least

hope he

hasn't written anything worse than this because "Pop Goes the Weasel" is poorly written and poorly developed. The dialogue is trite, descriptive passages are isolated and barren, the

style

woeful, characterizations are

perfunctory, inconsistent behavior is almost pandemic and events, as often as not, defy

our sense of the rightness

of things. Is there, for instance, a

court any-

where that would permit a clown to be called under one name but testify allow a defendant to make speeches in lieu of in full regalia as Silly Billy, or

answering questions: Has television so corrupted our sense of the real that

are able to give credence to such

silliness?

for the plot,

CNS

Photo

"The Four Horsemen" (think in terms of "Dungeons and Dragons" with the victims being unsuspecting real people), played by British agents, some retired and yearning for the excitement of being assassins again, with the play of each being dictated by a roll of the dice. Death, the chief player (others are Conqueror, War and Famine), is in reality Geoffrey Shafer, a psychotic now working out of the British Embassy in Washington. The head of a family he loathes, Shafer is the Weasel of the title. This is not giving anything away because Shafer/Death is identified by Patterson right at the start when he

unencumbered by

Mark

or Insurance

Save money on diabetic supplies!

on the loose

game

child

was not only entering the

gingerly walked to the car in he had no shoes. The cold

his socks;

brutal, but we hardly noticed. I'll never forget the ride home that day.

was

We laughed, we wept. The floodgates of pent-up emotion burst open. In the >midst of laughing and crying, the story of Jesus telling a

man

to take up his bed and walk

filled

mind.

were

living a

knew Jesus go home and re-

variation of the story. I

was

telling us to

He was saying enjoy the beauty and the gift of the ordinary the gift of life.

joice.

first

—

grade, but also a world of pain, limitations and ever-curious stares.

Our original physician had preMark would be in his brace

Question: Do you take time to thank God for the ordinary goodness of life, for the gifts of walking, seeing and

dicted

18 months. Four and one-half years had elapsed, almost half a lifetime for a child of 11, before we for

hearing?

Washington, the

a prostitute.

So this is not a whodunit because we immediately know who done it. Rather, it is a prolonged chase with the question being whether Death will be brought to justice before Washington is depopulated. Well, he is. Or he isn't. Or is he? Aye, there's the rub, as an old English hand at crime-and-punishment writing once put it in a quite different life-anddeath context.

See

Weekly Scripture

POP GOES THE WEASEL, page 15

Readings for the week of Feb. 20 - 26, 2000 Sunday (Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time), Isaiah 43:18-19,

Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm Sat. 9:30am-3:00pm

Carolina Catholic

You can

express your commitment to your Church by making a bequest to the Diocese

of Charlotte or to your parish. Simply have the following statement included in your will: "I

leave to the

Roman

Catholic Diocese of Charlotte (or

percentofthe residue of my estate)

t Special Gifts

Remember "A valid Will stands as

a continuing

expression of our concern for loved ones,

t Religious Articles

as well as an ongoing commitment

t Cards

Fax (704) 334-3313 4410-F Monroe Road, Charlotte,

for its religious,

In Yours.

Bookshoppe

Church and the community

which

to the

we live.

Bishop William G. Curlin

For more information on how

We welcome mail orders and special orders!

21-22, 24-

Mark 2:1-12; Monday (St. Peter Damian), James Peter 5:1-4, 3:13-18, Mark 9:14-29; Tuesday (Chair of St.Peter, Apostle), Matthew 16:13-19; Wednesday (St. Polycarp), James 4:13-17, Mark 9:38-40; Thursday, James 5:1-6, Mark 9:41-50; Friday, James 5:9-12, Mark 10:1-12; Saturday, James 5:13-20, Mark 10:13-16 . 25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22,

make a

Will that

works, contact Cindy Rice, Director of Planned Giving, (704) 370-3320, at the Diocese of Charlotte, i

Diabetic National Service

a subtle smile the

Peppered by blowing snow,

rambunctious

fearless,

With

almost without

doctor turned to Mark and said, "Son, I think you're ready to walk out of here today!" Neither of us moved for a moment. Final instructions are a blur. I remember our laughter. I remember our saying "Thank you."

his foot-to-hip leg

on," then slashes the throat of

704-342-2878

1-800-337-4144

breathing.

not be utterly disappointed this time if the answer to our hopes and prayers was once again "not yet." The summer before Mark entered the first grade he had begun to experience excruciating pain in one leg and hip. An X-ray revealed a serious, progressive and painful deterioration of the head of the femur.

in silence,

notifies his fellow players that "death

Attention

Medicare

watched

(or

with

week

story this

about Jesus healing a crippled man whose determined friends lower him through the roof. I can no longer read this story without remembering the day I picked up my son Mark at school for his regular appointment with his orthopedic physician. Our fondest dream was of the day when a doctor would say Mark could walk out of his office in freedom, brace and built-up shoe. During our drive we assured each other we would

revolves around

an ongoing murderous fantasy game,

News Service

The Gospel

al-

fact that, at its core, the plot device

distracted ourselves with wishes for a possible snow day. When the doctor came in he flipped the film up for us to see.

