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Volume 6 Number 22

Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

•

February

1997

7,

Bishop's Call To Catholics: Support Sanctity Of Life MIKE KROKOS

By

Editor

GREENSBORO

— Despite a

society

which condones many evils including abortion, Catholics must stand firm and continue to support the sanctity of human life, Bishop William G. Curlin said at a Mass for the Unborn Jan. 29 at St. Pius X Church. "During my 40 years as a priest, there have been many changes in the world, both good and bad," Bishop Curlin told the more than 125 people in attendance. "But I never thought we would reach the point where laws actually sanction the killing of innocent,

unborn children." Society has evolved from an "age of innocence" where lives centered on church, school and family in the 1940s and '50s, to a time where many people believe there is no evil in the world, Bishop Curlin said. Evil does exist, but faith can always overcome it, he added. "We must believe in the power of prayer.

No

matter

how

discouraging things get,

we

God

holds us in the palm of His hand," Bishop Curlin added. "We can

must

realize that

change the world

— Dozens

Photo courtesy

CCHS

young people from across the Charlotte Diocese participated in the March for Life Jan. 22 in Washington, D.C. Pictured above are members of Charlotte Catholic High School's Voices for Life Club who traveled to the nation's capital on the "Youth for Life" bus with youngsters and teens from Charlotte, Denver, Hickory and Belmont. More than 1 25,000 people of all ages gathered for this year's march. Faith In Action

if

we

believe

God

is

with

us."

The bishop's comments came

of

a

week

Bernard F. Law of Boston reasserted Catholics' need to be unconditionally pro-life at the annual Mass in Thanksgiving for the Gift of Life celebrated after Cardinal

Jan. 21 at the Basilica of the National Shrine

Scott By

Hahn

Staff Writer

CHARLOTTE — "Hold on to your Live

an enthusiastic Dr. Scott Hahn told his audience of 1,100 on Feb. 1 at St. Matthew Church. His plea, delivered near the end of his three-session series, "A Faith Journey with Jesus," culminated two days of faith.

it,

love

it,

share

bearing witness to what

it,"

Hahn

called the

divine heritage of the Catholic Church.

"We

the

Message Of Faith

Delivers

JIMMY ROSTAR

Church are the bride of

"I would say that the Catholic Church has one of the most exciting futures anywhere in the world here in the South," he told The Catholic News &

Herald, "and especially in the Carolinas, not just because of transplants (moving here), but because

you have so many

non-Catholic Christians

who

are having

friendships form with Catholics." "It is

isn't

pronounced the words of consecration and elevated the host, I felt the last drop of doubt draining out of my mind and heart. I heard myself saying, 'My Lord and my God, it's really you.'" Hahn was received into the Church at Easter in 1986. Kimberly entered in 1990. "Entering the Catho-

Church for me was like coming home," Hahn said. "Ten years later, I'm more grateful than ever that this abiding truth is so permanent and unilic

so exciting to see people dis-

covering that Catholicism

what they

thought," he added.

own

of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. More than 5,000 people, including 25 bishops and 200 priests, attended the Mass.

and Christ will do whatever it takes beauty and to rescue and render spotless those for whom he bled and died and those for whom he intercedes right now," Hahn said during one

years to achieve. In his Jan. 31 "Conver-

after

sion Story," Hahn admitted to an audience of 1 ,600 people that his evangelical, academic, Presbyterian background led

concentrated on living the Catholic

presentation.

to his being "steeped in anti-Catholic con-

Christ,

to vindicate the

—

The

series

was sponsored by the Commission of

Catholic Evangelization Charlotte.

An

associate professor of theology

also travels extensively to discuss a

wide

range of subjects pertaining to Catholicism. His visit to Charlotte reinforced his gion.

view of the Church

life,

that discovery took

victions" as early as his high school years.

Troubled at finding inherently Catholic tenets of faith in later studies,

and Scripture and director of the Institute of Applied Biblical Studies at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, the former Presbyterian minister

positive

In his

in this re-

Hahn dove

deeper into his investigations. Struggling with his own distrust and objections from friends

and

his wife, Kimberly, he real-

ized his views of the Catholic Church

were

littered

with misconceptions.

In the mid-1980s, he attended

"When the shift occurred from the Liturgy of the Word to the Liturgy of the Eucharist ... I felt some"When

the priest

your soul

being storm-tossed for so long."

In

all

three presentations,

Hahn

Bishops' Committee for Pro-Life Activities, has since written President Clinton and asked him to reconsider his position on the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, Bishop Curlin said. In his letter, the cardinal asked the president to meet with

him and knowledge-

able physicians to discuss the partial-birth

abortion procedure. Part of Bishop Curlin's homily centered on the act, which if implemented would outlaw the killing of partially delivered infants. The bill passed both Houses of Congress last spring but was vetoed by the president.

An

attempt to override the president's veto

faith with the realization that

failed in the U.S. Senate last September.

through the a flesh-and-blood family relationship with his people. Drawing scriptural

week before

God, "new covenant," formed

and the bond between Jesus and His Church in his talk "The Fourth Cup," and focusing on Lent and the Beatitudes in relation to God's mercy in his "Alive in Jesus"

Hahn offered ways

to

more

pro-

foundly understand and participate the covenant.

Edward Hood,

in

a parishioner of

See Hahn, page 2

the Senate vote, the

A

House of

Representatives had voted to override the veto.

no justification for an act that Bishop Curlin said. Christians must unite in one voice to "There

parallels to Passover

story,

Mass

for the first time.

thing new," he said.

versal. It's like a harbor for

Bishop Curlin was among the concelebrants. Cardinal Law, chairman of the Catholic

is

is

clearly infanticide,"

protect the sacredness of

life,

the bishop

added.

"Let us pray for those who know the anguish of abortion, that God in His mercy will forgive and help them," Bishop Curlin said. "Let us pray for our nation, that we will all believe in the sanctity of human terrible

life."

5

2

The Catholic News

&

Herald

February

1997

7,

Couples

Retrouvaille Helps

Transform Troubled Marriages By

MIKE KROKOS

"One goal of the program is for couples to continue dialoging," he said.

Editor

CHARLOTTE

Photo by

Dr. Scott

Hahn

listens

as one

of the

younger members

of his Feb.

1

JIMMY ROSTAR

audience asks

him a question.

Scott

Hahn

Visits Charlotte Church,

Sharing Faith, Testimony,

from page

1

—

very well," said

Ron Dangelo, who

attended with about 25 fellow parishioners

from Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City. "He's not just preaching something that he read. He's preaching something from inside." "He's like a mentor to me," said Gail Buckley, a parishioner of St. Ann Church in Charlotte, who entered the Catholic Church four years ago. "Most of my friends are Protestants, so I know the questions and the objections that they have. Scott gives us the words that we need to help break down those walls that are up between Christians so that we can all be united." Spiritan Father Ed Vilkauskas, diocesan director of evangelization, hopes that such events "feed and nourish" people who will in turn build up the Church. "What a wonderful experience it was to see the evangelization commissions across Charlotte working together to present this," he added. "I think that's a very special quality: the sharing of faith, the witnessing of faith as Church."

"We

ask them to select a subject each on it for 10 minutes, and ex-

day, write

future together looked less than promising.

frequently, so

The negative elements of riage seemed to outweigh the positive. "We had looked to a Christian

munication methods such as the telephone

mar-

their

change it

With dual career

ideas.

can be

difficult.

m?/' DSAP7 DSAQ7 DSA

counselor for help, but were at the point of hopelessness," Karen Ridino recalled. During the summer of 1994, Karen picked up The Catholic News & Herald and read about Retrouvaille, a program designed to

families,

One spouse may travel

we encourage

other

com-

or fax machine."

According to Rev. Mr. Fadero, Scott and Elizabeth Thomas of

Holy Spirit Church in Denver were instrumenbringing

in

tal

Retrouvaille

— which —

open to all faiths

help troubled marriages. With nowhere else to turn, the Ridinos

help struggling couples," he said.

— parishioners — decided

Matthew Church tend a weekend session

The Ridinos learned other

to at-

that fall.

Like others, the Ridinos entered the

not a feeling," Karen said. "Love is something you decide to do in spite of

is

newed commitment to their marriage. "It was a very peaceful experience.

behaviors you don't like."

Retrouvaille helped us focus for our marriage,"

ized

we needed

Karen

to live

on God's

said.

"We

will

real-

our lives more in

— French

.

Two years later, the Ridinos are happily married

and the Diocesan couples

coordinators for the Catholic Social Services

program that

is

partially

the Diocesan Support Appeal.

tune with God's word."

things

about themselves and their marriage during follow-up sessions. "We learned love

program uncertain about what to expect; what they came away with was a re-

funded by

They

will

for rediscov-

host three Retrouvaille sessions this year:

who

April 11-13; July 11-13; and Oct. 10-12.

share their stories and the process of re-

Although the program has helped transform her marriage, Karen Ridino

Retrouvaille

ery

—

involves "presenting couples"

building their marriages. Participating couples work on specific topics in private.

—

is

Unlike Marriage Encounter which designed to help good marriages get bet-

ter

—

Retrouvaille

is

for couples dealing

wishes Retrouvaille had been available years ago. "My parents are divorced. Both of them are convinced that if a similar

program was available during their difthey would still be married

with serious problems, explained Rev. Mr.

ficult times,

Nick Fadero of St. Patrick Cathedral, who

today," she said.

with his wife, Irene, served as Retrouvaille

For

information

about

couples coordinator for the Diocese of

Retrouvaille, call Lee Montelbano,

Charlotte for three years.

(800) 470-2230.

PUT YOUR GIFTS at the

Jlsaimtgs for tip foeek of

Jebruarrj

Sunday:

945

SERVICE OF OTHERS

Job 7:1-4 1 Corinthians 9:16-19,22-23 Mark 1:29-39

Consider

Palm fonds

bum for

Monday:

ashes to be used during

Ash Wednesday services on Feb. 12.

is

to the

diocese in 1993. 'They were involved with Marriage Encounter and realized the need for a program to

at St.

Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte, was reminded of that relationship. "As Catholics, we should take more pride in the Eucharist than we sometimes do," he said. "I'm glad Scott brought that out, to wake up Catholics that we do have the body and the blood of Christ every time we come to Mass." "The man is very well-versed in his subject, and he gets his points across

Ruggero and

Karen Ridino were on the verge of becoming a statistic. After eight years of marriage, the couple separated and their

Hebrews 11:32-40

Mark Tuesday:

Hebrews 12:1-4

Mark Wednesday:

5:1-20

Friday:

Joel 2:12-18

Deuteronomy 30:1 5-20 Luke 9:22-25

The Diocese of Charlotte

Isaiah 58:1-9

Matthew Saturday:

in

5:21-43

2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 Mark 6:1-6, 16-18

Thursday:

PRIESTHOOD

9:1 4-1

Isaiah 58:9-14

Luke 5:27-32

Information Father Frank O'Rourke Vocations Director P.O. Box 130 Clemmons, NC 27012 (910) 766-1882

February

7,

The Catholic News

1997

Forum, Faith Formation Share Vision For Christian Initiation

Diocese of Charlotte

February

The Chancery

RCIA

PO Box 36776

Dear Friends

7,

&

Herald 3

Charlotte, N.C. 28236 (704)377-6871

1997

in Christ,

coordinators

In Central and Eastern Europe, the collapse of

at the 90-

cally

Day

changed the

discuss Lenten

the past

practices

KATHY SCHMUGGE

— The North American

Catechumenate and the Diocese of Charlotte's Faith Formation Office recently co-sponsored "Focus on Initiation: The Ninety Days" at the Catholic Conference Center. The program was designed to help parishes implement the

(Rite of Christian Initiation of

Adults) during the Lenten/Easter season.

The North American Forum

is

a

group of pastoral ministers, liturgists and catechists who spread their vision of RCIA through experiential learning tech-

Catholic faith before the retreat begins. In another session, Father

The was

there

Archdiocese of Washington; and Father Ron Oakham, a Carmelite provincial and facilitator of the catechumenate.

