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INSIDE: 2026 Eucharistic Congress Guide

ADENTRO: Guía del Congreso Eucarístico 2026 September 4, 2026

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org S E RV I N G C H R I ST A N D C O N N EC T I N G C AT H O L I C S I N W E ST E R N N O R T H C A R O L I N A

Retired priests still leading 7

Homeschoolers celebrate new school year 8

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‘Making room’ for more St. William first to reach goal as diocesan effort ramps up 4

Asheboro parish hosts festival for ‘Making Room Challenge’ 4

Work program tackles poverty by investing in moms

Charlotte Catholic celebrates upgrades

Abriendo las puertas de la fe a la salud mental

San José ‘abre espacio’ para el crecimiento 14

At a glance 2

catholicnewsherald.com | September 4, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

CATHOLIC ALL WEEK Timely tips for blending faith & life

VOLUME 35 • NUMBER 23

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

atriot Day – the National Day of Service and Remembrance held in memory of Sept. 11, 2001 – has a special significance this year as America marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks that killed 2,996 people in New York City, at the Pentagon and in a Shanksville, Pennsylvania, field. As Catholics, we can follow the example of Pope Benedict XVI who, during a visit to Ground Zero in New York on April 20, 2008, asked the Lord to “Give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all.”

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

INDEX Arts & Entertainment................. 16 Contact us.....................................2 Español.......................................14-15 Our Diocese.............................. 4-11 Our Faith........................................3 Our Schools................................. 12 Scripture.......................................3 U.S. news.................................18-19 Viewpoints.............................22-23 World news............................ 20-21

REMEMBER AND SERVE The 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville are offering special events commemorating the 25th anniversary. The ceremony at the 9/11 Plaza in New York City during which each victim’s name is read aloud is particularly moving. If you can’t be there in person, many events will be televised or streamed. The second part of the day – service – can be achieved by volunteering for a cause that matters to you, whether at your church, a charitable organization or a park.

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

LEARN AND TEACH

EDITORIAL TEAM: Kimberly Bender 704-370-3394, kdbender@rcdoc.org Lisa Geraci 704-370-3294, lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

More than 100 million Americans are too young to remember the 9/11 attacks. Students, teachers and interested adults can register for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum’s free Anniversary Digital Learning Experience program. Highlights include a 35-minute film highlighting first-person accounts of the attacks and their aftermath, individual speaker stories, and the opportunity to connect with museum staff in real time through an interactive live chat.

Troy C. Hull 704-370-3288, tchull@rcdoc.org

LIFT UP IN PRAYER

ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@rcdoc.org MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER: David Puckett 704-808-4521, dwpuckett@rcdoc.org

TRISH STUKBAUER | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Remembering in prayer those who were lost, the heroes who jumped in to save lives and the families they left behind is a positive thing that we can do as Catholics. Jesuitreource.org features a lengthy list of prayers written for prior anniversaries that help guide hearts from fear and anger toward healing and hope, which is a wonderful legacy of a day that should never be forgotten.

A 25-ton bronze sculpture called “The Sphere” originally stood between the Twin Towers. Mangled but not broken, it survived 9/11 and now graces Liberty Park as a permanent symbol of resilience.

— Catholic News Herald, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Pentagon Memorial and Vatican News

Christina Lee Knauss 704-370-0783, clknauss@rcdoc.org Amelia Kudela 980-374-3411, arkudela@rcdoc.org Brian Segovia 704-370-3235, bmsegovia@rcdoc.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Maria De Ugarte 704-370-3333, catholicnews@rcdoc.org COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Liz Chandler 704-370-3336, lchandler@rcdoc.org ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@rcdoc.org

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

Diocesan calendar of events EVENTS

THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year. NEWS: The Catholic News Herald welcomes your news and photos. Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@rcdoc.org. All submitted items become the property of the Catholic News Herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives. ADVERTISING: Reach 165,000 Catholics across western North Carolina! For advertising rates and information, contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@rcdoc.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $17.75 per year for registered families of the Diocese of Charlotte and $25 per year for all others. POSTMASTER: Periodicals Class postage (USPC 007-393) paid at Charlotte, N.C. Send address corrections to the Catholic News Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203.

Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., will participate in the following events over the coming weeks:

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS: Friday-Saturday, Sept. 11-12, Charlotte Convention Center. Enjoy dynamic speakers, inspirational music, one of the largest Eucharistic processions in the U.S., confessions, Adoration and Mass, free screenings of “Cabrini” and 100-plus Catholic exhibitors. Details: www.goeucharist.com. WORLD DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS PROCESSION: The Charlotte Chapter of the Catholic Grandparents Association invites grandparents to follow the CGA banner Sept. 12 during the procession at the 2026 Eucharistic Congress. Join the group at 8:45 a.m. at the corner of South Tryon and Third streets. For a map and more details: https://goeucharist.com/ schedule/procession. PRAYER SERVICES VIGIL OF THE TWO HEARTS: Vigil begins with 8 p.m. First Friday Mass on Sept. 4, followed by Eucharistic Adoration and concludes with 8 a.m. First Saturday Mass Sept. 5. St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Details: www.defendthefamily.org/two-hearts. GRANDPARENTS MASS: The Charlotte Chapter of the Catholic Grandparents Association hosts a World Day for Grandparents Celebration at St. Ann Catholic Church, 3635 Park Road. Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 13 followed by reception at 11:30 a.m. RSVP at cgakac24@gmail.com. IGBO MASS: 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, St. Mary’s Church, 812 Duke St., Greensboro.

SEPT. 6 – 11 A.M. SEPT. 15 – 10 A.M. Mass for the Consecration of a New Church School Mass Our Lady of the Mountains, Highlands Bishop McGuinness High School, Kernersville SEPT. 9 – 6 P.M. SEPT. 16 - 6 P.M. Confirmation/Pastor Installation Pastor Installation Mass St. Joseph Church, Asheboro St. Mary Help of Christians Church, SEPT. 11-12 Shelby Eucharistic Congress SEPT. 19 – 4 P.M. Charlotte Convention Center Cursillo Grand Ultreya Mass * SEPT. 14 Dan Nicholas Park, Salisbury Holy Angels Golf Tournament * Cramer Mountain Club

* Denotes a private event.

Our faith

September 4, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Pope Leo makes ‘Best Dressed’ list: Here’s the meaning behind his papal garments

Pope Leo XIV

Catholics cannot be ‘unengaged spectators’

he faithful are called to leave behind “all passivity and indifference” toward current events and the lives of others, especially amid the “rapid and profound changes we are experiencing today,” Pope Leo said at his weekly general audience. “We cannot remain as unengaged spectators; rather, we must listen with our hearts, allow ourselves to be challenged, and become involved,” the pope said on Sept. 2 in St. Peter’s Square. “With Christ and sustained by the power of His Spirit, believers are called to take on the burdens of their brothers and sisters, especially those who are crushed by injustice, discrimination and violence,” he said. Pope Leo began a new series of reflections on the Second Vatican Council’s pastoral constitution “Gaudium et Spes,” which examines the relationship between the Church and the modern world. Recalling St. John XXIII’s warning against the “prophets of doom,” who regarded their own times as worse than the past, Pope Leo said Christians are instead called to share in the life of humanity as Christ did. Such closeness to humanity, the pope said, also opens the way to a deeper understanding of events and of Revelation itself. “This is not, in fact, merely a moral imperative,” he said. Addressing English-speaking pilgrims, Pope Leo said it is the Church’s pastoral responsibility to engage with the contemporary world, share in its joys and sorrows and advocate for the poor and marginalized. The Church, he said, also must remain “attentive to the signs of the times,” confronting “pressing issues such as the technological progress that benefits only some and the persistence of widespread poverty.” “In our own day, marked by profound change and much injustice, each of us, then, is called to play our part in welcoming and listening to the deepest questions and longings of the human heart, making present to all the merciful love of Christ our Savior,” the pope said. The Church must point people toward Christ, he said, as “the key, the focal point and the goal of all human history.”

Daily Scripture readings

people whose style we find most compelling, inspiring, idiosyncratic or a combination of those traits.” “In the case of Pope Leo, we are drawn to his innate Americanness – the way he will pair a baseball cap or a pair of Nikes with his vestments, which speaks to the great tradition of American sportswear,” he said. When Pope Leo first appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to the thousands of faithful gathered in the square after his election, many noticed the return of several papal vestments that were not used during Pope Francis’ pontificate. So what are some of the papal garments Pope Leo has been wearing and what do they symbolize?

FRANCESCA POLLIO FENTON Catholic News Agency

or the second time during Pope Leo’s pontificate, the Holy Father has been included in a top fashion magazine’s list for “best dressed.” Vanity Fair released its annual Best Dressed list on Aug. 5 and included the pope in its “originals” category. In December 2025, the pope was named one of Vogue magazine’s 55 best dressed people of 2025. Vanity Fair style correspondent José Criales Unzueta told The New York Post: “The reality is that everyone has a personal style, and this list celebrates

THE PAPAL MOZZETTA

One of the most obvious vestments that Pope Leo has brought back into use is the red papal mozzetta, reviving a longestablished tradition. The mozzetta is a nonliturgical garment worn by the pope, cardinals, bishops, abbots and certain priests, including canons of a cathedral chapter. It is normally worn over the cassock. The history of this garment dates back to at least the 14th century, shortly after the papacy returned to Rome from Avignon, France. It was worn by the popes in Avignon to adapt to the colder French climate. It became part of the pope’s ceremonial dress around 1400 and was later extended to all cardinals and bishops. While the mozzetta for cardinals is red and for bishops it’s purple, the pope has five versions of the mozzetta. The most commonly worn by the pontiffs is the red satin mozzetta, usually with an embroidered stole.

THE WHITE CASSOCK

The white cassock is probably one of the most recognizable pieces of papal attire.

THE WHITE CASSOCK

THE FASCIA

It’s a long-sleeved, ankle-length garment and is tailor-made from 100% wool or a wool blend. White has a long Christian association with purity, innocence, holiness and the glory of Christ. Cassocks, which have historical links to the Roman robe known as the “caracalla,” are traditionally made with 33 buttons to represent the 33 years of Jesus’ life before his resurrection and ascension into heaven. The white cassock became part of the papal vestments during the pontificate of Pope Pius V (1566-1572), who was a Dominican friar and continued wearing the white habit of his religious order after becoming pope.

THE FASCIA

The white sash around the pope’s waist is called the fascia. It is essentially a wide, ceremonial band worn with the cassock and is made of linen or silk. It represents the pope’s devotion, dedication and submission to Jesus Christ’s call to serve and look after His Church. The fascia is a symbol of readiness to minister to the people of God.

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” — Matthew 18:20, part of the daily readings for Sept. 6, 2026

A RED STOLE

The stole is a liturgical vestment worn by priests and bishops as a sign of their ordained ministry. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal explains that a priest wears the stole around his neck, while a deacon wears it over his left shoulder and across the chest. Pope Leo has made consistent use of the stole since his election in 2025. He typically wears a deep burgundy or scarlet silk stole with ornate gold embroidery during public and formal duties. However, he has also been seen wearing other stoles, including a white one with gold embroidery. Some instances in which the Holy Father has worn a stole include during his apostolic journeys, diplomatic audiences, state visits, major liturgical feasts and ecumenical meetings, among others. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) explains that the stole symbolizes the authority and responsibility to serve in imitation of Christ, connecting it with Jesus’ words: “For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Snap the QR code (right) to get the Mass readings for every day, in English or Spanish, online at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website.

Our diocese 4

catholicnewsherald.com | September 4, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘Making Room’ for more St. William first parish to reach goal as diocesan effort ramps up CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

MURPHY – Members of St. William Church in Murphy, a mountain parish of just 280 households and the westernmost parish in the Diocese of Charlotte, gathered with Bishop Michael Martin on Aug. 30 to celebrate: It’s the first parish to reach its goal in the diocese’s “Making Room” philanthropic challenge. The $150 million initiative – the largest in diocesan history – is designed to help all parishes such as St. William respond to local needs and demands brought on by growth. The “Making Room Challenge” launched with seven pilot parishes in late June and has already seen tremendous success, diocesan leaders say, having raised more than $38 million, or 25% of its total two-year goal. Bishop Martin has been instrumental in that early success, personally raising more than $34 million. Collectively, the seven first-phase parishes have reached 39% of their goal with four months to go. St. Joseph in Asheboro was the second parish to exceed its goal, raising $606,200 of $448,000 so far. At St. William, challenge committee chair Mary Welch reported that people have pledged $294,000 so far, surpassing its $244,000 goal. “It’s really great that St. William parish, the western gateway to the diocese, is the first to reach its goal,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan development director. “It just goes to show how clergy, parish leaders and parishioners are embracing this moment in our history and are ‘all in’ in supporting the impact that “Making Room” will have across the

GABRIEL SWINNEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. William Parish is the first in the diocese to meet its “Making Room Challenge” financial goal. The initiative is the largest in the diocese’s history and comes at a time of growth. diocese for generations.” At the parish’s celebratory luncheon, Bishop Martin told parishioners: “You have made commitments for blessings that are going to go well beyond St. William.”

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

“Making Room” will invest in

parishes, Catholic Charities, Catholic schools and land acquisition, among other things – all in the name of reaching more people with the Church’s Gospel message. All 93 parishes and missions will take part in a phased rollout, keeping 50% of the funds raised for local capital projects, ministry needs and endowments. Parishes

that hit designated stretch goals will retain 100% of any additional funds. St. William hopes the effort will be enough to refurbish the sanctuary, repair the roof and update its HVAC systems, add an electronic road sign, install LED lighting in the outdoor pavilion, and install rubber flooring in the playground. Peggy Strand, parish business

manager, said their success reflects parishioners’ generosity and a strong committee chaired by Welch, who has a background in fundraising. “St. William is full of loving people who love the Church and love each other,” she said. ROOM, SEE PAGE 5

Asheboro parish hosts ‘Gran Kermés’ for its ‘Making Room’ funding BRIAN SEGOVIA bmsegovia@rcdoc.org

BRIAN SEGOVIA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The “Gran Kermés,” brings together people of all ages for fun and community building alongside celebrating the “Making Room” challenge.

ASHEBORO — St. Joseph Parish celebrated its annual “Gran Kermés” festival (Spanish for a traditional outdoor festival) Aug. 23, bringing the community together on its newly purchased property that one day will include both an activity center and a church. The community also celebrated the early success of its “Making Room” challenge, a diocesan-wide $150 million philanthropic effort – the largest fundraising initiative in the diocese’s 54-year history. It is aimed at strengthening parishes, expanding charitable outreach and responding to rapid growth. The initiative is being rolled out in phases, and St. Joseph was one of the initial seven pilot parishes to launch their initiatives in June. The parish has already exceeded

expectations – raising $618,200 of its original $448,000 goal – and the intention is to raise millions more between now and the end of December. Additional funds given by the parish’s 1,500 households will be used toward the first phase of construction of a multipurpose space that will temporarily double as their expanded church. The celebration at the newly purchased 102-acre parcel on 513 Vision Dr. featured a bilingual Mass, followed by the “Gran Kermés,” which brought together hundreds of parishioners for fun, food and fellowship. Just before the final blessing at Mass, and prior to parishioners leaving their seats and looking to try one of the many food options, Father Ramiro Tijerino introduced Joe DiPaola, challenge co-chair, who gave an overview of the planning and construction process and passionately encouraged them to give so that they can take the next steps.

