March 21, 2002

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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

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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

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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

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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-

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Wartime experiences Germany lead woman to Catholicism

WILLIAMSTOWN,

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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.

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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.

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nterior/Exterior

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in interior

painting, wall murals and children's rooms!

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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."

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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.

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Obinna Ezechukwu said that they

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"We

take time out with each other. If

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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

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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.

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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

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rough around the edges, despite the admirable job the director has done with

little

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Summer"

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—

Picture Association

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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:

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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)

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News &

Herald,

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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.

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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

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"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

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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 <

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Deadline: April 9th '

Thurs., April 25th

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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

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Christian values in strong

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Make checks payable

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Note Registration Deadlines Above Group registration forms and directions are available at church offices and with Club leaders.

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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