"^i The U
6£6S .
11 t
Number
.^jf^
NEWS
March 21, 2002
Volume
•
1
1
j
28
Serving Catholics
L X X v^>/ JL JL \^ & H E R A L D in
Western North Carolina
Hundreds gather
n Knights raise
for
in
the Diocese of Charlotte
chrism Mass
money and
awareness for mental retardation ...Page
5
Women share their Stations of the Cross ...Page
9
Sisterfindshomein
community ...Page
Local Sister of
16
News
Mercy helps
women check their baggage ...Page
4 Photos by Joann S. Keane
Teammates
This year's chrism Mass celebrated the a time for ministry of priesthood
create family
—
through sports
recommitment ...Page
8
Father Matthew Kauth, parochial vicar at St. Matthew parish, and to the right, Rev. Mr. Arthur Kingsley holds a vessel filled with what will become one of the holy oils.
Entertainment
Editorials
10-11
& Columns .Pages
Are you unaware that
By
12-13
we who were
baptized into Christ Jesus
were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death,
by the glory of the Father,
ALESHA M. PRICE
ebrated the ministry of priesthood and
cause of publicized allegations of sexual
CHARLOTTE — During one of the
the role of the bishop as a spiritual
misconduct.
Catholic Church's most solemn Masses,
Mass, presider over the priests' recommitment ceremony, and the person who blessed the sacred oils and consecrated the chrism, the bishop com-
to be known that I speak for the Diocese have zero tolerance for of Charlotte: any kind of abuse of a child," said Bishop
mended
Curlin. "If
Staff Writer
Bishop William G. Curlin presided over a recommitment to priestly service and blessed the holy oils priests will use throughout the diocese in the upcoming year.
Holy
so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead
we too might live
March
Week
observances continued 26 with the chrism Mass in St.
Patrick Cathedral.
The
diocesan shep-
life.
herd gathered with about 100 priests and many permanent deacons minister-
— Romans 6:3-4
ing in the diocese to celebrate the liturgy with the people of faith they serve.
in
The
holy oils to be used by priests throughout the year were consecrated as well. In the photo above, priests gather with Bishop William G. Curlin during the consecration. Below left is
Every Week .Pages
to priestly service.
newness of
The annual chrism Mass
cel-
shepherd.
As
principal celebrant of the
the priests in their ministry
"A great cloud has come over the States, a terrible sorrow. I want it
United
We
anyone
is
found guilty
—
while being reaffirmed in his. During his homily to one of the largest crowds to ever attend the annual Mass, the bishop stressed the impor-
priest, deacon, religious or anyone work-
tance of the priests' dedication to their
know
ministry and the parishioners' dedication to their pastors especially during a
'amen' to that.
time when priests and the priesthood has been under scrutiny by many be-
ing or volunteering for the diocese
want people
to
know
it
will
their ministry in this diocese, all
my
of
"If anyone
See
is
— we
be end of
and
I
brother priests say
accused of these allega-
CHRISM MASS,
page
7
2
The Catholic News & Herald
The World
March 29, 2002
Brief
in
Despite threats,
Honduran priest leads
signed a statement co-written by three
fight
major cial
monitions from his bishop. "As a pastor, I saw the trees disappear and the rains diminish, and as a result the peasants began losing their crops and going hungry. So I decided to raise my voice in their defense," said Father Andres Tamayo, the priest in the sleepy central Honduran town of Salama. Six times in the last two years, Father Tamayo and other local environmentalists have blocked public roads to the passage of logging trucks. The government has responded by sending the Cobras, its elite counterinsurgency force, to open the roads. In one encounter last year, Father Tamayo was forced off the road at gunpoint. In another incident, witnesses said, a Cobra commander held a hand grenade against the priest's chest while threatening him. U.S. seminarians in Rome
"As Catholic leaders
—
intensify commitment (CNS) Recent revelations of sexual abuse by clergy have shaken U.S. diocesan seminarians studying in Rome, prompting special prayer services, house meetings and a heightened emphasis on priestly commitment, the seminary rector said. Msgr. Kevin C. McCoy, head of the
—
North American College, the U.S. bishops' seminary in Rome, compared
for Life,
this
was "another event that has changed the world in which we will minister." Several seminarians told
Catholic
News
March
Service
21 that
students at the college, especially those from dioceses affected by the reports, felt anger, disbelief and a sense of loss. But the overwhelming reaction was a deepened commitment to priestly holiness, they said.
& H £ R A L D
March
Volume Publisher: Editor:
2002
29,
11
•
Number
28
Most Reverend William G. Curlin S. Keane
Joann
Associate Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer:
as a
Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher
Mail:
P.O.
St.,
Charlotte,
Box 37267,
Charlotte,
NC 28203 NC 28237
Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382
parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $18 per year for all
for
enrollees
in
other subscribers.
postage paid other
cities.
POSTMASTER: Send
address corrections
News &
Second-class NC and
at Charlotte
to
Herald, P.O.
Charlotte,
NC
28237.
The Catholic Box 37267,
is
treated
we
research,
is
more important said.
—
CNS
Haitian church photo from Reuters
Bethlehem Catholics pray during Way of Cross Catholics in Bethlehem mark the Way of the Cross March 22 stopping to pray at 13 places where someone was injured or killed or something destroyed in recent incursions by Israeli soldiers. The procession began at the ruins of a Palestinian police station, seen in back.
began
in the
Holy Land following the most deadly violence
Holy Week Middle
in the
East this year.
With Missal release, bishops to begin work on changes, cardinal says
—
VATICAN CITY
green
in tribute to St. Patrick
Irish heritage of their
new
and the
auxiliary
bishop, hundreds of people gathered
(CNS) Bishops' conferences around the world are expected to begin work immediately on
March 19 at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet to celebrate
revising texts of prayers currently used
ing press. Cardinal Jorge Medina Estevez, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments,
Bishop James E. Fitzgerald. Bishop Joseph L. Imesch of Joliet was consecrator and principal celebrant of the ordination, and Joliet Auxiliary Bishop Roger L. Kaffer and retired Bishop Daniel L. Ryan of Springfield, 111., a former Joliet auxiliary, were co-consecrators. Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago presided over the ceremony. More than 80 deacons, 160 priests and nearly 30 bishops also were in attendance. Bishop Imesch said he was grateful that Pope John Paul II had chosen "one of our own" to be a
said that with the public availability of
Joliet auxiliary bishop.
Mass, translating the new prayers issued by the Vatican and changing ritual practices to comply with new Vatican guidelines. The new and the revised prayers and the new guidelines at
—
contained
the third typical edition of
in
Roman
released
Missal and the General In-
Roman
March 22 by
Missal
— were
the Vatican print-
new rules are church law. Illinois diocese celebrates ordination of auxiliary bishop JOLIET, 111. (CNS) Sporting red
the texts the
the episcopal ordination of Auxiliary
Statement urges Annunciation observance focus on pro-life
—
garb
in
honor of the
feast of St.
Joseph or
in thefollowing events:
7
April 13
— 2 p.m.
Confirmation St.
Pius X, Greensboro
— 6 p.m.
Confirmation St. Mark, Huntersville
BOONE — St.
Elizabeth Church, 259
Pilgrims Way, will be hosting an information session on the LIMEX graduate education and certificate program. Those interested are encouraged to gather from 2-3:30 p.m. in Pat Jones Hall to discover theological reflection process is geared for them. Loyola University of New Orleans offers this distance learning opportunity as preparation for minif this
istry
and religious education. For more
information, call Connie Milligan at (704) 364-3344 or
LARCUM
—
April 17 7 p.m. Confirmation St.
John, Waynesville
7
have called on
officials
government leaders to solve a crisis
that
is
political
crippling the troubled
land nation and holding up
Peg Ruble
CHARLOTTE
—
at (704)
The
St.
Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order will be gathering today at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 2301 Statesville Ave. Those interested in learning more about the SFO and the Franciscan way
is-
some $500
million in foreign aid. Archbishop Luigi
Bonazzi, papal nuncio to Haiti, said
new
Prime Minister Yvon Neptune should reopen negotiations between polarized sectors of the government and the opposition Democratic Convergence coalition. Both sectors' failure to find a solution to a flawed vote count in the May 2000 legislative elections is holding up more than $500 million in foreign aid to Haiti. "The country needs people who are open to a compromise solution in order to unblock this situation," Archbishop Bonazzi said following a
March
Mass
18
in
Fort-
Liberte's cathedral.
Social action alliance,
formerly all-Christian,
expands membership
PORTLAND,
—
Ore. (CNS) A Portland-area social action coalition whose membership has consisted of Catholic and Protestant churches and an order of women religious now counts labor unions, a synagogue, an Islamic clerics' association and a neighborhood developer among its members. The broader membership, leaders hope, will result in greater influence over the region's job growth, energy production, health-care access, education and cost of housing. "This expansion will give us more strength," said Father Robert
of life are invited to attend. For more information please call Skyler Mood, SFO, at (704) 545-8133.
7
SALISBURY
—
Sacred Heart
Church, 128 N. Fulton St, will be
391-0445. April 15-16
— More
Diocesan, planner April
— 11 a.m.
(CNS)
than 50 national Catholic leaders have
Bishop William G. Curlin will take part
April 6
message
WASHINGTON
Episcopa., j calendar
April 14 The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $1 5 per year
when our
Haitian church leaders call for solution to political crisis FORT-LIBERTE, Haiti (CNS)
E-mail: catholicnews§charlottediocese.org
by the
mere object for scientific
than ever," the statement
Beason
1123 South Church
Holy Week.
time
at a
beset with the evil of abortion,
the Annunciation
Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Sherill
re-
believe that the celebration of the feast of
Mass and blessing of Marian Center, convent and Cardinal Gibbons Chapel Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, Belmont
Alesha M. Price
is
falls in
and when the human embryo
|Th
NEWS
year that date
society
struction of the
it
and
garding the feast, to be celebrated April 8. Usually it is observed March 25, but
the
because
Life International
Image of Our Lady of
Guadalupe drafted the statement
pact to the Sept.
terrorist attacks
Human
the Missionary
the seriousness of the scandals' im1 1
spe-
attention to the pro-life dimensions
of the feast of the Annunciation. Priests
say abuse scandals
ROME
draw
pro-life apostolates to
against illegal logging SALAMA, Honduras (CNS) Watching the residents of his mountain parish town go hungry propelled a Catholic priest to become one of the leading environmental activists in Honduras, despite threats from loggers and government officials and ad-
ebrating a charismatic and healing
cel-
Mass
today at 4 p.m. Prayer and worship with prayer teams will be available at 3 p.m., and a potluck dinner will follow the
Mass. Father John Putnam, pastor, will be the celebrant. For further information, call Bill Owens at (704) 639-9837.
9 CHARLOTTE
— The
St.
Gabriel
Church Arthritis Support and Education Group will meet this morning from 10-11 a.m. in
Room D
of the parish
ministry center located at 3016 Provi-
dence Rd. Representatives from MedAssist of Mecklenburg, a medication assistance program, will speak about the non-profit free pharmacy for eligible county seniors, age 65 and over, on fixed incomes who cannot afford prescriptions. For further details, call Eileen Correll at (704) 362-5047, Ext. 217.
10 CHARLOTTE
— The 50+ Club of
March 29, 2002
The World
The Catholic News & Herald 3
Brief
in
Andrew
Parish Metropoli-
anniversary of the martyrdom of Father
Good, once known as the Portland Organizing
versary of Archbishop Romero's mar-
Krueger, pastor of
St.
and a longtime leader tan Alliance for
in the
"Many more
Project.
Grande and March
Common
22nd anni-
24, the
tyrdom. Father Grande was gunned down, along with an altar boy and an
individuals will
The who had
be involved. It will give us power in areas where we don't have power. Churches aren't necessarily strong in the areas of construction and power
elderly helper, in a rural village.
transmission, as one example," he told
Thousands express support for
the Catholic Sentinel, newspaper of the
priests at chrism
priest
—
work among
their
bishop attends
show of support
show
4,000 Catholics
solidarity Fla. (CNS) Auxiliary Bishop Thomas G. Wenski
WEST PALM BEACH,
Mass
in
San Juan
of the Basilica of
16 assassination of Archbishop
Duarte Cancino of Cali, Colombia,
church and
service.
of the
CNS
photo by
Max
Rossi, Catholic Press Photo
from other countries, including Germany, Ecuador and Venezuela were present, the bishop said. Bishop Wenski is chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Migration and had been in Colombia in February to attend a meeting with Latin American church officials and to visit people displaced by Colombia's civil war. He reofficials
March
turned for the
19 funeral in Cali.
No quick conclusion to Lefebvrite talks, Vatican official says
VATICAN CITY (CNS)
— Discus-
main group of followers of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre are
sions with the
the late
continuing, but their reconciliation with the Vatican
likely to be a
is
long process,
Medina Estevez. member of the Pontifi-
said Cardinal Jorge
The
cardinal
is
a
Commission "Ecclesia Dei," established by Pope John Paul II in 1988 to foster communion with sympathizers of Archbishop Lefebvre after he was excommunicated for ordaining bishops
cal
John Neumann Church, 8451
St.
