The Catholic News & Herald 1
December 7, 2001
December 7, 2001 Volume 11 t Number 13
Inside Greccio re-enactment brings creche story to life in Hickory
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
Advent Festival Our Lady of Mercy Parish — Winston-Salem
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CCHS students prove to be good sports
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Local News Advent 2001— Father James Hawker, pastor of St. Luke in Charlotte shares message for third week of Advent
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Infusing technology into ministry
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Dedicated Catholic solidifies faith life through diaconate
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Every Week Entertainment ...Pages 10-11
Editorials & Columns ...Pages 12-13 A Christian who has not learned to see and love Christ in his neighbor is not fully Christian. We are our brothers’ keepers; we are bound to each other by the bond of love — Pope John Paul II Insegnamenti IV, 1, 476-77
Photos by Barbara S. Baker
Our Lady of Mercy parish held an Advent Festival Dec. 2. The second annual festival invited children and families to learn about Advent, while making Advent crafts. Pictured clockwise from top: Alina and Andrew Lue make candles; Alisa Ortman helps her daughter, Amanda, make a Christmas wreath; members of the parish youth group, Chris Irons, Kelsey Redmond, Kristen Raliski, Emily Dillard, Phil Berry, D.J. High and Michael Metzbower work on crafts; Charles Sangueza applies glue on an Advent project; and Jacob Miller wears the Advent chain he’s preparing.
2 The Catholic News & Herald of volunteers helped build the home, including the family for whom it was built, family members and friends of the Catholic Daughters and student volunteer groups from local colleges. Volunteers from local parishes and businesses provided meals. The Catholic Daughters’ Minnesota state court sponsored the project. Bishop calls for prayerful support for all who live with HIV/AIDS WASHINGTON (CNS) — In a statement marking Dec. 1 as World AIDS Day, the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on African-American Catholics urged people to give prayerful support to those living with HIV/AIDS. “The actions of each one of us can make a difference,” Bishop J. Terry Steib of Memphis, Tenn., said. “Let us pray that we find words and actions, faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that will prevent the spread of HIV.” The bishop noted the “painful reality” that African-Americans account for 38 percent of total AIDS cases nationwide and make up 57 percent of total AIDS cases among women, 59 percent of new AIDS cases among children, and 39 percent of new cases among men. Churches have a role in preventing spread of AIDS, priest says WASHINGTON (CNS) — The nation’s religious denominations have a role to play in preventing the spread of AIDS, says a priest who is co-chair of the AIDS task force for Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican’s umbrella agency for international relief. “We need to do education for prevention,” said Father Robert Vitillo, who is also head of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the U.S. bishops’ domestic anti-poverty arm. “All churches need to be more sensitive to the impact of HIV/ AIDS.” On World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, an educational initiative was unveiled by the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, a group of 62 church-related organiza-
CNS photo from Reuters
Schoolboys look over nativity scene in Bethlehem church Palestinian Christian schoolboys look over a Nativity scene in a church in Bethlehem Nov. 29. Christmas activities in the town this year will be limited to religious services. The town announced that it will forgo the other usual yuletide trappings apart from a few lights and a tree in Manger Square. Bethlehem has been a flash point for violence since the Palestinians began an uprising 14 months ago. Catholic Daughters of Americas build sixth Habitat for Humanity home DILWORTH, Minn. (CNS) — Six years ago, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas were challenged to become one of the first women’s organizations to build a home for Habitat for Humanity. The group took up the challenge in Oklahoma City and has since helped build six other houses across the country, including their most recent home in Dilworth, in the Crookston Diocese. The Minnesota home was built this fall for a Kurdish and Muslim family who fled their home in Iraq and then spent four years in a Turkish refugee camp. Hundreds
Episcopal Decembe 7, 2001 Volume 11 • Number 13 Publisher: Most Reverend William G. Curlin Editor: Joann S. Keane Staff Writer: Alesha M. Price Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Sherill Beason 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $15 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $18 per year for all other subscribers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.
December 7, 2001
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Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events: December 12 — 4 p.m. Dedication of renovated chapel Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, Belmont December 15 — 10 a.m. Ordination to priesthood of Rev. Messrs. Adrian Porras and Christopher Roux St. Patrick, Charlotte December 24 — Christmas Eve Midnight Mass St. Patrick, Charlotte December 25 — Christmas 11 a.m. Mass St. Patrick, Charlotte 2 p.m. Mass Holy Angels, Belmont Dec. 31 — New Year’s Eve Midnight Mass St. Patrick, Charlotte
tions. Catholic representatives in the alliance, according to Father Vitillo, include Franciscans International and CIDSE, a France-based association of Catholic development agencies. Pope tells AIDS sufferers that church prays for them, will help VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope John Paul II promised the millions of people suffering from AIDS in the world that the Catholic Church prays for them, will help them and supports the search for a cure. “Dear brothers and sisters ill with AIDS, do not think you are alone. The pope is near to you with affection and supports you in your difficult journey,” the pope said Dec. 1, the U.N.-declared World AIDS
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Crescent Hill Dr., hosts eucharistic adoration on the following days: Friday mornings immediately following the 9 a.m. Mass until noon, Wednesday evenings from 7:30-8:15 p.m. and every first Friday from 9:30 a.m.-8:45 p.m. For more information, call the church at (828) 684-6098. ASHEVILLE — The Basilica of St. Lawrence, 97 Haywood St., hosts daily adoration from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call Jane Sorrells at (828) 298-0334. BELMONT — Belmont Abbey, 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Rd., hosts perpetual adoration in a chapel on the grounds. For volunteer and other information, call Marie Siebers at (704) 827-6734. CHARLOTTE — All are invited to St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd., for perpetual adoration. For volunteer and other information, call Kathleen Potter at (704) 366-5127.
Day. Pope John Paul made his remarks during a Vatican meeting of Catholics who volunteer in various areas of health care. ‘Here I Am, Lord’ named Unity Awards’ song of the year WASHINGTON (CNS) — Dan Schutte’s 20-year-old hymn “Here I Am, Lord” won the song of the year award at the Unity Awards sponsored by the United Catholic Music and Video Association and held Dec. 1 in Washington. The Benedictine monks of Santo Domingo de Silos in Spain won awards for two albums released in 1994 — “Chant” and “Chant Christmas,” both of which were recorded in the 1970s. Dana Scallon, who records under the name of Dana, won seven Unity Awards and Vince Ambrosetti won five, in results announced during the ceremony at The Catholic University of America. Schutte, once a member of the singing group known as the St. Louis Jesuits, also won with “Here I Am, Lord” as liturgical song of the year. An association spokeswoman said older songs were being “grandfathered” for consideration in the initial years of the awards, which are just in their second year. Pope says he hopes days of fasting, prayer help cool world situation VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope John Paul II said he hoped a churchwide day of fasting in December and an interreligious summit in January would help cool down the international situation, marked by multiple wars. Meanwhile, the Vatican announced it was collecting donations that on Christmas Day the pope would allocate to victims of terrorism and war. Speaking Dec. 2 to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square during a midday blessing, the pope noted the day’s liturgy contained Isaiah’s Old Testament prophecy that the nations “shall beat their swords into plowshares” and renounce warfare.
CHARLOTTE — St. Thomas Aquinas, 1400 Suther Rd., hosts eucharistic adoration every first Friday from 1:15 p.m.-midnight, and eucharistic holy hour takes place every Friday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel in Aquinas Hall is open everyday from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. For more information, call the church office at (704) 549-1607. HIGH POINT — Maryfield Nursing Home, 1315 Greensboro Rd., hosts perpetual adoration in the chapel. For volunteer and other information, call Theresa Hansen at (336) 273-1507. SYLVA — Eucharistic adoration takes place every first Saturday at St. Mary Church, 22 Bartlett St., following 9 a.m. Mass until 3 p.m. For more information, call Annette Leporis at (828) 497-7464. Please submit notices of events for the Diocesan Planner at least 10 days prior to the publication date.
