Issuu

Roman

Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Yearofthe Eucharist Exploring sacred

ritual;

prayer cards distributed in

NEWS' MERALD

Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI

JANUARY

14,

2005

parishes

SERVING CATHOLICS IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA IN THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

BIRTHDAY BASH

VOLUME 14 N9 15 wmmmmmarmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

DISCERNINGACALL

New study shows

Religious, laity

morning-after pill

gather to discuss

does not decrease pregnancies

vocations by DEACON GERALD

DRUG MAY HAVE FATAL COMPLICATIONS, SAYS

POTKAY

PRO-LIFE ADVOCATE

CORRESPONDENT

GREENSBORO People in the Diocese of Charlotte recently explored the

meaning of vocations. Franciscan

Sister Bernadette Svatos, northern regional coordinator of faith formation for the Diocese of Charlotte, worked with the diocesan Office of Youth Minis-

members of religious communities, try to bring together

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON

—

new study of

the morning-af-

shows

that the drug's

ter pill

increased availability does not

pregnancy

reduce

rates,

contrary to claims made by advocates of the emergency contraception

pills called

Plan B.

'This study blows the off the

main argument

lid

for put-

ting morning-after pills on the

and encourage vocations. Approximately 55 partici-

drugstore

Church E.

adults and youths to explain

pants gathered at Photos by Kevin

PAGE

Pius

St.

Greensboro

said

shelf,"

Cathy

Cleaver Ruse, director of plan-

ning and information

in the

Jan. 9

U.S. bishops' Secretariat for

See VOCATIONS, page 4

See ABORTION, page 9

Murray

Above: Msgr. Anthony Kovacic cuts the cake during his 85th birthday celebration at Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont Jan. 9. Below: Msgr. Kovacic listens as parishioners sing "Happy Birthday."

TSUNAMI RELIEF

Parish celebrates birthday,

CSS receives requests for

legacy of beloved former pastor

adopting tsunami orphans IS TO KEEP CHILDREN WHERE THEY ARE, SAYS DIRECTOR

PRIORITY

Parish center renamed for Msgr

Anthony Kovacic

KEVIN

MURRAY

EDITOR

BELMONT

—

Parishio-

ners squeezed into Queen of the Aposdes' Family Life Center to honor their former pastor.

They stood and applauded Msgr. Anthony Kovacic,

flanked by the Knights of

Co-

lumbus color guard, entered the center for his parish birthday

two days before his 85th birthday. While he suspected a party, Msgr. Kovacic was unaware that Bishop Peter J. Jugis would be on hand to rededicate the cencelebration Jan. 9,

ter,

KEVIN

MURRAY

EDITOR

renamed the Msgr. An-

—

CHARLOTTE

You

thony Kovacic Parish Center in honor of the man who was in-

see

strumental in

survivors of one of the most

"To

all

its

creation.

of you,

am most

Msgr. Kovacic said to the crowd. Then, jokingly, grateful,"

"Now

I'll

have to learn the new

them on the

television:

widespread natural disasters in history.

Because

many of these faces

are children,

news coverage has

name of the center."

stirred people

During his time as pastor from 1985 to 1994, Msgr. Kovacic saw a need for not only

to offer to adopt orphans of the

a facility for Catholic instruc-

Diocese of Charlotte is one of the

tion but a place

where the par-

agencies that have been receiv-

Indian survivors,

meet

in fellowship.

ing inquiries.

parents

ish could

around the world

tsunami disasters

Asia.

Catholic Social Services in the

CNS

Black Heritage

Upcoming

MLK

See ORPHANS, page 13

near

Nagapattinam

Jan. 5.

Perspectives

Parish Profile

Abortion and child abuse

Queen of the Apostles

connected; Tsunami by

Church has

balcony creates mysteries

another name

history in

PAGE

lost their

the tsunami, stay at an

celebration; Basilica

who

orphanage

See KOVACIC, page 5

photo from Reuters

PAGES

14-15

significant

Gaston County |

PAGE

The Catholic News & Herald

2005

January 14,

Current and upcoming topics from around the world to your own backyard

In Brief

Thomas Merton

scholars upset by

monk's absence in upcoming catechism WASHINGTON

DRAPED

(CNS)

— A new

GOOD DEEDS

Vatican approval, has some scholars up in arms not over the actual text, but over what is missing.

Early editions of the upcoming

tary for catechesis in the U.S. Confer-

"U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults,"

ence of Catholic Bishops' education department, said that during early con-

which went through four years of writing and fine-tuning, led off with a section on Trappist Father Thomas Merton. But the Kentucky monk, who

became well known autobiography,

for his best-selling

not in the catechism's

final draft.

book begins with a de-

Instead, the

Ann

scription about St. Elizabeth

The replacement

ton. ticed

him

The first

aimed

kind in the United States

and other well-known people of faith, and is

—

Caitlin

Connors, a sophomore at Padua Academy

Wilmington, Dei.,

made more than

300 pink scarves that were sold to raise money for breast cancer research. Caitlin remembered that mothers of some of her former schoolmates at St. Mary Magdalen had developed cancer and the mother

a friend of hers had died of the disease.

ajtd

—

Join us as

we pray

support our sidewalk counselors

women going

real help to

the rosary

who

offer

in for abortions at

Femcare in Asheville, at 62 Orange St., Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m., Saturdays at 8 a.m. No prayer is ever wasted. The Culture ofLife needs you. Call (828) 689-9544 for more information and directions.

Delaware teen makes pink scarves to help in fight against cancer —

Caitlin

Del.

Connors was

(CNS)

in a fabric

shop in late October when she saw a pink fleece fabric with dark pink ribbons, signifying Breast Cancer

barely a

month

after she

VICARIATE

NORTH WILKESBORO — If you have a spe-

need for prayers, or would like to offer your in prayer for others' needs, please call the Rosary Chain at St. John Baptist de La Salle Church. The Rosary Chain is a sizable group and cial

came up

with her idea, Caitlin presented $1,550 to the American Cancer Society $5 for each scarf she sold for $8. The remaining $3 covered

—

Awareness Month. Caitlin, a sophomore at Padua Academy in Wilmington, remembered that the mothers of some of

cancer group's Ladies Charity Golf Classic at Delaware National

St. Mary Magdalen School had developed

Country Club in August to raise more funds for services for those

cancer, and the. mother of a friend of hers had died of the disease. "I wanted to do something to help them," said Caitlin. The pink fabric gave her an

with breast cancer. Most of the five-foot-long scarves were sold through St. Mary Magdalen School. Caitlin asked Barbara Wanner, the school's principal, for permission to send an order form home with

her former classmates at

idea.

For her confirmation project,

Connors made and sold

fleece scarves and donated the proceeds to the American Cancer Society to help women with breast cancer.

She underestimated how popular the scarves

would

be.

"We

got enough material for 56 scarves," she said. "The first day after orders went out, I got 127 orders. I kind of panicked." The -orders kept coming 310 in all. Caitlin and her parents scoured local shops for more pink

—

fleece material.

They

enlisted the

help of Connors' grandmothers, both of whom live in the Philadelphia area, and ended up with five different patterns.

Shortly after Thanksgiving,

supplies.

Her donation

will help fund the

students.

"Over the years, we've had too many young women develop breast cancer," Wanner said. "I think because breast cancer has touched so many people's lives in our parish and in our school community, people responded." Selling homemade items is nothing new for Caitlin, who has also sold cloth bags to friends to use as backpacks. "I like to do designing and sewing," she said. Her next project? Caitlin made still more scarves as Christmas

—

presents. She had more fleece but not pink this time and she had only a dozen to make, not 300.

—

stories about

Merton entry not only

for her gender, but because she, like Merton, was a convert to Catholicism.

The

approved by the November meethas been sent to Rome where it final draft,

U.S. bishops at their ing,

receive a "recognitio," or confirmation, from the Holy See before it can

be published as an

official

catechism.

Merton

In the meantime,

scholars

hope to generate support for the missing section.

thew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., 22 at 7:30 p.m. Single and married adults of all ages have found this to be a great place for entertaining and warm spiritual messages, evangelization and an opportunity for praise and worship music in a Christian environment. There is no charge to attend. To^ reserve a table for a group of six or more, call Kathy Bartlett at (704) 400-2213.

CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew

Ultreyas will meet 26 in the New Life Center of St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, at 7:S0 p.m. The next Men's Weekend is April 28 - May The next Women's Weekend is June 2-5. For more information, contact Dan Hines, (704) 5446665 or e-mail bmayer@alltel.net.

Jan.

BOONE

time

WILMINGTON,

many

not enough examples of women. Seton was chosen to replace the

will host a Christian Coffeehouse Ian.

