2017 Vocations

June 23, 2017

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org

Yes, Lord ‘YOU ARE CHRIST’S’

ANNIVERSARIES

A JOYFUL MINISTRY

A TRIBUTE

Five men ordained to serve Christ and His Church as priests

Our 2017 jubilarians

Bishop Emeritus Curlin gives thanks for 60 years of priesthood

Msgr. John McSweeney, pastor of diocese’s largest parish, retires

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Peter Ascik, Father Matthew Bean, Father Brian Becker, Father Christopher Bond and Father Christian Cook were ordained priests for the Diocese of Charlotte on June 17. During the ordination Mass, the five men prostrated themselves before the altar while the faithful knelt and chanted the ancient Litany of Supplication, praying for the intercession of the saints.

Tara Heilingoetter | Catholic News Herald

‘You are Christ’s’ Bishop Jugis ordains five men to the priesthood June 17

SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

HUNTERSVILLE — The Diocese of Charlotte welcomed five new priests during a two-and-a-half hour ordination Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis June 17 at St. Mark Church. Hundreds of people were in attendance, including dozens of priests and deacons, women religious, members of the Order of Malta, the Knights of Columbus, Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre and lay faithful.

Seated before the sanctuary at the start of Mass, all five men were presented for ordination to the bishop by Father Christopher Gober, director of vocations for the diocese.

“Most Reverend Father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain these, our brothers, to the responsibility of the priesthood,” Father Gober said. Upon Bishop Jugis’ inquiry as to their worthiness, Father Gober affirmed it, and Bishop Jugis accepted them for the order of the priesthood. Applause erupted from the faithful gathered for the celebration.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis said, “This is a great day of joy for all of us in the Diocese of Charlotte. Today we present these five deacons to Almighty God for ordination to the holy priesthood. They are now to be set apart by their ordination to participate as ‘alter Christus’ in Jesus’ priesthood for the work of salvation.”

He explained that the men would receive the special anointing of the Holy Spirit, which bestows the indelible spiritual character on them, configuring them to Christ the High Priest.

“Now, dear sons, in an act of deep faith and trust in almighty God, you make an offering of yourselves at this Mass,” he said. “Each of you makes a personal gift

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Check out more coverage of the June 17 ordination Mass, including video and lots more photos of himself to Almighty God. You hand yourselves over completely to Him for the work of salvation, and you will teach the doctrine of Christ, you will sanctify Christ’s people, and you will shepherd them in collaboration with your bishop.

“Yes, you lay aside your personal plans and agendas … to become one with Christ. You are not your own. You are Christ’s. The priesthood is not about you, it is about Christ Jesus reconciling the world to the Father. It is about Christ’s work of salvation.”

“What a profound blessing it is to have the freedom to make this gift of yourself !” he told them.

As they are being ordained during the diocese’s Year of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Bishop Jugis encouraged them to consecrate themselves to Mary.

“Mary shows us by her example how to be totally in the service of Jesus. She makes a gift of herself for the work of salvation. By consecrating yourself to her, you cannot go wrong,” he told them.

He reminded them, “You now belong completely to Christ the High Priest, who receives you and now seals you and consecrates you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.”

After the homily, Bishop Jugis asked the men a series of questions to express their desire and willingness to be ordained priests and to fulfill the responsibilities that come with ordination. Then, one at a time, the men approached the bishop, placing their hands in his to signify obedience

to him and to the Church.

The Litany of Supplication followed, during which the men lay prostrate before the altar as Bishop Jugis, and everyone gathered at the Mass knelt in prayer and chanted the Litany of the Saints. Then they arose and approached the bishop, who laid his hands on their heads. During this most solemn moment of the ordination rite, Bishop Jugis prayed silently over them for the gift of the Holy Spirit to descend upon them.

Dozens of priests then took their turn laying hands on the newly ordained priests, joining the bishop in invoking the Holy Spirit to come upon the five men.

During the vesting portion of the ordination rite, Father Peter Ascik was vested by Father Carl Kaltreider.

Father Matthew Bean was vested by Father Frederick Edlefsen. Father Brian Becker was vested by Monsignor John McSweeney. Father Christopher Bond was vested

by Father Christopher Roux. Father Christian Cook was vested by Father Patrick Cahill.

During Communion, each of the newly ordained priests was able to offer the Eucharist, which they consecrated along with Bishop Jugis and the other priests present, to their parents and families.

At the end of Mass, Bishop Jugis announced that Father Peter Ascik will be assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, Father Matthew Bean will be assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, and Father Brian Becker will be assigned to St. Mark Church in Huntersville, all effective July 11.

Father Christopher Bond will be assigned to St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, and Father Christian Cook will be assigned to Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, both effective July 18.

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Father Peter Ascik

Father Matthew Bean

Father Brian Becker

Father Christopher Bond

Father Christian Cook

Home parish: St. Barnabas Church, Arden Birthplace: Fairfax, Va. Birthday: Aug. 29, 1986 Raised in: Asheville Family: Parents Thomas and Karen Ascik; siblings Mary Katherine, Elizabeth, Daniel, Gregory, John, Christine, Julie and Emily College: Appalachian State University; University of Georgia Degree: B.S. in chemistry and B.A. in English from Appalachian State University; M.S. in chemistry from the University of Georgia Pre-Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio Theology: Pontifical North American College, Rome Summer assignments in the diocese: St. John the Baptist Church, Tryon; St. Ann Church, Charlotte; St. Eugene Church, Asheville

Home parish: St. Michael Church, Gastonia Birthplace: Buffalo, N.Y. Birthday: Jan. 16, 1987 Raised in: Buffalo, Family: Parents Patrick and Megan Bean; brother Timothy Degree: B.A. in history, University of Mary Washington Pre-Theology: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Mark Church, Huntersville; St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

Home parish: St. Matthew Church, Charlotte Birthplace: Charlotte Birthday: Jan. 30, 1986 Raised in: Charlotte Family: Parents Joseph and Tammy Becker; siblings Deena and Mark Degree: Economics, international studies at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte Pre-Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Eugene Church, Asheville; St. John the Baptist Church, Tryon; St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte; Costa Rica Spanish Immersion; St. Mark Church, Huntersville

Home parish: St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte Birthplace: Stroudsburg, Pa. Birthday: June 12, 1975 Raised in: Stroudsburg, Pa. Family: Parents Allen and Virginia Bond; siblings, Debbie and Beth Degree: B.A. in business administration, University of North Carolina-Charlotte Pre-Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Ann Church, Charlotte; St. Michael Church, Gastonia; St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte

Home parish: St. Eugene Church, Asheville Birthplace: High Point Birthday: Aug. 15 Raised in: High Point and Asheville Family: Parents William and (the late) Ursula Cook; siblings, Liesel and David Degree: B.S. in business administration and Master of Public Affairs, Western Carolina University; Juris Doctor, The University of Dayton School of Law Pre-Theology: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Eugene Church, Asheville; St. Ann Church, Charlotte; St. John Neumann Church, Charlotte

CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

Ascik: I enjoy reading, especially literature, philosophy and the sciences. I enjoy music and movies.

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Ascik: I began to have serious thoughts about it in high school.

CNH: Who has helped you or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?

Ascik: I have learned a lot from the pastors I spent time with during the summers, Father John Eckert, Father Timothy Reid and Deacon Tom Sanctis, Father Pat Cahill and Deacon Mike Zboyovski. I also learned a lot from spending time at my home parish with Father Adrian Porras and our two deacons, Mike Stout and Rudy Triana.

CNH: What are you looking forward to most in your priestly ministry?

Ascik: Preaching the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and confession, and helping people to know that God has come very near to us.

CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?

Ascik: There is no greater freedom to be had than in following Christ. His will is our only truly lasting possession.

There is an answer to the question your heart is asking. Seek and you will find.

CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest?

Ascik: Everyone in our diocese, from the bishop to the presbyterate to parishioners, has been very supportive of me during my time as a seminarian.

This gives me a lot of confidence in following my vocation to be a priest in the Diocese of Charlotte.

CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

Bean: In my free time I like to read books in the area of history, especially the Civil War and the Roman Empire.

I also like to exercise, and watch movies with my brothers here at the seminary. I also like to keep up with ice hockey, which I grew up with in western New York.

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Bean: I started to seriously discern the priesthood when I was in college at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va. When in college I was involved at the campus ministry, and it was through time spent in prayer and the encouragement of the chaplain at the campus ministry that I began to ask the Lord if He was calling me to be a priest.

CNH: Who has helped you or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?

Bean: There have been a number of people who have been a great help and example to me in the past five years in formation at the seminary. Many priests, such as Father Frederick Edlefsen (the chaplain at the campus ministry I was involved in at college); Father John Putnam, and Father Matthew Buettner have shown me what it is to be a priest and to bring Christ to those you are called to serve. My family and the people of the diocese have also been very supportive in their prayers and encouragement.

CNH: What are you looking forward to most in your priestly ministry?

Bean: I am looking forward to serving the people in the diocese and bringing Christ to those the Lord entrusts to my care.

CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?

Bean: I would encourage them to stay close to the Lord in prayer, and if he feels the Lord is prompting him to go to seminary, to go and further discern the call. Above all things, find a good spiritual director who can assist you in discerning the voice of the Lord, which at times can be very subtle.

CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest?

Bean: I am very grateful for the support the people of the diocese have given not only me, but also the other men we currently have in formation.

CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

Becker: I grew up playing sports, baseball, basketball, and cross country in high school, and played club Ultimate Frisbee at UNC. I’ve really enjoyed getting to play sports in seminary also.

We old guys get to chase the collegians around the football field in our Mudbowl each fall, and the Josephinum hosts an interseminary basketball tournament each winter which we finally won this year!

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Becker: I first felt a strong call to discern the priesthood when I was 24, and entered seminary a year later. This first pull was very strong, and God’s grace cleared the way for me to enter seminary easily. But I didn’t feel confident that I had a vocation to the priesthood until a couple of years into seminary.

CNH: Who has helped you or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?

Becker: We have a lot of very good priests at the seminary who have helped me greatly, but my most helpful experiences have come from my relationships with my pastors in each of my summer assignments. Father Pat Cahill, Father John Eckert, Father Patrick Winslow and Father John Putnam each very generously provided a great example of how to live one’s priesthood – at the altar, in the parish, in the rectory, and in each area of their lives. Being able to live alongside these priests in close proximity has been the most powerful example that I have been given to follow. Monsignor John McSweeney has also been very generous and helpful to me throughout my discernment and seminary formation.

CNH: What are you looking forward to most in your priestly ministry?

Becker: The sacrament of reconciliation has given me so many tangible experiences of God’s grace. It has been a source of transformation as God has forgiven me my sins and given me grace to overcome them, and one of my great desires is to be able to share this BECKER, SEE page 15B

CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

Bond: I enjoy cooking, bike riding, basketball, creative writing, fishing and going to the beach.

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Bond: I was 30 years old before I seriously even considered becoming a priest. It took another few years before I was able to discern, through much prayer, that God was indeed calling me to such a vocation.

CNH: Who has helped you or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?

Bond: This is a difficult question to answer exhaustively because the Diocese of Charlotte is blessed with so many sincere, holy and “normal” priests. It is their collective dedication to beautiful liturgy and their insatiable desire to do the will of God which I hope to emulate the most.

CNH: What are you looking forward to most in your priestly ministry?

Bond: Offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is, without a doubt, what I look forward to the most.

In a very, very close second, I am truly looking forward to extending God’s mercy to poor sinners – the very same unfathomable mercy He has granted to me.

CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?

Bond: This may sound like a cliché, but, “Follow your heart!” I would also tell them that God does not ask of us what we cannot do.

He gives us the strength to do what He particularly wills for each one of us in our own lives. If He wants you to be a priest, He will provide for that. Thoughts of inadequacy, incompetency, and certainly unworthiness will naturally arise. The devil often uses these thoughts to drive a wedge between us and our true vocation (between us and Our Savior). However, these thoughts are present to keep us ever mindful that we are not the Savior of the world. But a priest brings the Savior to the world.

CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers BOND, SEE page 15B

CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?

Cook: I enjoy reading, playing basketball and soccer, watching/ attending sporting events, sailing and boating, skiing (water and snow), hiking in the mountains and cooking.

CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?

Cook: When I was a young altar boy at St. Eugene, I served for many good priests such as Monsignor Joseph Showfety, Father Carl Del Giudice, Father Richard Hansen and Father James Solari.