December 7, 2001
Aid agencies returning to Afghanistan, but security still risky WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Taliban may have been all but eliminated as a political force in Afghanistan in a matter of weeks, but the humanitarian crisis left by decades of war, years of drought and a harsh winter will pose a much longer-term challenge, according to aid agencies. The most critical issue for the immediate future will be simple security — for aid workers and for the stocks of food and relief supplies, said representatives of Catholic Relief Services, the U.N. World Food Program, Oxfam America and the Council on Foreign Relations. But they also want the international community to pay attention to other issues, such as canceling Afghanistan’s foreign debt and helping create small, local banking structures. French law allowing gay couples to adopt draws church criticism PARIS (CNS) — French church representatives have criticized proposed law changes that would give homosexual couples the right to adopt children. “The church isn’t against homosexuality and helps those affected,” said Genevieve Vigne, secretary of the French bishops’ family commission. “But a child needs a father and mother — in today’s society, fractured by divorce and family break-ups, this new measure will merely fuel confusion.” Vigne spoke as debate continued over amendments to France’s 1999 Social Solidarity Pact; the amendments would extend marriage-style rights to gay couples. She said Catholic groups would urge parliamentarians to vote against the proposed measures. Postulators unsure when new canonization dates will be set VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The people most closely involved with the processes for declaring Blessed Padre Pio and Msgr. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer saints said they have no idea when their canonizations will be. The postulators of the causes — those responsible for presenting information about the potential saints to the Vatican, its theologians and physicians — must wait for each step in the process to be completed. For Italian Capuchin Padre Pio and the Spanish founder of Opus Dei, Msgr. of people volunteering by Dec. 21. Ongoing CHARLOTTE — For anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one, a bereavement group meets every Monday evening from 6-7 p.m. in the family room at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. For details, call Ruth Posey, facilitator and CSS counselor, at (704) 370-3238. CONCORD — St. James Church, 251 Union St. North, invites anyone needing a special favor, healing, petition or thanksgiving to the Our Mother of Perpetual Help novena every Monday at 7 p.m. For further details, call the church office at (704) 720-0600. HIGH POINT — Christ the King Church, 1505 East Kivett Dr., celebrates two Masses in other languages every Sunday. The Spanish Mass is held at 12:30 p.m., and the Korean Mass is held at 6 p.m. For further details, call Susie Romanowski at (336) 885-8435. Perpetual and Daily Adoration ARDEN — St. Barnabas Church, 109
The Catholic News & Herald 3
The World in
CNS photo from Reuters
New York’s patriotic Christmas tree The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree glows in front of 30 Rockefeller Center in New York Nov. 28. First Lady Laura Bush and New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani had the honor of lighting the tree, strung in a patriotic spirit with 30,000 red, white and blue bulbs. Escriva, as well as for Blessed Juan Diego, the indigenous Mexican to whom Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared, the process may end in late December. Nuncio says knowledge, ethics needed in approach to global warming UNITED NATIONS (CNS) — The dangers of global warming should be approached with a combination of knowledge and ethical concern, the Vatican nuncio to the United Nations
said in a statement Nov. 28 in New York. Speaking to a committee of the U.N. General Assembly reviewing efforts to deal with climate change, Archbishop Renato R. Martino called global warming “the great equalizer” that recognized no boundaries, nationalities or cultural divides. But directing attention especially to potential effects on the poor, the vulnerable and future generations, he called for a change from a “resource intensive”
December 11 CHARLOTTE — The St. Gabriel Church Arthritis Support and Education Group will meet this morning from 10-11 a.m. in Room D of the parish ministry center located at 3016 Providence Rd. For further details, call (704) 3625047, Ext. 217. 12 CHARLOTTE — The Happy Timers of St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Rd., will host a Christmas party today at 4 p.m. in the parish center. Members and non-members are welcomed to attend for refreshments and a musical program. For further information about the party or bingo held every Monday at 7:30 p.m., call Charles Nesto at (704) 398-0879. 16 CHARLOTTE — A Festival of Carols and Lessons will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd., at 2 p.m. The adult choir, youth ensemble and children’s choir will present music and songs featuring the works of Handel, Dawson, Martin, Victoria and Pergolesi. The Women’s
Guild will host a reception following the concert in the activity center. For further details, call the church office at (704) 554-7088. 16 CHARLOTTE — No ultreyas will be held during the month of December. All Charlotte-area Cursillistas are invited to attend a Christmas party from 4-7 p.m. at the home of Dan and Lynne Hines, 4601 Pineland Place. For more information, call Dan Hines at (704) 544-6665. 17 CHARLOTTE — The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 1 Mecklenburg County-St. Brigid, an Irish-Catholic social and charitable inter-parish group, will meet tonight at 7:30 p.m. at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. Anyone interested in their Irish-Catholic roots, call Jeanmarie Schuler at (704) 554-0720 for further information. 17 CLEMMONS — Holy Family Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd., will be celebrating a charismatic Mass tonight at 7:30 p.m. Father John Hoover from New Creation Monastery will
economy based on fossil fuel to one that would be “knowledge intensive.” He said, “Knowledge is the only true inexhaustible resource that assures a sustainable environment and development.” Poll links frequent Mass attendance with support of church teachings WASHINGTON (CNS) — The first of a planned ongoing series of polls on “Contemporary Catholic Trends” shows that Catholics who attend Mass at least weekly are more likely to support the church’s teachings on moral issues. The poll by Zogby International in conjunction with LeMoyne College in Syracuse, N.Y., asked 1,508 adult Catholics nationwide a series of questions about their religious beliefs and practices, their thoughts on various moral issues and their opinions about people of other faiths. It was released in Syracuse Nov. 16. A majority of those polled agree with Catholic teachings against abortion, euthanasia and the destruction of human embryos in stem-cell research, but those who go to Mass at least once a week were even more likely to agree with the church. Erie Catholic schools use bully prevention program ERIE, Pa. (CNS) — The Catholic Schools Office of the Erie Diocese has issued a warning: Bullying in schools will not be tolerated. And to back that up, the office is asking Catholic schools to implement a bullying prevention program by the end of the 2003-04 school year. “We’re looking at this day and age when bullying has become acceptable to people,” said Janice Whiteman, director of curriculum of the Catholic Schools Office. “We wanted to get the message out there that we don’t accept bullying.” Roberta Bucci, director of government programs for the office, added that any form of violence in schools is not accepted. She said the bullying prevention curriculum is being endorsed in kindergarten through 12th grade in the Erie Diocese.
be the celebrant. The sacrament of reconciliation will be given at 7 p.m., and the laying on of hands will take place after Mass. The next Mass will be celebrated on Feb. 4. For more information, call the church office at (336) 778-0600 or Jim Passero at (336) 998-7503. 24 CHARLOTTE — Volunteers will be needed for the St. Patrick Cathedral annual Christmas dinner held on Dec. 25 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. People are needed to: transport people to and from the dinner or deliver meals; help decorate, distribute gifts or carve turkeys; help cook or clean up; or donate gifts, warm clothing, monetary help or baked goods. Each year over 1,800 meals and gifts are distributed, and about 1,000 meals are delivered. For further information about volunteering or helping the group from Dec 24-26, call Tamara DelGrosso, pastoral coordinator, at (704) 334-2283, Ext. 29, with name, phone numbers and number
4 The Catholic News & Herald
Around the Di-
Greccio re-enactment held at Catholic Conference Center By Ellen Sigmon Correspondent HICKORY — Stories about St. Francis of Assisi are still being told. Some 250 people learned about two of the saint’s accomplishments while they watched a reenactment of the Nativity scene at Greccio, Italy, in 1223 and the events leading up to it. The Fraternity of Brother Francis of the Secular Franciscan Order organized the reenactment, held at the Catholic Conference Center on Dec. 2. Francis and some of his friars made a 100-mile journey over mountainous terrain from Assisi to Rome, where Pope Honorius III approved the third Franciscan Rule on Nov. 29. (Pope Innocent III approved the first Rule in 1209). While he was with the pope, Francis asked permission to recreate the story of Jesus’ birth for the people of Greccio so that they could see and feel the conditions in which he was born. John Velita, lord of Greccio and a friend of Francis, owned a hill complete with caves near the town. Velita agreed to help Francis stage the re-enactment and gather the local people and animals that they needed. Following Francis’ example, the Fraternity of Brother Francis gathered local people and animals for their event. The youth group at St. Joseph Church played most of the parts, while Denny Schell was St. Francis and Jerry Burke portrayed the pope. Three-month-old Sean Aberle was the baby Jesus. Dennis Cook of Newton, Scott Beam of Lincolnton and Ken Hilderman of Claremont supplied the cow, donkeys, sheep and goats. Some of Beam’s children portrayed shepherds. The combined choirs of St. Joseph in
Newton and St. Aloysius Church in Hickory provided the music for the event. After the re-enactment, the audience and choir sang Christmas carols, heard Luke’s Gospel account of the birth of Jesus, and recited the “Our Father,” with comments according to St. Francis. Then the group processed into the conference center for refreshments, singing carols as they walked. Members of other secular Franciscan fraternities also attended from the Franciscan Family of Greensboro; St. Clare, Winston-Salem; St. Maximillian Kolbe, Charlotte; and St. Clare of Assisi, Aiken, S.C. The Fraternity of Brother Francis dedicated this year’s event to Herman Thoni, its former minister (president). Thoni had wanted the group to do the live Nativity, but illness prevented his attending the first re-enactment, held last year. He died of cancer on Dec. 29. “I know that this year Brother Herman has a much better perspective of this crib at Greccio,” said Bill Brockhoff, the group’s formation director. “We hope our Franciscan spirit has spoken to your heart today,” said Ruth Thoni, Herman Thoni’s widow and the fraternity minister. “If you are lucky enough to have family, hold them especially close to your heart during this holiday season. The family unit is the spiritual army of our nation, and its leader is the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Pictured top right: Joseph, played by John Robinson, leads a donkey carrying Mary, played by Maria Schell, to start the re-enactment of the Nativity. Pictured to the left and right: Local “villagers” of Greccio gather with their animals for the re-enactment of the Nativity.
December 7, 2001
December 7, 2001
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Responding to the call of Editor’s note: One of the most powerful expressions of Christianity is the generosity we show to one another. Through their priestly formation, our seminarians are continually amazed, humbled and affirmed by the tremendous spirit of love shown to them by the people of the Diocese of Charlotte. This year, as your family celebrates the blessings of the Christmas Season, please remember our seminarians in your prayers. Should your family wish to extend Christmas greetings, the following provides the names and addresses of the men in formation for the Diocese of Charlotte.