VICARIATE

ASHE VTLLE

contained too

CHARLOTTE — The music ministry of St. Mat-

Diocesa n. planner ASHEVILLE

men and

specifically at adults, contains

brief biographies of saints

photo by Don Blake, The Dialog

that

must

back.

catechism, which will be the its

on the text some suggested

sultations

Se-

did not go unno-

by Merton scholars who started a

petition drive to get

CNS

meant

to be a complement to the universal "Catechism of the Catholic Church" issued in 1992 by Pope John Paul II. Msgr. Daniel Kutys, deputy secre-

catechism for adults, currently awaiting

all

requests and volunteers are welcome. For

details, call

Marianna de Lachica

at (336)

667-

9044.

—

SPARTA

St. Frances of Rome Church, Hendrix and Highlands Rds., sponsors the Oratory of Divine Love Prayer Group in the parish house the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at p.m. Call (336) 372-8846 for more 1

CHARLOTTE — A reunion for Charlotte Catholic High School, O'Donoghue School and Our Lady of Mercy School classes of 1954 through 1965 is being considered for the fall of 2005. E-mail Madeleine Chartier Crawford at

madeleine@harpermachinery.com or call Joyce Hartis O'Keefe at (704) 536-5049 if you are interested in celebrating Charlotte Catholic

HUNTERS VILLE —

through

VICARIATE

CHARLOTTE

—

Dilworth Rd. East, Benediction Jan.

St.

Patrick Cathedral, 1621

will host a Pro-Life Rosaty and

18 at 7:30 p.m.

Everyone

invited for a beautiful night of prayer before the

Blessed Sacrament in the cathedral. For details, call (704)

846-7361.

CHARLOTTE — Father Timothy Reid will be the Women's Talk at St. Vincent Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd„ Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. For

featured speaker at the

details, call

Catholic Scripture

Peggy Pohlheber

at (704)

588-731

May

office at (704)

948-0231.

CHARLOTTE — Fun and Fitness after 50 classes St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. This program of gentle exercise promotes joint flexibility and muscle strength. Registration is not necessary. For more information, call Maureen Benjield at (704) 362-5047, ext.

are being offered at

221.

CHARLOTTE — Christians in Career Transition a

ministry of

VOLUME

PUBLISHER: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis EDITOR: Kevin E. Murray STAFF WRITER: Karen A. Evans GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE: Cindi Feerick

SECRETARY: Deborah

The Catholic News & Herald, the St.,

Roman

2005

14, •

NUMBER

USPC

007-393,

15 published by

Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church

Charlotte,

28203, 44 times a year, weekly except

for

Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $1 5 per year of the for

all

Roman

for enrollees in

parishes

Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year

News & Herald reserves deemed do not recommend or

other subscribers. The Catholic

the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason

appropriate.

Hiles

Matthew Church, 8015

St.

JANUARY

THE

NEW^ffERALD

St.

class

on the book of Exodus and will meet 2005. For details, call the church

will focus

CHARLOTTE

Women's

Study meets Wednesdays, 9:30-1 1:30 a.m., at

Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Rd. The

information.

High

School's 50th anniversary.

MAIL: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 PHONE: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382

guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267,

E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

Charlotte,

1123 South Church

St.,

Charlotte,

NC 28203

28237.

The Catholic News & Herald

2005

January 14,

The pope made his comments Jan. 8 new ambassador to the Holy See,

FROM THE VATICAN

Pope offers prayers for babies baptized

—

VATICAN CITY (CNS) Although for the second year in a row Pope John Paul II did not baptize any infants on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, he did offer special prayers for the world's

newest, smallest Catholics.

pel,

preach the Gosmust include giving adults, efforts to

said,

who were

baptized as babies, further

formation in their faith and in the

"My

thoughts go to all the children who were baptized during the course of the past year," the pope told thousands

meaning of baptism.

of people gathered in St. Peter's Square Jan. 9 for the recitation of the Angelus

for a real

prayer.

summit of church

"Renewing,

in a

more mature way,

one's adhesion to the faith

and

"I also bless the godfathers and godmothers and, especially, the parents of the newly baptized, asking all of them to cultivate, with their words and their example, the seeds of divine life sown by the sacrament of baptism," the pope said. The pope told the crowd that just as Jesus' public ministry began with his baptism in the Jordan River, the mis-

i Ballantyne

Commons

Pkwy., devoted to helping The meetings take place on the first and third Monday of each month 7-9 p.m. in the conference room. For more information, call Rev Mr. Jim Hanirlik at (704) 576-0456. people in career crises.

The pope, who visited Cuba in 1998, commended the country's strong sense of

desires that

communication and exchange between the Cuban nation and part" of the international community be overcome as soon as possible,"

eucharistic celebration, which

the

the pope said.

life,"

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope John Paul II called for an end to the U.S. economic embargo against Cuba so that adequate conditions for the Caribbean island's development could be met.

Rd., the second Saturday of each

month

follow-

ing the 5:30 Mass for Senior Games Night, featuring

games and

said.

solidarity to people suffering from war, poverty or natural disasters. He empha-

sized the need for greater religious liberty in

Cuba, especially in easing the process

required for foreign priests and religious to enter the country.

Ending the blockade would reinforce, "through respectful and open dialogue

tinue to

with everyone, the conditions necessary

the people there,

for real development," said the pope.

an atmosphere of genuine religious freedom, (the church) be able to maintain and expand its already existing links of solidarity with other sister churches," the pope said. The pope also urged allowing the church to express its views in the public sphere as well as opening up dialogue with all Cubans. Cuba has been accused of human rights violations, including the jailing of

The United

States has maintained a

trade and travel

embargo against Cuba

since 1961 in an effort to topple the

communist government

led

by Presi-

dent Fidel Castro.

Pope repeats call for end to U.S. economic embargo against Cuba

spirit" for all people,

the pope said.

necessary

participation in the

full

embrace them and bless them,"

said.

Raul Roa Kouri, as the diplomat presented

"The Holy See strongly

or her baptism.

Church

body and

obstacles that hinder free

sion of each Christian begins with his

growth of the

to Cuba's

the pope with his letters of credential.

the past year

"health and harmonic

In his address, the pope praised Cuba's progress in providing health care

and education to its citizens, adding that the "Holy See considers assuring these conditions of human existence (to be)

the pillars upon which peace

Peace, "which

some of

full

human

Cuba can con-

promote the common good of "it is

desirable that, in

In his Jan. 8 address, the pope called

not just the absence

that the church in

political dissidents.

is built."

of war," also involves the promotion of the

person, fostering the

for "dialogue with

all

groups that make

up the Cuban people."

Polling the pollsters

a potluck dinner. Call Barbara

Daigler at (704) 662-9752 for details.

CHARLOTTE — The Charismatic Prayer Group Matthew Church will host a Prayer Servicefor Whe Sick at St. Matthew Chapel, 8015 Ballantyne (Commons Pkwy., the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Barbara Gardner at chlt5nc@aol.com or Carol of St.

Vincent at jlclvincen@aol.com.

CHARLOTTE — Thank God It

SMOKY MOUNTAIN VICARIATE

—

WAYNESVILLE the the

The

Women's

Catholic

Community meets second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in church hall. For more information, call the

Circle

of St. John's Catholic

church

office at (828)

FRANKLIN

—

456-6707.

The Women's Guild of

St.

Friday (TG I F), a weekly support group for separated and divorced women, meets every Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in

Francis of Assisi Church, 299 Maple

New Life Center building, room 114, of St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Pkwy., includ-

guest speakers and special events periodically.

the

ing a potluck dinner.. Divorced

men

are invited

every third Wednesday of the month. TGIF is a healing ministry sponsored by Catholic Social

MatKaren Wepasnick at

Services, Charlotte Regional Office and St.

thew Church. For details,

call

(704) 541-1891 after 3 p.m.

HICKORY

VICARIATE

HICKORY — There will

a Cursillo Retreat

Jan

Conference Center. The Mass, meditation and social time. Saturday activities include Mass, School of leaders, workshops, men's team meeting and more. All Cursillistas are welcome. Email bmayer@alltel.net if interested in attending.

28-29

at the Catholic

program

Monday

the second

month

of each

the Family Life Center.

For more information,

St.,

meets

p.m. in

The meetings

feature

call Claire

Barnable at

(828) 369-1565.

WINSTON-SALEM

VICARIATE

WINSTON-SALEM — The Healing Companis a grief support group for the bereaved that meets the first and third Thursdays of the month in conference room B at St.

ions

Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave. For further details, call Joanne Parcel at (336) 924-9478.

starts Friday at 7 p.m. with

OUTSIDE THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

WASHINGTON, D C. — The annual Marchfor Life will take place Jan. 24 in the nation's capital.

For more information,

respect

SALISBURY

life office at

call

the diocesan

VICARIATE

MOORESVILLE

Church, 217 Brawley School Rd. We draw strength from others' experience of loss and grief. For more information, call Joy at (704) 664-3992.

MOORESVILLE invited to St.