The program divided the 90 days into Lent, Triduum and the Easter season. Because the Scrutinies rites which include biblical reflections on baptism occur during Lent, they were given spe-

—

—

emphasis. In her presentation,

90 days

catechumens.

Brown described

as a retreat period for the

She emphasized

that the

individual should be fully instructed in the

region.

Sincerely in Christ,

/ery

1524

Daily Masses:

Vigil

—

dinator for the diocese.

A

few

-

9

m

visiting

lina,

Virginia and

Canada took part as well.

Phillip Michelet, a

the

RCIA team

Church ply

at St.

in Charlotte,

some of

new member of John Neumann

was anxious to apfrom the institute

the ideas

program. "We have 30 catechumens at this time," he added, which is not uncommon for the parish. Another participant wished there had been greater discussion on how to immerse the catechumen in the Catholic faith so these rites would have greater to their thriving

meaning. "Ninety Days"

American Forum

is

one of four North which the dio-

institutes

cese sponsors throughout the year.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK VISIT St. Patrick

Remember

"A valid Will stands as a continuing expression of our concern for loved ones, as

HisWll

well as an ongoing commitment to the Church and the community in which we live'.'

In Yours.

Bishop William G. Curlin

ou can express your commitment to your Church by making a bequest to the Diocese of Charlotte or to your parish. Simply have the following

— 8:00, 9:30,

& 7:30AM &

11:00AM

-

5:30PM 12:30PM

to

Rector: The Very Reverend Paul Gary

Parochial Vicars: Reverend Eric Houseknecht

and Reverend Thomas Williamson 1621 Dilworth Road East f Charlotte,

—

Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory was a special School on Jan. 28 as part of Catholic Schools Week activities. The mayor discussed his day-to-day duties as the city's top official. He also answered questions, and told students they should work hard to be good role models.

guest at

statement included in your Will: "/ leave to the

Saturday Confession:

Morehead Street Charlotte, N.C. 28207 FAX (704) 358-1208

coordinators from Florida, South Caro-

Friday — 12:10PM — Rosary 8:45AM; Mass 9:00AM; Novena 9:30AM Saturday — 4:00 5:00PM or by request

Monday

E.

were 75 participants," said Sheri Wilson, local organizer and RCIA coor-

lEKediraJi

Sunday

Reverend Mauricio W. West, V.G.

Chancellor

a

Weekend Masses: Saturday

tirelessly to nourish the faith

was very pleased with team members,

The forum's team included Kathy Brown, dean of the School of Ministry in Phoenix, and director of parish initiation and leader in social justice programs; Thomas Morris, executive director of the North American Forum and assistant director of Religious Education in the

Oakham

The Church has worked

women and children raised in an atheistic society. Yet, much

overall reaction to the institute

positive. "I

the attendance. Including

these

people morally and spiritually starved.

work remains to be done. The collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe will be taken Ash Wednesday, February 12. We ask your generous response in order that we might continue to help rebuild the Church and nourish the faith of the

gave his historical account of how the emphasis on Lent has changed throughout the centuries. Starting with a focus on the catechumens in the second through fifth centuries, Father Oakham sees a broader focus today to include everyone. Regarding the last 20 years, he noted a positive change in attitude from having to "earn salvation" during Lent in the past to simply "responding to salvation."

niques.

cial

rebuilt.

of millions of men,

II.

HICKORY

RCIA

left

The Catholic Church has made tremendous progress in the region over six years. Mass media is spreading the Word of God; Catholic schools

houses are being

after

Forum on

has radi-

and social service organizations are reopening and seminaries and religious

before and

By

communism

of millions of people. Freedom and opportunity abound,

but decades of oppression have

Institute

Vatican

lives

NC 28203 f (704)334-2283

Charlotte (or (or

Roman

Catholic Diocese of

parish, city) the

sum of$

percent of the residue of my estate) for

religious, educational

its

and charitable works!'

For more information on how to make a Will that works, contact Jim Kelley, Diocese of Charlotte, Office of Development, 1524 East Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28207, (704) 331-1709 or 377-6871.

4 The Catholic

News

&

Herald

February

(Pro-Life Corner

The Pope Speaks Pope John Paul

t4g

god's Ttan for Love And Life afamihj retreat sponsored 6y the Diocesan Respect Life Office Friday, Feb. 28 7-9 p.m.

Saturday, March 1 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Aloysius Church, Hickory sanctity of life,

and related topics Learn to communicate with youth from a person who has made it her ministry for more abortion, chastity, sex

than 17 years. Register Today 'Diocese

Respect Life Office of Charlotte (704)331-1720

l-^piscopal Calendar j

m

Bishop William G. Curlin mil take part in the following

February 9

February 16

2:30 p.m.

9:30

Mass

Mass

with Vietnamese

Pope

of Pope John Paul IPs remarks weekly general audience Jan. 29.

text

in

Continuing our catechesis on the Blessed Virgin Mary, we now consider the life of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Although the Gospels say little about Jesus' childhood and youth, this must have been a time of special closeness between mother and son as they sought each day to do God's will. As Jesus grew in wisdom, age and grace (cf. Lk 2:52), Mary understood better the meaning of her own motherhood. Her quiet life during the "hidden years" at Nazareth is an example to many other mothers and to all who strive to grow in faith, hope and love. Our lives, too, are "hid with Christ in God" (Col 3:3), and Mary shows us how a life which seems humble and ordinary in the eyes of the world can advance God's plan of salvation by radiating the love and peace of Jesus Christ. I am pleased to greet the English-speaking visitors

Respect for human life, he said Feb. 2, is a value must be regained, if we want to keep from falling into an abyss." The pope, who has condemned abortion, euthanasia and other sins against life in countless speeches and documents, spoke from his apartment window overlooking St. Peter's Square, where church groups waved pro-

present at today's audience, especially from Denmark,

of protecting

Norway and the United States. I extend a cordial welcome also to the pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Toronto. Upon all of you I cordially invoke an abun-

the mother's

dance of heavenly favors.

would

Winston-Salem

Patrick Cathedral Charlotte

Our Lady of Grace

Rev. Francis

Lent begins appropriately each year with a gospel reading about Jesus being tested for 40 days in the desert.

Vicariates

This year the reading

cording to

Mark

is

from the gospel acmost primi-

(1:12-15), the earliest and

which tells

the story in simple terms.

Church

tive of the Gospels,

Greensboro

There, the Spirit of God drives Jesus out into the desert, traditionally the haunt of evil spirits, for a trial of strength

Foundation of The Roman

with the forces of

Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

evil.

Matthew and Luke,

In

the story

is

expanded by

describing what the temptations of Jesus were, namely, to worldly

ambition that could jeopardize the very na-

ture of his mission. in the

Of course,

there

is

no

gospel according to John, because that writer

al-

Most Reverend William G. Curlin Editor: Michael Krokos Associate Editor: Joann Keane Staff WritenJimmy Rostar Hispanic Editor: Luis Wolf

Egypt.

The Cathoijc

^News& Herald February •

7,

life

banners.

The at will"

human life "cannot be disposed of belongs to the Creator, or the "author

pontiff said

because

it

of life."

"Love

inspires the culture of

life,

while selfishness

inspires the culture of death," he said.

'Choose

"The Lord

says:

so that you and future generations can

life,

live!'"

The pope emphasized that when the Church speaks life, it means from its first beginnings in

womb

to natural death.

His words touched upon a controversial topic in Italy, where legislators recently introduced a proposal that

T.

stipulate juridical rights for the

Gignac,

human embryo.

S.J.

/T\

igpy

1997

Number 22

Publisher:

Advertising Manager: Gene Sullivan Production Associate: Sheree McDermott Secretary: Cindy Geppert

1524 East Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28207 Mail: PO Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 331-1713 FAX: (704) 377-0842 E-mail: CNHNEWS@AOL.COM The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1524 East Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28207, 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, PO Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.

Jesus here achieves a decisive victory over Satan, but

it

is

not the end of the war. This gospel pictures the

battle continuing in the ministry of Jesus, as

demons and drives out evil anic activity.

And

spirits as signs

tians of his

own

he rebukes

of his messi-

the author implies that the struggle

will continue, too, in the lives

and sufferings of the Chris-

ing the imminent arrival of God's kingdom.

The

chal-

is issued in words taken from later Christian terminology: "Repent and believe in the gospel" ex-

lenge

—

how

the early Christian preachers

This story of the nearly universal destruction of the human race, during which the world almost reverted to procreation chaos, was motivated by the universal spread of corruption and violence.

The priestly

God

tradition concludes this

myth by pictur-

God making

an everlasting covenant with all living creatures, promising never again to destroy the earth. And all would be reminded of this everlasting covenant every time they saw a rainbow in the sky. The second reading contains a rather enigmatic passage from First Peter (3:18-22), in origin an early Christian bishop's homily at an Easter baptism during a ing

time of persecution toward the end of the

He compares tians will

first

the trials and sufferings the

have

to

undergo

century.

new

Chris-

to a baptismal bath corre-

sponding to the great flood at the time of Noah. Then he claims that they will triumph through suffering just as Jesus did. Those who die symbolically with Christ in baptism will also rise with him, pictured here as mounting in triumphant procession to the abode of God in the seventh heaven. During these 40 days of Lent, our spiritual journey will take us through suffering to joy, through Calvary to

was once a period of preparation

for bap-

tism, as in our restored rite of the catechumenate.

the baptized Christian, this

it

is

a period of purification.

For

May

Lent prepare us to recommit ourselves to Christ

when we renew our baptismal vows

at Easter.

summarized

what they thought people had to do to be saved. The Old Testament reading (Gen 9:8-15) describes the gracious intervention of

ing, the

Easter. Lent

day.

After this story, the author pictures Jesus proclaim-

actly

trial and test40 days of the flood. In the priestly tradition from which this section is taken, the flood marked the end of the first period of the world and inaugurated a new era.

ary period of

parallel story

ways portrays Jesus in complete control of his destiny and not subject to any human weakness. The background for the story of the trial of Jesus in the desert was the belief that the Messiah was the divine agent who would destroy the kingdom of evil, here represented by Satan, with whom Jesus is pictured as joining battle on Satan's own turf. The trial lasts 40 days, the traditional period of trial derived from the 40 years (roughly a generation) during which Israel was thought to have wandered in the desert after the Exodus from

Volume 6

that "absolutely

Joy Through Suffering

Ash Wednesday Mass

/ts

II,

Italy's pro-life day,

Guest Column

&

February 13 Board Meeting

marking

ciety.

2:30 p.m.

St.

CITY

— Pope John Paul

said abortion was a symptom of selfishness in modern so-

am

Rite of Election for Greensboro

7:30 p.m.

VATICAN (CNS)

sisters,

Charlotte

February 12

Selfishness

English at his

St.

Ann Church

Calls Abortion Society's

Symptom Of

the Vatican

is

Patrick Cathedral Charlotte

Community St.

— Here

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

Dear brothers and

Learn the Catholic Position on

The

II

&

,m

Pope Says Mothers Should Look To Mary

St.

1997

7,

after another legend-

Jesuit Father Francis T. Gignac is a professor and chairperson of the Department of Biblical Studies at

The Catholic University of America.

1

February

7,

The Catholic News

1997

Light

Lent: Three Steps

Toward

demands of your will to commit something cannot be satisfied by hu-

to

usually enter into Lent with reflecand good intentions about spiritual renewal and commitment. Too often I see these dissolve into ritual, lip service and I

tions

man

effort alone. This revelation leads

an awareness of the role

share in a will that reflects

to the next step:

your conscience plays in your actions, At this second stage, you see more clearly how your conscience actually neold habits. Over the years I have come up with gotiates what you want to do with what you really do. For example, you recogthree steps I find useful. You might take them yourself to bring God's will and your nize within yourself a yearning for religious truth. You know you cannot reach desires together to achieve the most you it yourself Either can with your life you believe that for yourself and you are the master for others. At this second stage you see ... of your destiny, or First, study how your conscience actually that some force your daily actions,

—

especially those

negotiates what you want to do

activities that ex-

with what you really do.

press your personality.

you do that demonstrate your commitment to something. It may be the way you go about your job, spend your leisure time, or activities in the neighborhood or larger community. Behind any of these activities which you have given some kind of priority is a will, your will. Honest reflection reveals

your own?

and kindness. One which you bear someone else's suffering just by being there. One in which you find reasons greater

If

than your own satisfaction

erosity in

—

Now what? you cannot become by yourself what you most want to become, you can open your heart, mind and soul to God's grace-filled intervention. Recognize the pure gift of faith in God's power to bring your will to fulfillment. This final step can lead to a life of service and

One

in

to trust

rather than despair.