By BEVERLY CORZINE

though why

he would want to give boxing lessons to his daughter is beyond me. I mention all this out of a compulsion to say something positive about "Pop Goes the Weasel" other than the

as more snowflakes swirled past the window. While the X-rays were being developed, we

watched

Psalm 41:2-5, 13-14

—

his wife

were seated

24b-25

Isaiah 43:18-19, 21-22,

—

when

in the crowded warmth of the waiting room on a snowy December afternoon. In the examining room we

February 20, Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B Readings:

By JOSEPH R. THOMAS Catholic News Service Although he impregnates his girlfriend in a moment of mutual exuberdemonstrating anew that sex ance sometimes has untoward consesenior homicide detective quences Alex Cross, the creation of the bestselling author James Patterson, again comes across as an appealing character in his latest foray against crime in Washington, D.C., the main setting for "Pop Goes the Weasel" (Little, Brown and Co., $26.95). A caring 41 -year-old former psychologist who, despite his age, "looks like a young Muhammad Ali," Cross calms crying babies, volunteers weekly at a parish soup kitchen, takes bus loads of inner-city boys to visit their imprisoned dads, and dotes on his own two children, left motherless

1123 South Church

Street. Charlotte.

NC 28203-

parish, city) the

sum of$

educational and charitable works."

God's Will

— February 18, 2000

The Catholic News & Herald 11

fntertainment

Destination Spring! February 26

Come

March

celebrate 40 years

of excellence with an unforgettable

festival

of spring!

CNS

Tigger enjoys time with his young feature "The Tigger Movie." Stroll

through dozens of magnificent

gardens and thousands

of fragrant

"Tigger" By

flowers.

ANNE NAVARRO

London Beefeaters

wil

—

ors and artfully crafted animation as their adventure leads them through

the Hundred Acre Wood and to the discovery of the meaning of family.

to find his family in the musically

be here.

animated

feature,

"The

Tigger

Movie" (Disney). Despite having great friends, Tigger (voice of Jim Cummings) begins to realize that being the one and only can sometimes be lonely. Young Roo, his springy kangaroo friend

Enjoy Disney

(voice of Nikita Hopkins),

Topiary from

derful bouncing partner, but

the Epcot

"The Tigger Movie"

The

is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is — general audiences.

won-

family.

Soon the ever-exuberant

Flower and

—

Tigger springs into action

Garden

"The Tigger Movie"

to search

cal creative best

Winnie the Pooh

latest

(voice of Jim Roo, Piglet (voice of John Fiedler), Rabbit (voice of Ken Sansom) and the rest of the gang decide to raise Tigger's spirits by dressing up and pretending to be his tiger

decorating

family.

R Gather the

also),

new

ideas

But when Tigger discovers the becomes more determined

than ever to find his real family. The spirit of A.A. Milne's characters remains intact as a heartwarming story of love and friendship is told in the first original Pooh feature ever

from a dozen

designer

tunes for the film that will surely

have young ones singing. "The Tigger Movie" will surely have children bouncing while older ones will enjoy its clever and tender story.

truth, he

whimsi-

Mother," Van Gogh's "Self Portrait" and even the "Brady Bunch" squares. Acclaimed Disney songwriters Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman ("Mary Poppins" and "The Jungle Book") have written six catchy

family. Seeing their dear friend disap-

Cummings

at its

family are portrayed in famous portraits such as "Whistler's

After looking high and low, Tigger has not found any sign of his pointed,

when Tigger's

members

for his "gigantical" family tree.

Festival.

H| ill

U.S. Catholic Conference

classification

Tigger

wonders

directed by Jun Falkenstein,

there are other tigers out there just like him his own tigger

Internationa

WW III

photo from Disney

from the animated

created for the big- screen. Milne's lovable creatures leap out with vivid col-

News Service YORK (CNS) Tigger, Winnie the Pooh's bouncing tiger friend, sets off for fun and adventure

NEW

The Tower

in a scene

fun, musical adventure

Catholic

Her Majesty's Royal Guards and

Roo,

pal,

Navarro is on the staff of the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting.

rooms.

It's all

at the

Carolina Volkswagen

South s premier flower, garden,

indoor and outdoor living show!

6625 E. Independence Charlotte Merchandise Mart

2500

(704) 537-2336

independence Blvd.

Charlotte,

Tuesday thru Saturday: 10 am to 9 pm Sunday and Monday: 10 am to 6 pm

Biggest Selection

$9 at the door advance & under free with adult, excluding groups

Adults:

$7 12

•

Blvd., Charlotte (800) 489-2336

"Nothing Could Be Finer'

Support^ Sponsors:

©bellsouth

Prices

Drivers wanted.

Information: 800-849-0248

Lowest

S*9W« l»n SJptJtx

^ |^

r cewMtcti.KO

Members ofSt. Gabriel

Grtnaci* Outran

Garden >T

'C^<<«

# 1 Volkswagen Dealer in Charlotte and all the Carolinas for customer sales and service satisfaction! C'mon in and see why!

12 The Catholic News & Herald

Editorials

Justice

The Pope

humanity's path toward God, pope says By CINDY

VATICAN

shall return

—

It is is

not

the path

said.

in the Old Testament, it was clear acted in history for the benefit of the people he created and chose, Pope John Paul II said Feb. 9 at his weekly general audience.

Already

God

God's actions on behalf of the people of

them from slavery and leading them to the Promised Land, proved that "the Lord is not an impassive emperor crowned with a halo of light and relIsrael, especially freeing

egated to a golden sky," the pope

God

a father

who

all

said.

acts in history with

men and women, he

When God

you

as a pledge,

before sunset, for this cloak

his

often difficult to

make

this transition

from

an early society of mainly personal relationships and individual acts of justice to our more structured, complex and organized society of today. Herein lies the value of the distinction between person-to-person justice in a simpler time and the virtue of "social justice" in our time. The act of social justice today is the virtue of organizing or re-organizing systems or institutions with the goal of advancing the common good that is, the commonweal or common good within the network and moral reach of organizations, of

—

civic

life,

—

said.