Idlewild Rd., will be conducting a meet-
ing this morning at
gram and lunch
1 1
a.m. with a pro-
the parish center.
in
Donations are being accepted during the meeting. For more information, call Bobbe Conlin at (704) 643-1376 or
March
at the
all
the
21 chrism
National Shrine
Our Lady of San
Juan.
renew
Some
their
commitment
to
parishioners even chartered
buses to get to the shrine to represent
Young people carry icon during
with pope Young Catholics carry an icon of Christ on the cross during a rally with Pope John Paul II March 2 1 in St. Peter's Square. The event was a prelude to World Youth Day in Toronto this summer. rally
having a representative of the U.S. hierarchy present at the funeral, he said.
Church
Pena and
J.
the diocese attended the annual liturgy for priests to
South American country, Bishop Wenski said in an interview with The Florida Catholic diocesan newspaper upon his return. It was important to show the solidarity of the U.S. church by
In a
Catholics representing the 65 parishes in
has caused serious concern within the in the entire society
—
the Diocese of
in
Raymundo
Bishop
The
the solidarity of the U.S. church.
Texas
in
for their priests, about
diocesan priests for a
show
a slain Colombian archbishop to
Isaias
Mass
Brownsville gathered with Brownsville
of Miami said he attended the funeral of
March
the poor.
diocese SAN JUAN, Texas (CNS)
Colombian archbishop's funeral to
clerics
received death threats at that time for
Portland Archdiocese.
U.S.
was one of many
During the Mass, Bishop Pena delivered a reflection on the priesthood, pointing out that religious faith and the priestly office are not imposed on people, but "arise universally from within their parishes.
human
the spiritual dimension of our
One
against the Vatican's wishes.
of
those ordained, Bishop Bernard Fellay, leads the Priestly Fraternity of St. Pius
X, the main group of followers considered not in full communion with the Catholic Church. A smaller group, the Brazil-based Priestly Association of St. John Vianney, returned to full communion with the church in late January.
ture." Referring to the current clergy
interest in the faith. Registrations for
the failures of brother priests."
World Youth Day continue
pour
to
in the wake of last September's attacks in the United States.
Jesuit priest's
LOS ANGELES (CNS)
—
Father Rutilio Grande, was assassinated for speaking out against the harsh economic conditions of El Salvador's
at this
it
Catholics said.
The
Canadians,
members
of a planning team that met with
mid-March to put the touches on the World Youth Day
Vatican final
officials in
program, said enthusiasm for the July
a non-profit organization focused
on
building a sustainable peace in Northern Ireland.
held at
The same presentation will be Our Lady of Grace School, 2205
W. Market
St.
in
Greensboro
at 7:30
poor.
From that point forward, ArchRomero also began to identify
bishop
more
closely with the plight of the poor
and speak out publicly against their opMarch 12 marked the 25th
edition
of
News
Catholic
& Herald
Most
summer's
to find
nor crushed by
The
martyrdom
celebration in Toronto, a group of young Canadian
and hope
difficulties
The next
Salvadorans mark 25th anniversary of
—
World Youth Day
by your own
in,
Salvadorans agree that the significant turning point in the late Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero's ministry took place when his close friend, Jesuit
for a personal religious experience
country, he said, "Be neither discouraged
prehensions
—
war and even church shortcomings are making headlines, young people seem to be searching even harder
abuse cases cropping up around the
apparently unaffected by terrorism ap-
Canadians, Vatican officials put final touches on World Youth Day ROME (CNS) At a time when terrorism,
na-
megagathering continues to grow. They said the ongoing pilgrimage of the World Youth Day cross throughout Canada has awakened unprecedented
will
be
published on
The
April
12
editor
and
staff of
your diocesan newspaper extend Easter greetings
f
to
our readers in the 46-county Diocese of Charlotte
pression.
Church, 8015 Ballantyne Pkwy., 1:30-3:00 p.m. on April 28 childcare and a family potluck. For information, call Dan Hines at 544-6665.
CHARLOTTE — There
14 CHARLOTTE
— A Byzantine
from with more
Catholic liturgy will be celebrated this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. in the St.
(704)
Thomas Aquinas
be an
Suther Rd. Byzantine Catholics and anyone interested in the Byzantine
1400
Chapel,
p.m. tonight. Call the Office of Justice
13
attic
Catholic rite are welcomed to attend.
a.m.-4 p.m. Set-up will take place at 7
For more details, contact Olga 948-6471.
Office of Jus-
and Peace at (704) 370-3231 or e-mail justicepeace@charlottediocese.org for more information and reservations. 1 1 CHARLOTTE St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd., will be hosting its annual card party from 7-10 p.m. tonight. Food, beverages and door prizes will be included at the event. For reservations and other information, call Doris Reinhardt at (704) 552-2026 or Anne Kinney at (704) 552-0376. 1 1 CHARLOTTE Churches in the
be sponsoring as ses-
Charlotte area will be hosting ultreyas
13 GASTONIA
sion entitled "Building Paths to Peace in
on the following dates and times: St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd., from 7-8 p.m. tonight for adults
Church, 708
only with shared snacks; St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Rd., from 1:15-2 p.m. on April 21 with a School of Leaders at 1 p.m. and St. Matthew
will able to gather for food, entertainment, a raffle and cash bar. For tickets and other information, call the church
Please submit notices ofeventsfor tlie Dioc-
office at (704) 867-6212.'
publication date.
Gloria Silipigni at (704) 821-1343.
10 CHARLOTTE
— Larry DeWalt of
Hospice of Charlotte
will present
"Deal-
ing with Loss in the Years that Follow" tonight from 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. The session will focus
yond the
first
on the grief process be-
year of death. For further
information, call the church office at (704) 364-5431. 1
0 CHARLOTTE
tice
and Peace
Northern
will
— The
Ireland," this
morning
at
a.m. in Biss Hall at St. Peter Church, S.
Tryon
St.
Presenters will include Dr.
Robert Mulvihill, professor of science at
11
507
Rosemont College
political
in Philadel-
phia and Colin Craig, director of TIDES,
—
—
will
and crafts sale held at St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Rd., today from 9:30 a.m.
For further
Milton
13
details, call
Carol
at (704) 554-0553.
CHARLOTTE — The. Vietnamese
Cursillo
community
will
meet
at 7:30
p.m. tonight and every second Saturday
of the month for a school of leaders at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther
Rd. For further information, at (704) 532-9094.
—
St.
call
Ky Do
16 CHARLOTTE Church Respect
Michael
Michael Lane, will be having its 6th annual international dinner at 6 p.m. tonight. Attendants
St.
Matthew
Life Ministry will be
sponsoring pro-life educational programs. Father Matthew Kauth will be the speaker for the series, which will discuss the following topics on the following dates from 7-9 p.m.:
"Human Embryonic Stem
Cell Re"The Ethical As-
search" - tonight,
St.
—
at (704)
pects of
Human
Cloning"
and "End of Life Issues" For more information,
May 2 May 31.
-
call
Pat
Rodite at (704) 541-9744.
esan Planner at least
20
days prior to the
4 The Catholic
News & Herald
Mercy helps women check their baggage
Sister of By
MARY MARSHALL
Sister Helen encouraged all to
Correspondent
—
"Check Your CHARLOTTE Baggage" was the theme of the Third Annual Women's Day at St. Matthew
Church March
23.
Two
hundred
women
twenty
gathered in the parish center for a day of spiritual growth, reflection and sharing. Guest speaker Mercy Sister Helen Marie Burns, coordinator of the Sisters of Mercy Commission on Women, journeyed verbally from biblical days to modern society, identifying the importance of storytelling as a means for women to reflect on their experiences as women of faith. Songs, prayers and skits intertwined with the theme of a trip a journey of remembering one's roots and reaching out to continue the story day by day. Sister Helen, a member of the Sisters of Mercy Institute Leadership team, which provides leadership and administration to the 5,200 Sisters of Mercy serving in 12 countries, holds a bachelor's in English from Catholic University of America, a master's in English from University of Wisconsin and a doctorate in religion from University of Iowa. She pointed out that stories are not
—
remember where we come from, our pains and trauma and where we are going. Stories tell us about families and their
just for nostalgia; they help us
who we
are,
The
values.
characters in the story
— —
and acquaintances shape it. From them, we learn compassion. But we also must be aware that our stories can have excess baggage, she said. We must be conscious of what we carry, retaining the positive and helpful and letting go of that not needed. relatives, friends
Drawing Helen
parallel to Scriptures,
profound and resurrection are sources of continual renewal and Sister
said, "Stories as
as suffering, death
The
story of the paschal mystery culminates with the gathering of rebirth.
March 29, 2002
Around the Diocese
people and family, serving as a source of identity, purpose and community."
look at the hidden meanings in Scripture. "For example, in the story of Martha and Mary, there is nurturing, caregiving and prayer. It doesn't say one is more important than the other. It is a simple story of two women. Jesus engages them in mutual modality," she said. "We tend to focus on the fact that when Martha asks Jesus to have Mary help her, Jesus replies that Martha is anxious, and Mary has chosen the better of the options."
was important to look at the first line of St. Luke where Martha welcomed Jesus to her home. "This welcome indicated that she was the homeowner, a women of independence," she said. "It also shows that Jesus was comfortable with both of them in their home. The roles of Martha and Mary change." Sister
Helen said
it
This Scripture, said Sister Helen, showed that the action of service and prayer are not against each other but compliment one another. "This tells us something about ourselves. To be whole, we must be outgoing reaching out to others, but if this becomes all consuming taking us from our prayer life, then we must pull back; eliminate some baggage," she said. Sister Helen stressed that there is a lot to be learned from the stories of Scripture where community is important. Human beings are only complete in relationships, she said. Scripture tells us about our journey, our faith and our need for one another. Women can relate to the women of Scripture. "What did Mary do after
—
Helen. "The things
we do
ferent because of the
will be dif-
community we
But there is a great deal for us and aware of." Sister Helen said that in our faith journey, we sometimes seek too high a are
in.
to be conscious
"We want
make it all different we can't," she said. "But we must seek what we can do
goal.
to
and" better, and
and do
it
as stated in the Scriptures.
Where do you want
to
go now that
can free you of your baggage?" Sister Helen offered future guidance saying, "The story is not over yet. are in the midst of discovering who we are as women. stood as Christian people during the season of Lent. This allowed us to understand that death and redemption are always occurring. It is this mystery that enables us to have hope in humanity. Goodness can happen from
We
We
Photo by Mary Marshall
suffering and death."
Mercy
Sister Helen Marie Burns, coordinator of the Sisters of Mercy Commission on Women, speaks at the Third Annual Women's Day gathering at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte March 23.
encourage you to take more seis ours, and redemption is among us," she said. "This is our story, our history. We have a lot to carry. Let us rejoice and "I
riously that glory
be glad."
she learned she was to be the mother of Jesus?" asked Sister Helen. "She went to another woman, Elizabeth, who immediately accepted her, giving her strength for her journey." "In the epistles of St. Paul, women
shown
are
prayer. In
as
community
Mark
leaders in
3-9,
14:
when
woman
the
poured a jar of perfumed oil on Jesus' head, he responded, 'she has done what she could do,'" said Sister
FISHING BUDDIES
TIME TO CATCH THAT BIG FISH. (WITH A LITTLE FISHER.)
Come
to Pennybyrn at Maryfield, the Carotinas' premier
(yet surprisingly affordable)
Come
take a breath of fresh
our front porch. With
Spring Fever? the doctor ordered... 551
Trinity
Lane, Hickory,
comfortable
pathways and
of beauty
feeling like spring through Call to
on woodland
reflective areas, you'll
retirement community, and
rediscover the activities you enjoy with the people you
and your
why they're important to
family. That's
us, too.
be
and through.
For
more than 50
years,
A
Heritage of Graceful
Living.
plan your special event and spirit!
NC 28602
peKlMVBVRK) "MARYFIELD
(828) 327-7441 or Toll-free (888) 536-7441
PREREGISTRATION AVAILABLE NOW. CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE A TOUR.
Catholic ^NThe zz zf NJ
I
Conference Center
love.
We know how important your retirement years are to you
and break-out areas, delicious meals
renew your 1
on
hotel style lodging rooms, six meeting
and snacks, miles
We've got just what
fifty
air
Check out ourwebsite for upcoming events! www.cathoticconference.org
WM
1
mSm
www.maryfieldliving.org
.866. MARYFIELD
1315 Greensboro Road
.
High Point,
^
NC 27260 336.886.2444 .
.