One in

which you become like the one you love, holy as your God is holy. What you and I can discover as we

move deeper

into the Lenten season is God's greatest desire is one and the

that

that

we

find the source of healing and

beyond yourself is

Christ rejoiced with Peter at his moment of self-awareness: "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for flesh and

life;

that

we

necessary to

blood has not revealed

love.

sat-

your will to to moral truth. At that moment you know you need God if you are to accomplish what it is you ache to isfy

this to you, but

my

Father in Heaven. "And to the woman who touched the hem of Christ's robe and was transformed, He said, "Daughter, your faith has

go

made you

well;

This Lent can be the beginning of a third level of reflection, con-

sider carefully the things religion has to

What does

say to your conscience.

reli-

gious truth say to your own need for truth?

new

say "I love you" to to hear

One in which you someone who needs

for you, too.

life

One

it.

same with

May

the deepest

human

dwell in the

spirit

desire

—

of lasting

your Lenten reflections be full of His grace!

full

of meaning and

For a free copy of the Christopher

News

in peace."

achieve.

For the

keep going. which you chose to

purpose.

commit

The things

McSweeney

J.

What about the possibility that God can enable you to move beyond yourself to

that the

Renewal

Herald 5

One Candle

Father Thomas

Spiritual

&

which you take the

in

risk

of performing an extraordinary act of gen-

Note, "Live Joyfully, " send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to The Christophers, 12 East 48th Street, New York, NY. 10017. Father Thomas J. McSweeney is director of The Christophers.

Question Corner Father John Dietzen

When Catholics Are Allergic To The Communion Host Q. I have been a eucharistic minisour parish and local hospital for 10

ter in

years. Last

she

week

a patient informed

me

and could not receive Communion. Not knowing what else to do, I said a prayer with her and left. How can one handle a situation like this, when the person wishes to receive our Lord in the Eucharist? that

is

allergic to the host

cereal grains except rice and corn.

tims, but they should con-

The condition is relatively rare, but I have known, and today am acquainted with, a good many who have it. They usu-

sult their

ally identify

receiving

themselves

Communion,

Two

am told your patient sounds like many who suffer from a disease

I

called celiac sprue. Their digestive sys-

tems are unable to absorb the gluten in several cereals, one of them wheat. The disease usually begins to appear in early childhood, but continues through adulthood. An otherwise normal life is possible, however, if the individual avoids wheat, barley, rye and oats, basically all

as this

possible avenues

recejving the Eucharist.

taking even this tiny portion

woman did

lie

Information about this

The other option

to

disease and

only under the form of wine.

to receiving

Communion

receive

This manner of receiving

with the

often the only one possible for patients

of the host without

other,

effects. it

is

Since

perfectly per-

we

believe that Christ's entire

eucharistic presence

Probably you have encountered people with other physical problems who could

under the form of bread and wine, alternative

not swallow or digest a whole host but

perfect

The

could manage a small piece.

At Mass, the individual can simply ask the priest or whoever

is

ministering

the Eucharist to give only a small part of the host.

From my experience, this works many celiac sprue vic-

satisfactorily with

is

way

priest places

which

Mass

is

is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Holy Trinity Church, 704 N. Main St., Bloomington, III. 61701. Questions for this column should be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address

the con-

into a small vial

then taken and minis-

one having the

about cremation

lesser or im-

tered to the patient. If

free brochure answering ques-

and other funeral regulations and

some of

illness attends a

Mass at which Communion

A

tions Catholics ask

this

to receive.

secrated wine at or bottle,

contained equally

no way a

in

1 325 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, Calif. 9 1 604- 1 838, (8 1 8) 990-2354.

Disease Foundation,

missible to minister Communion this way.

is

how it relates Communion is

available from the Celiac

is

who, for one reason or ancannot swallow the host.

disease can receive at least a small part ill

is

open for

Some

receive from the cup.

of wheat.

connection with

with you.

I'm sure you know A. one of

in

under both forms, he or she may pass up the bread and

physician before

is

distributed

customs

Family Reflections Andrew Selfless Acts Offer Hope For TV Recently we have been struck by occasions of social responsibility and genuine sensitivity on television. While in the midst of personal grief over the loss of his only son, Ennis,

TV

star Bill

Cosby

extended to a grieving mother his concern and empathy over the loss of her daughter, as Ennis.

who was killed the same day On top of all this, the family

has asked that no taxpayer funds be used

reward money to solve the case. We were also moved by the snack food manufacturer who rescinded their television ad for the Super Bowl out of deference to the family and friends of the as

&

Terri Lyke

woman who was killed in the bunjee jump-

It's

ing accident associated with the half-time

"senseless" acts of kind-

festivities.

The ad featured

jumper with a

tortilla

who successfully

a

bunjee

chip in his mouth

scoops a portion of dip

While discussing these

acts of other-

their friends.

We

shared such behav-

we have witnessed in our work worlds. Then we reflected on the times when we had been that way toward each other. ior

We

try to

recognize the enemies of

materialism and conspicuous consumption

who

often raise their heads on TV.

showed a value for

vertiser

we

respect over profits.

often refer to as the

"idiot box."

m

v

it

on especially thick dur-

ing the "Superhype" of the

Super Bowl.

It

seems

cial

/if commer-

hype gauge and make outlandish ads

that perpetuate falsely alluring images.

Viewers are encouraged to not just buy their products, but to buy into the images their commercials project. In demonstrating sensitivity toward the family of the

celebrities

and advertisers are socially responsible they promote something more than their self-interests.

that

they loosen the throttle on the

When TV

/

Advertisers tend to lay

centeredness with our children at dinner, they shared with us other selfless acts

bunjee jumper who was killed, this Super Bowl ad-

ness emanating from what

in his jump.

by

VHP

refreshing to see blatant,

mote hope, and

in

doing

They pro-

so, they

encour-

age social responsibility.

Though we

often feel surrounded by

a culture of self-centeredness, these

"senseless" acts of social responsibility leave us with feelings of hope, trust, and

confidence. There

is

goodness out

there.

1

6 The Catholic

News

&

Herald

February

1997

7,

Pope Invokes Special Blessing On Homeless In 1 997 Lenten Message — Here

VATICAN CITY (CNS)

is

English text of Pope John Paul H's message for Lent 1997. the Vatican

's

season of Lent recalls the 40

The

years spent by Israel in the desert

while on its way to the promised During that time the people experienced what it meant to live in tents, with-

sasters, and those forced to migrate for economic reasons. I also think of families evicted from their homes, those unable to find housing, and the many elderly people whose pensions do not enable them to find a decent and affordable place to live. At times these hard-

own example when "The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head" (Mt 8:20). By these words the Lord wished to show His total openness to His heavenly Father, whose will He was determined to carry out without letting Himself be hindered by the pos-

How

rity.

often they were tempted to

return to Egypt,

where at least there was even though it was the

ships lead to other tragedies such as al-

session of worldly goods. For there

ways

addiction. Last June, while the World Conference on Human Settlements, Habitat II, was meeting in Istanbul, I

take the place of God in the

called attention to these serious problems

a supply of bread

food of slaves. In the insecurity of the at the Sunday Angelus. I emphasized their great urgency and recalled once desert, God himself provided water and again that the right to housing belongs not food for His people, protecting them from only to the individual every danger. For the Lent ... becomes a season of as such, but also to the Hebrews the experifamily, made up of sevence of being totally desolidarity with individuals eral individuals. The pendent on God thus be-

a

came

and peoples

the path to free-

dom from

slavery and

who find

...

family, as the basic cell

of society, has a

themselves in very difficult

the idolatry of material

right to

situations.

things.

_

The Lenten season

in

very difficult situations.

Lent For year of

the 1997, preparation

first

for

pause and reflect on the tragic situation of the homeless. As a text for meditation I suggest the following words taken from Matthew's Gospel: "Come, O blessed of my Father, for I was homeless and you took me in" (cf. 25:34like to

The home is the place of family communion, where from the love of husband 35).

and wife children are born and learn to live; in the

home

how

children learn those

fundamental moral and

make them

spiritual values

it

full

housing adits

needs, so

can develop a

genuine domestic communion. The

Lent

Mi

light the

in the Bible high-

duty to help the

home

is

human heart.

thus a providential opportu-

detachment from riches necessary if we are to open ourselves to God. As Christians, we must nity for fostering the spiritual

direct our entire lives to him, for that in this

world

The

we have no fixed abode:

Lenten journey of purification culminates in the free and loving gift of self to the Father. It is by taking this path that Christ's disciples learn how to rise above themselves and their selfish interests in order to encounter in love their brothers and

the baptized to

and

is to

be observed by

examine

own

lives

sisters

with

their

and

is all

by sharing their hardships. By openness and generosity, as a community and as individuals, Christians can serve Christ present in the poor, and bear witness to the Father's love. In this journey Christ goes before us. His presence is a source of strength and encouragement: He sets us free and makes us witnesses of love.

Dear brothers and sisters! Let us go up with Christ to Jerusalem

fearlessly

Lk

(cf.

18:31) and accept His invitation

we may cling more God, the holy and merciful one, especially during the Lenten season to conversion, so that

fervently to

of grace. I pray that this Lent will enable all to hear the Lord's plea to open their hearts to all those in need. Invoking Mary's heavenly protection in a special way upon the homeless, I cordially im-

my apostolic blessing.

For Lent ance, urges Friday abstinences as someall American Catholics should up for the sake of world peace.

Catholics as a special season of prayer,

thing

penance and works of

fer

charity.

be

to

practical solidarity

Guidelines The time of Lent

call

Christ who is an invitation to

to treat their brothers

part

sisters.

Gospel

close to "homeless"

we know

"Our commonwealth is in heaven" (Phlm. 3:20). At the end of Lent, the celebration of the Paschal mystery shows how the

•

any passages

is al-

a danger that earthly realities will

church recognizes this fundamental right and is aware of her obligation to work together with others in order to ensure that it is recognized in practice.

of-

.less.

Old Testament, the Torah

In the

teaches that strangers and the homeless in general,

the great jubilee of the year 2000,

would

equate to that

is meant to help believers, through a commitment to personal purification, to relive this same spiritual journey, by becoming more aware of poverty and of life's uncertainties and by rediscovering the providential presence of the Lord who invites us to open our eyes to the needs of our brothers and sisters in need. In this way Lent also becomes a season of solidarity with individuals and peoples in so many parts of the world who find themselves

said:

coholism, violence, prostitution and drug

land.

out a fixed abode, totally lacking secu-

indicated to us by His

He

inasmuch

as they are

exposed

•

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday

particular are the tential

days of the

liturgical year.

to all sorts of dangers, deserve special

are days of both fast

concern from the believer. Indeed, God clearly and repeatedly recommends hospitality and generosity toward the stranger

days

(cf.

Dt 24:17-18, 10:18-19;

etc.),

reminding

own

Nm

15:15,

Israel of how precarious

in

most important peni-

They

and abstinence. FriLent are days of abstinence.

in

•

Parents and teachers should see to

The

• The rule of fasting states the only one full meal a day can be

Two

taken.

it

even those who are not bound by the laws of fasting and abstinence because of age are brought up in an atmosphere conducive to a sense of penance. that

faithful should

be clearly and

positively encouraged to receive

the sacrament of penance dur-

small meals,

existence had once been. Later,

"sufficient to maintain

Jesus identified himself with the home-

strength," are allowed, but

adequate time scheduled

was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Mt 25-35), and taught that charity

together they should not

for confessions before Eas-

toward those

ing between meals breaks the fast, but drinking liquids

its

less: "I

warded

in

in this situation will

be

re-

heaven. The Lord's apostles

urge the various communities which they

had founded another, as a

show hospitality to one sign of communion and the to

ing Lent. There should be

equal another full meal. Eat-

ter.