“Our Church as we stand and sit here today is a sanctuary, a connection between heaven and earth, where Jesus is present,” DiPaola said. DiPaola said that while the parish has had conversations about building a new church since the 1970s, now is the moment to act. He said the parish has been working with the diocese for the last two years on planning, explaining that they have reached the halfway point in the approval process and hope to be on track to break ground in the fall of 2027 if they hit all future fundraising goals. “This allows us as a parish community to follow Jesus’ command, make disciples of all and build His Church,” DiPaola said. “Many of us may never get an opportunity to physically build a church.” In phase one, the parish is planning to ST. JOSEPH, SEE PAGE 17

September 4, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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In Brief Opening doors to mental health

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS AND GABRIEL SWINNEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Parishioners like Dixie Buckborough (far left in solid red), who is known for giving hugs to Massgoers, say the small parish is known for creating a welcoming atmosphere and fostering a sense of community.

ROOM FROM PAGE 4

Father Augustine Ogar of the Missionaries of St. Paul was appointed St. William’s parochial administrator just last year and says the initiative’s rapid success demonstrates the strength of the people he shepherds. “It’s given me a lot of confidence in this parish community because, being new here, I needed to get to know the people and their abilities,” he said. “I’ve discovered the strength of this parish is their ability to come together and push for the common good.”

SHOWING GOD’S LOVE

St. William has grown thanks in large part to retirees drawn to the mountains. So many have come from Florida that parishioners have jokingly dubbed part of the sanctuary

Sanchez

Joseph

“The Florida section.” Members say the community is a tight-knit, caring group in a town known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation, particularly along the Hiwassee River. At the Aug. 30 celebration, parishioners lined up to greet Bishop Martin, laughing and talking and posing for photos. Under a picnic shelter, Bishop Martin told the crowd, St. William “is sending a strong message to the rest of the diocese about our communion with one another: This is a small community but part of the greater whole.” Parishioner Dixie Buckborough reflected the church’s welcoming spirit, offering hugs to Massgoers as they walked through the door. She joined the parish 22 years ago when she and her husband moved from Florida and immediately “fell in love” with St. William. When he passed away in 2013, the parish was

Amadi

Hoyt

there for her. “I got through it because of my church family,” she said. “Because of the love I felt here I started offering hugs at the door – and so many people say they want and need a hug.” Mercedes Engler is another Florida transplant who found her spiritual home at St. William 18 years ago and sings in the choir. “The people here are good, “she said, “truly good and honest.” Bob Adams, who moved from the Tampa Bay area, said the parish’s small size helps foster the sense of community. “The parish is small and the people are great, and very giving,” he said. “You can see that through the fact that we met our goal already.”

More online At www.catholicnewsherald. com: Read about the “Making Room Challenge”

Suttle

Tijerino

From having Mass in a theater to building a larger church St. William Parish can trace its beginnings to Father Lane, who preached on the steps of the Cherokee County Courthouse in 1937. The following year, Father Ambrose Rohrbacher became pastor of St. John Church in Waynesville, which at the time included the state’s seven westernmost counties. He and other Diocese of Raleigh priests offered Mass in Murphy every fifth Sunday in private homes, a theater, a hotel dining room and even a funeral parlor. The original St. William Church was built in 1952. Although there were only five Catholic families in town at the time, the church was built to seat 70. The Glenmary Home Missioners served the parish from 1954 to 1987. The current church was completed in 1985. The parish also serves the mission of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Hayesville.

Mbanefo

Grozio

Bishop Martin announces additional 2026 priest assignments CHARLOTTE — Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., has announced several additional priest assignments in the Diocese of Charlotte, including the appointment of a second vocations promoter, five parochial administrators who will become pastors, and two religious-order priests taking up ministry in the diocese. The assignments are: Effective Aug. 1, Father Juan Miguel Sanchez has been appointed a Promoter of Vocations, joining Father Brian Becker to serve the diocese’s growing vocations program. Vocations promoters help individuals discern and explore God’s call

to the priesthood or consecrated religious life. He will also continue as priestsecretary to Bishop Michael Martin. Father Reji Joseph, OSFS, has been appointed parochial vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in High Point, effective Aug. 15. Effective Sept. 1, the following parochial administrators will become pastors: n Father Marcel Amadi, Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Charlotte n Father Stephen Hoyt, St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Morganton n Father Elliott Suttle, St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Shelby and Christ the King Mission in Kings Mountain

n Father Ramiro Tijerino, St. Joseph Parish in Asheboro n Father Anthony Mbanefo, M.S.P., St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Mars Hill and Sacred Heart Mission in Burnsville Effective Sept. 9, Father Stephen Grozio, C.M., has been assigned to priestly ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Charlotte, replacing Father Diogenes Arauz Gonzalez, C.M., who is moving to a new assignment with his order. The new appointments follow the annual priest assignments announced in May, most of which took effect July 1. — Catholic News Herald

CONCORD — St. James the Greater Parish in Concord hosted a workshop dedicated to the connection between mental health and faith for the Hispanic community. Hosted by the Concord chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 82 people from youth to senior citizens spent Aug. 21-22 attending talks focused on emotional wellbeing, the importance of support and how faith and community can be sources of hope. “Hope, Faith and Community: Paths to Healing” participants were guided by a group of nine female volunteers, five of whom attend St. Joseph Parish in Kannapolis or St. James the Greater in Concord. Participants attended a resource fair and listened to presentations by mental health experts. — Catholic News Herald

Middle and high school students invited to special Eucharistic Congress youth program CHARLOTTE — Middle and high school students are invited to participate in a special Youth Program during the 2026 Eucharistic Congress from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. The program will feature Katie Prejean McGrady, music from The Scally Brothers, and the Belmont Abbey College Hintemeyer Scholars, offering young people an opportunity to deepen their faith while connecting with Catholic peers from across the Diocese of Charlotte. There will be Eucharistic Adoration, games, the opportunity to go to confession and more. The Eucharistic Congress concludes with a closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Martin and the priests of the diocese. Registration is required; skip the line on Saturday by signing up in advance. Go to www. goeucharist.com/2026-lineup/#school. — Catholic News Herald

Take a tour of a family farm DALLAS — “Keeping and Tilling God’s Creation” is an owner-guided tour of Faith Family Farm, a sustainable Catholic family farm and homestead in Dallas. Co-sponsored by Charlotte Catholics Creation Care Ministry, Catholic Charities and Sisters of Mercy, the tour will allow participants to see one family’s faith in action and reflect on their connection to creation. The tour will be from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, and the fee is $10 per person. Faith Family Farm is located at 164 Hunters Pointe Drive, Dallas. Register at: tinyurl.com/ muhcub78 — Joseph Purello

catholicnewsherald.com | September 4, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Hanic begins his retirement ‘adventure’ saint, stands surrounded by trees. Father Hanic asked a parishioner who did woodwork to craft it from a large tree that was felled by a tornado that came through town several years ago. Over the years, he collected many sacred objects with special meaning to him – chalices, religious artwork and the vestments he was packing on that day in July in an effort to clear space for the new parochial administrator, Father Engelbert Ofon. The packing brought back memories of some of the priest friends he made over the years, including the late Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, former pastor of St. Pius X in Greensboro. “Anthony always loved the vestments I had and I loved his,” he said.

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

NORTH WILKESBORO — On a hot summer morning, Father John Hanic was hard at work in the sacristy at St. John de La Salle Church, gathering up some of the many vestments he has collected over his 39 years as a Catholic priest – some purchased, others given as gifts. He officially had retired on July 1 after 23 years as pastor at the North Wilkesboro parish and was looking back at his years of service in the diocese and considering what he will do next. “I’ve loved everywhere I served in the Diocese of Charlotte,” he said. “I never wanted to leave a place where I was when I got a new assignment, but then I always loved the new place once I got there. Every place I’ve been, something terrific has happened.” This year, Father Hanic became one of several priests from around the Diocese of Charlotte who started their retirement journeys. After their many years of service to the faithful in western North Carolina, they will now be among the clergy benefited by the annual diocesan collection for the Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Plan, set to be taken up in all parishes the weekend of Sept. 1920 (read more below).

FISHING IN THE FUTURE

A DREAM COME TRUE

Every priest who retires has his own story of the journey that led him to serving God. Father Hanic’s is special because he thought his lifelong dream of priesthood would never come true. An initial stint at seminary in his home state of Massachusetts didn’t work out because he had a problem learning Latin, so he left and took a different life path – marriage, working at Sears and becoming father to a son and a daughter. After the marriage ended in divorce, he was a single parent and worked as secretary at his home parish. Then, in the mid-1970s, he

TROY C. HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father John Hanic, talked about sacred art that holds special meaning to him, the joy of fishing trips and reflected on his journey to the priesthood as he prepared to retire as pastor of St. John De La Salle Parish in North Wilkesboro. thought about becoming a deacon, but couldn’t find a diocese with a program. He visited Bishop Michael Begley in Charlotte to inquire and got an answer he never expected. The diocese had no permanent deacon program at the time, but Bishop Begley instead told him, “You’re going to study to be a priest for me.” He was allowed to attend seminary in Massachusetts to be with his family, and then in 1983, he moved his children to North Carolina to begin his life of service in parishes.

As pastor of Our Lady of Mercy in Winston-Salem, he helped establish its RCIA program (now OCIA), an experience he loved because it helped him learn to shepherd people on their journey to the Church. At Our Lady of Assumption Church in Charlotte, he worked on efforts to build a new church. Other assignments included St. James in Hamlet, St. Joseph of the Hills in Eden and chaplaincy at Holy Trinity Middle School. Finally, he arrived at St. John the Baptist de La Salle in North

Wilkesboro at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and its mission, St. Stephen in Elkin. There, he said, he found both a physical and spiritual home and loved watching the growth of the vibrant Hispanic community. The campus bears many landmarks of his years there, including a building where hundreds gather for Mass in Spanish every Sunday. Along a wooded road that leads to the house where he lives, a rustic wooden statue of St. John de La Salle, the parish’s patron

Retirement does not mean Father Hanic is slowing down, nor will he be confined by the borders of North Wilkesboro. He is pursuing one of his lifelong passions – fishing. He grew up hunting and fishing with his father in Massachusetts and brought the love of the outdoors with him to North Carolina. In a way of celebrating his retirement, he has planned two fishing trips. One, to Alaska in September, will keep up a more than 20-year tradition of traveling to the state to catch salmon. “I love catching them – they’re the most spectacular fish!” he said. But he’s not a fan of eating salmon, so he ships back what he catches and shares it with others at the parish. Later in the year, he hopes to take a trip to Belize to pursue his dream of catching a sailfish. During retirement, he will continue to live in North Wilkesboro near the parish where he served the longest and serve where and when he can – celebrating Masses, visiting the sick, and sharing the love of Christ with others in the midst of the phase he calls “a new adventure.”

Sept. 19-20 collection funds priests’ retirement and benefits CHARLOTTE — The annual diocesan collection to fund the Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Plan – “Honoring Our Faithful Shepherds” – will be taken up in all parishes the weekend of Sept. 19-20. This collection provides for the future pension and retiree health benefits of the 147 priests from our diocese, other dioceses and religious order priests serving the Church in western North Carolina. An additional 25 retired priests benefit from this collection now, while there are 27 priests who will be eligible for retirement within the next 10 years. In his annual letter announcing the collection, Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., recalled Jesus’ reminder in John’s

Gospel that “the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). “Throughout my years as a priest and now as your bishop, I have witnessed countless examples of that faithful love in the lives of our priests,” he wrote. “They have celebrated our joys, comforted us in our sorrows, proclaimed the Gospel, and faithfully offered the sacraments that nourish our lives in Christ.” He urged parishioners to “Think for a moment about the priest who helped shape your faith. Perhaps he baptized your child, prepared you for marriage, visited a loved one in the hospital, or celebrated the funeral Mass of someone dear to you. Our priests have walked beside us during life’s

most sacred moments.” This collection is “an opportunity for us to express our gratitude in a tangible way by caring for those who have spent their lives caring for us,” he wrote. Contributions will help fund the Diocese of Charlotte Priests Pension Trust, the Diocese of Charlotte Retired Priests Health Plan Trust, and the retirement programs of the religious orders and other dioceses that are providing priests to serve in our parishes. The 2026 goal for the collection is $2,194,000. Of the funds raised, 77% will go toward pension contributions to diocesan priests’ retirement plans and retirement benefits expenses for retired diocesan

priests’ health plans, 17% for pension contributions for religious order priests’ retirement plans, 3% for administrative fees and 3% for fundraising costs. The amount assessed each parish is 3% of its annual offertory income. Many people contribute to this collection during the offertory at Mass, but people can also give online, mail in their donations or drop them off at their parish office. — Trish Stukbauer

Donate online At charlottediocese.org/giving/priestsretirement-benefits-collection: Donate through the diocesan website, where gifts will be credited to your parish

September 4, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

STILL LEADING THE TEAM

Retired priests, parishioners living their faith loudest, reciting every word with the same passion as when they were newly ordained. “When I am up there serving, I can hear them all the way on the other side of the altar,” Deacon Francis Skinner said.

LISA GERACI lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

HIGH POINT — On Aug. 22, the Feast Day of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Michael Martin traveled to Pennybyrn to celebrate Mass with retired priests Father Edward Sheridan, Father Lawrence Heiney and Monsignor John McSweeney, alongside the community’s residents. With a combined priestly service of more than 165 years, the three priests still happily live out their faith through daily Mass and offering the sacraments. While the Church nationwide is celebrating a resurgence among youth, the bishop thanked the elders who helped pave the way. Bishop Martin said, “Truly I am honored by these men and by the gift of their lives, and I want them to know how much I appreciate them.” Father Patrick Hoare, chaplain of Pennybyrn, and Father Miguel Sanchez, priest-secretary to Bishop Martin, concelebrated Mass while the retired priests listened to the bishop’s message encouraging discipleship. His homily noted the tactics of preseason football – how players want to win, but not enough to get injured. “There are spaces in our lives where we realize that we are maybe not in it to the full,” Bishop Martin said. “Sadly that reality takes place often in our following of Jesus Christ in the Church, where we find ourselves just doing enough. Playing the game, but not getting injured.” “All of us in today’s Gospel are called onto the carpet. We can no longer sit in the stands, up in the cheap seats, and simply be a fan of Jesus,” he said. “Jesus calls us down onto the field, to play the game.”

A FAITH-FILLED HOME

LISA GERACI | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Retired priests (front from left) Monsignor John McSweeney, Father Lawrence Heiney and Father Edward Sheridan are joined by (back row) Father Miguel Sanchez, priest-secretary to Bishop Michael Martin; Deacon Francis Skinner; Father Patrick Hoare, chaplain of Pennybyrn; and the bishop. As Catholics at any age and level of physical ability we need to play hard in Christ’s league, he said, joking that his homily was not recycled from a visit to Charlotte Catholic High School.

CALLED TO CHRIST’S TEAM

“Father Pat told me that this community is vibrant,” Bishop Martin said. “ That path of discipleship is still there to take, he said. “Are you ready for that?” Bishop Martin asked. And, with the energy of teenage cheerleaders and an entire football team, the residents shouted, “Yes.”