— Seniors ages 55 and up

Therese Church, 2

are

Brawley School

photo by Debbie Hill

Representatives of the U.S. bishops' conference talk with electoral workers outside

— A Support Group for Parents

Who Have Lost a Child of any age meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at St. Therese

CNS

(704) 370-3229.

a polling station inside Jerusalem's Jaffa Gate Jan. 9. From

your parish or school sponsoring a free event

open

to the general public?

Please submit no-

tices for the

Diocesan Planner at least 1 5 days

prior to the

event date

in writing to

Karen A.

left are John Carr, head Development and World Peace; Bishop William S. Skylstad, conference president; and Msgr. William R Fay, general secretary. Palestinians, electing a successor to Yasser Arafat, overwhelmingly chose moderate Mahmoud Abbas, who has promised to revive a peace process with Israel after

of the U.S. bishops'

Department

of Social

Evans at kaevans@chartottediocese.org or fax

years of bloodshed. to (704)

370-3382.

Bishop Jugis homilies to be posted online CHARLOTTE — Bishop Episcopal calendar

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate

in thefollowing events:

—

Jan. 17

p.m.

Rally for Life

— 1:30 pm.

Installation

Mass for Archbishop Wilton Gregory

Georgia International Convention Center

Raleigh, N.C.

Atlanta, Ga.

Jan. 16

— 7 p.m.

Prayer Service for the

Week of Prayer for

Christian Unity St.

Joseph Church, Newton

homilies online at the Diocese of Charlotte's

Jan. 15

Peter

Jugis will begin posting his Sunday

Web

from Bishop Jugis to the nearly 300,000 Catholics in the 46-county diocese. Other channels include The tion

Catholic

site.

Home page will

News

& Herald,

periodic pas-

take

toral statements, the bishop's regular

visitors to a listing of the bishop's

appearances at Masses and services and meetings throughout the Diocese of Charlotte.

link

on the

available homilies.

The

first

homily to

be posted was given at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte Jan. 9, during the Mass celebrating the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Posting the homilies online represents another channel of communica-

GO ONLINE Bishop Jugis' homilies are available online at www.charlottediocese.org.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

January 14,

2005

VOCATIONS

—

"mystery of

as the

God

speaking to

you," Father Hanic spoke about

"God manifested

his will in

how

life."

'The church has something to say about the religious call it was Jesus who chooses you. You do not choose him;" said ...

has

have given

all

The first is

about their

entry into the religious order at a Vocation Awareness Day given at St, Pius X

Church

Greensboro

Jan. 9.

Religious, laity gather to

and attend workshops regarding vocations as part of National Vocation Awareness Week, which ran Jan. 9-14. "This was an important endeavour for the start of National Vocation Awareness Week," said Sister Svatos. "The presentations by the various religious communities are representative of our northto listen to speakers

ern region (of the diocese)."

Workshop

presenters included

Franciscan Father John Frambes, cam-

"Yet, I appreciate my time alone with God, along with the solitude it brings," he said. 'The second obstacle is the fear of commitment. However, I find that it is my 'family of faith' that nourishes my commitment." "I am pleased to have several people (at my parish) interested in pursuing vocations to the priesthood," said Msgr. Marcaccio. The faith of the religious communities represented made positive impressions on the youths in attendance. "People who are religious leaders are normal people," said Patrick Lewis, an eighth-grader at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro. "I am not yet ready to make a decision about the priesthood, but maybe some day."

The

Sisters of

Not

vocations are to the religious

all

The term

"vocation" indicates the

of Christ, which is offered to all baptised persons in order that they fol-

low him by becoming living signs and witnesses to the Kingdom of God. Thus all

followers of Christ share in this

mon

There are

several

ways

—

which the

can follow Christ while some vocations are realized through the taking of holy orders to the priesthood, others are through vows as religious brothfaithful

and

ers

single

sisters,

through marriage or the

life.

Each of these elements

leads to a

own

abilities.

Contact Correspondent Deacon Gerald Potkay by calling (336) 427-8218 or e-mail

gpotkay@triad.rr.com.

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new training coming to Saturday, January 29?

Mercy and the Gastonia Vicariate are hosting a

"YES! Congress on the Bible." The "YES! Congress on the

Bible" will train

young people and

adult mentors to establish teen-to-teen Bible-sharing groups

their parish, school, or organization.

We know it isn't easy to Each

parish, school,

and organization

invited to

teen peer leaders and their adult mentors

who

send a team of

are interested

establishing Bible-sharing groups in their parish, school, or

You'll interview

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life

dedicated to Christ according to people's

have time! NC on

com-

vocation.

—

Belmont,

God,

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about, the exciting

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Let stairs be our

pus minister at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Mercy Sisters Angela Perez and Jill Katherine, co-directors of vocations for the Sisters of Mercy in Belmont; Sisters Poor Servants of the Mother of God Lucy Hennessey and Clare Houlihan of Maryfield Nursing Home in High Point; Sister of St. Joseph Phyllis Tierney, pastoral associate at St. Pius Church; Sister of St. Joseph Mary Elizabeth Karalis of Our Lady of Mercy Convent in WinstonSalem; and John Cahill, a seminarian studying for the Diocese of Charlotte. Father Johnathan Hanic, parochial vicar of St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem, gave the keynote address. Describing a vocation a calling

still

Have you heard

lot

however.

life,

We Build Friendships With

You

Mark Church

have a

they will work out."

Now Your Parents Can

"YES!"

still

call

discuss vocations VOCATIONS, from page 1

ninth-grader Josie

for that decision. If I leave things to

the "fear of

loneliness."

@ 704 813 1425 or Dennis Teall Fleming @ 704 825 9600 x 26

it."

to explore the possibility

sister," said

Fink, a parishioner of St.

X Church, said there are two

ligious vocation.

relatively similar stories

need to pray about

in Huntersville. "I

obstacles people face in following a re-

tell

wanted

to be a nun," she said. I

becomes a servant of God.

of St. Pius

participants about the Franciscans and

that

of being a

been given to me." Msgr. Anthony Marcaccio, pastor

Franciscan Fathers Michael Lorentsen and John Frambes speak to a group of

"I felt called

know now

Father Hanic. "I am here to share the joy, happiness and bliss that is found as one nothing.

Photo by Deacon Gerald Potkay

Theresa Benson, a ninth-grader at Hopewell High School in Huntersville, may have already received her calling.

are thoroughly screened.

Vtivtittg

704 549 4010

Angels.^)

E-mail us at Jill.Stewart@VisitingAngels.cxim

January 14,

The Catholic News & Herald 5

2005

FROM THE COVER saddest days of

Parish celebrates Msgr. Kovacic's birthday KOVACIC, from page 1

his

cility

in a

began

in 1991

The

center

appropriate that

later, he decided to finish his schooling at the seminary in Rome, where he met three priests who would become popes John XXIII, Paul VI and Pius XII. He was ordained in 1947 and came to the United States in July 1951. He began serving in the then-Diocese of Raleigh at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte that year. He was named a monsignor on Dec. 29, 1989. Msgr. Kovacic has served in several parishes throughout the Diocese of Charlotte, and served as director of the diocese's permanent diaconate from its inception in 1980 until 1996. In 1992, he was instrumental in helping to form a Knights of Columbus council at Queen of the Apostles Church. Presently, he retains the Office of Faithful Friar with the William Gaston Assembly No. 2531 and is director of the Propagation of the Faith. In addition to helping out when

—

reporting to the church to serve as paro-

Msgr. Kovacic, the

bishop recalled, greeted him at the door

with arms open wide, saying, "Welcome to St. Leo's."

"That image remains here," said will

where Christ welcomes open arms.

remain a place all of us with Photo by Kevin

Cornerstone of service Though Msgr. Kovacic is stature, "there's

Bishop Peter small in

Jugis listens as Msgr.

his parish birthday celebration at

Murray

Anthony Kovacic thanks those who attended of the Apostles Church in Belmont Jan. 9.

Queen

nothing small about

shown Queen of the Apostles, and continues to show day in and day out," said Oblate Father Joseph the dedication and love he has

"He's always there to help," said Heil.

the people of

Zuschmidt, pastor. "This gathering shows our love for you," he said to Msgr. Kovacic. Msgr. Kovacic smiled as more applause erupted from the center adorned with photographs taken throughout his

Though he Kovacic

"If

he hears someone

sometimes

still

1994, Msgr.

retired in

assists at

Queen of the

Apostles Church and other churches in the Diocese of Charlotte.

"Hardly a Sunday goes by when he's not filling in for someone," said Carl Heil, a Queen of the Apostles parishioner who has known Msgr. Kovacic since 1997.

in the hospital,

he's there before the doctor."

Thomas

Stocker

Msgr. Kovacic

III,

17,

"He's just infectious," said Minnick.

"He's so positive and upbeat, never cal.

