Jan. 9, 2026

January 9, 2026

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Message of the Jubilee Year continues El mensaje del Año Jubilar continúa

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At a glance 2

catholicnewsherald.com | January 9, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CATHOLIC ALL WEEK

JANUARY 9, 2026

Timely tips for blending faith & life

VOLUME 35 • NUMBER 7

1123 S. CHURCH ST. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@rcdoc.org

704-370-3333 PUBLISHER The Most Reverend Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., Bishop of Charlotte

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he Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope was inaugurated by Pope Francis with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Dec. 24, 2024, and concluded by his successor, Pope Leo XIV, on Jan. 6, 2026. Rooted in the Old Testament call to rest, forgiveness and renewal, the Holy Year invites pilgrims to pass through the Holy Door as a symbolic journey from sin to grace. This call to carry Christ’s love into the world should not end with the Jubilee’s close. Continue bringing hope into your life and the lives of those around you:

INDEX

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CARE FOR THE POOR

In his final Saturday Jubilee Audience of the Holy Year, Pope Leo invited the faithful to listen to “the cry of the poor,” lamenting the injustice of a world in which resources are increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few.

There are many concrete actions that the faithful can take to care for the poor, whether by donating time, money or resources to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, by volunteering for a food pantry or clothing drive at your parish, or by helping one of the many organizations within the diocese that assist young mothers in need and their families.

Arts & Entertainment................. 14 Contact us.....................................2 Español.......................................15-18 Our Diocese............................. 4-10 Our Faith........................................3 Our Schools..................................11 Scripture................................. 3, 18 U.S. news..................................... 19 Viewpoints.............................20-21 World news........................... 22-23

STAFF EDITOR: Trish Stukbauer 704-370-3392, tmstukbauer@rcdoc.org

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NURTURE THE ENVIRONMENT

In that same address, Pope Leo urged people to hear “the cry of the earth.” “Our task,” he said, “is to generate, not to steal.”

This is the ideal time to carefully assess how things that are used everyday – from beauty products and food to energy and transportation – reflect that core value. Making simple changes can have a tremendous impact over the course of a year. Also, don’t neglect to get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.

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TAKE TIME FOR REFLECTION

As he closed the Holy Year in Miami, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski said that the Jubilee Year “has called each one of us to spiritual renewal and to the transformation of the world by reintroducing hope to the world.” Focusing on personal spiritual renewal should continue throughout the coming year. Whether it is spending additional time in Eucharistic Adoration, attending daily Mass, praying the rosary or novenas more intentionally, or making a pilgrimage to a holy site near or far, make a plan to make time for your relationship with God. — Catholic News Herald, Vatican News, OSV News

Scan the QR code for this week’s recommended prayers and activities

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Diocesan calendar of events EVENTS CYCLE PREP FOR PARENTS WITH THEIR DAUGHTERS: This course helps parents give daughters the tools needed to navigate puberty positively, while building a foundation for continuing conversations. 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Registration is required. Email bnadcock@rcdoc.org.

PRAYER SERVICES FIRST IGBO MASS OF 2026: The Igbo Catholic Community of the Diocese of Charlotte will celebrate its first Mass of the year at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 812 Duke St., Greensboro. For more information, call 336-707-3625.

VIGIL OF THE TWO HEARTS: Vigil begins with 8 p.m. First Friday Mass on Friday, Feb. 6, followed by nocturnal Eucharistic Adoration and concludes with the 8 a.m. First Saturday Mass on Feb. 7. St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Sign up for an hour of Adoration at www.defendthefamily.org/two-hearts.

Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., will participate in the following events over the coming weeks: JAN. 13-15 Newly ordained Diocese of Charlotte Priests’ Retreat* Catholic Conference Center, Hickory JAN. 20 – 7 P.M. Ecumenical Prayer Service St. Luke Church, Mint Hill

JAN. 21 – 9:15 A.M. School Mass Charlotte Catholic High School JAN. 21 – 7 P.M. Carolina Catholic Night* Newman Center, UNC-Chapel Hill * Denotes a private event.

Our faith

January 9, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Pope Leo XIV

Take time to review the past year with God

B

efore the final countdown to the New Year, Christians should take a moment to remember all God’s blessings of the past year and to reflect honestly on how they responded to those graces, Pope Leo XIV said.

New Year’s Eve is a time to remember God’s great love and “to ask forgiveness for all the times we have failed to treasure His inspirations and invest the talents He has entrusted to us in the best possible way,” the pope said Dec. 31 at his weekly general audience.

Thousands of visitors, bundled up on the frigid morning, gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the final audience of 2025.

Pope Leo highlighted three “important events” of the past year: “some of them joyful, such as the pilgrimage of so many of the faithful on the occasion of the Holy Year; others painful, such as the passing of the late Pope Francis, and the scenarios of war that continue to convulse the planet.”

Before ringing in the New Year, he said, “the Church invites us to place everything before the Lord, entrusting ourselves to His providence, and asking Him to renew, in us and around us, in the coming days, the wonders of His grace and mercy.”

The Jubilee pilgrimage of millions of Catholics around the world in 2025 is a reminder that “our whole life is a journey, whose final destination transcends space and time, to be fulfilled in the encounter with God and in full and eternal communion with Him,” the pope said.

Passing through one of the Holy Doors during a Jubilee, praying for pardon, he said, “expresses our ‘yes’ to God, who with His forgiveness invites us to cross the threshold of a new life, animated by grace, modeled on the Gospel, inflamed by love” for one’s neighbor.

Stepping through a Holy Door, he said, “is our ‘yes’ to a life lived with commitment in the present and oriented toward eternity.”

Pope Leo ended his talk by quoting St. Paul VI’s talk at a general audience at the end of the Holy Year 1975: “God is Love! This is the ineffable revelation with which the Jubilee, through its teaching, its indulgence, its forgiveness and finally its peace, full of tears and joy, has sought to fill our spirit today and our lives tomorrow. God is Love! God loves me!

God awaited me, and I have found Him! God is mercy! God is forgiveness! God is salvation! God, yes, God is life!”

Pope Leo prayed that certainty of God’s everlasting love and mercy would “accompany us in the passage from the old to the new year, and then always, in our lives.”

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As Holy Doors close, cardinals emphasize God’s arms are always open CINDY WOODEN Catholic News Service

What are Holy Doors?

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he path to conversion, the door to God’s mercy and the call to live in Christian hope all continue beyond the Jubilee Year, said the three cardinals who closed the Holy Doors at three major basilicas in Rome.

On the feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 6, Pope Leo solemnly closed the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, formally concluding the Holy Year 2025, which Pope Francis opened on Christmas Eve 2024.

Diocesan and other local celebrations of the Jubilee concluded Dec. 28.

Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, archpriest of Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, presided over the rite of closing the basilica’s Holy Door at dusk Dec. 25 before celebrating a special Mass. Cardinal Baldassare Reina, papal vicar of Rome and archpriest of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, did the same there Dec. 27. And U.S. Cardinal James M. Harvey, archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, presided over the closing of its Holy Door and the celebration of Mass Dec. 28.

The Holy Doors are bricked up between Jubilee Years, which usually occur every 25 years. Pope Leo has indicated, however, that an extraordinary Holy Year will be celebrated in 2033, to mark the 2,000th anniversary of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

“What is closing is not divine grace, but a special time of the Church, and what remains open forever is the heart of the merciful God,” Cardinal Makrickas said in his homily Dec. 25. While the Holy Door is closed, “the door that truly matters remains that of our heart: it opens when it listens to the word of God, it widens when it welcomes our brother or sister, it is strengthened when it forgives and asks for forgiveness,” he said.

“In this basilica, precisely during this Holy Year, we have been granted the grace of a very special task: to safeguard a memory that becomes prophecy,” he said, drawing attention to the late Pope Francis, who is buried at St. Mary Major “and honored by thousands of faithful every day.”

According to SIR, the news agency of the

Holy Doors are ceremonial doors in major basilicas, such as St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, that symbolize the spiritual journey from sin to salvation, mercy and renewal. Most of the time these special doors remain sealed, opened by the pope only during jubilee years. A Holy Door is the most powerful sign of a jubilee year, since the ultimate aim of the pilgrim is to pass through it, and walking through a Holy Door during a jubilee year is one of the conditions for receiving a Jubilee Indulgence.

— Catholic News Herald

LOLA GOMEZ | CNS

Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, archpriest of Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, solemnly closes the basilica’s Holy Door Dec. 25, 2025, as the Jubilee Year was ending.

Italian bishops’ conference, an estimated 20 million pilgrims passed through the Holy Door at the basilica in the past year.

Hope, the theme of the Jubilee Year, “moved the countless pilgrims who left on our roads the footprints of steps weighed down by the burdens pressing upon their hearts,” Cardinal Reina told people during the Mass at St. John Lateran. “They passed through the Holy Door in order to find the One they were seeking. The door of our cathedral bears the imprints of the caresses of all those who passed through it in search of mercy.”

Though the Holy Door is closed, he said, “we know that the Risen One passes through closed doors and never tires of knocking on our closed doors, in order to offer and to find

mercy. Yes, to find it – because He too seeks it.”

“Indeed, He has told us of the final surprise: that in the end we will be judged on love, on mercy, on the glass of water given to the thirsty; on the morsel of bread to the hungry; on closeness to those who are imprisoned or ill; on clothing the naked; on welcoming the stranger,” Cardinal Reina said.

At St. Paul Outside the Walls, the burial place of the Apostle Paul, Cardinal Harvey noted that the Jubilee’s theme, “Hope does not disappoint,” was taken from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. “It is not only a motto, but is most of all a profession of faith,” the cardinal said.

“In a world marked by war, crises, injustices and confusion, the Church wanted to reaffirm that Christian hope is far different from trying to flee history,” he said; rather, “it is expressed in the ability to pass through it with one’s gaze fixed on Christ.”

The Holy Door is not simply a material passageway, Cardinal Harvey said, “it is a spiritual threshold, a call to each one of us to leave behind that which weighs on our hearts to enter the space of mercy. Crossing it means recognizing that salvation flows from humbly entrusting ourselves to the only One who can give us fullness of life.”

Daily Scripture readings JAN. 11-17

Sunday (Baptism of the Lord): Is 42:1-4, 6-7, Ps 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10, Acts 10:34-38, Mt 3:13-17 Monday: 1 Sam 1:1-8, Ps 116:12-13, 14-17, 1819, Mk 1:14-20 Tuesday: 1 Sam 1:9-20, 1 Sam 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd, Mk 1:21-28 Wednesday: 1 Sam 3:1-10, 19-20, Ps 40:2 and 5, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10, Mk 1:29-39 Thursday: 1 Sam 4:1-11, Ps 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25, Mk 1:40-45 Friday: 1 Sam 8:4-7, 10-22a, Ps 89:16-17, 18-19, Mk 2:1-12 Saturday (St. Anthony, Abbot): 1 Sam 9:14, 17-19, 10:1, Ps 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, Mk 2:13-17

JAN. 18-24

Sunday: Is 49:3, 5-6, Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10, 1 Cor 1:1-3, Jn 1:29-34 Monday: 1 Sam 15:16-23, Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23, Mk 2:18-22 Tuesday: 1 Sam 16:1-13, Ps 89:20, 21-22, 27-28, Mk 2:23-28 Wednesday (St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr): 1 Sam 17:32-33, 37, 40-51, Ps 144:1b, 2, 9-10, Mk 3:1-6 Thursday (Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children): 1 Sam 18:6-9, 19:1-7, Ps 56:2-3, 9-10a, 10b-11, 12-13, Mk 3:7-12 Friday: 1 Sam 24:3-21, Ps 57:2, 3-4, 6 and 11, Mk 3:13-19 Saturday (St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church): 2 Sam 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27, Ps 80:2-3, 5-7, Mk 3:20-21

JAN. 25-31

Sunday: Is 8:23-9:3, Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14, 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17, Mt 4:12-23 or 4:12-17 Monday (Sts. Timothy and Titus, Bishops): 2 Tim 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5, Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10, Mk 3:22-30 Tuesday: 2 Sam 6:12b-15, 17-19, Ps 24:7, 8, 9, 10, Mk 3:31-35 Wednesday (St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church): 2 Sam 7:4-17, Ps 89:4-5, 27-28, 29-30, Mk 4:1-20 Thursday: 2 Sam 7:18-19, 24-29, Ps 132:1-2, 3-5, 11, 12, 13-14, Mk 4:21-25 Friday: 2 Sam 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17, Ps 51:34, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11, Mk 4:26-34 Saturday (St. John Bosco, Priest): 2 Sam 12:1-7a, 10-17, Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17, Mk 4:35-41

Our diocese 4

catholicnewsherald.com | January 9, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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In Brief

Diocese introduces pastoral year, adds training to enhance preparation for future priests

New campus minister hired GREENSBORO — Max Linnville has been hired to serve as campus minister at UNCGreensboro, effective Jan. 5, the Diocese of Charlotte Campus Ministry Office has announced.

A native of western North Carolina, Linnville grew up in Boone and converted to the Catholic faith during college. He has a bachelor’s degree in theology and business from St. Mary’s College at Notre Dame and a master’s in theology from John Carroll University.

He comes to the diocese’s Campus Ministry program with a decade of experience in youth ministry. He spent time on the CCM staff at Rice University in Houston, Texas, and most recently was at St. Edward Catholic High School in Cleveland.

PASTORAL YEAR

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE plguilfoyle@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — To further enhance the preparation of its future priests, the Diocese of Charlotte is adding a pastoral year to seminary formation, strengthening summer ministry assignments, and adding an intensive study in Rome.

The new pastoral year is rooted in the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ official Program for Priestly Formation and will place select seminarians who are midway through their formation in the diocese’s Catholic middle or high schools, where they will teach religion classes, gain practical work experience, and help form young people as disciples of Jesus. Summer assignments will be more defined and help develop essential skills for priestly service. And all seminarians will spend an extended time in Rome learning more about Church history, art and architecture.

— Catholic News Herald

New director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry named CHARLOTTE — Daniel Torres has been hired as the new director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Charlotte. Torres, currently campus coordinator at Christ the King High School in Huntersville, will begin his new role in early February.

“His passion for evangelization and proven ability to walk with youth and young adults on their faith journey will be an incredible blessing to our diocesan community,” said Christopher Beal, director of the diocese’s Office of Catechetical Formation. “Daniel brings experience, energy and a deep commitment to forming young disciples.”

Torres will continue assisting Christ the King through April.

Along with the six years of experience Torres gained from Christ the King, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new position.

Torres graduated with a theology degree from Belmont Abbey College. He went on to serve as a Campus Missionary in Houston, Texas, for FOCUS, a well-known Catholic campus ministry dedicated to discipleship. Torres also coordinated the youth ministry at St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte, where he led programs such as Life Teen, Edge and confirmation preparation.

Eckert

Martin

Monroe

‘This robust scaffolding of formation will help better equip men during their priestly studies. The more tools we can give them before ordination, the better prepared they will be to serve the people of God.’ Father John Eckert Vocations Director

— Catholic News Herald

Help spread awareness of poverty during January CHARLOTTE — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated January as “Poverty Awareness Month.”

According to U.S. Census data, the national poverty rate in the USA is 10.6%, with 35.9 million people living in poverty. In North Carolina, 12.5% of residents live in poverty.

Educational resources are available at www.povertyusa.org and in Spanish at www. povertyusa.org/es. Poverty awareness resource materials are also available at www. catholiccharitiesusa.org/poverty-awareness.

Catholic Charities and the Sisters of Mercy will co-sponsor a Feb. 14 event on “Dilexi te,” the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Leo XIV on Love for the Poor, in Belmont. More information is coming soon at www.ccdoc.org/education.

— Joseph T. Purello, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

“This robust scaffolding of formation will help better equip men during their priestly studies,” said Father John Eckert, the diocese’s vocations director. “The more tools we can give them before ordination, the better prepared they will be to serve the people of God.” The initiatives come at the same time Pope Leo XIV has called for renewal of priestly formation, fraternity and mission, in a Dec. 22 apostolic letter entitled “A Fidelity That Generates the Future.” The letter marks the 60th anniversary of Vatican II’s decrees on priest training and encourages priestly formation that remains faithful to the Church’s traditions while developing mature, well-rounded priests equipped to serve the Church in today’s world.

Bishop Michael Martin, a former Catholic school educator, developed the initiatives over the past year after consulting with priests, the Catholic Schools Office, the rectors of the three seminaries where diocesan seminarians study, and other dioceses. They are continuing to refine details and will begin implementing the initiatives in May. Father Eckert announced the pastoral year initiative in a Dec. 15 memo to priests, deacons and seminarians. Seminarians were notified early so they could plan ahead before enrollment opens for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The diocese’s priest formation program has evolved over decades to meet the needs of seminarians and align with Vatican and USCCB norms. The program typically spans six to eight years, depending on a man’s background, and now will include a pastoral year between seminarians’ Pre-Theology studies in college and graduate Theology studies at seminary.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, usually through St. Joseph College Seminary and Belmont Abbey College, seminarians will now teach for a year at one of the diocese’s middle or high schools. The Catholic Schools Office will implement a teacher training program for the men prior to their teaching experience.