His Excellency
Atkinson, John St. Vincent Seminary 300 Fraser Purchase Road Latrobe, PA 15650
Fowler, Leo St. Vincent Seminary 300 Fraser Purchase Road Latrobe, PA 15650
Ayala, Alejandro St. Vincent Seminary 300 Fraser Purchase Road Latrobe, PA 15650
Gonzalez, Enrique St. Charles Borromeo Seminary 100 East Wynnewood Road Wynnewood, PA 19096
Requests the Honour of your presence at the Liturgy of Or-
Buettner, Matthew CUA Theological College 401 Michigan Avenue NE Washington DC 20017
Grosnick, Justin St. Charles Borromeo Seminary 100 East Wynnewood Road Wynnewood, PA 19096
Rev. Mr. Adrian Porras
Cahill, John Patrick CUA Theological College 401 Michigan Avenue Washington DC 20017
Hanic, Johnathan St. Mary Seminary 5400 Roland Avenue Baltimore, MD 21210
Cesar, Julia St. Charles Borromeo Seminary 100 East Wynnewood Road Wynnewood, PA 19096
Klinker, Joseph St. Charles Borromeo Seminary 100 East Wynnewood Road Wynnewood, PA 19096
DeSilva, Ricardo St. Vincent Seminary 300 Fraser Purchase Road Latrobe, PA 15650
Lomonaco, Larry St. Mary Seminary 5400 Roland Avenue Baltimore, MD 21210
Eades, Michael Theological College The Catholic University of America 401 Michigan Avenue, NE Washington DC 20017
Monk, Ryan CUA Theological College 401 Michigan Ave NE Washington DC 20017
Ebright, James A. CUA Theological College 401 Michigan Ave NE Washington DC 20017 Engler, Chapin J. Pastoral Internship St. Charles 714 E. Union St. Morganton, NC 28655
Starczewski, John Pope John XXIII National Seminary 558 South Avenue Weston, MA 02193 Suelzer, Drew St. Vincent Seminary 300 Fraser Purchase Road Latrobe, PA 15650 Toole, Patrick St. Charles Borromeo Seminary 100 East Wynnewood Road Wynnewood, PA 19096
The Most Reverend William G. Curlin Bishop of Charlotte dination to the
Sacred Priesthood of
Rev. Mr. Christopher Roux on
Saturday the Fifteenth of December at Ten
O’clock AM
The Cathedral of Saint Patrick Charlotte, North Carolina Reception following Cathedral Hall
6 The Catholic News & Herald Don’t blur parent-child distinction, Jesuit educator says TUKWILA, Wash. (CNS) — A clearly defined and enforced distinction of the roles of parent and child is the key to a healthy family structure, according to a Jesuit priest and child psychologist. And that structure is not a partnership, he said. “There is a general parenting philosophy that says somehow there is a democratic process in the family as though there is nothing over which a child should not have a say,” Father Michael J. Garanzini said. He spoke to pastors, pastoral life directors and principals at a meeting sponsored by the Catholic Schools Department of the Archdiocese of Seattle in early November. “The boundaries between being a child and being a parent are blurred” in some instances, said the Jesuit, who is president of Loyola University of Chicago. Bush asked to honor New York fire chaplain with Medal of Freedom NEW YORK (CNS)— Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., has asked President Bush to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously to Franciscan Father Mychal F. Judge, the New York Fire Department chaplain who died at the World Trade Center Sept. 11. Schumer announced his action Nov. 18 at Engine Co. 1, the firehouse directly across the street from St. Francis of Assisi Church, where Father Judge lived. He said New York’s other senator, Hillary Rodham Clinton, was joining him in the request. “On that tragic day in September, Father Judge died as he lived — serving others,” Schumer and Clinton said in a letter to Bush. “When the firefighters entered the building, Father Judge was at their side, where he remained
December 7, 2001
People in the
CNS photo from Reuters
Candles left for Harrison, Beatles star Candles and flowers are left on the Beatles star on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles Nov. 30 following the announcement of the death of George Harrison. The Beatles guitarist died Nov. 29 at age 58 after a long battle with cancer. Although raised in a Catholic household, he embraced Hinduism later in life. Harrison wrote the Beatles’ hit song “Here Comes the Sun.” Later, his song “My Sweet Lord,” from a solo album, topped the charts offering comfort and absolution until the end.” West African bishops ask Senegalese priest to leave rebel group ROME (CNS) — The bishops of Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Cape Verde and Mauritania called on a priest to leave a regional rebel group he heads, reported Fides, the Vatican’s missionary service. The priest, Father Augus-
tin Diamacoune Senghor, is secretarygeneral of the Democratic Forces of Casamance Movement, a rebel group that has fought since 1982 for independence for Senegal’s Casamance region. “We understand a priest committing himself to justice and peace, but this can never be through a political party and even less through a movement that uses armed conflict,” the bishops said. Nun dies in car accident after begging officials to pay school grants CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CNS) — A nun died in a car accident on her way home from begging provincial government officials to pay grants they owed her cash-strapped school for disabled children in one of South Africa’s poorest provinces. German-born Precious Blood Sister Maria Patrick
Resing, 57, was driving back to Umtata from the Eastern Cape capital of Bisho when her car collided with another vehicle. She had confronted welfare department officials in Bisho about a monthly grant that had been paid to Ikhwezi Lokusa (Morning Star) school for years before it “suddenly dried up with no warning a few months ago,” said the provincial superior, Precious Blood Sister Hermenegild Makoro. Sister Resing was principal of the school for eight years. Supreme Court Justice Scalia lectures on religion and Constitution ST. LOUIS (CNS)—U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia received hearty applause and a few “amens” in a lecture at the St. Louis archdiocesan pastoral center where he explained his views on the religion clauses of the Constitution. “We had never forbidden the government from favoring religion over nonreligion,” he said. “Innumerable traditions in our society reflect that constitutional principle.” Thanksgiving proclamations have been issued by every president, starting with George Washington. Chaplains are in both houses of Congress and the Supreme Court opens with the marshal saying “God save the United States,” he noted. Sudanese priest killed in latest rebel-led ambush in Uganda VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In an ambush in Uganda, the Lord’s Resistance Army killed a Sudanese priest, the latest of several church workers killed by the rebel movement. Father Peter Obore died Nov. 24 when the rebels attacked a pick-up truck in which he and other passengers were riding in northern Uganda, the Vatican missionary news agency Fides reported. His body was taken to his parish in Nimule, in the southern Sudanese Diocese of Torit. Officials in the Torit Diocese said Father Obore had been returning to Sudan from a visit to a seminary in Kampala, the Ugandan capital. He was the third Sudanese priest to be killed along the border with Uganda.
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Legendary Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda tells teens never to give up on By SHEILA OJENDYK for The Miscellany GREENVILLE S.C. — Tommy Lasorda had no problem catching the attention of students at St. Joseph High School. The first thing he said was, “Fifty-two years ago I stole a girl from here and took her to many places.” Lasorda and his wife, the former Jo Miller of Greenville, came to town for a fund-raising dinner on Nov. 15 and dedication of the school’s Lasorda Family Field on Nov. 18. Lasorda, a baseball player with the Brooklyn Dodgers and later the legendary manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers for two decades, is now in great demand as a motivational speaker, and he talks at many schools. On Nov. 18, he spoke to the Upstate students in the event billed as “An Afternoon With Tommy Lasorda.” He began by urging students to get a good education. “Education is something no one can take away from you.... You have the opportunity to be anything you want to be.” Lasorda told a story of three fathers at their sons’ graduation. Each father was very proud of his son and told him so. The first father gave his son the keys to a new car, and the second father gave his son a check for $10,000. The third father did not hand his son a gift, and the son asked why he received nothing when the other two sons received such lavish gifts. His father then told him, “I’m giving you the world. Go out and earn it!” Lasorda shared an event from his own life. He was the third-string pitcher for his high-school baseball team. One day, he told his coach that he and the first and second-string pitchers would pay money to see him play in the major leagues within 10 years. Nobody believed him at the time, but his prediction came true. He added, “It happened, but nobody handed it to me.” Lasorda has spoken at the U.S. Air Force Academy eight times and twice each at West Point and Annapolis. He had a memorable story from a visit to the Air Force Academy. He and his wife had been assigned a cadet to take them around. The cadet told him he had entered the Air Force because he wanted to be a pilot. The young man never learned how to fly, however, because he had been hit by a line drive during a baseball game and spent three weeks in the hospital. His doctor told him he could never fly. At this point in the story, Lasorda interjected, “Because God delays does not mean that God denies.” After the cadet heard Lasorda’s speech, he decided to pursue his original goal of becoming a pilot. That cadet, now a general, became a decorated fighter pilot in Operation Desert Storm. Lasorda stressed to the teens, “You can be whatever you want to be.... If you dedicate yourself to it-and you want to pay the price -you can reach it.
Courtesy Photos
Diocese of Charleston Bishop Robert Baker and Tommy Lasorda
Courtesy Photos
Tommy and Jo Lasorda holding a letterman’s jacket. It’s up to you.” Lasorda credits a nun who taught him at parochial school in East Liverpool, Ohio. The nun believed in him, and to this day he carries her picture in his wallet. He told the students, “Teachers dedicate their lives to all of you. The guys who pick up the trash make more, “ but teachers love what they do. “Take advantage of it.” Lasorda then spoke about parents. “When you’re sick, they take care of you. When you’re hungry, they feed you.... What do you do for them?” He urged the teens to give their parents love and respect. “Don’t ever do anything to embarrass them or hurt them.” He also added that parents owe their children a good education. Lasorda managed the Dodgers for
20 years and took them to the World Series four times. He said he had reached the top of the mountain, but he wanted another mountain to climb: he wanted the United States to win an Olympic gold medal for baseball because “baseball is America’s game.” He had never met 23 of the 24 players when he began coaching the American team, but he told them, “When this is over, the whole world is going to know who you are. “ They won the gold medal at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Lasorda opened the floor to questions. One person asked him what he would say to teens to change their lives. He replied, “You’ve got to believe in yourself.” He spoke of dreaming about pitching in Yankee Stadium with
the legendary players. He had this dream quite often, and it came back to him vividly when he was called to pitch against Yogi Berra for the first time. Another person asked him who were the greatest baseball players. Lasorda named Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Ted Williams. He added that Williams was the best hitter. Somebody asked who was the greatest player he had ever coached. Lasorda said he coached many great players including nine National League Rookies of the Year. He stressed to his players that they were role models and what they did had a huge impact on young people. He said he believed in them and gave them opportunity, but they made themselves stars. After Lasorda finished his talk, Bishop Robert J. Baker processed into the chapel with a Knights of Columbus honor guard. Father Hayden Vavarek, pastor of St. Philip Benizi in Moncks Corner, read an except from St. Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. “Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we win an imperishable one. “ (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) Bishop Baker thanked Lasorda for his contribution to the world of sports and stressed the importance of integrating athletic ability with the mind and soul. “We should run our spiritual race as we run other races in life.” He urged the teens to make each day count and reminded them that a coach only looks at today’s game, not next week’s game. “The race is run here and now.... Let tomorrow take care of itself. Take it one day at a time.” After the brief prayer service in the school chapel, Bishop Baker blessed the four new athletic facilities: the tennis court and the soccer, softball, and baseball fields. A dedication ceremony followed the blessing of the athletic fields. Margaret Ann Moon, president of the board of trustees, and Keith Kiser, headmaster, honored Steve Francis and Kenneth Padgett for their service to the school. Each was named a Knight of the Round Table, and organization founded to recognize supporters of St. Joseph High School. Lasorda was named an honorary Knight of the Round Table, and he and his wife were presented with letterman’s jackets. Lasorda shared his wife’s comment about the school needing a gymnasium. Jo Lasorda has issued a challenge to the school to build a gym and will donate $25,000 from her foundation to help fund it. The last event of the day was a softball game between the St. Joseph High School All Stars, coached by Tommy Lasorda, and a team of local celebrities and dignitaries, coached by U. S. Congressman Jim DeMint. Jo Lasorda
8 The Catholic News & Herald
Catholic-Methodist dialogue group looks at nature of By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — Catholic and United Methodist scholars and leaders met in Washington recently to discuss the nature of the church, both universal and local. The second meeting of the sixth round of the United Methodist-Catholic Dialogue took place Nov. 9-12 at St. Paul’s College in Washington on the theme, “The church universal and local.” The co-chairmen of the dialogue — Methodist Bishop Walter Klaiber of Frankfurt, Germany, and Catholic Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash. — reported to the participants on the recently completed Bishops’ Council (Methodist) and Synod of Bishops (Catholic). “Debates in both the council and synod over questions of subsidiarity, collegiality and the relationship of universal and local dimensions of church decision-making, though different in the Methodist and Catholic churches, drew on the same theological roots and addressed the same questions of mission and pastoral care,” Christian Brother Jeffrey Gros, associate director of the U.S. bishops” Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, said in a statement issued after the dialogue session. The dialogue group also heard talks by Dennis Doyle of the University of Dayton and Bruce Robbins of the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns of the United Methodist Church on the theological understandings of “koinonia,” or communion, in the two traditions. “The fruitful discussion enabled the members of the dialogue both to appreciate one another’s traditions and identify some common ground; and also plan for the next set of papers which enable us to get to know one another’s understanding and practice of church life even more deeply,” Brother Gros said. Led by Richard Gaillardetz of the University of Toledo and Jarrett Gray of the St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Mo., the dialogue group also studied “Speaking the Truth in Love,” a document on the question of teaching authority that was produced by an international commission sponsored by the World Methodist Council and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. “This discussion explored both theological issues, like the prophetic character of the church’s teaching authority, which are important in the U.S. context, and also the style of text to be developed that can contribute to the worldwide theological discussion and the concrete, practical situation of our churches together in America,” Brother Gros said. Practical matters both locally and worldwide made up the third area of discussion for the Catholic-Methodist dialogue group. Bishop Klaiber talked about the development of the Carta Ecumenica of Europe, approved by the Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican churches of both Eastern and Western Europe. Bishop Skylstad talked about the work of the Catholic bishops of the Northwest on the pastoral on the Columbia River as an example of a local environmental concern which has both global and local implications. The next meeting will take place May 6-8 in San Pedro, Calif., with discussions expected on the structure of each church in order to identify areas of convergence and challenges.