Son became part of human history he underlined history's meaning as the path toward eternity with God, the pope said. Often it is difficult to see God at work in history and to realize that "the kingdom of

The Bottom

the

Line

is already in our midst," he said. With the help of the Holy Spirit, people can understand

God

meaning of history and receive the

the

strength they need to cooperate in building the

ANTOINETTE BOSCO

kingdom. "In the light of the Father,

Son and

CNS

seeds of eternity, a path which leads to that sublime goal where 'God will be all in all,'" the

pope

said.

Outgoing emissary to Russia says pope-patriarch meeting unlikely MOSCOW (CNS) Hope for a meeting

—

between the'pope and the leader of the world's largest Orthodox church is no greater today than it was five years ago, said the Vatican's departing emissary in Russia. Archbishop John Bukovsky, the papal nuncio who was to retire Feb. 14 after a five-year stint in

believes a meeting of the

two

Moscow,

spiritual leaders

could do much to ease tensions between the Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches in the former Soviet Union. "Such a meeting would give a terrific impulse to the resolution of problems. The Holy Father is ready to- go tomorrow to meet the patriarch," said Archbishop Bukovsky, a 76-year-old U.S. citizen. "But the Russians would like to see the problems resolved first."

Columnist

Spirit,

history ceases being a succession of events which dissolve into the abyss of death and instead becomes ground fertilized with the

Peace

DR.

BARNEY OFFERMAN Guest Columnist

nent. Because there are usually

the road to justice,

you

final victories

will often not see the fruits of

your handiwork or witness the gratitude of a people helped or empowered. Social justice can be called the public forum of love. It reaches beyond personal relationships and the familiarity of friends and associates who would be there to thank us and even reward our efforts. Acts of social justice may involve:

— —

a just law or a

more morally

responsible budget;

a public or private policy of including people

the shaping of their own lives and screening into (instead of out of) participation and op-

them

portunity in the workings of society;

— —

working

for solidarity

and just relations

within our community and our neighborhoods; the priority of a living family wage in our work

or in the overall society.

Justice is often thought of, then, as merely giving a cold, arm's-length person what is their due no more, no virtue of being fair in our dealings less. But it is much more than that, and it is warmed by a movement of the heart as well as the mind. The act of social justice can mean that you care deeply about the people whom you may not know or ever meet. They may well live in a future generation. They may live in a distant country or contia

tenderness and attentiveness to those who call upon him, he said. "God the Father is not in any way indifferent to the things that happen to us," Pope John Paul said. "The depth of God's love was fully revealed" when he sent Jesus into the world to save

only covering for his body." (Ex 22: 24)

humanity travels toward God, Pope John Paul

that

—

Justice

constantly calling

you take your neighbor's cloak

WOODEN

News Service History CITY (CNS)

a meaningless series of events, but

God

faithfulness to the His people back to fidelity original covenant that God struck with the chosen people and the call to fairness and equity in dealings among the people. This biblical justice is expressed eloquently in Exodus: "You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt. You shall not wrong any widow or orphan. If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry." (Ex 22: 20-22) "If you lend money to one of your poor neighbors among my people, you shall not act like an extortioner by demanding interest from them. If

Catholic

Justice for Jubilee 2000 is often thought of in Old Testament

terms: of a stubbornly just

Speaks

History

February 18, 2000

& Columns

life.

removes a condition that contradicts the God-given dignity of the whether the condition is poverty, unemperson successful act of social justice

—

ployment, lack of affordable housing, discrimination, educational deficiency, or an unfair or inadequate health delivery system. In removing the dependency that often accompanies these social or economic conditions, social justice enables people to

See JUBILEE JUSTICE, page

believe grandparents can look at their child's child

and not be overwhelmed with the wonderful mystery of life renewed. This is why I feel it is a tragedy that the question of contact between grandparents and their grandchildren has now become a matter of law over love. How sad when parents and grown children can't get along or when in-laws get cut out of the lives of their grandchildren, nieces and nephews because of a bitter divorce. How pathetic when the with children the hostility and power plays lead to virtual hate and then pawns in the action to the courts for a decision with clout for the winner.

—

I can't find any winners when become contenders. Everybody loses. Espe-

The winner? Grandparents' rights: Law over love? The U.S. Supreme Court has been handed a proverbial can of worms this season, and I gather the members will be engaged for quite a while in juggling questions and opinions. What's the furor all about? Grandparents' rights. What I would call sacred matters have entered the arena of law. The bottom-line judgment will rest on how the Supreme Court justices view the current laws allowing grandparents and other relatives to seek visitation rights after divorce or some other disruptive circumstance. All 50 states have such laws. The justices are expected to make a decision by June. This matter really hits home for the 60 million Americans who are grandparents. That number includes six of the Supreme Court's nine justices. must pray that these august professionals will wisely balance parental rights with grandparents' rights, since it appears this issue is now to be settled by law and not by loving hearts. That's the problem I see. Look what we're talking about from the grandparents' perspective: our bloodlines; our descendants; our legacy to the future world; our love made flesh again through the children we brought into the world who now have given birth to their children. All of this also is the proof of our incredible destiny: to be co-creators with the Lord. I don't

families

cially the children. I may be accused at this point of being naive, not acknowledging that some grandparents may be miserable people who shouldn't be around their grandchildren. I believe they could still have visits, quietly supervised by the parents, without the intervention of the courts. This, I believe, would be "i the best interests of the children," who have th right to know who they came from. If interference with child-rearing is the problem, parents should be able to control that withou cutting the grandparents out of the child's life. Even miserable people can be loving when it comes to their grandchildren. I've seen that a few times! Before I started writing this, I called my sister Rosemary to ask how she felt about having courts decide the matter of grandparents' visitation rights. Between us we have 29 grandchildren and nothing agreed on one but joyful times to remember. thing totally: It is a tragedy when families develop such hostilities that they cut one another off. need more love in this world, and the seedbed for growing love should be our families. Courts may be able to make decisions, but there's no way to legislate what's really needed when it comes to families: loving relationships.