After the pastoral year, the seminarians will move on to Theology studies at a major seminary: Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati or the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

Of the 44 seminarians currently in formation for the diocese, the first men eligible to participate in the pastoral year are Matthew Hennessy, Theodore Holthe, Matthew Sie and Jeremy Smith, who will be finishing their studies at St. Joseph College Seminary and Belmont Abbey this spring. Next fall, they will work full time in the schools, teaching religion classes or another subject aligned with their academic background.

The seminarians will receive a salary and live in a nearby rectory. They will have an assigned priest mentor who will help them reflect on their experiences as part of their priestly formation, and they will participate in new-teacher training and mentoring programs in the schools.

Although living in local rectories, their full-time ministry during the pastoral year will be in Catholic schools rather than parishes, which will enable seminarians to encounter an array of people and issues, Bishop Martin and Father Eckert said.

Seminarians will not serve as school chaplains, they emphasized. Rather, the program will likely resemble a fellowship.

“We are still working through criteria, training and placements,” said Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of Catholic Schools, “and we will keep refining that plan with the seminary and our principals as this semester continues. We already have a robust mentoring program that welcomes and guides new teachers, which will help us prepare the seminarians well for their time in our schools.”

The seminarians will gain experience teaching the faith, developing their communication and public speaking skills, and collaborating with diverse lay leaders. Working in a structured school setting, they will learn to manage a demanding work schedule, discipline issues and difficult conversations, and being accountable to supervisors – experiences diocesan leaders say are difficult to replicate in a limited summer parish assignment.

One side benefit of the pastoral year is to help form priests who are relatable and grounded in the lived realities of parishioners, Father Eckert said.

Earning a paycheck and paying their own bills, he said, will help them understand the financial pressures parishioners face.

Many seminarians enter formation directly from high school or college and have limited experience with full-time work, independent living and financial responsibility.

“If you don’t really understand what the people of God go through each day – the hard work it takes to make ends meet – it’s easy to miss an important part of ministry,” Father Eckert said. “Making sure our seminarians have real work experience as part of a team is a vital part of their formation, and the bishop wants to be sure that happens.

Father Eckert credits his own experience working through high school and college, first as a janitor and later as a tour guide at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis, in helping to broaden his preparation for priestly ministry and later in becoming a pastor.

Encountering people from different backgrounds, managing a regular work schedule, meeting an employer’s expectations, working as part of a team – “these experiences informed my ability to interact and relate to people now as a pastor,” he said.

Teaching, Bishop Martin also noted, is central to a priest’s ministry, alongside leading and sanctifying the faithful.

SEMINARY, SEE PAGE 24

January 9, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Holy Angels spreads its wings with Children’s Campus Expansion Project LISA M. GERACI lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

BELMONT — Holy Angels is in the final stages of Phase I of its largest expansion since it was founded 70 years ago.

Holy Angels, a nonprofit sponsored and founded by the Sisters of Mercy, is located on 17.5 acres and provides care for 80 residents, ranging from 3 years old to 82, who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The first phase of the $21 million Children’s Campus Expansion, led by general contractor Southside Constructors and designed by architectural firm Boomerang Design, is projected to be completed this spring.

The forward-thinking plans were in the works for more than a decade, thanks to Emeritus President Regina Moody. Despite her 2022 retirement, she worked two days a week alongside President and Chief Executive Officer Kerri Massey to see the project through.

“This was really Regina’s vision 13 years ago, and to see it come to fruition and for me to carry it forward is really something that is meaningful and exciting,” Massey said.

The undertaking will add three 6,000-square-foot, six-bedroom, ranchstyle residential homes designed for the most medically fragile residents and a 10,000-square-foot community center.

The new homes were designed for the 18 residents under the age of 18 who currently live at the Morrow Center, where they receive 24-hour care.

“The Morrow building is really nice, but it is over 50 years old,” Massey said. “It is a little antiquated in a lot of areas, including the infrastructure, so we are excited to be in these brand-new homes. It is just going to be such a happy place for our residents to live.”

Most minor residents are wheelchairbound and non-verbal, dependent upon gastrostomy tubes for nutritional needs and iPads and other devices for communication.

LISA M. GERACI | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Phase I of Holy Angels’ $21 million Children’s Campus Expansion includes new residences designed for its residents under 18 that include private space, advanced medical technology and an indoor therapeutic pool that will help wheelchair-bound residents experience greater range of motion.

Massey said, “To see these children able to move into a home that is innovative and is going to meet their needs and is theirs, truly a house that they get to call home, means a lot.”

Each resident will have a 162-square-foot bedroom with built-in storage and work areas, lots of natural light, and a wheelchair parking space.

“We want to make sure we are honoring their preference and their dignity in their

new home,” Massey said. “We want them to choose their own room, what it looks like, what pictures they hang on the wall, what color the bedspreads are, and all those things.”

Each home has a great room where residents will eat meals, a patio area and a sensory room with bubble columns, LED lights, aromatherapy and wall-sized LCD screens.

As Massey explains, staff can use the technology in the space to create virtual experiences, such as camping trips.

“We can put a campfire on the screen, we can bring in aromatherapy that smells like s’mores and fire, and we can bring in trees and wood, let them touch the nature, and create a real experience for them, all from inside the home,” Massey said. “Many residents have cortical blindness, so they can’t see a lot, but what we found through research is that they do experience that light and those bubbles.”

The technology updates extend to medical care. Residents on tracheostomy tubes at the Morrow Center are reliant upon oxygen tanks. The new main residence will have oxygen piped into the walls for instant, safe access. This home will also have a clinical area, with a nurse providing 24/7 care in all three homes.

The community center will be the largest interior gathering spot on campus, accommodating up to 150 guests. The room boasts 24-foot wood-paneled ceilings and a large outdoor area with a fireplace.

“This is really going to be a place we will be able to bring our community in and gather so we can tell our story to the outside,” Massey said.

The center will include a commercial kitchen with a walk-in freezer and cooler where chefs will have more freedom to create the more than 90,000 individualized meals they serve each year to suit all residents’ dietary needs.

And, for the first time, residents will have an indoor therapeutic pool.

“The pool is not just for fun and splashing, but for someone in a wheelchair, that is an opportunity for that individual to have a range of motion they have not been able to experience before,” Massey noted.

All three homes will be connected with covered walkways and access to a courtyard with a fountain.

HOLY ANGELS, SEE PAGE 24

Priest assignment changes made at Pennybyrn, St. Charles Borromeo CHARLOTTE — Effective Jan. 13, 2026, Father Patrick Hoare is returning to active ministry to serve as chaplain of Pennybyrn retirement community in High Point, succeeding Father Stephen Hoyt.

Father Hoyt is moving to serve as temporary administrator at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Morganton as its longtime pastor, Father Ken Whittington,

Hoare

Hoyt

Whittington

retires.

Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., announced the three assignment changes in a Dec. 19 letter.

In his letter, Bishop Martin said Father Hoare had taken the steps necessary for a return to ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte as recommended by the diocese’s Lay Review Advisory Board.

Father Hoare was removed as pastor of St. Matthew Parish by Bishop Peter Jugis in 2020 after the Review Board found

allegations of boundary violations with minors observed in public settings at St. Matthew and St. John Neumann parishes to be credible. The Review Board listed several steps – including an assessment and counseling – he could take for a possible return to ministry.

Father Hoare appealed the authority of Bishop Jugis to remove him as pastor through the Church’s canonical processes, and in May, the Holy See declined to overturn that decision. During the five-year appeals process, Father Hoare remained on administrative leave, engaging in a period of reflection and counseling and taking other steps as recommended by the Review Board.

“Father Hoare has repeatedly shared with me his remorse, unaware in those moments that his actions with minors might be perceived as boundary violations,” Bishop Martin wrote. “He has also acknowledged the events of the past five years, including completion of the assessment, counseling and course work in respecting healthy boundaries, have helped him understand these perceptions and concerns.”

Father Hoare, the bishop wrote, “has faithfully participated in the non-pastoral life of the Church throughout this period,” and he is “committed to resuming a ministry that will enable him to help others and spread the Good News of Jesus by

fostering safe environments and healthier boundaries for all.”

For those reasons, the bishop said, he was appointing Father Hoare to Pennybyrn.

In this role, Father Hoare will work with seniors, minister to residents, visit the sick and administer last rites, demonstrating Catholic values to the Pennybyrn community and “the ecumenical spirit for which Pennybyrn is known.”

FATHER HOARE’S SERVICE

A priest for nearly 20 years, Father Hoare has extensive pastoral, leadership and ministry experience. He served for about two years at St. Mark Parish in Huntersville before being appointed pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in 2009 and then, in 2017, pastor of St. Matthew Parish, one of the largest Catholic parishes in the United States with over 11,000 registered families.

He is also a trained spiritual director through the Institute of Priestly Formation.

He has held numerous diocesan leadership roles, including serving on the Presbyteral Council, which represents all priests of the diocese in administrative and policy discussions.

FATHER HOYT’S SERVICE

Father Hoyt has guided Pennybyrn through its transition of pastoral

sponsorship to the diocese from the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, who founded the facility nearly 80 years ago.

Pennybyrn has grown into a 71-acre continuing care retirement community with a range of care services, including independent living cottages and apartments, assisted living and memory support apartments, a nursing care building, a stand-alone transitional rehabilitation center, chapel and adult day care support center.

Since being assigned full-time chaplain in 2023, Father Hoyt has built a pastoral team of six who attend to Pennybyrn residents’ spiritual needs. He has ministered to the sick, administered the sacraments and carried on the tradition of caring that the sisters built.

Prior to moving to Pennybyrn, he served at parishes in Charlotte and Clemmons and was pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Lenoir for nearly seven years. A priest for 33 years, he also serves on the Presbyteral Council.

— Catholic News Herald

Read online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read the full text of Bishop Martin’s letter

catholicnewsherald.com | January 9, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

6

DISCIPLE MAKER INDEX

INTRO: The Big Picture...........................Nov. 7, 2025 PART 1: Core Catholic Teaching...........Nov. 7, 2025 PART 2: Spiritual Practices...................Nov. 21, 2025 PART 3: Sunday Experience...................Dec. 5, 2025 PART 4: Parish Effectiveness..............Dec. 19, 2025 PART 5: Parish Effectiveness (cont.)... Jan. 9, 2026 PART 6: Missionary Impulse................Jan. 23, 2026

Diocese-wide results of a 2025 survey of 24,332 Catholics from across western North Carolina about insights on faith and parish life.

Part 5: Effectiveness of Parish Support

Now

Past

Upcoming

Members of St. Peter Parish have access to a wide array of spirituality programs, retreats and resources – thanks to the Jesuits that have staffed the Uptown Charlotte parish since 1986.

TROY C. HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Survey finds gaps in parish efforts to form disciples D oes your parish equip you to talk about your Catholic faith? Do you feel confident answering questions about Church teachings?

questions about it (35%).

Less than half – 45% – strongly agreed that their parish helps them grow spiritually. And only 33% strongly agreed that their parish forms them as a disciple of Jesus Christ – something that the DMI’s creator, the Catholic Leadership Institute, noted was one of the diocese’s biggest “opportunities for improvement.”

Effective parishes create disciples, and CLI’s research found the biggest predictor of whether parishioners share their faith is that their parish equips them to do so.

5

Only a minority of regular Mass-goers who took the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) survey in the Diocese of Charlotte said they strongly agreed that their parish equips them to share their faith (20%) or answer

A person who strongly agrees that their parish equips them to share their witness is twice as likely to share that story more frequently.

Those who frequently answer questions about the faith are also 1.6 times more likely to share their personal witness.

“When your people feel confident in their ability to talk about the teachings of the Church, they are more likely to share their personal story,” CLI’s resource guide tells parishes.

Of the 78 parishes and missions that

took part in the DMI, 29 scored above the diocesan average of 45% who strongly agreed that their parish helps them grow spiritually. Here are a few examples of what these parishes are doing to strengthen faith formation.

FRESH APPROACHES TO FAITH FORMATION

Like many parishes, Sacred Heart’s faith formation program had revolved around catechists preparing children for EFFECTIVE, SEE PAGE 7

My parish helps me grow spiritually as a Catholic.

45%

36%

Respondents: Top churches that help them grow spiritually

12%

5 2

How much members say

church helps them grow My parish helps me grow spiritually by connecting me withtheir a small Highest % of respondents who ‘strongly agreed’ spiritually as a Catholic is faith-sharing group.

1 2 3 4 5 6

one of three ‘Big Outcomes’ St. Ann 7 Our Lady of the Highways – overall measurements for St. Francis of Assisi (Lenoir) St. John the Baptist the29% health of the church9% and 26% 33% Our Lady of the Mountains St. Thomas Aquinas indicative of growth. The Our Lady of the Americas 8 St. Jude other two are: How much Church of the Epiphany 9 Holy Trinity they would recommend Our Lady of Guadalupe St. Bernadette their church to a friend, and howtofrequently (Charlotte) Helen workshops, and other resources My parish providesSt.retreats, help methey share their personal witness with Sacred Heart (Salisbury) St. Joseph (Bryson City) figure out my life’s purpose. another person.

10 St. Peter

29%

37%

24%

3

7% 3

LEGEND Strongly agree Agree Neither Agree nor Disagree Disagree Strongly Disagree

January 9, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

7

EFFECTIVE FROM PAGE 6

the sacraments of initiation, with parents dropping off their kids at the church once a week for classes. Predictably, classes for first Holy Communion and confirmation were full, while participation in other years lagged.

In 2022, the Salisbury parish reorganized its program to put parents in the driver’s seat. Faith in Discipleship and Evangelization, or FIDE, “is family things and all people. formation, not children formation,” says The parish’s Ignatian Spirituality Peg Fisher, Sacred Heart’s evangelization program offers spiritual direction, director. retreats and activities throughout the The 128 families enrolled in FIDE receive year. Programs, especially the Spiritual home teaching resources, and the entire Exercises, fill up fast. Participants meet family attends weekly classes together. in groups in person and online, as well as Monthly “family nights” let parents individually with a spiritual director. connect and get support from Fisher and Jesuit Father Tim Stephens, pastor, says their pastor Father John Eckert, and a Christian disciple is others. Families are matched up as prayer always growing in faith.

My parish helps me grow spiritually as a Catholic. partners, attend retreats together, and take That’s why, in addition to part in “sacramental interviews” before Mass and the sacraments, 45% 36% 12% 5 2 first Communion and confirmation. the parish offers “The focus is on learning about resources to help people your faith – it’s a lifelong journey. The PHOTOS PROVIDED AND BY CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD deepen their relationship sacraments are the beginning, not the (Clockwise, from above) Father Alfonso Gamez Jr. hands out My the popular “Kids Bulletin” after a recent Mass at with God and answer His parish helps me grow spiritually by connecting me with a small end,” Fisher says. call to serve others.

St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenoir. Small faith-sharing groups are popular at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in faith-sharing group.

Fisher spends much of her time “This is ultimately Charlotte. Families in Sacred Heart’s FIDE program support each other in their children’s faith formation. personally connecting with each family what going to Mass is Stephens to offer support and answer questions – retreats, for example, participants form 26% 33% 29%about in the first 9% place: 3 encouraging them as the primary teachers groups of six or seven that meet weekly for we go to Mass to be of the faith to their children, and with the three years to study Scripture and discuss sent out to be a better and more effective parish there to assist them. how to practice their faith in their day-todisciple of Jesus,” he says.

“It’s not easy, but it’s worth it,” she says. day Mylives. parish provides retreats, workshops, and other resources to help me — Patricia L. Guilfoyle The parish has seen the results: children “It’s one biggest ministries that figure out of mythe life’s purpose. stay more active in the life of the parish, we have, if not the biggest,” says Vicente COMING NEXT: An effective parish supports and inspires parents themselves learn more about the Capistrano, the parish’s communications its parishioners to go out and share the Gospel. In Part 6, 29% 37% we’ll look at how DMI respondents 24% say they7% 3 on faith and feel empowered as disciples, and director and youth ministry leader. are acting some non-Catholic family members have After reviewing their DMI survey data, the call to missionary discipleship. even joined the Church because of what Vincentian Father Bruce Krause says, they encountered through FIDE. the parish plans to expand their small My parish prepares me/my familyparents for the sacraments St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Lenoir group offerings to better support teachers of the faith.” takes a similar family-focused approach. in(Confirmation, teaching the faith to their children.

Two popular features at the parish are Marriage, Baptism).