I was attracted to the idea of the priesthood then, and the seed of a vocation was planted back in grade school. However, it was not until I was practicing law in corporate America that the idea of a vocation to the priesthood returned. As I discerned further, the Lord made it very clear to me that I should discern a call to the priesthood in the seminary. My entire family has been so supportive; my vocation has been sustained by their love, prayers and encouragement.

CNH: Who has helped you or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?

Cook: The priests of the Diocese of Charlotte have been such great mentors to me through the years of seminary, and I have leaned on the spiritual fatherhood of Bishop Peter Jugis throughout my discernment and preparation in the seminary.

Our vocations director, Father Christopher Gober, has been a great steward of my formation. I have tried to learn something from every priest in the diocese and many have been great examples and mentors to me, especially the priests to whom I was assigned during the summers: Father Pat Cahill, Father Timothy Reid and Father Pat Hoare.

CNH: What are you looking forward to most in your priestly ministry?

Cook: I am looking forward to serving the faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte, most especially by offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and in the sacrament of penance. I have been supported by the faithful of the diocese for six years during my education and formation to the holy priesthood, so I most especially look forward to now serving them with my COOK, SEE page 15B

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Top, from left) During the ordination rite, each man professes his obedience to the Church, prostrates himself before the altar, and receives the sacrament of holy orders through the laying on of the bishop’s hands. Each priest in attendance also lays his hands on the heads of the newly ordained priests, as a sign of unity and brotherhood in ministry. The new priests are then vested with the vestments of a priest, their hands are anointed with sacred chrism by the bishop, and they receive from him the chalice and paten so that they may offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Bishop Peter Jugis lays his hands on the head of Matthew Bean, invoking the Holy Spirit during the ordination rite.

Photos by John Cosmas, Tara Heilingoetter and SueAnn Howell | Catholic News herald

(Above) Seminarians await the beginning of the ordination Mass.

(Right) Monsignor John McSweeney lays hands on Father Brian Becker, his parishioner whom he vested during the ordination. Father Bean receives the chalice and paten from the bishop.

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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(Above) The newly ordained priests bow their heads in prayer at the conclusion of the ordination rite.

(Left) Father Cook, Father Becker, Father Ascik, Father Bean and Father Bond, standing directly behind the bishop, offer their first Eucharistic sacrifice, joined by the priests of the diocese.

The newly ordained priests offer Holy Communion; the Knights and Dames of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre were among the hundreds of faithful who filled St. Mark Church June 17 for the ordination Mass.

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Right, clockwise) Father Ascik is vested by his former pastor, Father Carl Kaltreider; Monsignor Mauricio West gives the sign of peace to Father Becker and Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari extends the sign of peace to Father Cook; Father Mark Lawlor gives the sign of peace to newly ordained Father Cook; and Bishop Jugis entreats Father Bond to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass faithfully according to the duties of the holy priesthood.

Reverend Monsignor Christopher J. Schreck, Rector, and the faculty, staff and seminarians of the Pontifical College Josephinum send congratulations and prayerful best wishes to

Thank you Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin for drawing us to a closer following of Jesus.

Alumni

FAther Peter Ascik FAther mAtthew BeAn FAther BriAn Becker FAther christoPher Bond FAther christiAn cook Ordained to the Priesthood June 17, 2017 Ad Multos Annos!

7625 North High STreet Columbus, OHio 43235 pcj.edu / 877-725-4436

Devotedly, Bishop Peter J. Jugis and the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Charlotte

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(Left) The newly ordained priests bestow a blessing upon their bishop June 17. (Above) The five new priests celebrate with Bishop Jugis and their brother priests outside St. Mark Church at the conclusion of Mass. (Right) First blessings were imparted in the Monsignor Joseph Kerin Family Life Center after the ordination Mass.

Father Ascik gives his parents, Karen and Thomas Ascik, his first blessing after being ordained.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Check out more coverage of the June 17 ordination Mass, including video and lots more photos

CCDOC.ORG

The staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE COUNCIL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

offer prayerful congratulations to

“IN SOLIDARITY WITH OUR PRIESTS” CONGRATULATES

Father Peter Ascik Father Matthew Bean Father Brian Becker

Fr. Peter Ascik Fr. Matthew Bean

Father Christopher Bond

Fr. Brian Becker

Father Christian Cook

Fr. Christopher Bond

On Their Ordination as Priests For the Diocese of Charlotte

Fr. Christian Cook

Special Congratulations to Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin

on his 60th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood.

All the Newly Ordained Permanent Deacons And other Priests and Religious Who Are Celebrating Their Continued Service to the Faithful of the Diocese

www.kofcnc.org

and finally to all of our priest, deacon & sister jubilarians …

We are privileged to work with all of you as we strengthen families, build communities and reduce poverty across the Diocese of Charlotte.

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Father Becker offers first Mass at St. Matthew Church CHARLOTTE — Newly ordained Father Brian Becker offered his first Mass at his home parish of St. Matthew Church on June 18, the feast of Corpus Christi. Homilist was Father John Eckert, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury.

Photos by Tara Heilingoetter | Catholic News Herald

Father Ascik offers first Mass at St. Lawrence Basilica ASHEVILLE — Father Peter Ascik offered his first Mass June 18 at St. Lawrence Basilica, with Father Adrian Porras, pastor of St. Barnabas Church in Arden, serving as homilist.

Max Cooper | Catholic News Herald

Father Cook offers first Mass at St. Ann Church CHARLOTTE — Father Christian Cook offered his first Mass June 17 at St. Ann Church, with homilist Father W. Becket Soule, O.P. In addition, he will offer a Mass of Thanksgiving at his home parish, St. Eugene Church, Asheville, at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 25.

Photos by Travis Burton | Catholic News Herald

Father Bond offers first Mass on feast of Corpus Christi CHARLOTTE — Newly ordained Father Christopher Bond celebrated his first Mass June 18 at his home parish of St. Patrick Cathedral. Homilist was Father Becket Soule, O.P. All of the altar servers were Father Bond’s nephews, and five of his nieces sang during the Mass. At the end of Mass he witnessed as his parents, Allen and Virgina Bond, renewed their wedding vows on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Photos by SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Father Bean offers first Mass at St. Michael Church GASTONIA — Newly ordained Father Michael Bean celebrated his first Mass June 18 at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia.

Father Matthew Buettner, pastor, was master of ceremonies and Father Frederick Edlefsen from Arlington, Va., delivered the homily.

Father Jordan Willard from Arlington and Father David Waters from Philadelphia were concelebrants.

Giuliana Polinari Riley | Catholic News Herald

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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‘LORD, HOW GOOD IT IS TO BE HERE WITH YOU’

Bishop Jugis leads Holy Hour for ordinands June 15 SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Two days before their ordination, Bishop Peter Jugis led a prayer vigil and Holy Hour June 15 at St. Patrick Cathedral for future priests Peter Ascik, Matthew Bean, Brian Becker, Christopher Bond and Christian Cook.

All five attended the Holy Hour with their parents and were seated near the front of the cathedral, close to where their vestments were draped over the pews near the base of the steps of the sanctuary in anticipation of Bishop Jugis blessing them, along with the chalices that they would use at their first Mass.

During his homily, Bishop Jugis reminded them of some essential things to keep in mind as they begin their priestly ministry.

“You five men who are about to be ordained priests of the new covenant, priests of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for you we have gathered this evening to beg in prayer God’s divine favor upon you and His blessing upon you and also upon your lifetime of priestly ministry which now lies ahead of you,” he said.

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald “Let what we are doing this evening be a model for your Bishop Peter Jugis blesses the chalices that each new priest would use at his first Mass. priestly ministry. You will notice that the first half hour of our prayer here was in silence. You will need silence in your lives because a parish priest leads a very busy life and is constantly His Sacred Heart, St. Joseph holding the Child Jesus, and St. Peter giving, constantly serving, constantly expending himself. There will holding the Keys of the Kingdom. be a necessity, a genuine need for that silence so that you may refresh “These images emphasize the presence of Jesus and His Paschal yourself in the Presence of the Lord.”

Mystery at the Mass and in the Eucharist. The image of St. Joseph is He told them that they will also an image of the spiritual fatherhood that priests are called to exercise need prayer to remain close to in union with St. Peter, the first pope and source of the unity of the More online Jesus, the source of all of their whole Church,” he said.

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: ministerial work.

Around the cup of the chalice are four inscriptions: “O Crux Spes See more photos from the Holy “To paraphrase the sentiments Unica” (“O Cross, our only hope”), “Ecce Panis Angelicus” (“Behold Hour, including images of the new of St. John Vianney, ‘What a joy it the bread of Angels”), “Ecce Agnus Dei” (“Behold the Lamb of God”), priests’ vestments and chalices, is to spend time with the Lord in and “Gloria in excelsis” (“Glory in the highest”). Along with the and read reflections from the new prayer.’ What a joy it is to be with images, these inscriptions emphasize Jesus’ Presence in the Eucharist priests’ parents the Lord,” Bishop Jugis said. “Or, and the connection of the Eucharist with the Cross of Christ, the even quoting St. Peter on the Mount source of our life and hope, the power that transforms all suffering, of the Transfiguration, ‘Lord, how good it is to be here with you.’ pain and sin into new life.

“Prayer, and especially our Liturgy of the Hours, calls us back to prayer throughout the hours of the day to make sure that prayer Matthew Bean is the foundation, the flowing current underneath every day of our Matthew Bean’s vestments for his first Mass, June 18, the Solemnity activities.” of the Precious Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, are gold and He also reminded them that besides silence and prayer, a priest has the have the Sacred Heart of Jesus embroidered on the back. “I could active ministry suggested by the day’s letter of St. Peter (1 Peter 1:18-23): not find a more fitting vestment to use on the day where we honor “‘You have purified yourselves for genuine love of your brothers, of the the Body and Blood of Christ to meditate on His Sacred Heart which brethren, therefore love one another constantly from the heart.’ was pierced for us,” he said. His chalice is of late 18th century French “You are going to be ministers, priests of the new covenant, which design and has the life of Christ depicted on the cup and the Passion is the covenant of love. You must exemplify in your ministry, in your of Christ on the base. person, in your demeanor, Christ’s love,” Bishop Jugis said.

“St. Peter says you have purified yourselves. Of course, you have Brian Becker purified yourself because you have come to Christ and said, ‘Yes, Brian Becker’s vestments are a St. Philip Neri style, “which I like live in me. I want to be your priest.’ But it is He who is actually, of for the image of the cross yoked to the neck of the priest, recalling course, doing the purifying. You have said yes and He enters in and Matthew 11:28-30,” he noted. His chalice is Gothic-style, made in the is constantly going to be purifying you by His love, by His grace, so 1940s. “I’ve grown to like this style of chalice a great deal, with its you become a living icon of Christ, who is the Love of the Father here characteristic wide base, large node and small, v-shaped cup.” present among us.

“So in the sacraments that you administer to the faithful – Christopher Bond sacraments of Love, the Word that you will preach, the Holy Gospel, Christopher Bond’s chasuble for his first Mass comes from France. the Gospel of Love – your demeanor, your interaction through “While it is presumably from the mid-19th century, its exact history is pastoral counseling and shepherding God’s people will be a ministry unknown,” he said. “The field of the full-cut, Roman-style chasuble is of love,” he continued. that of watered silk in the color of white. Every detail has been hand“But most especially, of course, the supreme work of your ministry, embroidered and while the scroll and floral patterns on the front and (is) the offering of Holy Mass. You are offering that love, day in and back are extremely intricate, the overall appearance is simple and day out, and constantly then being nourished on the love of Christ balanced.” The monogram IHS is centered on the cross on the back. for a genuine love of your brothers and sisters, for a genuine love for His chalice is an antique solid-silver Baroque-style chalice made in those whom you will meet in your ministry.”

France circa 1838.

“So love one another constantly from the heart,” he said.

“The chalice is fully decorated with Eucharistic symbols and After the Holy Hour, Bishop Jugis blessed the vestments and showcases three women around the cup, personifying the three chalices each man had selected. theological virtues,” he explained. “St. Barbara depicts faith, St. Philomena depicts hope, and a woman nursing a child depicts charity.” His paten bears the engraved IHS monogram and an image Peter Ascik of an engraved heart pierced by three swords.

The vestment that Peter Ascik selected for his first Mass is in the Gothic style, white with gold striping in the form of a St. Andrew’s cross. “This is a typical style for the Latin rite,” he explained. “The Christian Cook white represents joy and the Resurrection, the newness of life that Christian Cook’s chalice is a gift from his father, William H. Cook Christ gives us through the service of the priesthood. The gold is for Jr., and his aunts and uncles: Dr. Norbert and Mrs. Peggy Schneider the solemnity of the occasion of my first Mass.” of Chapel Hill, and Dr. Edward and Mrs. Rita Isbey of Asheville.