February 18, 2000

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Editorials & Columns

Light

His concern focused on the question as to whether the American people were capable of ruling themselves. Repulsed by the spectacle of factionalism and party politics, he urged his fellow citizens

One

Candle

From the

shape a common opinion that transcends selfinterested differences that divide" the nation. "to

FATHER THOMAS

McSWEENEY Guest Columnist

George Washington's "Happy Nation" The foremost name in the history of the United George Washington. For generation after generation, Washington has stayed a constant, not merely the hero of the AmeriStates will always be that of

can Revolution and the father of a new nation, but also the man who defined our national character. At a time when so many citizens, particularly the young, have grown weary, if not cynical, of those associated with the government and public service, Washington remains a guiding beacon. Washington's sense of character is best expressed in his Farewell Address of 1796. At the age of 64 and after 45 years of public service, he declined to run again as a candidate for the presidency. Rather than limit his announcement to a speech before Congress and government officials, he wrote it specifically for publication and distribution through newspapers in the hopes of reaching the American people directly. His Farewell is regarded as his most famous written work. Washington singled out the "increasing weight of years" as his reason for retirement, then added, "Here, perhaps, I ought to stop." But he went on, explaining that the occasion gave him the opportunity "to recommend to your frequent review some sentiments which are the result of much reflection."

What

Ten is

to be more resolute about weaving moral and spiritual fiber into the fabric of our democracy. This year, our national election provides yet another chance to express fidelity to our principles.

could do no better than to consider a 1783 message

from Washington which reminds us that each of us has a responsibility to God and neighbor to endow our country with good character, starting with our own: "I

now make

earnest prayer, that

God

would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and [peace-makingj temper of mind, which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these

can never hope to be a happy Nation." Rather than saying it's impossible, we could

things,

just start by saying a prayer.

Then we need only

meet our own high standards and our country for the better.

change ourselves

Question

Commandments? like

many

others today, I under-

Corner

having a major controversy about placing the

Ten Commandments is

Washington urges us

the "right order" of the

Q. Our community, stand,

To do this, Washington stressed the need to strengthen the connection between morality and public happiness: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. Morality cannot be maintained without religion." Here was someone who looked through the confusion of the moment and seeing the ethical issues involved, gave voice to them. For him, the only way to sustain good government is by making individual citizens aware of their moral obligation to create the conditions for "decent politics." For those of us determined to restore character to our national life, the wisdom of George

in a local park.

One of the

objections

that people, religious groups in particular, cannot even

how the Ten Commandments should read. I'm wondering, when did the fourth commandment become the fifth commandment, as it is on a card I obtainedfrom a religious goods store? One priest told me agree on

it is

list

two

Deuteronomy

5:6-21.

And

there are differences.

major basics they are the same, of course, although some variations are noteworthy and perhaps reveal some information about the time in which each was written. In Exodus, for example, in one commandment, a man's wife is listed as simply one of his possessions. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, it says, "nor his ox or ass or anything else that beIn

all

longs to him." In

Deuteronomy, however, which reflects a Hebraic culture, the prohibition

FATHER JOHN DIETZEN

CNS

Columnist

Other divergences can result, naturally, from though these should not affect the numbering or the meaning. It is not entirely accurate to name this a Catholic-Protestant problem. Following St. Augustine, some Jewish traditions and many fathers of the Western church, Latin-Rite Catholics and differences in translation,

Lutherans normally use the enumeration in Deuteronomy. St. Jerome and the Greek fathers, however, preferred the enumeration in Exodus. Protestants other than Lutheran have generally adopted that organization of the commandments.

later time of

against coveting a neighbor's wife is put first and is an entirely separate commandment from the prohibition about the rest of his household. This also in part may explain the difference in

numbering. Exodus combines the list, but seems to divide the

other

ment

into two.

last first

two of the

command-

The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord "He presented Himself alive to them He had suffered, appearing

proofs after

many

them duringforty days and speaking about the Kingdom of God. ... As they were looking on, He was lifted up,

and a cloud

took

Him from their sight. " (Acts

3-9)

'or centuries, the celebration of holy

f:days

of obligation has been a part of and worship. These feasts call us from our very busy lives to pause in celebration of major occasions in the life of the church, and they invite us to rejoice as a community of Catholic

life

faith.

Sacrifice

may

be required to attend

Mass

on some holy days. Indeed, sacrifice is part of all our lives. We Catholics recognize occasions when illness or the demands of work legitimately prevent us from attending Mass on a holy day. But the holy days of the church like all of her great devotional and historical

—

observances grace fqr the

are truly teaching

faithful,

moments of

and we are obliged as

Catholics to participate joyfully in them. Some holy days focus on various mysteries of salvation history, while others commemorate specific milestones involving the life of Jesus, Mary and the saints. For example, Pentecost commemorates the birth of the church and is celebrated 50 days after Easter. The Ascension celebrates Jesus' ascent into heaven 40 days after His Resurrection. Both holy days are among the church's most solemn obser-

Last year, during our annual November in Washington, D.C., the Catholic bishops of the United States discussed the merits of transferring the solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord from a Thursday to a Sunday. Some bishops expressed confidence that transferring our observance of the Ascension to Sunday would assure that more Catholics would celebrate this great solemnity of the church. Others felt the need to continue to celebrate the solemnity on the specific day in this case, 40 days after Easter. Discussion of transferring the solemnity of the Lord's Ascension from Thursday to Sunday has long been an issue among U.S. bishops, and the topic continues to make headlines. Last August, Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston, the president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a formal decree approved by Pope John Paul II that authorized each U.S. province to transfer the solemnity of the Ascension from Thursday to the following Sunday. Two-thirds of the bishops within each province, or regional group of dioceses under an archdiocese, would have to vote in favor of the transfer in order to move the observance from Thursday to Sun-

meeting

of the commandments?