December 7, 2001
Around the Di-
CCHS champ teams play CCHS boys’ soccer team
CCHS girls’ tennis team
CCHS girls’ volleyball team
tion, and a lot of the kids accepted what I asked them to do. After they won the first season, they became really driven; this group really cared.” The team faced challenges in and out of this season: daily practices after school and on Saturday mornings, lifting weights and exercising, key players under 5 feet, 3 inches, and several key players who graduated last year. Leary said defense, skill and perseverance are what led his team to its third state title. “During the season, we play one of the hardest schedules, with Providence High School twice and West Charlotte High School, both 4-A schools,” the coach said. “We try to serve hard for points, and this group took it upon themselves to play good defense. They gave effort after effort,” Erin Street, senior; and Brittany Zahn, junior, added to some of that effort for their team. Both have been playing the sport for several years and said that there was much pressure to come back this season with a 58-0 record, but through teamwork, they were able to bring home the championship. The “Great 8” Tournament with runner-up and returning state champions proved to be the impetus they needed for their winning season. After placing first, their season opener against Providence and the semifinal action against West Henderson High School, near Raleigh, were significant games for the team. “We really pulled together that game against Providence,” said Zahn. “It showed us that we could do it if we kept our heads on straight and stayed focused on the goal.” Street spoke about their semifinal game: “The semifinals are always harder, and the teams have always been really competitive. West Hendersonville was really a tough team, really strong athletically.” Both of the teammates said that prayer and teamwork are important for them. “We pray the ‘Hail Mary’ before every game, and it gives us a sense of confidence before a big game to quiet down, especially during intense moments,” said Zahn. “They have to put forth the effort every single day,” said Leary. “We spend as much time on team unity as we do on practices. I encourage them to be a part of each others’ lives.” Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or email amprice@charlottediocese.org.
December 7, 2001
By ALESHA M. PRICE Staff Writer CHARLOTTE — With mounting tension, cheering crowds and anxious coaches as a backdrop, three Charlotte Catholic High School (CCHS) teams scored winning seasons this year. The girls’ volleyball and tennis and boys’ soccer teams all earned the title of North Carolina Division 2-A state champions for the 2001-2002 school year. Augustinian Father James Cassidy, CCHS principal, said that the wins are characteristic of the students’ dedication and drive; however, sports are but one aspect of the students’ lives at one of the diocese’s two Catholic high schools. “The hard work, teamwork and cooperation that our kids have learned and are sharing with one another are clearly evident and manifests itself in their team sports,” said Father Cassidy, who noted that along with individual service projects that each team additionally performs a group project. “Our kids are really hardworking and do a good job in all of their endeavors. To have three championship teams in our school shows what we are about, and I am proud of that.” Getting their kicks Men’s and women’s major league soccer has been gaining popularity in the United States for several years. It is primarily what comes to mind when many Americans think of the sport where it is illegal for anyone except the goalie to touch the ball with the hands. In a country defined by baseball and football, soccer has had to carve its own niche in sports’ society. The sport is played in high schools and colleges everywhere, and CCHS is no exception. The boys’ soccer team won the state championship game against Swansboro High School down to the penalty-kick phase of the game. Throughout the season, a loss to one of the team’s biggest rivals, Myers Park High School, actually prepared the team for the playoffs, senior Aaron Blais said: “We felt like we dominated them in the first half. Our coach stresses that we were ready for the playoff run because we saw our potential.” In regular play, there are two halves per game — one 40 minutes and the other 80 minutes. If no team scores or the score is tied during this game, then two 10-minute halves are played. If the same thing occurs, then two fiveminute halves are played until one team scores. In the case where the score is still tied or no team has scored, then it is time for the penalty kick, said senior Kevin Benfield, who was named 2-A all-state conference player of the year. The penalty kick consists of five players trying to score a goal. The best of five kicks wins the game. In the final game of the playoffs, CCHS scored the winning goal under the direction of Coach Gary Hoilett and with the help of Benfield and Blais. The last game of their high school careers will be etched in their memories for years to come. Blais was the last player to kick in the final game and said that he could barely watch his teammates because of the intensity of the final minutes of the match. “There were four of us on the field, and we were all praying the whole
Around the Ditime,” said Blais, who was named most valuable player in the finals match. “We had a freshman goalie this year, but we were pretty confident in his ability. We thought it would come down to one team getting tired and kept thinking about last year’s 2-0 loss to them. We wanted to make sure that didn’t happen again. To know that we had finally beat them felt awesome.” Home-court advantage The girls of the CCHS tennis team are serious about their sport. For many of the teammates, it is the only extracurricular activity listed on their roster of high school events. Though not a requirement of Larry McLaughlin, their coach and CCHS algebra teacher, several of the teens play tournaments in the off-season. Their love of the sport was displayed in their winning matches this year. This team consisted of Michelle Alexander, sophomore, who placed first in the state in the singles tournament, Kate Tans, junior; and Natalie Rossi, senior, who placed second in the state in the doubles tournament. The team who wins five of the six singles and three doubles matches played wins the state tournament. Out of 32 teams, CCHS rallied until the end and was victorious. “I believe these girls could have been state champs last year, but they had to believe it,” McLaughlin said. “I always like to see young people achieve what they think they can achieve. Each girl had a tough struggle in every match, and they came to the forefront. The team as a whole was very young, and I think we did well.” Rossi and Tans played against a team from Shelby who were three-time state champs and had been playing together for four years. The teens were at a disadvantage, teamed up for doubles matches for a year or less. “We had never seen that type of competition before,” Rossi said. “It is quite an honor to be No. 2 in the state,” their coach said, “and the girls should be proud of that.” Alexander played against the returning state champion from Lexington for her state finals match: “I beat her three times in the season. I was very focused, and I just wanted to play. I love competition and the fact that we are playing for ourselves and the team.” Prayer and teamwork are the two qualities that all of the girls said were part of their recipe for success. “This made us realize how hard we worked, and we had a really close and supportive team,” Rossi said. Tans said that prayers in the huddle before a match or during a close match or particularly intense time have always helped her. “I ask God to give me the strength to do my best.” Second to none The girls’ volleyball team spiked its way to a third state championship when it defeated Southern Vance High School on Nov. 3 in Raleigh. The Lady Cougars are not only state champs; they are 78-0 — undefeated for the past two seasons. After the team broke the old 76-0 record at the semifinals, it could not be stopped and reached its goal in the finals against Southern Vance. “Talent is not something that can be coached,” said Tim Leary, part-time coach and full-time chef. “An undefeated record happens if you have kids who can play. It takes a lot of dedica-
The Catholic News & Herald 9
Pastoral Center staff reaches out to
United Way of Central Carolinas By Joann S. Keane Inc. Editor And the United Way-diocesan CHARLOTTE — The diocese connection goes even deeper: Proknows a thing or two about the generosity grama Esperanza is a diocesan pronecessary to sustain its ministries. It takes gram funded by the United Way. funding from many to ensure outreach Programa Esperanza Supervisor provided by diocesan ministries. Teresa Villamarin took the opportuOn Nov. 27, Pastoral Center emnity to share information on the partployees opened their own wallets to nership that allows outreach largely help others in the greater community. to a growing Hispanic population. In During the annual drive to support the four years, Program Esperanza has United Way Campaign of the Greater helped with 3,174 cases. Sometimes, Carolinas, diocesan individuals who the agency is called on to “inform the help others on a daily basis gave a English-speaking boost to their noncommunity about profit neighbor. our culture, to learn “Last year, 80 to differentiate that percent of the emwe come from difployees gave,” said ferent parts of the Jim Kelley, diocesan continent, that we director of developare not all alike.” ment, and this year’s “In the SpanPastoral Center ish community, we United Way coorencounter [issues dinator. “We know of] the laws of this about the need for country; what are support to get things the rights, reguladone. Likewise, the tions, the laws that United Way does will protect them, life-changing work the laws they should in the community. not infringe,” VilWith our work here lamarin said. in the diocese, we ask Photo by Joann S. Keane To the pastoral our parishioners (to give). The United Programa Esperanza Supervisor center staff, Fout Way turns to the Teresa Villamarin talks about said, “It’s because of greater communi- the United Way funded program. you, because of the good people that bety to support their lieve in making our works.” community a better There is cerplace. You do that not only through tainly a great partnership between your gift to the United Way, but every the Diocese of Charlotte and the day that you are here.” United Way of the Carolinas, Inc., said Les Fout, campaign manager Contact Editor Joann Keane by callwith the United Way. Father Mauriing (704) 370-3336 or e-mail jskeane@ cio West, vicar general and chancelcharlottediocese.org lor of the diocese, recently completed service as volunteer treasurer for the
1 0 The Catholic News & Herald Book Review
Books focus on St. Reviewed by Father Gilberto Cavazos-Gonzalez Catholic News Service Giovanni de Bernardone, better known as Francis of Assisi, is probably the most popular medieval person in our day. Five new books about Francis join the writings about him that already abound in many languages and disciplines. So why do authors continue to write about him? Probably many writers are like James Cowan. In his book “Francis: A Saint’s Way” (Liguori/Triumph, $19.95), Cowan says he was drawn to Francis’ fascinat-
FRANCIS OF ASSISI: A REVOLUTIONARY LIFE, by Adrian House. Hidden Spring Books, Paulist Press (Mahwah, N.J., 2001). 352 pp., $28.00.