His chalice is of French origin, made in the 19th century and “My entire immediate, and extended, family are represented in the restored for use. “It is meaningful to me that I am receiving a chalice gift of this chalice, which makes it extremely special,” he said. The that was used by another priest, because the priesthood is also passed chalice was acquired from an antiquities dealer in France. Dated on through the apostolic succession, and all priests share in the from the middle 1860s, it is sterling silver gilded in gold, and has been priesthood of Christ as brothers,” he noted. On the base of the chalice beautifully restored. The matching paten has an image of Our Lord at are four relief images: Christ carrying the Cross, Christ pointing to the Last Supper on the underside, circled with the Crown of Thorns.

Kneelers given as ordination gifts CHARLOTTE — A chance meeting at the Eucharistic Congress several years ago prompted two women to start an organized prayer effort for priests.

Called “Mary’s Sons,” the prayer apostolate is the inspiration of Jackie Gallagher and Robyn Magyar. During a conversation at Gallagher’s vendor booth at the Congress, they discovered that they both shared a love of supporting priests through prayer using a booklet entitled “Praying for our Priests.” Magyar was using it with a prayer group at her parish, St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

Together, they hoped “Mary’s Sons” could help spread this prayer effort even further across the diocese. Their effort is still growing, and a unique outgrowth has been what they call the “Seminarian Kneeler Prayer Pilgrimage.”

In this project, custom-made wooden kneelers have been bought thanks to local donations and given to the diocese’s new priests at their ordinations since 2014.

Before ordination, the kneelers are put on display at parishes so that the faithful can offer prayers for the ordinands as well as future vocations.

“The vision was for the kneelers to travel to ‘host’ parishes throughout the diocese to give the parishioners an opportunity to kneel and pray for the soon-to-be ordained men,” Gallagher says.

“The pastors graciously opened their doors to Mary’s Sons and allowed the kneelers to be placed in a beautiful setting, such as before the Blessed Sacrament or a statue of Our Lady.”

This year, five kneelers – for Father Peter Ascik, Father Matthew Bean, Father Brian Becker, Father Christopher Bond and Father Christian Cook – traveled to parishes in early 2017 before being blessed by Bishop Peter Jugis June 15 and presented to the five new priests at a reception after their ordination.

“Each kneeler is a gift to the new priest and has a personalized plaque that reads ‘With our prayers for a joyful priesthood,’ the new priest’s name and date of his ordination,” Gallagher says.

In addition, each newly-ordained priest receives a traveling stole handmade by a local parishioner, as well as journals filled with well wishes written by those who have prayed on the kneelers at each church along the way.

“Our goal is to foster vocations but also, and especially, to pray for those priests out in the trenches doing God’s work daily. We must shower them with prayer to protect them against the evils out there trying to devour them.”

To learn more about Mary’s Sons, go to www.maryssons.com or call 704-707-5070.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 10B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Prayerful best wishes on the occasion of your ordination to the Holy Priesthood.

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Carlson

Gamez

Taylor

Wasswa

Torres

Seminarian summer assignments announced CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Vocations Office announces that the following seminarians will have summer assignments in parishes, where they will serve from June until August: n Michael Carlson: St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte n Alfonso Gamez: St. Elizabeth Church in Boone n Britt Taylor: St. Ann Church in Charlotte n Jonathan Torres: St. Mark Church in Huntersville n Joseph Wasswa: Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe — Catholic News Herald

Fr. Peter N. Ascik

Fr. Brian J. Becker

Fr. Matthew P. Bean

Fr. Christopher A. Bond

Fr. W. Christian Cook

“If some of you hear the call to follow Christ more closely, to dedicate your entire heart to Him, like the Apostles John and Paul...

be generous, do not be afraid, ...because you have nothing to fear when the prize that you await is God Himself, for Whom, sometimes without ever knowing it, all young people are searching.”

- Saint John Paul II

Glenmary Father Hautz celebrates two milestones JEFFERSON — Glenmary Father Rollie Hautz recently celebrated his 90th birthday and 64th anniversary of ordination with Mass and a dinner with former parishioners from St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jefferson and St. Frances of Rome Mission in Sparta. Fr. Hautz was the last Glenmary Missionary priest to serve as pastor of both parishes. He served from 1988 to 1998.

— Patrick Hession, correspondent

Support our seminarians’ education and priests’ retirement Our seminarians’ education is possible thanks to the generosity of parishioners who give to the annual Diocesan Support Appeal, through the Seminarian and Priests’ Continuing Education second collection on Easter Sunday, and those who contribute leadership gifts to the Seminarian Education Campaign. Several endowments in the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte are also designated for seminarian education.

For information on making a leadership gift to support seminarian education, contact Armen Boyajian, director of leadership giving, at 704-370-3371 or armenb@charlottediocese.org.

Each September, people have the opportunity to celebrate the faithful service of our retired diocesan priests and retired bishop, as well as show gratitude to the priests currently serving in the diocese, by contributing to the Priests’ Retirement and Benefits second collection. Each parish is assessed 3.5 percent of its annual offertory collection to raise the funds needed to support priests’ retirement and benefits. The second collection helps the parishes pay this assessment.

Endowments in the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte are also designated for priests’ retirement.

For information on endowments for seminarian education or priests’ retirement, contact Ray-Eric Correia, director of planned giving, at 704-370-3364 or recorreia@charlottediocese.org.

Interested in the permanent diaconate?

Office of Vocations Diocese of Charlotte Father Christopher Gober Director of Vocations

(704) 370-3327 1123 South Church Street Charlotte, NC 28203-4003 vocationsmail@charlottediocese.org

Catholic men who are active in their parish and bring a certain experience of the spiritual life including apostolic zeal and a desire to increase their faith through obedience and fraternal communion, and who are at least 33 years old, married or unmarried, can inquire into becoming a permanent deacon in the diocese. Preparation for the permanent diaconate takes several years to complete, and includes completion of the two-year Lay Ministry program. To learn more, go online to www.charlottediocese.org: click on “Vocations,” then on “Permanent Diaconate.”

Learn more about your faith through the Lay Ministry program Interested in learning more about the faith, becoming a catechist or religion teacher, or discerning the possibility of becoming a permanent deacon? The diocesan Lay Ministry Office offers a two-year program with classes in Arden, Bryson City, Charlotte, Greensboro and Lenoir. Registration for the next series of classes will open in the fall of 2018. For details, contact Dr. Frank Villaronga at 704370-3274 or favillaronga@charlottediocese.org.

— Catholic News Herald

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Maria Cruz; Raymond Taber | Catholic News Herald

Giving thanks for 40 years of ministry WINSTON-SALEM — Our Lady of Mercy Church recently celebrated pastor Father Carl’s Zdancewicz’s 40th anniversary of priesthood with Mass and a dinner attended by many parishioners. Father Zdancewicz was ordained May 7, 1977, in Albany, N.Y., by Bishop Howard Hubbard.

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The students and staff at Asheville Catholic School wish to congratulate Father Pat on the 10th anniversary of his ordination, and seminarians Christian Cook & Peter Ascik on being newly ordained.

May God Bless all of you as you continue His work through your priesthood.

Asheville Catholic School 12 Culvern Street - Asheville, NC 28804 www.ashevillecatholic.org 828-252-7896

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 12B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Thérèse Parish thanks departing Jesuits SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

MOORESVILLE — Amid smiles, tears and applause, the four Jesuit priests of St. Thérèse Parish took the stage at a special celebration in their honor April 29 in the Parish Life Center. Hundreds of parishioners attended one of two celebrations that day to express their thanks for the many years of service the Jesuits have given to the Church in western North Carolina.

Starting July 11, the parish will revert to the care of priests of the Diocese of Charlotte. The Jesuit order is turning the parish back over to the diocese because of lack of manpower to continue serving the parish.

St. Thérèse Church has seen explosive growth since its founding. Established in 1956, the Mooresville parish has been among the fastest-growing parishes in the diocese in recent years. It now ranks as the diocese’s third-largest parish with 4,041 registered families, behind St. Matthew Church in Charlotte (10,000-plus families) and St. Mark Church in Huntersville (5,400 families), according to diocesan statistics.

In a June 4, 2016, letter to parishioners announcing the decision, Jesuit Father Robert M. Hussey, head of the Jesuit’s Maryland Province, congratulated the parish for its rapid growth and vitality, as well as the dedication in 2015 of a new 21,000-square-foot church. But he noted that the province’s aging Jesuit community cannot meet the increasing demands of

such a large parish.

Father Hussey wrote, “In the forty-six years that the Jesuits of Maryland Province have served St. Thérèse, the parish has grown dramatically and flourished beyond expectations. I am grateful for the many Jesuits who have served with you and helped lead St. Thérèse to its current thriving. Your beautiful new church, joyful liturgies, active lay leadership in Ignatian Spirituality, stewardship, outreach to the poor, and faith formation all speak of a vibrant faith community.

“Yet, in the midst of your blessings, I cannot overlook the fact that the average age of this Jesuit community is 80 years old. The parish needs younger priests to accompany the larger community into the future. In truth, with the shrinking number of available Jesuits, we cannot provide these younger priests.”

He acknowledged that the leadership change would be difficult for some to accept.

“I realize that for many of you this is a surprising and unwelcome announcement.

You have formed bonds of affection for the Jesuits serving your community, as they have for you. This is a wonderful sign of the presence of God and part of the reason for your strong community.”

The Jesuits have led St. Thérèse Parish for most of its 60-year history.

Redemptorist priests from St. Joseph Church in Kannapolis staffed the faith community in its early years as a mission, followed by diocesan priests from 1954 to 1970, according to the parish’s history.

During the April 29 celebration, Father Vince Curtin, pastor, and Fathers Frank

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Jesuit priests of St. Thérèse Parish accept a $35,000 donation to Jesuit Refugee Service in their honor April 29.

Reese, Dominic Totaro and Don Ward humbly accepted a $35,000 donation to Jesuit Refugee Service from parishioners.

According to organizers, the amount donated surpassed the original goal by $10,000.

Janet Manzullo, a parishioner for 11 years, serves on the parish finance council and helped organize the JRS donation. She also served as emcee for the celebration.

“Father Vince said, ‘We don’t want a gift.

The pope has asked us as Jesuits to double our efforts with Jesuit Refugee Service, so I would rather you do that and give a gift.’

“They are so loving and they are so giving. They don’t want anything in return.

They are such a great example to me and to JESUITS, SEE page 15B

The parish of St. Barnabas congratulates our native son Peter Ascik on the occasion of his ordination to the priesthood.

We offer you our prayers and support as you begin your ministry.

St. Barnabas Catholic Church - 109 Crescent Hill Drive - Arden, NC 28704

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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A tribute to Monsignor John McSweeney Pastor of diocese’s largest parish prepares to retire Editor’s note: On May 12 Monsignor John J. McSweeney, pastor of St. Matthew Church, announced that he would be retiring after 42 years of priesthood, effective July 18. In a letter to parishioners, he wrote, “Many thanks to all of you for your support, dedication and wonderful commitment. I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit is truly present and guides St. Matthew.”

In September 2014, the Catholic News Herald commemorated the 40th anniversary of his ordination as a priest on Sept. 29, 1974 – the first priest for the new diocese that had been established only two years earlier. In reprinting that article here, we give thanks for Monsignor McSweeney’s many years of service to the People of God in western North Carolina:

Monsignor John J. McSweeney, the first priest ordained for the Diocese of Charlotte and the retiring pastor of St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte, is pictured holding the booklet containing information about the 1986-1987 Synod held in the Diocese of Charlotte. Monsignor McSweeney was vicar general and chancellor of the diocese during the time of the synod.

SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

CHARLOTTE — Forty years ago on Sept.

29, 1974, the Feast of the Archangels, the new Diocese of Charlotte ordained its first priest, Father John J. McSweeney. The ordination Mass at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte was celebrated by the diocese’s first bishop, Bishop Michael J. Begley.

It was a special moment for them both, as the two had a father-son-type relationship, Monsignor McSweeney recalls.

Because of his distinction as the first priest ordained for the diocese and his close connection to its development over the past 40 years, Monsignor McSweeney is perhaps one of the few pioneers of the diocese who understands first-hand the transformation of this former mission territory into the vibrant diocese it is today.