A. The confusion arises from the fact that there lists of the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament, one in Exodus 20:1-17, the other in are

BISHOP WILLIAM G. CURLIN

vances.

a Catholic-Protestant problem. Is that true? Is there

a "right"

Bishop

free brochure answering questions Catholics ask about ecumenism, intercommunion and other ways of

sharing with people of other faiths, is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen,

Box

Questions

325, Peoria,

may

IL 61651.

be sent to

Father Dietzen at the same

address, or e-mail: jjdietzen@aol.com.

—

day.

My brother bishops within the Province of Atlanta which includes the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the dioceses of Charlotte, Charleston, Raleigh and Savannah decided to keep

—

welcome your letters and comments. Send your Letters to the Editor to Joann S. Keane, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 or e-maiIjskeane@charlottediocese.org.

—

See

ASCENSION THURSDAY,

page

14 The Catholic News & Herald

February 18, 2000

Around the Diocese

Landings program gears up in Hickory BY ELLEN NEERINCX SIGMON

"The object

Correspondent

â€” How

HICKORY take parish

gram

members

long does

to learn a pro-

welcoming back returning

for

Catholics? If they are using Landings, it just takes two to three days. A group of St. Aloysius Church parishioners spent a Friday evening and a Saturday learning the program, and conducted their first session with returnees the following Wednesday, Feb. 9. "We had such a good response with very limited advertisement," said Father Ed Sheridan, pastor at St.

Aloysius.

think that

it's

a great

move

We need to have it in every This is a non-pressure program, and I think it will help a lot of people. We need to reach out to them, show them that we're concerned about them, and make them feel at home." Bobbie May and her husband, Rev. Mr. Hugo May, were two of the parishioners participating in the training program. "I've worked in a lot of programs," said Mrs. May. "This, to me, was an easy, welcoming thing. My husband and I both felt it was an evening well spent. It invigorated and encouraged me to see how

forward. parish.

people responded."

Tom Vallie, a parishioner at Sacred Heart Church in Brevard and one of the people who trained the parishioners at St. Aloysius, said that was just the point. "You can go into this thing after a brief training," he said. "Once a parish is trained, they are pretty well on their own to go ahead with it."

Classified

Choir Director, Part-time: St. Barnabas Catholic Parish in beautiful western North Carolina (680+ families) is seeking a practicing Catholic to direct our music program. Applicant to have: experience in liturgical music and a working knowledge of Church documents on liturgy and organ and piano; skills music; keyboard skills

â€”

choir directing.

field

college degree in liturgy, preferred. Responsibilities

working with pastor, staff and liturgy commission; fostering parishioner participation; coordinating music and volunteer musicians for all liturgical services, primarily for our three Masses each Sunday and Holy Day; directing the adult and youth choirs; working with cantors and musicians; collaborating with an independent folk group. Salary: $10,000 - $12,000 range include:

plus

some

benefits.

Call

Mary Ann Demelfy

(828)684-6098 or write to the address below for a job description. Send resume and references to: Search Committee, c/o Fr. Roger Arnsparger, St. Barnabas Catholic Parish, P. O. Box 38, Arden, NC 28740.

Director of Development: The Diocesan Office of Development has an opening for a full-time director of development for the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. The candidate must be a college graduate with a degree in marketing, communications or related field. Appropriate experience in fund raising and marketing may be substituted for education. Must have ability to use computer software. Responsibilities include

managing the annual giving campaign, handling all

aspects of production of newsletters and an-

nual reports, and serving as liaison to regional

March 1, 2000 Jim Kelley, Office of Development, 123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203-4003. boards. Please submit resume by to

tell

their

tator to teach people in other parishes

how

run the program. said that about 15 parishes in

the diocese have been trained to use the

program so

far, and that Father Jac Campbell, the founder of the program, and Joan Horn, the Landings National Coordinator, trained about 12 of those parishes themselves in 1995.

According to

its

web

site,

Land-

harbor or landing place for returning Catholics to explore their faith and their future with the Church." In this Paulist program of ings

"a safe

reconciliation, a

group of six to eight two or three re-

active Catholics joins

turning Catholics to welcome them back into the Church. The program consists of a two-hour meeting each week for eight to 10 weeks. At the end of the series of meetings, the group goes on a retreat together to focus on reconciliation. At this point, those who still wish to return to the Church are welcomed back as full participants in the Church family.

"Experience with Landings shows that those who return, some-

Photo by Ellen Neerincx Sigmon

Bonnie Tamrack, a parishioner of St. Aloysius church and a Landings facilitator, talks about an item she she placed on the prayer table. The table is set up at each landings meeting, and those assigned with the prayer service or telling their faith story bring items significant to their faith liyes. said Vallie.

"They have the

faith writ-

ioners could run the meeting.

ten on their hearts.... Many only needed a simple invitation to start the trip back home to the Church." One important feature of the program is that lay people, volunteers from the congregation, run it almost entirely by themselves, with minimal involvement of church staff and clergy. Although Father Sheridan

"The parish is so excited that they can participate in bringing people back to God and the Church," said Bonnie Tamrack, a St. Aloysius parishioner working with the group. "We're very excited about the participation from both the people in our parish and the people coming back." She said that the parish had so

participated in the training and in the

many

times after 25-plus years away, discover that they have never stopped thinking of themselves as Catholic,"

Director of Faith Formation: Growing 450-family

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

that people

"We're not telling them what they need to know. When you come to a Landings meeting, you know you are being listened to, because you are being responded to." Vallie has worked with 1 1 different Landings groups at Sacred Heart, and in 1995 became the first person in the diocese to be certified as a facili-

NC,

seeking a full-time Director of Faith Formation. Responsible for directing pre-K through high school faith formation process and oversight of RCIA process and adult formation. Includes oversight of volunteer coordinators of formation processes for baptism, reconciliation, eucharist, RCIA, and adult Bible Study. Also includes collaboration with parish Faith Formation

parish in Raleigh,

music or related

story," said Vallie.

first

people interested in returning

meeting of the group, he stayed background so that the parish-

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

in the

Classified

ads bring results! Over 105,000 readers! Over 42,000 homes!