ing persona. Unfortunately, Cowan’s musings distract the reader from Francis’ life story. Novelist Valerie Martin in her marvelous book “Salvation: Scenes from the Life of St. Francis” (Knopf, $24.00) says Francis calls out to contemporary people, “This is what I made of my life! Now go out and change your own!” Inspired by the Gozzoli frescoes in Montefalco, Martin writes scenes of Francis’ life that can easily be used for both private and communal reflection on a variety of themes. Gerard Thomas Straub has written a pilgrim journal on the saint, his friends and his home, “The Sun and Moon Over Assisi: A Personal Encounter With Francis and Clare” (St. Anthony Messenger Press, $29.95). A theological reflection by Leon-
December 7, 2001
Read-
ardo Boff — “The Prayer of Saint Francis: A Message of Peace for the World Today” (Orbis Books, $9.60) — has just been published in English translation. But if you read only one book this year about Francis of Assisi it should be the enthralling historical novel “Francis of Assisi: A Revolutionary Life” by Adrian House. House does a great job of situating Francis in his time and place. He admits he is not a scholar, yet his book demonstrates that he researched the writings of a number of ancient and contemporary scholars. As a result his book has just enough well-written social, political, economic and religious information to help the reader understand Francis as a man of his time. At the same time, House demonstrates that Francis also can transcend time and speak to the hearts of present-day men and women. Most readers will find House’s work to be enjoyable and thought-provoking reading. Franciscans and Franciscan scholars, however, will be frustrated by his lack of footnotes. It is obvious that he did his research, but it would be nice to know exactly where he got some of his information and why he highlights certain events and not others. The Franciscan family need not write off House’s book, however. Quite the contrary, House’s Francis could very well call contemporary Franciscans, men and women alike, to a renewed love for their founder and his interpretation of the Gospel way of life. Father Cavazos-Gonzalez, a Franciscan, is assistant professor of spirituality at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
Word to Life
Sunday Scripture Readings: December 16, 2001 December 16, Third Sunday of Advent Cycle A Readings: 1) Isaiah 35-1-6a, 10 Psalm 146:7-10 2) James 5:7-10 3) Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11 By Jeff Hensley Catholic News Service For a little while, here at the Catholic Center where I work, we had a prophet among us. He was the sort of whom the Scriptures speak today. He didn’t dress in fine clothes. He didn’t have any assurance of the fulfillment of his hopes and dreams, except the sense that God was in them. The dream that took him from us was a sense he felt he had from God that he should move to Memphis to assist his former wife in the care of their son, who has multiple handicaps. She had been raising their child, now a teen, by herself. And so Ron resigned from his job as handyman and general helper here at the diocesan offices. But before he could make his move, word came that his wife had had a stroke involving both hemispheres of the brain. She was paralyzed and unconscious. And Ron was in the process of making his move. Ron came back for us to say goodbye to him with a little party. He stole the show, offering witness to God’s faithfulness to him and to his wife and son, describing her as his best friend. He had
been spending his time in Memphis at her bedside, reading her the Scriptures and other spiritual materials. Recent e-mail from Ron indicates his wife is making good progress, responds to family members and attempts to speak. Perhaps she will someday be well again. But as for Ron, he’s been faithful to following God in all this and inspires us all. As the psalm says today, “The Lord protects strangers: the fatherless and the widow he sustains.” And in Isaiah: “Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared.” And in James, “As your models in suffering hardships and in patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” As for me, I take courage from my friend Ron, who had the courage to seek out his responsibilities toward his family, was met with a heavier burden than he’d bargained for and took it all as a sign of God’s blessing on him. If I learn to be that submitted to God’s will by the time I die, I think I’ll have learned all there is to know of love. QUESTION: Is there some act of courage, service or sacrificial love God is calling you to?
Weekly Scripture Scripture for the week of Dec. 9 - 15 Second Sunday of Advent, Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-9, Matthew 3:1-12; Monday (Second Week of Advent), Isaiah 35:1-10, Luke 5:17-26; Tuesday (St. Damasus 1), Isaiah 40:1-11, Matthew 18:12-14; Wednesday (Our Lady of Guadalupe), Zechariah 2:14-17, Luke 1:26-38; Thursday (St. Lucy), Isaiah 41:13-20, Matthew 11:11-15; Friday (St. John of the Cross), Isaiah 48:17-19, Matthew 11:16-19; Saturday (Advent Weekday), Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11, Matthew 17:10-13 Scripture for the week of Dec. 16 - 22 Third Sunday of Advent, Isaiah 35:1-6, 10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11; Monday (Late Advent Weekday), Genesis 49:2, 8-10, Matthew 1:1-17; Tuesday (Late Advent Weekday), Jeremiah 23:5-8, Matthew 1:18-24; Wednesday (Late Advent Weekday), Judges 13:2-7, Luke 1:5-25; Thursday (Late Advent Weekday), Isaiah 7:10-14, Luke 1:26-38; Friday (Late Advent Weekday), Zephaniah 3:14-18, Luke 1:39-45; Saturday (Late Advent Weekday), 1 Samuel 1:24-28, Luke 1:46-56
December 7, 2001
The Catholic News & Herald 11
Entertain-
Television “The Sons of Mistletoe,” programming seasonal TV program of note may call for family time By Gerri Pare Catholic News Service
NEW YORK (CNS) — Here are some television programs of note for the week of Dec 16. They have not been reviewed and therefore are not necessarily recommended by the Office for Film and Broadcasting. Sunday, Dec. 16, 7-8 p.m. EST (ABC) “Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too.” Animated tale of how Pooh must set off to the North Pole by foot to deliver a letter to Santa. Sunday, Dec. 16, 9-10 p.m. EST (PBS) “Merce Cunningham: A Lifetime of Dance.” From the “American Masters” series, a profile of one of the great 20th-century choreographers, acclaimed for his abstraction, innovation and imagination.
By Gerri Pare Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) — A foster home for boys faces closure when its benefactor dies and his daughter decides to sell off all his assets in the sweet but contrived “The Sons of Mistletoe,” airing Wednesday, Dec. 19, 9-11 p.m. EST on CBS. The TV movie has its heart in the right place, but its constant predictability is a definite drawback. Nonetheless, the cast is an appealing group of performers and the holiday theme is uplifting. Millionaire Mr. Radke, the founder and sole support of the Mistletoe foster home,
has died and left all to his estranged daughter Helen (Roma Downey). Jimmy (George Newbern) grew up in Mistletoe and now serves as father figure to seven boys in residence. The latest arrival, Wylie (Scott Terra), is a sullen, motherless child who’s hoping the local sheriff (Doris Roberts) will locate the dad he’s never met, but in the meantime he wants no part in helping out as the other boys all do. Jimmy tries approaching the attractive but stern Helen about continuing to support the home as her father always had, only to learn she still resents growing up with an absentee dad after her parents divorced.
Sunday, Dec. 16, 9-11 p.m. EST (CBS) “A Town Without Christmas.” Holiday drama about a TV reporter and a novelist who meet and fall in love as they search for a child who has written a disturbing letter to Santa; starring Patricia Heaton and Eric Roberts.
Pare is director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office for Film and Broadcasting.
Tuesday, Dec. 18, 10-11 p.m. EST (A&E) “Healing and Prayer: Power or Placebo.” An exploration of the role a person’s religious beliefs play in the healing process in light of the fact that 80 percent of Americans believe that spirituality can help people recover from sickness and/or trauma. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 8-9 p.m. EST (A&E) “Tony Blair.” From the “Biography” series, a profile of the British prime minister, a 48-year-old Scot who rapidly rose to power and has forged a strong relationship with the U.S. since the terrorist attacks. Friday, Dec. 21, 8-9 p.m. EST (CBS) “A Home for the Holidays With Mariah Carey.” Special presents inspirational stories about adoption to raise awareness of this social issue, plus performances by Destiny’s Child, Charlotte Church, Enrique Iglesias and Mandy Moore.
Now a savvy businesswoman, she arranges to sell her father’s department store and other real estate to a pair of “New Yorkers” (read “villains”) and move on. However, the personable Jimmy persists, dragging her to Mistletoe to see how the boys need their foster home and she begins to melt. Wylie as well is won over by Jimmy’s patience and how the other boys welcome him in their midst. Just as things begin to fall into place, Helen learns she cannot exclude the sale of the foster home from her contract with the buyers. As she looks at a Christmas scene of Christ in the manger, she realizes the boys, too, will soon have nowhere to go unless she opens her home — and maybe her heart as well. Smart performances from the sulky child, the father figure, and the kids at the home make the frequently contrived situations less irksome. But the chirpy music is quite annoying in trying to program viewers’ emotions. Nor is the assumption that the New York buyers are automatically ruthless thieves justified or appreciated. And the narrative gets increasingly syrupy as Jimmy, Helen and Wylie draw closer to an entirely foregone conclusion. At least Jimmy convinces Helen it is never too late to forgive someone, a good message in any season. The visuals are quite nice, Downey is easy to look at, and except for a very discreetly implied love affair, it may qualify as somewhat pleasant family viewing.
Classifications
CNS photo from 20th Century Fox
Scene from “Blach Knight” Actor Martin Lawrence appears before the court in a scene from the film “Black Knight.” The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of American ratings is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
By Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) — The following are classifications of movies recently reviewed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office for Film and Broadcasting. “Behind Enemy Lines” (20th Century Fox) U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification, A-IV — adults, with reservations. Motion Picture Association of America rating, PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. “Black Knight” (20th Century Fox) U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification, A-III — adults. Motion Picture Association of America rating, PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. “Out Cold” (Touchstone) U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification, A-IV — adults, with reservations. Motion Picture Association of America rating, PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. “Spy Game” (Universal) U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification, A-III — adults. Motion Picture Association of America rating, R — restricted.
1 2 The Catholic News & Herald
December 7, 2001
Editorials & Col-
The Pope Speaks
POPE JOHN PAUL II
Pops calls for end of ‘useless spiral of death’ in Middle East By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The international community must act to help Israelis and Palestinians stop the “useless spiral of death” resulting from new attacks in early December, Pope John Paul II said. “I feel the need to express my deep condolences for the new victims of the absurd violence which continues to stain the Middle East with blood,” the pope said Dec. 5 at the end of his weekly general audience. “With a sorrowful spirit, I repeat once again the fact that violence never resolves conflicts, but only increases their dramatic consequences,” he said. Three Palestinian suicide bombings Dec. 1-2 led to the deaths of more than two dozen people in Jerusalem and Haifa. The Islamic group Hamas claimed responsibility for the attacks, and the Israeli government responded by firing missiles on Palestinian targets in Ramallah, Gaza City and other towns; two people were killed and more than 100 were reported injured in the attacks. Hours before the pope spoke Dec. 5, another suicide bomber blew himself up in Jerusalem, injuring three bystanders. Pope John Paul called on the international community to work with “greater determination and courage” to help the Israeli government and Palestinian leaders “to break this useless spiral of death.” “May negotiations be restarted immediately so that the long-desired peace may finally be reached,” he said. Greeting English speakers at the audience, the pope said, “In these days of Advent as we look to the birth of the Prince of Peace, I ask you to join me in praying for peace in the world.” In his main audience talk, the pope said Psalm 118 reminds believers of the truth that even in their darkest hour they must keep their faith and trust in the Lord. “Even when one is in anguish, the flame of trust must be held high because the powerful hand of the Lord will lead his faithful to victory over evil and to salvation,” the pope said. The images in the psalm are strong, he said. “The cruel adversaries are compared to a swarm of bees or a wall of flames reducing everything to ashes,” he said. But the victory belongs to the just who are empowered by God, he said, and “for this reason, the rejoicing over the victory over evil opens itself to a very evocative profession of faith: ‘My strength and my courage is the Lord and he has been my salvation.’”