“It was the new diocese beginning, and I had the privilege of being the first guy being ordained for service in the Diocese of Charlotte,” the 72-year-old priest says.

He admits he was a bit scared on his ordination day. “It was funny because the bishop didn’t really know what he was doing. He had never ordained anyone, and I had never been ordained.”

He remembers both Monsignor Joseph Showfety, the diocese’s first chancellor, and Father Frank O’Rourke, now pastor of St. Gabriel Church, being extremely helpful that day.

“Frank O’Rourke (then a seminarian) knew all the ceremonies inside and out. He put together the book that Bishop Begley used at my ordination. He literally typed it, because at that time in history the liturgy was being changed. He was an integral part of the ordination that was held at St. Gabriel.”

Monsignor McSweeney says it was no accident his ordination was held at that particular parish on the Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Rafael, the Archangels. “Bishop Michael Begley ordained me at St. Gabriel (in the old church), where I was a deacon.”

Monsignor Showfety, now retired, served as master of ceremonies for Bishop Begley that day. “It was a beautiful ceremony,” he remembers.

Father O’Rourke also recalls, “Almost every priest of the diocese was there and the Sisters of Mercy and many school children from all over were there. It was very beautiful coming together as a faith community. Bishop Begley had a very warm, caring, inclusive way about him,

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

and everybody felt part of something bigger than themselves that day.”

Both Monsignor Showfety and Father O’Rourke acknowledge Monsignor McSweeney’s work for the diocese over the years.

A New York native and graduate of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Monsignor McSweeney has pastored 12 churches in the diocese. He served as diocesan vocation director and director of planning and development, and then as vicar general and chancellor for eight years for Bishop John F. Donoghue.

Then, prior to Bishop William G. Curlin’s appointment as the third Bishop of Charlotte, McSweeney served as diocesan administrator and later as Bishop Curlin’s vicar general and chancellor.

After spending a year in the U.S. Virgin Islands serving as pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Thomas, Monsignor McSweeney returned to the diocese to shepherd St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville in 1996. Then in 1999, he was appointed pastor of St. Matthew Church.

(Now, 18 years later, St. Matthew is the largest parish in the diocese and one of the largest in the United States, with more than 10,000 registered families.)

“He has worked very hard and has done very well,” Monsignor Showfety notes. “He has done work that people on the outside may not know. He has done so much for the diocese over the years.”

“I think John has a lot of confidence in himself and others and finds great satisfaction in calling forth from other people their gifts, and he does that as a man of faith,” Father O’Rourke says. “He is very inclusive in his understanding of ‘church,’ and invites others to find meaning in their lives through that.”

On Sept. 29, 2014, Monsignor McSweeney will celebrate his 40th anniversary by offering Mass in honor of the sacraments of holy orders and holy matrimony. He has invited all couples at St. Matthew celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary to attend the Mass.

Monsignor John J. McSweeney was ordained a priest on Sept. 29, 1974.

Diocese of charlotte archives

“We have many couples who are celebrating their 40th anniversaries. My goal is to recognize the couples celebrating marriage, and the holy priesthood. So I am going to ask them to renew their vows (at Mass), and I am going to renew my vows.”

Parish Council Chairman Mark Schuler will ask him the same questions Bishop Begley asked him 40 years ago, he says.

“The reason I am doing that is for the recognition of the baptismal commitment of everyone,” he notes.

Reflecting on his 40 years of priesthood, Monsignor McSweeney shares his thoughts on his priestly ministry.

“My motto of priesthood has always been servant leadership. These 40 years have

been a great 40 years and I don’t regret any of them. I don’t. I haven’t always liked what I’ve had to do, but I don’t regret it as far as being in the priesthood. Like married couples, I have been through the ups and downs of life in my vocation.”

“I’ve watched (the diocese’s) growth in many different ways. My emphasis has always been the spiritual growth of adults.

I am also impressed with the international sense of our diocese – that we have people now, Catholic people, from all over the world.

“We have that sense of mercy, compassion and hospitality here. That is my philosophy as a priest, and that is what this parish represents.”

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 14B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Prayerful Best Wishes on your Retirement Msgr. John J. McSweeney You have served the Lord with gladness – tirelessly, faithfully and with great compassion for His flock.

Now, as the day dawns on the next chapter in your life, may God continue to richly bless you and watch over you, may the God of peace grant you peace now and always.

With gratitude from the clergy, staff and parishioners of St. Matthew Catholic Church.

li^|ÄKéÇÑ===N===SLVLNT===NNWNR=^j June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

JESUITS FROM PAGE 12B

our community here of giving and loving.

They are wonderful people. They were key to our growth,” Manzullo said.

Marsha Beck and her husband Dick have been members of St. Thérèse Church for the past 25 years. “We have loved the Jesuits here for their understanding of humanity and their generous spirits. They have set us aglow at St. Thérèse, and we cry at their leaving.”

“The Jesuits have been my parish priests since I moved to North Carolina almost 44 years ago. They baptized all my children and administered their sacraments, they presided at my mother’s funeral and, more recently, at my husband’s,” said Rosemary Hyman, parish liturgy coordinator. “The Jesuits I have known through these years have exemplified Jesus’ teaching to live our lives as men and women for others, and it shows in their joyful demeanor. I will miss them terribly.”

Denise and Ray Pausback, parishioners for 24 years, are also sad the Jesuits are leaving. “The Jesuits are very community minded, so we’ve done a lot more volunteering under this leadership,” Denise Pausback said. “We’ve done much more community outreach. We’ve become much more involved in the Christian way of life. The Jesuits bring that to the table.”

BECKER

Parishioner Marilyn Schammel agreed.

“We’ve enjoyed having the Jesuits here and we are sad that they are leaving,” she said.

“This is a very bittersweet moment,” Manzullo said. “We’ve been avoiding this moment for almost a year. But we’re very happy for our priests moving on to their next step. We look forward to hearing lots of good things that they will continue to do like they have done for us here.”

Looking at all four priests she continued, “On behalf everyone here, we can’t thank you enough for what you have done, for what you have built and what you have given to us. We thank you very much.”

Father Curtin will move to Portland, Maine, to serve as senior priest at Our Lady of Hope Church. Father Totaro will move to Washington, D.C., to serve as a consultant on the Spiritual Exercises at Gonzaga High School. Father Ward will move to Richmond, Va., to serve as priest in residence at Sacred Heart Church. Father Reese will join the community of senior Jesuits at St. Claude de Columbere House in Baltimore, Md. Jesuits will continue to staff two other parishes in North Carolina: St. Peter Church in Charlotte and St. Raphael the Archangel Church in Raleigh.

Bishop Peter Jugis has appointed Father Mark Lawlor, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, as pastor of St. Thérèse Parish effective July 11. Father Paul McNulty, currently at St. Mark Church in Huntersville, will serve as parochial vicar.

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Congratulations!

Gratulacje Complimenti Xin chúc mùng Mazel tov felicidades

is His will that you be a priest, then He will clear the way before you. Stay close to Him in prayer so that you can listen, and follow the path that He will make clear to you.

FROM PAGE 3B

with God’s people as a priest. The celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the center of the life of the priest, and I look forward to being able to celebrate this greatest of the sacraments for the people of the diocese.

CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?

Becker: Pope St. John Paul II constantly told all those discerning a vocation to priesthood or religious life, “Be not afraid.”

If you feel He is calling you to discern a vocation to the priesthood, trust in God. If it

BOND FROM PAGE 3B

about becoming a priest?

Bond: This is mere speculation, but I wonder if I would have ever properly discerned the vocation to the priesthood if I had never moved to Charlotte. The

CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest?

Becker: I would like to say thank you to all the people of the diocese who have so generously aided me and my brothers on this path of discernment and formation for the priesthood. The support you have offered us in your material contributions and especially in your prayers has been so beneficial to us, and it has borne great fruit for the diocese. Please continue to pray for us and for more vocations for the diocese – both priests and religious.

brotherhood among priests in this diocese (which I have already started to enjoy) is much rarer than people realize. Having gotten to know priests and future priests of many other dioceses across the country, it appears that the fraternity among priests, deacons and seminarians in the Diocese of Charlotte is unique. Furthermore, I believe it is both a cause and effect of our flourishing diocese!

entire life.

you will pressured to go to the seminary. Do not be scared away from talking with a priest about a possible vocation to the priesthood.

But to properly discern whether you are being called or not, you must pray and be open to discussions with a priest. Otherwise, you may miss God’s call to you.

CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?

Cook: If there is even a slight interest in the priesthood, a man should fully submit to that stirring in prayer. Go to daily Mass, if possible, and spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Speak with your pastor and the vocations director. It is important to remember that, just because you speak with a priest about the priesthood, it does not mean

CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest here in the Diocese of Charlotte?

Cook: I want to thank everyone in the Diocese of Charlotte for their prayers during my seminary formation. The amount of support I received was a beautiful witness to their faith! I look forward to serving the people of the diocese, and let us continue to pray for one another daily.

COOK FROM PAGE 3B

Rev. Philip Scarcella PhD, JCD on your 40th anniversary to the priesthood from your parish and staff, Our Lady of the Assumption Charlotte “Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may be holy; Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too may be holy; Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is Holy; Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy; Guard me then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.”

- St. Augustine

16B iiJune 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com

CATHOLIC N

Celebrating our Priests

5 YEARS

10 YEARS

Father Jason Barone Father Matthew Codd Father Peter Shaw

Father Patrick Cahill Father Richard DeClue Father Patrick Hoare Father Fred Werth Father Ambrose Akinwande Father Felix F. Nkafu

20 YEARS

25 YEARS

Father W. Ray Williams Father Alvaro Riquelme, CSsR

Father George David Byers Father Herbert Burke Father Stephen Hoyt Father Andrew Latsko Father Gi Tae Lee (not pictured) Father John Putnam

40 YEARS

45 YEARS

50 Y

Father Roger K. Arnsparger Father Philip Scarcella Father Carl Zdancewicz, OFM Conv.

Father Charlie Donovan, CSsR

Father Dominic T

10 YEARS

Deacons 5 YEARS

Deacon John Barone Deacon John Riehl

Deacon Jose Vargas

35 YEARS

30 YEARS

Deacon Anthony Marini Deacon George Szalony Deacon John Zimmerle

Deacon J. Patrick Crosby Deacon James Johnson

Women religious 25 YEARS

Missionaries of Charity Sister M. Martinella Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul Sister Pushpa Jose Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul Sister Christie Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul Sister Agnes Maria

50 YEARS

Mercy Sister Carolyn Coll Mercy Sister Jane Davis Mercy Sister Rose Marie Tresp Mercy Sister Donna Marie Vaillancourt St. Joseph Sister Geri Rogers (not pictured)

NEWS HERALD

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

2017 Jubilarians 15 YEARS Father Larry LoMonaco Father Peter K. Nouck

30 YEARS

35 YEARS

Father Oscar Paniagua, CSsR

Father John Carney, CM

YEARS

55 YEARS

60 YEARS

65 YEARS

Totaro, SJ

Abbot Oscar Burnett, OSB

Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin

Father Joseph Elzi, CM

15 YEARS

20 YEARS

Deacon Scott McNabb Deacon Roland Geoffroy

Deacon James Gorman Deacon Matthew Reilly

40 YEARS

45 YEARS

Deacon Sidney Huff Deacon Ronald Sherwood

55 YEARS

St. Joseph Sister John Christopher

Deacon Ralph Eckoff

60 YEARS

Mercy Sister Therese Galligan

70 YEARS

Mercy Sister Alma Pangelinan

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catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 18B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A JOYFUL MINISTRY: BISHOP CURLIN CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD

‘60 years later, I am still excited about being a priest’ C

SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

hampion of the poor, comforter of the sick and dying, friend of St. Teresa of Calcutta, beloved pastor and third Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte – all are apt descriptions of Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin, who celebrated his 60th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood May 25.

Bishop Curlin celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in honor of his 60th jubilee on May 20 at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, surrounded by brother priests, friends and fellow members of the Order of Malta with whom he has served alongside for decades.

During his homily, Bishop Curlin reminisced about his life as a priest.

“I remember ordination eve, we were at Catholic University … I remember I was so excited thinking about what was going to happen tomorrow, to become a priest.

I went down to the chapel around midnight. I remember going back to my room and getting dressed in the morning. I was so excited to be a priest,” he recalled.

“I can say 60 years later, I am still excited about being a priest. I love it. I thank God every day that despite all my limitations, my lack of talents and I am sure my many mistakes, that God allowed me to be a priest.”