‘Jesus calls us down onto the field, to play the game.’ Bishop Michael Martin The bishop smiled at their reaction. “I knew I wasn’t coming to any sleepy retirement community with bad hearing aids,” Bishop Martin said. “There is no fourth quarter when it comes

to discipleship; it is always gametime. Christ wants you on His team.” Their leadership days are not over, the bishop reminded them. “Even to my brother priests in their older years, they are still leading. They’re still holy priests. Not just leading you, but leading by example,” Bishop Martin said. The bishop emphasized that there is still a message to preach and still life to give. “Never, ever think that one day of your life is not worthy for the call of God to be a disciple,” he said. During the Eucharistic prayer, the retired priests were the

With Mass offered daily, a 24hour perpetual Adoration chapel, and the retired priests hearing confessions, the community proves to be a faith-filled home for its senior parishioners. At the end of Mass, Bishop Martin spent some time with the residents and clergy. “I am delighted the bishop came,” Monsignor McSweeney said. Sacristy volunteer and resident Judith Griffin feels closer to God than ever in retirement. “I started volunteering only after my husband passed away,” Griffin said. “I have more time for God now, and I feel so blessed.” A volunteer since 1995, Alice Gottschalk was delighted by the bishop’s visit. “He is a Franciscan, and I’m a secular Frasiciscan. I was the one that started clapping at the end,” she said, noting “there is a spitirual growth happening in this community that is palpable.” While the retired clergy and religious make her smile, Gottschalk believes parishioners can keep them smiling as well. “They could have been a husband, a grandfather, a father … but instead they chose to follow Christ with all they had. It can be a lonely life,” Gottschalk said, noting that Catholics have a responsibility to “recognize them for the gifts they gave to us.” “If you had a direct connection with these priests, remember them, remember where they are,” she encouraged. “Invite them for dinner, send letters.”

Holy Redeemer in Andrews welcomes Bishop Martin CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

ANDREWS — Turn onto Aquone Road off U.S. 19 in the picturesque mountain town of Andrews, and you will find Holy Redeemer Church, a small, diverse congregation of people devoted to their faith and sharing God’s love. Bishop Michael Martin made his first visit to the parish, the smallest in the diocese at about 77 households, for the 6 p.m. Bilingual Mass on Aug. 29, and shared worship, prayer, laughter, song and a delicious meal homemade by parishioners. Father Joseph Wasswa, parochial administrator, concelebrated the Mass. The visit was a special event for members of the parish, which has a large Hispanic community and also serves Prince of Peace Mission in the small town of Robbinsville about 20 miles away. Bishop Martin offered prayers for both congregations during the service and as he said grace before the meal. Holy Redeemer started in 1958 when it was opened as a Catholic chapel in a rented store building, a station

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Parishioners at Holy Redeemer Church in Andrews welcome Bishop Martin for his first visit. The parish has just 77 families and also serves the Prince of Peace Mission in Robbinsville, about 20 miles away.

of St. William Church in Murphy run by the Glenmary Missioners, who served extensively in the North Carolina mountains. Masses were also held in the basement of the Andrews Public Library until plans for a dedicated building were begun in 1960. Ground was broken for the new church in 1962 and it was completed in 1963. In 1972, Holy Redeemer – like all the churches in western North Carolina – became part of the Diocese of Charlotte, and in 1976 it became a parish. The community regularly meets for worship, prayer and other activities, and the parish hosts a popular procession in downtown Andrews on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe each December. The small congregation is vibrant, with many young families. Leticia Jaime, a member of Holy Redeemer for 20 years, attended Mass with her daughter Bryanna, 17, and was grateful to welcome and meet the bishop. “It’s a blessing for us to have him, because I know it’s a long drive out here,” she said. “I’m glad to have him visit us. This is a very friendly parish, a beautiful and faithful place to live in peace.”

catholicnewsherald.com | September 4, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘WE’RE NEVER, EVER, TOO LATE TO LISTEN TO JESUS’

Homeschool families celebrate start of school year CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — The cries of small children rang through the air before the annual Homeschool Mass Aug. 19 at St. Patrick Cathedral. It was an appropriate sound because the Mass, celebrated by Bishop Michael Martin, was dedicated to homeschooling families, and many of the moms and dads in attendance had multiple babies and small children in tow. It’s an annual tradition to start the school year that enables homeschool families to get together for worship and fellowship. A choir made up of homeschool students sang along with the hymns for the day, which included “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee,” “Now Thank We All Our God,” “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” and “For the Beauty of the Earth.” “I’m so grateful for this chance for homeschooling families to come together at the beginning of the school year for the Eucharist,” Bishop Martin told congregants at the beginning of Mass. Bishop Martin started his homily by asking all the children to raise their hands and then asked if any of them had on a watch.

One boy, Kyle Mancuso, 8, raised his hand. “What time is it Kyle?” the bishop asked. “12:25,” the boy responded. Bishop Martin used the telling of time as a launching pad to tell the kids about the importance of time in their daily lives: a time to eat, a time to study, a time go to Mass, a time to pray, etc. He reminded them that there are always going to be specific times when they need to do things even if they might not want to, such as do their chores or go to bed. He reminded them that their parents also have to do things at specific times each day, such as wake up and go to work. All of those things, he said, mean nothing without relying on Christ, whose love transcends time. “We’re never, ever, too late to listen to our parents, and we’re never, ever, too late to listen to Jesus,” Bishop Martin told the children. “Even if we first say ‘no,’ we can still then say ‘yes’ to whatever Jesus wants us to do.” He told parents that it might be hard for them to keep to a strict schedule all the time, especially if they have infants or toddlers to manage. Despite the stress, he said, never give up on God. “You’re on some other schedule that is not of your choosing – simply understand that you can’t schedule a real life,” he said. “Jesus is saying to you to relax. He’s with

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PHOTOS BY TROY C. HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

“Even when you feel like you are not getting it all done, it’s OK,” Bishop Michael Martin told parents during the annual Homeschool Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral. The words of reassurance were well received by busy families, who are often pulled in multiple directions. you all the time. You’re trying to juggle finding children and getting meals together and learning what you need to learn in order to teach your children. Even when you feel like you’re not getting it all done, it’s OK. Turn to Him.” After Mass, Kyle’s mom, Elyse Mancuso, stopped on the cathedral steps with her other four children: Kira, 12; Joshua, 11; Ryan, 6; and Digny, 4. The Mancusos, who attend St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, have been homeschooling their children for seven years. “We wanted to homeschool so we could focus on traditional academics, rigorous academics,” she said. “It gives us a chance to do things like read the classics together as a family. I loved the chance to attend this

Mass, especially listening to the choir.” Kelly Hudspeth drove from WinstonSalem with three of her five children to attend the Mass: Cosette, 12; Arthur, 10; and Torin, 7. The other two – Oliver, 5, and Dorothy, 20 months, were home with her husband, Caleb. The family attends Holy Family Church in Clemmons and has been homeschooling for 10 years. “We homeschool because we want to incorporate our faith in everything our children learn, and also as a way to build up our personal relationships as a family,” Hudspeth said. The entire family called the homeschool Mass “beautiful,” and Cosette offered a positive review: “I especially liked the bishop’s homily!”

N.C. Right to Life gala to honor local doctor CHARLOTTE — A nationally known TV personality and the father of a local priest who developed the first successful abortion pill reversal protocol will headline North Carolina Right to Life’s annual gala Sept. 17 at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Rachel Campos-Duffy, co-host of “FOX & Friends Weekend,” author and nationally recognized pro-life advocate, will be the featured speaker at the Proudly Pro-Life Gala. Harrison A former cast member on MTV’s “The Real World,” the mother of nine children – including a daughter with Down syndrome – is an advocate for faith, family and the dignity of every human life. St. Mark parishioner Dr. Matthew Harrison will receive the Proudly Pro-Life Award at the gala. Harrison, whose son is High Point University Campus Minister Father Matthew Harrison, is being honored for his pioneering work in abortion pill

reversal. He is credited with saving the first baby whose mother took an abortion pill by developing a reversal protocol using the hormone progesterone. His work has offered hope to many women seeking a second chance after beginning a chemical abortion. N.C. Right to Life is a Greensboro-based organization that supports the sanctity of life from conception through natural death. It advocates for pro-life legislation, hosts events for young people, provides speakers for events, and educates voters about pro-life issues. The non-sectarian organization is led by President Dr. Bill Pincus, a parishioner at St. Joseph Church in Asheboro. “This gala is more than a fundraising event,” said Anne Carmichael, senior fundraising strategist for the organization. “It is an opportunity to celebrate lives saved, honor courageous leadership and inspire the next generation of pro-life advocates.” — Catholic News Herald

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September 4, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Retired Brevard pastor dies at 79 OCEAN ISLE BEACH — Father Carl Thomas Del Giudice Jr., 79, passed away Aug. 24, 2026. His ministry spanned parishes throughout western North Carolina, much of it spent at Sacred Heart in Brevard. A Funeral Mass was celebrated Aug. 31, 2026, at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte. Interment will take place at a later date in the family plot at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Tenafly, New Jersey. Giudice Father Del Giudice was born in Bergen County, New Jersey, on Jan. 28, 1947, a son of the late Carl Thomas Del Giudice Sr. and Ruth Elizabeth Sundberg Del Giudice. He attended the Academy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Tenafly, New Jersey, and Tenafly Senior High School. He felt called to the priesthood at a young age and had a lifelong love of learning, yet he chafed at formal schooling and left high school at 16. He later earned his high school equivalency and moved to Boone, North Carolina, to attend Appalachian State University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in urban planning. There, he fell in love

with North Carolina and its people. After college, he took a position with the City of Wilmington, but soon felt the call to the priesthood again. He entered Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in Indiana and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Charlotte on May 30, 1981, by Bishop Michael Begley. Over 37 years of priestly ministry, he served at St. Eugene in Asheville (1981-82), St. Benedict in Greensboro (1982-83), Our Lady of Mercy in Winston-Salem (1983), Our Lady of the Annunciation in Albemarle (1983-86), St. Francis of Assisi in Franklin (1986-88), St. Mary Mother of God in Sylva (1989-91), Sacred Heart in Brevard (1991-2012), and Our Lady of Consolation in Charlotte (2012-18). He also served at the former Our Lady of the Hills Camp in Hendersonville (1981). Surviving are his brother, Frank J. Del Giudice and wife Nancy; two nieces, Andrea Del Giudice and husband Matthew Butram, and Nicole Del Giudice and husband Kevin Prescilla; and grand-nieces and grandnephews Levi, Ian, Iris, Alice and Kevin Jr. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to one’s local parish. Brunswick Funeral Services in Shallotte is serving the Del Giudice family. — Catholic News Herald

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Mercy Sister Marian Joseph Baird passes away BELMONT — Mercy Sister Marian Joseph Baird, a devoted Sister of Mercy whose life was defined by faith, compassion, education and service to others, passed away peacefully on Aug. 26, 2026, at Sacred Heart Convent. She was 87. Born Helen Baird on Oct. 28, 1938, in Baltimore, Maryland, she was the daughter of William J. Baird Sr. and Marianne Troja Baird. She attended Shrine of the Sacred Heart School in the Mount Washington neighborhood Baird of Baltimore and graduated from Mount St. Agnes High School in 1956. Answering God’s call to religious life, she entered the Sisters of Mercy on Sept. 8, 1956, and took the name Marian Joseph. Throughout nearly seven decades as a Sister of Mercy, Sister Marian Joseph dedicated herself to education, missionary work, health care and the ministry of mercy. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in education from Mount St. Agnes College in 1961, a Master of Science in biology from St. Bonaventure University in 1971, and later an associate’s degree in nursing from GwyneddMercy College in 1984. Her ministry began in Catholic schools, where she served as a teacher at St. Mary School in Rockville, Maryland; Sacred Heart School in Augusta, Georgia; Mount St. Agnes Lower School; and Mount Washington Country School in Baltimore, Maryland. She later answered a call to missionary service in Belize, where she spent many years teaching at St. Catherine Academy in Belize City, serving in parish ministry at Sacred Heart Parish in Dangriga, and working in mission outreach with the Indian Women’s Center in Toledo District. Her years in Belize would become some of the most transformative of her life. While serving there, Sister Marian Joseph discovered a newborn baby girl with special needs. Deeply moved by the child’s vulnerability and recognizing her inherent dignity and worth, she ensured the

infant received the care and protection she needed. With the blessing of the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Marian Joseph was granted permission to adopt the child, whom she lovingly named Maria. What began as an act of mercy became one of life’s greatest blessings as she embraced the role of mother with extraordinary love and devotion. Maria brought immeasurable joy to her life, and their bond stood as a beautiful witness to Sister Marian Joseph’s unwavering belief that every person is a precious gift from God. Following her move to North Carolina, she volunteered and served as a tutor and support staff member at Belmont Central Elementary School, touching the lives of countless children and families. Even in retirement, she remained active through Prayer and Works of Mercy, a ministry she faithfully carried out until her death at Sacred Heart Convent. Those who knew Sister Marian Joseph remember her as a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, gentle humor and boundless compassion. Whether teaching a child, caring for the sick, serving in mission, or offering encouragement through prayer, she reflected the mercy of God in all she did. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, William J. Baird Jr. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Maria; her siblings, Marianne Brennan, Frank Baird, Dorothy Simms, Louis Baird, Regina Duff, Angela Morton and Virginia Petr; her extended family, including 35 nieces and nephews; and her Sisters of Mercy community. As we celebrate Sister Marian Joseph’s life, we remember a woman who answered God’s call with generosity, crossed borders to serve those in need, opened her heart to a vulnerable child, and spent her life embodying the mercy she professed. May she now rest in the loving embrace of the God she served so faithfully. “Your Will Be Done” – may she rest in peace. A Mass of Christian Burial and interment took place on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, at Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont. Thoughts may be left at www.mcleanfuneral.com. — Catholic News Herald

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Work program tackles poverty by investing in moms She just bought a home, and her baby and RATI brought her smile back, she said. “Seeing the pride on their faces, and watching them learn is so rewarding,” Lukhard said.

LISA M. GERACI lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

KERNERSVILLE — Room at the Inn, the Triad organization that has sheltered hundreds of homeless pregnant mothers since 2001, now offers scholarships for CNA, phlebotomy and medical aide classes that are empowering mothers and breaking the cycle of poverty. “A lot of the (graduates) are already working and independent. We are seeing full transformations,” reported Angie Lukhard, RATI’s associate director of education/ training. The mothers come to RATI homeless and jobless with nowhere to turn, their dreams of being able to provide for their children barred by obstacles. “A lot of single moms don’t have money for childcare or transportation. We provide both,” Lukhard said. “We are the family they never had. We are their support system.”