Rates: $.50/word per issue ($1 0 minimum per issue)

Deadline:

2 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication date

How to order: Ads may be faxed to

(704) 370-3382 or mailed

The Catholic News & Herald, 1 123 Payment: Ads may be pre-paid or billed. For

Cindi Feerick,

Church

St.,

to:

Charlotte,

NC 28203.

information, call (704) 370-3332.

Council. Strong people and communication skills a must, especially with middle and high school level youth. M.A. in religious education or theol-

ogy, or equivalent education and experience required. Salary mid-30s, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Also diocesan benefits packages. Send resume and references to: Search Committee, St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 12333 Bayleaf Church Rd., Raleigh, NC

Search Committee. P.O. Box 510, Kitty Hawk,

27949-0510.

Youth and implement comprehensive youth ministry as described in "Renewing the Vision." Candidate should have prior ministry experience, and be able to work collaboratively with staff and members of parish community. Background in Theology, Christian Formation, and/or certification in youth ministry is desired. Please contact Rev. Bernard Campbell, CSP, P.O. Box 112, Clemson, SC 29633 or (864)654-1757. seeking

Office Manager: Charlotte residential cleaning company. Monday through Friday. 40 hours per week. Bi-lingual a plus but not necessary. Salary negotiable. 2 weeks paid vacation. Call (704) 904-8326.

27614.

Principal: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic School, Rocky Mount, NC (Grades PK-5)

Charlotte area. Monday through Friday days. 9-30 hours per week. $12 per hour. Maid in Heaven. (704)643-5545.

seeks a principal for the 2000-2001 school year. Applicant must be practicing Catholic, hold

House Cleaners:

parish (including one Hispanic) Catholic community of 1800 families in a university setting is

teacher certification and principal's license (or in must establish residence in

full-time Director of

Young Adult Ministry

progress). Principal

Infant Care Provider: South Charlotte. Excellent pay and flexible hours for warm and loving person who can help out busy mom with infant. Nonsmoker and references required. Please call Judy at (704) 553-8136.

Music Minister: Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Community in the coastal area of the Outer Banks,

seeking an energetic, motivated, spiritual individual to develop a music program for a growing faith community. Candidate should be a practicing Catholic. Responsibilities will include: Choir Director, development of cantors, weekend liturgies, weddings, funerals, etc. Knowledge of organ, piano, and other instruments. Ability to work with children helpful. Salary negotiable with benefits package. Position available summer of 2000. Application deadline March 1, 2000. Send resume to: Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish, Att: Very Rev. Michael Butler, V.F., Pastor, Music Minister is

Rocky Mount. Send resume to: Search Committee, 331 Hammond Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Youth/Young Adult Minister: Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Community in the coastal area of the Outer Banks, NC is seeking an energetic, motivated, spiritual individual to cultivate and implefor a growing faith community. Candidate should be a practicing Catholic and possess a B.A. in Theology, Youth Ministry, or related field. Spanish as a second language and musical ability helpful. Salary negotiable with benefits package. Position available summer of 2000. Application deadline March 1, 2000. Send resume to: Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish, Att: Very Rev. Michael Butler, V.F. Pastor, Youth Minister Search Committee. P.O. Box 510, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949-0510.

ment programs

REAL ESTATE

Friendship Glen: Beautiful new high quality homes/homesites. Northeast Guilford County. Large lots. Please pass the word along to those moving to (or in) the Greensboro, Reidsville, Burlington areas. Philippe

Director:

tri-

Thank

you. Call for brochure.

owner/broker (336)272-1011.

PRAYERS & INTENTIONS

Thank

you,

St.

Jude, for prayers answered. S.C.

Special thanks to our Blessed

Jesus for

Youth/Young Adult Ministry

White

all

Mother Mary and

the answered prayers and favors

granted. C.E.A.W.

February 18, 2000

The Catholic News & Herald 15

Around the Diocese sion by the group.

Landings, con't.

Diocesan teachers and principal

Each week new people volunteer do these three parts of the meeting, so that each person in the group has a chance to do each part during the eight to 10 sessions. A Landings participant manual is given to each person to guide him or her in preparing to

that they will be probably have to form two separate groups in the coming weeks. "People are really hungry for the connectedness

God and level,"

...

for

God on

loving

knowing

an intimate

she said.

Each meeting follows

been. Following that are "angel cards," which are small cards printed with one word

Telling faith stories is central to the program, because it gives those desiring to return a chance to say

a similar

what

" Experience

with

those

who

sometimes

joy, power, simplicity,

Penny Atkinson, parishioner

discover that they have

forgiveness, gratitude

Therese

and obedience. Each

never stopped thinking

person takes a card at random, and then tells the group what that word suggests to him

of themselves as Catholic."

— Tom

Vallie

St.

feel

known

Pop Goes the Weasel, "Pop Goes

is not to linger over such questions as "How could this

killed

rational thing to

anyway), someone else is

"a lone wolf,"

and Death "flies as high as a kite" when on drugs, just to cite some of the more banal phrases the reader encounters.