Bishop Curlin shared what Washington Bishop John McNamara had told him just days after ordaining him to the priesthood in 1957: his whole family that had been at the ordination Mass – parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. – would all die over time, leaving him increasingly alone.

“Bishop McNamara said, ‘If you love the people that you serve, ask nothing but to love and accept them.

They will become your family.’ And this morning, you

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

A JOYFUL MINISTRY: BISHOP CURLIN CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD On Mother Teresa Bishop Curlin was a longtime friend and confessor of St. Teresa of Calcutta. He met Mother Teresa in the early 1970s when he was the pastor of a poor parish in Washington, D.C. Their friendship lasted more than 20 years, until her death in 1997. He collaborated with her on several projects in the U.S., especially the Gift of Peace Home for AIDS patients, which opened in 1983 in Washington, D.C. And her ministry, the Missionaries of Charity, has a convent in east Charlotte where members of her order have cared for the poorest and most vulnerable since 1995, when Mother Teresa visited Charlotte and was keynote speaker for an ecumenical prayer service at the Charlotte Coliseum for more than 19,000 people.

After her death, Bishop Curlin was one of those asked to contribute to the official investigation of her life for the cause for her canonization. She was declared a saint in 2016.

“She saw with an inner vision,” said Bishop Curlin during a memorial Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral two years after her death. “She saw with her heart. It was her belief that if you want to touch God, you reach down and touch a crying child, a dying person, you feed the homeless or just reach out to the broken-hearted.” That, he recalled, is where Mother Teresa said you will find Jesus, in the least among us.

“The greatest miracle of her life was ... one tiny little woman who had only faith and love ...

And with those two virtues, she raised the hearts of the world.” With this, he said, she inspired countless millions to want to do the same.

Bishop Curlin notes that “All for Jesus” was her motto, and she really believed through each of us, Jesus is made present in this world.

“Mother believed that Christians should be possessed by Jesus alone, and that love drives them out to the streets to serve the most needy. She said the greatest hunger is not physical hunger; it is the emptiness of God in us crying out for the fullness of God. The greatest hunger is for God, even if we don’t know Him.” He adds, “It’s your life that proves you are a Christian ... The love that comes out of you which is Christ-centered and reaches another person.”

“Her joy was a gift, one of the precious gifts we need in the world today,” he says with admiration, adding that he tries to practice this wherever he goes. are all my family… God knows I try my best to love you as best I can.”

Bishop Curlin reminisced about the long days he spent, especially as a young priest, visiting the sick, responding to emergency calls and offering the sacraments.

“As a young priest, I had boundless energy. I was always working … I look back and think what wonderful days. I miss the energy I had at that age!

“To be a priest, you say to yourself, ‘This man or this woman, a young person – they come to me expecting to find and see Jesus.’

It’s not a job. It’s not just vestments. We’re supposed to reflect in our life an intimacy so profound that you see the presence of Jesus.”

At the conclusion of the anniversary Mass, Father Mark Lawlor, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church, thanked Bishop Curlin for his unfailing presence at the parish over the past two decades. He has dedicated the church building, the columbarium, the parish ministry center and the daily Mass chapel.

“You are always welcome here,” Father Lawlor told him.

He also read a letter to Bishop Curlin from the Holy See, written by Angelo Becciu, an assistant to the Holy Father and a delegate for the Knights of Malta: “Your Excellency, the Holy Father was pleased to learn that you will soon celebrate the 60th anniversary of your priestly ordination and he has asked me to convey his good wishes and his assurance of his closeness in prayer.

Photos provided by the Catholic Standard; Catholic News Herald archives

(Above) His longtime friend Mother Teresa of Calcutta is the subject of many of Bishop Curlin’s talks and homilies because of how the future saint inspired him in his own ministry. “You must never close your heart to Jesus,” he recalls her saying, and he often remarks, “I believe that she helped me more than I ever helped her.”

(Right) Bishop Curlin is most at home talking with people, either individually, during homilies at Mass, or at retreats and talks he delivers. He also has a special devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes and the ministry of the Order of Malta, which accompanies sick pilgrims to the holy shrine in France each year.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Watch an exclusive interview with Bishop Emeritus William Curlin, read his pastoral letter “Of One Heart and One Mind,” and learn more about his devotion to Lourdes “On this happy occasion, His Holiness joins you in thanking almighty God for the many blessings bestowed on the Church throughout your priestly and Episcopal ministry. He prays that your Apostolic labors to spread the Gospel will continue to bear abundant fruit. The building up of Christ’s body in faith, hope and love.”

The Order of Malta also honored Bishop Curlin with a reception after Mass, during which he was given an album containing letters of congratulations from the Vatican, archbishops and bishops from around the U.S., and photos of him serving in ministry throughout the years.

He was presented with a video of people wishing him a happy anniversary, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore.

Joe Tronco of the Order of Malta served as emcee at the reception. He and several Knights and Dames of the order recounted Bishop Curlin’s tireless efforts to start the order in the Charlotte diocese and expand the charitable works of the organization.

“I think about 60 years, and even the five

years in the seminary before that – you have about two-thirds of a century this man has given to helping other people,” Tronco said. “And the last 23 years here in Charlotte. I don’t know how we were so blessed. I think God did have a mission.”

Tronco has witnessed firsthand the influence Bishop Curlin has had on so many lives, in the diocese and the U.S., as well as in Lourdes with the Knights of Malta.

When Tronco asked Cardinal Dolan if he would share the message for Bishop Curlin’s 60th anniversary, he quickly agreed.

“He (Cardinal Dolan) said, ‘Father Bill?

Bill Curlin?’ He said, ‘Of course I will give him a message,’” Tronco recalled.

During the reception, the board of Holy Angels of Belmont also presented Bishop Curlin with an award for his longtime service to their ministry, dedicating the new and improved clinic at Holy Angels in his name.

It will now be called the Bishop Curlin Clinic.

Tronco shared some of the board’s reasons for doing so, paraphrasing some of their comments: “Ever since Bishop Curlin has come to Charlotte, he has come to Holy Angels for Christmas to spend time with those children of God who may not quite know who he is but he brings a smile and joy to their lives. So they look forward to him coming. He is always giving of himself.”

BISHOP, SEE page 21B

19B

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 20B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A JOYFUL MINISTRY: BISHOP CURLIN CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD

‘Father Bill’ shares his love of Jesus with everyone Dean DeBuck Special to the Catholic News Herald

May 25, 1957 – Ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Patrick O’Boyle at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, D.C. 1957 – Assistant to Bishop John McNamara, St. Gabriel’s Parish in Washington, D.C. 1964 – Assistant Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Takoma Park, Md. 1967 – Assistant Director of Vocations for Men and Assistant at St. Ann’s Parish in Washington, D.C. 1968 – Director of Vocations for Men and Director of Formation Program, Catholic University of America, for Washington candidates for the priesthood 1969 – Appointed Chaplain to Pope Paul VI 1970 – Pastor of Old St. Mary’s Church in Washington, D.C.; Director of Vocations for Men and Director of Permanent Diaconate Program for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. 1978 – Appointed Prelate of Honor by Pope John Paul II 1983 – Pastor of Nativity Church in Washington, D.C. 1988 – Ordained as Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, D.C.

Diocese of Charlotte Archives

Bishop William Curlin and Bishop Joseph Gossman of the Diocese of Raleigh review their joint pastoral letter, “Of One Heart and One Mind,” crafted in November 1997 to appeal to both dioceses in North Carolina “to reach out to those in dire economic need.”

On those in economic need In November 1997, Bishop Curlin and Raleigh Bishop Joseph Gossman appealed to their dioceses with a plea to all of the state’s people, “of good will to reach out to those in dire economic need.” In their pastoral letter “Of One Heart and One Mind,” the two bishops invited “Tar Heel Catholics and their neighbors in business, government and the community to ways of ensuring economic justice for ev­eryone.” The pastoral letter expressed urgent concern on a specific topic and called the Church to swift and sincere action.

From the pastoral letter: “... As followers of Jesus Christ our Lord, and as pastoral leaders of the Roman Catholic commu­nity in North Carolina, we feel compelled to express our grave con­cern for the children, women and men in our state who lack suffi­cient economic means to live full and fruitful lives.”

“We write to ask you, our sis­ters and brothers, to embrace with us our Church’s responsibility to help shape our world so that the God-given dignity of every human being will be acknowledged, respected and protected.”

On those with AIDS Bishop Curlin has also been known for his support of those suffering from HIV/AIDS. When the AIDS crisis was still new and many people were afraid to even touch those suffering from the incurable illness, he helped to establish Gift of Peace, a resi­dential home for people with AIDS in Washington, D.C., run by Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, and he served as its chaplain.

When he moved to Charlotte, he encouraged support for the Sisters of Mercy’s House of AIDS, a residence in Belmont that was founded in 1991 for low-income AIDS patients who could no longer care for themselves.

He also celebrated a special healing Mass for people with HIV or AIDS, as well as their families, friends and caregivers at St. Patrick Cathedral on July 26, 1994. For the diocese, it was a first. Twenty-three priests concelebrated the healing Mass as Bishop Curlin offered people who suffer from or deal with the deadly disease the as­surance of Christ’s love.

“We’re not here because it’s the thing to do,” he said in his homily. “We’re not here for some political reason. We’re not here for any­thing except this: That we believe there is a God of mercy and love and heal­ing power.”

On Lourdes

1994 – Installed as Bishop of Charlotte September 2002 – Retired as Bishop of Charlotte

Bishop Curlin has had a longtime devotion to Lourdes, France, and to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (Knights of Malta) which helps lead annual pilgrimages for the sick to this shrine and miraculous place of healing.

It was in Lourdes that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the young Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 and revealed herself as the “Immaculate Conception.” She also told Bernadette to dig in the ground at a certain spot and to drink from the small spring of water that began to bubble up. Almost immediately cures were reported from drinking the water. Today, millions of pilgrims each year come to Lourdes to drink or bathe in water flowing from a spring in the grotto.

The Knights of Malta ful­fill dreams for dozens of afflicted individuals who would otherwise only yearn for the blessing rendered in Lourdes. Malades (French for ailing or invalid) and their compan­ions are escorted by members of the Federal Association, headquar­tered in Washington, D.C., on the annual pilgrim­age.

Bishop Curlin, a chaplain for the Federal As­sociation, often accompanied the group on their pilgrimage.

“When you think about it, ev­erybody goes to Lourdes as a malade,” he once said. “Each of us has some heartache in our life.”

Pilgrims don’t travel to Lourdes for a physical healing, he said. “They go for a greater courage, a deeper faith, the ability to face life and not be conquered by it.”

This year Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin celebrates his 60th anniversary as a priest. His calling has touched so many lives throughout the U.S. and the world.

Truly “Father Bill” is a man who found his calling when he was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., in 1957.

Father Bill has a gift of gab that anyone would marvel at. He has never met a stranger or someone he doesn’t have the inclination to inspire, engage or help. He shares the same joy with everyone he meets.

He had a close relationship with Mother Teresa, visiting her to give retreats in India as well as ministering to her congregations in the U.S. He has rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous and the down and out, and he engages them all with the same level of kindness and priority. He has a gift to touch hearts through his homilies or more intimately at retreats for priests and the religious.

His last Christmas letter recounted the time he was able to spend with a dying child and how privileged he felt to have the chance to serve at that important moment in the family’s life. He recounted being called to the child’s home by his doctor, who told him the child would probably live only a few hours. Sensing that the child was frightened, Father Bill held him and asked him if he remembered the previous Christmas when he had been so excited about the Christmas decorations. Father Bill told him he would soon have a special Christmas, where Jesus would come and take him to “Christmas Land” and he would no longer suffer. The child began to smile and asked when Jesus would come. Father Bill told him he would soon fall asleep and be placed in the arms of Jesus. Soon after, the child died smiling.

Pastor, vocations director, monsignor, bishop and confessor to many – Father Bill’s real passion is to pastor people and to share their joys and sorrows along their spiritual journey.

Those who encounter him never know much about what is bothering him, other than a fierce determination to share his faith. He has experienced difficulties from his own medical battles with cancer, but these battles have enriched his ministering, as he knows first-hand the challenges that illness and aging bring.

At age 14 he started a budding career as a page for the Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal, and he was intrigued with the Washington political scene. But God had other plans for him that were shaped by his mother’s devotion to Mary and his own internal calling to be a parish priest.

As a young priest it was difficult to catch a few minutes with Father

Bill as he raced from a meeting or a hospital room to a phone call to listen to someone’s troubles or answer the door as someone came calling for a handout or a shoulder to cry on. But he was always respectful of people’s time and had a word of encouragement to offer everyone.

