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SZ2° III I (I"
January
Volume
&
2000
14,
Number
9
19
Serving Catholics I
in
E R
Western North Carolina
in
L
the Diocese of Charlotte
n$id
Breaking the cycle Sisters of
Mercy ministry utilizes empowerment
education as key to
4
...Page
From the Cover Chinese church ordains bishops without Vatician
approval
7
...Page
Mother Teresa tops century's
list
of
most admired ...Page
16
Local News Girl
Scouts
Girl Scouting:
Winston-Salem
-
^
'
,
l
family tradition
...Page
5
Bishop Curlin to participate in
March for Life Masses ...Page
Chailotte Diocese for all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when every one of you shall return to his
family
tvcry Week
own property,
every one to his
Observe
my precepts and
estate.
...
my
be careful to keep
you will dwell
regulations, for then
securely in the land.
"
(Lv
25: 10, 18)
Entertainment ..Pages
Editorials
CHARLOTTE
is a
12-13
time
for joyful celebration. It is also a time to deepen our faith in
the Christ who brings good news to the poor, and to renew
our commitment to the jubilee vision for the oppressed." Council of Churches
— NC
ROSTAR
Associate Editor
.Pages
"The Great Jubilee
By JIMMY
10-11
& Columns
^
<— *™
'
Jubilee Justice "This fiftieth year you shall make sacred by proclaiming liberty in the land
9
by Alesha
M. Price F'?teenth Dr Mart,n L «*her King Jr. Celebration Dr Morris F x T.ff Jr r key no te s P eaker at the Fifteenth Annual Diocesan Memorial Celebration for Dr M»rri«T J'er ng r ***** 11 R C<>l0n 8 P arishi Our Lady of Consolation Church in Charlotte ^notte, , wh^e her son Christian, while rh 2, waits patiently. See story, page 3. r-Ho-ro
is
Catholic Church a dozen faith communities
is
—
The Roman among more than
traditions and religious
in North Carolina to sign a pastoral letter on economic justice in the Jubilee 2000.
The
letter,
issued by the North
Carolina Council of Churches, challenges people of faith to focus on the year 2000 as a time to act on the scriptural larly,
themes of jubilee. Particutheme of
the letter addresses the
who are oppressed, who struggle because
liberty for people
especially those
of economic conditions.
among signers of new pastoral Bishop William Q. Curlin of the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and
Bishop F. Joseph Gossman of the Diocese of Raleigh are the two Catholic leaders to sign the letter. In all, 20 religious leaders signed.
The
council seeks to deepen levels
of unity in Christ among member churches, address certain concerns through cooperative action, and give public witness to justice and peace issues.
"The present time
our state, as in our nation, is a time of economic growth and material abundance," the letter says.
"Many
in
citizens are pros-
pering. It is seldom noted, however, that many among us are being left
out of the prosperity, and struggling for subsistence." Specifically, those
'most are
women and
who
can-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and the undereducated, the letter says. It cites that one in four children under age 6 is poor, and that the U.S. Census Bureau says the overall
Based in Raleigh, the North Carolina Council of Churches is a cooperative, spiritual agency whose member communions are brought together in study, prayer and action.
many
are
letter
poverty rate
in the state
percent.
—
The "working poor" who have moved
larly those
is
12.4
particuoff wel-
fare rolls into jobs that
do not pay living wages are not faring any better, the letter says. Four of five poor families with children have a family member working, many of
—
whom work
full
time.
And
despite an
expanding economy and more newly created jobs in the state, the letter says, a living wage is still largely lacking for those who move from welfare to work.
Racism, sexism and an evergrowing disparity between the rich and poor contribute to the injustices of today, the letter adds.
The
letter's signers
appeal "to the
suffer the
children, Afri-
See JUBILEE JUSTICE, page 4
2
January
The Catholic News & Herald
The World
Lankan bishops denounce bombing, increased violence Lanka (CNS)
Sri
—
Sri Lanka's bishops expressed shock and sadness at continued violence, including a suspected Tamil militant's suicide bombing that left 13 people dead. "Once again blood has been
shed and lives lost in the unending spiral of violent attacks on political leaders, security officers on duty, and note with sadness the civilians. intensification of such attacks in the past few weeks," the bishops said in a statement Jan. 5, the day of the killings. Their remarks were reported by UCA News, and Asian church news agency based in Thailand.
We
brother, Juvencio, told a Jan. 3 press conference near Abra that the com-
munist New People's Army command he leads was behind the execution, but he denied firing the bullets, which hit Balweg's right arm and jaw. Ecumenical opportunities arise in rural climate, professor says
Bronx parish exchanges
Rome,
millennial greetings with
Havana
NEW YORK (CNS) — The
hopes
Iowa (CNS) Ecumenical opportunities abound in rural America as church and human resources grow more strained there, according to professor Gary Burkart of Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan. "Cooperation would appear to be the better path to survival, development and relevancy," Burkart said in an article in Catholic Rural Life magazine, published in Des Moines. Because of "continuing decline" in traditionally rural areas coupled with "mushrooming growth" from creeping suburbanization, joint ministries are just one of the ecumenical opportunities to be had, Burkart said. Up to 20 more U.S. bishops could retire this year
the United States chosen for the ex-
change of greetings, which was heard around the world. The conference call
was part of a project called "24 Hours Waiting for the Year 2000 With the Holy Father." Organized by the bish-
Rome and
Diocese of
a Vatican jubilee office,
it
included the exchange of greetings
between Rome and 26 countries. Dallas Diocese adopts stricter guidelines on Medjugorje events The Diocese DALLAS (CNS) of Dallas has adopted guidelines on Medjugorje-related activities that clearly define as "private" any devotion to the reported Marian apparitions in the former Yugoslavian republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Bishop Charles V. Grahmann issued the guidelines Dec. 22 for pastors "to clarify the situation on the church's position." The guidelines were drawn up following efforts to organize a large gathering for Medjugorje vi-
—
sionary Ivan Dragicevic, who lives in the United States. He frequently tours U.S. cities and claims to
NEWS
HERALD
&
January
Volume
9
have Marian
2000
14,
•
Number
Most Reverend William G. Joann S. Keane
Publisher: Editor:
a site near the Jordan River marking the opening of the location to tourists. The area had to be cleared of land mines before it could be opened to the public for the jubilee year. Christ is believed to have been baptized by John in the Jordan River.
Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick
tion," the
bishops from seven countries
6
— John Paul countries — from seven United'States — and cluding VATICAN CITY
Pope (CNS) ordained 12 bishops
II
different
in-
said
the
cities.
POSTMASTER: Send
address corrections
News &
to
The
Catholic
Herald. P.O. Box 37267,
Charlotte.
NC
28237.
January
16
—
CHARLOTTE
Mass
NC
Aloysius, Hickory,
Young
The Annual
Seidel at (704) is
at (336) 922-0479. There is a heal-
20 HIGH POINT for the
NC
tails, call
For deMr. Ron or Bette
Rd., at 7:30 p.m.
the Rev.
January 23-24
Steinkamp
The
(336) 882-9717.
National Right to Life March, Washington, D.C.
—
Mass tonight in the chapel of Maryfield Nursing Home, 13 15 ing
Greensboro
at
(336) 427-9717 or
KERNERSVILLE
—
For
a
prayer, this year's Respect Life
night of
Mass
beyond
75th birthdays this year. And sixteen were already 75 when the new year started. With the two Jan. 4 retirements, 14 are still active. Church law says at age 75 a bishop "is requested to present his resignation" to the pope. active bishops
for
more information.
21 ASHEVILLE
— There
at or
the retirement age of 7f>. Six currently active bishops are celebrating their
5109
St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave. For more information, call Tom and Mary
Beth
2000 because they are
—
also retire in
being celebrated tonight at 7:30 p.m. Holy Cross Church, 616*S. Cherry St. Call the church office at (704) 996-
night at 7:30 p.m. at
Region
— could
at
a natural family planning session to-
—
St.
call Cris
18 WINSTON-SALEM
— 7:30 pm
candidates for Permanent Diaconate
other
—
For details, 752-0936.
two weeks during June, July and August
year
the apostles," he said.
Economic Development Center, Murphy, NC
January 22 2 pm Mass and Installation of Lector
for $1 5 per
Basilica.
Dedication of the Bishop Begley Center
The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $18 per year for all other subscribers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and
Peter's
Mass for the Unborn is being celebrated today at 2:30 p.m. at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd.
— 4pm
Holy Cross, Kernersville,
for enrollees in
St.
"Around you are gathered the faithful from various parts of the world, to whom you are sent as successors of
Diocesan. planner
Pro-Life Concelebrated
by the
in
a Jan.
Episcopal, j calendar
different
for the Triad
E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org
our salva-
universality of the church that adores
"You come from nations and represent the
sality of the church.
January 20
23 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382
Mass
flesh for
pope told them during
Philippine priest-turned-rebel killed by brother's faction MANILA, Philippines (CNS) A priest who became a rebel during
their diversity reinforced the univer-
Secretary: Jane Glodowski 1 1
Word made
the
is.
On Epiphany, pope ordains 12
for
Production Associate: Julie Radcliffe
Even (CNS) two retirements Jan. 4, as many including 20 more U.S. bishops
three cardinals visions wherever he
—
WASHINGTON
after
as
January 19
AleshaM. Price
photo from Reuters
Thousands of Christians process to
Curlin
Associate Editor: Jimmy Rostar Staff Writer:
CNS
Jordan River location opened to public
Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events:
19
—
DES MOINES,
and prayers of the people of St. Brendan's parish in the Bronx were heard in churches in Rome and Havana in a New Year's Eve telephone hookup and satellite broadcast over Vatican Radio. St. Brendan's was the only site in
ops' conference of Italy, the
2000
the rule of the late President Ferdinand Marcos was killed in his family home by communist guerrillas led by his younger brother. Police reports said Conrado Balweg, a former Divine Word priest, was having coffee in Malibcong,- 170 miles north of Manila, when he was shot at 4 a.m. Dec. 31. UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand, reported the town is in Abra, one of the five provinces in the mountainous and predominantly tribal Cordillera region in northern Luzon. Balweg's
Sri
COLOMBO,
14,
Brief
in
is
—
The Catholic AsFamily Educators (C.A.F.E.), Western North Carolina's Homeschool Support Group, is Inning a talent show potluck tonight at sociation
of
6:30 p.m. at the Basilica of St. Lawrence, 97 Haywood St. For more information, call Denise Vish at (828) 645-6990 or Sheryl Oligny at (828) 298-0336. Single Again GREENSBORO Catholics is having their "Oldies' Nite" at the Greensboro Ballroom. For directions, admission and other information, call Marilyn Schmidt at (336) 379-7300.
—
24 CHARLOTTE
—
Christians in
Career Transitions is a ministry devoted to helping people in career crises. The group meets every other Monday night, including tonight and Feb. 7 and 21 from 7-9 p.m. in the
^ January
14,
2000
In
The Catholic News & Herald 3
the New;
Participants focus on Dr. King's goal of racial *~ ALESHA PRICE By
M. Staff Writer
CHARLOTTE
—
v
r
ing
January
circle, one that transforms and transcends the evils of life. Blackness is the essence of every living thing,
fif-
teenth, a day associated with positive change, historical firsts and tragedy, is the birth date of the Reverend Dr.
Martin Luther King
Jr.,
a
and we must live in that essence and go beyond the simplicity of black and
proponent
of nonviolent protest, whose
life
white."