March 29, 2002
The Catholic News & Herald
Around the Diocese
5
Knights raise money and awareness for mental retardation By
SUSAN DeGUZMAN Correspondent
CLEMMONS
— The
Knights of
Columbus have done it again. Four councils (districts 11 and 24) presented checks totaling $37,023 to 23 area schools and agencies that work with
people with mental retardation at the
Knights of Columbus Operation
Disbursement Dinner Church March 21.
T
at
we would
never expected
much money,"
LAMB
Holy Family collect
Bruce Libke, this year's Operation LAMB director. "Donations across the country have been down due to the Sept. 1 1 terrorist attacks. This figure isn't far off from the approximate $47,000 we were able to this
give
away
The
said
and many other parts of the world. The four councils of Knights that worked on this drive were Santa Maria council (2829) from St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem, Our Lady of Mercy council (10504) in Winston-Salem, Holy Cross council (8509) from KernersvUle, and Bishop Greco council (9499) from Holy Family Church in Clemmons. The state Operation program raised more than $850,000 in 2001 and has .raised over $10 million
LAMB
since
percent goes directly to the state Opera-
LAMB
Fund.
The Operation
beginning.
yet they oftentimes help us out
last year."
$37,023 represents only 85
than
LAMB
program,
we
A
percent of what was collected. Fifteen tion
its
John Harrison, supreme directory of the Bishop Greco council and a former grand knight, said, "We often look at those with mental disabilities as having insurmountable problems,
more
help them."
special part
of the evening pro-
a lot of songs about the Lord," explained Harrison. "They're followers of Jesus, and they look to him for strength. This is a message we all can share."
stores and malls. Shoppers are offered
Bill O'Neill, a former grand knight. Libke said, "If all the volunteers and donors could see the happiness and joy that their efforts brought to the mentally handicapped, and even to the representatives of those schools and agencies, they
the opportunity to donate
money
to
the mentally handicapped during these drives.
One hundred
percent of the
money
collected goes directly to helping those for
which
it is
intended. Various corpora-
tions donate the Tootsie Rolls,
and
all
the
work involved with running the program is done through the vplunteer work of the
labor and administrative
Knights and their families and friends, as it has been since the statewide drive first began in 1973.
The Knights of Columbus
a
is
Catholic fraternal service organization
New
Haven, Conn., in 1882. Today their membership of over 1 .6 million can be found in all 50 states as well as in Canada, Mexico, the Philippines founded
in
Above, members from four Knights of Columbus councils present a check for $37,023 to local agencies and schools that work with the mentally disabled at the Knights of
group homes. "They sang
derived from the biblical quotation, "...whatsoever you do the Least Among My Brethren, that you do also to me" (Matthew 25:40), is an annual Tootsie Roll drive that takes place annually in November. Many people have come to recognize the Knights with their Tootsie Rolls and yellow aprons at various retail locations such as grocery ;
Courtesy Photos
gram was the presentation by the Inner Rhythm Choir, which is made up mentally disabled adults from area
Columbus Operation LAMB Disbursement Dinner at Holy Family Church in Clemmons March 21. Left, the Inner Rhythm Choir, made up of mentally disable adults from group homes in the Clemmons
Each individual member of the choir was given a name badge. "They were so pleased and happy with these that they were like children at Christmas," said
would be overjoyed." Ron Caviness, principal of Lowrance Middle School in WinstonSalem, said, "The Knights are always able to elevate the meeting so people remember the purpose of Operation LAMB. And we get to see folks from other agencies. There is a lot of excite-
ment generated." Lowrance Middle School received the Dick Gooley Award, which is given to the most outstanding agency that helps the Knights with Operation
area,
LAMB.
Caviness explained that three
performed
at the dinner.
keyboards), handicapped doorways and
classes of mentally handicapped stu-
many
dents were able to go to the mall last
get cannot support and that have
November
world of difference for his students. Other recipients of Operation LAMB included Amos Cottage; The Enrichment Center (ARC of Forsyth County); Forsyth Special Olympics; Group Homes of Forsyth, Inc.; The Special Children's School; Horizons Residential Care Center, Inc.; Jefferson Elementary School; Marvin M. Ward Elementary School; Southwest Middle School; Konnoak Elementary; and others.
work
to
The
the Knights.
several shifts with
school also
won
the
award in 1997. Caviness accepted a check for $1,200 and will use the money for an adaptive reading book series to expand the vocabulary of 97 students. Having worked with the Knights since the mid1980s, Caviness has been able to improve his program with adaptive computer technology (such as simplified
You could be singing too after more than 116,000 readers see YOUR company's ad here!
other enhancements that his bud-
made
•
We'll beat any advertised price... Let us prove it!
LOW rates — easy for small businesses and individuals,
Call (704)
tool
370-3332 now!
Catholic QKKBD
Dealerships Serving Charlotte with integrity for over 40 years! MITSUBISHI
6951 Hours:
SPECIAL GIFTS
9am - 5pm Mon(336) 273-2554
1st
233
N.
Greene
St.
veils,
gifts
Greensboro,
NC
27401
E.
Independence Blvd.
704-531-3131
FOR:
— missals, rosaries, — special, unique
Communion
Confirmation
Fri
AND SUPPLIES
HONDA
MOTORS
Catholic Gift & Book Store
7001
E.
Independence Blvd.
704-535-4444
gifts
Frank LaPointe, President,
Member
of
St.
Gabriel Church
a
6
The Catholic News & Herald
Irish
People
missionary involved
in
March 29, 2002
the News
in
dia reports highlighted the fact that
peace talks killed in Uganda An DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS)
Towey had
been the legal counsel for for 12 years and also had lived for one year as a full-time volunteer in her home for people with
—
Mother Teresa
Irish missionary priest was killed in a roadside ambush on his way home from peace talks in northern Uganda. Mill Hill Missionary Father Declan O'Toole, 31, was traveling in one of
two
cars that
AIDS in Washington. Canadian siblings
how grief of
(CNS) ground zero and the
healing
it
death in the Sept. 1 1 terrorist attacks. a preparation rally March 21 for
At
this
II
and some 20,000
old feel
Portland. Sister Loretta Schaff, admit-
on the largely secular
campus, works by inviting students to consider the strengths of church social teaching and the deep consolation of goal
is
ter Loretta, a Franciscan for is
important for
me
CNS photo by Karen Callaway,
to bring a
Franciscan, to Lewis and Clark," said Sis-
40
years. "It
Northwest Indiana Catholic
to be in relationship
From
WASHINGTON
(CNS)
—
director of
President Bush's Office of FaithBased and Community Initiatives, does not want to get so caught up in
Jim
his
work
that he forgets
why
he
is
there in the first place. That's starts his
Mass
day by attending daily heading to across the street from the
his office
White House. Towey, him
BAD CREDIT=NO MONEY DOWN! Bad credit?
Refinancing?
Previous bankruptcy?
First-time buyer?
why he
at 6:30 a.m., before
Catholic, said going to
Buying?
Brennan Basnicki.
a
lifelong helps
Mass
to "keep things in perspective."
His uncluttered office in an old renovated townhouse also contains subtle faith reminders. A sketch of Mother Teresa shares a wall with a photograph of President Bush, and an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe hangs on a side wall near the U.S. flag. When he was appointed to the office Feb. 1, succeeding John Dilulio, me-
WE CAN MAKE YOUR HOME LOAN EASY!
"I
started to
Wartime experiences Germany lead woman to Catholicism
WILLIAMSTOWN,
Mass. (CNS)
Gisela Lehovec's mother was raised
Catholic and her father
Towey, newly appointed
Head of White House office says Mother Teresa changed his life
young
in
—
that starting point, invitations
to different opportunities can come."
Italian
anger and rage at those who had so cowardly taken the life of my father. I wanted revenge." But after attending several Masses and reflecting on the suffering accepted by Jesus, he said he realized that good eventually could come out of this evil act.
Youngster stops to tie shoe during Easter-egg hunt Three-year-old Darby McGrath stops to tie a shoe during an annual Easter-egg hunt at St. Mary Parish in Otis, Ind., March 24.
with not only students, but staff and faculty.
cel-
people listened as Erica and Brennan Basnicki described how, with the help of their faith, they learned to find hope in the wake of tragedy. "When I received word of the terrorist attack I was in complete denial," said 17-year-
students at Lewis and Clark College in
"My
summer's World Youth Day
ebration in Toronto, Pope John Paul
—
ministry of presence, both Catholic and
required took center stage
Square when two young Canadians spoke of their father's
enlivening the faith of
Christian prayer.
spiritual
in St. Peter's
Franciscan nun offers 'ministry of presence' on Oregon campus PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) A
tedly a curiosity
— The
VATICAN CITY
years.
is
pope
changed them
were attacked March 2
along the road from Moroto to Kotido. Two other people in the cars, local parish workers, also were killed. News reports said the attacker was wearing a "military-style uniform." The ambush took place near Kalosaric, a village no more than two-and-a-half miles from a Ugandan military encampment. Father O'Toole was born in Headford, Ireland, and was ordained a priest in 1997. He had been working in Uganda for about four
Franciscan sister
tell
father's death Sept. 11
They
was an
atheist.
called themselves "free thinkers"
and did not instill any religion in their But looking back over her life, Lehovec, 77, said she "was born to be a Christian even though my parents
children.
want this." Her parents, she said, "had values, but what was missing was a
didn't
moral backbone." In a recent talk to her fellow parishioners at St. Patrick/St.
Raphael Parish in Williamstown and in an interview with The Catholic Observer, newspaper of the Springfield Diocese, Lehovec talked about her childhood growing up in pre-World War II Germany and how her faith grew through war and other experiences.
international Mortgage Service MORTGAGE SERVICE CALL TODAY: Kevin Ceter (704) 231-2433 or Kim (704) 756-2817 or apply online at: www.internationalmortgage.net
Catholic Social
1123 Soulh Church St. NC 28203 www.cssnc.org
Charlotte,
Executive Director: Elizabeth Thurbee (704) 370-3227 Refugee Qffice; Cira Ponce (704) 370-6930 justice
&
Peace:
Joe Purello(704) 370-3225 Special Ministries:
Services
Gerard A. Carter (704) 370-3250
When you establish
Charlotte Region: 1 123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 Area Director: Geri King (704) 370-6155 Western Region: 50 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Area Director: Sister Marie Frechette (828) 255-0146 Piedmont-Triad: 621 W. Second Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27108 Area Director: David Harold (336) 727-0705
Greensboro Satellite Office: (336) 274-5577 High Point Hispanic Center: (336) 884-5858 For information
on
specific
programs, please
call
your local office.
hnahle Perpetual Support. Every
an
endowment
with
the diocesan
foundation you... ,
year,
flows with financial aid to the ministry
Ensure a Strong Future. Allow
your "living water"
you choose.
a parish, school, agency
or the diocese to look ahead and plan with confidence.
Enact a Lasting Legacy. Provide your loved ones with a — your faith and the
continuing reminder of your values
mission of the church.
Roman
Catholic Diocese of Charlotte
Far more information contact Gina Rhodes, Director of PlanneJ Giving, 704-370-3320, or Jim helley Director 1 123 S. Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203, gmrl,oJes(a)charlottcJiocese.org
of Development, 704-370-3301,
March29, 2002
The Catholic News & Herald 7
From the Cover
Chrism Mass,
Dioceses, colleges
from page 1
funding scholarships
tions,
certain that the church
is
it
deal with the case.
civil authorities will
will
not allow
The
it
our diocese," he
in
and
for lay ministry
We
By CATHOLIC
said.
colleges and universities recently con-
Mass with
holy
more than $9 million over a 12-month period to support education
tributed
for lay ministry.
The
you," said the bishop.
to say that
I
taught them
to recognize Jesus in their neighbor
how
and
in
themselves."
The
bishop said in order to aid their
remain constandy
in prayer, fully
embrace
the sacraments and their priestly
and maintain a sustained Christ.
He
vows
in Jesus
faith
reininded his brother priests of
their ordination
vows and
their
pledge to
serve their parishioners and lead them toward a deeper devotion to Jesus. "We made a promise when were ordained that we would pray for our brothers and sisters every day of our lives. have to step forward to embrace Jesus. Our lives have many demands which means that we must take care of our physical, emotional and spiritual health," said Bishop Curlin.
We
mark of Christ
'People should see the
Through
many
standing in the
ministry.
The recommitment ceremony, which followed the Liturgy of the
Word,
sociates, or for other parish leadership
according to a new report. information on support for lay ministry training is contained in a roles,
study called the Financial Assistance Survey. It was prepared by the Life Cycle Institute of The Catholic University of America and released by the U.S. bishops'
Subcommittee on Lay Minis-
try in mid-March.
"The study shows that lay ministry becoming a part of the institution of the church," said Bishop Joseph P. Delaney of Fort Worth, Texas, who is chairman of the subcommittee. "This is a sign that anyone who is
ever has paid a tuition stand," he
added
in a
bill
can under-
statement.
The bishop also noted that the report highlights the need for further funding in this area.