Not much has changed.

During Father Bill’s first assignment at St. Gabriel’s Parish in Washington, D.C., police called him when a man was poised to jump off the roof of a downtown hotel. Before doing so, the man had written a phone number on a slip of paper – it was the number of Father Bill’s church. Father Bill took the call and proceeded to the hotel. He climbed to the roof and spent over an hour talking to the young man.

He was able to convince him to move away from the edge, that jumping was not the answer to his problems.

Father Bill said later, “He was a troubled soul who needed prayers.”

The police sergeant said, “I do not know what Father said to the young man, but whatever it was, it was marvelous.”

Usually someone with those qualities does not have the ability to lead or serve as an administrator.

Father Bill found a way to keep funds flowing whether as the Bishop of Charlotte or at an impoverished inner city parish.

In the 1970s when he was pastor of Old St. Mary’s Church in northwest Washington, he brought together young suburban couples to clean the church, ensure the meals for the aging members continued and do what it took to keep the parish going. All of this he did while still ministering to new vocations and helping Mother Teresa open the Gift of Peace, a residential home for people with AlDS in northwest Washington, after the AIDS crisis emerged in the early 1980s.

To the priests he ordained, he urged them to value the privilege of offering Mass for their flocks, and to love them as Jesus loves them: “Say this Mass as if it is your first Mass, your last Mass, your only Mass.”

Truly, he believes, a parish priest without the love of his parishioners cannot find the joy that Jesus intends for him as a priest.

As he recently reflected on his journey, “God has been so good to me, and I hope to continue for another 10 years or until He calls me home.” He lives on his own in Charlotte and continues to say Mass for the Missionaries of Charity there. He continues to visit the sick and dying. He loves to hear from the many friends who have enriched his life with their love and faith.

Bishop Curlin – “Father Bill” to so many people – encourages us all, by word and example, to love one another as Christ loves us and to love Christ in one another. This is his continuing prayer for us all.

Dean DeBuck is a freelance writer from McLean, Va.

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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A JOYFUL MINISTRY: BISHOP CURLIN CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD ‘Throughout my life as a priest, I can honestly say I have tried my best to reflect the life of Jesus. I am sure I have made many mistakes, God forgive me. But they were not intentional.’

Bishop Curlin reminisces Editor’s note: On Feb. 4, 2000, Bishop William G. Curlin met with Campus Ministry retreat participants.

The bishop shared stories from 47 years of priesthood, ranging from his own ministry and stories of faith to vocations. He began by telling the college students, “I am a born optimist,” thus setting the tone of his comments. Following are excerpts from that talk: I was ordained in 1957 and was assigned to a very active parish, and became very involved with the parish and adjacent school. Frequently the Mother Superior would call me in to help with the children, which was a joyful task.

Soon after I was ordained, Pope Pius XII died in 1958 and out of nowhere came Pope John XXIII. We fell in love with him. He opened the doors to the Church. This Holy Father opened the world to us. He didn’t say to me as a priest, “Go out into the world and be worldly.” Rather, he challenged us to bring our deep sense of faith to the people. He encouraged us to take the Good News of Jesus out where the people are and see what they’re going through, and help nourish them in their journey.

In the priesthood, when people are hurting, you don’t say, “Well, I’ll say a prayer for you and offer a blessing.” You’ve got to be there and hold their hand, bind up their wounds.

I didn’t become a priest to swing incense, to light candles. Certainly these are important symbols, and I appreciate that. I became a priest because I wanted to take my faith in Jesus and let it grow, and then express that faith in a way that brings it to others.

Mother Teresa has been the greatest influence of my life. I think the Lord Himself sent her to me. God empowers me as Mother Teresa did.

“God sends you out,” she would say. “Go and find the poor, the hurting people.” It’s not a social thing, it’s not pity. Compassion: That is what Jesus had. So I believe He nourishes me through the Eucharist as I do with the faithful.

He heals me through confession when I make mistakes. He empowers me with the grace of confirmation with the Holy Spirit. He guides me in prayer. When I look around, I believe with my faith. I believe the face of God is here.

What is a Christian? It’s not a person who carries their faith on their sleeve. I think there are little conversions constantly; you begin to understand more. And grow with forgiveness, patience, kindness and love while seeing the face of God around us. This is nourished by the Eucharist and by prayers. It is nourished by the Scriptures and by people like you who inspire us. Gradually you grow in your faith and suddenly realize what St. Paul said, “It’s not me.

It’s Christ in me.”

If all this sounds too pious or idealistic, forgive me. It has made me very happy for 47 years. I believe we see Christianity in the presence of God you receive at baptism, and are powered by presence in the Eucharist and in sacrament and prayers. He walks the earth in you.

You have to keep growing in your life. Isn’t the Church asking us to study and come to retreats like this and to challenge one another? We’re trying to grow in Christ. We’re trying to build Christ in one another. When a mother picks up a child and nourishes that child, or holds him when he’s crying, it is Christ holding that child.

When you live in that vision, every day is beautiful. Every day is exciting. I am more excited now than when I was first ordained. I envy you because your life is here in front of you. And if I could, I would do it all over again.

— Catholic News Herald

BISHOP FROM PAGE 19B

Bishop Curlin recalled advice that St. Teresa of Calcutta gave him on his second visit to India: “She said to me, ‘When you feed a poor person, or look at someone who is hurting, your eyes reflect His love, your hands are His hands. Everything about you is Jesus.’

“Throughout my life as a priest, I can honestly say I have tried my best to reflect the life of Jesus.

I am sure I have made many mistakes, God forgive me. But they were not intentional.”

“I have often said to myself, if God would let me live another life here on earth, I would still say, ‘Lord, please give me the call to be one of your priests again.’ There have been difficult times, as in everyone’s life, but the Christ in you lifts you above these problems and you see them through your relationship with Jesus.”

Bishop Curlin explained that his ministry is to guide people, to offer the Eucharist and the sacraments, to nourish people so that they take their ministry outside the church walls.

“My job is to increase your ministry of Jesus,” he said. “Once you identify with Christ, everything changes. This life through you Christ shines. It’s not just you, it is God in you. Your hands are the hands of Jesus. He looks through your eyes. He speaks with your lips. The task of the priest is to keep that message alive, that hope alive, that presence alive in you.

“For 60 years, God in His mercy, has allowed me to be His priest that I might keep Him alive in you, in countless souls like you. That your ministry has increased His presence in the world and you might be living and joyful. That’s what I thank God for today.”

CCDOC.ORG

The staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte offer prayerful congratulations to Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin, as he celebrates the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

The Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corporation Congratulates our Founder Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin

A heartfelt thank you for all your efforts in shaping the Catholic Charities services of Burial Assistance and Elder Ministries.

We are privileged to work with you as we strengthen families, build communities, and reduce poverty across the Diocese of Charlotte.

on the 60th Anniversary of his priestly ordination.

May the Lord shower you with every Grace and Blessing!

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 22B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A JOYFUL MINISTRY: BISHOP CURLIN CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD

‘It is obvious he loves being a priest’ Priests reflect on their friend, mentor

M

any priests of the Diocese of Charlotte met Bishop William Curlin before he moved here in 1994, as he was the vocations director for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and visited many seminaries. Others came to know him as they enrolled in seminary here and were ordained by him. Here are some of their reflections about their friendship with him on the occasion of his 60th anniversary of the priesthood:

Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor of St. Pius X Church, Greensboro It was a privilege to live and work as Bishop Curlin’s priest secretary. As the bishop celebrates this milestone anniversary of ordination, I have to say it is not the length of his priesthood that impresses me but the love that he puts into it. His life is a life hitting its mark. I just can’t imagine him doing anything else as well or as excellent.

The metric of success for these 60 years of priesthood is the joy that he has brought to so many people through the conviction that they are loved by God. I love to make the bishop laugh, and while he may be one of the most genuinely pious priests I know, I have never sent him a religious card for any occasion. Instead, I look for something hilarious or ridiculous that I know with our sense of humor he will appreciate. It kind of keeps it real, like brothers and just good friends.

One of the great qualities of Bishop Curlin’s style of leadership was that he could change his mind. He might have, or the diocese might have, envisioned some direction or course for ministry and in the doing of it realized something else would be stronger, better suited or a more positive ministerial option for some very good reason. As bishop he would listen to his various councils, consultors and advisors among the laity. I appreciated his example of how the Church in this day and age can adapt to particular circumstances without compromising the mission or the splendor of God’s truth.

Father Brian Cook, pastor of St. Leo the Great Church, Winston-Salem Bishop Curlin and I have been friends for 53 years. He was the young assistant in my home parish and arrived there in 1964 just in time for my first Communion. He gave me my first Communion.

He was the driving influence on a personal level of my studying for the priesthood. He has an ability to draw people to himself; it’s not a personality thing, it’s ‘Come and see what the work of the Lord is about. Come and see the work of God’s mercy in action.’

The day I finally got the guts to go and talk to him about studying for the priesthood, I rang the rectory door and his secretary answered. I asked, ‘Is Monsignor here?’ And she said, ‘Well, sort of. He’s out back scrubbing out the dumpster.’ And he was!

He was the vocations director for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and accepted me into the program.

The night I told my parents I was going to study for the priesthood, he happened to drop by our house and we told them the news together.

He has been at every wedding, every family funeral – he’s just been an integral part of my family.

I think some of the qualities that make Bishop Curlin such a wonderful shepherd is that he understands what it means to be a compassionate shepherd. He understands what it means to bring people along, to accept them where they are on their journey of faith and invite them to grow.

He has the personal touch. When he was the pastor of a very poor parish in Washington, he had the ability to bring people from all over the Washington area to worship and then to serve. He has always seen the intimate connection between faith and putting that faith into action.

We scrubbed floors, we helped the elderly people in the projects across the street with their needs. We had a soup kitchen for them. He was back in the kitchen making soup, ladling soup. There was no work in that parish that he was not a part of.

I watched him transform the lives of priests who were having a tough time, including myself in my own career.

When I was a newly ordained priest, I was sitting in my office in a suburban parish in Maryland one night when I heard a tap on my office window. It was Monsignor Curlin, so I ran to the door and let him in. He said he’d just gotten off a plane from New York City and had a meeting with Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and she wanted to open a house in Washington for people with HIV/AIDS. He said, ‘Would you be interested in helping me with that work?’ I gulped and said, ‘Yeah, I sure would. I’m in!’ So that was a huge privilege for me as a young priest. It was a marvelous experience. Once again, that kind of tender and compassionate care was evident.

If I’ve done anything good in my priesthood, chances are Bishop Curlin had something to do with it because he taught me everything I know. That sense of accepting people where they are, to not judge people, to always remember God’s mercy.

The impact he has had for me personally, for the people at the parishes where he has served, for residents at the Gift of Peace home (in Washington, D.C.) – in a whole myriad of ways he has been able to spread the heart of the Gospel of mercy, the compassion and the joyful hope of the Gospel. That is a precious legacy.

Father Paul Gary, pastor of St. Luke Church, Mint Hill I have known Bishop Curlin from my days as a seminarian at Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Md. He was Monsignor Curlin in those days and vocation director of the Archdiocese of Washington. I always enjoyed his visits. He would celebrate Mass in the seminary chapel and talk to us about his life and experiences as a priest. He talked to us about serving the poor, visiting the sick and meeting famous people like Mother Teresa of Calcutta. It is obvious he loves being a priest. The joy of serving God and God’s people is evident in his life.

I was delighted when Bishop Curlin was appointed the

Catholic News Herald archives

third Bishop of Charlotte because I knew he would bring those gifts with him. Priests need a role model in their life.

His happiness and enthusiasm served as an inspiration to us. We knew Bishop Curlin loved his priests. He looked after those who were sick or struggling in their lives with great charity and patience. He attracted many priests from outside the diocese to serve in North Carolina, and he took an active interest in promoting vocations.

St. John Paul II told bishops in the United States in 1987 that their pastoral identity as bishops was a daily call to conversion and holiness of life. I see that most clearly in the life of Bishop William George Curlin.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Father Arnsparger, diocesan vicar of education, celebrates 40th jubilee SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

TRYON — A Kentucky native and Catholic convert, Father Roger Arnsparger is celebrating four decades of priestly ministry this year. He is the pastor of St. John the Baptist Church and serves as the vicar of education for the Diocese of Charlotte.

Father Arnsparger grew up in what he calls a “Catholic neighborhood” and had Catholic friends.