At one tells

—

Judith Maskie Akins St. Ann School in Charlotte, Emily Dunning St. Gabriel School in Charlotte,

—

Helen A. Rassmussen School

—

Leo

St.

Winston-Salem. The principal nominee was Gerald S. Healy from Holy Trinity Middle School in Charlotte. Lorraine Malphurs from St. Pius X School in Greensboro is one of teachers from the South Atlantic in

NCEA Distinguished Teacher Award. She will receive her award at the NCEA Convention in Baltimore in April. States region to earn the

Our Lady of

All of the teachers and Healy were recognized and honored for their

in Greensboro, Sister Joseph Mary Willmanns Our Lady of Mercy School in Win-

achievements during the liturgy at the religion in-service day at St. Gabriel School in Charlotte on Feb. 11. t

—

Grace School

—

St.

Ascension Thursday, the solemnity of the Ascension on

Our

faith

lives,

day

one of those times

of getting "an emergency

call that

blew off the top of my head." Arriving

—

from time to time

which,

we should come together as a worshipping community not just

—

out of obligation, but with a true sense of thankfulness for what God has done in our lives. Celebrating the great mysteries

make

one very important way we increase our reverence for Jesus and His church. I am convinced that our continued practice of celebrating Ascension Thursday will be a blessing for each of us and our diocese. is

Justice, from page 12 claim and live the dignity inherent in being a creature of God. Justice is foundational to the virtue of charity. Charity responds to and treats break-

nightmare scene," he "moved forward as if floating in a very bad dream." Death seemingly had attempted suicide. "My mind," Cross confides, "was unhinged." So was mine, t at "the

Thomas, retired editor point, Cross, as narrator,

the

— even

permeates every day and Ascension Thurs-

of our

from page 13 of our faith by taking part church's holy observances with the sacrifices we must

Thursday.

from page 10

prize catch," another

proceed from A and B?", because this is the kind of story where one person can look another in the eye and somehow know what size shoe he wears. This is also the kind of a story where "eyes go cold and hard," a

"Does

Thompson

in Salisbury,

particular cop is "smart and tough and could go all the way" (but gets

the Weasel"

—

Marlene Mode

each other all our lives." "I think that this program is very much needed," she added, "not just in our parish, but in the whole diocese." t

introduces a topic about one aspect of the Church for discus-

this

"They were open. They didn't threatened. It seemed like we'd

which members of the group are invited to tell briefly what touched them about the story. A third

"Is

—

ston-Salem, John Michael

— Sacred Heart School

ask participants to say

ber of the group tells his or her faith

trick in reading

School in Hendersonville, Julie H. Crover Immaculate Heart of Mary School High Point, Helen Horn Our Lady of Assumption School in Charlotte, Betty Saunders and

May talked about how the session went at St. Aloysius. "The people responded so well," she

member then

— —

Immaculata

Mrs.

story, after

The

Carole A. Bell Trinity Middle School in Charlotte, Patricia Formichella

first

said.

in Charlotte,

— Holy

while they are telling their stories. "Encourage people not to go beyond their comfort zone," she said. "You want people to heal, not be wounded."

group," said Vallie. After this introduction, a member of the group conducts a 10-minute prayer service. Then, another mem-

do?",

Church

more than they want

"By beginning to relate feelings about a little card with an angel and a word, the Landings group members begin to relax about speaking in a

—

Mooresville and the other trainer of the group at St. Aloysius, advised the group not to

or her.

be?",

School

said Vallie.

plus years away,

the cards are strength,

the parishioners in the

what's in their heart,"

after 25-

el-

The teacher nominees were: Maureen Nicholls All Saints

and a chance

group. "This may be the first time they've ever spoken about

return,

Several

to hear the stories of

their minds,

Landings shows that

corresponding picture of an angel. Some of the words on a

—

CHARLOTTE

ementary teachers and a principal from the diocese were nominated for the 1999-2000 National Catholic Educators Association (NCEA) Distinguished Teacher and Principal Award.

for each part of the meeting.

format. First, each person in the group briefly tells how he or she is feeling or how his or her week has

and

recognized for scholastic excellence

in chief

The Christophers and a former esan newspaper editor,

downs

in society, often on an individual basis; social justice coalesces

people to organize and change the more basic condition or causes of the

breakdowns.

dioc-

a frequent

Dr. Offerman

reviewer of books.

Catholic

diocesan director

Campaign for

Human

of tlie

Development.

PRINCIPAL

[MqdhlarCqre

Catholic Secondary School Charlotte Catholic High School, a 9th through enrolls

Specialists in

Custom Modular Buildings

meet

your growing and changing needs

a Schools m Institutions a Daycares

Turn-key

and Professional

Solutions

m Churchs

900 plus students with a professional

fully

(336)

275-8274

E-mail:

Daniel Murray, President St.

Puis

educational administration, supervision, education or a related field and be

eligible for certification as

a secondary principal

Banks

m Medical Facilities

must have teaching and administrative experience in the

Excellent benefits. Salary negotiable depending

experience. Position

references,

available beginning the

www.modwlarcorp.com

pan

qualifications

2000-2001 school

and year.

list

and salary expectations by March 10 to: Dr.

Web site!

of a regional school system: Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools.

Interested persons should submit a letter of intent, resiune,

Visit our

North

secondary grades. Charlotte Catholic is located in Charlotte, NC and

Facilities

Applicant must be a practicing Catholic and have a master's degree in

m Recreational

MODULAR Member of:

96%

graduates pursuing further education.