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Disciple Maker Index Father Alfonso Gamez Jr. spends time If the parish is there to strengthen a Youth Holy Hour held each month and a survey, conducted in March-April 2025 at the with engaged couples “because that’s and encourage them, he says, parents “Kids Bulletin” handed out at the end of Diocese of Charlotte’s 93 parishes 33% 24%and missions,21 an investment for the future,” and while can “fulfill their39% important role in the each Sunday Mass. drew responses from 24,332 people at 78 parishes children are at their faith formation formation of their children.”

“We love to see the kids nearly climbing and missions. While not a random or representative classes, he teaches their parents: 30 over the pews to come up and get it,” says sample of all Catholics in the diocese, the results minutes of catechesis in English and 30 Kim Clarke, the parish’s evangelization and RECOGNIZING GOD’S PRESENCE largely captured the views of active Catholics who minutes in Spanish.

Recognizing howme God working in faith formation director.

My parish equips toishave conversations about God’sattend workMass in my bytogrowing regularly andlife chose participate in “I try to equip them,” he says. “We talk one’s life is a primary driver of effective my confidence in the Church’s teachings so I canthe answer others’ questions.

75-question survey. Data were tabulated by the about styles how that’s as a Catholic. discipleship, and it’s a key aspect of SMALL GROUPS ARE KEY Myparenting parish helps meand grow spiritually Catholic Leadership Institute, which conducted the compatible with the faith, challenges that Ignatian spirituality and a focus of Small groups are central to adult faith DMI for free as part of a future15% strategic plan for the 35% 43% 4%2 the modern world presents in passing ministry at the Jesuit-run St. Peter Parish formation at Our Lady of Guadalupe diocese.

45% 36% 12% 5 2 down the faith, and helping them to see in Charlotte. St. Ignatius, founder of the Parish in Charlotte. After the parish themselves as that role model, the first Charismatic Catholic ministry’s annual Jesuit order, sought to find God in all

5

5

My parish helps me grow spiritually by connecting me with a small faith-sharing group.

26%

33%

My parish equips me to have conversations about my faith by teaching me how to share the story of Jesus.

29%

9%

3

My parish provides retreats, workshops, and other resources to help me figure out my life’s purpose.

29%

37%

24%

33%

7% 3

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25%

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20%

31%

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My parish helps me grow spiritually by forming me as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

21

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My parish equips me to have conversations about God’s work in my life by growing my confidence in the Church’s teachings so I can answer others’ questions.

35%

40%

My parish equips me to have conversations about my faith by teaching me how to share my personal witness story.

My parish prepares me/my family for the sacraments (Confirmation, Marriage, Baptism).

39%

26%

15%

4%2

33%

42%

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My parish equips me to recognize how God is working in my life.

25%

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8

catholicnewsherald.com | January 9, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Martin: RSVP to God’s call this Christmas and beyond CHARLOTTE — Bishop Michael Martin encouraged people to respond positively to God’s call and desire to be a part of their lives at three Christmas Masses he celebrated Dec. 24-25 at St. Gabriel Church, St. Patrick Cathedral and Our Lady of the Assumption Church.

Bishop Martin began by acknowledging our culture’s increasing inability to RSVP for events, noting that we have so many possibilities that it’s easy to get caught up in all the options and lose track of what really matters.

He said the secular culture’s attitude is, “I’m not so interested in what’s in front of me. I’m more interested in what else there might be.”

Instead, Bishop Martin challenged Catholics, “Our God comes to us this day and invites us.

Are we ready to respond, or are we waiting for a better offer?”

In churches across the diocese, thousands filled the pews for joyous Christmas Masses celebrating Christ’s birth.

ST. GABRIEL CHURCH

The 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass for the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord at St. Gabriel Church started with an empty wooden cradle set before the altar. More than 1,500 parishioners watched Bishop Michael Martin and Deacon Jim Keaney place the baby Jesus in the manger to mark the beginning of the Christmas season and the arrival of Christ’s light in a fallen world.

In his homily, the bishop noted, “We have to acknowledge the darkness to celebrate the light.”

He said God offers us a way out of that darkness, but He asks for the courtesy of a response.

Committing to Jesus “is not a one-time response. It is a constant, full-throated, ‘Yes, I’m yours.’” Bishop Martin said. “Did you all come for that tonight?”

When about a hundred people answered “yes,” he called it a “tepid” response, which prompted the crowd to respond loudly with a joyful “yes.”

“We need to hear ourselves praise our God,” he said. “Our response has to be heard and seen.”

The bishop said visiting drivethru Nativity scenes and singing songs at Christmas is not what God wants from our relationship with Him, but it is the way some

a component of your life that you could ever imagine that He does not want to be a part of,” Bishop Martin said.

But for that to happen, God needs us to respond with a “yes,” he said.

OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION PHOTOS BY TROY C. HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishop Michael Martin celebrated three Masses for Christmas 2025. He began on Dec. 24 at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte (above) and continued the next morning at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte (above right) by asking the faithful whether they were ready to allow God to play a role in every aspect of their lives.

At Our Lady of the Assumption Church (left) hundreds crowded inside to hear the Mass and homily in Spanish. (Above) At St. Gabriel Church, Mass began with Bishop Martin and Deacon Jim Keaney reverently placing the baby Jesus in the manger. have carved Him into their lives.

“Our readings tonight tell us that Jesus wants to invite us into the fullness of life, in every single centimeter of our existence,” he said.

He went on to invite parishioners to repeat the words from Isaiah in the first reading, “The people that have walked in the darkness have seen a great light.”

That darkness is sin, and it

needs to be called out, he warned, before people start getting comfortable in that dark state.

“Life without Christ is really, really dark,” he noted. “Call it what it is. You can acknowledge the glory of the great light.”

ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL

On a sunny Christmas morning, several hundred parishioners, guests and visitors were up bright and early for Bishop Martin’s

9 a.m. Mass for the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord at St. Patrick Cathedral.

From those who were just learning to genuflect to seasoned parishioners, they heard the bishop’s message that God chose the humblest way possible to enter our lives – in a cold stable surrounded by the smell of animals and near some “sketchy” shepherds.

“It is that world that Jesus steps into to save you, and there is not

At noon on Christmas Day, hundreds crowded into Our Lady of the Assumption Church to hear the bishop celebrate Mass and deliver his homily in Spanish.

Reiterating the core message of his earlier sermons, he noted that Christians need to be present during their journey with God and to look for help along the way.

He noted that the Church is the true north that shows us where to go when the world confuses the righteous path.

Just as angels announced the birth of Jesus, he said, we need angels to announce the Good News today. “My brothers and sisters, I have a mission for every single one of us to take on that angelic role, to go out in the world and say, ‘I have come to know Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, and that is the Good News that I am basing my life on. Come rejoice with me.’”

But, as he noted at St. Patrick Cathedral, that requires us to respond not just today, but tonight, tomorrow, the day after, and every day going forward.

Laura Melvin, who attended Mass at St. Gabriel with her children and husband, said the bishop’s message hit home.

Melvin said, “This definitely reminds me how I need to live my vocation every day, not just when I feel like it.”

— Lisa M. Geraci and Trish Stukbauer

Across the diocese, the tradition of Las Posadas opens doors HAMLET — Situated on the eastern side of the Diocese of Charlotte, St. James Parish is about an hour and a half from Charlotte. Despite the distance, parishioners from different communities travel each year to take part in Las Posadas, a religious and cultural tradition celebrated from Dec. 16 to 24. Las Posadas reenacts Mary and Joseph’s journey in search of lodging before the birth of Jesus – with people knocking on doors that are playfully BRIAN SEGOVIA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

closed to them in keeping with the Nativity story – and include prayers, songs, processions and fellowship.

Father Fidel Melo, who hails from Mexico, arrived as pastor in 2021, and since then the celebration of Las Posadas at St. James Parish and at its Sacred Heart Mission in Wadesboro has grown steadily.

“Before, parishioners would borrow the parish hall to organize their own Posadas, and today the parish

coordinates celebrations with more than 200 people each night,” said Mirna Carrisoza, a parishioner at St. James.

“Las Posadas are a very important tradition in Mexican culture, and now parents want to pass them on to their children.”

Across the diocese, parishes celebrated their own versions of the traditional event, welcoming friends and visitors.

— Brian Segovia

January 9, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

9

Bishop Martin urges people to say ‘yes’ to God, as Mary did CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Live life like the Blessed Mother did.

That was Bishop Michael Martin’s challenge to the people who started their New Year with him at St. Patrick Cathedral for Mass on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Jan. 1 is a holy day with a special significance for Catholics in western North Carolina because Mary, Mother of God is the patroness of the Diocese of Charlotte.

The bishop’s homily focused on Mary’s special role of bringing Christ into the world and how today’s believers should emulate her.

Like Mary, all people are called to bring God into the world, Bishop Martin preached. Mary brought God into the world literally by giving birth to Christ, but all people – whether or not they are parents – have the sacred calling to bring Christ into the world through their daily actions, he said.

“We don’t look at Mary, the Mother of God, as some image that is distant or different from our calling – just the opposite,” Bishop Martin said. “Mary shows us how we too can give birth to God in 2026. … That is our call, our mission, our purpose – everything else pales in comparison. We’ve got to keep reminding ourselves of what we’re really here to do: to be Christ-bearers in the world. If we weren’t created for that, then what were we created for?”

He offered three ways people

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Being like Mary requires people to say “no” to themselves and “yes” to God every day and to reflect on God’s role in their lives. That was Bishop Michael Martin’s message to the faithful during a New Year’s Day Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral.

‘What are you doing with the graces God is giving you?’

Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv. can begin to focus on their role as Christ’s messengers in the world.

First, he said, prepare.

“We have to prepare and till the soil as Mary did,” he said. “Her gift of immaculate conception was not a one-time dynamic. She constantly worked to allow that grace that was given to her to be able to bring God into the world. …What are you doing with the graces God is giving you? How are we allowing God’s goodness and

love to till the soil of our lives?”

At that point, a child in the congregation started to cry, and Bishop Martin used the loud wails to illustrate his point.

“Preparation is work, like crying children,” he said. “You always have to work at it. Ask: How do I keep this little guy happy? It’s also work to bring Christ into the world. It requires prayer. It requires an attitude of openness and a dedication to

discipline. We have to say ‘no’ to ourselves and ‘yes’ to the Lord.”

Second, the bishop encouraged people to be like Mary and resolve to say “yes” to God every day.

“Mary said ‘yes’ when God called her – she didn’t hesitate, she didn’t say, ‘Let me get back to you,’” the bishop said. “We have to say ‘yes’ more readily to God’s desire to use us to make Christ present in the world. We have to say ‘yes’ even when it’s

inconvenient … even when it means we might be looked at very differently because of it.”

Lastly, Bishop Martin urged people to learn to reflect on God’s role in their lives just as Mary is described doing in the day’s reading from Luke’s Gospel. He suggested keeping a journal about God’s work in our lives or talking about it with others.

“The more we prepare, say ‘yes,’ and the more we ponder God’s work in our world, the more ready we are to be like Mary, the Mother of God, to make Christ born into the world, and the more sacred our world becomes,” he said.

As they walked outside after Mass, St. Patrick parishioners Ken and Sara Edel said the bishop’s homily inspired and motivated them to want to follow Mary’s example.

“It’s a great way to start the New Year,” Ken Edel said.

Eritrean Catholics’ retreat focuses on hope CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

BELMONT — Prayers and hymns in ancient languages rose into frigid air Dec. 20 as more than 150 Eritrean Catholics gathered for a retreat at Belmont Abbey.

Father Michael Solomon Debesay, who arrived in Charlotte a year ago to care for the growing Eritrean Catholic population, said the community of about 250 families usually holds an annual Advent retreat at its property in Mint Hill.

This year, however, he reached out to Belmont Abbey because its Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians was a designated pilgrimage site for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, which concluded on Jan. 6.

“We wanted to go there to make the entire retreat a pilgrimage of hope,” Father Debesay said.

“We are so grateful to Abbot Placid Solari and the monks for receiving us, for opening their hearts and their house to us.”

The retreat’s theme centered

around Romans 5:5: “And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”

The day started with a rosary procession leading up to the doors of the Basilica. Despite temperatures in the low 30s, participants ranging from small children to senior citizens walked solemnly behind a beautiful gold cross carried by an altar server.

They stopped periodically, reciting the rosary and other prayers in English; in Tigrinya, one of the languages spoken in Eritrea; and in Ge’ez, an ancient court language from the period when Ethiopia first adopted Christianity. Ge’ez is no longer spoken but is still used for sacred liturgies.

Participants then entered the basilica for a Mass celebrated by Benedictine Father James Raber.

They filled many of the pews, the women covering their heads with traditional white prayer shawls. The Eritreans were part of a diverse crowd worshiping at the basilica, including Hispanic

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Eritrean Catholic youth focused on the concept of faith as an ongoing walk with God during the community’s annual Advent retreat.

Catholics from Our Lady of the Highways Parish in Thomasville

and others from the surrounding community.

After Mass, the day included prayer and fellowship as well as breakout sessions for children, young adults and adults.

Father Raber, campus chaplain at Belmont Abbey College, offered a lesson on the importance of the Jubilee Year, after which young people rotated through interactive reflection stations focused on different themes.

The first station emphasized mercy and letting go, and invited participants to reflect on forgiveness and renewal by releasing their worries and burdens to God. The second station, “Wall of Hope,” gave young people a chance to express their hopes, prayers and dreams for themselves, their families, the community and the world. Station three, “Walking with God,” focused on the concept of faith as an ongoing path and encouraged the youth to name one small step they could take to walk more closely with Jesus.

The final station, “Making Room,” tied the theme of the

Jubilee Year to the birth of Jesus, reminding participants that Christ entered the world amid a backdrop of busyness and upheaval, being born while his parents were traveling to Bethlehem to take part in the Roman census. Reflections focused on “how the busyness of life can crowd out faith – and how intentionally making room for Jesus allows hope to be born again,” said Semret Hailemarian, a member of the community.

The adults’ sessions focused on the Jubilee Year’s call to be pilgrims of hope, and the fact that Catholics’ hope is rooted in God’s love and faithfulness. Participants were invited to renew their trust in God’s promises and carry that hope into their daily lives.

“This retreat in Advent offers a transition into the Christmas celebration and invites people to receive Jesus into their heart,” Father Debesay said. “Jesus is the special gift of hope and is born among us at Christmas. We want the people to make hope present in their hearts as they prepare for His birth.”

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 9, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Diocese participates in review of child protection measures CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte has participated in an independent review of its compliance to nationally prescribed child protection procedures for the 23rd straight year.

The yearly assessment by Stonebridge Business Partners of Rochester, New York, monitors U.S. dioceses’ compliance with the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which addresses the Church’s commitment to respond effectively, appropriately and compassionately to cases of abuse of minors by clergy or other Church personnel.

The external review covered data related to child protection measures for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.

It checked compliance with reporting requirements of the charter, including the

diocese’s efforts to ensure the protection of children through criminal background checks and educational awareness programs on recognizing and preventing abuse.

The diocese has complied with the charter every year since it was established in 2002 and has passed every audit since they began in 2003.

All Church personnel – including priests, deacons, seminarians, religious and lay staff – as well as volunteers age 18 and older – are required to complete mandatory Safe Environment training, acknowledge key diocesan policies, and undergo a criminal background check before beginning employment or volunteer ministry. Annual renewal of Safe Environment training is required, and background checks are reviewed quarterly

as part of ongoing safety monitoring.

During the past fiscal year, the diocese conducted 6,677 background checks. As the diocese has grown since 2002, more than 57,000 background checks have been conducted.

A total of 10,516 people completed training in the diocese’s Safe Environment educational awareness program, CMG Connect. More than 75,000 adults have received Safe Environment training since it began in 2002.

CMG Connect educates adults to recognize the warning signs of abuse and the many ways sexual abuse harms victims, families, parishes and communities. It teaches them appropriate ways to respond to suspicious behaviors and how they can help prevent abuse.

In addition to these protocols, the diocese

reports all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to local law enforcement. The diocese also supports an independent hotline for the reporting of sexual abuse or misconduct. Reports can be made anonymously anytime by phone at 1-888630-5929 or online at www.redflagreporting. com/rcdoc.

— Catholic News Herald

More online At www.charlottediocese.org: Learn more about the Diocese of Charlotte’s safe environment program and resources At www.redflagreporting.com/rcdoc: The diocese’s anonymous hotline for the reporting of sexual abuse and misconduct

Priests, seminarians clash on the court for rematch CHARLOTTE — Clergy and those studying to join them in the priesthood took to the court Dec. 21 at Charlotte Catholic High School for the second annual Priests vs.

Seminarians basketball game.

The seminarians eked out a 44-41 victory this year, after losing a similarly close game last year.

The priests were coached by Father Brian Becker, diocesan vocations promoter. The seminarians were coached by Chad McCormick, a seminarian at St. Joseph College Seminary who hails from St. Lucien Parish in Spruce Pine.