'We want
top-flight, professional
God in the world around them and who are vital to faith development of children and adults alike." According to an executive summary, the financial survey looked only at assistance given to lay women and men, including vowed religious, who are candidates for graduate degrees in
included
theology, ministry, pastoral and theo-
the priests' renewal of dedication as minis-
logical studies, religious education,
ters of Christ, of striving to
be more
like
and of being faithful to the sacred mysteries and sacramental life of the Christ,
church. ,
Also during the Mass, Bishop Curlin
blessed three different oils used in sacra-
mental and faithful
liturgical practices for all
of the
throughout die year.
The oil of the sick, and dying, was blessed
spirituality
and canon law.
Of
the dioceses polled, 153 (81 percent) returned completed questionnaires. Of the 124 graduate institu-
CARA CathoMinistry Formation Directory, 85 (69 percent) returned completed questions listed in the 1999 lic
tionnaires.
used to anoint the
ill
Next came the
The survey
indicated that of the
cration of the chrism
a duty that belongs
more than $9 million awarded, $1.6 million Was from dioceses and $7.7 million came from the graduate institutions. Financial assistance was avail-
to the bishop alone
took place near the
able from 56 percent of the responding
blessing of the
oil
used during the
of catechumens, which
rite
close of the Mass.
is
an
oil
of baptism.
— —
Chrism
balsam, an aromatic
—
first.
oil
The
is
conse-
— perfumed
with
derived from trees
of consecration used after bap-
dioceses and 79 percent of the respond-
ing institutions.
The form
of assistance was some-
tisms and during confirmation, the ordain-
what
ing of bishops and
cent of the graduate institutions awarded tuition waivers or grants; 98 percent of the dioceses gave funds for tuition. Both groups reported that low-interest loans are one form of fi-
William G. Curlin pours into the chrism oil the fragrant balsam, a
of churches and
naturally derived aromatic essence, which was then consecrated. Above
parish and mission church in the diocese.
Medina helps distribute the Communion wine. Left, at the chrism Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, the attending priests re-dedicate themselves to their mission in life as spiritual advisors and leaders within their parishes and the diocese.
.
ers find the bishop led
and in the narthex of the cathedral, in resounding applause for their priests who have dedicated their lives to
right, Rev. Mr. Carlos
religious
ishes the earth," he said.
side aisles
.
become
educators, youth ministers, pastoral as-
we
prayer,
the congregation,
Bishop
are studying to
form of tu-
men and women
people involved in lay ecclesial ministry," he said. "These are people to whom we entrust souls, people who help oth-
...
At the end of his homily,
as
who
in the
can sustain our relationship with Jesus. Prayer is our breath, and without it, we die inside. Prayer nourishes the soul like water nourin us.
Anthony
funds came
ition assistance for
The
people in this endeavor, priests need to
Above left, Father Marcaccio looks on
Dio-
from the office of bishop after he reaches the age of 75 this year. "I have reached that venerable age where this may be the last time I celebrate
want people
the consecrated oils for every parish and mission church in the diocese.
—
ceses around the country and Catholic
"That decision is up to the Holy Father, but I would hope that when I am no longer here, whether from retirement or death, I
Top, Rev. Messrs. Arthur Kingsley and Philip Killian Jr. help disperse
(CNS)
of his flock and his possible retirement
this
Photos by Joann S. Keane
NEWS SERVICE
WASHINGTON
bishop also talked about his love
priests,
and the blessing
altars.
Vials of the oils are dispersed to every
With
— and —
the sacred oils
having recom-
different for each group: 88 per-
mitted themselves in the ministry they and
nancial assistance (12 percent of in-
their bishop share
their parishes rededicated in spiritual union
and 1 1 percent of dioceses). Twenty-five percent of the graduate
with the bishop and their parishioners.
schools estimated that their financial
the priests returned to
stitutions
50 percent or more of a student's total tuition costs. The dioceses were not asked to make that aid covered
Contact Staff Writer Alesha
M.
Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or email dmprice@charlottediocese.org.
estimate.
8
The Catholic News & Herald
March 29, 2002
Around the Diocese
Teammates create family through sports ALESHA
By
CharlotteSaves
launches pilot
M. PRICE
Staff Writer
CHARLOTTE
— Frank
Lide and
program at
Darryl Thaxton both have full-time jobs
own. So, why did they commit to coaching a team of teens in and
families of their
basketball?
work
They
Pastoral Center
say that their volunteer
community mo-
involves building
CHARLOTTE — Catholic
and offering youth alternatives to TV and "hanging out." With odds against them, their dedication to a group of boys, many from single parent homes and less rale
Social
Services and the Diocese of Charlotte will be piloting the CharlotteSaves
—
Our
Campaign part of a national savings campaign at the Pastoral
Lady of Consolation Church (OLC) ninthgrade boys' basketball team to a 12-2
Center during the next three months. CharlotteSaves is a coalition of
season overall, second place in their divi-
financial institutions,
tournament and winning the season-opening Tip-Off Tournament
ganizations, large and small employ-
than desirable neighborhoods, led the
sion, third in the
Photo by Alesha M. Price
The league, which has been in place for over 25. years and has changed during that time, now includes 10 teams from six Catholic churches, the Jewish
Community
Center and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cadiedral consisting of
want
to play basketball.
vation for the
OLC
ers,
League.
in the Interfaith Basketball
young men who That is the motiplayers and the
coaches, but their association transcends
the popular sport.
wanted to give back to the commuand this was an opportunity for me to
The OLC
basketball team gathered for a picture before the OLC Athletic Association Award Ceremony on March 24. Pictured standing from left to right are Coach Darryl Thaxton, Brandon Horton, Darell Graham, Larry Adams, Antonio "Mickey" Horton and Coach Frank Lide. Kneeling from left to right are Obinna Ezechukwu, Javentes Ezechukwu and Ralph Suah. Not pictured is Demantre Rice. Recipients of the awards included: Brandon Horton, most valuable player; Ralph Suah, best rebounder; Demantre Rice, sportsmanship; Larry Adams, leadership and most improved player; and Javentes Ezechukwu and DareU Graham, high scorers.
We
them
are pulling
into the church
They have to attend we try to keep their
"gave
1
10 percent" and were able to win
the majority of their games. "Sometimes
get further involved with the church," said
through
"One of the focuses of the church is to attract more youth, and I think that one of the ways we can do that is through athletics." Recruitment for the team, which has existed at the church for years, comes from teens involved in parish youth
church functions, and
we
heads in the books and from roaming in
arguing. If
Lide, coach for four years.
ministry.
The members
of youth minis-
try include registered Catholics and those from other faith traditions. "While all
of the players are members of
youth ministry,
many
OLC
of them were not
raised in the Catholic Church.
"This
is
of our church
from
all faiths,"
—
to involve people
said Lide.
"We are called to
more people into God's home." For many of the players, this is the only religious interaction they have on a regular basis. "I don't go to church all of the time, but I go with my coach," said Larry Adams, 15, one of the players. "I bring
like the
way
the
they (the parishioners) get
involved in the service."
transportation,
knows what they
are talking about" during the Mass. "There is a big challenge with the kids we have because they all come from disadvantaged neighborhoods, so we have to constantly work with them," said Thaxton, coach for two years. "We have really close to them.
kids with great heads
on
They are great
their shoulders.
little
to
and youth ministry
gym for several
ing about the
no parental
in-
"(I like) the friendship and the community that we have with each other. If one of us messes up, we support each other to make it work," said Brandon Horton, 15, whose teammate is his
parish
activities.
They play
at
hours and gather at each
and recreational time The coaches do this willingly and say that the benefits outweigh any struggles that they may have to overcome. 'This gives them an opportunity to do some other things and to be around
positive role models," said Lide.
"We
are
trying to impart
some of our knowledge
into their lives.
You
will
never
you
kind of an impact that
have on a person." Their interaction is
brother, Antonio,
and
we
we
lose
17.
I
nterior/Exterior
Also specializing
in interior
painting, wall murals and children's rooms!
&
don't argue,
our motivation,
we
take the time
him to the side and help him calm down. We won our games because we help one another and to grab a teammate, pull
play for the fun of it as a team." Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail amprice@charlottedioces.org.
religious institutions, neighbor-
hood groups, and others with the goal of changing the savings habits and attitudes about wealth building among low-to-moderate income earners. These interested groups have come together to communicate the message that saving is possible regardless of one's income.
The organizations are working together to create affordable financial security vehicles for savings and to from
those in need who are financially vulnerable. Charlotte Saves operates as a
free-membership organization with each member setting a savings or debt reduction goal upon joining. Members will have access to motivational and wealth-building workshops, financial coaching, no-fee sav-
ings accounts, hotlines, financial planners and other benefits. The official campaign for the broader Charlotte community will be launched in July of this year. "Catholic Social Services is looking forward to eventually extending the opportunities available through
CharlotteSaves to its direct client base," said Geri King, director of the Charlotte regional office. "This is a proactive program in which everybody wins. So be ready and look for the opportunity to come to you."
like that
why order school uniforms
out of state?
A+™ school approved uniforms are as close as a
drive to the lake!
Parents,.,
of a fam-
Most of the teens grew up in the same neighborhoods and some in the same household for brothers and OLC parishioners Obinna, and Javentes 14, Ezechukwu, 16. The players agreed that their association with the team has offered ily.
them the type of support they may not have experienced on a normal basis. Obinna Ezechukwu said that they
Uniforms Owner Ann Hoffman, Member of St. Therese
225-8188
FUNERAL HOME &
Road, Suite 5-A, Cornelius,
NC
28031
Assuring Absolute Integrity
CREMATION SERVICE 1401 Patton Ave. Asheville,
NC
(828) 252-3535
References Provided St. Gabriel Parishioner
Statesville
ce
Pressure Washing
(704)
www. uniformsdirect2u. com
704-895- 7474 Uniforms Direct 2U, 18505
Steve Hughes House Painting
"We
take time out with each other. If
or-
know who
will reach, but if you reach one,
know what
lost,
could do better."
other's houses for social
you
we
no
money and no
little
we would start we would start thinknext game and what we
beat ourselves because
obstacles:
gym. However, the coaches have worked together to solve their problems. Not only do they pick up all of their players for Tuesday night practices, they also frequently pick them up for Sunday Masses
said that he "fits right in" because "he
grown
wrong direction." The team faces many
don't
Fourteen-year-old Ralph Suah
athletics.
volvement,
a
part of the evangelization ef-
forts
community
actively encourage participation
"I
nity,
—
72 Lwng Shoals Road Aiden,
NC
(828) 687-3530
Pre-arrangements and obituaries
Asheville's Catholic Funeral Directors
Dale Groce
•
John Prock
Toll-free (888)
874-3535
at www.grocefuneralhome.com
March 29, 2002
The Catholic News & Herald 9
Around the Diocese
Women share their Stations of the Cross By JOANITA M.
NELLENBACH Sue Hintz performs a liturgical dance and, below, Catherine Ball
Left,
Correspondent
ASHEVILLE
—
Their quiet
ones, pride and concern for a son,
places a rose in a vase before telling her story at St. Eugene Church's
hope and resurrection. Women from St. Eugene Church told their stories
program, "The Stations of the
voices spoke of betrayal, loss of loved
WINGS (Women Cross:
context of the Stations of the
in the
at St.
Cross.
God's Service)
Women Tell Their Stories," Mark's Evangelical Lutheran
Church
Sarah Fahy's experience, remi-
in
in Asheville
March
22.
niscent of Jesus and Judas, paralleled
the
first station,
"Jesus
is
Condemned
to Death." "I felt singled out
Fahy
and be-
only the key person involved hadn't once been my trayed,"
friend,
it
"If
said.
would have been
a lot
easier."
She told how she had been forced out of a job she loved. Many coworkers had supported her vision for the organization she worked for, but a key few did not. "I
handed
ting go of the
in
my
resignation, let-
dream of seeing
realized
had cherished for years," Fahy said. "It felt like -a coup. At the end, my former friend, so key in hopes
I
swinging the decision the way that it went, came up and kissed me." The March 22 program, "The Stations of the Cross:
Women
Tell
Their Stories," came out of a meeting of WINGS (Women In God's Service). Parishioner Rita Pisano visited the group to propose the concept. "I've been doing Stations of the Cross with kids for years," Pisano
"We
women's stations last year that was written by a man, and -it was very unfulfilling. It really didn't tell women's stories." At the WINGS meeting, Pisano asked the women, "When you think of each station, what words do you think of, what emotions? Then, are there stories in your life that speak to said.
did a
those emotions?"
"When we
began, we were sharing things that were so personal," Flora Sipes said. "The air was so charged (during the first meeting). I left the room emotionally drained; I was actually physically exhausted. It was amazing. And you know what? You feel different about those people." "I was very impressed with it," her husband, Allen, said of the program. "I guess it's a male thing, (but) it's difficult for me to understand how people can share things so close, so private."