Repent and be reconciled As we travel the road of Advent and steep ourselves in the spirit of the Scriptures, our constant companion is the central character of John the Baptist. This biblical figure represents so powerfully the transition between the Old and New Testaments. He images the attitudes to be cultivated by one who is on this marvelous journey to meet the Lord once again on Christmas day. The qualities of John the Baptist are so worthy of our reflection and emulation during these days of joyful anticipation. John is a man of enviable simplicity. He is totally unimpressed by the apparent importance of worldly power, prestige or pecuniary wealth. He understands so well that the true power of the believer is discovered in one’s relationship to Jesus, the source of Life and Love. John teaches that the essence of prestige or importance is exemplified by approaching Jesus with a spirit of meekness and humility. He proclaims that the ultimate meaning of wealth is in one’s being touched and transformed by Jesus, who is rich in mercy. John is a man of renewing repentance. He, by his words and example, stresses the value and necessity of our being caught up continually in the on-going process of personal conversion to Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Repentance includes acknowledging sorrowfully those attitudes, words and actions that are not worthy of us as believers. It demands as well that we beg the forgiveness of Jesus for manifestations of our infidelity while, at the same time, resolving to turn our lives around and, thus, be more completely converted to Jesus and His Way. During this season of Advent, penance services are being conducted in parishes throughout the diocese. They are settings within which you and I might encounter the Lord in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The renewing readings and magnificent music create and cultivate an enriching environment enabling us to celebrate with enthusiasm our Faith in the compassionate, merciful, healing and forgiving presence of Jesus to each of us personally. It is important to remember, however, that individual confession and absolution are essential for and integral to the cel-
Family Reflections Andrew & Terri Lyke Guest Columnists
actually saying it. In the final years of our teens and in our young-adulthood, we were good friends who shared much with each other (including bell-bottom jeans). And along the way I became her protector in a way similar to my role with my younger sisters. I became her “big brother.” Today our children can’t fathom their Auntie Lila beating up their dad. This story for them, and for Lila and me, is one of transformation, reconciliation, maturation and hope. Without the interventions of our parents we took responsibility for our relationship. Perhaps with much less drama (and trauma), this is a transition our children must make as they enter adulthood. Childhood rivalries don’t have to characterize the relationships of adult siblings—not if they take responsibility for their relationships. Questions for Reflection • How has your relationship with a sibling changed in adulthood? • What childhood rivalries carry over in your adult life? • Pull out your family photo album (or box). Look at the pictures and listen to the stories that each tells. How does God speak to you through the stories?
Advent Reflection Father James F. Hawker Guest Columnist ebration of the Sacrament even within the context of a penance service. In approaching and celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation it is essential that each of us cultivates and exemplifies the virtue of penance. It might be viewed as a two-sided coin. On the one hand, we turn to Jesus for forgiveness and healing. On the other hand, we commit ourselves to forgiving those who have sinned against us. In doing so, each of us lives the words that we speak so frequently in the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” During this period of active anticipation as we prepare for Christmas, we are invited and urged to accept and assimilate the message of John the Baptist. Each of us should take seriously the call to humility and repentance. In doing so, we are privileged to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation within which we encounter the merciful Lord. If it is to be a truly transforming experience, however, each of us must manifest the virtue of penance in relation to God and cultivate our commitment to exemplifying the virtue toward one another. Is it any wonder that the Church proclaims a spirit of joy on this Sunday even in the midst of expectation! The Christ who came among us two thousand years ago is in our midst today to share His healing love with you and me and to enable us to do as He has done. Sibling rivalries and adulthood In September I (Andrew) presented a workshop at the NCCW Convention in Nashville on various ways to tell stories that connect us to the Sacred. Photography is one of the media by which we do this. As the saying goes, “A picture paints a thousand words.” I shared with the audience an old photograph of my older sister, Lila when she was in kindergarten. The photo and the story behind it generated much interest. The story behind the picture is how my relationship with Lila transformed in our teen years and beyond. Somehow on the way to adulthood I became her big brother. In our childhood Lila was notorious for being precocious and the essence of badness. She was so bad that she was expelled from kindergarten at our parish school. A year and three months older than me, Lila’s reputation on the playgrounds of our youth was my shield against bullies who would otherwise pound me as they did the other nerds. Ours was a great sibling rivalry. Throughout our early childhood she towered over me physically, socially and academically. One grade ahead of me, she set high academic expectations from teachers. Her protection on the playground, however, didn’t extend to our home life. While playground ruffians dared not push her younger sibling around, she took great liberty to do so almost daily at home. However, as we journeyed into adolescence my physical development began to level the arena of our frequent skirmishes. I remember thinking I couldn’t wait to be big enough to beat her up. Yet when that time came, the idea of beating up my sister was much less appealing. Our last fight was in our mid-teens. Lila threw a shoe at me that hit me in my head, which began to bleed. It was the only time our battles drew blood. I remember tending to my wound in the bathroom mirror and Lila standing behind me. Our eyes met through the mirror and, without words being spoken, we knew that this would never happen again. In the days that followed, Lila show extraordinary deference to me, as if to say, “I’m sorry” without
December 7, 2001
Editorials & Col-
Light One Candle Msgr. Jim Lisante Guest Columnist
ficult, life is worth living. Nobody needs to be told these days that life can be painful. Everyone who ran or watched the New York Marathon knows it. Anyone who looks at the nightly news knows about life’s uncertainty and anguish. But for most of us, our greatest challenges will never come from the skies or the mail. It will come from within, from our own bodies and minds and souls. Either way, it helps to see the “everyday heroes” who do what they have to do to achieve their goals - or at least give it their very best effort. That’s why Zoe Koplowitz’s annual 26.2-mile slow, determined walk buoys up so many. “It’s my mission to help people reinvent the way they think about ‘winning’,” she says. “I believe people run marathons every day of their lives in one way or another, and we need to remember to give ourselves the finishers’ medals we deserve.” She also says, “What I do is a metaphor for life, just like the marathon itself. It means you get somewhere by putting one foot after another.” One foot in front of another is the only way anyone gets anywhere. Msgr. Jim Lisante is the director of the Christophers
benevolent person “did give us those toys for nothing. And ... I believe it still. I have merely extended the idea. “Then I only wondered who put the toys in the stocking; now I wonder who put the stocking by the bed, and the bed in the room, and the room in the house, and the house on the planet, and the great planet in the void. “Once I only thanked Santa Claus for a few dolls and crackers, now I thank him for stars and street faces and wine and the great sea. Once I thought it delightful and astonishing to find a present so big that it only went halfway into the stocking. “Now I am delighted and astonished every morning to find a present so big that it takes two stockings to hold it, and then leaves a great deal outside; it is the large and preposterous present of myself, as to the origin of which I can offer no suggestion except that Santa Claus gave it to me in a fit of peculiarly fantastic good will.” Are not parents of faith blessed, countless times over, to have for their children (and for themselves) such a fantastic and playful bridge to infinite, unconditionally loving Goodness, the Goodness which dreamed up the Christmas event in the first place? Call Santa Claus a myth or what you will, but in his name parents, and for that matter all of us who give gifts at this special time of the year, are putting each other in deeper touch with the “peculiarly fantastic good will” which is the ultimate Source of it all. Plus, it’s fun! I hope your friends reconsider. A free brochure answering questions Catholics ask about Ecumenism, intercommunion and other ways of sharing with people of other faiths is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, IL 61651. Questions may be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address, or e-mail: jjdietzen@aol.com.
Last place lessons They set new records at this year’s New York Marathon. Tesfaye Jifar of Ethiopia beat the existing men’s record by 18 seconds with his time of 2 hours 7 minutes 43 seconds. It was his first marathon win ever. Margaret Okayo of Kenya came in at 2 hours 24 minutes 21 seconds for a new women’s course record. Later she said that for the whole run, “I was thinking about finishing the race and doing my best.” That’s probably true of the other 30,000 runners who gathered on the first Sunday in November to take on each other and themselves. It was certainly true for Zoe Koplowitz, who took part in her fourteenth straight New York Marathon. For the fourteenth time, she came in last. Zoe Koplowitz did not cross the finish line until Monday morning. It always takes her more than 24 hours to cover the 26.2-mile race because she has multiple sclerosis and needs two crutches to go the distance. The 53-year-old has had MS for more than twenty years, but it was not until she nearly died that she decided to change her life. After choking on a vitamin pill and being saved by the Heimlich maneuver, Ms. Koplowitz “decided I needed to do the most outrageous thing I could imagine.” What could be more outrageous for someone with her major health problems (she also has diabetes) than entering a marathon? With the help of the Achilles Track Club, an organization for runners with disabilities, she trained and got through the first marathon, ultimately crossing a deserted finish line. But in the years since, the determined woman admits she has “become a symbol of endurance” for thousands. Learning of her achievement, the Multiple Sclerosis Society asked her to be the ambassador for its annual fundraising walk. She has also participated in the Boston and London marathons. Ms. Koplowitz has become a popular motivational speaker and the author of a book, “Winning Spirit: Life Lessons Learned in Last Place.” Over and over, she has been thanked by people with disabilities and all who are astounded by her persistence for reminding them that, however dif-
Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN CNS Columnist
Chesterton on Santa Q. My question isn’t very deep, but with Christmas coming I am concerned about the attitude of some friends who don’t want their children to “believe in Santa Claus.” From almost infancy, they tell their children there isn’t really a Santa and that it was all made up to sell more things at Christmastime. I think they’re missing something, but I’m not sure how to tell them. What do you think? (Florida) A. I too think they are missing something, very big. It’s always risky to analyze fantasies, but maybe it’s worth trying for a moment. Fantasies, perhaps especially for children, are critical ways of entering a world, a real world, that is closed to us in ordinary human language and happenings. They are doors to wonder and awe, a way of touching something otherwise incomprehensible. Santa Claus, I believe, is like that. No one has ever expressed this truth more movingly and accurately, in my opinion, than the great British Catholic author G. K. Chesterton in an essay years ago in the London Tablet. On Christmas morning, he remembered, his stockings were filled with things he had not worked for, or made, or even been good for. The only explanation people had was that a being called Santa Claus was somehow kindly disposed toward him. “We believed,” he wrote, that a certain
The Catholic News & Herald 13
Looking Around Father William J. Byron, SJ CNS Columnist Christmas: Ground-Zero Time I was struck years ago with the relevance to the mystery of the incarnation of these words of Mahatma Gandhi, who, of course, never intended them to point to the Christmas mystery: “There comes a time when an individual becomes irresistible and his action all-pervasive in its effect. This comes when he reduces himself to zero.” Now, with all the post-Sept. 11 talk about Ground Zero, I wonder whether Gandhi’s words have anything to contribute to the search for meaning on the part of Christmastime visitors to the rubbled remains of the World Trade Center in Manhattan. Can anything good come of this devastation? Is there anything redemptive in this reduction to zero? The term “Ground Zero” originated with the testing of nuclear weapons by the United States on Bikini, a Pacific atoll, in the 1940s and ’50s. Ground Zero was the point on the ground directly beneath the point in the air where the bomb was detonated. The term has come to connote enormous damage in a confined area. By extension the term is used to describe the abrupt beginning of a new age. Taken literally, “Ground Zero” serves well to describe a situation as close as we ever have come to having a nuclear bomb fall on us. Taken metaphorically, the term may come to mark the arrival in the United States of a new realization of vulnerability, contingency and dependency. Isaiah’s words (9:6) remind the faithful at Christmas Midnight Mass that there in the zero setting of stable straw they are looking at the “Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace [whose] dominion is vast and forever peaceful.” All Christians believe this, as they believe that a new age began in the stable in Bethlehem. Yet no Christian would claim that the dominion of Christ is accepted by every human heart or that the peace of Christ resides in every person and nation around the world. Thoughtful Christians may wonder why. Why is his domination not wider? Why is his peace not more widely shared? Because, I would suggest, we Christians are surface celebrators. We back off from the shattering truth of the mystery of Christmas. We refuse to believe that Christmas is, quite literally, a reduction to zero. Our God was willing to be reduced to zero. Christ, the anointed one, the God-man, is the zero in whom and through whom and with whom God’s power and glory are with us. We who follow Christ are, our hesitant hearts must come to acknowledge, called to lose out lives in order to find them, to reduce ourselves or be reduced to zero so that the power of God can move through us to touch a tired world. Reduction to zero frees the Christian to build and even battle in a world filled with intractable problems that impede the pervasiveness of the peace of Christ. This is the truth that separates surface celebrators from true believers. This may be the truth that emerges from the ruins of the Trade Towers to open a new awareness of dependence on God, a new sign that Christians are making quiet progress toward Christian zero. The witness of Christmas simplicity may serve this year to keep hope alive, a hope that can find meaning in the devastation at Ground Zero.