Arnsparger “My older brother converted after returning from his service in the Army. I began asking him and friends about the history and teachings of the Church. Then I began attending Mass and studying the Mass and Church teachings. It was a great time,” he recalls.

Father Arnsparger says he first realized he had a call to serve the Church as an adult.

“I had a desire to be a minister in my Church. After converting I saw the joy and work of the priests in my town and felt drawn to that,” he says.

While in the seminary, Father Arnsparger took his philosophy courses at St. Pius X College Seminary in the Diocese of Covington, Ky. His theological studies were at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

He was ordained to the priesthood on May 14, 1977, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Ky., by Bishop Richard H. Ackerman.

Father Arnsparger has served in many parishes during his 40 years of ministry,

as well as at high schools where he taught religion classes.

“I have been blessed to serve as parochial vicar in three parishes while teaching high school religion part time,” he notes. “I then taught religion for five years full time. In 1986 I was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Corbin, Ky., where I had served as a transitional deacon. I continued to teach high school religion for several years while pastor there.

“In all, I taught high school religion for 14 years. I was at Sacred Heart Parish for 13 years,” he says.

After he moved to the Diocese of Charlotte, Father Arnsparger has served as pastor of St. Barnabas Church in Arden, St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia and St. Mark Church in Huntersville before he was assigned to the Tryon parish.

“I have always taught RCIA classes, CCD classes and adult education classes, meeting great people and enjoying the communal aspect of studying the faith together,” he says.

What he enjoys most about his priestly ministry is “the daily Mass, the sacraments and the interaction with the parishioners in their spiritual growth, attention to their families, their love of the Church and their love for their families.”

What is one thing he has learned about being a priest over the past 40 years? “To listen attentively and be available,” he replies.

In his spare time, Father Arnsparger loves to study history, architecture and art.

“And I love to travel,” he adds.

He advises men discerning a vocation to the priesthood to “take time to be involved in parish life, find a priest spiritual director and listen attentively to your folks and fellow parishioners. Enjoy the time of your discernment. Make good memories.”

What Father Arnsparger enjoys most about his priestly ministry is ‘the daily Mass, the sacraments and the interaction with the parishioners in their spiritual growth, attention to their families, their love of the Church and their love for their families.’

Congratulations!

Father Matthew Bean We send our prayers and good wishes to you as you begin your priestly ministry.

Knights of Columbus Council #6700 Gastonia, NC

The Staff and Parishioners of St. Therese Catholic Church in Mooresville, NC Wish prayerful best wishes to

Fr. Vince Curtin, S.J., Fr. Don Ward, S.J., Fr. Dominic Totaro, S.J., and Fr. Frank Reese, S.J. as they begin their new assignments!

Fr. Vince Curtin, S.J. will be a Senior Priest at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Portland, Maine.

Fr. Dominic Totaro, S.J. will be a consultant on the Spiritual Exercises for communities in Washington, DC residing at Gonzaga High School.

Fr. Don Ward, S.J. will be a Priest in Residence at Sacred Heart Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Fr. Frank Reese, S.J. will join the community of Senior Jesuits at St. Claude de Colombiere house in Baltimore, Maryland.

We have been privileged to have you lead us at St. Therese and will miss you greatly!

May our prayers and good wishes go with you as you continue your ministry to God’s people.

You Parish family thanks you for your many years of faithful service!

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 24B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘I feel truly blessed to have been called to the priesthood’

Father Putnam marks 25th anniversary SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

HUNTERSVILLE — Father John Putnam, pastor of St. Mark Church in Huntersville, celebrates 25 years of priestly ministry this year. He was ordained to the priesthood by the late Bishop John Donoghue, the second bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte on May 30, 1992.

Over the past 25 years, Father Putnam has continued his studies, specializing in canon law and accepting several positions at parishes around the diocese.

“As I reflect over these past 25 years of priestly ministry, I am amazed at all that the Lord has accomplished in the diocese,” Father Putnam says. “In 1992 I would have never imagined that we would have our own college seminary program or that the diocese would have grown so quickly.”

His first assignment was as interim parochial vicar of St. Lucien Church in Spruce Pine and St. Bernadette Mission in Linville. Since then he has also served as parochial vicar of Holy Family Church in Clemmons and as the administrator of Holy Infant Church in Reidsville. He served as sacramental minister of St. Joseph Church in Eden as well.

Father Putnam also served as pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, a position he held for 15 years. Since 2003, he has held the position of judicial vicar for the diocese, overseeing the marriage tribunal. He has also served the diocese as tribunal assessor, tribunal judge, vicar forane for the Salisbury Vicariate and interim vocation director.

“As the judicial vicar I have to approach my ministry on both a parochial and diocesan level,” he explains. “This can be a challenge at times because competing goods

can often make you feel spread thin. Yet, it also has given me the ability not to become too parochial and help my parishioners understand that there is something bigger than ourselves.”

Various boards and councils he has served on include the Priest Vocations Board, Presbyteral Council, College of Consultors, Priest Personnel Committee and the Eucharistic Congress Steering Committee.

When asked in 2012 about what he enjoys most about his priestly ministry, Father Putnam stated that in addition to the celebration of the Photo provided by Amy Burger sacraments, he cherishes Father John Putnam is pictured greeting parishioners after celebrating a Mass of Thanksgiving for his 25 years being able to celebrate of priestly ministry May 28 at St. Mark Church in Huntersville, where he has served as pastor since 2014. He was significant milestones in presented with a gift of a silver paten and chalice by Billie Mobley, president of the Te Deum Foundation. the lives of parishioners and parish families.

He also shared that one of been called to the priesthood,” he says. “The people I the biggest lessons he has learned as a priest is, “Don’t have encountered over the years have helped me become forget that God’s in charge and sometimes you just have to the priest I am today, and I am forever grateful for their get out of the way.” patience and love. It is a wonderful life and, God willing, I “Over the years you experience many joys and will be able to continue living it faithfully and fruitfully.” heartaches; yet, above all, I feel truly blessed to have

The indelible mark on the souls of priests comes with the power of the priesthood and it conforms them to Christ.

Their hands have been consecrated so that whatever they bless may be blessed, whatever they consecrate may become holy and sacred in the name of the Lord Jesus. Let all who would live in Christ flock to their priests. ~ Pope Pius XII

May 30, 1992 Father John Putman was received into the priesthood.

June 17, 2017 Fathers Peter Ascik, Matthew Bean, Brian Becker, Christopher Bond and Christian Cook were received into the priesthood.

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

Father Codd celebrates five years of priesthood

Father LoMonaco reflects on priesthood CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte is blessed to have many priests celebrating special jubilee anniversaries this year. Father Larry LoMonaco, pastor of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory, is celebrating 15 years of priestly ministry.

He shares this reflection with the Catholic News Herald on the occasion of his anniversary: As I reflect on my 15 years of ordained ministry serving our Lord, Jesus Christ, through a vocation to the priesthood, I can’t believe it has gone by so quickly. I have been told that when you love your job, you never work a day in your life. I now know that to be true. I also know LoMonaco that time flies when you are having fun.

I love serving our Lord and His people because it is exceptionally fulfilling and never boring. Each new day is a wonderful new gift that I get to open one day at a time.

My vocation has challenged me more than I ever thought possible. I am comforted by the fact that every time I have prayed for wisdom and courage to do God’s will, I have received the divine guidance I need to use my gifts for the greater glory of God. I always begin the day with prayer and I try to pray for at least a half hour. Jesus is my best friend, so I always make time for Him first thing in the morning. I always pray my breviary, not just because I have vowed to do that for myself and the entire Church, but because it is my daily spiritual “gas station.” Personal prayer also helps me

to stay focused on my mission and ministry.

As I get older, I have less mental and physical energy, so I have learned to take better care of myself. No one is going to do that for me; it is up to me. I exercise and eat a healthy diet. I have discovered that food is an occupational hazard for a priest, so I try to eat less and enjoy it more. Boundaries and balance are essential ingredients to this vocation.

I enjoy spending time with people, but I also need time alone to relax and recharge.

When I start feeling the urge to push people away, I know it is time for me to get away. Taking a day off is not negotiable.

Jesus needed time alone during His ministry. Just one day alone at my house in McDowell County makes all the difference.

I try to treat everyone with respect and dignity. I believe it is appropriate to expect the same in return.

I have discovered the value of spiritual renewal by embarking on pilgrimages to holy places: the Holy Land, Lourdes, Fatima, Santiago de Compostella, Assisi, Orvieto, Siena, Florence and Rome. I have a pilgrimage planned to Poland.

There never seems to be enough time to accomplish all the duties as the pastor of a rather large parish, but I always make time for the most essential aspect of ministry: leading souls to heaven. The primary mission of the Catholic Church is the salvation of souls, so I try to make that the focus of my ministry.

I love to preach at Mass, but I know that I have to practice what I preach in order to be a witness to our faith. Our Lord never promised that serving Him would be easy. However, He showed us that it is worth every ounce of effort because the benefits are out of this world!

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

25B

BOONE — Five years ago this June, Father Matthew Codd was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Peter Jugis at St. Mark Church in Huntersville. Now pastor of St. Elizabeth Church in Boone, the Asheville native Father Codd recently took time to share some insights about himself and his ministry with the Catholic News Herald: CNH: When did you realize you had a call to the priesthood?

Father Codd: I received my call during my junior year in college, while at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. I had never really considered priesthood before then.

CNH: Where did you attend seminary?

Father Codd: I attended Mount Saint Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Md., for all six years.

CNH: What assignments have you had over the past five years?

Father Codd: I was parochial vicar of St. Mark Church in Huntersville for two years; parochial vicar of St. Aloysius Church in Hickory for one year; and pastor of St. Elizabeth Church in Boone for two years now.

Codd

CNH: What do you enjoy most about your priestly ministry?

Father Codd: I enjoy living for God and not for myself, through sacrificing myself for God and the souls He has entrusted to me. Whether that is through preaching, the sacraments, catechesis, or anything else, I simply enjoy living for God as a priest and having that one singular and beautiful purpose.

CNH: What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned over the past five years, especially as a pastor?

Father Codd: There has been an ever-deepening awareness of the depth of both the cross and of the joy of priesthood. So the biggest lesson would probably be how to rely as completely as possible on the wisdom and grace of God. CNH: What advice would you give to a man discerning a vocation to the priesthood?

Father Codd: I would remind him of the beauty of priesthood and all of its blessings and joys, and that God is so intimately close to those who serve Him in this vocation.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

Faith. Knowledge. Success.

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School is proud to have helped in the education of our graduates Father Paul McNulty and the newly ordained Father Brian Becker.

3100 Park Road | Charlotte, NC 28209 | 704.527.7822 | htcms.org

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 26B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind.

1 Samuel 2:35

The Education Vicariate congratulates

Very Reverend Roger K. Arnsparger, VE on his 40th anniversary to the priesthood!

With love and gratitude from Campus & Young Adult Ministry Office Evangelization & Adult Education Office Catholic Schools Office Faith Formation Office Office for Youth Ministry The mission of the Education Vicariate is to assist in the implementation of the Bishop’s vision for education in the Diocese of Charlotte. The love of Christ impels us to transmit the Gospel and thus invite people to a personal and intentional faith in Jesus Christ.

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

27B

Father Herbert Burke (second from left), pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City, celebrated his 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood with a dinner June 10, hosted by the Knights of Columbus, and a reception after both Masses June 11. Members of the Ladies Guild presented him with a scrapbook containing photos and notes from parishioners. The cover of the scrapbook featured a photo of the apse mural that Father Burke was instrumental in designing.

Besides parishioners of Immaculate Conception, the celebration was attended by Father Burke’s sister Frances and husband from New Jersey, brother Tom Burke from Black Mountain, and Father Michael Kottar, pastor of St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Shelby.

Giuliana Polinari Riley | Catholic News Herald

Published author, Air Force veteran Father Burke marks 25th anniversary SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

FOREST CITY — Catholics surfing the internet may have come across Father Herbert Burke, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church. He has a YouTube channel and his eight published books are available online. Father Burke is also an Air Force veteran who celebrates 25 years of priesthood this month.

A graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary Emmitsburg, Md., Father Burke was ordained in June 1992 by Cardinal James Hickey at St. Matthew Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Father Burke was assigned to Immaculate Conception in Forest City in July 2001. When he arrived, the parish campus consisted of four acres. After his arrival, the parish purchased four plots of adjacent property with a total acreage of 30 acres. But the parish didn’t stop there.

In 2010, a stone Gothic 650-seat church was built adjacent to the old church. He spearheaded the $4 million project, greatly

influencing the design with the architects.