Group penance

Week. At no time

does not. The rule of fasting binds all Catholics from

LENT

age 18 to 59.

services

should not be scheduled for the last days of the Holy is it

per-

mitted to schedule a group

penance service for the purpose of giving general abso-

and the sick experience an atmosphere of closeness and affection and support, also in times of suffering and

newness of their life in Christ. It is from the love of God that Christians learn to help the needy and to share with them their own material and spiritual goods. Such concern not only pro-

physical decline.

vides those experiencing hardship with

But how many people there are, unfortunately, who have been uprooted from the atmosphere of human warmth and

portunity for the spiritual growth of the

•

giver, who finds in it an incentive to become detached from worldly goods. But

obligation.

Funeral Masses are not allowed on Holy Thursday, Good Friday or Holy Sat-

decide

can be held either in church or at the chapel on those days, with a funeral

which

will

the citizens and

Christians of tomorrow. In the

home too,

the elderly

welcome

typical of the

home!

I

think of

refugees, victims of wars and natural di-

there

is

a higher motivation

which Christ

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Abstinence refers to the eating of meat.

Under the present law it does not include egg or milk products meat-stock soups or gravies. The rule of abstinence binds all Catholics 14 years old and older.

material help but also represents an op-

The Franciscan Center BOOKS

•

•

Greensboro. NC

The liturgical directions of the Sacramentary and the Lectionary must be faithfully observed regarding all the •

special

The substantial observance of

laws of fast and abstinence

is

cuse.

if

A

there

more

is

a serious

a proper cause to ex-

serious reason should be

present to excuse from

rites.

•

urday.

Mass

The

funeral rite outside of

Mass

later.

Ash Wednesday

and Good Friday penance. • Self-imposed fasting on the other weekdays of Lent is recommended. Abstinence on all Fridays of the year is also highly recommended. The Peace Pas-

American Bishops,

that prayer is

Holy Week

the

Those whose work or health would be impaired are excused from fasting and abstaining. The individual can

toral of the

27101

lution without individual confessions.

stating

incomplete without pen-

• The RCIA is incorporated into the liturgy during Lent. The Rite of Election is celebrated the First Sunday of Lent. On the third, fourth and fifth Sunday of Lent, the Scrutinies take place during

Mass.

February

By FATHER

FRANK O'ROURKE

Greetings and peace!

The following updated list of our 23 seminarians

is

published with the hope that

encourage and keep these men in your prayers. will get to know our seminarians through upcoming issues of The Catholic News & Herald and by their participation in the life of our diocese

Beverly Hills Ninja

will support,

I

hope

that

you

Farley Film Features Silly Plot NEW YORK (CNS) — The latest

summer assignments.

during their

have listed their dates of birth and projected years of ordination to emphasize the wide range of ages among the seminarians. I sincerely invite other men to examine the possibility of their calling to the priesthood in the Diocese of Charlotte I

movie vehicle

David Brzoska

Bom Sept. 28,

Bom July

Tien Duong

Vincent Seminary, 300 Fraser Purchase Rd., Latrobe, PA 15650-2690 St.

1962

St.

Joseph Seminary College,

St.

Benedict,

LA 70457

Bom Oct. 21,

Luis Osorio

1963

St.

Projected ordination: 2001

Projected ordination: 2000

Christopher Gober

Matthew Buettner Charles Borromeo Semi-

nary,

1

000 East Wynnewood

Wynnewood, PA 19096-

Rd.,

3004

Bom Nov.

13,

1975

Vincent Seminary, 300 Fraser Purchase Rd., Latrobe, PA 15650-2690 St.

Bom Feb. 25,

1959

Vincent Seminary, 300

Purchase

Fraser Latrobe,

Catholic University of America Theological College, 401 Michigan Ave., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017 Bom April 20, 1974 Projected ordination: 2000

Projected ordination: 2002

Dean Cesa

1969

13,

Projected ordination: 1999

Rd., 15650-2690

PA

Bom Jan. 24,

1958

Projected ordination: 2000

Peter

Pham

Vincent Seminary, 300 Fraser Purchase Rd., Latrobe, PA 15650-2690

Chris Farley is the underwhelming "Beverly Hills Ninja" (TriStar).

North American College, 00 20 Vatican City State, Eu-

Projected ordination: 1998

1

rope

10,

1963

Belmont Abbey College,

Bom April 20,

1971

Projected ordination: 1998

NC 280 12-2795 Bom Aug. 15, 1975

Matthew Kauth

Projected ordination: 2002

Catholic University of America Theological College, 401 Michigan Ave., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017

Brandon Schmidtz

St.

Mary Seminary, 5400

Roland Ave., Baltimore, 21210-1994

Bom March

MD

18, 1971

Bom Oct. 4,

Projected ordination: 1998

Projected ordination: 2000

Arturo De Aguilar St.

Vincent de Paul Seminary,

4899 1,

Joseph Long Dinh

St.

Roland Ave., Baltimore,

Mary Seminary, 5400

Roland Ave. 21210-1994

,

Baltimore,

Charles Messier

Stephen Doering

St.

Vincent Seminary, 300 Fraser Purchase Rd., St.

Latrobe,

Bom Dec. 21,

St.

Projected ordination: 2002

Due Duong St.

Joseph Seminary College,

St.

Benedict,

LA 70457

Catholic University of America Theological College, 401 Michigan Ave., N.E., Washington, DC 200 17 1958

Meinrad Seminary, Meinrad, IN 47577- 1020 St.

Bom Feb.

1,

St.

1973

Bom Jan. 27,

Walter Ray Williams

1948

North American College, 00120 Vatican City State,

St. Meinrad Seminary, St. Meinrad Seminary, IN 47577-

Europe

1020

Projected ordination: 1997

Bom July 31,

For information on vocations

1961

1,

Projected ordination: 2000

Shawn O'Neal

1971

Bom Sept. 21,

Meinrad Seminary,

1958

in the

tional counterfeiting

Williams-Dearborn Funeral Service Dr.,

Matthews, N.C. 28105

Minutes from The Arboretum Serving the people of Mecklenburg and Union Counties Steve Kuzma, Director Member of St. Matthew Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus

tone

if they

seen mysti-

scheme,

all in

the

a duplicitous damsel turns in a

not a deplorable

It's

most

the

to gain

providing

little

real

to

amusing but soon, unlike his wear thin. Comedian Chris

some sexual innuendo,

—

is

—

PG-13 parents some mate-

are strongly cautioned that

may

are initially

rial

under

wasted as a Beverly Hills

violence and

the U.S. Catho-

Conference classification is A-III The Motion Picture Association

character, is

to pass a

script.

much comic

of America rating

Farley's dubious martial-arts skills

way

and won't be as dispar-

aging about the dopey

adults.

girth, but

su-

spare hour or two, but Farley fans have

Due Dugan

is

a sweet- natured

maintained as the bumbling inno-

is

lic

Rock

silly, at least

cent brings the bad guys to their knees

on Farley's

be inappropriate for children

13.

bell-

The following are home videocassette reviews from and Broadcasting. Each videocassette is available on VHS format. Theatrical movies on video have a U.S. Catholic Conference classification and Motion Picture Association of America rating. All reviews indicate the appropriate age group for the video audience.

"The Ex-Mrs. Bradford" (1936)

"Bambi" (1942)

Suave amateur detective (William Powell) teams with dizzy ex- wife (Jean Arthur) to solve a series of racetrack

Walt Disney's classic animated feature conveys the simplicity, charm and excitement of Felix Salten's novel, es-

murders along the way

pecially in

to inevitable re-

marriage. Director Stephen Roberts gets surprisingly

little

comic mileage out of

its

appealing characterization

of Thumper, Flower and

who

inhabit the

The

world.

mystery which resembles but lacks the class of the "Thin Man" series. Mild menace. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-I general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

ments, notably the forest

—

"Jack" (1996) comedy in which

Bittersweet

story

all

fire sequence and the death of Bambi 's mother, though

in a context not beyond the resources of most young viewers. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-I general patronage. The Motion Picture Asso-

—

ciation of America rating a 10-

the others

young deer's forest has some intense mo-

the Powell-Arthur pairing in a routine

is

G — gen-

eral audiences.

year-old boy (Robin Williams) who's ag-

ing at four times the normal rate per-

"Dinner at the Ritz" (1937)

suades his overly protective parents to

Dated but still enjoyable murder mystery in which the daughter (Annabella) of a French financier

his

Lawn

is

Although the skimpy plot

routine assemblage of sight gags based

let

3700 Forest

he

fects.

in distress.

Diocese

of Charlotte, contact Father Frank O 'Rourke, Vocation Director, P.O. Box 130, Clemmons, N.C. 27012, (910) 766-1882.

Projected ordination: 2001

fatal firearms,

cally

way to Los Ange-

gets embroiled in a interna-

Frank Seabo

Meinrad, IN 47577-1020 Projected ordination: 2000

PA 15650-2690

the

(^(3S

Joseph Tran

1958

Projected ordination: 1999

Haru

1977

Projected ordination: 2001

MD Bom July 23, 1962

were

the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film

MD Bom May

Projected ordination: 1998

Bom Dec. 20,

les,

all

30O4

Meinrad Seminary, St. Meinrad, IN 47577- 1020 Bom March 1, 1954 Projected ordination: 2000 Matthew Leonard

21210-1994

Wynnewood Wynnewood, PA

Farley isn't flinging himself

by sheer serendipity.

Following her

East Rd., 19096-

Projected ordination: 2004

1967

Mary Seminary, 5400

1000

Bom March 28,

Projected ordination: 1997

St.

Charles Borromeo Semi-

Bryan Lamberson St.

10701 S. Military Trail, Boynton Beach, FL 33436-

Bom Jan.

1973

St.

nary,

When

through glass walls wielding fish as

Parker) will bring her great misfortune.

mirth.

Christopher Davis

ninja

premely

Belmont,

Projected ordination: 1999

a

blonde (Nicollette Sheridan) crosses his path in Japan, naive Haru is convinced her gangster boyfriend (Nathaniel

Director Dennis

Matthew Ritter

as

extraordinaire worthy of imitation.

communing on the Plane of Enlightenment with his adopted father (SoonTek Oh), courtesy of cheesy special ef-

name of rescuing

Bom April

fish-out-of-water set-

hop who sees Haru

up has Farley as klutzy, would-be ninja Haru, who washed ashore in Japan as a baby and was raised to be the Great White Ninja. When a mysterious American

St.

Brad Jones

comedian

for oversized

The formula,

St.

Herald 7

Lntepfc enainmen \

Vocations Update you

&

The Catholic News

1997

7,

him

own

attend school and

make

friends

age, despite looking like a 40-

Rome)

year-old man. Directed by Francis Ford

(Stewart

Coppola, the interactions between Williams and the children is intermittently amusing, though the life-affirming theme is heavy-handed, achieving more sentimentality than the intended poignancy. Some sexual innuendo, crude expressions and occasional toilet humor. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 parents are strongly cautioned that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

father's killer despite the protests of her

— —

sets out to find her

fiance (Paul Lukas) and the interference

of a British detective (David Niven) posing as a dippy playboy. Directed by

Harold D. Schuster, the mystery plot isn't

much

but the high-fashion settings, pol-

ished cast and comic misunderstandings

between amateur and professional sleuths

still

have appeal.

The U.S. Catholic Conference

—

general pais A-I tronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America. classification

8

& Herald

The Catholic News

February

7,

1997

The unsatisfied human turning point

spirit's OP

By Father David K. O'Rourke, Catholic News Service

moving elsewhere, changing jobs and starting over. This was a lot for

me

handle on only a half-cup of

to

coffee.

Wanting something more, some-

So

I

asked him

to slow

down, get

All

contents copyright

We talked about goals in life and attitudes toward life. I believe that both Eric and his wife found the discussions liberating. It

fore deciding to ask for guidance with troubling situations. And they get into the turmoil because they as-

sume that what they are looking for must be something concrete

turned out that they each

in life

can

where we sense that things

thing better from life, is nothing new. But being able to pursue that

"something more"

modern

a

is

privi-

"We

lege.