"Dr. Jeff speaks not from a denominational religious perspective,
ironi-
ended by assassination in 1968. People reflected on the teachings and traditions of Dr. King and how they are and are not being applied in cally
but the basis
gathering, which attracted over 80 attendants from all areas of the diocese. This event, sponsored by the African American Affairs
preceeding Dr. King's birthday, said Rev. Mr. Curtiss Todd, vice chancellor of the diocese and the vicar for the African American Affairs Ministry. Dr. Jeff, a New Orleans, La, native, has been the director of the City of New Orleans Department of Human Services since 1974. He is the co-
owner of the Counseling and DiagnosFamily Institute of New Orleans, a black family service agency, and the founder of the Milne Boys' Home and tic
Manhood Development Program, long-term males.
He
a
of passage for urban has appeared on several telerite
news programs and talk shows. "The message of Dr. King is vir-
vision
tually
unknown among young people
and ignored or forgotten by those who lived during that time," said Rev. Mr. Todd. "We wanted Dr. Jeff to
conference room of St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. Included in this ministry are
Saturday sessions on "Interview Skills to Get the Job" on Jan. 15 and 22. There are a limited number of openings, so for further information, call Rev. Mr. Jim Hamrlik at (704)
542-6459.
27 ASHEVILLE
—
All are invited to
attend a healing
Mass at St. Joan of Arc Church, 919 Haywood Rd, tonight at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served after the Mass. Call the church office at (828) 252-3151 for details.
29 ASHEVILLE
— The
Basilica of
Lawrence, 97 Haywood St., is hav"Day of Retreat and Prayer" today, starting with 8 a.m. Mass and ending at 3:30 p.m. The spirituality of St.
ing a
St.
Louis Marie de Montford
is
vine
Mercy
are being featured in the afternoon. For reservations, call the
church
office at (828)
254-6042.
Larry Kirwan from Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro said, "we need to form a universal church and accept each other as. one commuWe have to be available for one another and give of ourselves to those who have less." nity.
Photo by Alesha M. Price
Rev. Mr. Curtiss Todd, vice chancellor of the diocese and vicar of the African American Affairs Ministry, and Fred Dewalt from the African Anter can Affairs Ministry Board of Directors present the SOOO Glenda Rollins-Gai her Service Award to James Bingley from St. James Church in Concord ffis ddaughter accepted the award °»
btTrof his
speak at the celebration because he is an expert in the works, talks and goals of Dr. King and in African-
American history and has a solid ommendation for the future."
radical
time of the volatile civil rights movein America. He opened with a series of quotes from poems and writings from Dr. King and various other African-American authors. Dressed in Afro-centric garments and speaking in a resonant voice, Dr.
ment
Jeff
commented about Dr. King's
statement, "nonviolence is power": "Dr. King had a strategy for his
dream and strategy;
methodology for his he came ready for action a
—
nonviolent action."
He gave
LEXINGTON
—
information
Our Lady of the S. Main St, is
Rosary Church, 619
Americans. "As we assess where we are 135 years after the signing and passing of the thirteenth amendment and 31 years after the passing of Martin Luther King Jr., we still see the residue of slavery and apartheid in America," said Dr. Jeff.
He made all
tuality
and love of neighbor and God.
"The black church is one that is truly in the spirit of what blackness
the church office at (336)
30 ASHEVILLE sociation (C.A.F.E.),
— The Catholic As-
of Family Educators Western North Carolina's
homeschool support group, is hosting a "Moms' Evening Out" tonight at 7 p.m. For more information, call Denise Vish at (828) 6^5-6990 or Sheryl Oligny at (828) 298-0336.
February
4 HICKORY
— The next Marriage
Encounter is this weekend at the Catholic Conference Center, 1551 Trinity Lane. This
is
an enrichment
more than
color," explained Dr. Jeff. "It
is
We
sitting in a circle
and telling stories to use our life histories as a frame of reference to encourage our children to have the courage to face the future," said Joann Munden, a parishioner from St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem. Dr. Jeff talked about the importhe kids.
We can
tance of teaching children not only the history of Dr. King but also other aspects of African-American history.
Every year, he takes a group of junior and senior high school students on
just
a heal-
program
See
KING CELEBRATION,
page
14
for married couples to concentrate on each other and to grow
their annual Black History Month Celebration Mass, sponsored by the
and emotionally. For further information or to register, call
this
Tom
tion, call
black,"
passes
Mass with
248-2463.
reference to the "new one that encompeople and is rooted in spiri-
—
church
spiritually
ner who best exemplifies the virtues of St. Francis de Sales, is being presented at Mass. For more informa-
repeatedly mentioned. "We must use our own past experiences and tell children about them. need to get back to the practice of
infant mortality, living conditions and financial struggles for African-
celebrating the Feast of St. Francis de Sales this afternoon at the 5 p.m. a covered dish supper to follow in the parish center. The Salesian Award, given to a parishio-
youth and how older people could help to guide them in the right direction was
He made reference to the among medical statistics about
represents, defining
statistical
During both question and answer sessions, the plight of today's
his time.
links
change during the
discussion with the speaker instead of the scheduled word events.
about the socio-economic, medical, and political gap between the races that Dr. King fought to close during
rec-
Dr. Jeffs address concerned Dr. King's fusion of religion and politics and the struggle between social
norms and
After the first question and answer session, the audience, who had been actively participating, decided that they wanted to engage in further
s:r
being
featured in the morning, and the revelations to Sister Faustina of the Di-
talks
blackness, not as a color, but the universality of blackness."
site for the
Asheville area have stated that there have been conflicts with their own weekend observance of the holiday when the diocesan celebration has been previously held on the Saturday
spiritual in nature,"
about the horizontal relationship with Jesus and God and the vertical relationship among brothers and sisters. His message is in the context of
Our Lady of Consolation Church
Ministry, was held a week earlier than the national holiday celebrated this year on Jan. 17 because of the schedule of the keynote speaker Dr Morris F.X. Jeff Jr. Also, parishioners from the
is
commented Rev. Mr. Todd. "He
today's society at the Fifteenth Annual Diocesan Memorial Celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 8.
was the
harmony MJ
and Emilie Sandin at (336) 274-
4424.
5
CHARLOTTE — St. Ann
Church,
3635 Park Rd, is having an attic sale today from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in the cafeteria. Call the church office at (704) 527-8671 for more details.
CHARLOTTE
—
The Charlotte
Catholic High School Placement Test is administered each year to all eighth
graders who wish to apply to the high school. The placement test is being given this morning from 8:15 a.m.-12.-30 p.m. at the school, located
at
7702 Pineville-Matthews Road.
Students should bring a light snack for the break and two sharpened
number two
pencils.
6
GREENSBORO
Month Committee, at
12:15 p.m. with
Father Martin Carter from Our Lady of Victory Church in Brooklyn, N.Y, being assisted by Rev. Mr, Curtiss Todd, vice-chancellor of the diocese. A covered dish luncheon follows the Mass. For details, call the church office at (336) 272-8650
7
CHARLOTTE
—
Catholic
Singles of Charlotte Newcomers' Week begins this evening with a welcome dinner and coffee socials
during the week on Feb. 8 and 12. Call Ken at (704) 733-6499 about the dinner and other activities and call Laurel at (704) 554-0188 and Kristy at (704) 525-3424 about the coffee socials.
For registration
and other information, 543-1217.
at (704)
Black History afternoon
call
—
Church, 1414 Gorrell St,
the school St. is
Mary holding
Please submit notices of events for the Diocesan Planner at least 10 days prior to
publication date.
4
The Catholic News & Herald
January
Around the Diocese
2000
14,
Breaking the cycle of homelessness Sisters of JOANN
By
Mercy ministry utilizes education as key to empowerment
KEANE
S.
—
BELMONT
Drugs consume
homelessness that
where the next meal will come for her and
Nancy
goal
Annie
a
is
amalgamation, whose life only exists on this newsprint. Unfortunately, the situations are On any given day, dozens of women will come face to face with the angst and anger that consumes seemingly dismal lives. They are caught a vicious cycle, wishing nothall
too real.
ing more than a second chance to
change their
ter;
lives.
is
it
"I
spond to
that,"
she says. not a Band-Aid approach.
The
of Catherine's House strive to reclients,
survival. It
educate them and
is
commitwomen.
a serious 90-day
the part of incoming
"When people come here, it is more than homelessness that is an issue," says Director Nancy Isbanioly. "Everyone comes with a multitude of issues. Our goal is to prevent homelessness from ever happening again."
Following screening and intake program, the new client and staff members develop a plan to meet
to the
individual goals. "We have a strong emphasis on education," says Isbanioly.
"Anyone who comes through our
in need.
doors without a high school or GED education will be required to attain that diploma," she adds. While in residence, the clients'
of Catherine's underscored by a foundation and hope as a visible witness the spirit
all in
believe the residents re-
palpable.
ment on
is
of faith of God's merciful love,
community
is
teach self-sufficiency skills needed for
The program House
Flaccus feels this encouragement
program
women
women
a lifeline to vulnerable
case
staff
and women with children who are homeless. Recycling facilities on the grounds of the former Sacred Heart College, Catherine's House is an outreach by the Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina,
Belmont Abbey College announces prestigious Grace Award Dinner
—
BELMONT
Belmont Abbey
College has begun planning for the 2000 Grace Award Dinner, an event traditionally attended by business and civic leaders to recognize a deserving colleague. This year the recipient of the
Grace Award
-
named
for Charles L. Grace, president of
Tom
available for $550; individual tickets
former chairman of the Abbey's Board of Trustees and is continually supportive of the college's
is
are $75 each.
Proceeds from the evening benefit
initiatives.
sponsors the event with the Belmont Abbey College Board of Advisors. The Grace Award recognizes an outstanding businessperson and citizen whose contributions and commit-
ments have significantly improved
Atlantic, Inc. -
the quality of is
the
fifth
life
members
tap into
resources. Catherine's House works closely with a Gaston County agencies, including the Department of Social Services. Phase I consists of securing basic needs such as benefits and healthcare, while meeting daycare or school needs for children. Phase II is considered successful when clients begin a job search, and are enrolled in appropriate classes. Clients open a savings account. Completion of each phase is a celebration, marked with certificates of achievement. Self-esteem soars. Phase III is graduation and clients re-enter the community, ready to take life as it comes this time stronger, self-suffit cient, and one day at a time,
—
Contact Editor Joann Keane by call-
ing
370-3336
(704)
or
jskeane@charlottediocese.org
OFFICE OF PLANNED GIVING
This
is
a Test
Foundation of Gaston County, the Gaston County Chamber of Commerce, and other community
munity
organizations. "We are pleased to co-sponsor the Grace Award Dinner because it serves
in the region. Efird
community and
Sabates (1998).
money
True I
said
it
raises
the
estate
make those
decisions myself.
much-needed
for scholarships."
For more information or
a
than
let
False
how to
my
distribute
Carter, current chairman of
recognizes a deserving
would rather state decide
Bynum BACA. "It member of the
two important purposes,"
recipient of the honor, fol-
is
specific services be unavail-
able in house, staff
He
lowing Herman Blumenthal (1993); Bynum and Rebecca Carter (1994); Humpy Wheeler (1997); and Felix Efird
Should
has also given generously of his time and talents to Gaston College, the Schiele Museum, Hospice of Gaston County, the Com-
scholarships for employees of companies belonging to the Belmont Abbey College Associates (BACA), which co-
D. Efird, president of Standard Distributors, Inc. based in Gastonia. The dinner will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25 in the Student Commons on the Belmont Abbey campus. Corporate tables seating eight are
Cummins
manager maintains close contact through each phase of progress.
of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy. "There is an honest and real commitment," says President and CEO Laura Flaccus. And
It's
transitional
housing for
happening again."
one-dimensional
a
Catherine's House is not an emergency shel-
homelessness from ever
For-
is
willing to
help break the cycle. Make no mistake:
to prevent
is
Belmont
in
Women
welcoming environment stands ready to
Isbanioly.
multitude of issues. Our
where to turn, she's one step away from tunately,
an
"Everyone comes with a
her 2-year-old child. With seemingly no-
street.
here,
is
think.
adhere to a highly threestructured phase program find of doors the Catherine's House open wide. Inside, a safe, comfortable and
issue," says Director
wonders
on the
away.
call
more than
it is
her daily existence. 19-year-old The
life
phone
When people come
loved. She's lost her
mother
serious, a helping
is
House
Catherine's
Picture Annie. Her face is swollen from the abusive blow from the hand of one she thought she job.
wish
If that
hand may be closer than they
Editor
chase tickets to the dinner, 825-6735.' t
to pur-
call
(704)
I
would rather have an outdated estate plan that inadequately expresses my desires than endure the
Providing QuaUty LongTerm Care Carolina Funeral &
e
Cremation Center
c
.