Humble beginnings Born

"He's tirelessly worked for us and the

shown us what a cornerstone he is," said Thomas. 'For the youth, he is a

church, and

whom we can

criti-

very well loved."

described

as the "cornerstone of

the church."

wise person

life.

month

we rename

honor of Msgr. Kovacic," said Bishop Jugis, who recalled an early memory of the monsignor at St. Leo the Great Church in Winston-Salem. The bishop was a young priest

Bishop Jugis. "This

look up

to. It's

amazing one man can do so much." "I am most grateful to Father Joe, the parish staff and all the parishioners for your goodness and kindness," said Msgr. Kovacic. Mike Minnick recalled being an altar server for Msgr. Kovacic when he was pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte from 1973 until 1979.

among

cradled

needed in parishes, Msgr. Kovacic has used his spare time to work on his golf game. "I'm one of the worst golfers, but I still love to play," he joked. While cutting into his birthday cake, Msgr. Kovacic's eyes lit up as parishioners sang "Happy Birthday" to him. "It wasn't always an easy life; it was often hard work," said Msgr. Kovacic. "But with God's blessing, I came through it."

humble stucco home the Alpine peaks of

Slovenia, a former republic of Yugoslavia,

Jan.

11,

1920,

Msgr. Kovacic

first

considered the priesthood at an early age.

"When I was five years

old, the assis-

came to visit my home besister was very ill," said Msgr.

tant pastor

cause

Kovacic.

"I,

for the first time, expressed

my intention or desire to become a priest." He

said his family

began calling him

"Zupnik," which means "pastor," "and

didn't mind," he said.

Msgr. Kovacic can the

ing

still

remember

Contact Editor Kevin E.

German invasion of his country durWorld War II. "It was one of the

GOD AS

SERVE As

priests

Oratomn Congregation

and

lay

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without

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somehow

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some shooting, was not hit." In October 1941, he entered the seminary in Ljublana, Slovenia. A but

this center in

chial vicar in 1984.

my movement

border," he said. "I heard

was

dedicated by then-Bishop John F. Donoghue on Feb. 16, 1992. "It's

the (guard) station

they noticed

fa-

and was completed

record 12 weeks.

to see Hitler's

life

life.

"From Construction of the 7,000-square-foot

marching in and seeing flags everywhere with the swastika on them." Slovenia was divided between Mussolini's Italian forces and Hitler's German troops. Msgr. Kovacic made several dangerous and unauthorized trips across the border to finish his schooling, with one trip almost costing divisions

Market Properties, Inc. 704-451-4001 julielopez@adelphia.net

The Catholic News & Herald

January 14,

Back from abroad Asheville librarian experiences by

CAROLE McGROTTY

Budd

CORRESPONDENT

ASHEVILLE brarian Pamela

— When

school

Budd returned

visit to

slippers for the

bathroom, which are

tic

Japan, the students were

kept outside the doors. If there are no

bathroom is full, so the someone comes out.

slippers outside, the

students wait until

Fund (FMF) Teaching Program,

which allows distinguished primary and secondary educators in the United States to travel to Japan in an effort to promote greater intercultural understanding be-

tween the two nations. Budd prepared for the trip by studying the Japanese language at a local community college and studying Japanese culture in her spare time. In groups of 200, the educators vis-

when they enter their

a separate pair of plas-

schools.

Before she left, she promised to take "hundreds of photos" to "give the students a sense that Japan is a real place as opposed to a faraway place." Budd was one of 600 educators selected to take part in a Fulbight Memorial

also learned that Japanese stu-

They have

li-

eager to hear about her experiences.

Japanese students also serve lunch,

Budd, and they do not wear uniforms until junior high. School runs from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., with after-school activities said

required as part of their curriculum.

Music is emphasized, and Budd found the school bands, even in elementary school, to be exemplary. One elementary school band played the U.S. anthem to welcome her. Martial arts and baseball are among the encouraged activities. The private high school in Nihara that Budd visited attracts many students due to its winning baseball team. English study begins in seventh grade, Budd reported. Japanese students national

Japan in June, October and November 2004. Budd and her group traveled in small groups to visit schools outside

find the English alphabet, with

of Tokyo.

sands of characters.

ited

Budd

visited four schools

Staging Christmas

schools in Japan

dents put on slippers

Asheville Catholic School after a three-

week

life,

ters,

During her

comprised of thou-

visit to

Students perform an elaborate Christmas program for family and friends at Asheville Catholic School Dec. 15. Students in preschool, kindergarten

an elementary

Budd presented the with a quilt made by

and eighth-graders. The program ended with

third-grade class

was

third-graders at Asheville Catholic.

Budd

said the highlight of her trip

'They do it joyfully," said Budd. "I saw one group of children cleaning the

was the home

floor with rags, just scrubbing away."

of two parents, three children and two

visit, in which she spent a night with a Japanese family consisting

Budd

grandparents.

much

their schools.

The

slept

on a bed on

family's usual breakfast

grated radishes, eggs, seaweed soup, fish, green tea and tangerines. Budd said she saw only one Christian church, an Episcopal church, during her visit in the country that is only 1 percent Christian. The church offered a

Asheville Catholic students.

Budd

will

mostly work with the seventh-grade

who

are studying Japan.

Additionally, a koto .player from

Waynesville

will

perform the large

stringed instrument for the students in

February. An artist from Weaverville also will spend two days teaching Japanese language to students, who will write haikus in English and Japanese.

Another aspect of the

Program

Courtesy Photo

Pamela Budd

Tokyo perform for

of Asheville Catholic School, during

visit

U.S.

such,

Budd

Do You

educators, including

to Japan in

about her experiences to different groups at locations

around the diocese.

The FMF program,

RELATED TOPIC Read

Father Pavone's column on page

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You've heard about our attributes,

Come -

group of

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pro-life

2005!

Now seeking rising ninth graders for our inaugural class! St. Thomas Aquinas Academy will be located in:

right

Father Frank Pavone, founding director

protect

the priest added.

Introducing the First High School with a Catholic Curriculum in the Mountains in 30 Years!

photo by Mary Ann Wyand, The Criterion

of Priests for Life, prays with a

"We still have the freedom of expres-

share your story with The

kaevans@charlottediocese.org.

ceuticals told reporters Jan. 5 that the

JSC

CNS

clinic in it is

Pavone said. "Something

HAVE A STORY TO SHARE?

was

increase in risky sexual behavior. for Barr

BUFFALO,

people seem to think

whether or not

spokeswoman

pro -life work

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

A. Pavone, director of Priests for

Editor Kevin E. Murray contributed to this story.

not enough information on how the drug's accessibility would affect the sexual activity of teenagers. The University of California researchers found that the drug's availability did not cause an

any

available to solve

for his

elderly voters get to the polls.

initial

application last year, saying there

remains

the drug-

problem one may be

Barr Pharmaceuticals Laboratories, which makes the Plan B pills, has requested that the Food and Drug Administration make the drugs available over the counter without a prescription.

FDA

B on

bad policy and bad medicine," said Ruse. "Besides being 'bad policy and bad medicine,' the morning-after pill sends a message that actions have no consequences," said Maggi Nadol, director of the diocesan Respect Life Office. "The drug company is marketing the store shelf

had pregnancy rates of around 8 percent.

The

"marketed and

own proponents admit that it works before and after conception." She also noted that studies in New Zealand and the United Kingdom "show the drug is associated with an

of California at San Francisco and studied 2,1 17 women ages 15-24 for six months.

health

"its

5 Journal of the American Medical Asso-

was conducted

advertised as a contraceptive" but that

claim," said Ruse.

ciation,

She said

pills."

without a prescription would reduce abortion numbers by as many as half; now their own study debunks that

The

later in January.

Ruse, in a Jan. 5 statement, described Plan B as "essentially an overdose of prescription birth-control

Pro-Life Activities.

"Proponents

its

of Priests for Life

national Association of Private Catholic Independent Schools.

JXThe Catholic

Conference Center

{= I

Wir

Check out o ur website yiftvWvCatholicconfererice.org

mfo@catholicconterence.org

10 The Catholic News & Herald

Culture

Watch

WORD TO LIFE

A roundup

of Scripture, readings, films and more

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READINGS:

Sunday Ordinary Time

Jan. 23, Third

Encouraging prayer Priest compiles devotional prayers

Isaiah 8:23 to 9:3

Psalm 2)

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE SAN FRANCISCO — Father

Benedict Groeschel, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal who was injured a near-fatal accident earlier this

year, recently completed a compila-

tion of devotional prayers called "Praying to Our Lord Jesus Christ:

Prayers and Meditations Through the Centuries."

The 156-page book is with images of classic

illustrated

art

and

includes prayers from early church fathers, medieval theologians

modern-day

and

saints.