Mary Marsh and O'Connor coordinated the
Sheila project;
each woman wrote her own story and an accompanying prayer. "Since there were not enough women in the group, invitations were offered to other women (from the parish) to help us out," Marsh said. "As
we
talked,
we
invited musicians and
dancers to help us out." Because of ongoing construction at St. Eugene, the program was held at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church. The church was full when, accompanied by music from pianist Nora Vetro and vocalists Janet Hart and Kathleen Kasben, the women each carrying a long-stemmed red and yellow rose processed in
liturgical
—
—
-.
Photos by Joanita M. Nellenbach
through the sanctuary and took their seats in the congregation. Sue Hintz performed a liturgical dance, which the musicians accompanied with "Shepherd Me, O God." Ginny Britain's story, "Madres," related to the fourth station, "Jesus
Meets His Mother." Britain told of her son Jim, who "makes me laugh makes me worry," and who works ...
with people who are chemically dependent. "Jim has never been, nor will ever be, politically correct. He is active in his community, for the most part working for unpopular causes.
Fortunately he lives where this is possible. "I
tina,
think of the
whose
in
women
a
country
of Argen-
politically active sons
—
have been imprisoned for years or murdered by a regime which secretly whisks them away, never to be heard from again," she said. "The 'Madres' never forget them. For 25 years they have marched regularly at the Plaza de Mayo in the capital, carrying pictures of the sons they have lost. Their grief overwhelms me. There are mothers all over the world whose children are lost to them through political injustice."
—
For the 10th
station, "Jesus
Is
Stripped of His Garments," Linda Richardson told how she and her husband were, in effect, stripped of their son, losing
him
at birth.
"Though we
never held him alive as a child in this world, we held him in our hearts for seven months. ... Father, it was so hard to give him back, having only a few minutes with him, yet we had to trust that this was your will for us and for him. All the love of an entire life fit into so few minutes in a birthing room."
—
Mary Mukosiej lost not a child, who died in a Russian hospital during World War II when Mukosiej was 14. She had but her mother,
hardly been allowed to see her mother during her illness; a stranger told Mukosiej that her mother had died. She was speaking for the 13th station, "Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross," but unlike Jesus' mother, Mukosiej did not get to say farewell. "There was no comfort of seeing her beautiful face again," Mukosiej said, "no holding her in my arms, no telling her once more how much I loved her or bringing my brothers and sisters to see her for the last time. There was no funeral, no coffin, not even a grave of her own. She was buried in a common one along with all who had died that day. I know now that she was not alone in her last hour, that you were there, Jesus, because she loved you. I did not understand it
my heart was broken." There were other stories of under-
then, and
standing
how
faith plays
a part in
people's lives. Pisano, for instance,
speaking about the seventh station, "Jesus Falls the Second Time," recalled a woman who had been a "grandmother" to her and others, in
Ruth Ford,
spite of suffering losses in her
life.
In her later years, Pisano said,
"Grandma Ford was waging two battles her own breast cancer and a
won out, Grandma Ford's
"But love
had
in
as
it
life.
always
Her
fu-
ture did not look rosy by society's
standards, but because she loved completely, she was willing to pull herself up off the ground and start her
journey again." Cita
Lamb
spoke of her
urrection," relating
it
own
"res-
to the 15th sta-
Barre Syndrome paralyzed her for a year, leaving her "untion. Guillain
able to
of
my
move any muscle except left
that
eyebrow." However, she
accepted my new situation as being exactly what it was supposed to be at this moment, although it was no place I would have chosen to go. Knowing immediately, as I prayed, that there was something I needed to learn, I waited in contemplation for God, graciously and serenely. God had to teach me how to live." The paralysis eased one-tenth of an inch per week. "Then everything became possible and desirable again," Lamb said. "Through the gift of peace came the courage to change inwardly and outwardly. The salt regained its savor; that which had grown insipid acquired a new meaning. My faith and vocation, my integrity, my soul said, "I
became stronger." Further expressing the idea of hope, Paulette
Brown concluded
the
affection for Bob, a gentle-
evening with a liturgical dance to "You Are Mine." "I thought it was very moving,"
own age whom she met at cancer support group she led. Donnette (Ford's daughter) was. be-
Althea Berdynski said after the program, "and it was like every woman up there gave you a piece of themselves."
...
growing
man
of her
a
side herself with fear for her mother.
What
if
Bob died? What
sick for years?
if
he became
How much more
could her mother possibly bear? much more could she give?
loss
How
Contact Correspondent Joanita M. Nellenbach by calling (828) 627-9209 or e-mail jnell@dnet. net.
10 The Catholic News & Herald
March 2 9, 2002
Read
B ook Review
Quaker writer offers deeper spiritualism WAYNE
Reviewed By
A.
HOLST
Not
loving kindness and a social prophet.
He
spiritual master.
Jones amply
those desiring a richer interior
"An
In
God
taught.
"How
dents
—
satisfies
life.
the corner.
us!
human
acci-
That light not
The
light within'
no abstract phrase. an experience.
It is
It is
a type
Jones did not advocate a private, subjective spirituality alone.
divine light I
come
souls and in their
That
must bemovements
dedicated to serving the
The Kingdom of God is something we do, not somewhere we go.
lived experi-
the starting point for
social
The
poor.
lives."
ence of the inner light
The
real in the present.
experience of God re-
personal
nature to gain a nearer
church is the here and now of Christ's life in the world and makes Christ
vealed to persons in their
own own
be turned
community."
is
of religion that turns away from dry theological notions and insists instead upon a real and vital
eye sees, he
may
be part of his "beloved
us. It
within each one of
lives
situation
in the
Christ did not set out specifically to found a church, according to Jones. He brought a little group of men and women into a personal experience of God. To genuinely participate in Christ's life one needs to
are just around
only exists beyond
Every
stubborn
brilliantly all
— happy
more
is
spiritual
is
He encouraged
a natural spiritual descendant of St. Ber-
them.
nard of Clairvaux and
belief statements in favor of speaking
St.
Ignatius
Loyola.
simply out of their
Jones was raised in a strongly
home and was much influenced by a saintly aunt described as "a Franciscan type of person." For many years he was editor of The American Friend and worked tirelessly to reconcile Quaker
factions.
While
still
own
faith experience.
Mother Teresa and Jean
like St.
Vanier.
As
Francis said, "Preach the gospel. If
necessary, use words."
Readers more accustomed to readmay find Jones a bit quaint and stilted in places. Yet, this sleeper of a book offers a helpful introduction to one of Protestantism's leading ing Catholic spirituality
in
mid-career he suffered the deaths of his wife and son. Later in life he helped cofound the American Friends Service Committee, an international relief and development agency. Jones' mysticism was therefore deeply personal but it found expression communally and in
118:1-2,
16ab-17, 22-23
own
ailments
broken bones, sickness, walking with a cane and always a
fall,
—
fought her way back to usefulness for people who leaned on her. With every
and every struggle, new
2) Colossians 3:1-4
sacrifice
3) Gospel: John 20:1-41/42
was taking hold. For one joined to Christ as Edith was, death opened the pas-
By JEAN DENTON News Service Edith died last month. But her resurrection began years ago. Catholic
In the celebration of the Easter
Triduum, our church reminds us that Jesus' passion, death and resurrection
were a single event.
It is like-
wise for the faithful joined to Christ. By the time I met Edith, she already was in her 70s, widowed and greeting my arrival at Mass a little louder than I'd prefer except for the fact that it made me feel I'd
—
made her day by showing up was Edith's days were
course, the opposite
(of
true).
filled with taking care of others. She drove friends and family on errands and appointments. She worried about missing church ministries when she would go out of town for weeks at a time to take care of a succession of sick relatives and friends recovering
from various surgeries. For awhile she 'welcomed a nephew who lived with her while he regained his financial
—
bearings. I
don't
know when
it
started with
Edith, but her constant attitude selflessness
and
life
sage to that new life's full blossoming. Resurrection is the moment of transformation. Simply put, new life is not old life. It promises more than the intellectual, emotional "remains"
of a soul after the physical body has died. Resurrection is much more than 'living on" in the memories of loved ones. God's universe is dynamic, constantly creating new life. The single event begins when the Christian first puts on Christ in "passion."
—
Edith began experiencing and sharing new life every time she formed love out of sacrifice. I have great memories of Edith. She gave me much joy and influenced me with her example. But this life is less than glorious, and Edith doesn't
—
live
on
in
it.
Through
infinite love
and creation, Jesus has brought her something new.
QUESTIONS: How have you
shared in Jesus'
passion? fflien have you seen taking hold in your life?
new
modern
mystics.
Hoist
is
and
religion
was
the passion
sacrifice,
who has taught
a writer
culture at the University
of
Weekly Scripture Scripture for the week of March 31 - April 6 Sunday (Easter Sunday), Acts 10:34, 37-43, 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, John 20:1-9; Monday (Easter Monday), Acts 2:14, 22-33, Matthew 28:8-15; Tuesday (Easter Tuesday), Acts 2:36-41, John 20:1 1-18; Wednesday (Easter Wednesday), Acts 3:110, Luke 24:13-35; Thursday (Easter Thursday), Acts 3:11-26, Luke 24:35-48; Friday (Easter Friday), Acts 4:1-12, John 21:1-14; Saturday (Easter Saturday), Acts 4:13-21, Mark 16:9-15 Scripture for the week of April 7 - April 13 Sunday (Second Sunday of Easter), Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31; Monday (The Annunciation of the Lord), Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10, Hebrews 10:4-10, Luke 1:26-38; Tuesday, Acts 4:32-37, John 3:7-15; Wednesday, Acts 5:17-26, John 3:16-21; Thursday (St. Stanislaus), Acts 5:27-33, John 3:31-36; Friday, Acts 5:3442, John 6:1-15; Saturday (St. Martin I), Acts 6:1-7, John 6:16-21
Calgary.
service to others.
Thin.king
GLORIOUS GIFTS 1st
«HHnHBk >
V
^BJtW 1m I
j
II // '
Veils
&
St.
ah*3Ut the priesthood?
Matthew please contact:
Dresses and Veils
Beautiful Dresses
-
Father John Allen
over 22 styles**
Headpieces
-
$18
Office of Vocations
& up
Diocese of Charlotte
Rosaries, religious gifts, etc.
AND TIMES! DKJMC@aol.com
PLEASE CALL FOR SHOWING DATES 704-542-5311 or 704-541-0592 e-mail: **Dresses are
Visit
Parishioners of
Communion
704-957-3769
shown by appointment
our booths at Gardner's Mercantile for veils, headpieces, religious items, 316 Main Street, Pineville 704-889-1021 Mon-Sat: 10 - 5
Donation made
life
Christians to avoid
In this, he anticipated effective witnesses
reli-
gious Quaker
disparate
Psalm
she shared with Jesus. Sometimes she carried the cross of her
Many people are but churchly words don't reach
all
of Jones' religious writings. In that, he
Acts 10:34a, 37-43
1)
live in a
view of God. Many modern spiritual guides have effectively picked up and developed this germane idea.
modern
of existence is illuminated by divine light! In such a magic-lantern world, surprises
is
Sunday Scripture Readings: March 31,2002 Cycle A Readings: March 31, Easter
into an occasion for transforming our
Interpretation of Quakerism"
Jones wrote,
There
in the finite.
least event than the ordinary
for introducing readers across
the ecumenical spectrum to this
we
God-saturated cosmos in which all aspects of reality are woven together by the presence of the Spirit. Jones' "affirmation mysticism" celebrated the sacramental discovery of
had significant influence during the first half of the 20th century within his own Christian community but has not been well known beyond it. By publishing "Rufus Jones: Essential Writings," Orbis Books is to be com-
mended
unlike Teilhard de Chardin,
Jones was convinced that
Catholic News Service Rufus Jones was an American Quaker mystic, a reformer, a man of
Word to Life
to all participating parishes
& gifts
Presently 2 1
men are
in seminary preparing for the exciting challenge
of priestly service in the Diocese of Charlotte.
Many
seriously about their calling to the priesthood.
How about you?
others are praying
March 29, 2002
The Catholic News & Herald 11
Entertainment
Movie Review
Summer"
"Stolen By
ANNE NAVARRO
Pete's
lemonade stand, which
in-
News Service YORK (CNS) Attempting
cludes a free trip to heaven with the cool
to assure his entry into heaven, an 8-
temple doors, yields no candidates. But
command
"Go to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples" (Mt 28:18) in the sweet story "Stolen Summer"
he later finds one in 7-year-old Danny (Mike Weinberg), the rabbi's only son whose leukemia is, for the moment, in remission. A willing partner in Pete's
(Miramax).
quest,
Catholic
NEW
—
year-old boy takes on Jesus'
drink and
to
Those who have been following
HBO
is
Danny
set
up right outside the
agrees to partake in the
"decathlon to go to heaven," a series of
the
documentary series "Project know that writer-director
tests,
culminating
in a
dangerous swim
Lake Michigan.