Having

real choices in life is new. People didn't tend to have so many

can't

options 100 years ago. Most of us like it this way. But we're often better at wanting choices than we are at making good ones. Learning how to take advantage of our privileged situation in a positive way learning to make good choices is a major challenge to us

—

alt

reach points

in life

keep going the way they

of our reflecduring the Lenten

It is not easy. The desire to have something better so often comes wrapped up in frustration and perplexity. We want something better, hut we don't know what it is we want. What we think is that, whatever we have now, "this ain't it!" The situation can be immobiliz-

ing.

spoke recently with a young

woman

finishing her senior year at "And then what?" I asked. don't know," she said. "I might

college. "I

off.

Maybe

I'll

get a

But whatever I do I don't want jump into something permanent

job. to

something better somewhere out there; whatever it might be, she doesn't want to lose out on it; and is

probably on her side.

But time

make our

also

...

the kind

best choices ever."

new

relation-

the young student I mentioned earlier, she still was undecided about what she wanted to do. But she recognized that the answer to her unsettled feelings wasn't just figuring out "what came next" but figuring out what she wanted to do with her life. This merited serious thought. We can all reach points in life where we sense that things can't keep going the way they are. Something, we realize, has got to

too soon." Clearly, she is afraid of losing her options. She believes that there is

time

it is

But what makes our lives better doesn't have to be some new place or person or thing. It can be' human and spiritual. Put simply, this means it can be a new attitude, a new way of looking at life, even a new way of life. Eric concluded that his job was an important part of who he was, but not the sum total of himself. He and his wife concluded that there was more to their relationship and their life than their house and the daily routines they had developed. In fact, with retirement a possibility, the couple decided it was time to start thinking about what they wanted out of their life together, what their new priorities should he. And the last time I talked with

season.

take some time

But

like a new town, or a ship, or a new job.

and something worthy

I

are....

of situation that can lead us to

—

tion, particularly

©1997 by CNS

isn't

give.

Reaching a turning point can be

somewhat

CNS

his finger off the panic button tell me what was going on.

and

What he described was a situation of boredom at work, sameness at home and weariness with life. I've heard this many times. "There's got to be something

go to work and I make belike it. I come home and force myself to act happy. I go to bed and don't sleep. And then I get up and do

more.

always on our side, as another very human situation illustrates.

Early one morning

phone

call.

A man

I'll

received a call Eric asked I

to see me right away. I'd for years, and I could tell

known him he was in a

panic.

"Come on over," some coffee ready."

He

I

said.

"I'll

have

looked haggard when he arPut simply, and tragically, he was thinking about leaving his wife, rived.

lieve

I

I

the same thing over again the next day. I don't want to keep going on this way," Eric said. That was the first of a number of meetings. Soon we also included his wife in the discussions. Interestingly, we ended up talking not about work stresses or marriage or family problems, but about human choices in the broadest sense.

photo by Mimi Forsyth

frightening.

But

it

is

also a great opportunity. It is the kind of situation that can lead us to make our best choices ever. In fact, this can be the sort of situation in which conversions are

wanted something better. If possible they wanted it together, and they were happily surprised to discover

made.

that they could say so to each other. People often get into turmoil be-

St.

(Father O'Rourke

is

in residence at

Mary Magdalen Church in Berkeley, Calif., and a free-lance writer.)

THIS EDITION IN A NUTSHELL

Human beings tend always to feel somewhat unsatisfied — to long for something more in life. In the face of this longing, people often make big choices. Learning to make good choices is the real challenge. With that in mind, however, it is important to realize that it can be perilous to ignore our deep yearnings for "something more" in life. For in the experience of those hungers we are drawn closer to God. The psalmist wrote, "Only in God is my soul at rest." That psalmist learned early what St. Augustine expressed later: "OurJhearts are restless, and they will know no rest until they rest" in God.

February

7,

The Catholic News

1997

&

Herald 9

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Lent and the

human

condition:

Lent

offers

an opportunity

Admittedly, the

Heeding our hungers She lives alone in a small house in a suburb. Divorced, mother of six, grandmother of six

New England

more, her family affection

is

a source of

joy,

and concern.

^—To work;

She hungers for peace at every level: in neighborhoods, in families and in her own heart. But the hungers undergirding her consciousness don't simply leave her unsatisfied with the way things are; they move her to act.

She has a

words, but she's a good listener too. Her neighbors see her love for flowers and tea parties with grandchildren on the big screened-in porch her sons built. Colleagues at a health care agency know her as a team player who is bright, patient, funny. At 63, she has a full life. I've known her almost 50 gift for

She

studies.

She keeps up with

what's going on in the world by reading and keeping her eyes open. Once in a while she'll go to a lecture or take a class. She talks about ideas and ponders their implications and looks for connections. She listens to the truth of people's colleagues, children, strangers lives in the supermarket checkout line. She

—

tries to

keep her mind open to new

make her purchases from

to

—To endure —To

human

condition "ties us

down" in a

fulfill

suffer fatigue of spiritual

and physical kinds.

"Beneath her gracious -

hunger which moves life like

in

an

underground stream, enriching

it

with

extraordinary freshness."

many hungers lead her to pay attention to her own life. In a world numbed by the anesthetic effects of mass media and consumerism, she listens

her

to

CNS

own heart in silence. She reflects on her

her

longings and listens for the

pholo from Cleo Photography

harmony that

years, and she's a real person, ordinary in many ways. What's not so ordinary is her sense of holy dissatisfaction. Beneath her gracious demeanor is a deep hunger which moves in her life like an under-

ground stream, enriching it with extraordinary freshness and energy. She hungers for justice. She longs for a more compassionate world, one like the Kingdom of God which Jesus proclaims.

She hungers

for truth

— about God,

about the world, about what it means human, about the culture of which she is a part, about herself. She hungers for courage to do the

to be

right thing, to challenge the faceless and dark powers which lull us into complacency and indifference.

She hungers All

contents copyright

for

community and

©1997 by CNS

results when our deepest desires match the world's greatest needs. In that convergence of inner and outer voices we can hear the voice of

God.

—

their very existence.

David Gibson, Editor, Faith Alive!

5

"More, please" we hear a gnawing hunger God, a hunger that can be assuaged only by God. In this

By Father John Catholic

News

J.

Castelot

your hungers, to find in your own sense of longing the voice of God calling you to deeper communion and more generous action.

Service

God lavished

director of the Division of Christian Formation for the Diocese of Forth Worth, Texas, and a free-lance writer.)

But isn't that impossible in this life, where "no one can see God and live"? The psalmist finds at least partial satisfaction in the temple liturgy, where he feels close to the totally other, transcendent God. In listening to the Scriptures the psalmist is reminded not only of the love God has demonstrated for the people but of the prom-

favors on the ancient Israelites in a marvelous way rescuing them from slavery in Egypt, entering into an intimate covenant with them at Sinai and bringing them into possession of their own land, the

—

Promised Land. But they were still not satisfied. Like Oliver Twist, they constantly held up their bowls and pleaded,

ise of further fulfillment.

Here the psalmist finds hope and encouragement. By continued striving he grows constantly in intimacy with the one who is the ultimate goal of all

"More, please." Not that they were ungrateful or unappreciative of all God had done for them. Quite the contrary! But like all human beings, they craved not simply fulfillment and happiness, but perfect happiness.

his yearnings.

as an agricultural and pasto-

"God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress. Therefore we fear not, though the earth be shaken and the mountains

nature and to God, they knew that some things can't be rushed, that there is an inevitable waiting period between the time of sowing and of reaping.

plunge into the depths of the sea; though its waters rage and foam and the mountains quake at its surging. The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob" (Psalm

Still,

ral people living close to

And

the people seemed to sense, aleven if not consciously, that only God could satisfy their infinite longing. Thus, we read:

most

46:2-4).

One of my favorite prayers is the psalmist's plea "In you, 0 Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame" (Psalm 31:2). It is short, but full of confident hope. The psalmist learned early what St.

instinctively,

:

—"Only in God my soul at rest" (Psalm 62:2). —"O God, for you my flesh pines is

and

my

soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory, for your kindness is a greater good than life; my lips shall glorify

Augustine expressed in a memorable prayer: "Our hearts are restless, and they will know no rest until they rest

you" (Psalm 63:2-4).

scholar, author, teacher

FAITH

IN

What

is

in you."

(Father Castelot

a Scripture

is

and

lecturer.)

THE MARKETPLACE is

your prayer for times

"I try to be really still and listen Sharon Bevan, Kansas City, Mo.

to

when you God,

feel very frustrated?

to listen to 'his'

answers, not

my

own."

—

— Donna Smith, York Haven, Pa. cast my care on the back give Jesus." — Cindy Robertson, Orlando, "For peace." — Kathy Shaver, Owensboro, — Father Edward "The Memorara, a prayer appeal Blessed "The Serenity Prayer."

Lord.

"I

I

to

it

Fla.

Ky.

of

Marley,

CSSp,

to the

Virgin."

Atkins, Ark.

An upcoming (Luby

for

...

part of the human condition to be unsatisfied with the world as it is. We sense within ourselves urgent longings for a reality greater, deeper, more simple than we see. But we often resist noticing because feelings of dissatisfaction always involve pain. It can, however, be perilous to ignore our deep yearnings for "something more," since it is precisely in the experience of those hungers that we are drawn closer to God. For ultimately, every longing we have is an echo of our most fundamental longing for God. Lent is a season to renew our conversion to Christ. So let this Lent be a time for paying greater attention to It is

enslaved or trapped

it.

so-

everybody in between. Perhaps most important,

that they feel

their

—

manufacShe stays politically aware and writes to the town council and the president and

her

variety of ways, requiring

human condition, and thus dissatisfied and unfulfilled in their lifestyle. But is the human condition a curse or a blessing? If we conclude simply that our human condition is a curse, we might not hear God's voice when it addresses us through the people and situations that share our human condition. that things have gone wrong if And suspecting perhaps subconsciously we're feeling unfulfilled in our circumstances, anger may be all that we can muster in the face of our most challenging human predicaments. Will anger be sufficient? Nonetheless, is the human condition a blessing? Many testify that when they searched out the human condition's positive side, they met God within And, meeting God on a new level, grace moved them to react to human predicaments in new ways. And that launched a transformation of

by

turers.

a deep

hope,

trying responsibilities.

cially responsible

is

I

others' inadequacies, not to mention our own.

Not surprisingly, people sometimes complain

ways of thinking. She supports, with modest contributions and volunteer labor, groups that promote peace. She endeavors to

demeanor

condition, but not,

us:

simplicity.

By Dan Luby Catholic News Service

human

meditate on the

to

despair of it.

to

edition asks: What are the two most important forms of care you give to yourself? If you would like to respond for possible publication, ease write: Faith Alive! 3211 Fourth St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017-

100.

10 The Catholic

&

News

Herald

February

People

In

Nun's Support Helps Skater Reach International Special Olympics

The News Missionaries Of Charity

Flynn To End

Postpone Selection Of

Ambassadorship To — Vatican By Mid-July

Superior General CALCUTTA,

(CNS)

India

ROME

Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity have postponed the election of a superior general until the end of February. The election had been scheduled for Feb. 2. Sources at Missionary of Charity headquarters confirmed the postponement Jan. 27, though they did not give a

new

election date, reported

UCA News,

an Asian church news agency based

in

Thailand. Jesuit Father Edward le Joly, Mission-

aries of Charity spiritual adviser for

years, said that is

33

Mother Teresa's health

grave.

"She

dying, she

is

is

on oxygen," Fa-

Agence France Press

ther le Joly told

"Her spine is in a mess. She is in She is confined to her room and nobody can see her. Her only visitors are doctors and some sisters who

Jan. 25.

great pain.

CNS his routine

on the

ice at

He expressed doubt pholo by Roy Horner, The Record

Gardiner Lane Skating Rink

in

Already a three-time state gold medal winner, the 14-year-old will be the International Special Olympics winter games Feb. 1-9 in Toronto.

skating

in

much

Teresa would live

A

Louisville, Ky.

not to

that

Mother

longer.