.
With Great Love.
For half a Nursing
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Home
Affordability
Simplicity
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NC 28212
Charlotte,
704-568-0023 www.carolinafuneral.com
Kuzma
Owner/Director Privately, Locally
Member
St.
Owned
Matthew Church and
Knights of Columbus
than
to date.
would rather pay if
make a
bequest
to
required,
deductible
my
church.
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123
1
January
14,
2000
Around the Diocese
Scouting is more than just cookies
Girl By
The Catholic News & Herald 5
ALESHA
M. PRICE
Staff Writer
idea of helping Susan Moretz, the
—
WINSTON-SALEM
EnSecond Language teacher at the elementary school where her mother teaches first grade. She would
The
glish as a
women in the Perrino family are a part of a long-standing tradition. Susan Perrino is the leader of Senior
be helping the teacher to take some of her ideas and create more efficient ways for the children to learn En-
—
Troop 1023 the troop which her two older daughters,
Girl Scout to
Patty,
17,
and Jennifer,
glish.
belong.
15,
Her youngest daughter, Laura,
Patty explained, "This is something that I wanted to do because I had met the kids from working with
12, is
a Cadette Girl Scout, the division before becoming a Senior Girl Scout.
The Perrino was their
my mother in faith formation, and I thought that combining the two things would be a great way to represent my mom's school." Her project, which lasted from
grandmother
girls'
their mother's troop leader,
and
great-grandmother was their
grandmother's troop leader. "It has been fun being involved in my daughters' activities, watching them grow up and experience new •
June 1998 to April 1999, had three facets, all focusing on helping the students learn English at a faster rate. She cut out shapes and figures of
opportunities," said Susan. "I have been a part of the planning stages, so I don't just send them out the door; I can be a part of that aspect of their
T
Susan began as a Daisy Girl Scout troop leader with her middle daughter Jennifer and moved to the
Scouts. The project itself is only part of the requirements needed to be eligible to participate in the Gold Award program. She had to earn four badges over the course of two years, which involve
Brownie Girl Scout division and up the ranks with her oldest daughter 5
Patty.
All of the young women are dedicated to Girl Scouts, like their mother and their matriarchs, but Patty has gone the extra mile and was re-
community tion
warded
for her work. Patty, who has been involved with Girl Scouts since she was in first grade, decided that she wanted to do a multi-leveled project which would put her in contention for the Gold
.refugee, hispanic
&
in
leadership, self-explora-
and relationship development.
Each of the four badges has a miniof eight requirements, ex-
mum
plained Susan.
Each teen has to perform 30 hours of leadership service in which she plans, organizes and evaluates an activity for the group. She has to
Girl
Hnmocti^ uumyb iic
immigration services
J™* ««
Leader Susan Perrino presents her Zugh Te Patty with the Gold Award pin, the highest honor in Girl Scouts, at a ceremony in Winston-Salem last year. Patty, who attends St. Leo the Great Church worked with a teacher to help Hispanic children learn English for her project
lives. I just continued the tradition started in my family."
Award, the highest honor
s,
ex
inw»wir-»™i inTemaiionai
aao pilOf
pregnancy support
material assistance
counseling
Administration, Refugee, Justice & Peace, Special Ministries Executive Director: Elizabeth Thurbee (704)370-3228 (704) 370-3298 fax Refugee Office: Cira Ponce (704) 370-3260
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justice
& Peace:
Special Ministries:
Joanne Gerard
Frazer
(704)
A. Carter
(704)
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370-3225 370-3228
Charlotte Area Office 23 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 GeriKing (704)370-3232 (704) 370-3377 fax Western Area Office 35 Orange Street, Ashevilte, NC 2880 1 1
Area Director
Area
Director:
Sr.
Marie Frechette (828) 255-0146
(828)
621
W
Second
Director:
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Family Life
"I saw how I effected change in community." She then wrote a report on how she earned her badges and submitted it and her project proposal to the Gold committee. They approved her
1
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with it, and I am proud of her," said Susan. "Boy Scouts get a lot of recognition, and the community doesn't focus as much on the Girl Scouts," said Patty. "As more girls get involved, the community can see that girls can
Patty.
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Because of her achievements, she earned her Gold Award pin and received congratulatory letters from businesses and prominent citizens and also received a flag flown over the United States Capitol building from
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She also made a dollhouse, cut out pictures of furniture and parts of the house, laminated the pictures and applied Velcro to the backs of the pictures so that the children could learn the names of the rooms, furniture and appliances.
"As I started doing the work, I could see how my being a Girl Scout could help out the community," said
Box 10962, Winston-Salem, NC 27108 (336)727-0705 (336) 727-9333 fax Satellite Office Greensboro, NC (336) 274-5577
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grocery store from plywood and collected cereal boxes, plastic fruit, an old cash register and other items
worked two months with senior citizens to understand her own grandparents better. She also volunteered in other aspects in and around her
Street, P.O.
Respect
to help the children learn shapes, colors and sizes. She built a
provement. Patty earned an additional 15 hours as part of her senior challenge by assisting her mother, who teaches faith formation at their church, St. Leo the Great in Winston-Salem. She
David Harold
CC.H.D.
games
work 30 hours by either obtaining a part-time job, including writing a resume and interviewing for the position, mentoring with someone on his or her job, or organizing a job fair. In addition to those tasks, the Senior Challenge has several components all related to self and community im-
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6
The Catholic News & Herald
Heads
People
14 Orthodox churches
of
celebrate Christmas By JUDITH
authority to intervene in the affairs of churches outside his own patri-
—
local
archate.
Orthodox Christmas is celebrated 7. Orthodox churches use the Julian calendar, which differs by 13 days from the Gregorian calendar used by the Catholic and Protestant
Jan.
celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. "This is a rare, historic event,"
churches.
The Armenian Orthodox Church, its own separate cal-
Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All
Orthodox
Greece told the
which also uses
news-
Israeli Ha'aretz
endar, will celebrate
Eve
paper. In addition to the
patriarchs
the
skies, the patriarchs
participated in a pre-Christmas procession through the narrow streets of
Moscow,
of
Christmas
its
Jan. 18.
Under rainy
Greek Ortho-
patriarch, the gathering included
dox
Holy Land
in
equals," although he does not have
SUDILOVSKY
News Service The heads JERUSALEM (CNS) of 14 Orthodox churches celebrated Orthodox Christmas in the Holy Land in an unprecedented gathering. It was the first time all the heads of Orthodox churches met together to Catholic
Greek
the Newt
in
CNS photo
Christian Orthodox leaders meet in Jerusalem on the occasion of the Orthodox Christmas, which is celebrated Jan. 7. From left is Alexei II of Russia, Ilia II of Georgia and Teoctist of Romania.
the Old City of Jerusalem Jan. 4, culminating in a joint prayer at the
Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, Moscow, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Cyprus, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and
Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where throngs of Orthodox pilgrims joined
Bethlehem.
their patriarchs in worship.
Albania.
On
Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople is
Christmas Eve Jan. 6, the patriarchs were joined by some political
Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat also attended the service. Among the
Orthodox
leaders of their countries in a celebra-
political leaders
given special honor by churches, recognized as
all
"first
among
tion at the
Church of the Nativity
four,
—
were arrested Sept. 23 in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda when they staged a peaceful demonstration urging Con-
mission to negotiate for the release of prisoners from Bolivian jails during the jubilee year. Juan Carlos Nunez, bishops' conference spokesman, said the commission was established to
gress to "do its share" in funding debt relief for the world's poorest countries.
Indonesian bishop seeks change in
government to end
conflict
—
"ensure that all technical aspects are covered to make the release of some
JAKARTA, Indonesia (CNS) An Indonesian bishop urged
prisoners possible." Nunez said that in late 1999 the bishops' conference requested the release of prisoners for
country's president to change government and security officials to end the
prolonged sectarian conflict in riottorn Moluccas province. Bishop Petrus Mandagi of Ambon recommended the change to President Abdurrahman Wahid during a meet-
Christmas as part of the jubilee initiatives. But the government released only 27 inmates from Bolivian prisons, arguing that a greater number would had been inconsistent with its new policy on crime.
5. He was accompanied by Archbishop Renzo
ing at the state palace Jan.
Court orders debt protesters not to break law again
WASHINGTON rior
Fratini, apostolic
reported
—
Jan. 4 released four Catholic protest-
tries,
UCA
nuncio to Indonesia,
News, an Asian church
news agency based in Thailand. Ordination by pope 'overwhelming,' says new Wyoming coadjutor Being VATICAN CITY (CNS)
Supe(CNS) Court Judge Stephen G. Milliken
ers seeking debt relief for
his
—
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Coadjutor
American among 12 bishops ordained "To be ordained by the Holy Father right at the tomb of St. Peter, with 1 1 other it was so reminiscent of the priests Twelve Apostles," he told Catholic News Service. "The only way I can describe it is I was overwhelmed." Illinois Dominican nuns forgive debts for jubilee To SPRINGFIELD, 111. (CNS)
Jan. 6 in St. Peter's Basilica.
—
—
the jubilee year 2000, the Dominican Sisters of Springfield have
mark
canceled 19 debts owed to them. Most of the debts were loans to communityorganizing groups that help poor
people become self-sustaining. Sister Mary Jean Traeger, prioress general of the 312-member congregation, an-
nounced the action during community prayer Jan. 1. "Our world needs
President Boris Yeltsin, who announced his resignation Dec. 31. The patriarchs also attended a dinner in their honor at the residence of Israeli President Ezer Weizman. r
signs of hope from people of faith," she said. "It needs our energetic commit-
ment
Gos-
longs for some assurance that peace with genuine justice is possible. In this spirit of jubilee we decided to cancel several long-term debts owed to our congregation."
Orthodox patriarch sees
little
for Christian unity soon WARSAW, Poland (CNS) The leader of the world's 200 million Orthodox Christians said hopes that Christians will achieve; unity soon are "groundless." He added that Pope John Paul II had taken "larger steps" toward Christian unity than previous
hope
—
popes, but warned that his exercise of papal primacy was still unacceptable
Orthodox churches. "For me, fundamentally, the papacy expresses a spirit far removed from the spirit of the Orthodox Church," said EcumeniPatriarch Bartholomew of cal Constantinople, spiritual leader of the to
.
world's Orthodox Christians.
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on condition they not break the
accompanying the
patriarchs was outgoing Russian
in
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January
2000
14,
from the Covei
The Catholic News & Herald 7
Chinese church ordains bishops without
By JOHN THAVIS ByJOHNTHAVIS Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) In a move that appeared to aggravate China-Vatican divisions, the government-approved Chinese church or-
UCA
ordainer. reported ordainer, renort^H T7PA
new
bishops without pa-
pal approval.
The
Jan. 6 during a
Mass
in
a
II
Peter's Basilica.