SUCCESS STORIES

That was true for Terri Ethridge, who holds her infant as she watches the new students typing away. She was sitting at that same table months ago. Now she is a certified CNA and a licensed phlebotomist. She came to RATI in desperation at 32. “I was pregnant and homeless when I called Room at the Inn,” Ethridge said. “The pregnancy was a surprise that all came at the wrong time.” Before her pregnancy she barely scraped by, and then found herself on the streets. “It all got to a point where I couldn’t keep up and life happened,” she said. “I didn’t have

A FOUNDER WITH A MISSION

LISA GERACI | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Room at the Inn is providing scholarships for mothers in their program to take CNA and other medical classes, giving them the career skills they need to take care of themselves and their families. anyone to depend on really except God and then the Room at the Inn.” When she heard about the CNA program, she was staying at RATI’s Mary Nussbaum Maternity Home and thought it sounded like an unbelievable opportunity. “I never thought I would be in the healthcare field,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to help people. I just didn’t know the avenue.” Now Ethridge is on a path to independence.

THE PATH HOME

RATI’s third CNA session started this summer with 17 enrollees. Before starting coursework, they bring their little packages of joy to the RATI volunteer

center in Kernersville’s trained staff. The students start their journey at RATI, then proceed to labs at Arise Health Training Institute in High Point and ultimately end with clinicals at nearby Pennybyrn. Upon graduation, staff, excited to see the graduated placed, assist them with resume building and interview skills. “We are trying to get them to a place where they are independent and can take care of themselves and their family,” Lukhard said. In her graduation gown, Ethridge stood on the stage as she held her most prized possession – the six-month-old boy. “On the inside I am at peace. I feel more grounded and more confident,” she said. “This has strengthened me and my soul.”

Albert Hodges, founder of Room at the Inn and Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church parishioner, tirelessly fights against abortion and childhood poverty. “If you are going to be a pro-life community, you can’t be just against abortion, you have to help these women,” he said. “You want to help them find what they want to be … because then they invest in it and you give them hope.” North Carolina ranks 14th in the nation for childhood poverty, according to the NC Budget and Tax Center. Compounded by the 1990s decline in the textile industry, the 2008 recession, and a shift away from agriculture, the problem has lasted for decades. Roughly one in five children live in poverty, with more than 504,000 facing food insecurity, according to Feeding America. Typically food insecurity is fought with food drives and government support, but some, like Hodges, are investing in the person. Hope and education are the path to long-term sustainability, he said. Surrounding mothers with life coaches, spiritual directors and teachers, RATI removes stumbling blocks that prevent growth. “This gives them the opportunity to have a career where they can support their families and have some pride. Now they are being who the Lord called them to be,” Hodges said.

September 4, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Church commissions cabinet worthy of the sacred vessels it holds TRISH STUKBAUER tmstukbauer@rcdoc.org

PHOTO PROVIDED

The new sacristy cabinet at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church was inspired by its pastor’s visit to a church in South Carolina.

ALBEMARLE — The sacristy at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church recently received a beautiful upgrade thanks to a project initiated by its pastor, Father Peter Fitzgibbons. Last year, Father Fitzgibbons officiated at the wedding of a parishioner’s daughter at a South Carolina church where he saw a beautiful and organized sacristy cabinet that left him a bit envious. “I realize that they probably did not have a lot of money back when they put ours in,” he said of the original 1971 sacristy cabinet at Our Lady of the Annunciation, “but it did not give the respect it should have for the items that it contained – the blessed vestments, consecrated ciborium and chalices.” Father Fitzgibbons brought back

‘Churches are supposed to be places of beauty considering what they contain.’ Father Peter Fitzgibbons Pastor, Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish photos of the cabinet, talked it over with staff and mentioned it to parishioners, who quickly stepped up to donate. He then turned to King Richard’s Liturgical Design & Contracting in Roswell, Georgia, who had crafted a Baptismal font for the church in 2006. Working from those photos and

Father Fitzgibbons’ suggestions, the company designed and crafted a cabinet from solid white oak. The piece is 7.3 feet high, 7 feet wide and 30 inches deep and includes space to hang vestments, a 4-foot-wide section of drawers, and storage designed to accommodate the sacred pieces it holds. King Richard’s team assembled the pieces on site in June, and it is already making a difference in the daily life of the parish by better organizing the sacristy. While it’s not a highly visible space, Father Fitzgibbons said the cabinet is a piece of sacred art fitting for a room set apart for the priest to prepare the sacred vessels. “Churches are supposed to be places of beauty considering what they contain,” he said. “That is the most beautiful thing in the world – Jesus Christ.”

St. Joan of Arc celebrates Father Dean Cesa’s service CANDLER — Father Dean Cesa’s retirement and service to St. Joan Of Arc Parish were celebrated during weekend Masses Aug. 8-9 and with a reception in the fellowship hall. Father Cesa served as pastor for 13 years beginning in 2013 and saw growth in many areas of service to the parish and community. He formerly served as pastor of Our Lady of the Mountains in Highlands, St. Barnabas in Arden and St. John the Baptist in Tryon.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

The St. Joan of Arc Parish chapter of Catholic Daughters of the Americas presents a quilt to Father Dean Cesa with in appreciation of his support for the growing ministry of comfort. Father Cesa is retiring after 13 years as pastor at the church.

Ordained in 1998, he also had assignments at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte and St. Leo the Great in WinstonSalem. Members of the St. Joan of Arc chapter of Catholic Daughters of the Americas provided brunch. Father Cesa was presented with a lap quilt made by the parish’s quilting ministry. An embroidered label thanked him for his unwavering support of the ministry that has served both the parish and the community since 2021. Volunteers have been making small blankets and quilts for children who are hospitalized, sick or newly baptized as a way to welcome them into the parish family. Adult parishioners receive these quilts when they are homebound, hospitalized or seriously ill. In 2025, the ministry expanded to provide quilts to a social worker for Buncombe County who delivers them to children being moved into foster care. “Many children, when they are temporarily separated from their parents, are unable to bring their belongings with them,” explained ministry coordinator Laura Pease. “We hope that the quilt provides some comfort during difficult times.”

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catholicnewsherald.com | September 4, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Double blessings: Charlotte Catholic celebrates upgrades CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — A joyful sense of school spirit filled the campus at Charlotte Catholic High School Aug. 25 as the school held a ribbon-cutting for its newly turfed football field and a new Student Life Center. Bishop Michael Martin joined school officials, diocesan staff, students, parents and benefactors for the blessings and ceremony, which included prayer, Scripture readings and reflections. Michael Seeley, the new president of Charlotte Catholic, remarked on what the improvements mean for the school’s tight-knit community. “Today is about much more than a remodeled building and new turf,” Seeley said. “Today is about the people of our Charlotte Catholic community. It’s about the people who had a vision for what Charlotte Catholic could and can become … the people who believed in that vision enough to invest in it, and about the young people who will make memories here for years to come.” Seeley started his position while the premium turf was being placed and work on the Student Life Center, located in the former library space, was going on. “When I arrived at Charlotte Catholic this summer, one of the things that struck me immediately was the strength of this community,” Seeley said. “There is a deep affection and passion for this school, a pride in its history, a commitment to its Catholic identity and a genuine belief that what happens here matters.” He noted that the field, which

TROY C. HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The Charlotte Catholic High School community celebrates dual ribbon cuttings with Bishop Michael Martin – one for its newly turfed athletic field and another for its remodeled Student Life Center.

will serve sports ranging from football to lacrosse and soccer, offers something for every student: “A freshman who’s

not sure she belongs finds a team. A kid who has never been pushed that hard finds out what he is capable of … a group of

teenagers learns that they are responsible to somebody other than themselves.” The Student Life Center,

which offers expansive space for collaboration as well as quiet spots for individual study, will be “a place for students to gather … to connect … to serve … to build community.” Bishop Martin talked about the Aug. 21 football game he attended and the fan excitement he saw. He noted that he met a group of students who were enjoying the Friday night game and then had to get up the next morning to take SATs in preparation for college. That kind of commitment, he said, illustrates the life Catholic students should try to live. “Don’t be afraid of hard things and don’t think they are the last hard things you’re going to have to do,” he said. “Throughout our lives, Jesus invites us to the cross. … Learn that and embrace it the way Jesus did. Say ‘I’m willing to do what’s hard for the sake of a greater glory.’” After the ribbon-cuttings, a reception was held in the Student Life Center and guests were invited to the new student commons area, which gives students a place to rest and gather during breaks between classes. Senior Liana Grasso, who is on the dance team and serves as student body vice president, said the improvements have brought a real sense of excitement to the school. “I honestly can say this is bringing us in the right direction – there’s a fun-filled school spirit vibe,” she said. “You could really tell the excitement the students had when they were around the new football field on Friday night.” BLESSINGS, SEE PAGE 17

Families cross the country to get a Catholic education for all LISA M. GERACI lmgeraci@rcdoc.org

LISA M. GERACI | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

The classroom of St. Gabriel’s PACE teacher Nicole Walton is filled with smiles and laughter as students absorb lessons geared toward the way they learn best.

GREENSBORO — Families are packing up their lives and moving across the country to enroll their special needs children in Our Lady of Grace School’s St. Gabriel Options Program called PACE – the only Catholic program of its kind on the elementary level in the Triad. “They see what your kid CAN do, and they capitalize on that,” said Anna Friemel, parent of Walker, a student enrolled in the program. “They can do things. It’s just a little different.” PACE stands for Providing an Appropriate Catholic Education, and for the Friemel and Campbell families, the difficult challenge of finding a Catholic education

for their children led them to Greensboro – a place they likely would have never known existed if not for St. Gabriel’s PACE. Now, among the nine students in special education teacher Nicole Wilton’s multi-sensory classroom for children K-3, Walker Friemel and Austin Campbell learn, socialize and practice their faith, all in the same building as their siblings. The children move about freely. Sometimes they take a break to spin in circles, give hugs or pretend they are dinosaurs, but in general they work at their skill level. Some sit on bean bags happily fidgeting while reading 4th-grade science magazines, while the others work on gluing colorful alphabet puzzles together. The classroom incorporates

flexible seating, movement breaks, and sensory supports based on individual student needs. “We meet them where they are and go from there,” Wilton said. Austin and Walker returned from classes they attend with their grade-level peers. Before sprinting to the soft couches, they made a beeline for the visitors in the room – their moms. Mothers Katy Campbell and Anna Friemel hugged them and smiled – still overjoyed by their progress. Walker spied Father Casey Coleman in the corner and yelled, “Get to Mass, Father Coleman!” Everyone laughed – a laugh that never would have happened two years before. PACE, SEE PAGE 17

DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

2026 Eucharistic Congress

Called. Formed. Sent.

DIÓCESIS DE CHARLOTTE

2026 Congreso Eucarístico

Llamados. Formados. Enviados.

S E P T E M B E R 11 - 1 2 , 2 0 2 6 | C H A R L O T T E C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R

DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

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10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12

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La Procesión Eucarística, en la que el Obispo Michael Martin lleva una custodia con la Eucaristía a través del centro de Charlotte, es uno de los puntos destacados del Congreso Eucarístico de dos días y uno de los eventos más grandes de su tipo en los EE. UU. Comenzará a las 9 a.m. del sábado 12 de septiembre, frente a la Iglesia de San Pedro, ubicada en 507 S. Tryon St., y terminará dentro del Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte. Colócate en cualquier punto a lo largo de la ruta de la procesión antes de las 8:30 a.m.

Procession Route

Doors open 5 p.m. Friday

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The Eucharistic Procession, in which Bishop Michael Martin carries a monstrance containing the Eucharist through Uptown Charlotte, is a highlight of the two-day Eucharistic Congress and one of the largest events of its kind in the U.S. It will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, outside St. Peter Church at 507 S. Tryon St., and end inside the Charlotte Convention Center. Line up anywhere along the red procession route by 8:30 a.m. to join in behind your parish’s banner as it passes by.

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The Holy Hour will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12. The homily on the Gospel of Luke (Luke 5:1-11) – The Call of Simon the Fisherman – will be given by Father Kevin Martinez.

Join Bishop Martin and priests of the Diocese of Charlotte for Mass at the end of the Eucharistic Congress, starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, inside the Charlotte Convention Center. (This vigil Mass fulfills your Sunday obligation.) Bishop Martin will give the homily.

La Hora Santa comenzará a las 10:30 a.m. el sábado 12 de septiembre. La homilía sobre el Evangelio de San Lucas (Luke 5,1-11) – La Pesca Milagrosa – será predicada por el padre Kevin Martínez.

Únase al Obispo Michael Martin para la celebración de la Santa Misa al concluir el Congreso Eucarístico, a partir de las 5:30 p.m. del sábado 12 de septiembre, dentro del Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte. (Esta Misa de vigilia cumple con su obligación dominical.) El Obispo Martin dará la homilía.

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The Vigil Project will lead music during the Holy Hour and Mass on Saturday, Sept. 12. The group’s mission is to expand the conversation around Catholic music to extend beyond the liturgy into the day-to-day life of faith. Their latest release is “Meditations on the Our Father,” a full-length album written by The Vigil Project alongside Ben Batalla, featuring music to accompany OSV Books’ release of the Hagios Scripture Study.

What to know before you go: Make the most of your Eucharistic Congress experience Parking decks are located at The Green (adjacent to St. Peter Church) and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Surface parking lots are also available. Better yet: take the light rail line or ride share.

The Charlotte Convention Center prohibits outside food from being brought in, including coolers. Concessions are available inside, and many restaurants are located nearby.

Want to make it a weekend getaway? Several hotels are located near the Charlotte Convention Center. More info is on GoEucharist.com.

Browse commercial and vendors from 5 p.m. to cl Sept. 11, and 9 a.m. to 3: Saturday, Sept. 12. (See b

DIÓCESIS DE CHARLOTTE

2026 Congreso Eucarístico Talks

ment

11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12

English Program

Programa en Español

sale, including beer and wine. 100+ exhibitors also open.

Welcome by Bishop Martin 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11

The 2026 Eucharistic Congress kicks off with a welcome message from Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv.

Martin

Keynote: Ana Munley

7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11

Ana Munley is a Catholic speaker, digital creator and host of the “AfterMass” podcast, where she encourages people to move beyond lukewarm faith and embrace a deeper life of discipleship.

informational losing Friday, :30 p.m. back page.)

McGrady

Simon

Crankfield

n P. Marcos Galvis

Katie Prejean McGrady is an award-winning author, podcaster and host of “The Katie McGrady Show” on SiriusXM’s The Catholic Channel. She serves as a Vatican analyst for CNN, and collaborates with the Vatican Dicastery for Communications.

El padre Marcos Galvis es un sacerdote católico venezolano, predicador y evangelizador cuyo dinámico ministerio ha llegado a millones de personas en todo el mundo hispanohablante.

Jason Simon is the president of The Evangelical Catholic. Under his leadership, it has experienced consistent expansion by equipping local Catholic leaders to be not only disciples but disciple makers. n Nathan Crankfield

The Scally Brothers in Concert: Hallelujah Tour 2026

Nathan Crankfield is a speaker, executive coach, author and host of the podcast “Seeking Excellence with Nathan Crankfield.”