Proceeds from the event benefited Holy Angels in Belmont, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy that provides care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Holy Angels is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

PHOTOS BY TROY C. HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A lasting gift: Endowment supports future seminarians GREENSBORO — John and Marianne Polickoski left a legacy of faith, service and enduring love that spanned more than six decades and will now help young men in the Diocese of Charlotte beginning their own journey of service through the seminary.

John Polickoski was born in August 1934 in Queens, New York, while Marianne Blaine was born in January 1935 and raised in nearby Brooklyn and Lynbrook.

The two met after he swapped blind dates with a fellow West Point cadet and were married soon after.

They raised three children and enjoyed fulfilling careers. She was a secretary for Carrier, supporting engineers on a nuclear-powered submarine. He retired as a lieutenant colonel after a 22-year military career and then became a CPA. After retirement, they settled in Greensboro, becoming active members at Our Lady of Grace Parish and building a

life rooted in family and faith.

Since they were passionate about seeing the Church grow, the couple established the John and Marianne Polickoski Endowment Fund in October 2005, primarily to benefit young men interested in pursuing a vocation to the priesthood.

An endowment is a permanent fund, the principal of which is invested – not spent – that generates income to help pay for projects and programs specified by the donor. Endowments are tax deductible and help sustain the strength and viability of the diocese and its entities, paying for capital improvements, charitable outreach, education and parish operations.

Although Father Casey Coleman, pastor of Our Lady of Grace, didn’t arrive at the parish early enough to know Marianne before dementia took its toll, he recalls how John would faithfully bring her to Saturday Vigil Mass as long as her health permitted. She passed away in 2021.

When John died in August 2024 at 89, he left an additional contribution to their endowment from his life insurance policy, raising the current market value of the endowment to $325,000.

It was John’s consistent presence and dedication that Father Coleman recalls about the Knight of Columbus.

“As a Knight he was dedicated to raising money for the Council 939 Seminarian Fund,” Father Coleman noted. “He had a profound love and respect for the Catholic Church and its clergy and a deep love for our Diocese of Charlotte and Our Lady of Grace. I imagine that his support of the seminary flowed from this aspect of his faith and sense of duty to support the Church of Charlotte and its future priests.”

As Jim Kelley, diocesan development director, noted, “Individuals like the Polickoskis can have a tremendous impact on the future of the Church by establishing endowments. Doing so helps ensure that

Fund an endowment Interested in setting up – or adding to – an endowment to benefit your parish? Establish an endowment in the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a trust or annuity, or a gift of real estate, life insurance, cash or securities. Join more than 1,800 parishioners who have informed the diocese they plan to remember the Church in their estate plans.

For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or gmrhodes@rcdoc.org.

their legacy of faith is preserved for future generations.”

— Courtney McLaughlin

Our schools

January 9, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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That’s a wrap! – Diocese’s longest-serving principal moves from St. Matthew School to assistant superintendent LISA M. GERACI lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — “I can assure you I’m always a Wildcat,” Principal Kevin O’Herron told 685 students and 65 faculty at the end of the Family Advent School Mass Dec. 19, his last all-school Mass as principal at St. Matthew School.

His goodbye speech marked the end of his tenure as the longest-serving principal in the Diocese of Charlotte’s schools system. O’Herron served as principal for 27 of the school’s 33-year history. Effective Jan. 1, he moved to a new position: assistant superintendent of schools for the diocese.

“It is funny when you listen to the Holy Spirit, because He doesn’t speak to you directly,” O’Herron said. “He doesn’t give you a phone call, but somehow that message got to me that it is time to do something different.”

Although O’Herron’s promotion to assistant superintendent was announced last August and the transition was imminent, it did not lessen the emotional impact of his last day. Students, alumni, staff, parents and community leaders all shared the same sentiment – the advancement is well-deserved, yet they will miss their long-time mentor and friend.

As Trish Hazel, the school’s secretary for 34 years, said, “I cried all throughout the Mass. I like everything about him. He is really good with his employees.”

Father Patrick Cahill, pastor of St. Matthew Parish, celebrated Mass as students served as lectors, read the intentions and sang the hymns.

After Mass, a tribute relived cherished memories of O’Herron demonstrating his Wildcat Spirit over the years: shaving his beard for No Shave November, surviving the annual egg drop, participating in the YMCA Valentine Fun Run, and being pounded by water balloons while riding his bike for the annual Boosterthon.

Those moments of costumes, field trips and fun made everyone smile and some shed a tear or two, but for O’Herron, the culmination means connection and community, which he

TROY C. HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Matthew’s Principal Kevin O’Herron high fives students on his last day at the school. He is moving to serve in the Catholic Schools Office. knows will remain in place after his departure.

“As I look back on these 27 years, I am just really fortunate and really blessed that God placed me here,” O’Herron said. “Our time together was never random, never ordinary. We are links of a chain of St. Matthew.

God didn’t bring us together by coincidence. We are meant to be connected in this place.”

Most faculty know O’Herron as a spiritual man whose few spoken words are filled with love and guidance.

Chris Felten, a counselor, recalled her two decades working with O’Herron.

“He has been the heartbeat of St. Matthew,” she said. “I can’t say how much he means to me. I’ve grown spiritually,

professionally and personally under his supervision. He is a man of few words but impactful actions.”

O’Herron will be one of the three assistant superintendents, all of whom once served as principals.

Superintendent Greg Monroe said the move was an obvious choice: “It was a natural decision to ask him if he would be willing to help at the assistant superintendent level. This is really an internal promotion because O’Herron is the longest tenured principal who has served in our community, and after seeing all the good he has been accomplishing at St. Matthew, it was very evident that he can take that same skill set and help mature others in our schools across our system.”

Assistant Principal Suzanne Beasley will serve as interim principal while the search for a new leader just as committed to family, faith and service starts this spring.

“I have worked with Kevin for 13 years, so it is like losing half of myself. He is the best mentor anyone could ever have,” she said. “Kevin makes sure you have all the foundation and support that you need so you can fly when it is your turn.”

When O’Herron returned to his office, he was surprised by a long line of friends who showered him with congratulatory gifts. In addition, a special Wildcat surprise awaited him – his office was covered in wrapping paper, including his desk, chair and all the walls.

Before the half-school day ended, students participated in their final Wildcat clap-off to properly send their respected leader to his new role. Everyone lined the hallways, waving well-wish posters and extending hands for a last high five.

“Being part of St. Matthew has made me a better person, and I am forever grateful for the joy you have brought into my life. Now, God is calling me to grow in new ways, just as He calls you to grow grade to grade, year to year,” he said. “Thank you for being part of my story. Thank you for shaping my life and my vocation. Know that I should always carry you and this place in my heart and in my prayers, and I can assure you I am always a Wildcat.”

Diocese rolls out unified security approach to schools CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — To strengthen school safety, Catholic schools across the Diocese of Charlotte are adopting a uniform approach to security, including the presence of officers, beginning in January.

The diocese is expanding staff training, safety protocols and the use of armed security officers to all diocesan and parochial schools “to provide a consistent and professional security presence of experienced officers who are trained in de-escalation, emergency response and student protection,” Bishop Michael Martin said in a Dec. 19 letter to parish and school officials.

“We’re always trying to raise the standards and be a leader when it comes to protecting the children in our schools,” said Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of Catholic Schools.

The new measures build upon safety measures the Catholic Schools Office put in place following a comprehensive security assessment of all schools in 2018 that involved parents, principals and security experts.

That assessment led to a variety of security enhancements, including a partnership in 2022 with Praelio LLC, a Virginia-based security and risk management firm, to place armed security officers at the nine Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools.

The latest effort expands Praelio’s services to the 10 parish-based schools outside the MACS system.

Supported by an array of security measures – including cameras and other technology – security officers will

TROY C. HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

New measures include additional training and extending existing security officers already in MACS schools to the diocese’s 10 other schools. provide a consistent presence throughout school buildings and grounds, during the school day as well as before and after hours. Officers are trained to collaborate with school officials, de-escalate situations and act decisively to keep kids safe.

“We’ve had a great relationship with Praelio, and we look forward to our continued partnership with them,” said Dan Ward, the diocese’s properties and risk management director. “Their officers bring a high level of

professionalism to their work.”

Praelio’s officers are veteran security personnel, and many have backgrounds in the military and law enforcement.

They receive specialized preparation for school environments, and each officer is trained in school-based threat assessment, adolescent behavior, trauma response and effective communication, Ward said.

Praelio also provides training to school staff in emergency preparedness, first aid and crisis response, and it will perform security evaluations of all school campuses.

Monroe said the expanded security measures come in response to requests from parents, principals and faculty – particularly in the wake of a deadly shooting at a Catholic school Mass in Minneapolis last August.

To fund the new security measures, school officials expect to charge an annual security fee of $260 per student starting in 2026.

“In order to make this a reality, we’re asking for an investment from all of our parents across the entire diocese,” Monroe said.

The diocese will work closely with schools to help them implement the new security program, including transitioning out of any existing security agreements they might have.

“The mission of Catholic education depends upon safe and secure learning environments where faith, academics and formation can flourish,” Bishop Martin wrote in his Dec. 19 letter to principals. “This unified initiative reflects our shared responsibility to safeguard our students, support our staff and strengthen trust with our families.”

12

JUBILEE 2025

iiiJanuary 9, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com

FROM TH

Jubilee Year comes to a hopeful close across the diocese CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clk@rcdoc.org

C

rowds gathered to take part in two celebrations focused on light and hope – the end of the Jubilee Year of Hope and the feast of the Epiphany – at St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, St. Pius X Church in Greensboro, and St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER

The pews were overflowing at St. Mark Church in Huntersville as parishioners came out Jan. 4 to hear Monsignor Patrick Winslow, the diocese’s vicar general and chancellor, close the Jubilee Year and celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany.

ST. LAWRENCE BASILICA

At the 5 p.m. Mass Saturday at St. Lawrence Basilica, Father Adrian Porras, vicar forane for the Asheville Vicariate and pastor of St. Barnabas Parish in Arden, offered Mass and preached a homily that tied the meaning of the two celebrations together.

It was a full-circle moment for the basilica because the Jubilee Year opened there in the diocese on Dec. 28, 2024, with a Mass celebrated by its pastor and rector, Monsignor Roger Arnsparger.

The tradition of a Holy Year – or jubilee – is based on the Old Testament concept of a year of rest, forgiveness and renewal.

What’s next?

The Jubilee Year of Hope has come to an end, but you can keep the spirit of the year alive in 2026 and beyond. n Seek a plenary indulgence.

Special indulgences available during the Jubilee Year ended with its conclusion, but the faithful can still seek a plenary indulgence, which is a remission of the temporal punishment due for one’s sins. To receive one, perform a specific spiritual act such as prayer, pilgrimage to a holy site or other works, and fulfill four main

During holy years, Catholics make pilgrimages to designated churches and shrines, recite special prayers, go to confession and receive Holy Communion to receive a plenary indulgence, which is a remission of the temporal punishment due for one’s sins. The basilica served as one of the diocesan pilgrimage sites.

Father Porras’ homily connected the story of the three Magi from the East who visited the Holy Family to the Jubilee Year’s “Pilgrims of Hope” theme, which encouraged the faithful to bring Christ’s light to the world.

The Magi were learned people who studied astronomy, science,

conditions: completely detach from sin, go to confession, receive Holy Communion and pray for the pope’s intentions, often by saying an Our Father and Hail Mary n Look forward to the next celebration. Pope Leo XIV has authorized an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Redemption in 2033 to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. This extraordinary year means another Jubilee Year falls much earlier than normal, because the Church usually only celebrates Holy Years – or jubilees – every 25 years.

Father Adrian Porras, vicar forane for the Asheville Vicariate and pastor of St. Barnabas Parish in Arden, closed the Jubilee Year in the dioces

At St. Pius X Church in Greensboro (above) Monsignor Patrick Winslow said hope nurtured in the Jubilee Year should continue in every aspect Epiphany and the Jubilee Year, Pope Leo XIV also preached. (Read more about his message on page 20.) languages and literature, including Hebrew Scripture, he noted.

“They studied the cosmos and, along with their study, they had a desire for God,” he said. “This led them to Bethlehem. To come before the child Jesus, they followed the star of Bethlehem. Its light is the revelation of Christ to the Magi as Christmas was Christ’s revelation to the shepherds.”

Just as the Magi used their knowledge to help them find the Christ child, Father Porras encouraged the congregation to use their faith to spread belief in Christ to a world that desperately needs it.

“On this great feast of the Epiphany and as the Holy Year ends, these three Magi serve as models,” he said.

“We are called to be bearers of the light, messengers of God’s kingdom. It is so necessary that we shine the light of Christ in our world that so desperately needs to see and know the truth of the Gospel,” he said.

ST. PIUS X CHURCH

Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general of the diocese, closed the Jubilee Year Jan. 4 with Masses at St. Pius X and St. Mark churches.

Filled with the joy of the

Christmas season and with more than 800 in attendance at St. Pius X, Monsignor Winslow celebrated the light that led the Magi on their journey and the supernatural gift of Christian hope.

“We are highlighting one aspect of this blessed Feast of the Epiphany, the arrival of the Magi,” Monsignor Winslow explained.

“Today, with the Magi, we see the light that is our hope.”

Although the Jubilee Year itself is closing, “the hope of this year does not end,” Monsignor Winslow said, referencing Pope Leo XIV’s JUBILEE, SEE PAGE 19

JUBILEO 2025

HE COVER

January 9, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

13

El Año Jubilar llega a un cierre esperanzador

FOTOS CORTESÍA DE MARYANN LUEDTKE Y AMY BURGER

Los bancos estaban abarrotados en la Iglesia de San Pío X en Greensboro (izquierda) y en la Iglesia de San Marcos en Huntersville (derecha), cuando los feligreses acudieron el 4 de enero para escuchar al monseñor Patrick Winslow, vicario general de la diócesis, clausurar el Año Jubilar y celebrar la Fiesta de la Epifanía.

BASÍLICA DE SAN LORENZO

GABRIEL SWINNEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

se where it began, at St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville.

MARYANN LUEDTKE | CATHOLIC NEW HERALD

t of people’s lives. “The beginning of hope” can be found in the

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clk@rcdoc.org

M

ultitudes se reunieron para tres Misas – el 3 de enero en la Basílica de San Lorenzo en Asheville y el 4 de enero en la Iglesia de San Pío X en Greensboro y la Iglesia de San Marcos en Huntersville – y participaron en dos celebraciones centradas en la luz y la esperanza: el final del Año Jubilar de la Esperanza y la fiesta de la Epifanía.

En la Misa de las 5 p.m. del sábado en San Lorenzo, el padre Adrian Porras, vicario foráneo del vicariato de Asheville y párroco de la Iglesia de San Bernabé en Arden, celebró la Misa y predicó una homilía que unió el significado de ambas celebraciones.

Fue un momento de círculo completo para la Basílica, ya que el Año Jubilar se abrió allí en la diócesis el 28 de diciembre de 2024, con una Misa celebrada por el monseñor Roger Arnsparger. La tradición de un Año Santo – o jubileo – se basa en el concepto del Antiguo Testamento de un año de descanso, perdón y renovación.

Durante los años santos, los católicos realizan peregrinaciones a iglesias y santuarios designados, rezan oraciones especiales, se confiesan y reciben la Sagrada Comunión para obtener una indulgencia plenaria, que es la remisión de la pena temporal debida por los pecados. La Basílica sirvió como uno de los sitios diocesanos de peregrinación.

La homilía del padre Porras conectó la historia de los tres Magos de Oriente que visitaron a la Sagrada Familia con el tema del Año Jubilar, “Peregrinos de Esperanza”, que animó a los fieles a llevar la luz de Cristo al mundo.

Los Magos eran personas instruidas que estudiaban astronomía, ciencia, idiomas y literatura, incluidas las Escrituras hebreas, señaló.

“Estudiaban el cosmos y, junto con su estudio, tenían un deseo de Dios”, dijo.

“Esto los llevó a Belén. Para llegar ante el Niño Jesús, siguieron la estrella de Belén. Su luz es la revelación de Cristo a los Magos, así como la Navidad fue la revelación de Cristo a los pastores.”

Así como los Magos usaron su conocimiento para ayudarlos a encontrar al Niño Cristo, el padre Porras animó a la congregación a usar su fe para difundir la creencia en Cristo en un mundo que la necesita desesperadamente.

“En esta gran fiesta de la Epifanía y al concluir el Año Santo, estos tres Magos sirven como modelos”, dijo.

“Estamos llamados a ser portadores de la luz, mensajeros del Reino de Dios.

