Sept. 1, 2000

The Catholic News & Herald 1

September 1, 2000

September 1, 2000 Volume 9 t Number 44

Inside World Youth Day 2000

Papal Mass, vigil mark culmination of international event

...Page 5

Bishops urge advancing of common good

Local News Rev. Dr. Fred Dobens dies at age 65 ...Page 6

Servite priest prays for healing of body, soul

S e r v i n g C a t h o l i c s in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

Labor Day statement focuses on globalization, immigrants WASHINGTON (CNS) — Today’s good times of economic prosperity “can mask the growing gap between rich and poor,’’ the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Domestic Policy Committee warned in a message for Labor Day 2000. Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles said the jubilee year observance of the U.S. holiday, celebrated Sept. 4 this year, “is a good time to reflect on the progress and problems of the American economy and how it can serve all of God’s children.” Among the issues raised in his two-page message were: — The need for a “Catholic conversation on economic globalization,” especially about “who it lifts up and who it leaves behind.” — The responsibility of Catholic voters to “raise the ethical and moral questions surrounding the dignity of work and the rights of workers” during the 2000 campaign. — The obligation to seriously consider “a general amnesty for those workers who come to the U.S. fleeing oppression and destitution and who

Photo By Frank Bradley

In celebration of giving A family-style celebration honoring Sister Loretto John Meehan included naming a bridge in her honor. The Catholic sister, pictured at left, served for three decades in the western mountains. See stories, pages 8-9.

make significant contributions to our society.’’ The cardinal said immigrant workers deserve “the dignity and honor afforded all people.” “Many of these workers, regard-

less of their immigration status, have contributed greatly to the overall economy,” he said. “In exchange for their willingness to work

See Labor Day, page 14

Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Collection thanks those giving the best years of their lives By JIMMY ROSTAR Associate Editor Decades apart in age and years of priestly service, Fathers Joseph Kelleher and Christopher Davis nonetheless share a common bond — as servants of God who bring Christ to the faithful of western North Carolina. Priests of the Diocese of Charlotte, the two have chosen paths that bridge a sacred union between Christ and his people through innumerable ways: the sacraments, the celebration of Mass, pastoral outreach, a helping hand. For the priests who serve in these 46 counties, the community of

...Page 16

Every Week Entertainment ...Pages 10-11

Editorials & Columns ...Pages 12-13 “Human work proceeds directly from persons created in the image of God and called to prolong the work of creation by subduing the earth, both with and for one another.”

See RETIREMENT, page 11

— Catechism of the Catholic Church Photo by Jimmy Rostar

Father Joseph Kelleher serves up some fries at Bishop McGuinness High School. The diocesan priest firmly believes in what he calls a ministry of presence.