8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11

Featuring

The Scally Brothers are a Christian pop duo from Toledo, Ohio, made up of brothers Jake and Zach Scally. Combining infectious melodies, dynamic live performances, and a message rooted in faith, hope, and perseverance, they have performed more than 700 concerts at churches, festivals and venues across the United States. Their breakout single, “Keep Hopin’,” reached nearly 100 radio stations and has garnered more than 3.5 million streams worldwide, followed by popular releases including “GOOD GOOD GOD,” “Chasing After You,” “Hallelujah,” and “YOU.” Through energetic performances and uplifting songs inspired by real-life experiences, The Scally Brothers seek to lead audiences closer to Christ and remind them that God is always at work, even in life’s most difficult moments.

n Marieth Quintero

Marieth Quintero es una soprano colombiana, música litúrgica y directora de música católica con más de 24 años de experiencia en música sacra y formación litúrgica. Fundadora de Proyecto Salmista, también ha desarrollado iniciativas pastorales como la Escuela de Mariachi, el Coro Latino y la Schola Cantorum. Schola Cantorum es un programa de formación técnica y pastoral para integrantes de los ministerios parroquiales de música. Proporciona a los músicos laicos una formación más profunda en teoría musical, liturgia y doctrina católica para ayudarlos a seleccionar e interpretar música sacra en armonía con las normas litúrgicas de la Iglesia. n Mariana Lacouture

Mariana Lacouture es una Senior Ejecutiva de Alianzas Estratégicas en Hallow, , la aplicación Católica de oración número uno del mundo.

BONUS! Get 90 days free of Hallow, the #1 Catholic prayer app! Sign up at: Hallow.com/ Charlotte Kerekes

Lacouture

n Erich Kerekes

n Mariana Lacouture

Erich Kerekes is the co-founder and chief technology officer of Hallow, the world’s #1 Catholic prayer app.

Mariana Lacouture is a Senior Partnership Executive at Hallow.

Middle/High School Program A special Saturday program just for rising sixth-graders to 12thgraders featuring Katie Prejean McGrady and The Scally Brothers. NOTE: All participants must check in Saturday between 8-11:30 a.m. outside Upper Level East – Room 220 inside the convention center. Pre-register online at www.goeucharist.com/2026lineup/#school to save time in line.

Vietnamese Program

Exhibits & Screenings Haven’t been to confession in a while? Here’s your chance! Dozens of priests will be on hand to hear confessions: 11:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.

Lacouture

n Katie Prejean McGrady

n Jason Simon

Munley

Quintero

Galvis

‘Cabrini’ English & Spanish screenings

Georgia Martyrs Exhibit Pham

Featuring Vincentian Father Paul Phuong Pham, parochial vicar at St. Mary’s Parish in Greensboro. Confessions will also be available in Vietnamese.

DIÓCESIS DE CHARLOTTE

DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

2026 Eucharistic Congress

Exhibitors

2026 Congreso Eucarístico

5 p.m.-closing Friday, Sept. 11 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12

n CATHOLIC MERCHANDISE

Light Shine Art

GRIFA

Charlotte Cursillo

Woodard Luxury Travel

Exquisite Arts

Seen & Unseen Books

Rosa Guitierrez

Saint Serra of Charlotte

Mira Via

St. Bernadette Gift Shop

TAN Books

Sober Now

Chesterton Academy

Liberia San Jeronimo

Band of the Leaf

Catholic Charismatic Renewal

Thrivent

Flight Foods

Prayer Pillowcases

Legion of Mary

Guadalupe Roastery

CB Jewelry

Midwest Theological Forum

Bethlehem Olive Wood Luzca Beauty & Sagrada Blue Ocean Clay 12 Gardens Sacramentals Catgear Romantic Catholic Seek What Is Above Notre Dame Creations Trinity Church Supply AMDG Designs

Hermanas Clarisas de Tlapa, Guerrero Gifts of Faith Angelluz Religious Jewelry Christian Olive Art Outpouring of Trust Proud Catholic Company Santa Rita Arte y Fe

Holy Land Art Ladybug Legend Rosaries Sacred Stitches

Totally Catholic Tees Bless Buy Enterprise Got Mary? / Got Mercy?

Six Lilies Glorious Products Pray 4 Holy Spirit Sophia Institute Press JMJ Rosary

Hecho Para el Cielo Instrumentos del Señor Harleigh Leonards Designs Regina’s Skincare Pure Faith and Love

Little Oratory

Religious Medals

Know Hope

Ave Maria Catholic Store

Azar Souvenirs

Mary Mother of God Mission Society

n CATHOLIC ORGANIZATIONS Diocese of Charlotte Campus Ministry Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte Diocese of Charlotte Marriage, Family & Life Office

Knights of Columbus 40 Days For Life Carolina Family Coalition Retrouvaille of Western NC Carolina Traditional Liturgy Society

Genesis Wealth Planning EWTN Wyoming Catholic College Birthright of Charlotte Helena House Therapy Truthly

n VOCATIONS & RELIGIOUS ORDERS

Diocese of Charlotte African American Affairs Ministry

Augustine Institute

NC Right to Life

Young Catholic Professionals

Diocese of Charlotte Permanent Deacons

The Evangelical Catholic

Capuchin Franciscans

Luisa Piccarreta - Servant of God Vida Con Proposito Adopt-A-Seminarian Beautiful Marriage & Family Memento Christi Sensus Fidelium Martyrs’ Walk - Catholic Men’s Conference

Totally Catholic Fundraising

n SERVICES

ANDROID

1. Open the link in Safari. 2. Tap ••• at the bottom of the screen, then tap Share. 3. Scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen. 4. Tap Add in the upper-right corner.

1. Open in Chrome. 2. Tap Menu. 3. Tap Install app. 4. Follow the prompt to install.

Claretian Missionaries Lay Dominicans

Wallick Investments

Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco

Triad OBGYN

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

St. Francis Springs Prayer Center

Glenmary Home Missioners

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

St. Joseph College Seminary

Room At The Inn

GET THE EC APP! Everything you need for the Eucharistic Congress – right on your phone! iPHONE

Diocese of Charlotte Vocations Office

Be sure to allow notifications so you don’t miss important alerts!

September 4, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

2 0 26 C ONG RE SO EU C ARÍS T IC O

Llamados. Formados. Enviados.

Jesús sigue llamando a personas ordinarias a una misión extraordinaria.

Rema mar adentro. CENTRO DE CONVENCIONES DE CHARLOTTE I N V I TA D O S E S P E C I A L E S :

O Y NE N: D O : I N CCL U

Obispo Michael Martin, OFM Conv. Anfitrión y celebrante principal de la Santa Misa

Padre Marcos Galvis Predicador y evangelizador

11–12 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2026 | GRATIS

Marieth Quintero Schola Cantorum

Música inspiradora

Erich Kerekes Cofundador de Hallow

Mariana Lacouture Hallow

Nathan Crankfield Hallow y ‘Seeking Excellence’ podcast

LA MÚSICA DE:

The Scally Brothers

Marieth Quintero Schola Cantorum The Vigil Project

Proyección Especial

Detalles del evento:

Procesión Eucarística Confesiones, Adoración y Santa Misa Más de 100 expositores católicos GOEUCHARIST.COM

FACEBOOK.COM/ CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD ESPAÑOL

catholicnewsherald.com | September 4, 2026 14

San José “abre espacio” para el crecimiento BRIAN SEGOVIA bmsegovia@rcdoc.org

ASHEBORO – La Parroquia de San José celebró su festival anual “Gran Kermés” el 23 de agosto, reuniendo a la comunidad en la propiedad recientemente adquirida, que algún día incluirá tanto un centro de actividades como una iglesia. La comunidad también celebró el éxito inicial de su desafío “Abriendo Espacio”. “Abriendo Espacio” es una iniciativa filantrópica diocesana de $150 millones – la campaña de recaudación de fondos más grande en los 54 años de historia de la diócesis. Su objetivo es fortalecer las parroquias, ampliar la labor caritativa y responder al rápido crecimiento. La iniciativa se está implementando por fases, y San José fue una de las siete parroquias piloto iniciales que lanzaron sus campañas en junio. La parroquia ya ha superado las expectativas, recaudando $618,200 de su meta original de $448,000, y la intención es recaudar millones más entre ahora y finales de diciembre. Los fondos adicionales aportados por las 1,500 familias de la parroquia se utilizarán para la primera fase de construcción de un espacio de usos múltiples que temporalmente funcionará también como su iglesia ampliada. La celebración en la parcela de 102 acres recién adquirida, ubicada en 513 Vision Dr., contó con una Misa bilingüe seguida de la “Gran Kermés”, que reunió a cientos de feligreses para disfrutar de diversión, comida y convivencia. Justo antes de la bendición final durante la Misa, y antes de que los feligreses dejaran sus asientos para probar una de las muchas opciones de comida disponibles, el padre Ramiro Tijerino presentó a Joe DiPaola, co-presidente de la iniciativa, quien ofreció una descripción general del proceso de planificación y construcción y los animó apasionadamente a donar para que puedan dar los siguientes pasos.

BRIAN SEGOVIA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

La Parroquia de San José celebró el éxito inicial de su desafío “Abriendo Espacio”. “Nuestra Iglesia, tal como estamos aquí de pie y sentados hoy, es un santuario, una conexión entre el cielo y la tierra, donde Jesús está presente”, dijo DiPaola. DiPaola anunció que, aunque la parroquia ha conversado sobre la construcción de una nueva iglesia desde la década de 1970, ahora es el momento de actuar. DiPaola dijo que la parroquia ha estado trabajando con la diócesis durante los últimos dos años en la planificación, explicando que han llegado a la mitad del proceso de aprobación y esperan estar encaminados para comenzar la construcción en el otoño de 2027 si alcanzan todas las futuras metas de recaudación de fondos. “Esto nos permite, como comunidad

parroquial, seguir el mandato de Jesús, hacer discípulos de todos y construir su Iglesia”, dice DiPaola. “Muchos de nosotros quizá nunca tengamos la oportunidad de construir físicamente una iglesia”. En la Fase 1, la parroquia planea construir una instalación de usos múltiples y una casa parroquial. El espacio de usos múltiples previsto tendrá capacidad para aproximadamente 600 personas y proporcionará un lugar temporal para las Misas, al mismo tiempo que servirá a la comunidad parroquial para bautizos, quinceañeras, bodas y otros eventos. El espacio contará con ocho salones de clases, oficinas, una cocina comercial y un santuario temporal. Una vez completada

la primera fase, el estacionamiento será el doble de lo que se ofrece actualmente en la ubicación de la parroquia en West Wainman Avenue. La segunda fase del proyecto incluirá la ubicación permanente de su nueva iglesia. Con el paso de los años, la parroquia ha recaudado aproximadamente $4.6 millones, de los cuales $2.6 millones ya se han invertido en el terreno de 513 Vision Dr. para la adquisición de la propiedad, la preparación y nivelación del terreno, el cumplimiento de las normas ambientales y otros requisitos relacionados con el desarrollo. La parroquia estima que debe recaudar $4 millones adicionales durante los próximos cinco años para impulsar el proceso de desarrollo de la Fase 1. Después de la Misa y de los anuncios sobre el desarrollo, los fieles se reunieron con los líderes de “Abriendo Espacio”, y muchos comenzaron a hacer compromisos de cinco años, animados por el padre Tijerino. Al final del día, la Gran Kermés, que contó con numerosos puestos de comida, juegos para los niños, pintura facial, monta de toro eléctrico, paseos en poni y una casa inflable, recaudó $128,600. “Queriamos que la gente viera los cambios que se van dando”, dijo el padre Tijerino. “La comunidad lo recibió muy bien en general.” Según el párroco, se estima que casi el 90% de las 1,500 familias de la Parroquia de San José son hispanas, y él está trabajando para ayudar a las familias a comprender el valor de una donación hecha con fe. Los compromisos realizados hasta ahora han oscilado entre $50 y $800 al mes. “Venimos de países donde los procesos son diferentes, así que puede que la gente se pregunte por qué tarda tanto”, dijo padre Tijerino. “La idea con esto era ayudarles a entender que esto es una inversion.”

Más online En www.catholicnewsherald: Lea más sobre el desafío “Abriendo Espacio”

Abriendo las puertas de la fe a la salud mental BRIAN SEGOVIA bmsegovia@rcdoc.org

BRIAN SEGOVIA | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

En la parroquia St. James the Greater, 82 personas participaron en charlas y actividades sobre el bienestar emocional la importancia de buscar apoyo.

CONCORD — Por primera vez en los condados de Cabarrus, Rowan y Stanly, hispanos recibieron un taller dedicado al vínculo entre la salud mental y la fe, por parte de la sede de Concord de la “Alianza Nacional sobre Enfermedades Mentales,” mejor conocida por sus siglas en inglés, NAMI. En las instalaciones multiusos de la parroquia St. James the Greater, 82 personas, desde niños hasta ancianos, recibieron durante dos días, el 21 y 22 de agosto, charlas y actividades sobre el bienestar emocional, la importancia de buscar apoyo y cómo la fe y la comunidad pueden ser fuentes de esperanza. En la conferencia, llamada “Esperanza, Fe y Comunidad: Caminos hacia la Sanación,” los participantes fueron dirigidos por un grupo de nueve voluntarias, de las cuales cinco asisten a las parroquias San José en Kannapolis o St. James the Greater en Concord. Los participantes también recibieron un

desayuno casero, tuvieron acceso a una feria de recursos y escucharon presentaciones de expertas en salud mental, incluyendo a la terapista Irania Macias quien realizó ejercicios que ayudaron al grupo a expresar sus sentimientos en ese momento y en diferentes situaciones personales. Allí analizaron las heridas que cada persona podría tener y cómo pueden empezar a tomar acciones en sus vidas para aceptar las cosas de su pasado. En la sesión del viernes y el sábado, el padre redentorista Brian Vaccaro, vicario parroquial de St. James the Greater, ofreció una oración y dio la bienvenida al grupo. Además, dio una presentación el sábado en la que habló sobre la cómo la iglesia puede ser un lugar de sanación que va de la mano con los expertos en salud mental. Por otro lado, el sábado tuvieron un panel de líderes de fe, quienes hablaron sobre cómo la Iglesia puede ser un lugar de sanación. También hubo talleres SALUD MENTAL, PASA A LA PÁGINA 15

September 4, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

LA MUJER QUE VIVIÓ 60 AÑOS SOLO DE LA EUCARISTÍA

El misterio de Lola llega al cine Papa León XIV

Los católicos no pueden ser ‘espectadores desinteresados’

os fieles están llamados a dejar atrás “toda pasividad e indiferencia ante los acontecimientos que se producen, ante la historia y la vida de las personas, sobre todo ante el cambio rápido y profundo que experimentamos hoy”, dijo el Papa León XIV en su audiencia general. “No es posible permanecer como espectadores desinteresados, es necesario, en cambio, escuchar con el corazón, dejarse interpelar, involucrarse”, dijo el Papa el 2 de septiembre en la Plaza de San Pedro. “Con Cristo y sostenidos por la fuerza de su Espíritu, los creyentes están llamados a hacerse cargo de las dificultades de los hermanos, sobre todo de aquellos que se ven oprimidos por la injusticia, por la discriminación, por la violencia”, afirmó durante su catequesis principal. El Papa León inició una nueva serie de reflexiones sobre la constitución pastoral del Concilio Vaticano II “Gaudium et Spes”, que examina la relación entre la Iglesia y el mundo moderno. Recordando la advertencia de San Juan XXIII contra los “profetas de calamidades”, quienes consideraban que su propia época era peor que el pasado, el Papa León afirmó que, por el contrario, los cristianos están llamados a compartir la vida de la humanidad tal como lo hizo Cristo. Esa cercanía a la humanidad, señaló el Papa, también abre el camino a una comprensión más profunda de los acontecimientos y de la propia Revelación. “No se trata, de hecho, de una disposición simplemente moral”, afirmó. Dirigiéndose a los peregrinos de habla inglesa, el Papa León afirmó que es responsabilidad pastoral de la Iglesia relacionarse con el mundo contemporáneo, compartir sus alegrías y tristezas, y defender a los pobres y marginados. La Iglesia, dijo, también debe escrutar a fondo los signos de la época, enfrentando “problemas urgentes como el progreso tecnológico que solo beneficia a unos pocos y la persistencia de la pobreza generalizada”. Durante un período de profundos cambios que está generando “desequilibrios preocupantes”, el Papa León afirmó que la Iglesia está llamada a servir a la persona humana al escuchar “los interrogantes más profundos de su corazón y los anhelos que lo habitan”. La Iglesia debe orientar a las personas hacia Cristo, dijo, como “la clave, el centro y el fin de toda la historia humana”.