Greenlight"
in
Pete Jones' film was the winner of a nationwide scripting contest sponsored by producers Matt Damon, Ben Affleck
The friendship struck up by the two boys tests their families, bringing out hidden prejudices and fears. Danny's mother worries her son actually might convert, while his father sees it as a thought-provoking experiment. Proud firefighter Joe O'Malley (an intense Aidan Quinn), whose remarks sometimes smack of anti-Semitism, just can't seem to understand his son's missionary zeal. In fact, he forbids Pete from continuing. It is this sentiment that may strike a chord with Catholic audiences. Despite a long tradition of evangelization, Catholics often are shy about spreading the Good News. And Joe ex-
and Chris Moore. They sifted through nearly 10,000 scripts before choosing this touching summer tale set in 1976 Chicago about an Irish-Catholic boy who tries to convert a Jewish boy suffering from leukemia so that both will reach heaven. With a $1 million budget,
Miramax agreed
make
and the entire pro-
cess
Jones' movie,
was caught on tape
to
for "Project
Greenlight."
As
the school year comes to a close,
Sister Leonora Mary (Peggy Roeder) warns Pete O'Malley (Adi Stein) that he better change his ways or risk losing his admission ticket to heaven. But just how can Pete follow the path to Jesus when he doesn't know the way? In an amusing scene, Pete confers with his older brother, Seamus (Ryan Kelley), who re-
Jewish people
is
him
Summer"
some valuable
folds in
sons on faith and religious tolerance.
two
Scene from the movie "Showtime" Robert De Niro and Eddie Murphy star in the action comedy "Showtime." The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-III adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (CNS photo from Warner Bros. Pictures)
— —
fathers gain
some
les-
The
insight from their
sons' friendship, learning to put aside
preconceived notions while swallowing one's pride for the greater good. Al-
St. Paul.
Pete's quest, therefore, brings
though
his original intention
is
more
about avoiding hell than preaching the Good News or even reaching heaven, Pete's quest is a lesson in evangelization.
to the
synagogue of Rabbi Jacobsen (Kevin where Pete's first observation is "No cross?" Pollak),
He
doesn't give up, and his determina-
tion is an example to all of us about the rewards of standing by your beliefs. However, one thing mars an otherwise feel-good film. In an effort to comfort a grieving Rabbi Jacobsen, Pete tells him that Jesus is only a symbol; the rabbi can use anyone's name, not just the name of Jesus. This convoluted teaching, though unfortunate, should not ruin the basic principle of the story about hope and faith in something greater than ourselves God. Jones also walks a fine line (some might say he crosses it) in representing the O'Malleys as a "typical" Irish-Catholic family with a headstrong patriarch and eight children. The script is well-crafted, and the supporting cast (including Bonnie Hunt and Brian Dennehy as the local parish priest) offers superb performances, especially from Pollak. But it is a lot to ask of the two young and relatively inexperienced child actors to carry the whole
—
Your Estate Belongs to Your Family Not the IRS.
—
Unless you plan carefully, the IRS can amount of money from your
take a large
your free copy of "Planning Your Estate," and avoid problems.
heirs. Call today for
Les Davaz 15800 John
J.
Delaney
Member,
Dr.
Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28277 (704) 341-3131 or (888) 769-3131 les.davaz agedwards.com
St. Peter's
JAGEdmrds INVESTMENTS SINCE 1887
@
Member SIPC • 2000 A.G. Edwards & Sons.
Inc.
And
film.
the film's technical credits are a
rough around the edges, despite the admirable job the director has done with
little
his tiny budget.
Summer"
"Stolen respectable
Carolina Volkswagen 7800 E. Independence (704) 537-2336
.
Blvd., Charlotte
(800) 489-3336
Biggest
Lowest
Selection
Prices Drivers wanted. Members ofSt. Gabriel
#1 Volkswagen Dealer in Charlotte and all the Carolinas for customer sales and service satisfaction! C'mon in and see why!
is
nonetheless a
its
—
Picture Association
of America rating is guidance suggested.
Navarro
is
By Catholic News Service
NEW YORK (CNS) — Following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic
Bishops' Office for
PG
Film and Broad-
casting.
"Blade II" (New Line) Gory and boring horror-action
se-
quel about a half-human, half-vampire
warrior (Wesley Snipes), out to save
human
race from blood-suckers, compelled to team up with the very creatures he hates to fight off an uber-vampire that kills mortals and monsters alike. Based on the Marvel Comics character, director Guillermo del Toro's tedious bloodfest follows a
the
who
is
ridiculous story line
where pretentious
characters engage in brutal acts while
spluttering absurd dialogue.
Nonstop
and gruesome imagery and recurring rough language with some profanity. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is O morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America violence, excessively brutal
rating
is
— R—
restricted.
"The Rookie" (Disney) Uplifting charmer based on the
goal.
Because of issues relating to death and the afterlife and a smattering of crass language with fleeting profanity, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-II adults and ado-
The Motion
Movie Capsules
that aims to please
first effort
and mostly reaches
lescents.
"Nothing Could Be Finer'
Bros. Pictures
Regardless of its predictability, "Stolen
"Converting major," assures Seamus.
of
lates the story
hibits this discomfort.
CNS photo from Warner
—
parental
on the staff of the U.S.
Conference of Catholic Bishops' Office for Film and Broadcasting.
true story of 35-year-old Jim Morris
(Dennis Quaid), a small-town Texas baseball coach and high school chemistry teacher who gets a second chance at the big leagues and becomes the oldest rookie baseball player in 40 years. In spite of a few
momentum, director John Lee Hancock's film pulls on the heartstrings, nudging the audience to sags in
think about forgotten dreams while pleasing and inspiring without the slightest suggestion of violence, sex or even a crude word. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-I general patronage. The
—
Motion
America rating ences.
Association
Picture is
G
of
— general audi-
12 The Catholic News & Herald
Editorials
March 29, 2002
& Columns
What you need
The Pope
"Fear
is
is trust what you need is
useless,
The Easter message
Speaks
(Mk
Spirituality
us to trust Jesus more.
for Today
trust"
5:36).
It is
tells
so easy to get caught in fear.
The Lord
instructs
more trusting of his love and power. This is not to say that there is no objective danger out there. Fear has been the constant companion of the saints. Even Jesus was terrified at times. His agony in the garden reminds us of his vulnerability. However Jesus and all the saints after him prayed to the Father for peace, joy and strength. Dorothy Day, who is being considered for canonization, tells of a time when she and a friend were coming from Mass. Suddenly objects came whizzing past their ears. At first Dorothy Day thought they were snowballs, but when another one flew past, her friend Judith Gregory cried out, "That was meant for us to be
Pope says during Holy Week, Christians unite JOHN NORTON
Catholic Newsservice
VATICAN CITY gies of
Holy
Week
(CNS)
—
They saw where
the objects landed and found of hard-boiled eggs. Afraid to turn back, for fear they would be hit in the face, they walked faster. When she arrived home, Dorothy Day wrote in her diary: "I should have been delighted, as Charles de bits
with those suffering By
us."
In the litur-
and Easter, Christians unite
themselves with those who suffer under injustice and the burden of sinfulness, confident that Christ renews humanity, Pope John Paul II said.
Meditating on Christ's suffering and death "makes us better understand the tragedy of the events and situations that, even in these days, afflict humanity," he said March 27 at his weekly general audience. Then, reflecting on Christ's resurrection "opens our existence to a renewed hope," he said, speaking a day before the start of the' Easter triduum. Before one of the most liturgically demanding periods of the year for the pontiff, he spoke clearly but slowly and skipped several sections of his prepared text. On Holy Thursday, the pope said, contemplating Christ's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, "We will feel singularly united with those who lie under the weight of anguish
Foucauld was when he was pelted in the streets of Nazareth, but my feeling was one of fear. I'm glad because it helps me to understand the fear that is eating at the hearts of the people in the world today. No one is safe. are no longer protected by the oceans separating us from the rest of the world." Dorothy Day prayed to be delivered from her fear, just as Jesus did that fateful night in the garden. She prayed specifically for the love that casts out fear. Here again are her words: "I pray to grow in the
We
God and man, and to live by this charity.... not because we fear him must love our enemy but because God loves him" (The Catholic Worker,
love of
We
...
January 2002). People accused Dorothy Day of being mad because of her strange logic. It was strange to them, but it was always Gospel-oriented. When she felt fear she
The Bottom Line
a
new humanity, redeemed by
died and rose for us."
Christ,
experience was going
ANTOINETTE B0SC0
CNS
A one-man
My
Columnist
play about faith
who lives in Manhattan, had and I suggested a Broadway play as a gift. She already had one in mind, a one-man play starring actor Kevin Bacon, with the unusual title "An Almost Holy Picture." I got the tickets, not knowing I was in for a real surprise. daughter Mary,
a birthday
coming
up,
I expected a Broadway show to be only entertainment, since over the last couple of decades there's been a real shortage of good drama on Broadway. This play, by Heather McDonald, was not entertainment in the ordinary sense. The play was a remarkable work that drew you into what I believe are the rock-bottom questions of our time. Why is there so much pain and darkness in this world? Where is God, and what is the nature of God? How can faith help a person who must endure
enormous
losses? Is
their children
The
from
it
possible for parents to protect
life's
tough blows?
story unfolded as Bacon, portraying a one-
time Episcopal priest who gave up ministry to become a church groundskeeper, spoke of his life, or, more accurately, his difficult, often blocked, faith journey.
He
West
"I
to
and
work
as a
light,
and
believed then that each of
do in this life, and our purpose good work is." But the light went out when a bus with children from his parish to discover
what
begins by telling us the three experiences that
shaped his personal idea of God. The first was an epiphany moment at age nine when he heard a voice whisper to him, "Follow me."
that
embankment
crashed over an
whomever is burdened in body and spirit by the weight of evil and sin," he said. "In the supreme hour of sacrifice of the son of God, we will place with trust at the foot of
who
The next
priest in the desert, longing for vision
us has a 'good work' to
for
form
Columnist
immediately turned to the Lord and prayed for protection. Then she prayed for the grace to love her assailants. She didn't have any feelings of love for them, but she prayed for the grace anyway. Her loyalty was to the Lord, not to her feelings. The Lord asks us to love our enemies. It takes great mental discipline to obey the Lord in this. It requires grace and will power as well. Even though the Scriptures tell us that love casts out fear, we are slow to respond to the idea. Love and joy are two sides of the same coin. Joy can cast out fear as well. Joy comes from the experiential knowledge of God's love. My recent book, "Joyfully Living the Gospels Day by Day" (Catholic Book Publishing Co.), contains a daily thought-conditioner to help you overcome your fears. If you'd like a copy free of charge and are willing to help me pay for postage and handling, I'll be happy to send you one. Write to me at Box 172, Clifton, N.J. 07011. I have another book, the third one of my Joy Trilogy, which will be out next year: "Enjoy Your Precious Life.... Christ Came to Bring Joy " (Alba House, Staten Island). So far, semiretirement has been fun.
is
trial that Jesus underwent, we will remember those who are persecuted for their faith and for the sake of justice. "Accompanying Christ to Golgotha, along the Via Dolorosa, our trusting prayer will rise
everyone: the desire for peace!" the pope said. During the Easter Vigil, he said, "the splendor of our destiny will be revealed: to
CNS
again grasping a message:
and solitude. "Meditating on the
the cross the desire that resides in the hearts of
FATHER JOHN CATOIR
into watery nine chil-
dren were drowned. In agony, he and went back East.
left
the priesthood
The third experience was his plunge into a new and devastating darkness when his only child, a daughter, was born with a congenital malady that left her face and body covered with a white-gold swirl of hair. He prays, trying to strike a bargain with God, saying, in effect, do anything to me, take anything from me, but let me have "a smooth-skinned daughter."
Because Kevin Bacon is a magnificent actor, he feel this man's struggle to understand God in the face of so much pain and darkness in this world. I especially related because I am asked so often particularly since Sept. 11 to give talks on "where
makes us
—
—
God
is
when
there
is
so
much
pain in the world."
by tragedy and injustice, people tell me that they, like the Bacon character, feel abandoned by God. I can only share what I have learned, In a world racked
that faith
given us
means
all
that
to accept mystery, that
we need
God
has
but hasn't often given us the
answers we may be looking for. I have come to believe that God didn't create us to understand him but to love life and each other. This, I believe, is what Kevin Bacon conveys in his final words in the play when he comes to recognize the glorious gift God has given him in his loving and soloved daughter.