Church source, who asked be named, told UCA News that

local

now under way, needs more time to select a successor to Mother Teresa, the 86-year-old Nobel peace laureate and founder of the the order's general chapter,

By ROY J. HORNER LOUISVILLE, Ky. (CNS)

— Out

on the ice rink, 14-year-old Brandon Herzog is a picture of grace, precision and determination. The path that he began at age 7 when he was a student at the former UrsulinePitt School has led him to the International Special Olympics' world winter games Feb. 1-9 in Toronto. Brandon is the first athlete from Kentucky in 12 years to earn a spot on the

Skating Rink in Louisville. "I will

do

my best," Brandon said of

chance to compete for a gold medal

athletes

from 80

countries were to compete in Toronto in

speed skating

and floor hockey. Since he began competitive figure

Brandon has won medals in state-level Special Olympics games. He also has done well in basketball and other sports, and in 1992

moved

and sevto

Rome

with him. The children later entered U.S. universities and Catherine Flynn returned to

Boston for a variety of family reasons. Even before he arrived in Rome,

became a point

Flynn's vision of the post

of controversy as he promised to expand it to include work on a broad range of humanitarian and social justice concerns around the world. In addition to working on a project of

African countries.

in the

audience

tance to elect a

along with his parents, John and Runae

when Brandon skated in Toronto. "He's excited," said Runae Nichols,

Nichols,

at

Norton Hospital and a

member of the Cathedral of the Assumpbeen working really

the team."

health.

ill

Several nuns told

their colleagues, to get to

know

when his aunt in Owensboro took him to an ice rink.

that

and

that they also

have

scientiously and with responsibility.

According

—

to the congregation's con-

— held every

fairs

Shortly after that, Nichols enrolled her son

termine needed changes for submission to the Vatican, study the order's apos-

Sister

ice skating

Brandon learned to figure skate with He also watched the sport on television, and would bring along his videotapes of skating to watch after school. He eventually began private lessons, and Sister Bevelacqua encouraged him to compete in the Special Olympics.

agencies and the U.S. government, Flynn

Bosnia-Herzegovina and a variety of

The ambassador

also

was

criticized

—

and United States for strongly opposing Clinton's veto of the publicly Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. in the

—

and suggestions from members, de-

tolic orientation

and

its

Aspire!

six years

also address major congregational af-

ice skating occurred

where

closer cooperation between Catholic aid

other sisters to vote con-

stitution, chapters

Nichols said Brandon's initiation to

UCA News

some chapter participants are in India for the first time and do not know many of

made

hard ever since he found out he

competed

extension, and

Marketing services

win over

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NC 28278

said

Not bad

for a youth

who was

diag-

nosed at age 6 as mildly mentally retarded and whose mother was told he might never learn to ride a bike.

When Brandon

first

took up skating

(now Pitt Academy), his enthusiasm was noticed by Louisville Ursuline-Pitt

Ursuline Sister Regina Marie Bevelacqua, a veteran Special

Olympics coach who

the principal of the school for spe-

who lives in LaGrange and Oldham County Middle School,

Brandon,

participated with his

teammates

in

De-

cember in a five-day training camp at the U.S. Olympic training center in Lake Placid, N.Y.

He

is

own X*A J.

also holding his

X

.

a passion.

"He really loved it," she said. "Soon,

we had to do was eat and drink ice skating. He would always bring his VCR all

tapes and

show them. His

practices

were

a joy to him, something that he really loves.

cial-needs students at the time.

attends

Initially his wife, Catherine,

ited

be

each week. Sister Bevelacqua, now the administrator at St. Mary Center in Middletown,

was

1993.

Teresa's

to

Bevelacqua took students

at

Flynn had earlier told Catholic News all of the U.S. ambassadors who were political appointees and not career diplomats had been informed they would likely be replaced during President Bill Clinton's second term. Flynn was in the middle of his third term as mayor of Boston when Clinton named him ambassador to the Vatican in Service that

member, planned

in the Ursuline-Pitt school,

event.

Rome.

has delivered U.S. aid to India and vis-

skating six years ago,

speed-skating

the fourth anniversary of his arrival in

poned from October because of Mother

three gold

in a national

said.

The ambassador was informed by the White House in late January that his tour of duty would end "on or about" July 15,

Payne, another former Ursuline-Pitt staff

Sister

such events as Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating,

order.

Flynn,

hurdle in the run-up to the chapter, post-

Olympics.

tion Parish. "He's

team.

Rome

sources in

Raymond L.

by mid-July, informed

Bevelacqua and Mary Jo

cial

on

More than 2,000

will leave his post

Church sources said the nuns' relucnew leader while Mother Teresa is still alive was seen as a major

in figure skating in the International

a surgical nurse

this year's

— The U.S. ambas-

Spe-

his

133-member U.S. Special Olympics And he is in the only Kentuckian

team.

Lane

intense practices at the Gardiner

(CNS)

sador to the Vatican,

eral of his six children

are doctors themselves."

Brandon Herzog practices

1997

7,

.<!<-

"He's just a very special guy and worthy of being called to be the only one from Kentucky to be a part of the International Special Olympics," Sister Bevelacqua added. "I'm so very proud of him."

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1997

7,

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.

1

Herald

1

12

The Catholic News

&

Herald

February

Cardinal Asks Clinton To Meet About Partial-Birth Abortions WASHINGTON Congress prepared

(CNS)

— As

up the partial-birth abortion issue once again, the head of the U.S. bishops' pro-life committee urged President Clinton to meet with him and a physician knowledgeable about the proto take

cedure.

Cardinal Bernard F. Law of Boston, chairman of the bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued the invitation in a letter to

made

"health" in the context of abortion to

tial-birth abortion is

woman's

preserve a

never necessary to health or fertility

is

overwhelming," Cardinal Law said. He urged Clinton to consult with a member

Begun

Wade decision on

pose partial-birth abortions. Rep. Charles T. Canady, R-Fla., said Jan. 22 that he would reintroduce the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, which passed both houses of Congress but was vetoed by Clinton. A vote to override the

by Sen.

tion introduced Jan. 21

Tom

Daschle, D-S.D., which would ban

veto passed in the House, but failed in the Senate.

The legislation vetoed by Clinton would have banned a procedure used in late-term abortions in which the unborn child

by participating as individuals and groups in prayerful

service-oriented activities.

In the Charlotte Diocese, last year's

Operation Rice Bowl campaign raised more than $14,000 an increase of 65

—

the poor and the consistent ethic of life.

is

then removed by suction, allowing for

tionally.

The Office of Justice and Peace,

(704) 331-1 736, can provide information.

"Ambassadors year's

theme

are those

for Christ," this

for Operation Rice

who

St.

Bowl,

Paul said "represent

Christ to the foreigner, the stranger, those less

known

to us, the marginalized,

most especially the poor, near and

Through acting Christ,

far."

Ambassadors for Catholics redirect time and money

"We have individuals who have been members of Pax Christi for several years. What we lack is an orga-

The peace group joined with

Bowl encourages selfless way of life, ide-

vices. "Operation Rice

and a

embody the Catholic

spirit

a

season, including the Home Calendar guide for families, the Educator's Guide

and youth ministry profesand the new Parish Guide for

for catechists

reflection of the

drove him out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for 40 days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild

"At once the

beasts, to

Spirit

and the angels ministered

him."

(Mark

1:12-13)

hunger and hardships

faced by the poor in the developing world.

The

bowl enables Catholics to paron an individual basis in response

Family Peace Day

last year.

The day

included activities which focused on

of see-

Operation Rice Bowl offers materials through parishes and parochial schools that encourage participation in the Lenten

family development and unity. The group also sponsored a display table during the Justice and Peace Conference at Belmont Abbey last fall. Father Joe Mulligan, pastor at St. Luke, recalls Waren 's efforts with the Outreach and Campus Ministries at St. Leo parish in Winston-Salem three years ago. "She's a high-energy person who has good instincts about the ministry and bringing forth people's giftedness," he said.

rice

ticipate

to the call of the poor.

Founded vices

is

affTT fflTTTTfWffnWfflllllllflHIHIHHIHUmHIH

in 1943, Catholic Relief Ser-

the official overseas relief and

development agency for the Catholic community in the United States. Its assistance is provided solely on the basis

JOHANNUS Church Organs

of need, not race, creed or nationality.

To participate, call (800) 222to order free materials. For information on local grants, call Joanne

0025

spent on snacks and luxuries to prayer

K. Frazer, Office of Justice

(704) 331-1736.

1997 Models

Now on display! Pipe Organ Sound Beyond

and Peace,

Call For A Demonstration

Belief Catholic Relief Services-USCC

^1997 OPERATION RICE BOWL Lenten Program

Prayer

•

Fasting

•

Education

•

the

parish outreach committee to sponsor

ing Christ in the poor and suffering."

and

activities that strengthen their under-

to take a stand for peace.

executive director of Catholic Relief Ser-

and

as

peace group was formed at St. wake of the Gulf War in 1991. They continue to educate themselves and others about what it means in the

sultant at St. Luke.

Hackett,

Operation Rice Bowl coordinators. Most symbolic is the rice bowl, the primary

community or interna-

A

Luke

Sister Veronica Grover, education con-

F.

United States as well. Local poverty

erty issues in their

of Christ

believe that the Catho-

in the

sionals,

al-

Temptation

compo-

bers of each participating diocese in the

25 percent of the contributions raised. In the Charlotte Diocese, a diocesan-wide committee has been formed to accept grant proposals from parishes wishing to work on pov-

non-governmental organization at the United Nations. Pax Christi has a presence in 30 countries on four continents. Pax Christi, U.S.A. was formed in 1972 and currently has more than 12,000 members. The movement con-

braces this opportunity to live for others

sacrifice

leviation efforts receive

More than 50 years later, the organizanow holds consultative status as a

tion

during Lent," said Kenneth

als that

mem-

first mission promoted reconciliation between French and German Catholics.

nized chapter in the Charlotte area," said Society of the Holy Child Jesus

community

campaign for Catholic Relief Services development projects. Long-term sustainability is the target of these initiatives, aiming to help people develop skills and resources they can use long after the agency has turned over the projects to the local community. Operation Rice Bowl benefits

1945, Pax

United States em-

lic

percent. Nationally in 1996, Catholics raised $4.3 million through the

in

Christi (Peace of Christ) International's

base of the infant's head. The child's brain

nents of prayer, fasting, education and

"We

says.

France

sistently supports Catholic social teach-

Operation Rice Bowl encourages

almsgiving.

in

ings such as a preferential option for

standing of the suffering of others. four

Waren

partially delivered, feet first, be-

is

22nd Annual Lenten Program its

here!'" from 1-

fore surgical scissors are stabbed into the

easier delivery of the collapsed head.

Catholics to take part in

am

we have all the answers but because we share the

questions,"

sincere hope that the

I

another, not because

Coalition for

my

Na-

4 p.m., and "Fighting Fair: Peacemaking in the Family," from 6-8 p.m Feb. 16 at St. Luke Church. "We can model and mentor to one

Ad Hoc

abortion.

Christi

Mary Carter Waren

"Be a Peacemaker... 'The

now.. .and

400 doctors who op-

Catholic Relief Services Launches

its

is

of the Physicians'

The cardinal made clear that the bishops would not support legisla-

Catholic Relief Services unveils

time

Truth, a group of

"It is

22nd annual Lenten program, Operation Rice Bowl, on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 12. The program invites the Catholic community to begin this season of renewal

will present

mean

"almost any social or emotional reason." "Furthermore, the evidence that par-

— Pax

tional Chairperson

public Jan. 22, the

forthcoming discussion will avoid the worst aspects of last year's debate," he said in the letter. "I pray that time will not be wasted debating claims that have been proven to be false."

Boston Cardinal Bernard Law talks to a reporter March for Life Jan. 22 in Washington.

MINT HILL

said an exception for the health

of the mother "eviscerates the ban," because the Supreme Court has interpreted

24th anniversary of the Roe vs.

Clinton

during the

Christi Presentation

for the "life or health" of the mother.