Church
officials in Rome said the timing was a deliberate provocation, and
The newly ordained were Bishops Peter
Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association
decision time when voices have been raised in many parts which lead one to hope for a normalization of relations
a
and
Beijing,"
spokesman
Joaquin
Navarro-Valls
said.
bishops, but
illicit
because they are done
told
without a papal
mandate, Father
recognize the pope's right to appoint bishops has been one of the biggest obstacles in Chinese-Vatican rela-
of
UCA News
that the
new
bishops had pledged obedience to the pope during the cer-
Politi
said.
poses obstacles that certainly will hamper that process," he said. China> long-standing refusal to
Jianping
Nanjing, 36; Su Changshan of Baoding, 74; and Zhan Silu of Mindong, 39. Bishop Zhan later
by validly ordained
"But this gesture
—
emony a point the others did not confirm. He said the timing of the ordinations was not confrontational.
"We were
ordained today because
the Epiphany Day, a big feast day in the church. If it happens on the it
is
same day
the Vatican's ordinaeven better?" he said. The vice chairman of the patriotic association, Liu Bainian, told the Italian news agency ANSA that the ordinations were a sign of the church's
tions and a
major factor in the division between the Chinese underground church loyal to Rome and the
government-sanctioned
Fang
Tangshan, 39; Jin Daoyuan of Changzhi, 71; Lu Xinping of
as valid because they have been performed
between the Holy
See
country.
of bishops of the
"astonishment and disappointment" at the act.
had to keep pace with the development of the
The Vatican has viewed the ordinations
the Vatican expressed its
"This comes at
Vatican approval
prosperity and said the development of the church in China
ordained bishops in St.
new
-
Bishop Fu told the congregation that the ordinations reflected China's
Beijing cathedral, just hours before Pope 12
,
bishops.
ordinations were performed
John Paul
News,
«
.
Asian church news agency based in Thailand. Five additional bishops and 30 priests concelebrated the ordination Mass. All the bishops laid their hands on and embraced the newly ordained
—
dained five
„an
vr<>,.,«.
tions, isn't
Chinese
Catholic Patriotic Association.
Some 300 people, a relatively sparse crowd, attended the ordina-
vitality.
tions at
who
as
it
"The Chinese church has bishops
Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Among the congregation were representatives of the Commu-
are helping
it
prosper as
places in the world. So
I
in
pope should be pleased," he said. He added that there would be more ordi-
nist Party's religious affairs office.
Bishop Liu Yuanren of Nanjing, president of the Bishops' Conference of the Catholic Church in China, was the ordaining bishop, with Bishop Michael Fu Tieshan of Beijing, chairman of the patriotic association, as co-
CNS
few
think the
Newly ordained bishops
leave the Cathedral of the
in Beijing Jan. 6. Chinese Bishop Liu Yuanren ordained five new stateapproved bishops in defiance of Pope John Paul II, who alone has the
nations in the future because the average age of Chinese bishops was too
authority for naming bishops in the church.
high.
But veteran China-watchers said the Vatican saw the Chinese ceremony as an act of defiance at a sensitive mo-
The pope made no mention
of the new Chinese bishops during his annual ordination Mass at the Vatican.
ment
in church-state relations.
Coadjutor Bishop Joseph Zen Zekiuh of Hong Kong said the ordinations were an "act of confrontation" that shows that China has "no real intention of reconciling with the
[M'-mlarCoee
Vatican,"
He
UCA News
to
meet
your growing and changing needs
said the ordinations
and
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that surfaced in
1999,
which called for more ordinations of bishops chosen by secular officials and further division of the under-
ground and the state-sanctioned church. In
Rome, the missionary news
MISNA
service
said
the "Chinese
conform
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The Catholic News & Herald
In Brief
;
In
bishops, —
Region coordinator, Sisters of
CHARLOTTE
at (704)
370-3247.
Mercy Foundation announces grants to 13 area organizations
—
Sisters of
Mercy North Carolina Foundation
last
month announced $542,245 in grants to 13 nonprofit organizations in Buncombe, Cabarrus, Gaston, Guilford, Henderson and Mecklenburg organizations. The foundation was established in 1995 and operates in part to support nonprofit healthcare, education and social organizations. ReceivAcademic Learning Center in Concord; Cannon Memorial YMCA in Kannapolis; Children first of Buncombe County, Inc., of Asheville; Communities in Schools of High Point, Inc., in High Point; Crisis Pregnancy Center in Gastonia; Eliada Homes, Inc., in Asheville; Energy Committed to Offenders in Charlotte; Jacob's Ladder in Charlotte; Manna Food Bank in Asheville; Ministry Seven Rescue Mission in Hendersonville; Child Advocacy and PreSecond Harvest Food Bank in Charlotte; vention Services in Asheville; and With Friends, Inc., in Belmont. For are:
WNC
information on the Sisters of Mercy foundation, call (704) 366-0087. next grant-making cycle will be April 1, with decisions made in June.
NEW
High School students invited to enter 10th annual poster contest YORK The Christophers' 10th annual poster contest
—
The
for high
underway, with prizes totaling $2,000. To enter, each artist must illustrate his or her interpretation of the statement "You Can Make a Difference," a theme that allows students to express themselves on a variety of topics. All students in grades 9 through 12 are invited to enter. Posters must be 15 by 20 inches and include the words "You Can Make a Difference." They will be judged on overall impact, effectiveness in conveying the theme, originality and artistic merit. Eight prizes will be awarded, with a first prize of $1,000. Entries must be received by Jan. 28, and winner will be announced April 21. All posters become the property of The Christophers, an nonprofit organization that used print and broadcast media to encourage all people to recognize their unique abilities and use them to raise the standards of public life. Complete rules for the poster contest are available by writing to High School Poster Contest, The Christophers, 12 East 48th St., New York, NY 10017, by calling (212) 759-4050, or on the Web at http:// www.christophers.org/poster.html. school students
from page 7
is
government, which once again forces upon Catholics its desire for absolute control, is surely behind the decision
lection of episcopal candidates, Father
of ordination."
involvement appears to be increasing, he added. The Vatican has viewed the ordinations of bishops of the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association as valid because they have been performed by validly ordained bishops, but illicit because they are done without a papal mandate, Father Politi
Politi said. It
The Vatican missionary news agency Fides reported that the ordinations were a failure for the government and the patriotic association. It said nine of 12 original candidates
refused to participate in the
ceremony
because it was "in clear competition with the Holy See." In addition, Fides said, more than 130 seminarians at the national seminary in Beijing decided to boycott the ordination Mass after participating in a rehearsal the
That leaves
<6
<?
Some Chinese bishops who belong to the government-sanctioned church are said to have secretly reconciled with Rome, and others would probably not have too much problem reaching a similar understanding at
Politi,
of the magazine Mondo e Missione (World and Mission), said the ordinations highlight a worrisome trend toward greater government involvement in the bishop selection process and raise questions about the eventual reconciliation of the bishops with
some point
—
especially
who have
suffered
in the future
older bishops
strong political pressure, Father Politi said.
'What is alarming is that these (new) bishops are very young and have made a choice that is at least somewhat free. There hasn't been for
the Vatican, especially because three of the new bishops were so young. While China maintains that the
them the kind of pressure or
election of bishops is a legitimate function of the local church, in practice it is the government and the
existed in the days of t tung)," he said,
fear that
Mao
that control the se-
k
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said.
follows Chinese affairs as editor
Communist Party
Holy
But the Vatican has always avoided using the term "schism" to describe the situation in China, recognizing the political pressures involved, he
nese authorities.
Father Giancarlo
individual bishops in
a difficult position with the
Fides said only one of the ordaining bishops had relations with the Vatican, and all of those ordained had "suffered extreme pressure" from ChiItalian
good government
"certainly not a
said.
day before.
who
is
sign" that this type of
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January
14,
2000
The Catholic News & Herald 9
the New;
n
Pro-life officials heartened by declining U.S. WASHINGTON (CNS) — A remained stable during the 1980s Although Alvare was heartened
spokeswoman for the U.S. Catholic bishops lauded the newly released figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which showed U.S. abortions in 1997 were at their lowest level in two decades. Helen Alvare, director of plan!
ning and information for the bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, credited the decline in part to the four-year campaign against partialbirth abortions,
which she said "ex-
posed people to the reality of abortion."
Figures released by the CDC in Atlanta showed that U.S. abortion rates had climbed during the 1970s,
and began
The
a
gradual decline
statistics indicate that there
were a total of 1,184,758 abortions performed in 1997, which is 3 percent less than the 1,221,585 abortions performed in 1996, and is "the lowest number performed since 1978. The
number of abortions
A story on
CDC
The
national abortion rate, defined as the number of legal abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44 years,
Life in Washington in last week's issue of The Catholic News
&
Herald included an error regarding the date of a Mass to be celebrated by Bishop Curlin for diocesan pilgrims. The following includes the correct information.
—
CHARLOTTE Bishop William G. Curlin will celebrate a Mass for people from the Diocese of Charlotte who will gather in Washington, D.C., for the annual March for Life on Jan. 24. During the evening before, Bishop Curlin will also concelebrate a Mass that opens the National Prayer Vigil for Life.
The bishop
in
March
will celebrate
for diocesan pilgrims Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in
Court's 1973 decisions that legalized abortion in the United States. Students representing Charlotte Catholic
before, he will concelebrate a
Mass
that will open the National Prayer Vigil for Life in the shrine's Great
High School and Belmont Abbey College will lead this year's march. For further information on the Diocese of Charlotte's participation in the national March for Life, contact the Respect Life Office at (704) 370-
Upper Church. Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore, chairman of the bishop's pro-life committee, will be the principal celebrant and homilist.
A number
of busses have been chartered by the Diocese of Charlotte's Respect Life Office, parishes and other institutions through-
3229.
at
News
Service contributed to
would
Laura Echevarria, director of media relations for the National Right to Life Committee, said she was pleased with the "continuing trend toward fewer abortions" and said her organization would "continue working to educate Americans about the tragedy of abortion."
"The more the American people learn about the humanity of the unborn child and the violence of abortion, the more they reject abortion," she said.
The Family Research Council's spokeswoman, Janet Parshall, said the decline in the number of abortions "mirrors the change in attitudes about abortion
this article.
Samaritan's Purse
and worked
t
Catholic
According to the report, 88 perall legal abortions were performed within the first 12 weeks of cent of
gestation.
Masses
thousands of people from across the country to protest the U.S. Supreme
Washington. At 8 p.m. the evening
abortions, black
proximately 20 percent of the women who obtained a legal abortion in 1997 were 19 or younger while 32 percent were between the ages of 20 and 24.
out the diocese to travel to the march. The annual gathering draws tens of
Mass
all
received 35.8 percent and women of other races received 5.7 percent. In a category called ethnicity, about 15 percent of the women receiving abortions were Hispanic, while 85 percent were non-Hispanic.
tors to the decline in abortions including a reduced number of unintended
for Life
the
received 58.5 of
women
Only 19 percent of the women receiving abortions were married. Ap-
pregnancies, "attitude changes" about having an abortion and reduced access to abortion services.
has remained steady at 20 from 1995-97.
CDC statistics from all 50 and the District of Columbia showed that in 1997, white women The
states
tion
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, attribute several fac-
1975.
the national
March for
for every live
1,000 births also dropped from 314 in 1996 to 305 in 1997, which officials claim is the lowest level since
Bishop Curlin to participate Editor's note:
by the CDC figures, she said they are about 10 percent lower than the figures reported by the Alan Guttmacher Institute, the research organization for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, because some states do not have centralized reporting of abortions. Authors of the report, published in the Jan. 7 issue of the CDC publica-
1991.
in
abortion rate
documented
who
thank the thousands of volunteers
like to
our Charlotte Processing Center so that needy boys and
girls
in
recent years."
packed shoe boxes
around the world
might know the joy of Christmas. Through your hard work, our Charlotte center prepared more than one-fifth of the 3 million gift-filled shoe boxes Samaritan's Purse
shipped around the world. children in Honduras and
from ear
to ear, they
work and Christ.
sacrifices.