He
sees a photo of her
running down a
hill,
with
the gold-white hair that covers her blowing like a halo, and,
humbly, he knows that he
almost holy picture."
is
full
looking at "an
March 29, 2002
The Catholic News & Herald 13
Editorials & Columns
Light
to John, the last miracle
One
we
see Jesus perform before he
enters Jerusalem for the final time
is the raising of Lazarus from the grave. The event does more than foreshadow Jesus' own rising from the dead. It shows us his deep love for a friend and for each of us as an individual. When Jesus was told that Lazarus was dying, he hesitated before going to his home in Bethany. Both Martha and Mary admonished Jesus that if he had been there earlier, their brother would not have died. Jesus responds by doing three unforgettable
Candle
MSGR. JIM LISANTE
things.
Guest Columnist
when he said: "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, first
day of the week
.
.
."
Called "the holiest day of the Christian year," Eas-
completes what Christmas starts: in December's darkness and cold, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus and his promise; in Easter's springtime, we celebrate the mystery of His death and resurter certainly
that.
is
It
rection.
The
perennial liturgical cycle offers the comfort of
the familiar over the course of a year. But this
upside
is not just people have had their lives turned not only the over the last few months
Many
any year.
down
—
loved ones of the three thousand men,
women and
children killed in the September 11th attacks, but also
the rest of us in America and around the world
were stunned by the horror and
who
The Christmas many of us to stay
grief.
holidays intensified the desire for
home, to be with our families, to be grateful for to mourn for what we lost. A little more time has passed now. Easter certainly includes family gatherings, feasting on traditional foods, children in new outfits munching on jellybeans from their baskets and hunting for colored eggs. The day, at its core, is overwhelmingly spiritual. Our own mortality and the mortality of those closest to us has a new context in this celebration of life over death and close to all
we had and
eternity over time. It isn't
a coincidence that, in the Gospel according
and everyone who lives and believes in me will never Then, overcome by grief for his friend and his bereaved loved ones, Jesus wept. Even knowing what he intends to do, Jesus is still as human as he is divine, and he shows it. And, finally, they all went to the tomb: "And Jesus looked upward and said, 'Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.' When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, die." (11:25-26)
Lazarus, come out!'" (11:41-43) And Lazarus did!
A
recent
magazine
article
wonder, too, but I really can't imagine. And what were his sisters and other relatives and friends going through when, in an instant, their mourning turned to joy? There are others I think about as well: on that day like every day in the history of the world, people died and others were left to grieve in the normal cycle of life and death. Until Easter morning. For while our pain at the loss of a loved one is real, our consolation comes to us from Jesus himself whose first words on that first day of the week were to comfort the weeping Mary Magdalene. When Jesus rose from the dead, he took us with him' and broke death's power over us by exchanging time for eternity. recalled to this
was
life.
I
Question
Corner
He
and revived later. The writer seemed to imply that this was a real possibility and that many people believe it. We didn't believe it, ofcourse, but why would rather in some sort of coma
A. In his definitive work, 'The Death of the Messiah,"
Brown
renowned Scripture scholar Father Raymond
more fantastic the scenario, the more sensational the promotion it receives and the more faddish interest
FATHER JOHN DIETZEN
CNS
Columnist
is it
attracts.
People, he said,
who would
never bother reading a
how
was
Jesus
was buried and rose from the dead "are by the report of some 'new insight' to the effect
about the circumstances of Jewish crucifixion,
tion.
was not crucified or did not die, especially if his subsequent career involved running off with Mary Magdalene to India" That tendency, unfortunately, is not new. Bizarre notions that someone else actually was crucified instead of Jesus or that a conspiracy of some sort concealed the fact that he did not really die, and therefore did not rise from the dead, have floated around since early Christian times.
of Matthew
itself
(28:11-15) attempts to
surrounding the
command much scholarly respect or attenAnd in one form or another it is, as I said, not new. As Father Brown reminds us, these theories about the
does not today,
fascinated
that he
life
but his conjecture about the plot has not, and
crucified, died,
The Gospel
passion of Jesus prove that fiction
is
in fact
sometimes
more
stranger than truth, and often, intentionally or not,
Concern about
still
being Catholic
Q. Please help! I was raised a faithful Catholic but drifted away, found mysef pregnant and six montlis later
married
my
baby'sfather outside the church. Since then we've
A. You are still Catholic. Nothing you have done would say otherwise. Judging only from what you have told me, it should be easy for you and your husband to have your marriage validated ("blessed"), which would open your way to full
author, Hugh Schonfield, imagines a massive plot supposedly engineered by Jesus himself which included death. Jesus arranged for Judas to
Roman
hand
and deliberately chose to be crucified on the day before Passover so he would be taken down from the cross quickly, after drinking the drugged wine offered by the bystanders. According to plan, Joseph of Arimathea would revive
him
after
to the
authorities
claiming his body.
The plan went awry when
soldier pierced Jesus with a lance
Schonfield's
We
We
We
too
common among modern
the
and he died anyway.
book contains some interesting material
marriages.
the reader understands well
needs
— primacy and
regularly.
My question
are baptized,
is:
Am I
still
and we
all attend
a Catholic? Can I
Communion or do Ijust go away andfeel guiltyfor the
my
Mass
receive rest
of
life? (Illinois)
participation in the sacramental
life
of the church.
Please talk with your parish priest, or another priest in
your area in story, and he hope for.
whom will
you have confidence, tell him your help you live again the Catholic life you
Though
what her marriage
protection. In our response
we
suggested that she and her husband take initiative to create for themselves what is to her,
lacking in the area of social support (protection)
and putting
marriage first (primacy). our current parish, there was no marriage support group. So, instead of searching for a church that already had such a group, we started a monthly support/sharing group in the parish in our area. This is also true with finding supportive family and friends. Everyone isn't fortunate to have supportive family. Married couples must search for and find good people to invite into their lives to be "family," especially as role models of a healthy marriage. their
When we joined
live in a society that doesn't offer
much
We
have to make sure that the norms we set for marriage are grounded in the gospel and the faith community rather than the conventional wisdom of our modern culture. When the relationship is new, love for each other seems to be enough to hold a couple together. Love seems easy. However, as the relationship grows over time they needed more than love for each other to hold it together. Their marriage belongs to
They must
more people than just themselves.
find others to take a stake in their
marriage.
This doesn't always just happen. Couples initiative to create a
supportive
to protect their marriage.
Only they
can establish what comes
The
him over
Dear Andrew and Terri, my husband and I need your advice. are having a tough time of it in our marriage. Our children have always come first in our lives. Though we love them very much we know that we need to make time for each other. That's been very difficult to do. When the day ends, there is neither time nor energy left for us. also feel isolated. don't have supportive family members and we can't find a church home to meet our needs. are always so tired; we have a hard time balancing our lives with no support system. Where can we find the support we need? How can we get our needs met? Sadly, the reader's experience of isolation is
community
had another child. Both
own
for a lifelong marriage
A reader writes:
have to take the
profitable.
one such tale that already was making the rounds only a few decades after the events of Calvary. The article you read about probably found its source, at least partly, from a book published in 1965 titled 'The Passover Plot." refute
faking his
Finding spiritual and social support
support for lifelong marriages.
notes the embarrassing tendency of human nature
that, the
responsible analysis of the traditions about
Guest Columnists
We
people really accept such notions? (California)
the late
TERRI
LYKE
.
our group discussed de-
scribed a theory t/mt Jesus did not really die on the cross.
ANDREW &
We
For 2,000 years people have probably wondered what Lazarus felt and thought in the moment he was
The popularity of fictionalized accounts of Jesus' death Q.
Reflections
he spoke to those grieving as well as to the
First,
ages
"On the
Family
first.
Of course
the chil-
dren are a higher priority. But the couple mustn't lose sight of the fact that the kids are products of their love, not the source. To build primacy in marriage they must put it first when they can do it responsibly. They should continue to court each other. Go on regular dates. Talk about "us." Pray together and for each other. Hire a sitter and spend some "us" time together. Not only is it good for the marriage,
it's
good
for the kids.
gift we will give our mustn't cheat them our marriage. or ourselves by not building primacy in our mar-
The most important
children
We
is
riage.
something that just Couples must take initiative to create a supportive environment for marriage. really have to work at it. Marital well-being
happens.
It's
We
intentional.
isn't
14 The Catholic News & Herald
March 29, 2002
Around the Diocese
A day of prayer and reflection OLG students win big with NASA, gymnastics GREENSBORO
—
Eighth-
geography excellence through
grade students at Our Lady of Grace School (OLG) have been awarded second place in the NASA Involve-
ing because it offers students the thrill of discovery and achievement," said
Kennedy Iheanacho, Travis Leonard and Ian Good who won third place for their Watching Earth Change entry. They will each receive
on the NASA team." Gina Ware, an eighth-grade student at OLG, participated in the North Carolina State Gymnastics Championships in mid-March. Her
Lynn Marra, NSIP program
more than 1,200
Headquarters. "We're proud to honor their success and have them
all-around score of 34.15 qualified Ware for to compete with the top
entries to this year's
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) competitions. Student entries are judged at NASA centers by teams of scientists, engineers, educators, journalists and other professionals who select first-, secondand third-place winners.
NSIP
is
a national
program
&
Communion
gymnasts
ÂŁ
Introductory Classes:
Religious Articles
the Region 8 Junior Olympic Regional Championships in WinstonSalem April 4-7. This will be Ware's first season as a Level 9 gymnast. Not only does she excel in gymnastics, Ware is also an
that
Mary Catholic School, for Grades K-8
downtown Wilmington,
in
NC, seeks innovative and dynamic Principal to begin 7/1/02. Must be
April 9
May
practicing Catholic,
have teaching experience, and hold degree that
meets standards of the Diocese of Raleigh and SACS. Salary and benefits
14 and June 11
commensurate with degree and experience. Submit
Fee: $10
Bookshoppe (704)342-2878
7pm
4/15/02
at the
Charlotte Diocese Pastoral Center 1123 South
NC 28205
- 5:30pm 3:00pm
Mon.-Fri. 9:30am
Classified
letter of interest,
statement of educational philosophy, and resume with 3 references by
Call to pre-reqister
Classes held at
-
St.
Upcoming classes:
Carolina Catholic
9:30
roll student.
ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL
Next class:
We welcome mail orders and special orders!
Sat.
A-honor
Catholic
2nd Tuesday of every month
Cards
Fax (704) 334-3313 4410-F Monroe Road, Charlotte,
North Carolina, South
Social Services
Family Planning
Special Gifts
in
Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia at
Come find out about
Natural
Confirmations
officers
NASA
at
stimulates math, science, technology and
For First
12.
competition. Grant Derhoffer, Alex Wylie, Eric DePopas and Gavin Mitchell are being honored for their Design a Mission to Mars entry. Also being honored are Chase
NSIP medals, along with certificates: Over 3,400 students submitted
the Word-Made-Flesh.
comT
"NSIP is an important part of NASA's efforts to enhance K-12 learn-
Elliott,
Father Francis Cancro, pastor of St. Eugene Church in Asheville, addresses those gathered for the PCL Lenten Retreat "Carrying Christ in Word and Ministry" at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory March 23. Bishop William G. Curlin also spoke at the retreat, which presented an opportunity to reflect on the ways people bring Christ to others and the challenges faced as this millennium calls people to minister
kindergarten through grade
in
ment Program's (NSIP) 2001-2002
Courtesy Photo
six
petition categories designed for students
to: Principal
Search Committee, 412 Ann
St.,
Wilmington, NC
28401.
Church Street
See us at www.thestmaryparish.org
(4 blocks from Ericsson "Panther" Stadium)
For information, other class locations
and methods, please
call (704)
370-3230.
sumes
will be accepted until the position is submit to: NCCU Campus Minister Search, c/o 218 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. filled;
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Classified
ads bring results! Over 116,000 readers! Over 48,000 homes! Rates: $.50/word per issue ($10 minimum per issue) Deadline: 12 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication
How to order: Ads may be E-mailed to ckfeerick@charlottediocese.org,
Caregiver: Seeking dependable caregiver to assist elderly with non-medical care in their homes. Part time and full time. Top hourly fees. VISITING ANGELS (704)
faxed to (704) 370-3382 or mailed Cindi Feerick,
The
Catholic
News &
Herald,
1
123
Payment: For information,
call
S.
to:
Church
St.,
Charlotte,
NC 28203.
(704) 370-3332.
442-888 1.
Campus Minister: The Campus Ministry Department of the Diocese of Raleigh seeks to hire a person for a full-time position to serve as CAMPUS MINISTER AT NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL
UNIVERSITY, an historically Black College/University in Durham, NC. The successful candidate will be a prayerful person familiar with and dedicated to the principles of Empowered by the Spirit: A Pastoral Letter on Campus Ministry in the United States and What We Have Seen and Heard: A Pastoral Letter on Evangelization from the Black Bishops of the United States. The candidate should also demonstrate excellent leadership, organizational, administra-
and computer skills. Prior Campus Ministry experience is preferred but not required. Letters of Interest and Retive,
Diocesan Director of Evangelization/ Adult Education for the Diocese of Charlotte: Position involves a three-fold respon-
oversee the mission of evangelization, to direct the lay ministry training program, and to coordinate LIMEX (a diocesan-based master's degree program sponsored by Loyola University, New Orleans) within the diocese. Applicant must be a practicing Catholic and have earned an advanced degree in an appropriate area of study; have three years' experience in evangelization/adult education; be sensitive to cultural minorities. Spanish-speaking a plus. Submit applications and resumes to: Reverend James F. Hawker, Vicar for Education, 112S South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, no later than April 30, 2002. sibility: to
Teachers: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic
$6,600, special asking price of $2,995
High School, located
for all 3. (704) 375-6237.