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In brief ... Seasonal and holiday gatherings to take place at Shelby parish SHELBY — St. Mary Church, 818 McGowan Rd., will be having evening prayer (vespers) every Friday evening during Advent at 6:30 p.m. from Dec. 7-21. On Dec. 28, the Feast of the Holy Innocents, a special memorial service in remembrance of all deceased children, born and unborn, will be held at 6:30 p.m. For further information or questions, contact the church office at (704) 487-7697 or Mary Frye at (704) 538-7187. Ringing in the New Year with prayer and meditation MAGGIE VALLEY — All are invited to attend Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center, 103 Living Waters Lane, to “welcome the New Year.” The Augustinian Friars will share in an evening of recollection, silence, community and prayer beginning with a New Year’s Eve supper at 7:30 p.m. followed by a conference, faith sharing and midnight Mass. The evening will conclude with a social at the Augustinian Friary, and the retreat will end with brunch on New Year’s Day. For registration and other information, call the center at (828) 9263833 or e-mail lwcrc@main.nc.us. Service of Nine Lessons and Carols to be presented in the Triad WINSTON-SALEM — A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols celebrating the birth of the Christ will be presented at St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave., on Jan. 6 at 5:30 p.m. The service will feature a candlelight procession, performances by the St. Leo handbell, adult, and children choirs, music for brass quartet and organ and congregational carols. For details, call the church office at (336) 724-0561.
ClassiEMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Caregiver: Seeking dependable caregiver to assist elderly with non-medical care in their homes. Part-time and fulltime. Top hourly fees. VISITING ANGELS. (704) 442-8881 Freelance Writers/Photographers: The Catholic News & Herald seeks experienced freelancers in all areas of the Diocese of Charlotte. Candidates should have professional writing/photography experience and be familiar with Associated Press style. Send non-returnable writing clips and photography samples to: Freelance Writer Search, The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237, or send e-mail to jskeane@charlottediocese.org. Music Director: Our Lady of Grace in Greensboro is seeking a full-time director to be responsible for all music activity in a church with over 2,300 families. Applicants must be fully competent in both organ and piano, and experienced in directing both adult and children’s choirs. If you meet these requirements, please send your resume and salary re-
Around the Di-
Lay woman gives Bible relapse of polio; for through this, God By Rev. Mr. Gerald Potkay has brought her to peace with herself and Correspondent the world as he showed her how to lean GREENSBORO — Answering on him. the call to evangelize is easy for Kitty Moving into the Scripture portion of Rogers; her gift is helping others to the program, she compared St. Luke’s understand Scripture. and St. Matthew’s infancy narratives, The St. Pius X parishioner talked about pointing out the differences between her life and about the Scriptures in the Bible the two. Whereas the focus of Matstudy class she gave at The Franciscan Center thew’s Gospel is Jesus as the Messiah in Greensboro on Nov. 29. who comes through the ancestry and All her life, even when obstacles house of David, Luke’s Gospel emphawere placed in her path, Rogers has been sizes Jesus as the Messiah of and for involved with her faith. Educated at St. the lowly. Benedict Catholic School and Notre Dame Using Old Testament references, Academy in Southern Pines, she earned a Rogers showed how scholarship to Trinity the Jesus of both College in WashingMatthew and Luke is ton, D.C. Two days relevant to the comafter arriving at Trinmunities to which he ity, she was stricken was presented. She with polio, which then explained how ended her college these Gospels are career. relevant to today’s Her first husband world. died, leaving her to care Rogers emphafor their two daughsized how today’s ters. Later, she married Christians can learn Frank Rogers at St. Pius from Mary, who acX. She also worked for cepted the will of the church: as a member God without quesof the Community Life tion, whereas Joseph Commission at St. Pius started looking at his X and for Rev. Msgr. options before learnJoseph Showfety at the ing through a dream chancery in Charlotte. Kitty Rogers that he should stay More than 20 with Mary and the years ago, she beChrist Child. Mary came interested in is someone all women can identify Scripture, so she began attending a with, Rogers said: “All women can age Bible class each year, most often the with her through the Gospel story.” Summer Bible Institute at the Oratory “I started coming to Kitty’s Bible in Rock Hill, S.C. She was inspired to studies this summer,” Pat Peek said. share her knowledge with others by “She makes me want to return over and giving Bible classes at St. Pius X. over again.” At the Nov. 29 session, she said she “It was very spiritual and peacethanks God for everything, including a
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quirements to: Music Ministry, Our Lady of Grace Church, 201 S. Chapman Street, Greensboro, NC 27403. Own a Computer? Work from home. Mail-order/E-commerce. $1000-$7000/ month. Part-time, full-time. Free information. www.changeyourfuture4ever.com (888) 207-9771 Principal: Experienced principal for St. Anthony’s Catholic School in Southern Pines, NC, to open Fall 2002. K-3. Minimum MA/MS. Expected to build curriculum faithful to the magisterium of Catholic Church. Salary based on experience. Please send resume to: St. Anthony Catholic School Principal Search, P.O. Box 602, Carthage, NC 28327. Deadline: Dec. 31st. Teachers: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School, located in Fairburn, Georgia, is seeking teachers in all disciplines for the
2002-2003 school year. Mercy offers an excellent teaching environment and well as competitive salary and benefits. Interested individuals should send resume and cover letter to: John Cobis, Our Lady of Mercy High School, 861 Highway 279, Fairburn, GA 30213. Vice President, Mission: St. Joseph of the Pines, Southern Pines, North Carolina is seeking a Vice President, Mission. We provide Long Term Care and Home Health and Hospice Care. The position has oversight for Mission, Pastoral Care and Ethics. Please send letter and resume to Mr. Mark Davenport, VP, Human Resources, St. Joseph of the Pines, 590 Central Drive, Southern Pines, NC 28387. Telephone: 910-2463112. Fax: 910-246-3187.
December 7, 2001
Holy Angels rates zero
BELMONT — For the seventh time in eight years, the Fox Run ICF/ MR Group Homes at Holy Angels received a “zero deficiency” rating from the N.C. Department of Human Resources Division of Facilities Services. The “zero deficiency” rating means Holy Angels meets all the standards set for Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded, and that Holy Angels provides exemplary services. A two-member survey team spent two days observing in the three group homes, interviewing staff and parents, and reviewing records. Team members spend time observing the program and reviewing such items as individual habilitation plans, incident reports, nurse’s notes, medication reports, and progress notes. Holy Angels opened the Fox Run group homes in 1992. The ICF/MR group homes, or Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded, serve 18 children and adults who are medically fragile and have severe to profound mental retardation and multiple physical disabilities. The survey team complimented staff on the relationships built with residents, and added they observed a “mutual relationship of caring and giving” among the staff and residents. The team also praised the various day-to-day interactions observed, and the progress that the individuals have made. President/CEO Regina Moody commented that “a “zero deficiency” survey is a direct result of the high level of care that Holy Angels staff are committed to. Our staff are dedicated to providing unconditional love and recognize that our residents have unlimited possibilities. We are very fortunate to have such an outstanding staff here at Holy Angels. Holy Angels is currently building a fourth ICF/MR group home and will hold it’s official dedication on Thursday, December 20, 2001. The home will provide continuing services for children who are “aging out” of the main center at Holy Angels. Martin, Boal, Anthony and Johnson Architecture Firm of Shelby and Pinnix, Inc. Construction of Gastonia are in the final stages of completion of this project. Celebrating a 45-year history, Holy Angels was founded in 1956 by the Sisters of Mercy. The private, nonprofit corporation located in Belmont, NC, provides residential services and innovative programs for children and adults with varying degrees of mental retardation and physical disabilities, some of whom are medically fragile. Other programs include the Holy Angels Residential Center, four Community Group homes, Little Angels Child Development Center, Great Adventures, Camp Hope and Cherubs Café & Candy Bouquet in downtown Belmont.