Es tan necesario que hagamos brillar la luz de Cristo en nuestro mundo, que

FOTO CORTESÍA DE AMY BURGER

La doble celebración – por la fiesta de la Epifanía y el cierre del Año Jubilar – estuvo llena de momentos alegres que celebraban la esperanza cristiana. necesita con tanta urgencia ver y conocer la verdad del Evangelio.”

IGLESIA DE SAN PÍO X

El monseñor Patrick Winslow, vicario general de la diócesis, cerró el Año Jubilar el 4 de enero con Misas en la Iglesia de San Pío X y la Iglesia de San Marcos.

Lleno del gozo del tiempo de Navidad y

¿Qué sigue?

El Año Jubilar de la Esperanza ha llegado a su fin, pero puedes mantener vivo el espíritu de este año en 2026 y más allá. n Buscar una indulgencia plenaria.

Las indulgencias especiales disponibles durante el Año Jubilar terminaron con su conclusión, pero los fieles aún pueden buscar una indulgencia plenaria, es decir, la remisión de la pena temporal debida por los pecados. Para recibirla, debes realizar un acto espiritual específico, como la oración, una peregrinación a un lugar santo u otras obras, y cumplir cuatro condiciones

con más de 800 personas presentes en San Pío, el monseñor Winslow celebró la luz que guió a los Magos en su viaje y el don sobrenatural de la esperanza cristiana.

“Estamos destacando un aspecto de esta bendita fiesta de la Epifanía, la llegada de los Magos”, explicó el monseñor Winslow. “Hoy, con los Magos, JUBILEO, PASA A LA PÁGINA 19

principales: desapego total del pecado, confesarse, recibir la Sagrada Comunión y orar por las intenciones del Papa, a menudo rezando un Padrenuestro y un Avemaría. n Mirar hacia la próxima celebración.

El papa León XIV ha autorizado un Año Jubilar Extraordinario de la Redención en 2033 para conmemorar el 2000.º aniversario de la pasión, muerte y resurrección de Cristo. Este año extraordinario significa que otro Año Jubilar tendrá lugar mucho antes de lo habitual, ya que la Iglesia normalmente solo celebra los Años Santos – o jubileos – cada 25 años.

Arts & entertainment 14

catholicnewsherald.com | January 9, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Hundreds celebrate art, culture and the Feast of the Epiphany CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — It’s not every day that kids get a photo op with the Three Wise Men, but they did Jan. 4 at the Mint Museum Randolph as more than 400 people turned out for a celebration of the Epiphany.

Epiphany, which falls on Jan. 6, commemorates the visit of the Wise Men or Magi to the infant Jesus. For many Catholics, particularly in Latin American traditions, this major holiday marks the end of the Christmas season. The feast was celebrated in churches across the diocese Jan. 3-4.

The celebration coincided with the ongoing display of “Art of Devotion: The Santos de Paulo Tradition of Puerto Rico,” an exhibit of 150 traditional wooden saint statues from the larger collection of Francisco Toste Santana and Nitza Mediavilla Pinero. The couple moved to Charlotte from their native Puerto Rico several years ago and have been collecting the traditional figures for more than 50 years.

In Puerto Rico, the Epiphany is a major event, with street processions and appearances of the Three Kings in cities across the island.

The celebration at the Mint Museum combined other elements of Latin American culture with the Puerto Rican traditions.

A Latin American band played vibrant music throughout the day. Lines stretched

Art of Devotion: The Santos de Palo Tradition of Puerto Rico

WHAT: Exhibit of more than 150 carved wooden sculptures of saints, holy figures and sacred scenes produced by artists in Puerto Rico.

BRIAN SEGOVIA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A visit from the Wise Men, delicious Puerto Rican treats and a collection of sacred art were highlights of an Epiphany celebration that introduced Hispanic Catholic culture to the wider Charlotte community. into a hallway as people waited for Epiphany pastries baked by Manolo’s Bakery of Charlotte.

The offerings included a rosca de reyes (Three Kings’ bread) that was so big it took up an entire table. The traditional treat is

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Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte

eaten on Jan. 6 in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, with red and green candied fruit symbolizing the kings’ crowns. Some slices include a surprise: a tiny baby Jesus figurine hidden to symbolize Jesus hiding from King Herod. Also on hand were slices of traditional King Cake and guava pastries – favorites in Puerto Rico.

Men dressed up as the Three Kings walked through the exhibit, handing out treats and stopping to pose for selfies with visitors. Children, many wearing crowns they had just crafted, walked up to them, fascinated smiles on their faces. As Jesus Mora, who portrayed one of the Magi, said, “This has been a beautiful day – I love taking part in events like this and seeing the kids having so much fun.”

Craft tables offered visitors the chance to create their own paper crowns, and at a table run by the Center for Prevention Service they could make a star necklace.

“We wanted to remind people of the guiding star that led the Wise Men, and also remind them that everybody can be a star if they believe in themselves,” said volunteer Ana Calleja.

Betsy Vega of Charlotte worked on a star necklace with son Archer, a second-grader at St. Gabriel School in Charlotte. Vega has in-laws from Colombia and Puerto Rico and wanted to share the traditions with her son.

“It’s just a beautiful celebration, and the art is so beautiful, too,” Vega said.

The Santos de Paulo exhibit had special meaning for people with Puerto Rican backgrounds.

Lourdes Salinas and her husband, Efraín Mujica, are originally from Caguas, Puerto Rico, and have been living in Charlotte for the past three years. They keep their traditions and cultural practices alive, especially Epiphany. The children fill shoe boxes with grass and place them under the Christmas tree for the Three Kings’ camels.

The next day, the grass is replaced with gifts.

“Our culture is extremely important to us, and even though there aren’t many Puerto Ricans here who share this tradition with us, we want to pass it on to our children,” Salinas said. “Seeing this exhibit has a way of transporting me to my home island.”

Yaheira Cepeda, originally from San Juan, made the trip over the state line from South

WHEN: Through July 5 WHERE: Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte HOURS: 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday. Closed Monday.

COST: Free for members, children 4 and younger, students in grades K-12 and college art students. $15 for adults, $10 for seniors ages 65 and older, $10 for college students with ID. Free 5-9 p.m.

Wednesdays.

MORE INFO: Call 704-337-2037 or go online to www.mintmuseum.org.

BRIAN SEGOVIA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Francisco Toste Santana talks with museum visitors about his collection of Santos, traditional wooden saint sculptures from Puerto Rico. The Mint Museum Randolph has 150 sculptures from his collection on display through July 5.

Carolina to view the exhibit with daughter Jannel. Cepeda collects Nativity scenes and saw an important link between them and the Santos.

“The nativity sets I collect and these statues are all part of a tradition I want to pass on to my daughter, something important to share with her,” she said.

Cepeda teaches Spanish at Northwestern High School and has shared information about Epiphany with her students.

“So many of my students think only about the Day of the Dead in Mexico when it comes to festivals, and I want them to know about the Christmas and Epiphany celebrations, something that so many Spanish-speaking people share – it’s such an important part of the culture,” she said.

— Brian Segovia contributed.

FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL

January 9, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com

15

Cientos celebran el arte, la cultura y la Fiesta de la Epifanía CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — No todos los días los niños tienen la oportunidad de tomarse una foto con los Tres Reyes Magos, pero eso fue exactamente lo que ocurrió el sábado 4 de enero en el Museo Mint Randolph de Charlotte, cuando más de 400 personas asistieron a una celebración de la Epifanía.

La Epifanía, que se celebra el 6 de enero, conmemora la visita de los Reyes Magos al niño Jesús. Para muchos católicos, especialmente en las tradiciones latinoamericanas, esta importante festividad marca el final de la temporada navideña. La fiesta se celebró en las iglesias de toda la diócesis los días 3 y 4 de enero.

La celebración coincidió con la exhibición en curso de “Arte de Devoción: La tradición de los Santos de Palo de Puerto Rico”, una muestra de 150 estatuas tradicionales de santos talladas en madera, pertenecientes a la colección más amplia de Francisco Toste Santana y Nitza Mediavilla Piñero.

La pareja se mudó a Charlotte desde su natal Puerto Rico hace varios años y ha coleccionado estas figuras tradicionales durante más de 50 años.

En Puerto Rico, la Epifanía es un acontecimiento importante, con procesiones callejeras y apariciones de los Tres Reyes en ciudades de toda la isla.

La celebración en el Mint combinó otros elementos de la cultura latinoamericana con las tradiciones puertorriqueñas.

Una banda latinoamericana tocó música vibrante durante todo el día. Las filas se extendían hasta un pasillo mientras la gente esperaba los dulces de Epifanía horneados por Manolo’s Bakery de Charlotte. Entre las opciones había una rosca de reyes tan grande que ocupaba varias mesas. Este dulce tradicional se come el 6 de enero en México y otras partes de América Latina, con frutas confitadas rojas y verdes que simbolizan la corona de los reyes. Algunas rebanadas incluyen una sorpresa: una pequeña figura del Niño Jesús escondida, que simboliza a Jesús ocultándose del rey Herodes. También habían pastelitos de guayaba, favoritos en Puerto Rico.

Hombres vestidos como los Tres Reyes caminaron por la exhibición, repartiendo dulces y deteniéndose para posar en selfies con los visitantes. Los niños, muchos de ellos usando coronas que acababan de elaborar, se acercaban con sonrisas de fascinación en el rostro. Como dijo Jesús Mora, quien representó a uno de los Magos: “Ha sido un día hermoso; me encanta participar en eventos como este y ver a los niños divertirse tanto”.

Las mesas de manualidades ofrecían a los visitantes la oportunidad de crear sus propias coronas de papel, y en una mesa atendida por el Centro de Servicios de

Arte de Devoción: La tradición de los Santos de Palo de Puerto Rico

BRIAN SEGOVIA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Una visita de los Tres Reyes Magos, deliciosos dulces puertorriqueños y una colección de arte sacro fueron los momentos más destacados de una celebración de la Epifanía que introdujo la cultura católica hispana a la comunidad más amplia de Charlotte.

QUÉ: Exposición de más de 150 esculturas de madera talladas de santos, figuras sagradas y escenas religiosas producidas por artistas de Puerto Rico.

CUÁNDO: Hasta el 5 de julio DÓNDE: Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte HORARIO: De 11 a.m. a 6 p.m. martes, jueves, viernes y sábado; de 1 p.m. a 5 p.m. domingo; de 11 a.m. a 9 p.m. miércoles. Cerrado los lunes.

CUÁNTO CUESTA: Gratis para miembros, niños de 4 años y menores, estudiantes de K-12 y estudiantes universitarios de arte. $15 para adultos, $10 para personas mayores de 65 años, $10 para estudiantes universitarios con identificación. Gratis de 5 a 9 p.m. los miércoles.

CONTACTO: 704-337-2037 y www. mintmuseum.org

Varias organizaciones y negocios comunitarios participaron en la celebración. La panadería Manolo’s ofreció porciones de una inmensa rosca de reyes para acompañar el café.

Prevención podían hacer un collar con una estrella.

“Queríamos recordar a la gente la estrella guía que condujo a los Reyes Magos y también recordarles que todos pueden ser

una estrella si creen en sí mismos”, dijo la voluntaria Ana Calleja.

Betsy Vega, de Charlotte, trabajó en un collar de estrella con su hijo Archer, estudiante de segundo grado en la Escuela Católica St. Gabriel. Vega tiene familiares de Colombia y Puerto Rico y quería compartir las tradiciones con su hijo. “Es simplemente una celebración hermosa, y el arte también es muy bello”, dijo Vega.

La exhibición tuvo un significado especial para las personas de origen puertorriqueño.

Lourdes Salinas y su esposo, Efraín Mujica, son originarios de Caguas, Puerto Rico, y han vivido en Charlotte durante los últimos tres años. Mantienen vivas sus tradiciones y prácticas culturales, especialmente la Epifanía. Los niños llenan cajas de zapatos con hierba y las colocan debajo del árbol de Navidad para los camellos de los Reyes Magos. Al día siguiente, la hierba es reemplazada por regalos.

“Nuestra cultura es sumamente importante para nosotros y, aunque no hay muchos puertorriqueños aquí que

compartan esta tradición con nosotros, queremos transmitirla a nuestros hijos”, dijo Salinas. “Ver esta exhibición tiene la capacidad de transportarme a mi isla natal”.

Yaheira Cepeda, originaria de San Juan, cruzó la frontera desde Carolina del Sur para ver la exhibición con su hija Jannel.

Cepeda colecciona nacimientos y vio un vínculo importante entre ellos y los Santos.

“Los nacimientos que colecciono y estas estatuas forman parte de una tradición que quiero transmitir a mi hija, algo importante para compartir con ella”, dijo.

Cepeda enseña español en la escuela secundaria Northwestern High School y ha compartido información sobre la Epifanía con sus estudiantes.

“Muchos de mis estudiantes solo piensan en el Día de los Muertos en México cuando se trata de festivales, y quiero que conozcan las celebraciones de Navidad y Epifanía, algo que tantas personas de habla hispana comparten; es una parte muy importante de la cultura”, dijo.

— Contribución de Brian Segovia.

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 9, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

DISCIPLE MAKER INDEX

INTRO: La Visión General.......................Nov. 7, 2025 PARTE 1: Enseñanza central católica...Nov. 7, 2025 PARTE 2: Prácticas espirituales..........Nov. 21, 2025 PARTE 3: Experiencia dominical...........Dec. 5, 2025 PARTE 4: Eficacia parroquial...............Dec. 19, 2025 PARTE 5: Eficacia parroquial (cont.).... Jan. 9, 2026 PARTE 6: Impulso misionero...............Jan. 23, 2026

Resultados diocesanos de una encuesta de 2025 realizada entre 24,332 católicos, con información sobre su fe y su vida parroquial.

Parte 5: Efectividad del apoyo parroquial

Ahora

Pasado

Próximo

Los feligreses de la parroquia San Pedro tienen acceso a una amplia variedad de programas, retiros y recursos de espiritualidad ignaciana, gracias a los jesuitas que han servido en la parroquia del centro de Charlotte desde 1986.

TROY C. HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

5

La encuesta revela brechas en los esfuerzos parroquiales para formar discípulos ¿

Su parroquia lo prepara para hablar sobre su fe católica? ¿Se siente seguro al responder preguntas sobre las enseñanzas de la Iglesia?

Solo una minoría de los asistentes habituales a la Misa que participaron en la encuesta del Disciple Maker Index (DMI) en la Diócesis de Charlotte dijo estar totalmente de acuerdo en que su parroquia los prepara para compartir su fe (20%) o para responder preguntas sobre ella (35%).

Menos de la mitad – 45% – estuvo totalmente de acuerdo en que su parroquia les ayuda a crecer espiritualmente. Y solo el 33% estuvo totalmente de acuerdo en que su parroquia los forma como discípulos de Jesucristo, algo que el creador del DMI, el Catholic Leadership Institute, señaló como una de las mayores “oportunidades de mejora” de la diócesis.

Las parroquias eficaces crean discípulos, y la investigación del CLI encontró que el mayor predictor de si los feligreses comparten su fe es que su parroquia los capacite para hacerlo.

Una persona que está totalmente de acuerdo en que su parroquia la prepara para compartir su testimonio tiene el doble de probabilidades de compartir esa historia con mayor frecuencia.

Quienes responden con frecuencia preguntas sobre la fe también tienen 1.6 veces más probabilidades de compartir su testimonio personal. “Cuando su gente se siente segura de su capacidad para hablar sobre las enseñanzas de la Iglesia, es más probable que comparta su historia personal”, indica la guía de recursos del CLI para las parroquias.

De las 78 parroquias y misiones que participaron en el DMI, 29 obtuvieron puntajes por encima del promedio diocesano PARROQUIALES, PASA A LA PÁGINA 17

My parish helps me grow spiritually as a Catholic.

Mi parroquia me ayuda a crecer espiritualmente como católico.

45%

36%

LEYENDA

12%

5 2

Qué tanto los miembros dicen que su iglesia les

My parish helps me grow spiritually by connecting me with aespiritualmente small ayuda a crecer como católicos Totalmente de acuerdo es uno de los tres “Grandes Resultados” – faith-sharing group.

De acuerdo Ni de acuerdo ni en desacuerdo En desacuerdo 26% Totalmente en desacuerdo

33%

medidas generales de la salud de la iglesia e indicadores de crecimiento. Los otros dos son: 29% su iglesia a un 9%amigo3 qué tanto recomendarían y con qué frecuencia comparten su testimonio personal con otra persona.

My parish provides retreats, workshops, resources to help me Encuestados: Las parroquias que and másother ayudan a crecer espiritualmente figure out my life’s purpose.

Mayor porcentaje de encuestados que “estuvieron totalmente de acuerdo”

Santa Ana los Caminos 29% 37% 7 Nuestra Señora de24% San Francisco de Asís (Lenoir) San Juan Bautista Nuestra Señora de las Montañas Santo Tomás de Aquino Nuestra Señora de las Américas 8 San Judas Iglesia de la Epifanía 9 Santísima Trinidad My family for the sacraments 5 parish Nuestraprepares Señora deme/my Guadalupe (Charlotte) Santa Bernardita (Confirmation, Marriage, Baptism).