He

1997

Luke Hosts Pax

St.

third-trimester abortions, with exceptions

7,

ITJusie 2j Electronics, Inc.

Corner of Oak

&

Broad Streets, Mooresville (704) 663-7007 (800) P):331-0768 ,

Almsgiving 1 1

jj

j

|

Tl

NC

February

The Catholic News

1997

7,

Archeologists Uncover Unusual Cross Old City Of Jerusalem By JUDITH SUDILVOSKY Israeli JERUSALEM (CNS)

Land and the souvenir business was brisk.

archeologists uncovered a bronze cross

was kept inside Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher after St. Helena supposedly found the cross. In 614 Jerusalem was conquered by the Persians and the cross was taken to what is now Iraq. Ten years later, the Byzantines reclaimed the cross in a military campaign started for that specific purpose. After the Muslim invasion of the area, the cross was

—

wood

inlaid with

in excavations

According

of a

Byzantine-period commercial area just outside the walls of the Old City of

Jerusalem.

such cross to be discovered anywhere, but it probably was not wood from the cross of Jesus, archeologist Ronny Reich said at a press conference Jan. 22. It is the, first

other cross with a piece of wood inlay,

cross, which appears to have been part of a necklace, was found in the ruins of a shop on the outskirts of the wall of the Biblical city of Jerusalem. The shop was located behind the main street leading from

in that respect," said, there is

no

indication that the two-to three-gram

wood

(.07- to 0.1 -ounce) pieces of

in-

side the two-inch bronze cross are slivers of the cross of Jesus, despite claims

dia. is

inlaid with

two pieces

of wood and was most probably a sou-

some

venir of Jerusalem for

much like

shops and

is

do we

sacrifice the

analysis, because then we'll

wood

left (inside the cross).

it

pilgrims. In addition

they found several other bronze crosses,

don't

bill

Feb.

He was

2.

86.

Mass., July

8,

May

14, 1953, at in

Our Lady of Grace

Greensboro.

His early assignments included asJohn Church N. Wilkesboro, St. Elizabeth Church in

sistant pastor positions at St.

the relationship between archeologist

in

and developer

Elizabeth City and at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Newton Grove. His first pastorate was at Sacred Heart Church in Brevard in January 1957.

is

not always cordial.

He was subsequently named pastor at St. James Church in Concord, Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem, St. Joan of Arc Church in Asheville, St. Elizabeth Church in Elizabeth City, Sacred Heart Church in Dunn, Sacred Heart Church in Southport and St. Eugene Church in Wendell. He

also served the diocese as direc-

tor of the

Missionary Apostate, a

train-

program for newly ordained priests in Edenton. Over the years he held positions as the dean of the Elizabeth City Deanery and diocesan consultor. He retired on July 9, 1985. "Father O' Brien was a man who was ing

deeply interested

in the

study of theol-

pottery, glass shards

ogy," said Father Gerald Lewis, vicar

and coins.

general of the diocese.

The $5 million excavations began in 1989 when the area

his studies."

"He was

a gentle

"He never stopped

man

—

a loving

Lewis said. "And he was a humorist. He had a great sense of fun." Father Lewis added that Father O'Brien was also well known for his pastor," Father

was developed for a luxury apartment complex, which in-

wood

home

in Dorchester,

ordained a priest of the Diocese of Raleigh by Bishop Vincent S. Waters on

foots the

for excavations, as in this case, so

priest of the

1910, to the late John and Helen M. (Sullivan) O'Brien, Father O'Brien was

Church

excavations are carried out.

outside of Jaffa Gate

a piece of the cross."

is

back up. But there are cases, such as this one, where the find is significant and care-

what

for the

know. We'll see." Reich said he does not believe the wood is part of the true cross because "all over Europe there are many collections of relics and if you put all the wood from these relics together you would get 100 crosses.... It is very unlikely

Often the findings are deemed not

believed

have no I

Born

they believe to be a restaurant, a bath house and a hostel for

The question

wood

is

also discovered

(pil-

will start the procedure of

analysis of the wood....

his retirement

site.

— Father

Fla.

Diocese of Raleigh for almost 44 years, died at

almost ev-

significant and are covered

ful

John G. O'Brien, a

hand, since

at

have been frequented by Holy Land pilgrims. Archeologists

grims) today," said Reich.

"We

ery construction

in

found

to

pilgrim.

Souvenirs were already introduced in the Byzantine period and pilgrims brought back with them holy oil, water

and crosses made here,

work practically hand

historical ruins are

Jerusalem to Bethlehem, which was lined with other

of such a possibility in the Israeli me"This cross

practice in Israel for

The developer sometimes

The recently discovered bronze

and it is outstanding he said. However, he

to

AUGUSTINE,

ST.

common

archeologists and construction workers

lost.

my experience an-

"I can't recall in

It is

Herald 13

Father John G. O'Brien, Former Raleigh Priest, Dies

park.

to legend, the true cross

&

You have

The discovery of

a difference between science

the Byzantine-period

fondness of playing the piano. "He could sit at a piano and get all of us in a singalong," he said. Father O'Brien is survived by his sister, Ruth Waas, also of St. Augustine, and by his brothers Eugene, of Townsend, Md., George of Albany, N. Y., and Joseph

and archeology, and matters of belief,"

neighborhood

of Philadelphia.

said Reich.

quired a change in

Even

if,

after analysis, the

proves to be from the time of Jesus, there is no assurance that the wood actually

came from

cluded underground parking and a connecting pedestrian

the true cross, he

said.

bridge.

"It is a

to

make

The

matter of belief....

and sixth centuries, part of the Byzantine period, were relatively peaceful in Jerusalem and people dared to build outside the walls of the city,

construction plans,

fifth

said Reich.

re-

lowing the neighborhood to remain intact underneath a modern

Most of the residents at that

four-lane road.

time were Christians with a few sprinkling of Jews, added archeologist Eli

The

Israeli Antiquities

Authority hopes to develop the area into an archeological

Shukron. It was a time when there were many pilgrims coming to the Holy

Father O'Brien lived with his sister and her daughter's family at the home of Albert and Elizabeth Bryla.

al-

A

small bronze cross inlaid with wood is held by an archeologist Jan. 22 at a site below the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem. The cross dates between the fourth and fifth

centuries A.D. The archeologist in charge of the excavation said he does not believe the wooden pieces were part of the cross of Jesus.

A wake service was held Feb. 5 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Bishop F. Joseph Gossman presided over a Mass of Christian Burial for Father O'Brien

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Feb. 6.

at

He was

buried in the priests' section of the

Our

Lady of Guadalupe cemetery.

Groce Funeral Home & Cremation Services of WNC DIXIE

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Phone 704-252-3535 owned & operated funeral home and

Asheville's only Catholic

crematory •

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•

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•

Self-Insurance—Administrators

John M. Prock &

H. Dale

Groce

-

St.

Joan of Arc Parish

.

The Catholic News

14

&

Herald

February

7,

1997

Diocesan News Briefs Mass Time Changes The new time REIDSVILLE

at St.

—

Spanish Mass

at

Holy Infant Church

p.m. on Sundays.

ASHEVILLE

is

— Weekday Masses

St.

A Communion

12:10 p.m.

at

Thursdays

at 12:

service

—

Neumann Church 50+ Club meets

A king

and queen

Feb.

be chosen for the Valentine's Day party and complimentary lunch will be served for paid-up members. Call Anne Mclntyre (704) 545-5046. a.m.

at 11

will

Catholic Singles Events

CHARLOTTE

— Catholic Singles

of Charlotte hosts an information meeting Feb.

1 1

at

7 p.m.

at St.

Gabriel Church.

The Catholic Singles of Valentine's

Day

Party

Matthew Parish Mission, directed by Capuchin Father Vincent Fortunato and Brother Kellen Mears,

St.

is

Charlotte's

Feb. 15

at the

Pax

Health Ministry Fair CHARLOTTE The St. Gabriel Church Health Ministry health fair is March 8-9 in the Fellowship Hall after all

Masses. Booths will display physical,

mation.

vation

warm

A special

children's activity fol-

lows 9 a.m. Mass. For information, (704) 847-7014.

call

Religious Ed Series Continues GREENSBORO The Our Lady of Grace Church adult education series continues Feb. 18 with "Holy Smoke!," a discussion on invigorating faith, from

—

7:30-9 p.m. in the activity center. For de(910) 274-0415.

tails, call

Hibernians Meet

CHARLOTTE

Army Winter Shelter.

— Catholic men of

Irish ancestry are invited to the

Ancient

Order of Hibernians meeting Feb. 13 at at St. Gabriel Church. Call John

7:30 p.m.

Lenten Adoration

sions from 1-4 p.m. and

two sesp.m at St.

6-8

Luke Church.

Holy Angels Bowl-A-Thon The annual Angel Bowl fund-raiser hosted by Holy Angels is March 1 from 8 a.m. -4 p.m. at Major

—

BELMONT

League Lanes in Gastonia. For pledging information and more details, call Sandi Rankin, (704) 825-0435.

the

Blessed Sacrament with Benediction

fol-

lows 9 a.m. Mass Fridays during Lent and continues until 9 a.m. Saturday Mass

—

for 10-14 year olds

5 p.m. at St.

Ann Church

Feb. 16 at

is

in the activity

center. Winners participate in the district championship following the local tournament. For information, call Chuck Malinowski, (704) 544-1927.

at (704) 341-9780 or Tim Lawson, (704) 522-9728, for information.

Cursillo Closing

—

CHARLOTTE

Franciscans Welcome Members GREENSBORO The Franciscan

—

children

is

Feb. 15 at the Catholic Con-

ference Center. For details, call Suzanne

Bach, (704) 377-6871,

ext. 314.

Living Waters Retreats "The Gospel According to the Media" is a Feb. 28-March 2 retreat directed by Gail Hunt Violette and Loretta Wnetrzak focusing on bringing others to Christ through the media. Cost is $90 per person. To register, contact Living Waters Reflection Center, 1420 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, N.C. 28751. For information, call (704)

MAGGIE VALLEY

—

926-3833.

Contemplative Prayer Group

—

CHARLOTTE A contemplative prayer group meets every second and fourth Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. at St. Peter Church. Gather at the rear entrance For details, Brown, (704) 535-3684. to the sanctuary.

Knights Freethrow Tournament CHARLOTTE The Knights of Columbus Council #770 free-throw tour-

Mclnerney

— Adoration of

CHARLOTTE

—

will discuss peace Feb. 16 in

nament

clothing for the Sal-

For information, call Larry, (704) 5831 899 or Katrina, (704) 367-0586.

Chairperson Visits Mary Carter Waren, national chairperson of Pax Christi, USA, Christi

MINT HILL

mental and social health infor-

spiritual,

Arboretum Apartments Clubhouse. Bring an article of

Family of Greensboro hosts informational meetings Feb. 16 and March 2 from 1 :302:30 p.m. at the Franciscan Center. For information, call Georgette Schraeder, (910) 454-3479 or Frank Massey, (910) 299-5038.

Feb. 23-27.

is

—

50+ Club Meets The St. John

12

Matthew Parish Mission

CHARLOTTE — The

is

10 p.m.

CHARLOTTE

St.