December 7, 2001
Around the Re-
TAC News Bytes
Committee infuses technology into
By Joann S. Keane Editor CHARLOTTE — In little more than a blink of an eye, technology changes. Just as megabyte and gigabyte begin to settle in as daily terminology, words like terabyte loom on the horizon, and a kilobyte is yesterday’s news. For the nontechnology layperson, a byte is the basic unit of storage capacity in a computer system. In an effort to embrace technology, the Diocese of Charlotte and its appointed Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) are studying the tenets that reach and surround daily life. How technology can best serve the people of the diocese is the operative directive. The technology plan will “address how technology can effectively be utilized throughout the Diocese of Charlotte for the benefit of the clergy, employees, parishioners and other constituents to further the mission of the diocese,” said Bill Weldon, chief financial officer for the diocese. Most recently, the TAC outlined priority tactical opportunities: 10 priorities that will take the Diocese into a new phase of technology implementation. “Tactical opportunities,” said Guy Cavallo, a TAC volunteer and information technology director for the City of Charlotte, “are short-term projects that have an immediate impact on improving the diocese’s activities. Our identified tactical opportunities are specific areas of technology where we see a significant gap between standard practices and our current computer technology implementation.” Issues defined include e-mail, intranet, computer purchasing, technical support and website hosting. These are some of the areas identified with the goal of attaining the highest benefit impact, providing widespread
availability throughout the diocese, and that are available at a low cost. “In these areas, we can recommend and implement solutions that are business proved, competitively priced, lead to long-term lower costs of operations and improve communications,” Cavallo said. Jerry Felten has a vested interest in the diocesan technology plans. As director of parish operations for St. Leo parish in Winston-Salem, the cochair of the administration subcommittee is well aware of parish technology needs and how the TAC plan will benefit not only his parish, but also the diocese at large. With St. Leo school renovations on the horizon, planning how to integrate technology is key to their plans. For Janice Ritter, assistant superintendent of Catholic Schools for the diocese and co-chair of the TAC’s education subcommittee, there’s a natural infusion of technology into the diocesan mission that calls the faithful to “seek to become even more enthusiastically a leaven of service and a sign of peace through love in Piedmont and Western North Carolina.” “When the technolog y plan is complete, it will enhance our abilities as we continue to pursue our mission,” Ritter said. “We’ll be able to be more effective and efficient, to reach more people, to provide more information through heightened communications.” Contact Editor Joann Keane by calling (704) 370-3336 or e-mail jskeane@ charlottediocese.org
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Georgia monks’ fruity concoction takes the cake for the words “Abbey of the Holy Spirit — Fruitcake from Brother Basil’s Kitchen.” The monks bake every other day. On the nonbaking days, they mix batter, garnish the cakes and inject the alcohol needed to create the perfect fruitcake. Two hundred and fifty cakes are produced each week. Brother Basil said the batter for the cakes is made of butter, sugar, eggs (130 for every 85 cakes), flour, spices, honey and almond, and the fruit mix is a combination of cherries, pineapple, pecans, raisins, dates and almond flavoring. In a dark blue trough that can hold 250 pounds, the fruit mix spends three days soaking in peach brandy and golden sherry. Each fruitcake must weigh exactly 2 pounds. A digital scale is used for accuracy. After they’re baked, the cakes are left to cool. They are then injected with six extra shots of the sherry and brandy. Though the alcohol content may seem high, Brother Basil said that it is less compared to some fruitcakes. “Some cakes use rum, which has a greater alcohol content,” he said. “The alcohol keeps the cake moist and acts as a preservative. The shelf life on this is quite long. We are doing tests now to find out exactly how long.” The cakes are glazed, garnished with two cherries and two large whole pecans, wrapped in cellophane and sealed. The cakes currently are available at Atlanta-area HoneyBaked Ham Stores and through the company’s catalog for $29.95. The Abbey Store at the monastery sells the cakes for $19.95 each. The price is comparable to most fruitcakes, but Brother Basil’s cake comes with a special ingredient — prayer. “This isn’t just about making fruitcake,” said Brother Basil, who has been at the monastery for 11 years and baking for six of them. “Right now we are focused on production and we are trying to smooth out the labor end of this and be efficient. It’s the matter of becoming familiar with everything. Life is centered on prayer and once we are working at high efficiency, it becomes part of our prayer life.” “You have to take the opportunity that God provides you for work, meditation and devotion,” he continued. “Work is very important to tie together the spiritual with the physical. The key to life is harmony.”
Editor’s Note: To order a fruitcake visit the abbey’s Web site at www.trappist.net. Fruitcakes also can be purchased by calling (800) 367-2426. By Erika Anderson Catholic News Service CONYERS, Ga. (CNS) — It has been said that there is no middle ground in the fruitcake war — there are those who love it and those who cringe at the very mention of the traditional holiday treat. But at the Trappist Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Brother Basil Arsenio and his fellow monks create a fruitcake sure to convert even the harshest critic. The labor and effort put into making the cakes have become a prayer for the monks who work in the bakery — and the result is a celestial creation. Known for their popular loaves of bread, the monks work in the bakery under a sign that reads “Give us this day our daily bread.” For now, regular bread-making is on hold, and all their efforts are focused on fruitcake. According to Brother Basil, creating a fruitcake was the idea of Abbot M. Basil Pennington. “He had had experience with other monasteries that were doing fruitcakes, and some that were having large sales from the fruitcakes,” the brother told The Georgia Bulletin, newspaper of the Atlanta Archdiocese. After an initial discussion of the idea, Brother Basil developed a recipe with the help of an international baker. “It took us four to six months to really hone it and develop it and make it really special, which meant changes in everything from cooking times to variations on additives,” he said. The HoneyBaked Ham Co. began marketing the cake through its catalogs in October. The cakes come in a decorative white tin, designed by Brother Alberic Farbolin. The tin bears a drawing of the monastery printed in green and encircled by
1 6 The Catholic News & Herald
Living the
Dedicated Catholic solidifies faith life through way she could. By ALESHA M. PRICE “(My earning) a degree in chemStaff Writer istry turned out to be a good thing WINSTON-SALEM — Rev. Mr. because when Joe was in school and Joe Schumacher is no stranger to the needed someone to type his papers, altar. He served as an altar boy until I could do it easily because I had the he was 22 in Downers Grove, Ill. His background,” said Mrs. Schumacher, parents, devout Catholics, supplied his who earned her bachelor’s degree in faith foundation through Catholic elechemistry from St. Francis University mentary school and by example. Skills in Joliet, Ill. used on the altar as a youngster, and Schumacher’s graduate work was which remained close to his heart, redone with his first surfaced as Rev. Mr. three children tugSchumacher began ging at his legs. “It his life as a permawas a good expenent deacon. rience for me,” he “They (my parsaid. “I worked hard ents) gave me a and had my research good grounding in done quickly. It was my faith,” said the my goal to earn my deacon, ordained in Ph.D.; I was the first 1983 in the dioperson on either side cese’s first diaconof my family to go to ate class. college.” He received His faith grew both his master’s and steadily throughout doctoral degrees in his life as he machemistry. tured from a farm After that gruelboy to a father of ing schedule, comnine and grandfapleted in 1954, he ther of 23, who retook his budding tired as a Reynolds Rev. Mr. Joe Schumacher family back to the IlTobacco Co. chemlinois farm for a short ist to concentrate vacation. Before graduating, one of his on his ministerial work in the church. advisors had given him an application Farmyard dawns are among Rev. for a job with Reynolds Tobacco Co. in Mr. Schumacher’s earliest memories. Winston-Salem. He filled it out even A jeweler by trade, his father’s farmthough reluctance to move far away ing was his second job. That pastime from home weighed heavy on his heart. proved helpful when his profesThe job offer came, and he could not sion dimmed during the Depression. pass up the opportunity. Schumacher, one of nine siblings, had “We moved to Winston-Salem to feed chickens, pigs and geese; milk in 1954,” Rev. Mr. Schumacher said. cows; and clean the barn. “Everyone was really nice, and we “The farming got us through that were welcomed. We were only going time because we were able to eat,” he to stay for two years but liked it and said. (My father) raised produce and remained.” chickens and went out to peddle them His life was progressing in an orto earn money for the family. We had derly fashion, with more children, sucto work hard and do chores before cesses at work, involvement his church playing. It was a good lesson to learn home, Our Lady of Mercy, and in his which affected my whole life. It was community, and his wife’s support. He tough growing up; we didn’t have did not expect a call to the permanent anything and always had second-hand diaconate. gifts, but my experiences enabled me to “I had always been close to the do what I am doing now.” Lord and had been very involved He graduated from high school in through the years with various minis1946 into a post-World War II country tries. I always had a close relationship and witnessed and experienced major with the church,” said Rev. Mr. Schumchanges while studying chemistry at acher, who heard about the diaconate St. Precopius College, now known at Mass one morning. “I asked the as Illinois Benedictine, in Lisle, Ill. Lord if he was calling me, and my wife He met his future wife, Virginia, on thought that it would be something I a double date with his older brother would do after retirement.” and one of Virginia’s friends. The two His pastor recommended that he fell in love, and their courtship lasted apply immediately, but Schumacher through their scholastic careers. thought that the ministry was not They were married in 1950, after suited for him. “I thought there were Schumacher earned his bachelor’s debetter men in the diocese. My worst gree, and moved to Columbus, Ohio, subject in school was philosophy.” the day after their wedding. He reAcceptance into the first candiceived a fellowship to graduate school date group and attending the formaat Ohio State University and worked tion classes did not quell his musings various jobs to pay for his continuing about his role as a deacon. However, education. His wife helped him in every
the Schumachers said that their weekend classes were a time of growth and enjoyment for them both. “We were all groping our way, and we bonded through that experience. We looked forward to the weekends,” Mrs. Schumacher said. Nearing ordination, he revealed his worries to the former diocesan diaconate director, Msgr. Anthony Kovacic. “He (Msgr. Kovacic) said that the Holy Spirit would bestow graces on me,” Rev. Mr. Schumacher said. “Since my ordination, I have never been more aware of God’s graces. The diaconate is important to me only after God, my wife and children and grandchildren. It blows my mind what I have been able to do, and people’s response to that has been rewarding.” Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail amprice@charlottediocese.org.
December 7, 2001
Catholic women’s college to admit
By Lou Baldwin Catholic News Service PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — Chestnut Hill College, a Sisters of St. Josephsponsored Catholic women’s liberal arts college founded in 1924, has announced it will admit men to its undergraduate program beginning in the fall of 2003. “Research indicates the best way to educate women in the 21st century is in a coeducational setting, and we believe this decision is a responsible, proactive response to the sign of the times,” Sister Carol Jean Vale, a Sister of St. Joseph and Chestnut Hill’s president, said in a statement. “In doing so we offer a tradition of excellence and a history of success to a much wider audience.” The college has offered coeducational programs at the graduate level since 1980 and an undergraduate coed program for working adults since 1992. According to an earlier survey, only 3 percent of today’s high school girls would consider a single-sex college. It also noted the decline in the number of women’s colleges in the United States — from 298 in 1960 to 65 today, 19 of which are Catholic colleges. While Chestnut Hill has not yet experienced a drop in enrollment, according to a release issued by the college, “the data indicates a steady decline in the number of women willing to consider a women’s college and the steadily eroding position of women’s colleges which year after year are closing, merging or becoming coeducational.”