NATHÁLIA QUEIROZ ACI Prensa

La vida de Lola, la sierva de Dios brasileña conocida por haber vivido cerca de 60 años sin comer, beber ni dormir, alimentándose solo de la Eucaristía, es el tema del documental “Lola de Jesus: Mistério e Devoção”, del periodista y escritor Rodrigo Alvarez y de Jornada Infinita. La producción se exhibió el pasado 23 de julio durante la 3ª edición del Cinema ExpoCatólica, en la ExpoCatólica 2026 de São Paulo, en la que Alvarez dio también la charla “Lola y el fenómeno de la fe genuina del brasileño”.

PERO, ¿QUIÉN ES LOLA?

Conocida por haber vivido cerca de 60 años sin comer, beber ni dormir, alimentándose solo de la Eucaristía, la sierva de Dios Floripes Dornelas de Jesus, Lola, despierta interés por el fenómeno extraordinario que vivió durante la mayor parte de su vida. Sin embargo, para el médico Claudio Bomtempo, que la acompañó en los últimos cinco años de vida y hoy es uno de los principales divulgadores de su causa de beatificación, ese nunca fue el aspecto más importante. Según él, la misión de Lola era hacer que el Sagrado Corazón de Jesús fuera más conocido y amado. “Lola no quería que se recordara a Lola, sino que quería que el Sagrado Corazón de Jesús fuera más conocido y amado”, dijo Bomtempo a ACI Digital. La Iglesia dedica el mes de junio al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús y el primer viernes de cada mes a esta devoción. Para Bomtempo, Lola “sabía que ella sería aquella que en Brasil provocaría esta reflexión sobre el poder del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús”. “Todo ese asunto de no comer, no beber o no dormir, en realidad, es algo que no compone propiamente la santidad de Lola, sino que es una señal, un reclamo de atención que creo que el Corazón de Jesús le permitió, para que pudiera simplemente ser reconocida como una manifestación de la presencia del Corazón de Jesús”, dijo. Para él, “su santidad se debe a sus virtudes y a su sacrificio, al martirio

SALUD MENTAL VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 14

para personas de diferentes edades relacionados con la salud mental y, finalmente, una celebración que incluyó una danza folclórica mexicana realizada por un grupo de jóvenes de St. James. “No quedó ni un ojo seco,” dijo Rosa González, coordinadora del evento de NAMI. “Esto les hace que se abran a conversaciones en un ambiente no tóxico.” NAMI es una de las principales organizaciones de salud mental en el país, con sedes locales en muchos de los 100 condados del estado. La organización se enfoca en educar y defender a las personas y familias afectadas por enfermedades mentales. A la misma vez, la organización sin fines de lucro busca terminar con el estigma negativo que recibe la salud mental en una variedad de comunidades.

ARCHDIOCESE OF MARIANA | CATHOLIC NEWS AGENCY

La extraordinaria vida de la Sierva de Dios Floripes Dornelas de Jesús, conocida como Lola, ha sido llevada al cine. de todos esos años… y a la intimidad con el Corazón de Jesús, que era algo impresionante”. Según el médico, muchas veces Lola interrumpía las conversaciones para rezar y preguntar a Jesús: “¿Qué quiere de mí, Señor? ¿Qué quiere que haga? ¿Qué quiere que diga?”.

insistieron en que comiera, pero ella no sentía hambre”, explicó el médico. El Viernes Santo del año 1943 “decidió que ya no comería más. A partir de ese momento solo comulgaba la Sagrada Eucaristía todos los días”. El fenómeno, conocido como inedia — abstinencia total de alimentos—, despertó el interés de médicos, investigadores, curiosos y peregrinos. Según Bomtempo, eso nunca desvió a Lola de lo que consideraba su verdadera misión: conducir a las personas al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. “Las personas comenzaron a venir en grandes caravanas y alcanzaban gracias, siempre por medio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús”, dijo. Para él, Lola era “simplemente una secretaria del Corazón de Jesús”. “Ella solo presentaba a Jesús. Tenía también muchos dones del Espíritu Santo, dones de revelación, de profecía, de ciencia, y todo eso lo utilizaba siempre para el bien de los demás”, continuó.

AL SANTÍSIMO EN SU PROPIO CUARTO

Lola nació el 27 de junio de 1912, en Mercês, en Brasil, y de niña se mudó con la familia a Rio Pomba, donde murió en 1999. Cuando tenía cerca de 16 años, se cayó de un árbol de jabuticaba, se fracturó dos vértebras lumbares y quedó parapléjica. “Lola, viéndose en aquella situación, sabiendo que no volvería a caminar, que ya no tendría los sueños que le gustaría tener, tal vez ser madre, tal vez ser religiosa, decide entonces dedicar el resto de su vida a la devoción al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús y al Corazón de María. Esta fue la primera actitud de Lola ante una situación difícil, ante una noticia terrible”, recordó Bomtempo. Después de esta decisión, comenzaron también cambios en su organismo que marcarían toda su vida. Según el médico, dejó de sentir hambre, sed y sueño. “En los cinco o seis años siguientes

Como no dormía, Lola recibió autorización del entonces obispo de Mariana, mons. Oscar de Oliveira, para mantener el Santísimo Sacramento en su cuarto. “Lola permaneció recluida esos 64 años en su cama. Estaba en vigilia 24 horas ante el Sagrado Corazón de Jesús y la Eucaristía”, contó Bomtempo. Recuerda que cierta vez le preguntó por qué nunca salía del cuarto, ni siquiera al patio. “Mi lugar es aquí, delante del Santísimo, delante del Corazón de Jesús”, respondió Lola. La causa de beatificación fue abierta en 2005 por el entonces arzobispo de Mariana, mons. Luciano Mendes de Almeida, que convivió con Lola. Según Bomtempo, en una ocasión el arzobispo le dijo: “Lola tiene más virtudes de las necesarias para ser santificada. Eso sucederá en el momento justo. Estate atento, porque quien mueve la beatificación no es el ser humano, es el Espíritu Santo”. Para Bomtempo, toda la vida de Lola apuntaba a esta devoción. “De lo que más hablaba era de la confianza en el Sagrado Corazón de Jesús”.

Ellos tienen programas educativos, grupos de apoyo, recursos y orientación para encontrar ayuda. La conferencia para la comunidad hispana es la primera que se realiza en el estado bajo el tema “Esperanza, Fe y Comunidad.” Las nueve mujeres que fueron voluntarias para este programa piloto en el condado de Cabarrus tuvieron que trabajar juntas durante meses para solicitar una subvención de $2,500 de NAMI bajo su programa llamado FaithNet, para poder realizar el evento. La Coordinadora Hispana de NAMI en Cabarrus Rosa González quien organizó la conferencia dice que ella vio una gran necesidad de recursos para enfermedades mentales en la iglesia. “Yo entré a NAMI después de la pandemia de COVID-19 porque vimos aquí mucha necesidad de ayuda para la salud mental,” dijo Rosa González. “Había muchas personas que tenían pensamientos suicidas.” La conferencia tuvo una respuesta muy positiva por parte de la comunidad.

Muchos pudieron sentir una conexión muy fuerte con el contenido de la conferencia y pudieron descubrir muchas cosas de ellos mismos. La voluntaria de NAMI y servidora de la parroquia St. James the Greater, Diana Jaqueline Isabel Aguilár, estuvo asistiendo a los líderes de las charlas y dio su testimonio sobre la salud mental al grupo. Ella dice que para sanar hay que seguir orando y también hablar con otras personas sobre nuestros sentimientos. “Empieza con miedo, pero Dios te va dando las herramientas y te une con personas para poder encontrar esa sanación,” dijo la voluntaria de NAMI, Diana Aguilár. “En la depresión, con oración, Dios te sigue hablando. Hay que combatir el estigma con la empatía.” Según Rosa González, coordinadora de NAMI en Cabarrus, el evento fue exitoso porque ven cómo esto les abre la puerta al futuro. “Creo que nos fue bien porque hicimos una buena conexión con los padres de la iglesia,” dijo Rosa González.

DEVOCIÓN AL SAGRADO CORAZÓN

Arts & entertainment 16

catholicnewsherald.com | September 4, 2026 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Hildegard’s influence on sacred music or “Play of the Virtues.” Its more than 80 chant melodies chronicle the fall and subsequent return to grace of a soul. More than a dozen virtues, such There are only four female Doctors of the Church as humility and charity, are depicted as characters. – and only one set her visions to music that lives The play originally was performed by an all-female on after nearly a millennium and has built her cast with the exception of the devil. He was played reputation as one of the pillars of Medieval sacred by a priest who shouts his lines – his lack of music music. signified his separation from God. When researching St. Hildegard von Bingen As in modern performances, there is instrumental (1098-1179), one can quickly become overwhelmed accompaniment, and because this work would since there is no scarcity of subjects in which this not have been performed during Mass, there is beloved saint excelled. Between medicine, theology no reason to believe that instruments were not and science, her inﬂuence has never been forgotten. improvised in St. Hildegard’s time. However, it has only been in the past several decades It can be challenging for modern audiences that her contributions to music resurfaced. In less and performers to connect to a composer whose than a century, she has become one of the most music was written nearly a thousand years ago. famous composers of the Medieval era. Contemporary composer and tubist Dr. Joanna St. Hildegard’s visions began around Ross Hersey (b. 1971) helps bridge the the age of 5 and encompassed centuries through her compositions profound theological and cosmic for low brass based on St. Hildegard. truths. On All Saints Day 1112 One such work is “ElevenTwelve” she professed her vows along (2019), inspired by Hildegard’s life with Jutta of Sponheim (1092in the convent, and named for 1136), who was her primary the year in which she professed religious instructor. Being her vows. This modern a religious gave Hildegard score presents melodies that opportunities that were not reflect the saint’s busy life available to many Medieval at Disibodenberg. Other women (or even men), such compositions by Hersey based as being literate in both on Hildegard include “Convent St. Hildegard von Bingen Latin and music and being the Window,” “Mountain of the administrator of her own religious Cloistered Mind” and “O Greening community. Throughout her life, St. Branch.” Hildegard was consulted by popes and St. Hildegard was not canonized until secular authorities. 2012. A few months later, in his apostolic Because St. Hildegard composed music primarily letter proclaiming her a Doctor of the Church, for the Divine Office, we can be certain of what she her fellow German, Pope Benedict XVI, wrote, “In authored. In contrast, music composed for the Mass Hildegard are expressed the most noble values at that time was generally anonymous. of womanhood: hence the presence of women in That makes it possible to associate unique stylistic the Church and in society is also illumined by her traits with her works. Following the norms of her presence, both from the perspective of scientific time, the words are in Latin and the melody is a research and that of pastoral activity.” sequence of notes without a designated rhythm. St. Hildegard von Bingen’s feast day, Sept. 17, The uniquely Hildegard aspect is a beginning occurs exactly two weeks from that of St. Gregory ascending leap of a perfect fifth – a jump the Great, another Doctor of the Church who made a up of five notes that produces a memorable significant contribution to music history. Both come introduction, like the unmistakable opening at a time when music ministries are restarting, the notes of the “Star Wars” theme or “Twinkle, perfect time to prayerfully consider joining your Twinkle, Little Star.” It is these large skips that parish choir. make the chants immediately recognizable as More online Hildegard’s work. One of St. Hildegard’s most noted works is At www.tinyurl.com/yjxmmd2z: Hear the final chorus of the morality play “Ordo Virtutum” (ca. 1151) Ordo Virtutum CHRISTINA L. REITZ, PH.D. catholicnews@rcdoc.org

‘Words symbolize the humanity of the Son of God, but music symbolizes His divinity.’

Film tells story of Helene’s effects on Yancey County CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

A new film on the Angel streaming platform tells the story of Hurricane Helene’s devastation in western North Carolina and the faith and courage of its survivors. Directed by Christopher Pike, “Scars on the Mountain” spotlights the devastation Helene brought to the state’s mountain regions when it hit in late September 2024, with a particular focus on Yancey County, its county seat of Burnsville, and other nearby areas such as Green Mountain and Egypt. The film depicts the fury of the storm on the day of its arrival and then focuses on recovery efforts, drawing on firsthand accounts from survivors, emergency workers and volunteers. Resilience and faith are two of the film’s main themes. Yancey County, located about 30 miles northeast of Asheville, is home to Sacred Heart Church in Burnsville, a mission of St. Andrew Church in Mars Hill. In the storm’s aftermath, both churches became important supply

hubs, distributing thousands of items to storm survivors including water, diapers, food and toiletries. Through the Sister Parish program that the Diocese of Charlotte ran, Sacred Heart was also partnered with Holy Family Parish in Clemmons and Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh to receive long-term aid. Pike has said the film not only tells the story of the storm and its aftermath, but also presents a vision of what happens when people come together to work through a natural disaster and its aftermath. “For me, it’s a quiet meditation on what America could be – not the loud fractured version we so often see, but something more enduring and essential: a country where strength is not measured by power or politics, but by our willingness to care for one another,” he said.

How to watch At www.angel.com/watch/scars-on-the-mountain: Learn about the film and sign up for Angel Guild membership to stream it.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ANGEL

Resilience and faith are the main themes featured in a new movie chronicling Helene’s destruction that is now available on the Angel streaming platform.

September 4, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

PACE

One day, Katy’s sister randomly called and said she was transferring to Greensboro. “I had no idea where Greensboro was, but I started researching, and then I saw this Catholic school program for autistic children,” she said. Excitedly, she left her four children with her husband and drove 2,325 miles to Greensboro. “It only took me four days, but I was driving like 10 hours a day,” she laughed. “I walked in the school, and they gave me a tour. I was instantly impressed.” It was all she needed. They moved, fueled by their faith in God and love for their children. Two years later, they are part of a loving faith community at Our Lady of Grace and a school where all their children can thrive. “The dream is for all Catholic schools to have something like this, but until we get there, sensitivity, deep listening and compassion go a long way,” she said.