6 Sagrado Corazón (Salisbury) Santa Elena San José (Bryson City) 10 San Pedro 1 2 3 4

39%

33%

24%

7% 3

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January 9, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

17

PARROQUIALES VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 16

del 45% de quienes estuvieron totalmente de acuerdo en que su parroquia los ayuda a crecer espiritualmente. A continuación, algunos ejemplos de lo que estas parroquias están haciendo para fortalecer la formación en la fe.

NUEVAS FORMAS DE FORMAR EN LA FE

Como muchas parroquias, el programa de formación en la fe de Sacred Heart se había centrado en catequistas que preparaban a los niños para los sacramentos de iniciación, con padres que dejaban a sus hijos en la iglesia una vez por semana para las clases. De manera predecible, las clases para la Primera Comunión y la Confirmación estaban llenas, mientras que la participación en otros años era menor.

En 2022, la parroquia de Salisbury reorganizó su programa para poner a los padres en el asiento del conductor.

“Fe en el Discipulado y la Evangelización”, o FIDE, “es formación familiar, no formación solo para niños”, dice Peg Fisher, directora de evangelización de Sacred Heart.

Lenoir adopta un enfoque similar centrado Las 128 familias inscritas en FIDE reciben en la familia. recursos de enseñanza para el hogar, y toda El padre Alfonso Gámez Jr. pasa tiempo la familia asiste junta a clases semanales. con las parejas comprometidas “porque eso Las “noches familiares” mensuales es una inversión para el futuro”, y mientras permiten que los padres se conecten y los niños están en sus clases de formación en reciban apoyo de Fisher, de su pastor, el la fe, él enseña a sus padres: 30 minutos de padre John Eckert, y de otros. Las familias catequesis en inglés y 30 minutos en español. se emparejan como compañeros de oración, “Trato de capacitarlos”, dice. “Hablamos asisten juntas a retiros y participan en sobre estilos de crianza y cómo son “entrevistas sacramentales” antes de la compatibles con la fe, los desafíos Primera Comunión y la Confirmación. que presenta el mundo moderno para “El enfoque está en aprender sobre la transmitir la fe, y ayudarlos a verse a sí fe: es un camino para toda la vida. Los mismos como ese modelo a seguir, los sacramentos son el comienzo, no el final”, primeros maestros de la fe”. dice Fisher.

Dos iniciativas populares en la parroquia Fisher dedica gran parte de su tiempo a son una Hora Santa juvenil que se realiza conectarse personalmente con cada familia cada mes y un “Boletín para niños” que se para ofrecer apoyo y responder preguntas, entrega al final de cada Misa dominical. animándolas como los principales “Nos encanta ver a los niños casi educadores de la fe de sus hijos, con la trepándose por los bancos para venir a parroquia presente para acompañarlas. recogerlo”, dice Kim Clarke, directora de “No es fácil, pero vale la pena”, afirma. evangelización y formación en la fe de la La parroquia ha visto los resultados: los parroquia. niños permanecen más activos en la vida parroquial, los padres aprenden más sobre la LOS GRUPOS PEQUEÑOS SON CLAVE fe y se sienten fortalecidos como discípulos, Los grupos pequeños son fundamentales My parish helps me grow spiritually as a Catholic. e incluso algunos miembros no católicos de para la formación en la fe de adultos en la las familias se han incorporado a la Iglesia parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe 45% a través de FIDE. en Charlotte.

36%Después de los retiros 12% anuales 5 2 gracias a lo que encontraron La parroquia San Francisco de Asís en del ministerio católico carismático de la

5

Myparroquia parish helps grow spiritually by connecting with a small Mi meme ayuda a crecer espiritualmente al me conectarme con un grupo faith-sharing group. la fe. pequeño de compartir

26%

33%

29%

37%

9%

24%

3

33%

7% 3

43%

21

24%

15%

26%

40%

25%

7% 2

20%

31%

35%

11%

3

Mi parroquia me ayuda a crecer espiritualmente formándome como discípulo de My parish helps me grow spiritually by forming me as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Jesucristo.

Mi parroquia me capacita para conversar sobre la acción de Dios en mi vida, My parish equips me to have about work in poder my liferesponder by growing fortaleciendo mi confianza enconversations las enseñanzas de laGod’s Iglesia para my Church’s teachings so I can answer others’ questions. a lasconfidence preguntasin dethe otros.

35%

de la parroquia ofrece dirección espiritual, retiros y actividades a lo largo del año. Los programas, especialmente los Ejercicios My parish helps me grow spiritually as a Catholic.

Espirituales, se llenan rápidamente. Los participantes se reúnen en grupos de 45% 36% 12%así como 5 2 manera presencial y en línea, individualmente con un director espiritual.

El padre jesuita Tim Stephens, párroco, parroquia, por ejemplo, los participantes afirma que un discípulo cristiano siempre My parish helps me grow spiritually by connecting me with a small forman grupos de seis o siete personas que está creciendo en la fe. Por eso, además de group. sefaith-sharing reúnen semanalmente durante tres años la Misa y los sacramentos, la parroquia para estudiar la Sagrada Escritura y dialogar ofrece recursos para ayudar a las personas sobre cómo26% vivir su fe en la vida cotidiana. a profundizar su relación con Dios 33% 29% 9% y 3 “Es uno de los ministerios más grandes responder a Su llamado a servir a los demás. que tenemos, si no el más grande”, “Esto es, en última instancia, de lo que dice Vicente Capistrano, director de se trata ir a Misa en primer lugar: vamos a comunicaciones de laretreats, parroquia y líder del Misaresources para ser enviados My parish provides workshops, and other to help mea ser mejores y más ministerio juvenil. eficaces discípulos de Jesús”, dice. figure out my life’s purpose.

Tras revisar los datos de la encuesta — Patricia L. Guilfoyle DMI, el padre vicentino Bruce Krause 24% eficaz apoya 7%e inspira 3 a señala que 29% la parroquia planea ampliar37% PRÓXIMAMENTE: Una parroquia su oferta de grupos pequeños para apoyar sus feligreses a salir y compartir el Evangelio. En la Parte mejor a los padres en la enseñanza de la fe 6, veremos cómo los encuestados del DMI dicen que están a sus hijos. Si la parroquia está presente respondiendo al llamado al discipulado misionero.

My parish prepares me/my family for the para fortalecerlos y animarlos, afirma, lossacraments padres pueden “cumplir importante (Confirmation, Marriage,su Baptism). papel en la formación de sus hijos”.

NOTA DEL EDITOR: La encuesta Disciple Maker 39% 33% RECONOCER LA PRESENCIA DE DIOS Index, realizada entre marzo y24% abril de 2025 en 21 Reconocer cómo Dios actúa en la vida las 93 parroquias y misiones de la Diócesis de de una persona es un motor principal del Charlotte, recibió respuestas de 24,332 personas discipulado eficaz, y es un aspecto clave de en 78 parroquias y misiones. Aunque no se trata de laMy espiritualidad ignaciana y un enfoque unaGod’s muestra aleatoria ni representativa de todos los parish equips me to have conversations about work in my life by growing del eninlathe parroquia Pedro so I cancatólicos deothers’ la diócesis, los resultados reflejan en myministerio confidence Church’sSan teachings answer questions. en Charlotte, dirigida por jesuitas. San gran medida las opiniones de los católicos activos Ignacio, fundador de la orden jesuita, que asisten regularmente a Misa y eligieron participar 35% a Dios en todas las cosas 43% 15%Los datos4%2 buscaba encontrar en las 75 preguntas de la encuesta. fueron y en todas las personas. tabulados por el Catholic Leadership Institute.

El programa de Espiritualidad Ignaciana

Myparroquia parish equips me to have conversations my faith byateaching memi how to Mi me capacita para hablar de mi about fe enseñándome compartir share my personal witness story. testimonio personal.

My parish prepares me/my family the sacraments Mi parroquia me prepara a mí/a mifor familia para los sacramentos (Confirmación, (Confirmation, Marriage, Baptism).

Matrimonio, Bautismo).

39%

5

My parish equips me to have conversations my faith by ateaching melahow to Mi parroquia me capacita para hablar de mi about fe enseñándome compartir historia share the story of Jesus. de Jesús.

Mi ofreceretreats, retiros, talleres y otros que me ayudan descubrir Myparroquia parish provides workshops, andrecursos other resources to help a me el propósito mi vida. figure out mydelife’s purpose.

29%

FOTOS PROPORCIONADAS Y POR EL CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Izquierda) El padre Alfonso Gámez Jr. entrega el popular “Boletín para niños” después de una Misa reciente en la iglesia San Francisco de Asís en Lenoir.

(Arriba) Los grupos pequeños para compartir la fe son populares en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte.

4%2

33%

42%

19%

4%2

My parish equips me to recognize how God is working in myen life.

Mi parroquia me capacita para reconocer cómo Dios actúa mi vida.

25%

43%

22%

8% 2

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 9, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Papa León XIV

Tómate tiempo para revisar el año pasado con Jesús

A

ntes de la cuenta regresiva para el Año Nuevo, los cristianos deben tomarse un momento para recordar todas las bendiciones de Dios del año pasado y reflexionar honestamente sobre cómo respondieron a esas gracias, dijo el Papa León XIV. El tiempo antes del Año Nuevo es un momento para recordar el gran amor de Dios y para “pedir perdón por todos los momentos en los que no hemos sabido atesorar sus inspiraciones e invertir mejor los talentos que nos ha confiado “, dijo el Papa el 31 de diciembre, en su audiencia general.

Miles de visitantes y peregrinos, abrigados en la gélida mañana de invierno, se reunieron en la Plaza de San Pedro para la última audiencia de 2025.

El Papa León destacó tres “acontecimientos significativos” del año pasado: “algunos felices, como la peregrinación de tantos fieles con ocasión del Año Santo; otros dolorosas, como el fallecimiento del añorado Papa Francisco y los escenarios de guerra que siguen devastando el planeta”.

Antes de dar la bienvenida al Año Nuevo, dijo: “la Iglesia nos invita a poner todo frente al Señor, encomendándonos a Su Providencia y pidiéndole que se renueven, en nosotros y a nuestro alrededor, en los días venideros, los prodigios de su gracia y de su misericordia”.

La peregrinación jubilar de millones de católicos en todo el mundo en 2025 es un recordatorio de que “toda nuestra vida es un viaje, cuya meta última transciende el espacio y el tiempo, para cumplirse en el encuentro con Dios y en la plena y eterna comunión con Él”, dijo el Papa.

Y atravesar una de las Puertas Santas durante un Jubileo, orando por el perdón, dijo, “expresa nuestro ‘sí’ a Dios, , que con su perdón nos invita a cruzar el umbral de una vida nueva, animada por la gracia, modelada en el Evangelio, inflamada por amor” al prójimo.

Atravesar una Puerta Santa, dijo, “es nuestro ‘sí’ a una vida vivida con compromiso en el presente y orientada a la eternidad”.

El Papa León concluyó su discurso citando las palabras de San Pablo VI en una audiencia general al final del Año Santo de 1975: “¡Dios es Amor! Esta es la revelación inefable, de la que el Jubileo, con su pedagogía, con su indulgencia, con su perdón y finalmente con su paz, llena de lágrimas y de alegría, nos ha querido llenar el espíritu hoy y siempre la vida mañana: ¡Dios es amor! ¡Dios me ama! ¡Dios me espera y yo lo he encontrado! ¡Dios es misericordia! ¡Dios es perdón! ¡Dios, sí, Dios es la vida!”.

El Papa León oró para que la certeza del amor y la misericordia eterna de Dios “nos acompañen estos pensamientos en el paso entre el viejo y el nuevo año y después siempre en nuestra vida”.

La comunidad abraza la tradición de Las Posadas en Hamlet BRIAN SEGOVIA bmsegovia@rcdoc.org

HAMLET — En el lado este de la Diócesis de Charlotte, la parroquia St. James se encuentra a aproximadamente una hora y media en automóvil de Charlotte. A pesar de la distancia, feligreses de distintas comunidades viajan cada año para participar en las posadas, que se celebran durante las nueve noches previas a la Navidad.

Desde la llegada del párroco mexicano, el padre Fidel Melo, la celebración de Las Posadas en la parroquia St. James y en su misión Sacred Heart, en Wadesboro, ha crecido de manera constante.

“Antes, los feligreses pedían prestado el salón parroquial para organizar sus propias posadas, y hoy la parroquia coordina celebraciones con más de 200 personas cada noche”, dijo Mirna Carrisoza, feligresa de St. James.

Las Posadas son una tradición religiosa y cultural que se celebra del 16 al 24 de diciembre. Conmemoran el peregrinar de María y José en busca de alojamiento antes del nacimiento de Jesús e incluyen oraciones, cantos, procesiones y convivencia comunitaria.

En 2021, tras la llegada del padre Melo, la iglesia de Hamlet comenzó a organizar Las Posadas con distintos anfitriones cada noche. Debido a la fuerte presencia de la comunidad mexicana en la zona, donde la mayoría de los feligreses son originarios de México, muchas familias participan en la planeación.

Las Posadas se organizan por turnos entre familias provenientes de estados mexicanos como Michoacán, Zacatecas, Guanajuato y Veracruz.

Este modelo permite

BRIAN SEGOVIA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

En toda la diócesis, parroquias como St. James en Hamlet celebraron sus propias versiones de las posadas, dando la bienvenida a amigos y visitantes.

compartir la responsabilidad y reducir la carga económica para las familias anfitrionas.

También ha contribuido a diversificar la celebración, particularmente a través de la comida típica de cada región.

“Este año ha sido el que más personas hemos recibido”, dijo Carrisoza. “Muchos peregrinos vienen desde tan lejos como Monroe o Charlotte”.

Este diciembre se celebraron nueve posadas en la parroquia

de Hamlet, con anfitriones que incluyeron representantes de distintos estados mexicanos, grupos de catecismo y el grupo juvenil. Además, se realizaron tres posadas en la misión de Sacred Heart.

Carrisoza señaló que la celebración ha fortalecido los lazos entre la parroquia St. James y su misión, y ha reunido a una comunidad regional más amplia.

“Las Posadas son una tradición muy importante en la cultura mexicana, y ahora los padres quieren transmitirlas a sus hijos”, dijo.

Según Carrisoza, quienes asisten por primera vez suelen sorprenderse por la magnitud del evento. “Se sorprenden por la cantidad de comida que la gente comparte”, dijo. “Pero, sobre todo, por el ambiente fraternal”.

Lecturas Diarias ENE. 11-17

Domingo (Bautismo del Señor): Is 42:1-4, 6-7, Sal 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10, Hch 10:34-38, Mt 3:13-17 Lunes: 1 Sam 1:1-8, Sal 116:12-13, 14-17, 1819, Mc 1:14-20 Martes: 1 Sam 1:9-20, 1 Sam 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd, Mc 1:21-28 Miércoles: 1 Sam 3:1-10, 19-20, Sal 40:2 y 5, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10, Mc 1:29-39 Jueves: 1 Sam 4:1-11, Sal 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25, Mc 1:40-45 Viernes: 1 Sam 8:4-7, 10-22a, Sal 89:16-17, 18-19, Mc 2:1-12 Sábado (San Antonio, Abad): 1 Sam 9:14, 17-19; 10:1, Sal 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, Mc 2:13-17

ENE. 18-24

Domingo: Is 49:3, 5-6, Sal 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10, 1 Cor 1:1-3, Jn 1:29-34 Lunes: 1 Sam 15:16-23, Sal 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 y 23, Mc 2:18-22 Martes: 1 Sam 16:1-13, Sal 89:20, 21-22, 27-28, Mc 2:23-28 Miércoles (Santa Inés, Virgen y Mártir): 1 Sam 17:32-33, 37, 40-51, Sal 144:1b, 2, 9-10, Mc 3:1-6 Jueves (Día de Oración por la Protección Legal de los Niños por Nacer): 1 Sam 18:6-9, 19:1-7, Sal 56:2-3, 9-10a, 10b-11, 12-13, Mc 3:7-12 Viernes: 1 Sam 24:3-21, Sal 57:2, 3-4, 6 y 11, Mc 3:13-19 Sábado (San Francisco de Sales, Obispo y Doctor de la Iglesia): 2 Sam 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27, Sal 80:2-3, 5-7, Mc 3:20-21

ENE. 25-31

Domingo: Is 8:23-9:3, Sal 27:1, 4, 13-14, 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17, Mt 4:12-23 o 4:12-17 Lunes (Santos Timoteo y Tito, Obispos): 2 Tim 1:1-8 o Tit 1:1-5, Sal 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10, Mc 3:22-30 Martes: 2 Sam 6:12b-15, 17-19, Sal 24:7, 8, 9, 10, Mc 3:31-35 Miércoles (Santo Tomás de Aquino, Sacerdote y Doctor de la Iglesia): 2 Sam 7:4-17, Sal 89:4-5, 27-28, 29-30, Mc 4:1-20 Jueves: 2 Sam 7:18-19, 24-29, Sal 132:1-2, 3-5, 11, 12, 13-14, Mc 4:21-25 Viernes: 2 Sam 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17, Sal 51:3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11, Mc 4:26-34 Sábado (San Juan Bosco, Sacerdote): 2 Sam 12:1-7a, 10-17, Sal 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17, Mc 4:35-41

Our nation

January 9, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

19

Questions answered about new Bible translation GINA CHRISTIAN OSV News

HARTFORD, Connecticut — The Catholic American Bible is set to replace the New American Bible Revised Edition in 2027, becoming the common text for the Mass lectionary, Liturgy of the Hours and private use.