Father Groeschel,

in the book's

introduction, said the collection of prayers was "written under rather difficult

circumstances" due to his

"At this time in the church," he wrote, "it seems to me that we need to bring back devotion, especially devo-

The adventure

He said the prayers are not simply meant to be read, but intended for meditation and personal prayer.

first four chosen were hardworking fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. Perhaps we wonder along with Zebedee, the father of James and John, how these men could drop nets, abandon boats and go traipsing after an

"How rewarding it is to meditate on beautiful prayers so that our own prayers may become more meaninghe added. Father Groeschel, the 71-yearold priest who is internationally known for his retreat work and apful,"

pearances on Mother Angelica's EWTN cable network, has kept up with writing, by dictation, and has edited several books during his re-

covery.

He was

severely injured after he

But he added that he wanted to "bring out a small book of prayers to Christ in order to encourage every Catholic, every Christian, to pray devoutly and fervently every day to

was

Christ."

Voice" and "The Reform of Renewal."

hit

by a car while walking across

a Florida intersection Jan. 11, 2004.

Some

of his other books include "The Rosary: Chain of Hope," "Arise

From Darkness," "A

Still

Small

Is your child in

school? I

a lifetime by

itinerant teacher.

Although Scripture does not

BEVERLY CORZINE

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

theorize that Jesus

men were

probably not total

them to embark on the

strangers the day Jesus invited leave everything and to

adventure of a

lifetime.

What

person on the shore, that day so long ago, could have predicted that 2,000 years later people around the globe would remember these fishermen and ponder the consequences of

near the middle of January. Neverthethese missives signal the gift of

tell us,

number of scholars

and these

Each year we receive Christmas letters that reflect the ebb and flow in the lives of relatives and friends who have scattered across the country. Sometimes the Christmas letters arrive the day after Thanksgiving; sometimes they trickle in less,

2005

the beginning the

Matthew 4:12-23

tion to Jesus Christ."

hospitalization.

Struggling

Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

23,

come to know as apostles, saints or members of the Twelve. However, in

27:1, 4, 13-14

Gospel:

JAN.

Texas sun cemented a friendship that has lasted more than 30 years, even though 200 miles now separate us. In this week's Gospel reading, we hear Matthew's familiar account of how Jesus began to choose the men we have

Cycle A Readings:

aimed at

helping peoples faith

2005

January 14,

life

and have the power to evoke memories of days long gone. Closing one of these letters from a friend I met over 30 years ago, I began to reminisce about some of the outrageously fun times we had when we lived in a small West Texas town. Rich memories washed over me as I looked at her handwriting on the envelope. I remembered the day she sat down next to me in church one Sunday morning, radiant as a sunbeam. Before I knew what hit me, I was going to help her run the Brownie Scout summer day camp which met in a generous rancher's pasture a few miles out of town.

following Jesus? Perhaps we are like the fishermen that day

on the beach.

who Jesus

is,

but

we have

may know

not

left

every-

thing and joined him for the adventure

of a lifetime.

Questions:

you to "drop your and follow him, would you go? What would it take to get you to follow him more closely in the daily life you live If Jesus called

nets"

right

now?

Scripture to Illustrate: "He called (James and John), and immediately they abandoned boat and father to follow him" (Matthew 4:22).

The hot dusty days of preparation, a swarm of energized Brownie Scouts, an occasional cow and the relentless West

.earning can be frustrating for

Students

AND their parents.

Fortunately.

Camden

Learning

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE

Center™ can help.

By recognizing and addressing the unique needs of each student, the teachers at

Camden use a

highly customized approach to

teaching which

proven to work.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF JAN.

16-22

Sunday (Second Sunday in Ordinary Time), Isaiah 49:3, 5-6, 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, John 1:29-34; Monday (St. Anthony), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 2:18-22; Tuesday, Hebrews 6:10-20, Mark 2:23-28; Wednesday, Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17, Mark 3:1-6; Thursday (Sts. Fabian and Sebastian), Hebrews 7:25-8:6,

Mark 3:7-12; Friday, Hebrews 8:6-13, Mark 3:13-19; Saturday

(St.

Vincent), Hebrews

9:2-3,11-14, Mark 3:20-21.

Let

Camden help.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK OF JAN.

23-29

Sunday (Third Sunday in Ordinary Time), Isaiah 8:23-9:3, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17, Matthew 4:12-' 23; Monday (St Francis de Sales), Hebrews 9:15, 24-28, Mark 3:22-30; Tuesday (The conversion of Paul), Acts 22:3-1 6, Mark 16:15-18; Wednesday (Sts. Timothy and Titus), Titus 1:1-5, Mark 4:1Thursday (St. Angela Merici), Hebrews 10:19-25, Mark 4:21-25; Friday (St. Thomas Aquinas), Hebrews 10:32-39, Mark 4:26-34; Saturday, Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19, Luke 1:69-75, Mark 4:35-41.

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January

The Catholic News & Herald 11

2005

14,

Something to sing about Catholic

artist's

'Hymns' come from childhood

JENSEN LACEY

by T.

about:

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

—

"When I sing, I generally like to of the way of the song, to serve

song, and not ist,"

Chapman

had been working on a project

tion

each one in a different language, from the root of each religion. I had completed one in Sanskrit, one in Tibetan, a Shaker hymn, a Negro spiritual, and several others. "As I was preparing to choose one of the many gorgeous Catholic hymns I grew up singing as a child, I was faith,

get

stunned to discover that I couldn't find a recorded collection of them anywhere,"

the

she added.

personality as a vocal-

decided

was a sign

said.

that

should record these songs from

root

religion as a starting place."

'This was particularly important to

World Hymns,' which is a collecof hymns from different paths of

called

SingerNASHVILLE, Tenn. songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman has penned songs for singers such as Faith Hill, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt and Trisha Yearvvood, while also producing contemporary pop hits under her own name. But her latest CD release titled "Hymns" has caused the music world to sit up and take notice. out

A 'Love Song' barely worth singing

Chapman

recalled "standing

between

performing these beautiful hymns in Latin," she added. 'There's a powerful vibration and clarity in the tones of the vowels and the melodies, and harmonies have a way of reaching through to the heart all by themselves." Chapman said she is "all over the

map" when

has written and sung pop, country, folk

Things Considered" show recently featured the CD, "there was this amazing

and

response,"

comes

and personal," and said she decided that, "if nothing else, I would do a collection of my favorites for my mom and dad." But she found a much wider audience for the collection of hymns.

to genres, since she

was raised in a military family was exposed to a lot of other

Scarlett Johansson

(Travolta) haunted by past sins,

broken

"Hymns" is her Catholic upbringing. Chapman attends a number of churches in Edward's Catholic Church when she's not traveling, and was raised Catholic. She spoke about how the CD came

who had once first

lives to help

and

his

America rating

'"*r

felt a connection to God for time in 49 years and that it brought back the mystery and beauty of the Mass from a simpler time." Chapman's 23-year-old son, Ernest Chapman, sang the tenor parts on the CD, and her father, Robert Nielsen, sang bass on her rendition of Mozart's "Ave

"He wrote he the

someone

been an altar boy and

few bars of the song," she

said.

first

Verum

Turn

Use this beautiful, timeproven sacramental in all your private devotions...

Corpus."

48-year-old artist said the songs she has written have been 'like a chronicle of my life experiences." "Writing my way through sometimes has been the only way to heal, as

way to express the good times," Chapman said. 'The death of my huswell as a

especially your prayers

earthly •

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1994 was a huge turnand in the midst of that sorrow there have been gifts in going forward and deepening as a person. "I wrote the song, 'Hymn to Mary,' which is the only song on the CD that is an original song," she said. "I felt abandoned by God, which was very unusual but writing that hymn took me for me to a place where Mary was, and always is waiting to help, and that helped me feel connected again."

to the

you care about,

—

The

ing point in

In the Sacred Heart of Jesus love of Christ

their

"Amazon.com

H ealing... wM

Sacred Heart of Jesus

lazily

with a drunkard

young protege, both of whom reform

band to cancer

F ind

her reclaim her future. An uneven film weighed down by Southern

The Motion Picture Association

(said he) could smell the incense within

the

"A Love Song for Bobby Long," a

abuse and recurring rough and sexually crude language and humor, as well as some profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-lll adults.

had nearly 6,000

emotional reaction to it. "One e-mail came from

St.

photo from Lions Gate

schmaltz, but imparts a redemptive message about family and forgiveness. Alcohol

had it listed as No. 3 on their sales chart, and on my Web page I've had so many emails from people from many religions, especially Catholics, who had such an

musicality."

and John Travolta star

paced drama about a wayward teen-ager (Johansson) who moves

reported.

records ordered," she said.

Another thing that has influenced her

the Nashville area, often singing at

Chapman

"Within two days

cultures," she said, "and that's kind of

blended into

CNS

After National Public Radio's "All

blues. "I

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12 The Catholic News & Herald

January

OUR SCHOOLS

—

Elementary School Principal Diocese of Charleston Prince of

Peace

pal for the

community with

Catholic School

2005-2006 school of Greenville

accepting applications for the position of elementary school Prince of

year.