FROM PAGE 12

THE ARKANSAS TRAVELERS

Chris and Anna Friemel are 800 miles from their hometown in Central Arkansas with no regrets. Walker, their 7-year-old son with autism, attended Catholic school in Arkansas, but the lack of special programs meant he was unable to thrive. “How could I go to church on Sunday and teach our neurotypical daughter that we are to love everyone and see them for what they can do, and then turn around and tell her that there is no place for Walker?” Anna Friemel cried at the memory. “We really just needed a miracle, somebody to serve both of our children at the same school, and to see them for what they can do.” Chris Friemel, who was in Greensboro for business, met Father Casey Coleman at Our Lady of Grace Church. He confided in the pastor that they were pouring resources into Walker’s education to no avail. Father Coleman shared the St. Gabriel’s PACE program’s successes, and Chris carried that news home to his wife. They followed Father Coleman’s advice and started praying. Months later, Chris Friemel was offered a transfer to Greensboro. Both children started school in August of 2025 and are thriving. “This is a divine program. Just the fact that our children are seen the same. There is just so much support,” Anna Friemel said.

FROM WASHINGTON TO GREENSBORO

Katy Campbell homeschooled her son, Austin, who has autism, when they lived in Washington state but wasn’t making progress. When she tried to enroll him in

ST. JOSEPH FROM PAGE 4

build a multipurpose facility and rectory. The planned multipurpose space will accommodate approximately 600 people and will provide a temporary location for Masses while also serving the parish community for baptisms, quinceañeras, weddings and other events. The space is planned to have eight classrooms, office spaces, a commercial kitchen and a temporary sanctuary. Once the first phase is completed, parking will be double what is offered at the current parish location on West Wainman Avenue. The second phase of the project will include the permanent location of their new church. Over the years, the parish has raised approximately $4.6 million, with $2.6 million already invested into the new grounds for land acquisition, site preparation and leveling, environmental compliance and other development-related requirements. The parish estimates that an additional $4 million must be raised over the next five

BLESSINGS FROM PAGE 12

The improvements are being funded by “Grounded in Tradition: Focused on the Future,” an $8.5 million capital campaign launched in February for the multi-phased project. Its next phases will include transforming a small office building adjacent to the campus into the Computer, Technology and Engineering Innovation Center, which will support

WHAT EVERY STUDENT DESERVES LISA M. GERACI | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Chris and Anna Friemel moved 800 miles from their home in Central Arkansas to give Walker (left) better educational opportunities. The students are part of the larger school and faith community.

‘The dream is for all Catholic schools to have something like this, but until we get there, sensitivity (goes a long way).’ Katy Campbell

Mother of PACE student her local parish school, he was rejected. “They’d tell everyone every kid deserved a Catholic school education,” Katy said.

years to push along the development process in Phase 1. Following the Mass and development announcements, the faithful visited with “Making Room” leaders, where many began making five-year pledges, encouraged along by Father Tijerino. By the end of the day, the “Gran Kermés,” which featured food booths, games for the kids, face painting, electric bull riding, pony rides and a bouncy house, raised $128,600. “I decided to host this event on the ground because I wanted people to see what we were building,” Father Tijerino said. “It was all really well received by the community.” According to the pastor, nearly 90% of the 1,500 households at St. Joseph Parish are Hispanic, and he is working to try to help families understand the value of a faithful donation. Pledges made so far have ranged from $50 to $800 per month. “We come from countries where the processes are different, so it might make people wonder why it takes so long,” said Tijerino. “The idea with this was to help them understand that this is an investment.”

classes in engineering, robotics and other technologies. The final phase of the project is a new field house with flexible space for sports performance, recovery and athletics training as well as other classes and activities. The total cost of the improvements is expected to be $10.5 million, including a $2 million contribution from the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Capital Fee. Choate Construction is the contractor of the project, and Little and Associates are the architects.

“To show up and be made to feel like it was ‘every child except yours’ – that was a major emotional gut punch.”

According to the CDC, 1 out of 36 children nationally is diagnosed with autism. Out of those, only 1%-2% attend private schools, the majority attending public schools, due to the national shortage of specialized programs. Principal Catherine Rusch has prioritized the growth of St. Gabriel’s, OLG’s continuum of support for students with diverse learning needs. Through St. Gabriel’s PACE and St. Gabriel’s Quest, approximately 40 students are now served across the school. “This is the way God wants us to live,” Rusch said. “The dignity of the human being isn’t about picking the human beings you want to include. It is about recognizing the dignity of every person, from conception to natural death, no matter how God made them.”

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Dolly Parton’s legacy of faith set to music KURT JENSEN OSV News

The nearly 1,000 songs Dolly Parton recorded during her long career covered a wide range of topics. She not only dealt with the humiliation of poverty, harassment in a dead-end job and romantic rivalry, she also felt at home with such explicitly Christian numbers as 1989’s “He’s Alive” and “There Was Jesus,” released 30 years later. In fact, Parton – who died at 80 from cancer on Aug. 25 at her home in Nashville, Tennessee – spent a lifetime comfortably steeped in biblical teaching. And her faith found expression in concrete ways that benefited millions around the world. Although she was not Catholic, the Diocese of Knoxville joined the world in reflecting on her legacy. “East Tennessee knew Dolly Parton as more than a worldfamous star. We knew her as one of our own,” Bishop Mark Beckman of Knoxville said in the statement. “She made a wonderful contribution to our world and our community, and she will be greatly missed.” “She was shaped by these hills and these churches. Her life shows what can grow from faith, perseverance, imagination and love for one’s neighbors – even from humble beginnings,” the statement said. Brassy and flamboyant on stage, in private life she was quietly focused and never preachy. She preferred to lead by example, investing her wealth and fame in philanthropy with a particular interest in the vulnerable. Even in childhood, Parton – one of 12 children – knew firsthand how illiteracy trapped people in misery. Because her father, Robert, an East Tennessee farmer, could neither read nor write, his work opportunities were

CATHAL MCNAUGHTON, REUTERS | OSV NEWS

American country music star Dolly Parton performs on the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm in Somerset, England, during the Glastonbury Festival in 2014. Faith was vitally important to the iconic singersongwriter-actress, whose glittering country music stardom was matched by her pop music and film fame. severely limited. But Parton also knew how early in life the problem of illiteracy could be ameliorated. With that in mind, in 1995 she founded Imagination Library, which mails free, age-appropriate books to children under 5. Successful from the outset, Imagination Library currently helps 3 million kids each month.

Come join us for

An Evening with Matt Fradd Host of Pints with Aquinas

to benefit the mothers and babies of Room at the Inn.

October 17th, 2026 Sheraton Greensboro

Doors open at 6:00pm Scan the QR code, visit roominn.org, or reach out to our contacts to save your spot! Registration is free but required.

Contacts Katie Schneider: kschneider@roominn.org Tammy Singleton: tsingleton@roominn.org

Registration deadline: Oct 11th, 2026

Where Hope is Born

Parton’s reliance on spiritual themes – as well as her tendency to go in unexpected directions – was a constant. In 2012, she starred opposite Queen Latifah in the film “Joyful Noise,” which charted the rivalry between two members of a small-town Georgia church choir. Nine years later, Parton received a Christopher Award for her 2020 holiday special, “Christmas on the Square,” a modern-day retelling of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella “A Christmas Carol.” In what would be her final role, Parton played – unsurprisingly – a rhinestone-festooned angel. Writing in January on the occasion of Parton’s 80th birthday, Rita Buettner, a columnist for the Catholic Review, the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s news outlet, described her reaction to the re-recording of Parton’s 1977 song “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” “I was struck by the beauty of this gift from Dolly. It’s a song of hope and comfort and strength at a time when we can all use more of that. It’s also a song of faith.” Buettner went on to praise the way Parton “clearly lives and demonstrates faith. She has faith in humanity, faith in a greater purpose, faith in God, faith in the future. I know Dolly isn’t Catholic. But we are Christians, and we are believers, and we are both trying to live each day taking one more step on the way to heaven – we hope.” “She doesn’t always say it directly,” Buettner continued. “She doesn’t have to. It comes through in her music – as she uses the gifts God has given her to give the world a little more light, a little more beauty, a little more joy.” “Dolly’s songs help others feel less alone,” Buettner concluded. “She brings us along on life’s journey, so we know that we are not the only ones experiencing sorrow or challenge or darkness or love.”

September 4, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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your state in life,” Archbishop Hebda wrote.

Judge temporarily blocks Illinois assisted suicide law

In Brief Hallow series to teach college students about ‘The Good Life’ STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — Hallow is launching TIM EVANS, REUTERS | OSV NEWS its first prayer series created specifically for A woman prays outside Annunciation Church in college and university students, featuring Minneapolis Sept. 2, 2025. The week before, a shooter three leaders from Franciscan University of opened fire with a rifle through the windows of the Steubenville. parish church and struck children attending Mass, “The Good Life” will offer weekly prayer killing two and wounding two dozen others. and accompaniment for young adults, led by Franciscan University President Father Dave Pivonka; Heather Khym, director of ministry formation and vision integration; and Jake Khym, dean of human and spiritual formation. “Each week we are going to offer a reflection, ST. PAUL, Minnesota — Archbishop Bernard a practical thing they can apply in their walk A. Hebda is encouraging the faithful of the with God, and we will take time to pray with Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and all them,” said Heather Khym. community members to be “beacons of light” Topics will address some of the most common as the one-year mark of a fatal shooting during questions and struggles of college life, including an all-school Mass at Annunciation School and how to pray, building authentic community and Church in Minneapolis approaches. friendships, loneliness, anxiety and peace, and In a newsletter released Aug. 24, the navigating the storms of life. archbishop wrote that Aug. 27, 2025, “Franciscan University has been involved in “continues to have an impact on so many others the formation of college students for decades. connected with the parish, its school and its It’s a blessing to be able to reach out to a larger families.” group of college students to help form them In reflecting on the loss of 10-year-old Harper and walk with them in the faith,” said Father Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel that Pivonka. day, the archbishop wrote that “I have no doubt “The Good Life” also builds on Franciscan that their absence will be forever felt. My heart University’s ongoing partnership with Hallow continues to go out to all who feel their loss.” and Father Pivonka’s previous programming. Annunciation leaders encourage acts of While “The Good Life” is designed especially for service and prayer on Aug. 27. college and university students, the series will “ I invite you to find a way to be a beacon of Maria Mutual Funds –users. 10.375x6.26Knowles Ad | light 2026within 03 beAve available to all Hallow your own community, no matter

Archbishop: Be ‘beacons of light’ as shooting anniversary nears

CHICAGO — The Thomas More Society announced U.S. District Court Judge Franklin Valderrama on Aug. 21 placed a temporary restraining order on Illinois’ End of Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act for specific individuals. The law is set to take effect Sept. 12. The order applies to “Catholic health care entities” under the authority of Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield, four Catholic doctors and Lutheran Care Center, a nursing home in south-central Illinois. In an Aug. 24 news release, the Thomas More Society said the order means the state cannot force its clients “to tout the alleged ‘benefits’ of assisted suicide, refer patients to someone willing to prescribe lethal drugs, log those requests in a way that triggers the state’s suicide ‘qualification’ process, avoid engaging in whatever the state decides is ‘misinformation’ about suicide, or falsify death certificates to conceal how a patient died.” Valderrama said his order is in place pending the result of two cases under appeal in the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Report: FBI ‘took minimal corrective action’ after ‘radical traditionalist’ Catholic memo WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FBI “took minimal corrective action” after a controversial leaked memo discussed “radical traditionalist” Catholics, the Department of Justice said. An Aug. 28 report by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Weaponization Working Group stated the FBI personnel responsible for the

2023 document, sometimes referred to as the “Richmond Memo,” have been terminated from their roles as reported in June. The Richmond Memo was a controversial leaked and retracted FBI document that discussed “radical traditionalist” Catholics as those who may pose threats of racially or ethnically motivated violence. A 2024 review by the Department of Justice’s watchdog found “no evidence” of religious bias by those responsible for the memo. In Aug. 28 statements released by the Department of Justice, Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel said “History will rightly judge the Richmond Catholic Memo as a grave failure of the FBI Richmond Field Office to uphold that responsibility” of protecting Americans’ First Amendment rights. — Franciscan University, OSV News

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AI must serve common good, not dominate humanity, pope tells lawmakers from around the globe technological creativity while safeguarding fundamental human rights and freedoms,” he said. “It should protect users from exploitation, preserve personal privacy, ensure transparency in the use of emerging technologies and guarantee that they strengthen democratic institutions.”

JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES OSV News

Pope Leo called on Catholic legislators to establish oversight of artificial intelligence so that technology serves the common good rather than eroding human dignity. “The world does not need an artificial intelligence that diminishes humanity; rather, it needs human intelligence enlightened by wisdom, political authority guided by conscience and technological innovation directed by charity,” the pope told members of the International Catholic Legislators Network Aug. 21. “Only then will artificial intelligence become not a rival to humanity but a servant of the common good,” he said. According to its website, the ICLN, which was founded in 2010, seeks to provide “Christians in public office with faith formation, expert education and a global network of peers and friends” to encourage leadership “that is committed to the dignity of every human being.” The group held its annual meeting Aug. 20-23 in Rome to discuss the theme “Human Dignity and Artificial Intelligence: Challenges, Chances and Control.” Reflecting on the meeting’s theme, the pope said its focus on artificial intelligence was an “opportunity to reflect upon one of the defining questions of our age.”

‘A DECISIVE CHOICE’

“The extraordinary progress of artificial intelligence is opening horizons that previous generations could scarcely have imagined,” he said. “Yet every technological achievement also confront s humanity with a moral question: not merely what can we do, but what ought we to do?” Citing his encyclical on safeguarding the human person in the age of artificial intelligence, “Magnifica Humanitas” (“Magnificent Humanity”), Pope Leo said humanity is facing “a decisive choice. ”Humanity,” he said, can either “be tempted to construct a new Tower of Babel, where power,

COUNTERACTING THE ‘CULTURE OF POWER’

MATTEO PERNASELCI, VATICAN MEDIA | OSV NEWS

Pope Leo called on participants of the XVII Annual Meeting of International Catholic Legislators Network at the Vatican to establish strong guardrails for artificial intelligence, warning that unchecked technological progress risks eroding human dignity. efficiency and control obscure the face of the human person; or we can build a civilization in which technology serves the integral development of every person.” The pope told the Catholic legislators that their vocation places them “at the heart of this challenge” and that the Church’s social teaching can help them discern whether technology helps people “become more fraternal and responsible toward themselves and toward one another.” “Sound legislation should encourage scientific and

Independent oversight and legal frameworks, the pope continued, are necessary guardrails for artificial intelligence that help ensure “that no single ideology or interest dictates the values embedded in artificial intelligence systems.” Nevertheless, he added, AI’s rapid development “risks creating new forms of technological dependence, with poorer nations increasingly reliant on wealthier ones.” Pope Leo warned that such developments “reveal a new face of the ancient temptation to domination and mastery without service.” “We must remain vigilant in this regard, lest innovation become another vehicle for ideological or economic colonialism,” he said. “Sadly, we are presented with a subtle form of domination when algorithms decide who is seen and who remains invisible, when digital platforms shape public discourse without accountability, and when the dignity of workers is subordinated to the optimization of systems.” For this reason, the Catholic Church proposes “the civilization of love” as a response to the “culture of power”. The family, the pope said, is at the heart of this response as the first place one learns “trust before calculation, generosity before competition, dialogue before division, and love before power.” Pope Leo encouraged the lawmakers to promote policies that strengthen marriage and families. “Artificial intelligence must never be allowed to erode this primary cell of society – whether by reducing persons and relationships to data and simulations, by flooding young minds with content that distorts desire, or by economic models that make family life economically precarious,” he said.