OSV News recently spoke with Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt of Hartford, Connecticut, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee on the Translation of Scripture, on what to expect from the new translation.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

OSV News: Why are there continuous updates to Bible translations, especially since we already have so many versions?

Bishop Betancourt: Well, that’s always a great question, and the answer is, it’s not only to keep biblical scholars and publishers in business.

Many times, it’s due to linguistic evolution. Languages change, so words and phrases in all the various translations can become a little bit old, archaic, unclear.

Sometimes the semantic field (an area of human experience that is described by a set of related terms) expands, and there’s a change.

One of the things that I love about this new Catholic American Bible is consistency, which the committee has worked to maintain.

For example, if a word can mean “mind” or “soul” or “heart,” we try to translate that word consistently.

“Kardia” in Greek – Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic are the original languages in which the Scriptures were written – means “heart.” But it can also mean, because of the semantic field, “mind” or “soul.”

(In The Catholic American Bible), every time that we find “Kardia,” it’s really “heart.” If there’s something where the translation actually may become a little bit difficult, then there’s a footnote explaining that this comes from the Greek.

So, I like that. It improves the understanding of Scripture.

Also, we are constantly learning more about the biblical languages of Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. The more we know of the usage of those words in their times, it increases accuracy and clarity, and makes the text more accessible too.

It also reflects also a better textual criticism – although not so much anymore, as we haven’t had a big manuscript discovery since the Qumran scrolls (also known as the Dead Sea Scrolls, consisting of some 950 ancient manuscripts of Hebrew biblical texts discovered between 1947 and 1956 in 11 caves on the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea in Israel). That was a big thing, because we found the oldest

JUBILEE FROM PAGE 12

Jan. 4 homily.

Faith and reason lead us to join the Magi on our own pilgrimages, presenting our gift to God, “the gift of our lives.” Monsignor Winslow said.

He ended with the words of Pope Leo: “‘The hope that this year He has given us does not finish. We will continue to be pilgrims of hope. And to that end, we continue to walk together with the Magi ever toward an eternal light which is our true hope’.”

ST. MARK CHURCH

At St. Mark Church, Monsignor Winslow’s homily drew from the wisdom of a 1912 poem by Frenchman Charles Péguy titled “The Portal of the Mystery of Hope.”

Monsignor Winslow recounted its story of a father who toiled in the fields to support his daughter, who

CNS | VATICAN MEDIA

Pope Leo XIV receives a preview copy of the Catholic American Bible, slated for publication in 2027, from Mary Sperry, associate director of the U.S. bishops’ Office for the Biblical Apostolate, Nov. 17, 2025. manuscripts available, especially for the Hebrew Bible. After Qumran, we have manuscripts that were close to the time.

So those are a few reasons why we have, every 10, 15 or 20 years, a kind of updated translation. I like to say “updated” rather than “new,” because the latter suggests the old was not good, and the new is always best. In an updated translation, we keep what we (already) have.

Along with consistency, we look for more accuracy and clarity, especially after the release of “Liturgiam Authenticam” (the Vatican’s 2001 instruction, issued under St. John Paul II, on the use of vernacular languages for the books of the Roman Catholic liturgy – which among other directives specifies that new translations of sacred Scripture must be made directly from the original texts in Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek.)

That gives us a way to go back to the fidelity of the original, to reject anything that has to do with ideology, to try to preserve the terms.

OSV News: So it’s a return to the sources, in a sense.

Bishop Betancourt: Exactly. Nowadays, we have so many dynamic translations (which focus on rendering the original text into the equivalent terms of a language).

Now, this example is not the case with the New American

was joyfully playing around the house.

“He poses the question,” Monsignor Winslow noted, of “who is doing more work – the little girl at home or her father in the field? And he says, without any reservation, the little girl, because the father in the field would have given up hours before if it weren’t for her.”

“Hope is like a little child, often so underestimated but yet motivating us to aspire to do hard things that are good,” he said.

That is the essence of Christian hope, he said, since it gives us the ability to do difficult things because we know with certainty that our destination is eternal.

“The hope that this year has given us does not finish,” Monsignor Winslow said. “Just like the Magi, we will continue the course of our lives as no doubt they did when they left Bethlehem following the light that brings us hope.”

— Georgianna Penn and Trish Stukbauer contributed.

Bible, because that version was faithful to the original, but some English translations of the parable of the 10 virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) call them “young ladies” or “young girls,” and the sense of the virgin, and its theological meaning, goes away. But “virgin” is more accurate.

So we keep it faithful, but on the other hand, we put explanatory notes that are more useful.

OSV News: How will this translation help in a pastoral context?

Bishop Betancourt: The Catholic American Bible is more focused for study, liturgy and Bible groups. I like it, too, because the preacher can find that he doesn’t need to know too much biblical Greek in order to present it to the people, explaining the text in terms of if we want to go back to the customs of the time or the use of the terms or idiomatic expressions of the time.

Fidelity and accuracy, with a pastoral focus, is kept in this new Catholic American Bible. So many times before this edition, although the New American Bible did a great job always, many translations that we have were written for different goals, different pastoral purposes. And sometimes they changed the requirements when it came to being a bit more faithful to the text.

And then some other translations were actually really done because of ideology, and there are some Bibles there that are focused on groups, like the Bible for Young People, Bibles for men and so on. Usually, they come from Protestant translations.

But I think we’re going to find a great, reliable translation – one that is better and more accurate for liturgy and study – with The Catholic American Bible.

OSV News: Will there be a Spanish version as well?

Bishop Betancourt: The New Testament translation is done, and it will come out as La Biblia de la Iglesia en América Nuevo Testamento (with an estimated release date of Ash Wednesday 2026). We are trying to wrap up the Old Testament translation so we can send it to Rome.

Once La Biblia de la Iglesia en América is fully complete, we will send it to Rome for confirmation, and then we’ll be able to publish the Spanish lectionary. And I’m pretty excited, because we really need a Spanish lectionary for the whole United States. And that’s coming.

OSV News: Will The Catholic American Bible be available in formats accessible to persons with disabilities?

Bishop Betancourt: I know that we’re going to have every single format available for everybody. That will take time.

And once you open your heart to the Holy Spirit, you see that the same words that we have had for more than 2,000 years reveal the force, the power of the Holy Spirit. So even though God never changes, He always has something new for us.

JUBILEO VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 13

vemos la luz que es nuestra esperanza.”

Aunque el Año Jubilar en sí llega a su fin, “la esperanza de este año no termina”, dijo el monseñor Winslow, haciendo referencia a la homilía del Papa León XIV del 4 de enero. La fe y la razón nos llevan a unirnos a los Magos en nuestras propias peregrinaciones, presentando nuestro don a Dios, “el don de nuestras vidas”, dijo el monseñor Winslow.

Concluyó con las palabras del Papa León: “‘La esperanza que este año Él nos ha dado no termina. Seguiremos siendo peregrinos de esperanza. Y con ese fin, continuamos caminando junto con los Magos siempre hacia una luz eterna que es nuestra verdadera esperanza’.”

IGLESIA DE SAN MARCOS

En San Marcos, la homilía del monseñor Winslow se inspiró en la sabiduría de un poema de 1912 del francés Charles Péguy

titulado “El pórtico del misterio de la esperanza”.

El monseñor Winslow relató la historia de un padre que trabajaba arduamente en los campos para mantener a su hija, quien jugaba alegremente alrededor de la casa. “Él plantea la pregunta”, señaló el monseñor Winslow, de “quién está haciendo más trabajo: la niña en casa o su padre en el campo, y dice sin ninguna reserva que la niña, porque el padre en el campo habría renunciado horas antes si no fuera por ella.”

“La esperanza es como una niña pequeña, a menudo tan subestimada, pero que aun así nos motiva a aspirar a hacer cosas difíciles que son buenas”, dijo.

Esa es la esencia de la esperanza cristiana, señaló: nos da la capacidad de hacer cosas difíciles porque sabemos con certeza que nuestro destino es eterno.

“La esperanza que este año nos ha dado no termina”, dijo el monseñor Winslow. “Al igual que los Magos, continuaremos el curso de nuestras vidas, como sin duda ellos lo hicieron cuando salieron de Belén siguiendo la luz que nos trae esperanza.”

— Georgianna Penn y Trish Stukbauer contribuyeron.

Our world 20

catholicnewsherald.com | January 9, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Christians must resist allure of power, serve humanity, pope says at end of Holy Year CAROL GLATZ Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — The powerful and violent cannot control, suppress or commodify God’s grace, friendship and will to usher in a new dawn, Pope Leo XIV said.

“Around us, a distorted economy tries to profit from everything. We see how the marketplace can turn human yearnings of seeking, traveling and beginning again into a mere business,” he said, celebrating Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica Jan. 6, the feast of the Epiphany, and officially closing the celebration of the Holy Year dedicated to hope.

“Let us ask ourselves: has the Jubilee taught us to flee from this type of efficiency that reduces everything to a product and human beings to consumers?” he asked. “After this year, will we be better able to recognize a pilgrim in the visitor, a seeker in the stranger, a neighbor in the foreigner and fellow travelers in those who are different?”

Before the Mass, the pope, cardinals and bishops present in Rome gathered in the atrium of the basilica and gave thanks to God for the gifts received during the Holy Year. Dozens of the world’s cardinals were in Rome to attend the pope’s first extraordinary consistory Jan. 7-8, to pray, support and advise the pope on the life and mission of the Church.

THE MAGI STILL EXIST

Pope Leo went to the threshold of the Holy Door and pulled each side shut. The door will be sealed until the next Holy Year, which is likely to be 2033, the 2,000th anniversary of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

While the last of the Holy Doors in the city was closing, “the gate” of God’s mercy will never be shut, Pope Leo said before shutting the door. God “will always sustain the weary, raise up those who have fallen” and offer “good things” to those who place their trust in Him. In his homily, Pope Leo tied together the concepts of hope of the Magi and the Jubilee Year. ”Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, aware that in His presence nothing stays the same,” Pope Leo said. “This marks the beginning of hope, for God reveals Himself and nothing remains unchanged.”

Pope Leo compared the millions of men and women who came to Rome on pilgrimage to modernday Magi, “who left palace and temple behind” in search of a new “king,” which they found in the baby Jesus in a humble grotto in Bethlehem.

and despite Herod’s efforts to destroy what had been promised.

GOD CHALLENGES EXISTING ORDER CRISTIAN GENNARI | CNS POOL

(Above) Pope Leo XIV prays with cardinals Jan. 6 at St. Peter’s Basilica before solemnly closing the Holy Door (below), marking the end of the Jubilee Year 2025: “Pilgrims of Hope” at the Vatican.

“Yes, the Magi still exist today.

They are the people who sense the need to go out and search, accepting the risks associated with their journey, especially in a troubled world like ours that may be unpleasant and dangerous in many ways,” he said.

However, Pope Leo cautioned, today’s seekers must encounter in today’s churches and sacred places the same humble source of life, hope and joy that the Magi encountered in Bethlehem.

“How important it is that those who pass through the doors of the church perceive therein that the Messiah has just been born, that a

community gathers in which hope springs forth and that a story of life is unfolding!” he said.

“Jesus encountered and allowed

himself to be approached by all people,” he said, because “the Lord wants his presence to grow among us as God-with-us.

“No one can sell this to us. The child whom the Magi adore is a priceless and immeasurable good,” the pope said, criticizing “a distorted economy,” which even tries to exploit and commodify the human desire for freedom and true fulfillment.

“His ways are not our ways, and the violent do not succeed in controlling them, nor can the powers of the world block them,” he said, recalling the great joy the Magi felt upon finding the Messiah

SIMONE RISOLUTI, VATICAN MEDIA | OSV NEWS

Prelates listen as Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass Jan. 6 on the feast of the Epiphany in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

The fear and violence unleashed

by King Herod “make us think of the many conflicts by which people resist and even damage the new things that God has in store for everyone,” he said.

“Loving and seeking peace means protecting what is holy and, consequently, that which is newly born like a small, vulnerable, fragile baby.”

“God challenges the existing order,” the pope said. “God is determined to rescue us from both old and new forms of slavery. He involves young and old, poor and rich, men and women, saints and sinners in His works of mercy and in the wonders of His justice.”

“Let us ask ourselves: Is there life in our Church? Is there space for something new to be born? Do we love and proclaim a God who sets us on a journey?” Pope Leo asked.

“Fear does indeed blind us.

Conversely, the joy of the Gospel liberates us. It makes us prudent, yes, but also bold, attentive and creative; it beckons us along ways that are different from those already traveled,” he said.

“It is wonderful to become pilgrims of hope,” who journey together and are amazed by God’s faithfulness, he said.

“If we do not reduce our churches to monuments, if our communities are homes, if we stand united and resist the flattery and seduction of those in power, then we will be the generation of a new dawn,” he said. In Jesus, “we will contemplate and serve an extraordinary humanity, transformed not by the delusions of the all-powerful, but by God who became flesh out of love.”

Outside, St. Peter’s Square was filled with thousands of people.

Before reciting the Angelus, the pope prayed that God’s words “come to fulfillment in us, may strangers and enemies become brothers and sisters.”

“In the place of inequality, may there be fairness, and may the industry of war be replaced by the craft of peace,” he said.

January 9, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

them to halt operations by March 1.

The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs said the groups failed to meet new security and transparency rules requiring full disclosure of staff, funding and operations. The regulations were announced last March, with a 10-month compliance deadline that expired Dec. 31.

Israeli officials said the measures are needed to prevent links to terrorism and note the affected groups represent about 15% of nongovernmental organizations in Gaza. The European Union, United Nations and 10 foreign ministers have condemned the move, warning it could worsen Gaza’s already dire humanitarian crisis after two years of war.

Church leaders said Caritas Jerusalem operates under recognized agreements and will continue its humanitarian mission.

The Swiss Bishops’ Conference and the Diocese of Sion expressed their “concern, closeness, and compassion for all the victims, their loved ones, and their families. “This evening should have been a moment of

celebration and coming together, but it turned into a nightmare,” said Mathias Rénard, head of the regional government.

– OSV News and Catholic News Service

Pope Leo mourns tragic New Year fire in ski resort bar FILE PHOTO, LEONARDO FERNANDEZ VILORIA, REUTERS | OSV NEWS

Then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds Simon Bolivar’s sword during a rally in Caracas Nov. 25, 2025. The United States captured Maduro and flew him out of the country Jan. 3.

Pope Leo, bishops react to U.S. capture of Maduro with concern ROME — Pope Leo XIV voiced deep concern after the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a Jan. 3 military operation.

Speaking after the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square on Jan. 4, the pope said the well-being of the Venezuelan people must come first, calling for justice, peace, and an end to violence.

He urged respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty, autonomy, and constitutional rule of law, with care for the poor amid the economic crisis.

Entrusting Venezuela to Our Lady of Coromoto and newly canonized Saints José Gregorio Hernández and Carmen Rendiles, the pope asked Catholics to pray for the nation.

The Associated Press reported that Maduro and Flores were taken to New York to face narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, with Venezuelan officials confirming deaths but not releasing casualty numbers.

Venezuela’s bishops responded with calls for prayer, unity, and peace, expressing solidarity with the wounded and families of the dead, while urging calm, hope, and rejection of all violence as events continue to unfold.

Meanwhile, a University of Notre Dame scholar said a temporary takeover of Venezuela violates the United Nations Charter.

“No country has the right to take control of another country,” said Mary Ellen O’Connell, professor of law and international peace studies at the University of Notre Dame. “The only way such action could be lawful is if the United Nations Security Council authorized it. And the U.N. Security Council is not going to authorize a U.S. administration over Venezuela.”

Israel bans dozens of aid groups from Gaza, including Caritas JERUSALEM — Israel has revoked the licenses of 37 international aid organizations operating in Gaza, including Catholic organizations Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Jerusalem, ordering

CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — A fire in a bar packed with people celebrating the New Year in a Swiss ski resort killed 40 people and injured 119, most of them seriously.