May God
We
delivered
Kosovo
recently,
had one message
They enabled us
richly bless
I!
some of
for
these to
and with grins
you
—Thank you!
to share the joyful
We
news of God's
you and your family throughout
you ore interested
appreciate your hard
this
greatest gift, Jesus
new
in participating
year.
next year,
please contact the Operation Christmas Child Carolinas Office at (704) 366-3269. For group materials on Operation Christmas Child, call 1-800-353-5949 anytime. Shoe boxes may be sent year-round to Samaritan's Purse, 801 Bamboo Road, P.O. Operation Christmas Child
is
a project of Samaritan's Purse,
Box 3000, Boone,
an international Christian
relief
NC
28607.
and evangelism organization
led
by Franklin Graham.
10 The Catholic News & Herald
January
Readings
2000
14,
Books
Harry Potter author:
Word to Life
1 believe in God, not magic' By
home, where people know us, where social conventions and public images fade, it's harder to pretend.
ANNE LEVEQUE News
Catholic
Service
WASHINGTON "I
January 16, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B Readings: 1)
—
(CNS)
believe in God, not magic,"
2)
1
Corinthians
3) Gospel:
said J.K. Rowling, author of the
Even
1 Samuel 3:3b- 10, 19 Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10
6:
13c- 15a, 17-20
relationship reveal us in spite of
John 1:35-42
ourselves.
That's why I'm so fond of the story in Sunday's Gospel. Directed
popular Harry Potter series of
By
children's books. in
cussed the nature of ship,
and
faith,
evil,
We
censor-
among other
lunch.
The
three Harry Potter books, about a young wizard's adventures, have caused a sensation in the publishing world because they have held top spots on The New York Times' best seller list as well as on
CNS
photo by Nancy Wiechec
The best-selling "Harry Potter" books focus on a young wizard's adventures. The author, J.K. Rowling, told Catholic News Service that she believes her books to be "moral."
Rowling has drawn
criticism for
who
characterizing Harry with human failings, but, she says, he is a human child. "I want to show that (he's human); I want him to sometimes make mistakes. But he is generally acting with the best of intentions." So far, none of her bad characters
ning-bolt scar on his forehead, evidence of an attack by the evil Lord Voldemort. He goes to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he meets many more children and adults like himself. "I personally think they are moral
has decided to reform, but Rowling hints that in future books there will be themes of redemption. "You will see redemption and you will see the other side as well, people struggling to do the right thing who do not." Some of the main characters are based on real people. Harry's friend
—
—
discovers at age 1 1 that he is a wizard. He has a mysterious light-
—
"I
absolutely agree
you have the right to determine what your child reads, but I don't think that anyone has the right to determine what other people's children read." In discussing the evil Voldemort, that
Rowling
said, "(other
are mentally
ill
than those)
who
and not responsible
for their actions, evil will be the result
of very poor choices and possibly insufficient bravery to take the right path. And that's what I'm attempting to
show with my
villain.
someone who had choices
Here
— he had
is
a
great deal of natural talent which he's abusing, he's totally self-serving, but he could have gone a different way.
"That
supposed
be contrasted quite strongly with Harry, who has come from an equally difficult start in life, but who consistently tries to
is
make
times he
to
the right choices.
...
Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm Sat. 9:30am-3:00pm
swap
join the
—
and
stories, recipes
We
same
same projects, pray same prayers. But until we have visited in
clubs, sweat the
the
—
we have metfamilies, and seen them in element, and watched them
people's homes, until
their
"Messiah," anointed to bring salvation to the world. In a life of discipleship, there is no substitute for a personal relationship with Jesus.
handle the responsibilities and opportunities of hospitality, our
knowledge it's
is
incomplete. In public,
easier to maintain a false front,
a
even for ourselves. We can play a role, use props and characters to help sustain our illusions about ourselves. But at
May this jubilee year be for us graced time of accepting more
earnestly his invitation to "come and see" how he lives in the sacra-
mental
and
life
biblical tradition of
the church, in the struggles and
umphs of
daily
life,
tri-
the silent
in
mystery of prayer and especially in the woundedness and poverty of our brothers and sisters all around us.
What does a visit to your home reveal to attentive guests about your deepest self? Question: Who in your life has given hospitality which helped give you life?
Weasley, Harry's best friend, is based on Rowling's good friend and her daughter's godfather, Sean Harris, described by Rowling as a "committed Catholic."
"Come and
Rowling
is planning to write a seven books in this series, one for each year that Harry is at wizards'
— John
total of
school.
She
is
J
see."
-39a
committed to having
the entire series remain appropriate
and up. "Harry will grow older, and I hope grow older plausibly. I do have a problem with treating a 16 year old character as though he were a prefor age 9
pubescent."
Describing future books in the seRowling said, "the books will become darker, in the sense that you feel ries,
See
30
HARRY POTTER,
page
15
Weekly Scripture Readings for the week of Jan. 16 - 22, 2000 Sunday (Second Sunday in Ordinary Time), Samuel 3:3-10, 1
19,
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by John the Baptizer to the presGod in Jesus, the would-be disciples follow him. Accepting his invitation to "come and see" where he lives to see how he relates to family, friends and neighbors, to put themselves in his hands and discover from personal experience what kind of host he is they come to believe that he is God's ence of
Hermione Granger is modeled after the author herself, while Ron
Some-
fails."
We
strategic plans.
their
Amazon.com, the online bookseller. Some parents have wondered whether the setting of the books and their dealing with witchcraft makes for wholesome reading. In the stories, Harry is an orphan reared by unloving relatives
books," said Rowling.
News Service
know
people for years, at work or as neighbors, waving from across the street and chatting over
things.
—
DAN LUBY
Catholic
During a U.S. book tour stop Washington, Rowling dis-
we manage to fool ourour behavior and patterns of
if
selves,
curved)
January
14,
2000 The Catholic News & Herald 11
Entertainment
Out on video YORK
tt c U.S.
(CNS)
"Tumbleweeds"
—
The following are home videocassette reviews from the Cathohc Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting. Each videocassette is
available on
Modest, insightful drama in which a flighty, much married Southerner (Janet McTeer), having fled her latest husband with her 12-year-old daughter (Kimberly J. Brown) for San Diego, is about to
VHSformat.
Theatrical movies on video have a U.S. Catholic Conference rating. All reviews indite the appropriate age group for the video audience. classification
and Motion Picture Association of America
"Dudley Do-Right" (1999) h
T
n C ° medy baSed n the TV cartoon serie [° ° s created by Jay I in" which Z the Ward hopelessly square Canadian Mountie of the title (Brendan Fraser) gets some help from his faithful horse in saving his dim sweetheart Nell (Sarah Jessica^ Parker) from the villainous Snidely Whiplash (Alfred Molina) who s using a fake gold rush to fleece novice prospectors. Director Hugh Wilson settles for some easy laughs featuring Fraser's deadpan hijinks, corny dialogue weak sight gags and overly busy slapstick action. Comic violence much menace and assorted vulgarities. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of American rating is parental guidance suggested.
w
1
-
-
e
t
,
repeat the pattern with new boyfriend (Gavin
a
O'Connor) when her daughter demands she stop running from her problems. The U.S. Catholic Conference
—
classification
"Lake Placid" (1999)
adults.
Lame horror-comedy in which a big-city paleontologist (Bridget Fonda) a wealthy eccentric (Oliver Piatt) and an earnest game tarden (Bill Pullman) insist on helping a skeptical rural sheriff (Brendan Gleeson) catch a huge crocodile that has devoured a few locals. Directed by Steve Miner from David E Kelleys contrived script, the movie offers sparse spurts of comic mileage with suspense equally absent. Some predatory violence with decapitations sex references, occasional profanity and intermittent rough language. The US Catholic Conference classification is A-III adults. The Motion Picture Association of
Frail
America rating
mob comedy
is
R
—
is
A-III
The Motion
—
Picture
Association of America rating is PG-13 parents are strongly cautioned that
—
some material may be inappropriate for children
under
13.
-
restricted.
TV programs
"Mickey Blue Eyes" (1999)
which an expatriate British auctioneer (Hugh Grant) becomes engaged to a schoolteacher (Jeanne Tripplehorn) whose gangste family immediately ensnares, him in mob business that could get him killed Directed by Kelly Makin, the fish-out-of-water premise is stretched pretty thinly through the course of some mildly amusing
- week of Jan.
of note
in
situations. Brief violence .rreverent depictions of religious art, some profanity and a few instances of rough language. 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
—
-
"Mystery Men" (1999) Dopey spoof in which seven would-be superheroes (including Ben Stiller Hank Azana, Janeane Garofalo and William H. Macy) combine their kooky talents to
outwit a nasty megalomaniac (Geoffrey Rush) intent on leveling their metropolis Director Kinka Usher fails to rein in the ensemble cast and a chaotic script further dilutes the comedy-fantasy. Intermittent comic violence and some toilet humor. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-II adults and adolescents The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 parents are strongly cautioned that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
—
—
"The Thomas Crown Affair "(1999) Cat-and-mouse drama in which the investigator (Renee Russo) who
a billionaire art thief (Pierce Brosnan) and will net $5 million for nailing him become
romantically involved, complicating whether she will do her job or take off with him as he suggests. Director John McTiernan updates the 1968 crime caper with sleek performances but more explicit bedroom scenes for a slick escapist fantasy of riches and romance without consequences. Sexual encounters with nudity, occasional profanity and a few instances of rough language. The U S Catholic Conference classification is A-IV adults with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R restricted.
—
—
By GERRI
NEW YORK week of Jan.
(CNS)
Catholic News Service Here are some television programs of note
sonal lives of those at a struggling inner-city hospital in Los Angeles. Second episode airs Wednesday, Jan. 19, in its regular Wednesday 8-9 p.m. time period.
Sunday, Jan.
16,
8-10 p.m.
EST
(A&E) "Oprah Winfrey: Preacher Woman." From the "Biography" seof the rags-to-riches me-
powerhouse who overcame pov-
dia
for the
16:
Sunday, Jan. 16, 8-9 p.m. EST (CBS) "City of Angels." Premiere of a Steven Bochco-produced drama series about the professional and per-
ries, a profile
16
PARE
women on
combined rescue team, dealing with such diverse situations as subway collisions and armed raids on violent drug-dealers. call as a
SWAT
and
Tuesday, Jan.
18, 9-10 p.m. (PBS) "Lost on Everest." A "Nova" rebroadcast about the 1999 discovery of British climber George Leigh Mallory's body after he and his companion vanished near the summit
EST
Mount Everest on June 8, 1924. Some speculate he may have reached
of
erty and an abused childhood to star in her own show as well as movies.
the mountaintop 29 years before Hillary and Tensing, who are credited with the feat.
Monday, Jan. 17, 8-11 p.m. EST (ABC) "American Music Awards."
Saturday, Jan. 22, 7:30-8:55 p.m. EST (Disney) "Up, Up and
Live broadcast of the 27th annual awards show hosted by actor-come-
Away." Light-hearted family film in which a 13-year-old boy (Michael
TV
Norm Macdonald, with honors such categories as pop, rock, soul, r&b, country, Latin and alternative music. dian
Pagan) from
a family of
in
must rescue
his
Monday,
Jan.
10-11 p.m. Services Unit." An "Investigative Reports" program focusing on New York City's elite team of 450 men and 17,
superheroes
kidnapped parents from an evil megalomaniac bent on world domination through mind control.
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was
remember how
a recent film
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Catholic
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then look for movie reviews.
12 The Catholic News & Herald
Editorials
January
& Columns
14,
2000
Vocations statistics and the fear of failure
Spirituality
At the recent Synod of Bishops
for Europe, held October 1999, Cardinal .Carlo Martini of Milan called for a gathering of all bishops worldwide to examine such issues as the shortage of priests, the role of women, ecumenism and the disci-
The Pope
in
Speaks
Rome
in
for Today
pline of marriage.