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The disaster, which generated seismic activity equivalent to a 5.2 magnitude event north of Kathmandu, swept away entire villages, bridges and pilgrimage routes near Mount Kailash. Local Church officials called it the worst disaster in Nepal’s history. While roughly 25 local Catholic families were reported safe, at least one priest was stranded after a bridge collapsed following Mass. Caritas Nepal has launched an international aid appeal, with Catholic Relief Services coordinating emergency relief efforts on the ground.

In Brief

Polish Americans invited to turn memory into mercy

NAVESH CHITRAKAR, REUTERS | OSV NEWS

A drone view shows mud covering properties in Nepal’s Nuwakot district Aug. 27. Flash floods caused by a glacial collapse killed at least 168 people and left thousands missing.

Pope prays for Nepal following catastrophic mudslides, floods VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo has expressed deep sorrow following a catastrophic glacial collapse along the Nepal-China border that triggered massive flash floods and mudslides, killing at least 1,019 people with thousands more reported missing. In an Aug. 27 telegram sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pope offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved and prayed for emergency rescue personnel.

KRAKOW, Poland — Following America’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Order of Malta in Poland is inviting Polish Americans to honor their family heritage through a unique project in Kraków. At St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe Parish, a Wall of Remembrance will permanently display the names of Polish ancestors who left their homeland, built new lives in the United States, and passed on their faith, culture and values to future generations. A donation of $1,000 places a family name on the wall, with proceeds supporting the Maltese Center for Assistance to Disabled Children and Their Families in Kraków. Operated by the Polish Knights of Malta, the center provides therapy, education, rehabilitation and family support for children with disabilities.

Pope meets Europe’s richest man, who helped rebuild Notre Dame

luxury goods giant LVMH, at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo Aug. 25, just weeks before the pope’s scheduled trip to France. Arnault, Europe’s richest man, contributed 200 million euros (more than $233 million) to the reconstruction of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral. The French businessman visited the pope with members of his family and later shared photos of the meeting on social media. On X, Arnault said he was “blessed to be received by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at Castel Gandolfo.” Pope Leo will visit Arnault’s home country Sept. 25-28, where the pope is scheduled to pray at Arnault Notre Dame Cathedral. Arnault leads Paris-based LVMH, created by the merger of Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy. Its portfolio includes Christian Dior, Fendi, Dom Pérignon and Tiffany & Co.

Court acquits man who assaulted French nun in Jerusalem JERUSALEM — A Jerusalem court has acquitted the suspect accused of violently assaulting a French Catholic nun, ruling he was in a psychotic state during the attack and is not criminally responsible. The Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court ordered Yona Simcha Schreiber to serve up to six years in mandatory psychiatric hospitalization. Schreiber was arrested in late April after

video captured him knocking the nun to the ground and repeatedly kicking her near the Cenacle, the site of the Last Supper. The assault drew widespread condemnation amid mounting harassment against Christians across the Holy Land. Catholic leaders said they respect the court’s decision but voiced frustration, with Dominican Father Olivier Poquillon lamenting the lack of criminal accountability for an assailant who appeared to deliberately single out a Catholic religious sister.

Archbishop urges U.S. to ‘rethink’ Haiti deportations after massacre MIAMI — A deadly gang attack near Haiti’s capital that saw dozens killed and kidnapped should cause the U.S. to “rethink” its ending of deportation protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitians, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami told OSV News. The Aug. 23 massacre, which took place in Kenscoff, left more than 47 dead, with at least 50 kidnapped. “This shows that the country is not safe, that Haiti is still a house on fire,” Archbishop Wenski said. He added “this should cause our administration to rethink its decision to send back into Haiti over 300,000 Haitians” in the U.S. under revoked Temporary Protected Status. Haiti, which has been plagued by social, political and health crises, “is a tragedy, and what we’re doing is compounding it by trying to send these people back,” he said. “There’s really nothing there right now to go back to.” — OSV News

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Pope Leo XIV met Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of

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Colleen Pressprich

Elizabeth Scalia

I brought a heart full of fury with me to Mass – and left it there

mall sparks of feeling that become all-consuming conflagrations can happen at any time, even, sadly, as one is preparing for Mass. I write, of course, from experience. The details aren’t important. Life is hard sometimes. Living with others, even when we love and value them, can still be a challenge. Stupid arguments encourage thoughtless pronouncements that turn seeming scud missiles – destructive enough – into H-bombs, where exteriors look unharmed while inside there is startling, shriveling death. It doesn’t matter what starts it: a hard word, a headline. Suddenly one feels a kind of incandescent fury that is probably all out of proportion, but for one reason or another we cannot tamp it down. We are like little arsonists, too enamored of our teeming flames; we want to let them go wild.

‘We are like little arsonists, too enamored of our teeming flames; we want to let them go wild.’ Perhaps your mileage is different; perhaps your personal pilot light only flames when you’re looking to make popcorn, and has no “flip your lid” setting. If so, congratulations – you’re probably not a member of my tribe and are blessed. I don’t often bring my livid guts to Mass, but it happened recently, to my regret. I offered them, racing and bloodred, to Jesus as soon as I hit the pew (and it did immediately help!), but my preoccupied prayer continued all the way to the Sign of Peace. By then, thankfully, I was able to offer good will with an authentic heart, determined to make my further amends as soon as possible.

RECEIVE MY FURY, LORD

This is how the prayer went: Lord, because you are both fully human and fully divine, you understand the experience of mortal outrage – how quickly it can arise, how easily it may be sustained and how efficiently it can grow deep and deadly roots within us. I come to you now, bearing a heart full of anger and realizing that however just or unjust this feeling may be, it is far too much for me to carry. Receive my rage, Lord; it is doing me no good. I surrender to you all of my clanging

fury over [this situation], trusting that you will temper whatever righteousness is there with balms of mercy, wisdom and purpose, and that you will saturate the falsehoods I have quite naturally fed into this fiery wrath with your humbling truth. Help me to remember that when you showed your outrage toward the merchants and moneychangers debasing the Temple, you did so with a purity of intention (and from a place of authority), that I can never begin to possess, no matter how justified my ire may seem. Help me to remember that the bigger and stormier my anger feels, the smaller and more regrettable my words and my actions will become, tempting me toward sins of spite, malice and thoughtless cruelty. Help me to recall St. Catherine of Siena’s warning that such is a “foretaste of Hell.” Help me to understand what complexities of my own mind and soul have contributed to this surging vehemence, that I may finally exhale and find some grace for its object, and for myself, too, because we do not, cannot, make sense of all we do and feel. It is said “the self is more distant than any star,” and you alone understand fully the little mysteries within that you have permitted to form us, the little buttons that can set us off so easily and then entrench us in hostility. Turn my mind, please, toward the better moments; help me to remember small actions of kindness – even if I don’t want to be generous enough, or real enough, to call them “good” just yet. If such memories serve up a dollop of shame on my part, I’ll take it. Better to be ashamed of my jagged rancor than to forget moments that inspired hope or warm gratitude or even love. Keep helping me, Lord. Help me to get to the other side of this deadly feeling! Amen.

AND THEN … CHRIST’S PEACE

The Mass is the most powerful prayer we possess, and I believe that at the moment of Consecration the veil between Heaven and Earth is at its thinnest, as Christ becomes truly present to us. I always regret it when I succumb to the Liturgy of the Wandering Mind and miss that moment. However we bring ourselves to worship, though, even when we are not as completely present as He is, Christ will work with us throughout the hour, touching even our fuming guts with his grace and peace. And then amen, and amen! ELIZABETH SCALIA is editor-at-large for OSV. Follow her on X @theanchoress.

Cultivate a relationship with Mary

ur family has a beautiful vegetable garden, one that I spend a great deal of time in during the summer months. Our raised beds are bursting with life and flavor. My mother has a green thumb, and I learned early on in life that gardens are the work of years, not months, and that gardening is work to be done in all seasons. In the fall and winter, we gather and turn the compost. In March, we plant the seedlings. In April and May, we amend the soil, replacing the nutrients last year’s crops used up. In June, the plants are in the beds, being watered and pruned, and carefully watched for bugs. Here in Michigan, it isn’t until late July or early August that we see most of the fruits of our labors. The tomatoes ripen, the peppers grow big, the pumpkins and corn are just beginning to mature. But the work doesn’t stop then – the plants still need care. Tend the garden faithfully, and it will grow. The same is true of my family’s devotion to the Blessed Mother. Just as the gardener walks the beds daily – plucking a weed here, trimming a sucker there – small acts, done often and completed with love, have borne fruit. Developing a relationship with Mary changed my faith life. When I became a mom, I knew that I wanted the same for my children. Not being raised in a practicing Catholic family, there were many times I felt like I was muddling through. Just as I’ve become a better gardener in the past decade, I’ve learned a lot about what it means to cultivate a family devotion to Mary. Here are my garden lessons about growing a devotion to the Blessed Mother. n Learn from the experts. Most bookstores have an entire section on gardening. Walk into any Catholic bookstore and you’ll find a section on Mary. If you don’t know where to begin, think about what drew you to Mary in the first place. What fascinates you, intrigues you, makes you uncomfortable? If you have kids, what questions do they have? What do you want them to know, to understand about who Mary is and how she loves them? Then, find the resource that will help you answer them. Catholic books such as “When Mary Says Yes,” “Take it to the Queen” and “Go and Fear Nothing,” as well as my own Marian-themed books, are regular bedtime

reads in our home. The kids enjoy them, and they help lay the groundwork for strong relationships with Mary. n Don’t compare your new garden to one that has been growing for 20 years Today our vegetable garden grows enough produce for our family’s table each summer. But it wasn’t always that way. The first year we were in our house, my husband built two raised beds for vegetables. The next year, two more. Then we added a grape arbor. Then raspberry bushes. Slowly and steadily we built. We tested different compost ratios and combinations of plants. We learned from our mistakes. It’s tempting to look at other families and, instead of being encouraged, become despondent that we aren’t as faithful, devoted or prayerful. If you’re just starting a relationship with Mary, resist the temptation to compare yourself to others. No garden reaches maturity in a single season, and no relationship does either. n Weave her into the fabric of your day. Any busy parent knows that the key to forming a successful habit is routine and repetition. Weaving Mary into our family’s daily life has been a crucial element of cultivating a devotion to her. In addition to sprinkling our read-alouds with faithbased books, we try to do the same with prayer. The Hail Mary is our goto prayer most of the time. n Employ visual cues and reminders. There are days when the schedule gets busy, and I forget to water the vegetables. But I can’t walk past the beds and see the leaves wilting without remembering to get the hose. The same is true for prayer. One of the most impactful things I did for our family’s prayer life was also the easiest: I filled our home with Catholic art. Children are concrete learners. They notice details in the art that spark conversations and open doors. The art also serves as a visual cue for me – it reminds me to pray for them and with them. n Embrace the long view. As you begin to cultivate your family’s devotion to Mary, embrace the long view. There will be seasons of dryness, seasons of struggle, of wiggly rosaries, grouchy children and too-full schedules. Remember that not every vegetable ripens at the same time. Don’t be discouraged if your garden of devotion takes time to grow. COLLEEN PRESSPRICH is a homeschooling mom of five and the author of 10 books for Catholic children, families and adults, including “Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children.”

September 4, 2026 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Father Joshua J. Whitfield

What is your answer to: ‘Who do you say that I am?’

assled for a sign, I imagine worn out, Jesus turns to his disciples. As if giving something of a pop quiz, frustrated He asks them, “But who do you say that I am?” Were His own disciples as hard-hearted and hard-headed as the Sadducees and Pharisees? Read through the beginning of the 16th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel to understand the context here. Were the disciples also leaven-like men without faith demanding signs? This is what Jesus wanted to know. It’s why He asked the questions He asked: “Who do people say the Son of Man is? … But who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16:13-15). Jesus hoped His disciples would be different.

‘Reading about someone and knowing someone personally are two different kinds of knowing.’ Thankfully, they were. Peter speaks for them all. “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Mt 16:16). Peter sees what so many do not, that Jesus is the Messiah. Beyond the rustic Galilean, beyond the carpenter, even beyond the wonder worker and the provocative preacher, Jesus is seen by Peter as the promised Christ – the prophet like Moses, Emmanuel, the Son who is one with the Father (Dt 18:15; Mt 1:23; Jn 10:30). But his insight is not fully his own. Well, it is, but mysteriously it is first a gift of faith given to him by God the Father (Mt 16:17). And here we come to the first simple lesson, the lesson of faith.

KNOWING THE UNKNOWABLE

One must understand, as St. Thomas Aquinas taught at the very beginning of the Summa, that “human beings are ordered to God as an end that surpasses the grasp of reason.” That is, human beings are created to know what they are incapable of fully knowing by their own efforts. That’s not to say that humans are incapable of reasoning reasonably enough that God exists. They can indeed rationally come to grasp with, as St. Thomas Aquinas put it, that “which everyone names God.” But to know God and not merely know of him is to enjoy knowledge of a different kind. Reading about someone and knowing

someone personally are two different kinds of knowing. When it comes to God, the latter sort of knowing can come only by way of revelation, by the initiative of God Himself, by His own gift – as Jesus put it, “by my Father who is in heaven” (Mt 16:17). So, what does this mean for you? Or what does this mean for the person you know who is wondering about God, asking those first beautiful questions about belief ? It means that to make any progress at all, one must first be open to the possibility that faith is necessary to seek understanding. One can’t merely do research or rationally read oneself into believing. Reading, reasoning and research are indeed important, but the seeking person needs more: an initial openness to a light that comes from beyond oneself, from God. Spiritual enlightenment is always in some way the fruit of prayer, even if the praying person doesn’t exactly realize that’s what he or she is doing.

AFTER FAITH, A NEW IDENTITY

Faith, then, is what separates the disciples from the Pharisees and Sadducees, the Christian from the pagan. But what comes next? Again, the lesson is simple. After faith comes a new identity, a new vocation. “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it” (Mt 16:18). This is Peter’s unique vocation. These words are written atop St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. These words are why what St. Irenaeus wrote almost 2,000 years ago is still true, that “every church, that is believers from everywhere, must agree with this Church,” that is, the Church of Rome founded by Peter and Paul. Here is the biblical beginning of our understanding of the papacy. However beautiful that is, we shouldn’t lose sight of what this passage teaches the rest of us about ourselves. Peter was given the gift of faith, but so were we. Peter was given a vocation, but so were we. Peter’s vocation was a vocation of mercy, a vocation that builds up the Church. But so is my vocation and so is yours. I’m not ever going to be a pope, and likely you won’t be one either. But with the pope, sharing in the faith with him, our task is to live out our unique vocations, which all serve the same heavenly ends: To share the mercy of God and the fullness of His Church. But it all begins with Jesus and the question He puts to each of us: “But who do you say that I am?” And so, what’s your answer? FATHER JOSHUA J. WHITFIELD is pastor of St. Rita Catholic Community in Dallas and author of “The Crisis of Bad Preaching” (Ave Maria Press) and other books.

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