1

Lawrence are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays of

at the Basilica

Matthew Church.

for

The Cursillo men's Closing is Feb. 165 p.m. at St. Matthew Church. All Cursillistas are invited.

call

David

Media Library Offers Resources CHARLOTTE The Charlotte

—

Diocese Media Center's lending library contains 1,500 videos, hundreds of audio tapes and a small book collection. No fee is charged for previewing or using items for personal enrichment. For use in a class, a nominal fee is charged. Items can be shipped upon request. The Angel's Lenten Lesson is the story of a boy meeting his guardian angel,

who helps him realize the importance

life. For grades 3-6. Fast Forward: Home is Where the Hurt Is assists teens in coping with prob-

of Lent in his

The Diocesan Respect Life Office sponsors the 2-part family retreat:

God 's Plan for Love and Life Featuring renowned Catholic speaker Barbara McGnigan, California's Education Director for

Human Life International. Where? St. Aloysius Parish Hall, Hickory

When? Adult Session: Friday, Feh 28, 7-9 p.m. Reception to follow. No admission, but donations are appreciated. Youth Session: Saturday, March 1, 9:30 a.m.-3:30p.m, with Youth Mass at 4 p.m. S5 fee includes lunch

Parenting Video Seminar HICKORY "What Dads Need Know About Responsible Fathering,"

—

to

a video seminar by Focus on the Family

President Dr. James Dobson,

is

from 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Aloysius 327-2341

Church. For details,

is limited, so register today. Call Maggi Nadol, Diocesan Respect Life Coordinator, (704) 331-1720 or Kathy Schmugge, (704) 495-7586, or send the form below to: Diocese of Charlotte, Respect Life Office, 1524 E. Morehead St., Charlotte, N.C. 28207

Space

Registration

— God's Plan for Love & Life

NAME

PHONE

Knights' Valentine's

For more information on these and

Healing Mass A Mass

The

ASHEVILLE

—

for heal-

HIV/AIDS and terminal

$12 per couple. RSVP by Feb. 10 Ralph D' Agostino, (910) 774-0088.

For information or transportation call (704) 252-3151.

is

Life In

The

CHARLOTTE Spirit

at

to

in the

reaching a closer

Holy John Neumann Church

relationship with Christ through the

from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 19, Feb. 26, March 5 and March 12. For information, call Joe Tittl, (704) 846-4649 at home or (704) 391-9537 at work.

A Retreat for Men BELMONT — A retreat

for

men

based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius conducted by Father Dean Stasell of the Legionaries of Christ is Feb. 141 6 at Belmont Abbey. For information and reservations, call Ann Potter Gleason,

Day

is

illnesses

month

limited.

of Reflection

— Catholic Social

Ser-

the second Thursday each

is

at 7

Ultreya

Spirit

— The Life

seminar aimed

HICKORY

p.m.

St.

Joan of Arc Church.

And Leaders' Schools

WINSTON-SALEM

—

Ultreya meets the second Friday each month at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church. Leaders' School is the fourth Tuesday each month at 7:30 p.m.

ARDEN

—

Ultreya for the Arden and Hendersonville areas meets the second Friday each month at 7:30 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church. Leaders' School is the second Sunday each month between Masses. Asheville,

ASHEVILLE

--- Ultreya meets the

second Tuesday each month at St. Eugene Church.

at

7:30 p.m.

The Catholic News & Herald welcomes parish news for the diocesan news briefs. Good photographs, preferably black and white, are also welcome. Submit news releases and pho-

of Reflection for widowed,

tos at least

divorced and separated persons and their

cation date.

vices' "

parents.

ing people with

CSS Day PARISH

Raise a Child with Faith

explores practical questions of faith for

Lady of Mercy churches sponsor a Valentine's Day Dance Feb. 14 from 7:30-11:30 p.m. at St. Leo Church. Cost

ADDRESS

AMOUNT ENCLOSED___

—

Knights of Columbus of St. Leo and Our

(704) 599-4558. Space

CITY/STATE/ZIP

to

Dance

WINSTON-SALEM

)

(

home.

in the

How

other resources, call (704) 331-1717.

Spirit is at St.

Don't miss this family educational opportunity Learn the Catholic position on sanctity of life, abortion, chastity, sex and related topics. Learn to communicate with youth from a person who has more than 1 7 years of experience.

at St.

call (704)

Feb. 16

lems

10 days before the publi-

February

7,

The Catholic News

1997

&

Herald 15

World And National News Briefs Washington Archdiocese Launches Inner-City School Initiative

WASHINGTON

(CNS)

—

Mar In an

PepsiCo had

ner-city Catholic schools, the

Father

reason for closing schools, vest

new

programs

I

prefer to in-

resources and launch creative

happy and successD.C. Catholic schools and the families they serve." Cardinal Hickey announced the Catholic Center City School Consortium, believed to be the first of its kind in the nation, Jan. 30. to ensure a

ful future for

photo from Reuters

A South Korean traffic policeman walks between a line of nuns and riot police during Seoul Jan 21 Hundreds of Catholic nuns, priests and Buddhist monks a march to protest a controversial South Korean labor law. South Korean workers have been calling for a repeal of the law. a

rally in

joined

.

in

Maryknoll Order Welcomes Pepsico Decision To Pull Out Of

Burma MARYKNOLL, N.Y. (CNS) — The corporate responsibility officer for the

Public Supports Foreign Aid

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers welcomed a decision by PepsiCo to stop do-

on foreign

too low.

is

human rights

Reality: Budget is Source: University

of

for foreign aid

less

than

1

percent.

Maryland

survey cited by Archbishop

Theodore McCorritk

©

to U.S. Bishops.

1

997 CNS Graphics

THE

oJPoinJe DEALERSHIPS SERVING CHARLOTTE WITH INTEGRITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS!

MONASTIC GUEST PROGRAM

Frank LaPointe, President

Month

Member of

long monastic contemplative experience

St.

Gabriel Church

Within the enclosure of a Trappist-Cistercian community Requirements: Ability

to live the full

monastic schedule

Prayer

Work Silence

&

Solitude

All lived within the

Community

MITSUBISHI -

it

would not change. a leading figure

established.

NAFTA

Benefiting Only Small Minority Of People, Says Nun MARYKNOLL, N.Y. (CNS) The North American Free Trade Agreement

—

has benefited only a small minority of the

Mexican people, according to a Maryknoll nun working in one of the country's poverty areas, Oaxaca. "The oppression and poverty get worse every year," said Sister Joan L. Malherek. The factories set up by foreign investors provide some jobs but "at terrible hours and low pay," she said. Sister Malherek, a native of Mankato, Minn., was interviewed Jan. 24 while a delegate to the Assembly of the Maryknoll Sisters at their headquarters Ossining. St.

ROME

Thomas Aquinas On CD-Rom

(CNS)

— Thanks

to

an oc-

togenarian Jesuit linguist, the collected

works of St. Thomas Aquinas now fit in the palm of one's hand. The Latin-language CD-ROM "Thomae Aquinatis: Opera Omnia" was unveiled in Rome Jan. 28, offering scholars an unprecedented tool for research 1

on the writings of

the

3th-century theologian and philosopher.

The

single disk contains all 118 volumes of the saint's works, as well as 61 related medieval texts. That comes out to more than 10 million words.

Tells Rome Mayor Public Safety Key For Year 2000 Preparations VATICAN CITY (CNS) In addi-

Pope

—

tion to resolving traffic, parking

and lodg-

ing problems in preparation for the year

2000, the city of

Rome must

improve

The pope held his annual meeting with the mayor and city council of Rome Jan. 30. "Serious and surprising episodes of violence," which have included at least two serious attacks on Roman priests in the public safety, Pope John Paul

II said.

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16

The Catholic News

&

Herald

February

1997

7,

Holy Family Church aiish Profile CLEMMONS — The growth of the Catholic Church in the central Piedmont

key development in the mission's journey to parish status. Although no longer formally structured today, members of the Guild make up an important component of church life; their annual autumn craft bazaar the

is

the single-largest fund-raiser for

Clemmons parish.

An

was indeed August Bishop

elevation in status

when

of North Carolina was furthered in 1976

granted in 1980,

when

Michael J. Begley canonically established Holy Family parish. Parishioners chose the Holy Family as their patrons, and the newly formed building committee turned

the Diocese of Charlotte pur-

chased 10 acres of land

in

western

Forsyth County.

The diocese

also bought a nearby

house to use as a rectory, office, weekday chapel, religious education center and meeting place. Initially established as a mission of St. Leo parish in Winston-Salem, the Catholic community of Clemmons and nearby Lewiston gathered for its first Mass in July 1978. For a number of years following, the congregation worshipped in a Presbyterian church, a Moravian church, a funeral home, a country club and a school facility.

Meanwhile, in November 1979 members of the mission formed the St. Elizabeth

Ann Seton Guild, the first for-

mal organization of parishioners and a

in

parish into the latter half of the 1980s.

playground, the latter funded primarily by the parish's Mothers Support Group. Father Frank O'Rourke has been pastor of Holy Family parish since July 1996. The church continues to reach out

With the need for more space pressing, the parish in 1986 began another building project: a family center featuring class-

room space, a larger nursery, offices, storage space and restrooms. The addition was dedicated by Bishop John F. Donoghue in 1987. The steady influx of Catholics into the region meant greater numbers of

to Catholics in western Forsyth County,

as well as the faithful in Davie,

Davidson

and Yadkin counties. Multi-cultural outreach

is

a staple of

the parish, especially in light of the large

people in need of spiritual and sacramental leadership. As such, during the late-

Fidel Melo, a native of

1980s into the '90s clergy of Holy Fam-

rochial vicar of

Hispanic population in the area. Father

Mexico and paHoly Family Church,

attentions to constructing a multi-purpose

ily

assumed pastoral

responsibilities for

plays a key role to his Hispanic brothers

Father Robert Scott was

St.

Francis of Assisi Church in Mocksville.

and sisters by celebrating Mass with them at the Cristo Rey Catholic Hispanic Center of Yadkin Valley. Sister Andrea Inkrott and Sister Linda Scheckelhoff

facility. Paulist

Holy Family Church's first resident pastor. At that time, the parish comprised about 200 registered families. By April 1981, plans had been deinstalled as

veloped for a 9,200 square-foot building including a worship area, reconciliation room, offices, nursery, kitchen, and concourse for social events. Construction ensued after breaking ground in February 1982, and in December 1984 Holy Family Parish gathered for the first Mass in the

new

church.

The

registry included

some 550 families by mid-decade. Growth continued for the Clemmons

The development of Holy Family Church has been assisted in spiritual and physical terms by the parishioners themselves. Fund drives for beautification and improvement projects were successful thanks to the commitment of the congregation, which by the mid-1990s had reached more than 1,100 families.

serve as administrators of this Yadkinville mission of Holy Family parish. Father O'Rourke, who also serves as the diocesan director of vocations,

has seen a steady rise in the Catholic

Community involvement has helped During the mid-1980s, a corporation donated four acres to the parish when it relocated offices from behind the church property. The land now houses a picnic shelter, basketball court and a new as well.

population not only in the

Clemmons

area, but throughout the

Diocese of

Charlotte. tinue to

He prays that people will con-

answer the call of the Holy

Spirit

by pursuing much-needed vocations.

Holy Family 4820 Kinnamon Road Winston-Salem, N.C. 27103 (910) 766-8133 Vicariate:

Winston-Salem

Pastor: Father

Frank O'Rourke

Permanent Deacons: Rev. Mr. Michael Langsdorf Rev. Mr. Gerard Shumacher Masses: Sat.: 5:30 p.m.; Sun.: 7:45,9:15,11 a.m.

Number

of parishioners:

Number

of

3,354

households: 1,148

sfcire tl?e Gift of Fait(> Visit t^e

Marian

Serines of Prance witl? Bishop William G. Curlin April 7-17, 1997

Most Reverend William Q. Curlin, Bishop of Charlotte, on a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrines of France and Northern Spain. Your 1 0-day journey begins in Paris and concludes in Barcelona. Three days are devoted to shrines and churches in Paris, with day trips to Lisieux and Chartre. Then board France's famous (rapid train service) south to Lourdes for a day-and-a-half of devotion at the Shrine and Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Winding through the spectacular Pyrenees mountains, you will spend the night in the tiny country of Andorra. Wake the next morning for a bus ride to the Monserrat for a tour of the towering Benedictine Monastery and Shrine of the Black Madonna. Your final destination is the Spanish town of Barcelona, where we conclude this pilgrimage.

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Marian Shrines with Bishop Curlin is priced at $2,350 per person based on double occupancy and includes: Round trip economy class airfare from Charlotte or Washington • Luxury, air-conditioned motorcoaches • First class accommodations Lourdes, superior tourist class) and dinners • Personal guide aboard each motorcoach • All entrance fees • Local guides (in

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• Continental breakfasts

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Luggage handling and all transfers train service from Paris to Lourdes

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Complete and return to: Joann Keane, Diocese of Charlotte, 1524 East Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28207. For information call (704) 331 -1 731