What
a great idea! question we all need to explore is why there are fewer vocations to the priesthood today than in the past. It is a complicated question, and there are many factors involved. Cardinal Godfried Danneels, the primate of Belgium, presented his thoughts on this topic in the September 1998 issue of Origins, a publication of Catholic News Service. He said that becoming a priest today is no longer a step up on the social
One
POPE JOHN PAUL
II
Pope, at first audience of 2000, stresses motherhood of
Mary
ladder,
By BENEDICTA CIPOLLA
News Service CITY (CNS)
Catholic
VATICAN Paul
—
Pope John
audience of 2000, urged the faithful to reflect on Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is also mother of all II,
at his first general
Christians. "All
Mary
through
his childhood, Jesus called
When
he later addressed her as 'woman,' he was emphasizing that she is not just his biological mother but also the mother of the people of the new covenant," the pope told a crowd of 7,000 people gathered in the Paul VI Audience Hall Jan. 5. Following three years of jubilee preparation, the last of which, 1999, focused on the Father, the pope urged those present to reflect on Mary at the beginning of 2000. The angel Gabriel's words at the Annunciation, "Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you," "reveal God's intention to communicate to humanity the true and definitive joy which comes from having the Son present among us," his mother.
.
it is
a step
down.
FATHER JOHN CATOIR
CNS
Columnist
the cross into their lives. They preach the Gospel but are unable to see any meaning in suffering. As a result they are unable to
appearance of
Seminarians today show a lot of courage when they offer their lives to the church. Many older priests are suspicious of the neoconservatism of the younger clergy. Young men tend to be cautious about accepting every theological opinion that comes along, and who can blame them? New-Age thinking is at odds with the deposit of faith. Those who are called to the priesthood are swimming against the tide. The postmodern era is no longer Christian. They know they will have to proclaim Jesus as Lord in a world where his divinity is being denied more and more. For too many, Jesus is simply a great prophet, like Buddha or Mohammed. In this climate it is not surprising that vocations are down. The staying power of today's seminarians and young priests is also an issue. One cardinal expressed astonishment when one of his priests left the active ministry after only two years. It was not because of celibacy or because he had a crisis of faith. He left because he was unable to bear failure of any kind. Cardinal Danneels commented on this, saying that some priests never have learned to integrate
manage
failure or
even the
failure.
The younger generation does not want to hear sacrifice. They are repelled by the idea. But
about
hasn't I
it
always been so?
remember
than five years.
resisting
my own
was scared
vocation for
more
might fail. I thought: Why should I put myself in danger's way? It was a reasonable fear because I knew I was weak.
Somehow
I
the grace of
to death that
God
helped
So with
a leap of faith,
me
to trust in
my own
divine providence and forget about lessness.
I
power-
asked the Lord to
I
make me
strong, and I never regretted that decision. weak, but I'm getting there day by day. all have fears of failure from time to time, but when we learn to trust in God's strength it doesn't matter if we are weak or strong. The Lord becomes our strength and our joy. I am not worried about the future. The church has survived for -2,000 years in far worse circumstances. I think the Holy Spirit has many surprises in store for us in the years to come. That is why I applaud Cardinal Martini's call for a wider collaboration among the bishops in dealing with these problems.
I'm
still
We
said the pope.
As mother of
Christ,
Mary
also played a
crucial role in the education of her son, he said.
Hispanic
"The mother not only gives birth but also takes part in the education and development of her children. Mary's behavior certainly influenced Jesus' conduct," said the pope. The pope said Christ's gesture of washing his disciples' feet, for example, might have reflected Mary's own behavior in the home, which could have included bathing guests' feet as a symbol of humility. The pope also emphasized the reciprocal nature of the mother-son relationship between Mary and Jesus. Jesus "thus received from Mary a true education that molded his humanity. On the other hand, Mary was influenced and educated by her son," said the pope.
Pope
diplomats he views new millennium with hope VATICAN CITY (CNS) Pope John tells
—
Paul II said that as he pushed open the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica Christmas Eve, he was thinking with optimism about world progress in the new millennium. The pope, in
an annual speech Jan. 10 to Vatican-accredited diplomats, said he felt called by God from the beginning of his two-decade pontificate to encourage the world to think of itself as one family. "Twenty-one years ago, when I became successor of the apostle Peter, I felt myself charged with a universal fatherhood which embraces all the men and women of our time without exception," the pope said. "Today, in addressing you who represent practically all the peoples of the earth, I would like to share with each one something personal: At the opening of the doors of a new millennium, the pope began to think that people might finally learn to draw lessons from the past," he said.
Ministry
FATHER VINCENT FINNERTY
H.
Guest Columnist
shrinking annually. Protestant success is based on aggressive outreach and welcoming campaigns aimed at Hispanics. Protestant groups also offer Hispanics opportunities for community participation and social mobility (through ethnic church building) that are discouraged in the Catholic Church. In addition, Protestants provide their congregants with an emotive small faith experience that has few Catholic equivalents. 2) The central obstacle to Hispanic participation in today's tively trained
Church
is
leadership.
not gain sufficient recognition
Proselytism
among
Hispanics
This month we will continue with two more major findings of a recent study commissioned by the Secretariat for Hispanic Affairs of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in January 1998. They deal with proselytism and leadership in the Hispanic community. l) Proselytism among Hispanics is increasing, and more and more segments of the Hispanic population appear to be affected. Most of the "new" Hispanic immigrants originate in countries where Protestant groups are increasingly active and popular. In addition, U.S.based Protestant groups have increasingly attracted adherents among both the older Hispanic poor and the middle class. National surveys indicate that the share of the Hispanic population which identifies as Catholic is
S.
effec-
in
diocesan depart-
ments and parishes to build a dynamic partnership between Hispanics and the larger Church.
An
earlier generation of Hispanic leaders that
built the current structure of Hispanic
passing from the scene.
The new
era
Ministry
is
demands more
sophisticated and flexible leadership, which is not always available. The number of Hispanic vocations remains extremely low, and while lay leader-
programs
ship
for Hispanics are increasing nation-
wide, support for
them from the Bishops is uneven. is no agreed upon mechanism
In addition, there
for ensuring that Hispanic leaders are recognized
and promoted within diocesan departments and are effectively utilized within local parishes.
Hispanics, even when possessing comparable and experience, are more likely than nonHispanics to be hired on a volunteer or part-time basis, and then assigned to work with Hispanics skills
only.
We welcome your questions and comments. Joann
Without
and promoted leaders, Hispanics can-
Please send your Letters to the Editor to Keane, 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, or e-mail jskeane@charlottediocese.org.
NC
28203
January
14,
2000 The Catholic News & Herald 13
Cditoriah & Columns
Light
Texas, the grandson of a slave.
One
He assured those feared his methods would be construed as weakness that "we are fighting back, we're only using new weapons." He was jailed for
who
Candle
for his protests
caping town
Justice
forty days and once avoided lynching by es-
and Peace
in a hearse.
CORE'S volunteers
FATHER THOMAS
J.
McSWEENEY Guest Columnist
Rights and wrongs, civil and otherwise Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created as
a tribute to a fallen hero of the civil rights movement. It remains that, but, as with many other national holidays, it is in danger of turning into
weekend.
one more long don't know anybody
long weekends. I who can't use an extra day off. That's not the point. Patriotic holidays remind us about matters of great historic and social substance. Remembrance and celebration by themselves are not enough, though. The value of setting aside special days is that we take the time to stop to look back at where we came from, to look around at where we are and to look ahead to where we want to be. Daily headlines confirm that prejudice and hatred still live, but the good news is that tolerance and justice are at work, too, transforming a nation where "separate but equal" was a way of life and a principle of law. This earth-shaking change was and is the result of the conviction, persistence and utter bravery of untold people of conscience. Last July, two men died who have had a vast impact on the civil rights of every American I
like
—
—
—
The
citizen.
of these was James Farmer. The founder and director of the Congress of Racial Equality first
(CORE) and non-violent
a
proponent of Gandhi's
civil
tactics of disobedience, he was born in
focused on integration through peaceful demonstrations and sit-ins that were met with violence. In the 1960's, James Farmer organized the famous Freedom Rides to
bench in Alabama where he handed down rulings that broke legal barriers to desegregation. Beginning with a decision vindicating the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955, he ruled on a number of cases that outlawed segregation in schools, parks, restaurants and other public accommodations. From voter registration to the integration of the University of
Alabama, his decisions had a profound influence. Other rulings on civil rights issues improved conditions for prisoners and for mental patients. Judge Johnson endured decades of ostracism by fellow white people, a cross-burning on his lawn, the firebombing of his mother's house, and countless death threats.
These two contemporaries were as heroic in and their achievements as Martin Luther King Jr. So were the countless men and women of every race and ethnic background who put their lives on the line to demand human rights, their actions
freedom and equality. Indeed, one person can change this world for the better. James Farmer did it. Frank Johnson did it. Does anyone believe that the job is finished? Take your time to think about it. You have a long weekend.
it is
not a
good
explanation, but
what
is
between the death and resurrection of our Lord, two subjects about which the canonical Gospels give almost no information.
Two
of them are particularly significant, the Infancy Gospel of Thomas and the so-called Book
Protoevangelium, "First Gospel") of James.
(or
early writings, usually attributed
to the apostles or their followers, these are traditional sources for much of what we assume to know
about Jesus and his family. Both originated somewhere around the year 140 or 150, in other words perhaps 50 years after the canonical Gospel according to John. According to tradition, "James, the brother of the Lord," had special information, apparently from Mary, concerning the young life of Jesus. It is the Book of James which relates that the siblings of Jesus described in the Gospels were his step-brothers and step-sisters, Joseph's children
from another marriage. This notion was opposed later by St. Jerome,
Who
firmly believed in Joseph's virginity. According to Jerome, the "brothers and sisters" were actually cousins.
The same book
identifies the names of Mary's parents as Joachim and Anna, speaks of her miraculous birth to the aging couple, and describes how she was subjected during her pregnancy to tests and
for the
Millennium
At the start of the third Christian millennium, our church has embarked on a great jubilee year journey. All over the United States, in their parishes, small faith communities, and families, Catholics are recommitting themselves to serving those who are poor and to working for justice and peace in the new millennium. They are taking the Jubilee Pledge for Charity, Justice, and Peace, which is being promoted by a variety of U.S. Catholic Conference offices and other organizations. This practical response
to
the Jubilee Year flows from the themes of Catholic Social Teaching.
However, taking the pledge is only a first ways to act on it is the challenge. Below are the points of the pledge followed by step; finding
suggestions for parish actions:
As disciples of Jesus in the new millennium, I/we pledge to: Pray regularly for greater justice and peace. • Hold a parish jubilee retreat. Use Pope John Paul IPs World Day of Peace message for reflections on your parish's involvement for Learn more
Question
its call
and
Corner
to protect
about Catholic social teaching and human life, stand with the poor,
care for creation. •
Revisit the
NC
Bishops' 1997 pastoral
One Heart and One Mind on moral and
Of
ethical
dimensions of economic conditions in North Carolina. How has your parish responded?
Reach
across boundaries of religion, race, gender and disabling conditions. Build bridges. Take action on issues of
ethnicity,
FATHER JOHN DIETZEN
CNS
A. Roughly two dozen Gospels concerning Jesus were written in the early centuries of Christianity. Some of them focused especially on the youthful life of Jesus and on the supposed time
Commitment
New
the
source ofyour information?
Along with other
Catholic
Jubilee.