Peace

Catholic School

located

Our school

Upstate, South Carolina.

in beautiful

an enrolment of 96 students, adding one grade per year until we are

Qualified candidates tion (or

its

be a

will

equivalent)

practicirtg Catholic,

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January

The Catholic News & Herald 13

2005

14,

FROM THE COVER

CSS gets inquiries for adopting tsunami orphans the parishes or the diocese will

ORPHANS, from page 1

Catholic Relief Services."

'We would encourage people to give to reputable charities that have pro-

"Because we do have a reputation as an international adoption agency, we have received calls from people with concerns about the orphans of the tsunami," said Elizabeth Thurbee, executive director of Catholic Social Services in Charlotte.

"As happens frequently when disasters

happen ters

— whether wars — and

they be natural disaschildren are

left

aban-

doned, good-hearted people have concern for those children in need," she said.

grams

she

in Asia,"

said.

Displaced before December While Brown was thrilled there has

of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, many people living in "tem-

States and the tsunami-affected areas

porary" refugee or displacement camps

disaster will either attempt or be able

had been there for more than five years. Besides causing the deaths of at least 150,000 people in 11 countries, the earthquake and tsunamis obliterated the homes of hundreds of thousands more, and destroyed the sources of employment for many. The number of new orphans after the tsunamis "pales in comparison" to the number of children with no known

to seek

who

relatives

Mark

refugee camps, said

Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and In-

gun working with the

— were providing

refuge already to

several million refugees.

According to the most recent report

permanent refuge

in the

"Adoption

difficult

anyway, be-

tage," said

Thurbee.

"If

they also come

out of the country and the culture that

produced them, then they've lost their culture as well."

"Our task would be to help those

own country and work to improve the standard of living in that country so that their lives would be better," she said. children remain in their

Franken, di-

MRS

U.S.

Staff Writer Karen A. Evans and Catholic News Service contributed to this story.

However, said Thurbee, adopting orphans from the countries affected by the earthquake and tsunamis will not be likely. "I think the thing to be kept in mind, especially with these children, will

many months

that

before the countries

can determine whether or not the parents are

whether there are other

alive,

still

family

members who

are

still alive,"

tlLV»K7yif Lt{^ til

said

Thurbee, "so the first effort to minister to the needs of these children will be to locate any family that they may have and to reunite them with that family." If

determined that children are

orphans, said Thurbee, the governments will see if there are

any families within

own cultures who can

their

take care of them.

"We certainly feel very positive about international adoption, but

it is

a resource

who have

available for children

not been

able to be placed with loving families

within their 'Therefore,

own it is

cultures," said

made

Thurbee.

available for those

all of those other avenues have already been exhausted."

children because

If a

country

considering allowing

international adoption, said Thurbee, "one

of the

groups to

first

to provide that

whom

they will look

would be reputable and

Out of your heart you can help the

have a presence in that particular part of the world." certified agencies that already

However, she

said,

"some of the

tries that

do not have

millions

still

HELP CRS SAVE LIVES NOW. Qn December 26 deadly sea

countries that are hardest hit are coun-

killed

a history of inter-

This

national adoption and have no legal ve-

more than 135,000 people

total will

continue to

living in 12 Asian

rise as starvation

on the

brink.

surges

and African nations.

and disease

Millions

set in.

are in desperate need of food, clean water, basic sanitation

hicle to allow that to happen."

and

CRS is working around the clock to bring food and emergency And we'll stay to help rebuild their lives and communities.

shelter. relief.

Protecting the victims

With

attention

now

Please

focused on aid-

governments

dren

who were orphaned

from

were taking

their families.

Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) of the U.S. Conference of for

Catholic Bishops, said the Catholic

who

and development agency of the

the official international relief U.S. Catholic community.

CRS EMERGENCY DONATION SLIP

D Yes,

staff in

Mi-

will help

$40

Catholic Relief Services send urgently needed aid to

n$75

$150

The Diocese of Charlotte is assisting CRS you may respond to your parish

and

Africa.

Other

the collection of these urgently needed funds. There are 3 ways to send your contribution:

initiatives

by making your check payable to your parish, marking

it for

CRS Tsunami

Relief, and

sending

directly to your parish,

vou may send your donation to the Diocese of Charlotte, Attn: CRS Tsunami Relief, 1 1 23 S. Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203-4003 (ALL parish and diocesan donations will be forwarded directly to Catholic Relief Services) OR,

Indonesia

to protect children

the tsunami survivors in South Asia

or separated

Anastasia Brown, director of refugee

Commission was focusing on how

Catholic Relief Services

RELIEF SERVICES

Cut Here

steps to prevent the kidnapping of chil-

gration

^Li^^ ^-^I^*^ CATHOLIC

in the tsunami-af-

fected countries said they

programs

www.HelpCRS.org

/""ptf

who had

been displaced from their homes since long before December, as well as orphaned children. In early January, amid reports of a surge in trafficking in children for slavery,

Use the coupon below, or visit us online. 1-877-Help-CRS [1-877-435-7277]

a contribution today.

zations are concerned about protecting

vulnerable populations of people, includ-

ing millions

make

call

ing survivors, refugee assistance organi-

you

may send your donation to: Catholic Relief Services, Attn: Tsunami Emergency Relief, P 0 Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090

are vulnerable to traffickers.

"Catholic Social Services, as a part

of the diocesan response, is encouraging people to donate funds to the tsunami relief," said Thurbee. "Any funds donated to Catholic Social Services,

Name Your contribution Address 1420 City

State

Zip Code

United

cause children lose their biological heri-

had begovernment in an effort to provide permanent solutions for unaccompanied minors, he said. The distance between the United Prior to the tsunamis,

unlikely that survivors of the

perts said.

rector of MRS.

—

States any time soon, migration ex-

are living in the world's

been "such a terrific response to the tsunami" disaster, she noted that the countries hardest hit by the tsunamis dia

makes

5ADS000D1O

tax deductible.

14 The Catholic News & Herald

January 14,

Perspectives

collection of columns,

editorials

and viewpoints

Pope says despite events Christians believe good will triumph by

Tsunami by another name have been taken away before

What if the tsunamis that hit South and Southeast Asia recently had happened in slow motion, flinging people as far away as our own backyards? What if that slow-motion event spread out over a

number of

VATICAN CITY

Gaps

years, allowing us to see

CAROLE NORRIS

peration, hear those cries for help or see

hung low

GREENE

misery? What would the world do then? To my way of thinking, a tsunami of

heads

this sort

in abject

has already happened, only

CNS COLUMNIST

selected to participate in Weiss'

away

their siblings,

death bereft of love and family. Victims weren't pinned

down by any

resulting

summer

judgment day

program

schools, college financial aid for

even free legal services

and continuing education for their parents," the report said.

Those who bore children knew that no amount of tears and pleading would spare their offspring from being sold "down river" if the price was right.

He encourages others as well at contribute www.sayyestoeducation.org.

—

In contrast,

when

the University of

Georgia said it is considering a policy change that, if adopted, would allow it to use a student's race or ethnicity and other considerations apart from one's grade-point average to determine admissions,

some of its students

They

admissions should be "strictly

felt

disagreed.

merit-based."

about the merit that comes with having achieved the status of being human, of having unduly suffered tremendous loss and being in need? I applaud the wonderful outpouring of resources and heartfelt prayers for the

whose slow mo-

victims of the Asian tsunamis don't see

devastations did not occur in

They

tion.

drowning figuratively, there are others who, thank God, disagree. Recently the TV show "Religion and Ethics Newsweekly" presented a segment about philanthropist George Weiss who has given $34 million to encourage poor, minority children to stay in school and go to college. He has teamed up with the University of Pennsylvania to facilitate his "Say Yes to

hour.

still

of 500 miles per every minute counts in the

hit at a rate

Now

saving of lives!

many

of those naysayers of affirmative action and similar efforts to even the playing field for the I

suspect that

descendants of the slave-trade tsunamis are

among

the

most generous of these

supporters.

The

or less, pertain to recent

To be considered of the writer for clarity, style

letters

nize a tsunami in

and

from readers.

for publication,

each

letter

all its

to recog-

hideous forms.

Send

good

taste.

poetry, form letter or petitions. Items submitted to

are subject to reuse,

The

whole or in

formats and archives.

The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, N.C.

28237, ore-mail catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.

events."

tory; the 'saints,'

God and

who

are consecrated

respect his name, ready to

adore him and obey his will," he said. The heavenly hosts rejoice in the Book of Revelation, the pope said, because they know that "Satan, the ancient enemy," has no more power over

humanity.

only accept his will

read a letter to the edi-

story in the Catholic press.

news

chided

teachers for encouraging their grammar school students to celebrate be-

cause the soldier for whom been praying returned home safely from the Iraq War. He wrote: "Isn't it time that we put such notions to rest once and for a God who micromanages the all

—

universe, pulling strings like a pup-

peteer?