Georgia, is seeking teachers in all disciplines for the 2002-200S school year. Mercy offers an excellent teaching environment and well as competitive salary and benefits. Interested individuals should send resume and cover letter to: John Cobis, Our Lady of Mercy High School, 861 Highway 279, Fairburn, 30213. in Fairburn,
GA
Home: Meadowbrook. Minutes from downtown Charlotte. Own a 3 bed/2 bath home with front and rear deck, landscaped yard, storage shed, clubhouse, jr.
Olympic
pool! All this for
per month!! 1
120
Crypt spaces: Two, below cost, head to head, in mausoleum at Forsyth Memorial Park, Winsfon-Salem, NC. Call 336-
FOR SALE
725-0176.
Cemetery Plots:
3 in prime section
under $600
EASY QUALIFY - 704-545-
1
2A at
Forsyth Memorial, Winston-Salem. Value
"
1
March 29, 2002
In ment programs.
Catholic Relief
"We know
economic and trade
tries that lack
we
increased foreign aid MONTERREY,
Mexico (CRS)
—
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) applauded the Bush Administration's announcement of a plan to add $10 billion to U.S. oversees development assistance by 2006. The U.S. Catholic
oversees development agency com-
mended
government
its
for offering a
greater contribution of
resources as industrialized nations seek to cut global poverty in half. "This is a significant first step in reversing the historical decline in our foreign aid.
its
commitment
education,
in
foreign policy adviser
countries to take an active part in de-
CRS provides assistance to people based on need not race, creed, or
will continue to search for solutions
Hackett.
CRS emphasized that successful development programs will depend on
framing of plans for development
Sponsor a Child Mission.
attended
ference on Financing for Development
Monterrey.
in
—
—
more than 85 counand territories in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle east and nationality
in
tries
Eastern Europe.
in
at a Catholic
Your opportunity
to help a
And
too important to miss.
very poor child
is
much
Christian Foundation for
Children and Aging (CFCA), an international Catholic sponsorship program, can show you the affordable way.
rights and by giv-
For S20 a month, just 66 cents a day, you can help
provide a poor child at a Catholic mission with food,
medical care, and the chance to go to school. (Sponsorship benefits may vary depending on needs.) You can literally change a life!
As a sponsor, you'll feel confident knowing CFCA programs are run by Catholic missionaries deeply committed to the poor.
Monterrey March 20, and in a speech March 22 President Bush acknowledged that wealthy countries must do more to help the poor. The in
And
you're assured that over
85 percent of your contribution
is
sent directly to your
sponsored child's mission program.
When you
president repeated a previous anwill
who
Affordable!
It's
to
greater," said Lori Pearson,
the United Nations International Con-
signing and implementing these new investments in oversees development. "Our experience has shown that when civil society is given voice in the
ing voice to the marginalized," said Ken Hackett, CRS executive director. "As the U.S. recovers from Sept. 1 and continues to face the threat of terrorism, I believe there is a greater understanding that terrorism finds fertile fields where there is poverty, injustice and lack of opportunity." Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neil made the foreign aid announcement
nouncement that the U.S.
sponsor, you'll receive a photo of your
child, information
make
from your
about your child's family and country,
child,
CFCA newsletter.
and the
But,
the increased aid available only to
letters
countries that, have demonstrated good governance, avoid corruption, invest in their people and that have
most of all, you'll receive the satisfaction of helping a poor child have a better life!
sound economic
CRS
And
policies.
shared the administration's
commitment
Maria lives in a village in Guatemala in a two-room house with a tin roof and dirt floors. Her father
(BOO) 875-6564
I'll
Q Boy
J Teenager
Any
sponsor a
.
.
and
.
I
child.
————————
— — — mmJTX>m
Name
help one child:
Girl
to
City,
.
Yes,
you
Archbishop James P. Keleher, Kansas Kansas - sponsors Jose Munos of Honduras.
Can you help a poor child like Maria? Become a sponsor today!
Center
in
most need
Address
contribute:
I'll
City /State/Zip,
monthly $20
Dignity
Charlotte,
NC 28212
704-568-0023 www.carolinafuneral.com
Steven
J Enclosed
Owner/Director
Owned
Member St. Matthew Church and Knights of Columbus
is
J annually $240
CFCA
I'd
credit card:
Catholic
bill
to
CFCA.)
Send
my sponsorship
CIVISA
payment
to
CNH 3/02
my
J MC J Discover J AMEX
Children and Aging (CFCA)
Exp. Date
CHOOSE ONE J Charge this
J
I
can't
time only
sponsor now, but here's
Please send
me rnoa*
J Charge ongoing
my gift of $
.
P.O.
Box 805105
Kansas City, or
information about sponsorship.
FOUNDED AND DIRECTED BY CATHOLIC LAY PEOPLE
to:
Christian Foundation for
,
Sponsorship
(
.
Card No.
Child
428
prefer to
Daytime phone
my first contribution of $
(Make check payable
Kuzma
Privately, Locally
quarterly $60
semi-annually %\ 20
Affordability
Simplicity 5505 Monroe Rd.
month, please
1
"I'm delighted to he a sponsor invite
laborer.
Cremation
c
a
CFCA toll-free at
Little
day
C C
your budget doesn't allow $20
for other affordable ways to sponsor a child. Become a sponsor today. You'll be so glad you did!
struggles to support the family as a
Carolina Funeral &
if
don't hesitate to call
to results in the delivery
of increased foreign aid and promised to continue working with the U.S. government to find ways of reaching all of the world's poor through humanitarian assistance and develop-
is
CRS
opening of U.S. markets to developing country goods. The agency further expressed hope that the U.S. will invite elements of civil society in developing
livelihoods, health,
human
countries, the effectiveness
poor live in coungood governance, and
further address the needs of the world's poor, and we hope it will be specifically directed to supporting im-
provements
own
much
appears to demonstrate
It
this administration's
their
alleviate poverty, such as the greater
on how to assist those who share the same right to human dignity and improved living conditions as those under strong governments," said
White House for
policies that help
that a substantial por-
tion of the world's
Services commends
The Catholic News & Herald 15
the News
MO 64180-5105
call toll-free
1-800-875-6564
wvvvv.cfcausa.org Financial report
mviUNem MjttfSt / Donation* are U.S.
laxtMtu ttM?
16 The Catholic News & Herald
March 29, 2002
Living the Faith By
ALESHA M. PRICE
Sister finds home in community
Staff Writer
CHARLOTTE — Doctors that Antonette Schmidt's
life
thought
would be
over before
hated kneeling that long."
relationship before entering the con-
living, she
it began. After only a year of had been stricken with polio encephalitis, a death sentence for many. However, time and prayer led little Toni through the worst of the disease, and she ended up with only a permanent paralysis of her facial muscles. It was after Toni's recovery that her mother kept her promise to Mary. "I was told later on that my mother had prayed to the Blessed Mother that if I recovered that she would pray the rosary every day of her life," said Sister Toni. "So the rosary is important to me, and I always keep one with me." Her father also remarked at the time that God must have had something special planned for his third oldest child since he had spared her life. He did not know how true his words would be until later in 1965 when Schmidt entered the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Regional Community of North Carolina
Her first experience with her calling came in the form of a whisper in her head at the age of 10 or 11. She was at Bene-
vent," she said.
when
diction and looking at the
when she heard
want you." As a child, she was aware of the meaning of the words but did not unwords,
"I
began dating a young man who she had liked, but it did not work out for them. She went to the retreat the following year, and she kept up her end of the So, she
Her decision was not without anguish and confusion. bargain.
She went to
derstand their significance for her life.
talk to a
sister in a local
She continued as
commu-
nity.^
and
sobbed through the whole talk to her. She told me to look for a community that had teaching as a ministry, and I happened to be working
the thought came, unin-
with the Sisters of Mercy
vited and intrusive.
at the time," said Sister
other students with dat-
tivities
until she
heard
the words again while at
a yearbook staff meeting. "I
was
sitting there,
I
go knock on someone else's door.' I was
Toni.
said,
Her revelation to her
wanting to parents was also emoMercy Sister tional for her, but her be married and wanting Antonette Schmidt to have children." parents were supportive. The sister who was They had suggested she write to their family friend's cousin who the yearbook moderator had asked was a Sister of Mercy in Belmont, N.C The Schmidt, to wait outside while she spoke to her two friends. When they came out of the reply was warm, friendly and inviting as meeting, they told her that the sister had she wrote about their mission diocese. Her mother wanted her to speak to their parish said that they should become women relipriest who suggested she speak to a Mercy gious. She did not say anything. After she began working as a sister near their home instead. That Mercy Catholic school teacher while going to sister in Pennsylvania thought that Schmidt and the North Carolina Mercy night classes, her sister asked her to go to a working women's retreat where she sisters would be a good match. Schmidt left for the foreign territory made a deal with God. "I spent most of and settled into her new surroundings. "I the weekend in tears because God was becoming more clear and insistent. I remember being homesick only once. I had made a bargain that I wanted the expedie feeling that I was home; it was where I rience of being in a serious, loving was meant to be," said Sister Toni, who
clear about
grew up
any other cradle Catholic in Berwyn, Penn. She attended Catholic school, and she thought the public school students were called "publics" because she was Catholic and went to Catholic school. As a young child, she admired the sisters teaching her and emulated them by wearing cloths on her head when she would play school. "The focus of my social life growing up was within the family, and we always celebrated one sacrament or another
like
with seven children," said Sister Toni. parents always went to the parish
when we were older, we were expected to go. At one point, we had the family rosary, and I remember I mission, and
Sponsored by CSS Elder Ministries
after six years in
1971 at her childhood parish.
"I
looked at
the whole six years as a discernment time. liken
to a long
it
could cut off at any time."
Toni continued with her
Sister
first
love of teaching for over 22 years while
earning her bachelor's degree in education from Sacred Heart College in
Belmont
in
1973 and receiving her
master's degree in religious studies from
LaSalle University in Philadelphia in 1980. She studied for a year in
Rome and
received an advanced certificate in scrip-
ture and theology and had diocesan training for spiritual direction.
She worked as a
retreat director at
Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center in Maggie Valley during the summers from 1986 to 1991 and as a hospital chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital in Asheville from 1990 until 1998 after receiving certification in clinical pastoral services
from Carolinas Medical Center.
Now, she works
part time as the diocesan spiritual mentor coordinator for
young
adult and
campus ministry doing
retreats and spiritual direction and
works
as a retreat director for the Jesuit
House of Prayer
in
Hot
Springs.
She says that she can see a continuous thread throughout her work and ministry. "I have always tried to communicate the wonder of God's love through my ministry. I really believe that's
my
mission," she said.
Contact Staff Writer Alesha
M.
Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or email amprice@charlottediocese. org.
!
SCNIORS' SPRING FLING <
ftwo dates and locations (coffee
f
V
to
choose from! 10-3:30c\
Now enrolling for 2002-2003!
and danish from 9-9:45)
Thurs., April 18th
-
St.
Mark, Huntersville
Deadline: April 9th '
Thurs., April 25th
-
St.
Aloysius, Hickory
Deadline: April 16th t Ail Saints Catholic School
Your day
will
be
filled
with fellowship, Mass, lunch
with friends, Tai Chi, crafts, bingo, door prizes
7000 Endhaven Lane
and more! t
Sandra Breakf ield (704) 370-3220 or (828) 438-0774. Limited space available
Call
Jenny Robinson - Register now!
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School
Catholic Schools: Where Faith & Knowledge Meet.
4225 Shamrock Drive
MACS proudly offers Catholic To register, send form and $8.00 (includes lunch) to: Seniors' Spring Fling, Catholic Social Services 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203
t St. Ann Catholic School
600
Hillside
Avenue
t St. Gabriel Catholic School
Christian values in strong
academic programs
PHON£
t Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School
CITY
3100 Park Road 3.00 per person.
Make checks payable
to Catholic Social Services.
Note Registration Deadlines Above Group registration forms and directions are available at church offices and with Club leaders.
a diverse
in grades K-l 2.
t St. Patrick Catholic School
1125 Buchanan Street
ADDRESS
to
community of boys and girls
3028 Providence Road
NAM€
I
engagement that you
"I
ing and high school ac-
she was 21.
Before that time, Schmidt
"My
monstrance
the
vows
professed her final
t Charlotte Catholic High School
7702 Pineville-Matthews Road
For
more "information, call
the Admissions Office at
704.3703273