This explanation "goes back to some very early nonbiblical traditions about Jesus and his life," you said. Such a theory was never mentioned in my past. That
mean
Guest Columnist
District Court
Nonbiblical traditions about Jesus' life Q. Some time ago, you responded to a question about the brothers and sisters of Jesus mentioned in the Gospels. You said one possibility is that these siblings were children of Joseph from a previous marriage.
doesn't
JOANNE KENNEDY FRAZER
protest segregated interstate transportation. The courage of these men and women in the face of arrest, assault and even death won the respect of blacks and whites alike and inspired many to become active in the civil rights movement. The second was Frank M. Johnson, Jr. who spent nearly a quarter of a century on the U.S.
•
Columnist
international justice and peace, or
work with
immigrant or migrant issues. Apply for an Operation Rice Bowl mini-grant to help
local
with costs. questioning by officials suspicious of her virginity. Perhaps such works were intended in part to assuage the curiosity of many early Christians, who felt the need, as many of us still do, to know all possible trifling details about Jesus. The four canonical Gospels, of course, were not at all interested in satisfying this type of curiosity. Overall, much in
these writings is rather weird, to say the least. They describe wonderful things happening through contact with Jesus, his clothing,
even his bath water. The apocryphal infancy narratives typically portray the young Jesus displaying strange powers, sometimes quite out of character with the Jesus of the four Gospels we know. Once, for example, while playing with other children, Jesus
molded several clay
thorities protested to
birds.
Joseph about
When
the au-
this violation
of the
Sabbath, Jesus waved his hands, brought the birds to and they flew away. Another time, someone in a
life,
crowd accidentally bumped into Jesus, who turned and said, "You will never arrive at where you are going."
A moment
Many
later,
the
man dropped
dead.
not most of these writings derive from gnostic sources. While they narrate extravagant stories, particularly about Jesus and Mary, and are not part of the canon of sacred Scripture, they still tell us much about the life, interests and traditions of the early Christian churches. if
Live
justly in family
marketplace
and
school,
life,
work, the
the political arena.
• Incorporate into prayer groups or hold a parish mission on the discipleship themes and
roles for laity presented in the U.S. Bishops' Everyday Christianity: To Hunger and Thirst for Justice, a short (10 pages)
and highly read-
able document.
Serve
those
who
sharing more time and in
are poor
and
vulnerable,
talent.
• Analyze the underlying causes of poverty your own community, e.g., lack of affordable
housing, childhood hunger, underemployment, lack of affordable child care, etc. Resolve to attack the reasons for poverty in one of these areas.
Give more generously to those in need at home and abroad. • Support the Catholic Church's international relief and development efforts this Lent with Operation Rice Bowl, a Catholic Relief program of prayer, almsgiving, fasting and learning. Support the church's domesServices
tic anti-poverty program, the Catholic paign for Human Development.
Advocate for
Cam-
public policies that protect hu-
See CATHOLIC
COMMITMENT,
page
14
14 The Catholic News & Herald
In
King Celebration, their
own
version of the "Freedom
Ride" during the weekend of Dr. King's birthday to Selma and Birmingham, Ala. and Atlanta to retrace Dr. King's steps and relive his history.
"The
them probrings a consciousness to them about how everything happened during that time," said Dr. Jeff. "The Civil affects
trip
foundly because
it
Movement was
Rights
youth movement. Martin Luther King was only 26 when he was called upon to lead the movement made up of young people who changed this world.
We
a
Thirteen-year-old Brittani Williams from Our Lady of Consola-
Church said she came to the event because she wanted to "spread the word about what she knew and to try to understand the greater meaning behind Dr. King's message." She added, "adults should tion
talk to us
more
so that
we can un-
derstand because we don't have the resources, and the teachers aren't teaching us these things." After the sessions, the second annual Glenda Rollins-Gaither Service Award was presented to James Bingley from St. James Church in Concord. His family accepted the
wooden
sculpture on his behalf because of his illness. Bingley serves as the vice-chair of the board of advisors for the African American Affairs Ministry and has been active in his parish and throughout the diocese.
The
award
is
named
for
results
"As
we assess where we
135 years
—
1976 to encourage an active approach to the Lenten season with prayer, fasting, learning and giving. The program has promoted more than 1,200 long-term development projects in more than 60 countries. While 75 percent of funds collected in the program will be sent to development programs overseas, 25 percent will stay within the diocese for local charity in
are
after the signing
and
passing of the thirteenth
amendment and 31
years after
the passing of Martin Luther
we
King Jr.,
still
see the residue
and apartheid
of slavery
America," said
in
Dr. Jeff.
Girl
Scouts,
from page 5
do just as much as the guys can." "Being in Girl Scouts is a great way to help with self-esteem, and it can open up job opportunities. You learn to work with each other and in the community, so you are not as afraid to step out into the world," con-
tinued Patty.
thoughts:
"I
find Dr.
King
to be a
person who embodies the idea that everyone has their rights, the right to be free to express themselves, to hold jobs, to live where they want. To bridge the gap of cultural diversity is important, so it is necessary to be a part of something like this to be a part of the cure." Rev. Mr. Todd hopes that in the future
more people
celebration: "It
was only
a
is
a
will attend the
shame
that there
fraction of the over in the diocese
120,000 Catholics
present at the event. It shows that there is too much apathy among
among
much unconcern
non-blacks. Dr. King's legacy
has been buried, and his words are just as applicable to today's time as
they were 35 years ago."
t
Both mother and daughter agree that their Catholic faith and being involved with Girl Scouts comple-
ment one another.
Contact Staff Writer Alesha
weren't a strong Catholic, I wouldn't have made it all the way through
Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or email amprice@charlottediocese.org.
Catholic man
life,
Commitment, from
promote human
serve God's creation
and
dignity, pre-
build peace.
• Read and act on the U.S. Bishop's election year statement, Faithful Citizenship: Civic Responsibility for a New Millennium. During the week of March 12th, attend trainings by a national speaker at St.
Pius X Church in Greensboro or Peter Church in Charlotte.
Encourage
St.
work for and peace. • Promote the pledge during liturgies and through faith formation. In prayers for the faithful, through others to
greater charity, justice,
Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-
mail amprice@charlottediocese.org.
Church of the Most Holy Trinity, 720 Telfair Street, P. O. Box 2446, Augusta, GA 30903. (706)722-4944. www.themostholytrinity.org.
knowledge of Catholic church; computer eracy
lit-
format and programs related to library/archival cataloging); exceptional written' and spoken
communication
skills.
Sal-
ary commensurate with credentials and experience. Please submit resume and cover letter with salary requirements to: Zoe Johnson, 680 W.
Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30308. Fax (404) 885-7494. E-mail: zjohnson@archatl.com.
gan preferred. Choral direction, vocal skills and knowledge of Catholic liturgical tradition important for weekend Masses, school Masses, weddings, funerals. Large traditional choir, small Gospel choir, bell choir, children's choir, and cantors. Worship III hymnal. Oldest Catholic Church building Georgia, Romanesque style, with fully restored 1868 Jardine Tracker pipe organ, 2 Manuals/29 Ranks, Mechanical Action, on Organ Historical Society's "exceptional historic merit" list. 1300in
family
downtown
parish with cathedral-like liturgical qualities, ethnically diverse. Competitive sal-
ary and benefits package offered. Send resume, references, salary history and demo tape to Rev. Allan J. McDonald at above address. Position available
March
1,
2000.
Archivist: Diocese of Savannah, Georgia. Qualifications:
Master's degree
equivalent; extensive
Church;
minimum
in
related field, or
knowledge of the Catholic
three years' relevant archival
background including computer expertise; suitable organizational skills; demonstrated ability to work collegially; excellent communications skills; ability to travel. For job description and application contact Archivist Search Committee,
Catholic Pastoral Center, 601 E. Liberty St., 31401-5196; fax (912)238-2339;
Savannah,
GA
e-mail Cooper0987@aol.com.
Music Director/Organist: Roman Catholic
Butler, V.F., Pastor, mittee. P.O.
Box
Music Minister Search ComHawk, NC 27949-0510.
510, Kitty
Music Minister:
St. Mary's Catholic Church, Richmond, Virginia, a growing and diverse community
(1,700 families) seeks a full-time Minister of Music. Responsibilities include: planning and preparation for
all
Sunday and Sacramental Liturgies for the community and coordination of
parish and school
our parish adult, children, teen, and handbell choirs. successful candidate will be a highly motivated and organized individual with skill and experience in keyboard, choral, and vocal. Experience in Catholic Liturgy helpful. Computer skills desirable. Salary commensurate with education/experience. Send resume and cover letter to: St. Mary's Catholic Church, AttentiomMusic Minister Search Committee, 9505 Gayton Road, Richmond, VA 23229 or FAX (804)740-2197.
The Music Minister: Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Community in the coastal area of the Outer Banks,
NC
seeking an energetic, motivated, spiritual individual to develop a music program for a growing faith community. Candidate should be a practicing Catholic. Responsibilities will include Chcir Director, development of cantors, weekend liturgies, weddings, funerals, etc. Knowledge of organ, piano, and other instruments. Ability to work with children helpful. Salary negotiable with benefits package. Position available summer of 2000. Application deadline March 1, 2000. Send resume to: Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish, Att: Very Rev. Michael is
M.
page 13
during adult education sessions, take the pledge and affirm and encourage parishioners to see our world through the Jubilee Justice lens.
The pledge and mosj
of the matementioned above can be ordered from U.S. Catholic Conference Publishing Services at 800-235-8722. Some documents can be downloaded from www.nccbuscc.org. Call the Office of Justice and Peace for informarials
tion at 704-370-3225.
Joanne Kennedy Frazer is director of of Justice and Peace for Catholic
the Office
Social Services in the Diocese of Charlotte.
Classified ads bring results! Over 104,000 readers! Over 42,000 homes! Rates: $.50/word per issue ($10 minimum per issue) Deadline: 1 2 noon Wednesday, 9 days before publication date How to order: Ads may be faxed to (704) 370-3382 or mailed to: Cindi Feerick, The Catholic News & Herald, 1 123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203. Payment: Ads may be pre-paid or billed. For information, call (704) 370-3332.
Full-time position for experienced organist/choir director. Music degree with concentration on or-
(MARC AMC
[with my project]. Girl Scouts just kind of fit into my life." While the time for Patty to become her daughter's troop leader is down the line, she plans to follow in her mother's, grandmother's and greatgrandmother's path later on in life. For now, after graduation, Patty will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she will major in biochemistry or biology to become a research scientist, t
"Girl Scouts and being Catholic go hand-in-hand," said Patty. "If I
homilies, with confirmation projects,
Archivist: Archdiocese of Atlanta. Full-time position tor individual meeting the following requirements: master's degree in library science; archival management or related field; 3 to 5 years' experience in archival work; extensive
announced
initiatives.
black people and too
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
2000
BALTIMORE The Diocese of Charlotte raised $50,366. in last year's Operation Rice Bowl, a Lenten program of the national Catholic Relief Services office. The program was initiated
Church in Thomasville, left the event with positive feelings and
Rollins-Gaither, a parishioner of
Classified
14,
Operation Rice Bowl
program
in their individual representations of African-inspired garb. In his homily, Bishop William G. Curlin said, "we must see each other with our souls and not just with our eyes. The Church is alive when people see Jesus living in each of us, regardless of race or color." Chrys Chambers, a parishioner of Our Lady of the Highways
Our Lady of Consolation Church and a founding member of the African American Affairs Ministry, who passed away in March 1995. The closing Mass included a performance by the Kabaka Dancers and Drummers and the Our Lady of Consolation Choir dressed
CRS
from page 3
have to turn the
focus back on our children."
January
the News
Youth/Young Adult Minister: Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Community in the coastal area of the Outer Banks,
NC
is
seeking an energetic, moti-
vated, spiritual individual to cultivate and imple-
ment programs for a growing faith community. Candidate should be a practicing Catholic and possess a B.A. in Theology, Youth Ministry, or related field. Spanish as a second language and musical ability helpful. Salary negotiable with benefits package. Position available summer of 2000. Application deadline March 1, 2000. Send resume to: Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish, Att: Very Rev. Michael Butler, V.F. Pastor, Youth Minister Search Committee. P.O. Box 510, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949-0510.