A God

with

whom

prayer

sometimes works and sometimes doesn't work."

He went on: "Life is full of random, often opposing forces, and that all living creatures, including humans, get hurt, badly, even die

—

out of the sky, cancer invades an organ, babies die in the

planes

fall

womb,

and bombs

bullets

kill

Spirituality

for Today

Jesus taught a it

much

will be given to you;

seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; and he who seeks

who knocks it will What man is there among

and to him

be opened.

son asks for bread will Or if he asks for a will he give him a serpent? If you

you who, give him fish,

CATOIR CNS COLUMNIST

if his

a stone?

know how

then, being evil,

to give

your children, how will your heavenly Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" (Mt

good gifts much more

7:7-1

When some

prayers are not an-

swered the way one would like, a true believer turns to the words of Jesus. He taught us to include in our peti-

"Thy will be done.'" words that he used agony in the Garden: "Not

tion the phrase

These during his

The Lord

finds;

FATHER JOHN

sol-

orchestrated by a God-in-the-sky, and none of it is prevented in answer to prayer. Prayer doesn't change anything outside of

"None of this

"Ask, and

may be condensed due to space limitations and edited for

News & Herald become the property of the newspaper and

letters to Letters to the Editor,

Recently

tor expressing annoyance at a

different theology:

factual accuracy.

part, in print, electronic

human

God's judgment at the end of time not only will mark the final defeat of evil, but also will raise up and reward the just ones, the pope said. "These are the 'servants' who adhere to divine law with fidelity; the 'prophets' entrusted with the revealed word, who interpret and judge his-

command God,

cannot

ourselves."

must include the name, address and daytime phone number

The Catholic News & Herald does not publish Catholic

We ask that letters be originals of 250 words

newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be

purpose of verification. Letters

that rules over the often troubling flux of

Prayers of petition

diers.

task that remains

WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR The Catholic News & Herald welcomes

in Revelation,

he said, "have the function of illustrating the theme of the divine lordship

they had

What

the need for Herculean efforts to save

people

creation.

all

The hymns found

POPE

JOHN PAUL

Weiss has pledged another $20 million to his project.

be better citizens.

who

desire to save

emphasizes God's

Speaks^

needed?

Like today's tsunami victims, always in their lives was water in its backfor drinkand-forth motion of giving ing, bathing, relief in the baking sun and taking away. By the grace of God, countless descendents of the victims of the slavetrade tsunamis are alive today and still desirous of water that will nurture their lives. This is the water of education that can carry them out of ignorance and poverty to a higher ground where self-sufficiency allows them to are those

the

"would not only get a free college education, but tutoring along the way, free

kindergarteners

Is Weiss giving too much? Or is the problem just so great that even more is

While there

Looking at a hymn of joy and gratitude for God's saving power taken from the Book of Revelation, the pope said that while it tells of the

The hundreds of

wreckage of buildings or trees; they were confined by chains and kept subservient by whips and threats of torture and heinous murder, by fear and shattered dreams.

—

series of audience talks about

church's evening prayer.

bondage centuries ago. Like a giant wave, slave catchers descended upon unsuspecting men, women and youths, sweeping them to foreign lands to a kind of living

his

Education" project.

Although complicated and worrying

psalms and canticles used

goes by another name: the slave trade that brought countless Africans to

America

The Pope

—

events continue to take place, Christians believe that God rules history and that good will triumph in the end, Pope John Paul II said. From God the Father, Christ "has received royal power over the whole universe; in him the salvation, strength and kingdom of our God are completed," the pope said at his Jan. 12 general audience. After the Christmas and New Year's festivities, the pope returned to

Bridging

those hands reaching out to us in des-

WOODEN

CINDY

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

life

Humans

2005

will,

are the

but thine be done."

cannot command God to obey us. We can only accept in faith what he sends, even if we do not fully understand it. For some there will be joy, for others disappointment. St. Paul taught us to "rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not consider yourself to be wiser than you are"

(Rom

12:15).

you believe that Jesus is a divine person and that his words are true, then you have made the leap of faith. Be at peace. God does answer our prayers. If

January

The Catholic News & Herald 15

2005

14,

—

Abortion and Child Abuse Abused

children likely to abort their children

Editor's note: Part Pavone's column appeared issue

of Father

in the Dec.

of The Catholic News

& Herald.

previous column, I have is a mutual causality between abortion and child abuse. While this does not mean that everyone who was abused has an abortion, or that everyone who has an abortion will abuse their children, it does mean that there is significant correlation and influence both ways. I have already looked at some reasons why having an abortion can lead to the abuse of other children. Here I will comment on why being abused or In

Part 2

Guest

Column

would prefer to abort than to face that kind of abandonment. A related problem is the parental relationship. A woman who was abused or neglected by her parents in childhood is not going to think that they will be present and supportive during her pregnancy. When she desperately needed help as a child, her parents did

pointed out that there

neglected as a child increases the

likeli-

hood that one will abort her own child. The person who is abused or neglected as a child is deeply damaged, and the damage extends into adulthood. Because the. damage is done in key areas of how one sees oneself, how one trusts others, how one views the parent-child relationship and what expectations one has about the world and the future, this damage obviously affects both the willingness and ability to give birth to and raise a child.

FATHER FRANK PAVONE GUEST COLUMNIST

and hope are inextricably

Life

linked.

new

have the courage to say yes requires hope, and hope is

life

one of the most precious things that abuse and neglect destroy in their victims. If the hopes and dreams of the abused person are dashed, they see little hope for the future of their child, and hence abort that child. Moreover, abuse and neglect make the person weaker both in body and mind.

The abuse

Abortion seems like the easier option. Fear of abandonment is another major factor. Children who have been neglected or abandoned are terrified it will happen again. Hence, a pregnant abuse victim is especially vulnerable to threats of abandonment from those demanding she abort. She may also fear that the child will abandon her, and

victim finds

harder to trust her body to bear stress or pain, it

and finds it harder to engage in mature and flexible thinking. For these rea-

not help; hence, she is convinced they will not help now. This increases the temptation to abort.

Pregnancy and

"too

much

go through."

more-

mands of adulthood. One who has been abused or neglected has, essentially, missed out on her childhood, and seeks to cling to or recover it. This increases the unwillingness to lose that childhood in yet

another way, that

the maturity

is,

by accepting

demanded by parenthood.

This is seen as losing one's last chance of being nurtured by a parent. Father Pavone

sons, she will often say that a preg-

nancy

childbirth,

over, catapult a person into the de-

tor

of Priests for

the national direc-

Life.

Keeping faith

FATHER EUGENE HEMRICK CNS COLUMNIST

TRUST FOSTERS HEALTHY SPIRIT, GIVES LIVES MEANING "As

get older,

find

more and

keep my faith. All my childhood beliefs are being shattered." Those comments of a friend are being echoed more frequentiy by many others. They feel that people and institutions they trusted are not living up to their word. Much has happened recently to shake our faith. Sex abuse scandals have led some to leave the church. The reason for going to war with Iraq was based on

difficult to

intelligence reports that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction; to date, this has not been proven true. Questions are being raised about the accomplishments of some athletes whether these are true accomplishments

—

all.

And many

once-respected

CEOs

have turned out to be frauds whose dealings

not broken, don't fix it

It's

Social Security

a proliferation of books

How First,

father and

ees projected a zero fund balance by

quit work, the

2030. In 2000, they adjusted the projec-

Faith

Social Security Disability

and today it's 2042. Projections keep changing because the trustees continue to make unrealistic, low-end assumptions about future economic conditions, like a GDP average growth of just 1.8 percent for the next 75 years.

and the

made him

drew

family

Some years later, my father joked about how the government finally cured him. He showed me a letter he got Insurance.

from the Social Security Administration that read, "Dear Mr. Rausch, with your 65th birthday, you are no longer dis-

You

abled.

are retired."

But, his retirement lasted only 15 days.

Two

weeks

after his birthday,

suffered a heart attack

and

check came to widowed mother.

that, his

tion to 2036,

economy grows

If the realistic 2.4

Social Security arrived

died.

With

69-year old

when

at a

changed public policy from "keep an eye on it" to "the sky is falling."

—

was

Privatization will transform So-

family's history.

declining market. Privatization threat-

Admin-

crunched the numbers and targeted 2042 as the year the trust fund istration

would

hit

zero balance. Political oppor-

promote privatization. For

tunists seized the projections to their

own agenda

people of pits the

faith,

—

the current alleged crisis

ideology of rugged individual-

ism (neo-liberalism) against the concept of community proclaimed by the social teachings of the church.

Consider these ideas for the current debate:

—

cial

ing.