The fire broke out at around 1:30 a.m. Jan. 1 in a bar called Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, a ski resort in southern Switzerland, around 115 miles from Geneva.

The pope mourned those killed and consoled their families in a telegram signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state.

“Pope Leo XIV joins in the mourning of the families and of the entire Swiss Confederation.

He wishes to express to the relatives of the victims his compassion and his concern.”

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Ex umbris veritatum “Out of the shadows into the truth!”

ViewPoints 22

catholicnewsherald.com | January 9, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

What people are saying about diocese’s new norms for Holy Communion Deacon Scott D. Gilfillan

T

o align with Church norms and promote a more universal Mass experience across the Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Michael Martin announced new guidelines for the reception of Holy Communion in a pastoral letter published Dec. 17, 2025.

Among other things, the letter: n Calls for broader use of trained laypeople to serve as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. n Encourages priests to more frequently offer Communion under forms of both bread and wine. n Affirms the common posture of standing to receive Holy Communion. While recipients may continue to kneel, parishes will no longer use rails or kneelers after Jan. 16.

The guidance builds upon the diocese’s general liturgical norms established in 2005 and aligns with the Church’s universal norms (the “General Instruction of the Roman Missal”) and directives set by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

New life sprouts from old stumps

W

hile hiking around the Lake Shore Trail at Lake Norman State Park, I passed the remnant of a tree in the final stages of being reclaimed by nature. In the middle of this dead stump was a hint of green new life. Against all odds, a little holly tree had sprouted.

I called to mind Isaiah’s prophecy, “On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom” (Is 11:1). It’s a favorite Advent passage. Christians see its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus. The early Christians looked back upon this prophecy and recognized Jesus as the “shoot,” the king who would restore peace and prosperity to those in captivity.

I also called to mind the new shoots sprouting from the stumps of my life.

REMNANTS OF DAYS GONE BY

As I grow older, I do a little more looking back, as the early Christians did. I see a lot of “stumps,” remnants of days gone by. These include my past career as a “captain of industry” (my son’s term for being a general manager for a large steel company), which brought with it a certain status in the community.

When my children were young, my identity was also defined by being their dad – not so much now that they’re grown and on their own. These were once flourishing trees but, like the old stump in the picture, they are now slowly fading into memory and succumbing to the march of time.

But “on that day,” I looked at the stump anew. Rather than ruing the days gone by, I saw hope. In so many words, Isaiah was telling people, “Stop looking at the stump! It’s dead. Focus on the shoot!” Focus on what God is doing here and now. Focus on how God is fulfilling the promises for the future.

As a former Protestant who only ever had symbolic Communion, I’m just in awe to be able to receive the Eucharist at all. For me all else fades into relative insignificance because of what is right there before me.

– Tracey Posa Why is it so important that we, as the faithful, all receive the Eucharist in the same manner, as long as we are doing this with reverence? I know of no priest who would refuse me Communion because of something like this.

– Angela Rankin-Hudson Many very old churches in Europe don’t even have kneelers.

People stood for Mass. Standing is also a form of respect. We stand for the National Anthem and for the Gospel. Many people cannot kneel for one reason or another. Are they being disrespectful? God knows what is in a person’s heart.

– Nancy Deren Todorovich

THE OLD PROVIDES LIFE FOR THE NEW

My little kids will be disappointed. They love being right next to us and being able to see when we receive Communion at the rail. Instead, at Communion time, they’ll just get to stand in a line and look at people’s backs until they are old enough to receive Communion themselves.

– Abby Russell

DEACON SCOTT D. GILFILLAN is executive director of Font of Mercy in Catawba. Reach him at deaconscott@fontofmercy.org.

Why do some people find it so difficult to follow the rubrics and the teachings of the Church?

The common posture in the United States for receiving Holy Communion is to stand. You may disagree with that, but that doesn’t change the common posture as implemented by the Church in the United States of America. If you choose to kneel, you shouldn’t be refused. Neither should you presume for yourself and others that kneeling is the common posture in this country.

– Paul LaPalme

My old career is gone, but other areas of my life are flourishing: my roles as spiritual director, retreat master, university professor and grandfather. These new shoots were completely unforeseen 10 years ago. Unbelievable.

I’m also finding that though the stumps are dead, they still contain a wealth of experience. Like the holly, I draw upon nutrients from these old stumps. They provide life for the new shoots that God wants to prosper.

In the darker days of winter, it is easy to look at the stumps of our life and sigh. But this is a season of hope. What’s more hopeful than new life sprouting from something that has died?

Spend a few moments looking for the shoots God wants to sprout from the stumps of your life. “See, I am doing something new. Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it?” (Is 43:19).

“Throughout the ages and within the context of our rich liturgical traditions from the East to the West, our unity as believers in Holy Communion is expressed through our postures and gestures that reflect our mystical communion and unity as fellow believers,” Bishop Martin said in the letter.

“These norms for our diocese move us together toward the Church’s vision for the fuller and more active participation of the faithful, especially emphasized by our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. …”

The guidelines have prompted mixed reaction.

Here’s a sample of what people are saying on the Catholic News Herald’s Facebook page (edited for brevity):

I NEVER receive Communion from anyone but the priest or deacon. And only on my tongue.

– Donna Bramlage-Beyer Amazing – the judgement to kneel or stand. If your heart is there, it doesn’t matter.

– Shane Sandoval Not everyone is unhappy with this! God bless you, Bishop Martin.

– Susan Brandenburg When the magi went and searched diligently for the Child and found Him, they prostrated themselves in front of Him. If they did it, we should do it.

– Marty Matko Jr. Thank you, Bishop Martin, for this formation and instruction on the Eucharist and its reception.

You are our apostle in unity with Peter (Pope Leo XIV). Wherever Peter is, there is Christ’s Church, and so there is my devotion and obedience.

– Cindy Padin I did not mind kneeling at the rail, but as I have aged, I have to say, being able to stand is much easier and less painful.

– Joseph Marchetti I do like the idea of restoring Holy Communion under both kinds in the Roman Rite, as COVID put a damper on that trend. As someone who prefers to attend Maronite and Melkite/ Byzantine liturgies, I very much prefer receiving under both kinds and am used to it.

– Stephen Gagnon I kneel because the Holy Spirit has told me to. I’m a convert.

I didn’t choose to be Catholic so that I could worship like a Protestant.

– John King

I pray that Bishop Martin, all our bishops and indeed all the faithful will come to understand that those that desire to kneel for the reception of the Eucharist do so as an act of great love for our Lord and Savior and an act of great faith in His true presence in the Eucharist, not merely as a pious act or personal devotion as this letter indicates.

– Melissa Scanlon As a newer Catholic (three years) I have seen many people receive in both postures. Never once have I thought to myself that I am less worthy because I receive standing, in the hand, but a lot of these comments express that sentiment exactly.

– Colby Coren The bishop should be less concerned with uniformity in the manner of receiving Holy Communion and more concerned with the unity in the matter of Holy Communion. There are still way too many Catholics who don’t believe in the true presence.

– Rigoberto Vega I am sorry, but you are misguided on this. The most reverent way to receive The KING OF KINGS, Lord of LORDS is kneeling and on the tongue.

The chance of dropping Jesus, even a crumb, is much higher in the hand. Then people are inadvertently stepping on Jesus without knowing.

– Laraine Kraus Let those who want to kneel, kneel. Let those who want to stand, stand. But the kneelers should not criticize the standers and vice versa.

– Corey Piccinino Thank you Bishop Martin, for trying to unite your flock.

– Micki O’Connor

January 9, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

23

Father Richard Sutter

Begin anew spiritually in the New Year

W

hether it’s exercising, reading more, eating healthier foods or pursuing a new goal, many of us seek renewal as the year begins. Deep down, we want to live more fully and fruitfully – we long for a renewal that brings true and lasting peace and joy.

It’s a renewal not just of our bodies and minds, but of our souls. As we set our intentions for the new year, the Lord offers each of us a beautiful invitation: to begin anew spiritually, as well.

We don’t go at it alone! In our New Year’s goals, we sometimes start strong but lose our way. Having a coach, a mentor or a friend by our side can make all the difference. In our spiritual life, we have an even greater ally: the Holy Spirit, who accompanies, strengthens and guides us. What the Lord asks of us is simply willingness – even a childlike openness of heart.

OUR HELPER: THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit has been poured out on us, given to “make all things new,” as Jesus promises in Revelation 21:5. It is not only our efforts that draw us closer to Christ.

Jesus is already drawing us to Himself when we give Him permission.

So invite the Lord to renew your spirit this year.

Come, Holy Spirit! Receive the gift of God’s love so that you may continue to share His love. Let Him recreate and refresh your heart.

Wherever you are on your walk with the Lord, consider one simple step you can take

to draw closer to Him this year. Remember, the Lord is not keeping a scorecard. He is with us every single day – after every fall, in every struggle, ready to lift us up, encourage us and invite us forward. He will never force us, but He will always invite us.

GOALS FOR RENEWAL

Consider these goals: Daily: Do I have a daily moment with the Lord? Begin each morning, before your feet touch the ground, with a simple prayer of thanks for a new day, offering it to God. Then set aside 10 minutes to open the Word of God and pray. His word is “a light for our path, a lamp for our feet” (Psalm 119:105).

Weekly: Is Sunday Mass a true priority?

Jesus wants to come to us in the Eucharist, to be our food for the journey. Look forward to encountering the Lord and worshiping with your parish family each week, so that we can bring his love, peace and joy out to our world.

Monthly: Can I make time each month to examine my conscience? Take inventory of your heart, and where there is a need, encounter God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Annually: What commitment can I make this year to go beyond Sunday Mass and grow in faith? Participate in a Bible study, join a small group at the parish or go on a retreat this year. The Lord is waiting to renew us! (John 1:39; Rev. 3:20) FATHER RICHARD SUTTER is pastor of St. Gabriel Parish in Charlotte.

Letter to the Editor

The bishops’ New Year’s message needs to reach more people The Interfaith Alliance Achieving Democracy Together had a national ad campaign that contrasts ICE brutality with the Holy Season’s call to love our neighbor. Their December issue featured a link to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ special video message recognizing the fundamental dignity and rights of immigrants. I am a practicing Catholic but had not heard the specifics about what our bishops were saying related to immigration and current social teachings. Once I clicked on the YouTube video, I was very impressed with the bishops’ courage and summation of critical social justice issues.

However, the video was not enough – it did not reach the maximum audience.

On Christmas Eve, Pope Leo XIV greeted 5,000 people in the cold, pouring rain

before celebrating Mass for an additional 6,000 inside St. Peter’s Basilica. The pope’s main theme was how we treat the poor, the immigrants and the vulnerable. If we refuse to make room for the stranger, we are refusing to make room for God. The bishops had equally powerful opinion points but need to reach the broader Catholic population.

My husband and I recommend that the bishops’ message be shown or read in every parish. It could be “The Bishops’ New Year’s Message.” Yes, there will be pushback, but if we only talk the talk and not go in person to the masses, we in essence are refusing to open the door and model Christ’s love.

KATHRYN ELKINS lives in South Portland, Maine.

Want to make Christmas last? Serve Christ in the poor

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A

‘Do not be afraid to ask Him what He is calling you to.’

few months ago, I was leaving Blessed Sacrament Church in Providence, Rhode Island, after singing at two English Masses. As I drove to take my daughter Gaby to a meeting with her friends, we experienced something that still makes me reflect deeply today.

Halfway there, at a street corner, we saw a man on the ground who was trembling uncontrollably. He appeared to be suffering from a drug overdose.

My daughter and I looked at each other, moved and a bit paralyzed.

We wondered whether someone else had already called 911. Yet I couldn’t stop thinking: What if we were the first to see him?

We called emergency services, reporting the Cuéllar situation and giving the exact location. I continued driving another 10 blocks to drop off my daughter where she was meeting her friends. Passing the same corner on my way back, I was relieved to see firefighters and an ambulance already there.

The man who had been convulsing was now sitting up, alert and receiving help.

In my heart, I felt that perhaps we helped save a life that day.

This experience reminded me how easy it is for our society to become indifferent to the

suffering of others. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 25: He identifies himself with those who are hungry, sick, homeless or abandoned.

Our Christian faith is not proven only inside the church building but in our willingness to stop, to see and to act.

Christmas does not end on Christmas Day. The Church invites us to contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation for several weeks. It is a prolonged season meant to transform us through the love God showed by becoming a small, fragile child.

Your help can begin by supporting your parish and donating to a food pantry, soup kitchen or any cause close to your heart.

And let us not forget the poorest of the poor around the world whom we can help through Catholic Relief Services.

Remember: Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.

Christmas continues every time we reach out to someone suffering – every time we welcome the stranger, accompany the sick, or feed the hungry. It continues when we break through indifference and become instruments of hope. May the Lord grant us the grace to be modern Good Samaritans.

SILVIO CUÉLLAR is a writer, liturgical music composer and journalist. He was coordinator of the Hispanic ministry office and editor of the newspaper El Católico de Rhode Island, the newspaper of the Diocese of Providence.

Pope Francis

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On YouTube over the past month, videos produced by the Catholic News Herald have been viewed more than 8,300 times. The most popular video? Bishop Martin’s Christmas message.

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catholicnewsherald.com | January 9, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

HOLY ANGELS

SEMINARY

“The fountain is in memory of one of our long-time residents that passed away,” Massey said. “Her family wanted to remember her through a gift because she loved being outside and socializing.”

This past Dec. 20 marked the organization’s 70th year. The anniversary coincides with the birthday of the first resident, Maria Morrow, who would have turned 70 this year. Like many residents, she lived well past her life expectancy of only three months, “earning her angel wings” at 54 years old.

Maria’s legacy is mirrored in the hearts of residents who share similar specialized needs and live at the same home that provided her with dignity and love.

The young angels are expected to relocate to their new homes this summer.

Phase II of the project – a $6.5 million learning center where the children will eventually attend school – is slated to break ground in March.

After the move, the existing Morrow Center will be used as a skilled nursing

“Knowing the faith and teaching the faith are two equally important skills for every priest,” he said. “As anyone who has ever taught knows, nothing requires you to learn more about your subject area than to have to teach it. Therefore, not only will the seminarian grow in his knowledge of the faith, but he will learn the even more challenging dynamic of how to teach the faith.”

FROM PAGE 5

FAITH

FROM PAGE 4

SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS LISA M. GERACI | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The new community center will have a large outdoor area with a fireplace featuring a personalized mantel. facility for aging residents.

“We really want to have a model that is truly serving from cradle to grave,” Massey said. “We want to be able to care for our residents in the same home where they have always been living until their end of life.”

FAMILY

FRATERNITY

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The diocese also is enhancing its summer assignments program for seminarians starting this May. Summer assignments have been largely parish-based and varied widely depending on the parish and pastor.

Under the new approach, the 10-week summer assignments will follow a more defined curriculum, with experiences that increase in responsibility and depth as seminarians advance through formation.

Early in formation, seminarians will participate in missionary and vocational outreach experiences, including assisting at the diocese’s Quo Vadis Days retreat, going on a 10-day mission trip to Jamaica, and working at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. As they advance, seminarians’ summers will feature extended parish placements and required Spanish-language immersion at the Seminario Hispano de Santa María de Guadalupe in Mexico.

During their parish assignments and under the supervision of parish staff, seminarians will be expected to: n reach out to disengaged parishioners through calls, visits and prayer, n assist at all weekend Masses, n visit nursing homes and bring Holy Communion to the homebound,

n attend youth and young adult gatherings, n plan, promote and conduct an adult faith formation experience over five to six weeks, and n attend parish staff meetings, among other duties.

Seminarians’ parish assignments also will focus on serving in communities with significant Hispanic populations.

In addition, they will participate in The Rome Experience, a six-week summer program run by the Midwest Theological Forum for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that combines classes and guided tours on Church history, art and architecture with a silent retreat, papal liturgies and audiences, and a Marian pilgrimage.

ADAPTING TO TODAY’S NEEDS

The two initiatives build on changes over the past several years to the diocese’s seminary formation program, including enhanced application and screening processes, required Spanish fluency, and improvements to the program’s first or “propaedeutic” year that also align with the official norms of the USCCB’s Program for Priestly Formation.

“Seminary formation isn’t fixed or static,” Father Eckert said, “but has always adapted over time to meet pastoral needs.”

The goal, he explained, is to equip men for the diocesan priesthood and leadership roles within a few years of their ordination.

“Granted, we’ve been blessed with our numbers, and we haven’t had to just throw guys right into being pastors,” he said, noting that new priests typically serve two to four years as parochial vicars. “But it’s hard to pick up a lot during that time – you’re still just getting used to being a priest. We want to make sure that they are as equipped as possible before moving into that pastor role, and we’re not just throwing them into the deep end.”