Youth/Young Adult Ministry
Director: Diocese af Savannah, Georgia. Qualifications: Master's degree in youth ministry or related field; at least five years of relevant experience; status as practicing Catholic in
good standing;
demonstrated organizational skills. Also requires significant travel and strength in oral and written communication. For job description and application form contact Youth Ministry Search Committee, Catholic Pastoral Center, 601 E. Liberty St., Savannah, GA 3 1401-5 196; fax(9 12)238-2339; e-mail
Cooper0987@aol.com.
9
January
2000
14,
The Catholic News & Herald 15
the New;
n
Beliefnet.com offers Internet site for NEW YORK —A (CNS)
_
new
Web
site is aiming to provide a place for information, inspiration and advice on all religious faiths.
Beliefnet.com, officially launched Jan. 4, includes a combination of columnists, message boards, discussion
groups, seminars and a spot for posting memorials.
The site was founded by Steven Waldman, former national editor at U.S. News and World Report, and Robert Nylen, founding CEO of New England Monthly. In an introductory column,
Waldman
said the decision to create
grew out of questions he and
the site
his wife faced in trying to incorporate religious faith into their family.
Harry Potter, from page 10 more palpable menace from Lord Voldemort." But, she said, "I'm not about to write something that is doom and gloom from beginning to end; that would depress me." In describing her personal
Rowling
beliefs,
said "I believe in
God, not magic.
I
don't think
children will be seriously disappointed to hear that I don't believe in magic. I do have doubts, that just goes along with being me. Sometimes faith is trusting that faith will return."
According
to
The Washing-
ton Post, Rowling attends the Church of Scotland, which in the United States is known as Presbyterian.
"My
daughter goes to Sunday school, I go to church not as frequently as I should sometimes, but I do. I count myself a
member
—
of the church."
Waldman was
Jew and
They found they needed to first learn more about religious teachings before they could pass anything along to their children.
"There's already an abundance of material on the Internet on spiritual-
and religion, yet it's hard to find what you want," said Waldman in a statement. "These Web sites are often disorganized or driven by particular ity
agendas.
We
need for
a
think there's a crying site that lets people navigate this intimidating, confusing
Web
medium." Regular columnists will cover a broad spectrum of beliefs, from
Wiccan
priestess
Margot Adler
to
Baptist leader Richard Land, Bud-
Lama Surya Das and Oregon
dhist
State University professor Marcus Borg, who serves as Bible columnist. Among features on the site in the first week of January were a teen-age girl's diary discussion about whether she should go through with confirmation and columns by Father Greeley about millennium hype and by Arthur Magida, a correspondent for
PBS show, "Religion and Ethics Newsweekly," about whether Muslim the
Jubilee Justice, from page churches of North Carolina, especially those in our jurisdictions: to see the face of Christ in the faces of those who suffer deprivation; to seek to em-
brace with compassion those who struggle for dignity and economic survival;
and
to study the structures
of oppression and the changing them."
possibilities for
The
religious leaders make six affirmations in the letter. Their state-
ments focus on living the gospel message of good news to the poor, effecting systemic change by altering structures of injustice, providing ministries of outreach and charity, reducing injustice through moral and political will, empowering the poor in political and economic arenas, and promoting cooperation in society.
A Catholic response
to poverty
—
The letter's principal themes among them equality, liberty, living wages and eradication of the root causes of poverty fall directly in line with the Catholic Church's teachings on social justice, says one dioc-
esan
official.
"Catholic social teaching proclaims very clearly that the economy
leader Louis Farrakhan
ward
more
a
di-
rector of the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace. "Economic choices and insti-
must be judged by how they
protect or undermine the life and dignity of the human person, support the family and serve the common good.
"As Catholics, this has been in our mind, in our teaching and in our action, and we see the need to continue to look at the problems that exist and act on them."
The council's letter is the second pastoral on economic justice that Bishops Curlin and Gossman have signed within recent years. In
November
1997, the
turning to-
Islam.
There was an interview with Trappist Father Thomas Keating on centering prayer and a review of the movie "The End of the Affair," as well as links to the religious texts of vari-
ous
and discussion boards on from humor to grief, from tarot cards and homeopathy to Marian apparitions and fasting. faiths,
topics ranging
The for-profit site can be found at www.beliefnet.com. According to a release, the company plans to offer kits aimed
at building religious
community
tual
Web
and spiriFebru-
sites in
ary and to add a sales section is free, t
the
in
spring. Access
number exists for the person, not the person for the economy," says Joanne Frazer,
tutions
is
traditional practice of
against poverty, says Frazer. Here in the Diocese of Charlotte, a
1
two bish-
ops issued "Of One Heart and One Mind," which emphasized the ethical
and human dimensions of economic
—
r
Bethel of American Spectator magazine. Current contributors also include Father Andrew Greeley, Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong, Harvard theologian Harvey Cox, Southern
was Presbyterian.
wife
his
faiths
all
Tom
raised a "cultural"
in the state. In that letter, the bishops provide a moral framework based on principles of Catholic social teaching, especially as it applies to life
human dignity, productive work and wage standards. The bishops' endorsement of the new letter is an example of the CathoChurch's ongoing commitment to challenge people to help the fight lic
of diocesan
projects and
and parish programs are operated
by people who seek to end poverty by addressing both short-term crisis situations as well as long-term justice Frazer notes. In Catholic tradition, the Holy
issues,
—
Year
as the jubilee
is
—
also called
time of forgiveness of sin and debt, of reconciliation and of conversion. The Catholic Church's preparaa
is
—
tion
—
and, indeed, the world's for the Jubilee 2000 has been a key point of Pope John Paul II's ministry, especially in the '90s. The pope has frequently referred to the forgiveness of debt, both spiritual and material, in his texts and speeches on the jubilee.
The North Carolina Council of Churches' letter cites Pope John Paul promoting the junotes that the pontiff "reminds us that the 2000 years that have passed since the birth of significance in
II's
bilee
movement.
It
Christ represent an extraordinary time not only for Christians but for the whole of humanity and should be celebrated as the 'Great Jubilee.'"
t
Contact Associate Editor Jimmy Rostar by calling (704) 370-3334 or email jtrostar@charlottediocese.org.
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16 The Catholic News & Herald
January
Living the Faith
14,
2000
Pope baptizes 18 babies Sistine Chapel liturgy
in
By
JOHN THAVIS
zil,
News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) In a ceremony enlivened by a chorus of Catholic
—
crying infants and the smiles of their older brothers and sisters, Pope John Paul II baptized 18 babies, including one from the United States, in the Sistine Chapel. "I hope these little ones will grow in the faith they receive today, in a way that allows them to participate actively in the life of the church," a visibly pleased pope said during the liturgy Jan.
9.
—
After anointing the 18 babies 10 boys and eight girls with holy oil, he deftly poured water over the heads of each and welcomed them into
—
the
faith.
Some
cried,
some chewed on their parents
some
slept
and
their pacifiers, while
beamed.
The heartiest cries came from young Jacopo Guglielmo. The quietest was Maria Chiara Mirabella, whose sister stood on tiptoes afterward, waiting until she could give the a kiss on the cheek. Six brothers and sisters of the baptized took the offertory gifts to the altar, and a few of them, ignoring official prods to move on, paused in conversation with the 79-year-old pon-
pope
CNS
Pope John Paul
photo from Reuters
baptizes Alberto Coles Vollmer of the United States Jan. 9 in the Sistine Chapel. The pope baptized 18 babies during a service marking the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. II
Mother Teresa tops list of century's most admired In U.S.
Gallup
By JERRY FILTEAU Catholic News Service
poll,
—
Thirty-four percent said Rev. King was one of their most admired
20th century in a yearend Gallup Poll of more than 500 Americans.
figures and an additional 33 percent put him in the next category. The rest of the top 10, followed by the percentages that said "admire most" and "admire" respectively, were: Kennedy, 32 and 34. Albert Einstein, 31 and 39. Helen Keller, 30 and 33.
Of
those surveyed, 49 percent called her one of the people they admire most in the century. Other Catholics in the top 10 were President John F. Kennedy, who was third, and Pope John Paul II, who ranked eighth. Most admired after Mother Teresa
was the
slain U.S. civil rights leader,
the Rev. Martin Luther King
Jr.
The Gallup/CNN/USA Today was conducted by telephone Dec. 20-2 1 and has a statistical margin of error of plus or minus
poll of 511
adults
5 percent.
Those surveyed were given 18 names and were asked, "For each one, tell me if you consider that person to be one of the people you admire most from this century; a person you admire, but not the most; a person you somewhat admire; or someone you do not admire at all." They were allowed to name more than one person among those they most admired. For Mother Teresa, 49 percent said she was one of the people they admired most, and 32 percent said
please
— — — — President Franklin Roosevelt, 26 and — The Rev. Graham, and — Pope John 25 and — Eleanor Roosevelt, 22 and — Winston 20 and
14 from Italy and one each from Bra-
last
November
in
Miami
in
late
two Venezuelan parents. He is the grandson of Venezuela's ambassador to the Holy See. to
Early in his pontificate, the pope began the tradition of baptizing infants in the Sistine Chapel on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This year's Mass was celebrated a few weeks after completion of a 20-year restoration project of chapel frescoes by-
Michelangelo and other Renaissance artists.
If the babies did not notice the art, the pope did, saying the setting offered a fitting reminder of the history
of salvation, the origins of the human being and the universal judgment to come. The pope told parents and godparents of the baptized that they had a responsibility to guide the children along the path of faith in Christ and the Gospel. "Be for them examples of solid faith, deep prayer and active involvement in church life," he said. Speaking afterward at a midday blessing from his apartment window above St. Peter's Square, the pope said all Christians should meditate on their own baptism and view it as a "call to return to the roots of the Christian vocation."
century in a recent poll. Adults nationwide
said they
Martin Luther King
John
26
F.
Jr.
Kennedy
Albert Einstein
Helen Keller Franklin D. Roosevelt Billy
34.
who
admire these individualsjnflrtw^
Mother Teresa
D.
Billy
delighted.
the newly baptized were
U.S. baby, Alberto Coles
Mother Teresa was named most admired person of the
Mother Teresa of Calcutta came out as the most admired person of the
(CNS)
who seemed
Among
The
Vollmer, was born
Most Admired
she was someone they admired, but not the most. Only 3 percent said they did not admire her at all.
WASHINGTON
tiff,
Spain, Switzerland and the United
States.
Graham
Pope John Paul
II
26.
Paul,
Churchill,
Eleanor Roosevelt
34.
34.
36.
The
other eight people listed in the poll, in the order of how they were rated, were: Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Ma-
hatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Ronald Reagan, Henry Ford, Bill Clinton and Margaret Thatcher. Ironically, while the pope came out slightly below Rev. Graham on the "most admired" poll, the worldfamed evangelist picked the pope as the man of the century. Pope John Paul "has brought the greatest impact of any pope in the last 200 years," Rev. Graham said in a December interview with The Associ-
Respondents could name
more than one person they admired.
Source: Gallup/CNN/USA TodafPo;
© 2000 CNS Graphics ated Press. In a separate
Gallup/CNN/USA
Today
poll, taken earlier in DecemPresident Clinton came out on top. Rev. Graham second, and Pope
ber,
John Paul third, when more than 1,000 Americans were asked to select the man they most admire among liv-
ing persons they have heard or read about. There was a separate question
most-admired woman. The question in that poll was open-ended. The president got 10 percent of the first or second mentions by respondents, the preacher 7 percent and the pope 6 percent. for