Security from insurance to risk tak-

Security

ens

investing part of their Social

money

communal

"we're

all in this

private accounts,

justice

by changing

together," to "every

man

for himself."

—

Finally, privatization will produce great profits for banks and brokerage houses, but reduced benefits for Social

Security beneficiaries.

do we keep our

track the

proposed millions of private accounts, administrative costs that cut into benefits will rise tenfold, if handled by a single government-managed system, and possibly thirty-fold, if by private

faith in the

Currently, Social Security adminis-

as ever. In 1.996, Social Security's trust-

trative costs represent less than 0.6 per-

that faith doesn't

many

will

be restored.

look deeper,

discover

another rule of faith: Love is the driving force behind faith. Often we hear spouses say, "He [she]] can't always be counted

RAUSCH

on, but

I still

love

him

[Tier]."

They

take

the weaknesses with the strengths for

reasons based in love. cent of annual benefits. to sup-

Almost everything one deeply beby disappointments. These hurts and anger force us to

Yet, neither side can

realize the critical role love plays in faith.

deny critical decision-making time remains decades away. Meantime, merely mid-course corrections and slight policy

Furthermore, we experience this we relish trust, which fulfills our desire to be at one with others. This gives our lives meaning; it is healthy for our spirit. Another rule of faith: Don't allow a broken trust to deteriorate into a divorce from an institution or a person! Becoming isolated, separated and withdrawn

The

debate about privatization can

find economists with

port either

side.

numbers

adjustments of Social Security "can keep an eye on it." Preserving Social Security represents the safety net that has lifted 1 million children out of poverty and helped another million avoid extreme poverty (living below half the poverty line). Today, about 10 percent of seniors over age 65 live in poverty. Without Social Security, that rate would climb to 50 percent. The proponents of privatization are framing an important question: what kind of society do we want to create one based on exaggerated self-reliance, or a community of care encouraged by the Gospel?

—

financial institutions.

Social Security appears as strong

remember

When we

fund never going to oppdrtunists have hysterically

younger workers are enticed by promises of better returns at retirement. Current wisdom: investors do far worse than the market generally. Retirement money will fluctuate with poor investing or a

In 2004„ the Social Security

but for

GLEN MARY FATHER JOHN

percent annual rate, the in-

and my sisters were teen-agers. It gave my family stability when it faced the crisis of my father's illness, and afforded my mother dignity in her senior years. Today, more than 47 million benefit from Social Security, the Old Age Survivors and Disability Insurance program, many of whom reflect my own 1 1

Marketplace

will insure the trust

The

and documentaries

remain static. It experiences ups and downs. Take for example marriage, in which couples pledge undying faith in each other. As they live together day in and day out, patience, trust and love may be tested,

crease in real output and real incomes zero.

people.

midst of all this?

After multiple sclerosis crippled

many

a great

questioning the veracity of Scripture.

on us

future depends

harmed

To make matters worse, we have seen

Father Rausch in Berea, Ky.

a syndicated columnist

lieves in will get tested

pain because

are bad for the

When we

spirit.

break relations, our affec-

and we end up carrying a heavy chip on our shoulders. literally put ourselves' at risk of becoming spiritually, psychologically and physically ugly. tions wither

One

final

rule:

Faith, like

life,

re-

quires a series of "patching-ups" and

recommitments.

When

seems that

being tested or threatened, this rule counsels us: Let life begin anew, and start by faith is

working on your own spirit, which on faith and love as its fuel.

relies

The Catholic News & Herald 16

January 14, 2005

PARISH PROFILE The church

Queen of the Apostles Church has

Community Orgawhich offers help to the needy Belmont by providing clothing and

nization, in

financial assistance for utilities, medicine

Gaston County

significant history in

also maintains active

with the Belmont

ties

and food.

The

parish displays a keen sense of

outreach to the organization operated by the Sisters of Mercy, including volunteer

QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES CHURCH

work at Catherine's House, Holy Angels and House of Mercy. Another ecumenical program initiated by Queen of the Apostles Church is

503 N. Main Street Belmont, N.C. 28012 (704) 739-3214

the interfaith prayer for peace service, Vicariate:

Gastonia

where people of all

Pastor. Oblate Father Joseph C. Zuschmidt

faith

meet

at a differ-

ent house of worship in Gaston County

Number of Households: 440

month

each

and pray

to share their experiences

for peace.

Along with normal parish activities, such as adult faith formation and Bible

Queen of the Apostles Church who works with other

sharing,

has a parish nurse

churches in the Belmont area.

The

parish continues to maintain

historical ties with

its

Belmont Abbey

through periodic assistance from the Benedictine

when

the pastor

— Under

Queen of the Apostles Church's parboundaries cover a large part of Gaston County, extending into western Mecklenburg County. While Queen of the Apostles Church was founded as a parish of the diocese rather than that of Belmont Abbey which to this day falls under no diocesan jurisdiction its parishioners thank the ish

—

Benedictines for their assistance in indi-

until

was the only

Belmont-area Catholics

when

1965,

plans to establish a

came

to fruition.

Named

Queen of the Apostles Church, the church was the converted gymnasium of a

boarding school for boys, while an

addition

was

rectory and

Since

founding

its

the hub of spiritual

on the abbey grounds, by former pastor Msgr.

center for

many

1965, Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont has served as for many Gaston County Catholics, as well as an outreach

Holly. Although liturgical activities had

been suspended the late

in the small

800s, St. Joseph

church in

was restored

the mid-1970s under the direction of

then-Bishop Michael

Begley of the re-

cently created Diocese of Charlotte.

Today

Joseph Church is used for special occasions such at the feast of St. Joseph. The U.S. Department of the Interior and the State of North Carolina declared the church a national historiSt.

built to include a sacristy,

In 1991, then-Bishop John F. Donoghue granted permission for construction on a parish center for Queen of the Apostles Church. The two new buildings

—

a parish family center and a

— were

Special Cards, Religious Articles, Unique Gifts r?

CAROLINA CATHOLIC

been blessed with many dedicated pastors over the years, including Bishop Peter

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Msgr. Anthony Kovacic,

of the occasion of his birthday,

we are rededi-

cating the center to him, since he built it"

"Queen of the Aposdes Church is shadows of the abbey and the

also

in the

Sis-

of Mercy," said Father Zuschmidt. "While proud of our connections to all of them, we are also proud to be a viable ters

parish in our

own

right fully equipped

and able to minister to the Catholics of Belmont Mount Holly and beyond." Staff Writer Karen A. Evans contributed to this

story.

to those in need. Parishioners distribute

For more information about the birthday

food to the needy of Belmont from the

celebration for Msgr. Kovacic and the rededi-

church's food pantry as well.

cation of the parish

Carolina Funeral &

C C

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7800 E. Independence

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Jugis,

the Apostles Church has

704^342-2878

Father Richard Hokanson, Father Edward Malloy, Msgr. John McSweeney and Msgr. Thomas Burke. Oblate Father Joseph Zuschmidt has served as pastor since May 1, 2003. He is continaully impressed with the commitment, enthusiasm and hospitality of his parishioners. Outreach being a continuing effort of the parish, Queen of the Apostles Church stands as a testimony of the enterprising evangelical spirit of Catholicism in North Carolina's history and its present. Ecumenical bonds are maintained through

Program, which uses the parish's family center to provide and deliver meals

_ BOOKSHOPPE _ "

Bishop Jugis rededicated life center in honor of Msgr. Kovacic, in recognition of his nine years as pastor of Queen of the Apostles Church. The day's events also celebrated Msgr. Kovacic's 85th birthday. 'Msgr. Kovacic is a beloved shepherd and friend to the parish of Queen of Aposdes," said Father Zuschmidt "In honor Jan. 9,

tional

office.

Serving the Carolinas for more than 23 years!

such efforts as the Gaston County Nutri-

February 1992.

Shortly after the church's establish-

ment, Queen of Apostles parishioners were given a duty of significant historical value: custodial care of the Church of Sts. Joseph and Mary in nearby Mount

the college

dedicated in

classroom center

Queen of

Members of

the church's parish

the community.

Burke.

community join parishioners of Queen of the Aposdes Church in daily adoration.

life

cal site in 1979.

rectly establishing the parish.

diocesan parish

Photo by George Cobb

shadow

size,

active church for

established

Thomas the

Church has provided a spiritual home for Gaston County Catholics since its dedication in March 1965. Although the parish community is relatively small in

cathedral

liturgical activities

unavailable.

A chapel for perpetual adoration of the

of the seat of the Diocese of Charlotte and Belmont Abbey, Queen of the Apostles

The abbey

Eucharist, located

Zuschmidt

was

BELMONT

for reconciliation ser-

and weekend

Oblate Father

Joseph

monks

vices

"Nothing Could Be Finer"

Steven

Kuzma

Owner/ Directo r Privately, Locally

Owned

Member St. Matthew Church and Knights of Columbus

Members ofSt. Gabriel

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