Carolina. Applicant

X Parishioner

BUILDING INSTITUTE

of 66. Charlotte Catholic

accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

a Sales Offices

(336) 275-8649 fax

modular@greensboro.com

2th co-educational school,

Students consistently score above state and national averages with

certified

1803 East Wendover Ave., Suite E Greensboro, NC 27405

staff

Michael Skube

Superintendent ofSchools, Diocese of Charlotte

1123 South Church Street,

Charlotte,

NC 28203-4003

16 The Catholic News & Herald

February 18, 2000

Living the faith

Catholic educators tell teachers to reawaken to vision of faith By

ALESHA M. PRICE

CHARLOTTE

—

meaning "charcombined action," the that teachers must change

tern" and synergistic

Staff Writer

acteristic of a

Through

idea

ani-

from "either/ or" thinking to "both/

mated storytelling and with a focus on celebrating God's gifts, two leaders in Catholic education challenged over 500 diocesan Catholic schoolteachers to analyze their teaching methods and create innovative ways to help their students academically and spiri-

and" thinking, explained Ford. She said that children think in a "both/and" way, so teachers should try to do the same in their classrooms. Accepting differences and dealing with changes are ways in which edutually in the new millennium. cators can begin to focus on a "both/ and" way of thinking and teaching. Father Richard Fragomeni and She talked about the importance Dr. Elinor R. Ford led two discusof faith and how Catholic schools can sions for teachers from throughout use that in educating their students. the diocese on Feb. 1 1 at St. Gabriel "We have the adSchool in Charlotte. vantage of speaking The religion in-service day was part of an on"We have the advantage Christ to our young children," she said. "We going series of gatherof speaking Christ to ings sponsored by the are all part of the our young children. We Catholic eucharisting commudiocesan nity of Jesus Christ beSchools Office. are all part of the cause we are still on a During her preseneucharisting community tation, Dr. Ford asfaith journey." "If your students sumed the identity of of Jesus Christ because see you living your faith "Mosetta," while exwe are still on a faith with a great passion pressing her ideas journey." about Catholic educaand feel your love and Dr. Elinor R. Ford tion to the teachers. The concern, then you can concept she conveyed is teach them authentithat just as the faith cally, and we must give journey constantly evolves with differthem an opportunity to practice their faith," she continued. "Every teacher ent leaders along the way, so does Catholic education with its own conhas the seed of truth and faith within tinuous journey every school year. him or her, and if they put their heads "Just as Moses was shown the together, the Holy Spirit will speak Promised Land but could not enter it, and a new paradigm will be revealed." will not live to see the dream of I Mercy Sister Maureen Meehan, building up the kingdom of God director of religious formation for [^through Catholic education^)," exschools, coordinated the in-service plained Dr. Ford. day. "As in the past," she said, "mis"We cannot teach children the same sionaries have come to the Diocese of way we taught them 20 years ago," she Charlotte to give us the faith, and we stated. "We must change the paraare all called in the new millennium to digm we use for Catholic education." spread the Gospel to others." Dr. Ford repeated that mantra as The religion in-service day also feashe talked about her topic, "A Quantured Father Richard Fragomeni, assotum and Synergistic Creation." With ciate professor of liturgy and homiletics paradigm meaning "model or patat Catholic Theological Union in Chi-

—

Photo by Alesha M. Price

Mercy

Maureen Meehan, director of religious formation

Sister

for schools, takes time for this photo with Dr. Elinor R. Ford, one of the featured speakers at the religion in-service day for diocesan teachers at St. Gabriel School on Feb. 11. his latest book, "Gifts

With her home base

Sacramental Preparation Series," for teachers of sacramental preparation, he focused on the role of the sacraments in the lives of students and faculty during his talk, "The Language of God's Gifts." A priest of the Diocese of Albany, N.Y., Father Fragomeni has ministered in parish work, Christian initiation, catechetics and spiritual direction. Known for his engaging manner with his audiences, Father Fragomeni urges those he encounters in his ministry to seek a deeper union with Christ through the sacramental life. "Father Fragomeni gave us the roots of our faith, while Dr. Ford gave us the wings to fly with our faith," said Sister Maureen. "They came with a concept of taking ownership of our

N.C., near Asheville, Dr.

cago,

111.

Using

for a Lifetime:

faith at the deepest level of the heart."

in its class. Find out

thrill

why.

Come

for

ride today.

new

cars.

to the

all

From the

new

incredible

Jetta IV

generation of Audi,

New

South

Beetle,

and luxurious new

we have

John Diederich, Owner

the right car for

your pocketbook...and your

Member

lifestyle.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with our more than 105,000 readers!

SENIORS FAMILIES

•DECISIONMAKERS

For low rates and more information, Cindi Feerick at (704) 370-3332

call

The

Saint Gabriel Parish

800.426.5347 7401 South Boulevard Charlotte 704.552.6500 jtfww.vwsouth.com www.audisouth.com

Contact Staff Writer Alesha

Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or email amprice@charlottediocese.org.

April

•

Volkswagen - Audi

Retirement and Senior Living

• Honest pricing, honest financing, and honest service on Europe's most exciting

the school's band director,

in an exclusive

One You're Gonna Want One! best

University in Connecticut. Father Richard also served as the celebrant and homilist for a liturgy, featuring David Anderson as the music director. Anderson is an Illinois parish director of music and liturgy and workshop coordinator of GIA Publications •Inc. in Chicago. The day began with the "Our Sisters of Mercy Overture" performed by the Holy Trinity Middle School Band. The overture was composed and directed by Alan Kaufman,

Showcase your company

Drive

Volkswagen and Audi. ..the only car companies to have every model named

This year she will be teaching at Seton Hall University and Sacred Heart

SPECIAL ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY

We Warn You: If You

all

in Fairview,

Ford travels over giving seminars and talks.

NEWS

HERALD

2000