The church is filled with inspiring artwork and custom-wrought stained glass windows. Father Burke sought to make the church as beautiful as possible, saying, “The beauty of the church will lead people to the beauty of the faith… Nobody wants to go to an ugly church on Sunday.”

Since his arrival at the parish, the congregation has more than tripled in size, especially the Latino community. Spiritual activities have increased greatly with an emphasis on Eucharistic Adoration.

In 2015, Father Burke was appointed by Bishop Peter Jugis as vicar forane for the Gastonia Vicariate.

When asked what he enjoys most about his priestly ministry, Father Burke says, “I enjoy watching God in action in my life and in others’ lives, whether I am His direct instrument in bringing positive change to people’s lives or whether I am peripheral.”

Some of the biggest lessons he has learned in his 25 years of priestly ministry are that “it is important to always remember that your emotional support

comes primarily from your family and your priest friends; it should never come primarily from the laity.”

Priests are there to support the laity, he stresses. “It doesn’t mean that they can’t give you some degree of support, but it is always important to maintain that professional boundary. Even if you are over a parishioner’s house for dinner you are at work for God.” Father Burke also believes it is important for priests to use all resources at their disposal to strengthen their parishioners.

“It is important not just to try to help the weak ones, but the strong ones as well,” he explains. “I believe if you make the strong ones stronger, they will help you strengthen the weaker ones through their spiritual fellowship.”

He maintains a strong devotion to the rosary and the Miraculous Medal. He has given his personal witness talk at parishes and schools in many different states, and has given out more than 20,000 Miraculous Medals and finger rosaries with his talks.

He has eight published books with

Queenship Publishing (www.queenship. org). His first book, “A Scriptural Catechism,” has sold almost 30,000 copies.

His second bestselling book, “The Rosary is the Answer,” is carried by EWTN. He encourages priests not to be afraid to “innovate and develop new tools that may not be available for you already. That is why I wrote my own catechism which has sold almost 30,000 copies already, because I felt that the ones that were available did not contain enough apologetics.”

Father Burke’s most recent venture is a YouTube channel called “Father Burke,” with his two most popular talks: “The Rosary, the Bible, and the Eucharist” and “If God is good why does He allow evil?”

He says he developed the channel to reach people who are not big readers.

His advice for men discerning the priesthood? “Make sure that our Eucharistic Lord is your best friend through daily Adoration as much as possible and Our Lady is your second-best friend through the daily rosary.”

— Immaculate Conception Parish contributed.

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 28B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Congratulations to Father Herbert T. Burke, V.F. Pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on the occasion of your 25th anniversary of ordination to the Holy Priesthood.

Ordained June 6, 1992 by His Eminence James Cardinal Hickey, St. Matthew’s Cathedral

Ordination Reception June 6, 1992

Sacred Heart mural at the entrance of the new church designed

by Fr. Burke & Lisa Autry

Immaculate Conception in Forest City, NC dedicated in 2010

The parish community has a heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for all the time and effort that Fr. Burke has given to accomplish the work of God. We are blessed as a parish and community in Rutherford County to be a part of his ministry.

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

29B

15 permanent deacons celebrate jubilee anniversaries Deacon John Martino Special to the Catholic News Herald

Ministering in their new hometown

CHARLOTTE — This year marks milestone anniversaries for 15 permanent deacons in the Diocese of Charlotte.

From the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the states of Arizona, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Georgia, Rhode Island and Tennessee, these 15 deacons have journeyed to serve the people in the Charlotte diocese. Whether through family ties, employment opportunities or retirement, the guidance of the Holy Spirit has brought these men to the Triad, Piedmont and mountains of North Carolina. As part of a vibrant and strong diaconate within the Charlotte diocese, we celebrate their anniversaries with great joy.

From the day of their ordination, the lives of these deacons have changed and so have the lives of the many people touched by their ministry. Today it is with the loving support and encouragement of their wives, families and friends, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that they joyfully continue their call to serve.

Pope Paul VI once said, “The deacon is meant to be a living sign of the servanthood of Christ’s Church.”

Even a deacon’s vestments depict the reality that his ordination is one of service.

The stole worn over the left shoulder and fastened to the side represents his ministry of service as teacher and messenger of the Gospel. He also wears the dalmatic, which reflects his ministry of charity to serve those who are most in need.

Relying always on the knowledge that God cares for and loves them, and that He will not abandon them, deacons faithfully serve God and His people every day.

granted retirement in December 2009, he continues to faithfully serve his parish and the diocese.

45 years

35 years

Deacon Ralph Eckoff, 86, and his wife Ruth live in Asheville. He was ordained in Phoenix, Ariz., in 1972 and was a member of the first class in the Diocese of Phoenix. He was also the 60th deacon ordained in the United States.

In coming to North Carolina, he was assigned to St. Margaret Mary Parish in Swannanoa in 2003. He was granted formal retirement in 2006 and continues in limited ministry.

40 years

Deacon Ronald Sherwood, 76, was ordained in the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, in 1977. He and his wife Vicky live in Charlotte.

After moving to North Carolina, he was assigned to St. Mark Parish in Huntersville in 2004 and was incardinated to this diocese in 2009. He retired in 2013 and continues in limited ministry.

Deacon Sidney Huff, 81, was ordained on Dec. 11, 1977, for the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J. In 2007, he and his wife Elease moved to Monroe, where in August of that year he was granted faculties and was assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Being

Permanent deacons have come to serve in the Diocese of Charlotte from across the United States, and this year's deacon jubilarians hail from a variety of places.

NY

IN

AZ

NJ DE

OH

GA

FL

AK PR

Deacon John Zimmerle, 77, lives in Statesville. He was ordained for the Diocese of Paterson, N.J., on March 27, 1982, and also served in the Diocese of Trenton, N.J., before moving to North Carolina with his wife Ladis in 2001. Deacon Zimmerle was granted facilities in the diocese in 2001 and assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Mocksville. He retired in 2014 and retains his faculties to participate in liturgical functions and ministerial activities.

Deacon Anthony Marini, 86, was ordained for the Diocese of Rochester, N.Y., on April 17, 1982. In 1984, he and his wife Maria moved to Florida where he continued his ministry in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Fla. In 1993 he and his wife took up residence in North Carolina, where he has served as a seasonal deacon at St. William Parish in Murphy and at Immaculate Conception Parish in Hendersonville. He moved to the Diocese of St. Augustine, Fla., in 1997 and retired in 2004. He retains his diaconal faculties in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Deacon George Szalony, 76, was ordained on April 18, 1982, for the Archdiocese of Chicago. After ordination, Deacon Szalony served in the Diocese of Helena, Mont., and in the Diocese of Trenton. It was then that

Deacon Szalony and his wife Christine moved to Charlotte, where he was assigned in 1995 to St. Luke Parish in Mint Hill.

In 2001 he was appointed assistant director of formation and assigned to St. Gabriel Parish in Charlotte. During his diaconate service he has also served St. Ann Parish in Charlotte and served as diocesan director of formation from 2008 to 2011. In 2015 he retired and now continues his diaconal faculties as chaplain of airport ministry at CharlotteDouglas International Airport.

30 years

Deacon James Johnson, 80, and his wife Judith live in Soldotna, Alaska. Although he began his formation in Knoxville, Tenn., he completed his studies for the Charlotte diocese. He was ordained on June 27, 1987, at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton and served that same parish throughout his ministry.

He also served as diocesan coordinator for prison ministry and was the chaplain for Catholic Scouting for the diocese. In 2011 he retired, and in 2016 he and his wife moved to Alaska.

Deacon J. Patrick Crosby, 76, was ordained for the Diocese of Syracuse, N.Y., on Aug. 8, 1987. He and his wife Irene moved to the Hendersonville-Brevard area in 1999, when he was granted faculties and

assigned to Immaculate Conception Parish.

Then in late 2000 he was reassigned to Sacred Heart Parish in Brevard. He retired on July 1, 2014.

20 years

Deacon James Gorman, 73, was ordained for the Archdiocese of New York on June 7, 1997, by Cardinal John O’Connor. While in New York he served as pastoral minister at Nyack Hospital. In 2010 he and his wife Helen moved to Charlotte, and in 2011 he was granted faculties for the Charlotte diocese and assigned to St. John Neumann Parish in Charlotte.

Deacon Matthew Reilly, 73, was ordained on Sept. 20, 1997, for the Archdiocese of Washington by Cardinal James Hickey. On Feb. 2, 2007, he received faculties for the Charlotte diocese and was assigned to St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Statesville, where he served for seven years.

Currently, Deacon Reilly is assigned to Holy Spirit Parish in Denver. He and his wife Donna Marie live in Mooresville.

DEACONS, SEE page 31B

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 30B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

St. Matthew Catholic Church

Congratulates Father Brian Becker On The Occasion Of His Ordination To The Holy Priesthood

Congratulations, Fr. Barone, On Your Fifth Anniversary Of Priesthood From Your Family At St. Ann’s Parish

Our Congratulations Also To Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin Celebrating His 60th Anniversary Of His Ordination To The Holy Priesthood

And Best Wishes To All Priests, Deacons & Sisters Celebrating Jubilee Anniversaries This Year!

©2017 St. Ann Catholic Church

June 23, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

DEACONS FROM PAGE 29B

15 years

Deacon Scott McNabb, 67, and his wife Charlene are seasonal residents of North Carolina with permanent residence in Atlanta.

Deacon McNabb was ordained for the Archdiocese of Atlanta on Feb. 2, 2002, and is assigned to Christ the King Cathedral Parish in Atlanta. In receiving faculties for the Charlotte diocese in August 2013, he serves, when in residence, at Our Lady of the Mountains Mission in Highlands and St. Jude Mission in Sapphire.

Deacon Roland Geoffroy, 76, was ordained for the Diocese of Providence, R.I., on Oct. 18, 2002. After being granted faculties for the Charlotte diocese on Nov. 30, 2006, he was initially assigned to St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte. In June 2007, he was then assigned to serve at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. On March 7, 2016, Deacon Geoffroy was granted retirement and maintains ministerial activities when requested by his pastor. He and his wife Jacqueline live in Monroe.

31B

10 years

Deacon John Barone, 67, and his wife Ellen live in Brasstown.

He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Atlanta in 2007 and was assigned to St. Mark Parish in Clarkesville, Ga. On Jan. 20, 2010, he received faculties and was assigned to help the pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Andrews. Currently he is retired and is inactive as a deacon.

Deacon John Riehl, 69, and his wife Shirley live in Hendersonville.

Ordained for the Diocese of Knoxville, Tenn., on May 18, 2007, he was assigned to Holy Trinity Parish in Jefferson City, Tenn. After moving to the Charlotte area, he was granted faculties for the Charlotte diocese on Sept. 1, 2015, and assigned to St. John the Baptist Parish in Tryon.

His son, Father Christopher Riehl, has also served in the diocese.

5 Years Deacon Jose Vargas, 61, and his wife Maria are from Puerto Rico. He was ordained for the Diocese of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, on May 18, 2012. He is a seasonal resident of North Carolina and when in residence he serves at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in High Point. He helps with parish activities and assists with the Spanish-speaking community.

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

Consecrated religious jubilarians honored Feb. 4 CHARLOTTE — At the conclusion of the Mass for the World Day for Consecrated Life celebrated by Bishop Peter Jugis at St. Patrick Cathedral Feb. 4, 12 women religious were honored for their decades of service to the Church.

Religious sisters celebrating special jubilee anniversaries in 2017 include: Mercy Sister Alma Pangelinan (70 years); Mercy Sister Therese Galligan (60 years); St. Joseph Sister John Christopher (55 years); Mercy Sisters Carolyn Coll, Sister Jane Davis, Sister Rose Marie Tresp and Sister Donna Marie Vaillancourt (50 years); St. Joseph Sister Geri Rogers (50 years); Missionaries of Charity Sister M. Martinella (25 years); and Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul Sister Pushpa Jose, Sister Christie and Sister Agnes Maria (25 years).

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Celebrating Vocations

The Sisters of Mercy – South Central Community honors our sisters, priests and deacons on their jubilee anniversaries. We also celebrate the ordination of five new priests.

Sister Alma Pangelinan 70 years

Sister Therese Galligan 60 years

Sister Rose Marie Tresp 50 years

Sister Donna Marie Vaillancourt • 50 years

We congratulate Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin on his 60th anniversary.

Sister Carolyn Mary Coll 50 years

Sister Jane Davis 50 years

catholicnewsherald.com | June 23, 2017 32B CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD