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March
Volume
2000
10,
9 t
&
S
Number 27
Serving Catholics
in
Western North Carolina
in
the Diocese of Charlotte
ln$id r Irish
Dancing Put on your and dance a ceili ghillies
Report shows Hispanic Catholic 3
...Page
boom
in
some
unlikely places By PATRICIA
Pope urges aid to floodstricken
ZAPOR
News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) Since 1960, Hispanics have accounted for 7 1 percent of the growth in the U.S. Catholic
Mozambique 2
...Page
—
Catholic Church.
Jesuit
While such a statistic may not come as a surprise in El Paso or Miami,
House of Prayer
facility restored,
...Page
World Day of Prayer 14-year-old Cecelia Pueschel holds a candle while Sister Maxine a Cr ait ° r C HghtS the Candle in a sy™ 1"* 1 of unity. See story,
7
:
Local News
By
launched for Lent
JIMMY ROSTAR
CHARLOTTE ...Page
9
Living
— As
celebrated
Lawrence
Basilica
16
fvery Week Entertainment
10-11
& Columns
—
DSA does
year's
so well every
12-13
A Time
of Reconciliation"
A column
by Father Fidel
Melo
said times,
means
5
social service
Sunday Weekend, March 18-19. Pledge reminders
church's celebration of the jubilee year, the theme of this year's appeal is "Open Wide the
early
5
1
in
donors
six-month period.
Doors
to
percent of this year's $3.14 million goal had been pledged. The appeal officially closes 6,
to
be sent
choosing to give over a
Christ."
As of March
will
May
the diocese, Appeal Sunday Weekend invites those who have yet to respond to give. "It's also a way of reaching out to those
parishioners
who
perhaps did not get a letter or pledge card in the mail," said Rohrman. "This diocese is growing so
quickly that in just the short month since the first mailing went out, many people have joined parishes."
With
growth comes an ever-pressing need for outreach through ministry, said Rohrman. The that rapid
The
.
program for engaged couples, Hispanic Ministry, Catholic Social Services, youth min-
registered Catholics in
new
_.
tion
While letters and pledge cards have already been mailed to
officially
_
diaconate, the lay ministry program, a prepara-
the appeal."
$3.14 million
.
Catholic News & Herald have brought readers several glimpses of how the appeal touches the lives of thou-
Rohrman. "Many it is someone who
closes with Appeal
multi-cultural ministries of the diocese. Reflecting th
,
.
past several issues of
to them,"
has received help from the DSA or who is a parish leader who knows
The appeal
and
The Season of Lent
DSA
goal had been pledged.
appeal is the Diocese of Charlotte's primary fund-raising effort, providing moneys for 35 vocational, educa-
_
senter shares about what the
As of March 6, 51 percent of this
that self-giv-
ing stewardship and because of that, the
tional,
"Lent:
i
sands throughout the western half of North Carolina. The permanent
about the benefits of
The support
...Pages
ing to give over a six-
and more people are embracing that spiri-
—
w„„i.„„j Weekend,
month period. "On Appeal Sunday, in most parishes a lay pre-
DSA
year."
Editorials
the annual
provides us in the diocese a chance to live the Beatitudes and the corporal works of mercy," said Barbara Rohrman, associate director of development and director of the Diocesan Support Appeal. "More
tuality
<z,^A«„ Sunday
18-19. Pledge reminders will be sent in early May to donors choos-
Diocesan Support Appeal nears its closing later this month, its director said the appeal opens the doors to Christ while providing an opportu-
"The
Black History
.Pages
num-
See HISPANIC ott nior-Miviu iVlllNIU MINISTRY, NY, page
1
March
nity for Christian stewardship.
the Faith
Ann^i Appeal
with
Associate Editor
...Page
84 percent increase in the ber of Hispanics over six years.
Support Appeal an avenue for stewardship, says director
Operation Rice Bowl
at St.
find an
DR
'
Ja ge 8
Month
the Diocese of Charlotte, N.C, isn't where most Americans would expect to
Photo by Joann S. Keane
readied
istry, campus ministry formation are but a few of the ways the DSA brings ministry to those who need or seek it.
and
faith
"When we open wide the doors to we open ourselves to something that is all-inclusive," Rohrman said. "When we dedicate ourselves to serving Christ, we are provided with Christ,
an opportunity to recognize him in all people. At the same time, we are called to be Christ for others."
Through
the efforts of the DSA, added, parishioners live their commitment to giving of their time, talent and treasure. "Each year, more and more people embrace the DSA as another
Rohrman
avenue for their stewardship," she "They are participating in the
said.
mission of the church."
Contact Associate Editor Jimmy Rostar by calling (704) 370-3334 or email jtrostar@charlottediocese.org
2
The Catholic News & Herald
The World
March
Brief
in
Colombia Caritas says government must aid massacre survivors WASHINGTON (CNS) While the church can offer some aid to survi-
By
vors of a paramilitary massacre in northern Colombia, the government must take responsibility for helping the people, said the director of Caritas Colombia. "For me the problem is how the army didn't know" that
town
—
a national conference described Catholic-Jewish relations as flourishing, with no small amount of credit due to Pope John Paul II. They also
Leo University,
ish Studies at Saint
northeast of Tampa, for
its
third an-
nual Catholic-Jewish conference. "There have been more positive encounters between Jews and Catholics in the last 35 years than there were in
official
says
halt aid work Sierra Leone If rebel abductions of aid
FREETOWN, (CNS)
—
vors, the
March
Volume
9
10,
2000
Number 27
•
Most Reverend William G. Curlin Joann S. Keane
Associate Editor: Jimmy Rostar Staff Writer:
AleshaM.
CNS
photo by Debbie Hill
to visit Palestinian refugee camp Huda Salameh, 70, cooks a meal with her granddaughter, Lara, on the floor of their tiny house at the Dehiyshe Refugee Camp just outside Bethlehem. Salameh has lived in the camp since 1948. Pope John Paul II is to make a stop there during his March visit to the Holy Land.
D" who walked across the country for the cause. Haddock met with two members of Congress who are push-
alternative but to cease operations,"
John Conteh, monitoring and evalua-
Leaders for Campaign Finance Reform at a March 2 forum at the Capi-
tion officer for Caritas, told Catholic
tol.
News
trek had a spiritual dimension to
Service.
He
said the frequent
abductions have caused Caritas workers to fear venturing into the interior of Sierra Leone, where the agency's projects are based. "We have partners we are working with. If abductions continue, they will cease aiding us," he added. Religious leaders, 'Granny D'
WASHINGTON nificant
(CNS)
—
who have fought
changes
in federal
Reli-
ing for campaign finance changes and representatives of the group Religious
At the forum, Haddock
"God
said her it.
often speaks to us with crazy
ideas," she said.
The House
has twice only to see them stall in the Senate. In 1997, the religious leaders' group said passage of bills then under consideration
passed campaign finance
bills
"will go a long way toward meeting moral standards and restoring credibility and public trust in the demo-
cratic process."
for sig-
campaign
financing over the last three years now have a high-profile ally in Doris Haddock, the 90-year-old "Granny
Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events:
March 12 St.
St.,
NC 28203 NC 28237
P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382
Mail:
E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org
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 by the
except
for
for $1 5
per year
parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $18 per year for all other subscribers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and
for enrollees in
other
EH5E
cities.
POSTMASTER: Send
address corrections to The Catholic
News &
Herald, P.O.
Charlotte,
NC
28237.
—
—
15 12:15 pm Ecumenical Lenten Lecture and Service St. Pius X, Greensboro
March
Christmas week and Easter week and every
two weeks during June, July and August
Basilica, Asheville
11 am Presbyteral Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte
March 14
Charlotte,
— 3 pm
Lawrence
Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick
1123 South Church
a
Sunday blessing
emergency supplies by helicopter, aid workers said they risked running out of safe water in camps where more than 200,000 people were being tem-
workers and U.N. peacekeepers in Sierra Leone continue, the Catholic Church's local charitable agency may suspend operations, said a Caritas official. "If they continue, we have no
Rite of Election
Secretary: Jane Glodowski
at
the pope said his thoughts
are experiencing a tragedy of unprecedented proportions caused by the serious flooding that has stricken a vast portion of the country." The worst areas of flooding were in Mozambique's Limpopo River valley, about 100 miles northeast of the capital, Maputo. Despite deliveries of
Pope
Price
Production Associate: Julie Radcliffe
5,
were with "the people of Mozambique,
Publisher: Editor:
assis-
who
locesan planner
Episcopal, calendar
I)
to pro-
pope praised the international
Speaking
March
,
& H E R A L
the
response but said more was needed.
Th
NEWS
in
tance to hundreds of thousands of survi-
gious leaders
may
Mozambique, where
emergency food and medical
vide
speakers.
Leone Caritas
— Pope
urged international aid
wake of a cyclone. As aid agencies scrambled
back campaign finance changes
abductions
(CNS)
II
to flood-stricken
the first 2,000 years of the church," said Rabbi Rudin, one of the featured
Sierra
Service
thousands were feared dead
at
looked at the future, as the start of the third millennium brings what Rabbi A. James Rudin called a "new frontier of Jewish-Catholic relations." Rabbi Rudin, interreligious affairs director for the American Jewish Committee in New York, was among some 60 Catholic and Jewish leaders who came to The Center for Catholic-Jew-
News
VATICAN CITY John Paul
—
Conference reviews CatholicJewish relations, looks to future Experts ST. LEO, Fla. (CNS)
JOHN THAVIS
Catholic
for
four days killing the people, said Msgr. Hector Henao Gaviria, head of and Caritas Colombia. "Four days it is not very far from the army. So I think the Colombian government has a responsibility there, and they must help the people," he said. In late February in El Salado, in the Archdiocese of Cartagena, paramilitaries cut the throats of more than 40 people, including one in a church. Investigators said a 200-man death squad murdered the villagers during a four-day raid in the community in Bolivar province.
2000
Pope urges aid to floodstricken Mozambique
—
paramilitaries were in the
10,
March
15
— 7:15 pm
Rite of Election St. Pius X, Greensboro
March 16
— 7:15 pm
Rite of Election
Box 37267,
St.
Matthews, Charlotte
March 13 WINSTON-SALEM
—
mission, beginning tonight through March 15 from 7:30-9 p.m. with Father John Hoover, pastor and director
New
Creation Monastery in
Boonville, N.C. Topics of discussion
include the domestic church, sacraments, liturgy and the millennium. A free will donation is also being taken.
For
details, call the
(336) 722-7001.
14 GREENSBORO
church
— For
office at
a Salesian St.
the Apostle Church, 2715 Horse
Paul
Pen
hosting Oblate of St. Francis de Sales Father Michael S. Murray from the De Sales Spirituality Center. His presentation, "Summit of. Compassion," is taking place tonight is
—
from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and tomorrow morning from 10-1 1 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, call the church office at (336) 294-4696.
The Greens15 GREENSBORO boro Council of Catholic Women's Lenten Retreat begins this morning with 10 a.m. Mass and light refreshments at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 West Market
St.
The
retreat
continues this month on March 22 and 29 and next month on April 5 and 12. On April 12, there will be a fmger food luncheon after the Mass. For more information, call Lillian Leonard, council president, at (336) 299-0736.
18 ASHEVILLE
—
For parish leadand interested people in the Western areas of the diocese, Glenmary Father John Rausch is the featured speaker, and the topic is "Catholic Teaching, Principles and Skills of Soers
perspective on the Eucharist,
Creek Rd.,
The Mozambican government has not made an official estimate of the dead, but relief agencies said the final toll is likely to be in the thousands. Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops' international relief and development agency, said March 2 it was sending an assessment team to the region to begin an emergency response in cooperation with local church partners. If your parish chooses to take up a special offering, please contribute in that way. Alternately, individual conations may be sent by check payable to the "Diocese of Charlotte Mozambique Relief and mailed to the Diocese of Charlotte Pastoral Center, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203. All money collected will be forwarded to Catholic Relief Services, which is the U.S. Catholic community's official overseas relief effort, r
—
Our
Lady of Mercy Church, 1919 South Main St., is having its parish Lenten
'of the
porarily sheltered.
cial Analysis:
Transforming Society
and Putting Your Faith to Work." The event, sponsored by St. Eugene Church, 1 Culvern St., and the Office of
March
10,
2000 The Catholic News & Herald 3
Around the Diocese
Put on your ghillies and dance a By
M. PRICE Staff Writer
CHARLOTTE familiar with is
Throughout
the year, the students literally kick up their heels
dance terms,
all
Since the arrival of "Riverdance" and "Lord of the Dance," the popularity of
dancing has gained momentum the United States. Although the dancing that many Americans have seen on stage and on screen differs in Irish
from Maryland
in
way
to Florida, all the to Texas. Feishanas, plural for
feis,
are regular competitions or festi-
some ways from
many
tradition,
vals held throughout the year. The students can hone their craft, showcase their skill and practice for the
local
children and adults have joined the Irish dancing craze. For many, the dancing has a deeper meaning one reaching back to Ireland.
oireachtas, the qualifying round for the world championships in Ireland,
—
explained Connick. After placing in the top positions at the Southern Region oireachtas held in Baltimore, Md., in December,
was
dancing before 'Riverdance,'" joked Emily Adkisson. Adkisson, a freshman at Bishop McGuinness High School and a St. Leo the Great Church parishioner, "I
26 students from Rince
who Her
has been dancing for six years. Irish lineage comes from her mother's side with her great-grandparents who immigrated to America. "This is really neat because it is something my ancestors would have done," she said. "It
is
good
exercise,
and
it is
fun." In celebration
of her heritage, she also plays the Celtic harp, a smaller version of a concert harp, and reads about Irish history and culture.
Mrs. Adkisson travels back and forth from Winston-Salem to Charlotte at least twice a week for her daughter to attend dance classes. "It
does get
we do
tiring,
but this
as a family.
is
something
The
competitions are family-oriented because my girls share, practice and work together.
They are how to be
learning self-discipline and gracious winners and losers, and this helps with values that you try to teach them," said Mrs. Adkisson.
Rince Na h'Eireann, meaning "dance of Ireland," is the name of Sandra Connick's dance school that Adkisson attends. Connick, originally from Cork, Ireland, has been living in America for seven years. The family
The
,->,,,,. ie and older ladies group from Rince Na ?
m
moved here because her oldest daughter Sarah, now 11, has cerebral and her husband William moved with their son Killian, now 9, to CharSarah in the St. Mark's In-School Program in Billingsley Ellotte to enroll
ementary School,
said Connick. Connick, who had been involved with Irish dancing since she was a child, began the school in 1993 with the help of a registered teacher. At the
time, there
were no registered schools Charlotte or in North Carolina; one of Connick's former students has since started a dance school in Raleigh. Her sister Aine Walsh-Kelley began teaching with Connick until Walsh-Kelley began her own school. Now, the sisters good-naturedly compete against one another. in
information, call Jerry Bergeron at the
Order of
office at (828)
BELMONT St.
Patrick's
benefit
—
254-5193.
The Fourth Annual
Day Emerald
Holy Angels
Inc. is
from 8 p.m.-l2 midnight
in
Ball to
being held
Founders
Bank of America CorpoCenter in uptown Charlotte. The
Hall in the rate
event, sponsored
by the Emerald Ball Committee, is semi-formal and features heavy hors d'oeuvres, beverages, dancing to big band music by Reflections and Irish blues by The Federals, a cash bar and a silent auction. The Irish dance group from Rince na h'Eireann is also performing during the evening. For sponsor and ticket information, call Linda Dyer Hart at (704) 542-6846 or Suzanne Jeffries at (704)
gels tion
is
825-4161. Holy An-
a private, nonprofit corpora-
founded by the Sisters of Mercy 1956 which provides residential services and programs for mentally,
Connick
FLETCHER — The Ancient
Hibernians, the Cross and Shamrock #i N.C., is holding its 7th
Division -
Annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner at the Broadmoor Golf Club on French Broad Lane, off of Airport Rd. The festivities start at 7 p.m. with door prizes, a corned beef and cabbage dinner and music by Joe Lavin and his band. For tickets
ham
and
George Dun-
details, call
at (828) 298-0085. The" Ancient
Order of Hibernians is an international organization dedicated to friendship, unity and Catholic charity.
HENDERSONVILLE
—
The Knights Columbus are sponsoring a St. Patrick's Day Dinner and Sweepstakes of
tonight at Immaculata School, 711 Bun-
combe
St.
The
dinner of corned beef, cabbage, vegetables, bread and dessert is being served at 6 p.m. with post time at 7:30 p.m.
For
tion, call the
Church
and other informaImmaculate Conception
ticket
office at (828)
693-6901.
is
member
a
of the Irish
Dance Teachers' Association of North America and the Irish Dancing Commission of Ireland. She had to go through an extensive examination process in order to become certified. For over two years, Connick's
palsy. After researching schools, she
physically and developmentally challenged children and adults.
church
Photo by Alesha M. Price
-
h'Eireann dance school in C Ce eir r ° Udne f° r the WOrld Irish danci »g competition LlH R ,f! xT held Belfast, Northern Ireland, during late April around Easter. The youn* women are one of three groups traveling along with three soloists to compete with other Irish dancers from around the world.
and Peace," is being held today from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. For further
Justice
in
—
dancing is done on the toes with arms straight at the sides— at feishanas throughout the Southern region, consisting of East Coast states
dance shoes, and a dance or gathering.
an Irish
Triad area.
in the
— For those not
Irish
ghillies are soft ceili
ceili
ALESHA
Pam Pierce, has helped her in her teaching. Pierce, who is from Dublin, Ireland, has been living in the partner,
states for over
Connick
20 years. She met
after enrolling her
daughters and began to help out with teaching. She has been dancing for many years, also beginning when she was very young. Connick has 160 children enrolled in her Charlotte school and nearly 80 in her recently opened Winston-Salem school. She opened in the school in Charlotte
the
new
school because of the
—
20 CHARLOTTE
—
women
All
of Charlotte and the surrounding areas are invited to a morning of prayer and reflection, sponsored the St. Gabriel Church Women's Club, from 8:30-
3016 Providence Rd. JeFather Vince Alagia, the featured speaker, is also hearing confessions at 1
1:30 a.m. at
suit
1 1:30 a.m. For more information, call the church office at (704) 364-5431
21
GREENSBORO
—
The
Franciscan Center is having a "Chrism Day of Reflection" today from ll a.m.-2 p.m. with Mass followed by lunch and a talk by Franciscan Father Louis Canino, director of the center. tion
by March
To make
reserva-
Mary
Violante
16, call
h'Eireann
Scotland, England, Wales, Australia,' United States and New Zealand. This is the school's third trip to Ireland for the world championship.
Three teams
— —
boys and girls ununder 16 and senior ladies 16 and over and three soloists Emily Adkisson, Caitlin Gill and Oliver Shock will be competing in April around Easter in the ceili championships and the solo championships. Pierce Beach is one of four boys competing with the mixed team. Eleven-year-old Beach said being one of a few boys in the school doesn't make him uncomfortable. "We have all known each other for so long that we are like brothers and sisters. I like Irish dancing because it is competitive and fun. I've been to Ireland for der
13, girls
—
—
competition and saw where
my
grandfather's tized," said St.
grandma was bapBeach. The fifth grader at
Patrick School has been dancing and a half years. Judi Burchard, the business man-
for three
demand
19 CHARLOTTE St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd., is celebrating Mass at 2:30 p.m. and the sacrament of anointing of the sick to powerfully demonstrate Jesus' presence among us as our healer and comforter. Call the church office at (704) 364-5431 for details.
Na
qualified to take the trip to Belfast, Ireland, for the competition with students from Ireland, Northern Ireland,
See IRISH DANCING, page 5
at (336)
282-4099.
24 HICKORY
—
Rachel's Vineyard Journey of Post-Abortion Healing is taking place at the Catholic Conference Center, 1551 Trinity Lane, this weekend. This retreat, facilitated by Dr. Martha Shuping, Retreat:
A
psychiatrist and pastoral minister,
and Debbie Woodhams, licensed professional counselor and the presi-
dent of Transfiguration Ministries,
is
one that focuses on a biblical healing process based on Dr. Burke's book "Rachel's Vineyard." The weekend includes discussions, prayer, living Scripture exercises, private letter writing and a memorial service. Participation
is strictly confidential and an opportunity to experience God's love, forgiveness and compassion. For more information, call Dr. Shuping at (336) 659-1342.
offers
Please submit notices of events for the Diocesan Planner at least 10 days prior to publication date.
4
The Catholic News & Herald
March
Around the Diocese
10,
2000
Textbook evaluations to benefit faith formation students By
ALESHA
M. PRICE
"These evaluations
Staff Writer
MONROE
—
In an
ongoing
help
make
materials should help the catechist
the students
— Marylin
who must
learn
Translated by the American Catholic bishops, the directory comes
catechetical
The
focus of the
new
direc-
tory is evangelization because in order to catechize, evangelization has to take place at every stage of development and should be the framework for passing on of faith, she explained. The six tasks promoting knowledge of faith, liturgical education, moral formation, teaching to pray, education for community life
Hawker, vicar
used as a basis for the updated criteria for evaluation of catechetical materials. The focus areas include the overall faith formation program, the catechist manual, the student text and family resources. Each area is graded as strong, weak or absent, as it corresponds to each of the six tasks. "The textbook selection instrument, or criteria list, is based on the new General Directory for Catechesis and the six tasks of catechesis, which makes the instrument on the cutting edge," said Dr. Cris Villapando, diocesan director of faith formation programs. "It's been at least five years since the Office of Faith Formation has had any kind of textbook evaluations. This is very important because it impacts the catechetical life of the parish, not only in terms of the ortho-
—
and missionary initiation
members to begin the procedure, explained Peg Ruble, Central Region coordinator for faith formation.
After a committee of parish catechetical leaders evaluated a set of
two
series of textbooks, the
two
dioc-
members on the committee wrote textbook summaries and discussed the strengths and weaknesses
esan staff
of each series of catechetical texts, said Ruble. A list of recommended and non-recommended textbooks for faith formation classes was formulated based upon the evaluation. In order to assist the parish catechetical leaders to select the
.
most
appropriate of the recommended series for use in their faith formation
programs, a criteria list was developed for their use, based on the six
The
internalize the lessons."
doxy of the material
The process of analyzing the textbooks being used in parish faith formation classes began nearly a year and a half ago, when diocesan staff members began to review the Faith Formation and Guidelines Handbook for the Diocese of Charlotte. At the time, the evaluation of textbooks was a concept evolving from the guidelines update; therefore, Father James staff
and
fundamental tasks of catechesis, as written in the General Directory for Catechesis, said Marylin Kravatz, Southern Region cooordinator.
ministry.
for education, assigned
in scripture...
teaching the church beliefs to
in
own Some
Kravatz, southern regional coordinator offaith formation
from Rome and serves as a guide for pastors and bishops for catechetical
and Salisbury Vicariates.
out the strong and weak points of various textbook series," said Sister Bernadette. "They should use materials that employ good teaching methods based on life experiences and methodology using the senses and
sure the parishes are using good
materials that are doctrinally-sound and immersed
ef-
being assisted in their need for spiritual and religious growth, diocesan and parish-level faith formation coordinators and directors met to discuss the policy, criteria and procedure for the evaluation of the textbooks used in kindergarten through sixth-grade faith formation programs. Our Lady of Lourdes Church was the host parish for the Feb. 24 workshop for those from parishes in the Southern Region, which includes the Albemarle, Charfort to ensure that students are
lotte
will
—
Everybody counts
were
in
to be selected but
also in terms of those resources
which
are pedagogically important."
One
of the
members of the parish committee, Martha
Drennan, director of faith formation for St. Therese Church in Mooresville, talked about her experiences with reading through the different textbook series. "The publishers of the various textbook series are trying hard to address the new General Directory for Catechesis and the incorporation of the catechism. This is
good because the publishers should be rooting their materials in church
documents, which are central to what we do as catechists," she said. "When the diocesan staff members made the instrument for evaluation more user friendly by connecting it
to those six tasks for catechesis,
see that as a great
cause
it
experiences." parishes have already begun to evaluate the texts that they are their
I
improvement be-
has to be practical so that
people' on the parish level can use
it,"
continued Drennan.
These revised criteria and other supplemental findings were presented to the southern region parish catechetical leaders and teachers at the workshop. Franciscan Sister Bernadette Svatos, Northern Region coordinator, began the workshop with a prayer service and spoke about the history and evolution of catechesis since Vatican II. "The purpose of this workshop was to inform and help parishes who may change what they are using; this serves as a guide for them by pointing
life
using in their faith formation programs. St. Patrick Cathedral has begun its own evaluations, and Joanna Catabui, parish coordinator for faith formation, was very interested in the information she received.
"This workshop was very informative concerning the special criteria as far as the selection of catechetical
Our parish is doing a textbook evaluation now, so the criteria will help us in establishing what our pritexts.
Catabui also signed up to become a part of the parish catechetical leader evaluation committee because she wanted to represent her parish's needs to the diocese. If a parish decides not to evaluate orities in selecting a text."
and those they use are not on the recommended list, then the parish has to meet with the regional faith formation coordinator and present some supplemental materials to support the weaknesses or remedy the weaknesses if they don't plan to make changes, said Ruble. "These evaluations will help make sure the parishes are using good materials that are doctrinally-sound and immersed in scripture," said Kravatz. "The materials should help the catechist in teaching the church beliefs to the students who must learn and internalize the lessons." t their catechetical materials,
Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or email amprice@charlottediocese.org.
The Diocesan Census 2000!
Please cooperate with your parish as we complete the Diocesan Census. This will help us plan for the needs of you, your family, your parish, and the entire diocese, both for now and the future.
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from page 3
said,
"I
like
it
because
different people different places."
ment by future
echoed by other Vatican
year-old junior at Charlotte Catholic High School who attends St. Matthew Church. Both sides of her family are Irish, and she has been dancing for nine years. "The focus is on the feet, the straight body, rhythm and grace.
officials
1990 and 1996. It was followed by Reno-Las Vegas, Nev., Atlanta, Raleigh, N.C, and Portland, Ore. The ranking came in a list of dio-
dancing." In addition to her dancing, she is also involved in cross-
ceses and archdioceses with the greatest percentage increases of Hispanic popu-
country, track, basketball and soccer. "The scheduling is hard sometimes," she added with a
lation in a report at the
Turn of March
smile.
released
"These dances are hundreds of years of old, and the children work very hard," said Connick. "I
fairs
on "Hispanic Ministry
the 7
New
Millennium,"
by the Hispanic Af-
Committee of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. (Reno-Las Vegas was split into two dioceses in 1995, but was considered as one entity for the purposes of the study.)
can raise my kids and keep them in touch with their Irish heritage and nationality." r I
It
only took 22,735 Hispanic
newcomers
to the Charlotte
Diocese to account for that 84 percent increase. The total Catholic population of Charlotte in 1990 was just 63,973. Nationwide, estimates of the percentage of Hispanics who are Catholic range from 67 percent to 7 1 percent, according to the NCCB committee.
Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or email amprice@charlottediocese.org.
Between 30 percent and 38 percent of U.S. Catholics are Hispanic. Even dioceses where the Hispanic
1
1
Done
the best possible way of preparing for the scrutiny of future Christians, Cardinal Etchegaray said.
"Our solidarity with the church of yesterday helps us better discover our responsibility for the church of tomorrow," he said, t
request for forgiveness for the wrongs
from pa ge 1 population has always been significant reported steady increases in the study period, according to the report.
For example, the Diocese of San Bernardino, Calif, recorded a 41 percent increase in Hispanic population and the Diocese of Austin, Texas, had a 37
percent increase. In three of the 13 episcopal regions of the country, the Hispanic population growth rate exceeded 40 percent, according to the report.
The
smallest regional increase was 14 percent growth in Hispanic population in region 2, made up of just the state of New York. The area with
And
The data was based on the actual population count and statistical sampling of the 1990 census, and updated by the Census Bureau based on sta-
—
the Hispanic population
No U.S. diocese reported a decrease in its Hispanic population from 1990 to 1996, and only three had an increase of less than lO percent. an increase of 9 percent; and Steubenville, Ohio, with an increase of just under 6 percent.
the biggest growth was the five-state region 12 Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska and Montana where
more than 50
New York, 1.2 million; Galveston-Houston, l million; and San Antonio, 979,000. lion;
Those are: Cheyenne, Wyo., with a 7 percent increase; Juneau, Alaska, with
the
—
undercount this year. According to the report, the five U.S. dioceses or archdioceses with the largest number of Hispanics are: Los Angeles, 4.27 million; Miami, 1.3 mil-
grew by
percent.
those figures are likely to be
tistical estimates. Information from the General Social Survey of the National Opinion Research Center in
proved low following this year's census. The Census Bureau and independent demographers believe the Hispanic population was dramatically
Chicago and the Strategy Research Corporation was used to calculate numbers of people who identify them-
undercounted in the 1990 census. Various changes have been made in the census program to avoid an
selves as Catholic, according to the committee report, t
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Father Cottier, was the potential for overlooking current problems. "The danger, in fact, is that the
dur-
Charlotte topped the list of dioceses with the largest percentage increase in Hispanic population between
My
that
central danger in focusing on sins in the church's past, according to
Hispanic Ministry,
friends think that it is interesting that I do this because it is so different from other types of
it
The
we must judge their acts," he said. The theologian's mus'ings were
"We all interact and work well together, and we are really strong as a team," said Gill, a 1 7-
like
In hanging out the dirty laundry of past Christians, the church must not forget to do its own wash, he said. "Don't we today sometimes think with satisfaction that all of the church's clothes are white?" he asked.
pope's personal theologian. "We are no better than the men and women of the past. It is with modesty and 'fear and trembling' that
to
—
large-scale prostitution "phenomena which are growing under our eyes, amid the greatest indifference."
tee.
Christians, church
"What will the men and women of tomorrow think of us?" said Dominican Father Georges Cottier, the
get to
I
Current evils for which future generations may take the church to task, he said, included modern forms of slavery like child-trafficking and
we
tions for our current blindness?" said Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, president of the Vatican's jubilee commit-
leaders said.
we
will
ourselves be judged in a hundred years by future genera-
Christians of today, having aired in detail the faults of their predecessors, can expect the same treat-
whose
and go
"How
precedent
of the past might serve as an alibi for amnesia toward recent wrongs or for the wrongs of our epoch," he said.
St. Peter's Basilica.
The
have -with everyone." Katie has been dancing for six years and
meet
—
lis jubilee gesture of confessing the sins of the church's past, often set a precedent.
great-great grandparents are from Ireland. "The dancing is exciting to watch because the music is upbeat and fast-paced, and I connection
ing a press conference March 7 detailing the pope's much-awaited "request for forgiveness" liturgy March 12 in
News Service (CNS) Unprecedented acts, like Pope John Paul
VATICAN CITY
ager at Sacred Heart Church, and her daughter nine-year-old Katie Tobias, who is in fourth grade at Sacred Heart School, travel from Salisbury to Charlotte several nights a week. "I don't mind the driving because this involves our
like the Catholic
JOHN NORTON
Catholic
heritage," said Burchard,
The Catholic News & Herald 5
the News
Church leaders say confessing sins of past sets
Dancing,
Irish
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Catholic leaders want House chaplaincy issue resolved WASHINGTON (CNS) - Amid the growing dispute over the deadlocked appointment for the next House chaplain, some Catholics are urging a quick resolution. About 40 Catholic Republican lawmakers met
GOP
privately with
leaders
March
2000 Challenge," launched in the February edition of the charity's Network newsletter, aims to recruit ily
2,000 families to raise
1
London
portunity for small, to
CNS
photo from Reuters
Cardinal O'Connor accepts Congressional Gold Medal Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., (center) and Rep. Vito Fossella, R-N.Y., congratulate Cardinal John O'Connor after presenting him with legislation awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal March 6 at the cardinal's residence in New York. The medal is the highest civilian honor given by Congress. It has been awarded to 250 people including George Washington, the Wright brothers and Mother Teresa.
a
Ministry Gathering in WashingAuad has worked over the last 17 years in migrant and immigrant populations in Indiantown, Fla., a small town in the northern Everglades about 40 miles from West Palm Beach, Fla. After hearing and recounting her many accomplishments in Indiantown, Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. bishops, said, "Sister Teresa, you are one hot num-
culture."
Dominican sister wins CCHD Development of People Award
—
Do-
minican Sister Teresa Auad received the Development of People Award
from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development Feb. 27 in Washington during the 2000 Catholic So-
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prime minister's wife backs appeal for children Cherie LONDON (CNS)
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<•
Executive Director: Elizabeth Thurbee (704)
Refugee
—
March 6 press conference in Washington joined civil rights figures in urging participation in the 2000 census. "We stand fully behind an accurate count," said Beverly Carroll, director of the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for African-American Catholics. "We've asked schools, parishes to open their doors" to assist in the effort, she added. Speaking to those who receive help from the church through soup kitchens, day-care centers and children's programs, Carroll said, "We are asking you to trust us again. want to make sure the services of the federal government are
VGA & SVGA
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material assistance
counseling
(CNS)
Booth, wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, has backed an appeal by
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com-
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(CNS)
for the
Catholic and other religious leaders at
Wounded
WASHINGTON
work together
WASHINGTON
— The
Heal
a wonderful op-
families, large or
purpose of helping other families and children. Booth, also a distinguished lawyer, has three children and is expecting a fourth in May. Religious, civil rights leaders urge participation in census
ington think-tank Feb. 29. Government must do what it can to help families spend more time together, in part by lessening their tax burden, he added in a talk titled "A Year After
How Do We
was all
mon
key to stopping youth violence on the street and in the schoolyard is to strengthen families, Republican Gov. Bill Owens of Colorado told a Wash-
Columbine:
for the
residence, Booth, a Catholic,
said the appeal
key to stopping violence (CNS)
money
which works with children throughout the archdiocese, including London. Writing from 10 Downing Street, the prime minister's official
charity,
has now become a political quagmire. Catholic legislators also brought up some of these solutions on the House floor during the first week of March. Suggestions included that the nomination process should start over or that the position of House chaplain be abolished and replaced with a rotating voluntary ministry. Colo, governor says family ties
WASHINGTON
2000
the Catholic Children's Society in the Westminster Archdiocese. The "Fam-
what
to discuss possible solutions to
10,
the
Fort Mill,
into
Zimmer Business
entrance on the
SC 29715
Park.
(803)802
-
Privately, Locally
Owned
Member St. Matthew Church and
left.
4360
Knights of Columbus
March
2000
10,
from the Cover
The Catholic News & Herald 7
House of Prayer facility restored, readied for future
Jesuit
7
By JOANITA M. NEL LFNRAnw NELLENBACH Correspondent
HOT SPRINGS — whose time has
tion rived.
"Historically,
It's a
renova-
definitely ar-
Now
Sister
make
Ignatian,
House of Prayer,' most of the work will be finished by April 1, when a group is expected "We'll have enough in order to have that day of recollection," she
Getting to this stage has been a long process. The Jesuit House of Prayer Advisory Board began imple-
education to children in rural areas.
menting a five-year plan in 1994. The phase was renovation of the Chapel of the Redeemer, which was
make
1998.
God who
renovation of the north
ministry of prayer. We're here to it available to everyone. A Catholic presence, particularly Ignatian, is a charism that needs to be shared with the world." The House of Prayer's staff and the advisory board saw that the aging facility needed an upgrade. A
1892 as a
Graves bought it in 1954 or 1955. Father Graves had come to the area as a 1937.
He
Peggy,
make
private home. It had several owners before Jesuit Father Andrew
in
in this area," said Sister
has been director of the Jesuit House of Prayer since October. "It's a
side of the house. Phase 3, planned for the future, will include renovating the house chapel and the bedrooms adjacent to it.
missionary
a six-day retreat.
"Historically, I think the story of the Society has been one of responsibility to the needs of the people of
completed in May 1998. Bishop William G. Curlin dedicated the altar Oct
built in
a charism that needs to be shared with the world."
She discovered the Jesuit House of Prayer by accident and decided to
first
The house was
is
serve as Catholic pastor in Madison County. The first retreatant was a Sister of Mercy from Tennessee who traveled about, teaching religious
said.
periodically
capital campaign, begun in 1997, raised more than $100,000, mainly from donations, including one from the Maryland Province of the Society
purchased additional land totaling seven acres. Over the years, a dining room and laundry room were added to the
—
of Jesus. The retreat staff Jesuit Fathers Joe McGovern and George Hohman are members of that
house, and the kitchen was enlarged. An early photo shows a glassed-in
—
Buying? Selling? Relocating?
Suite 320, Charlotte,
* 27 years experience I Member of St. Matthew Church I Percentage of commissions donated (704)543-6680
(800)726*1231
province.
The money will provide a new dining room and a more efficient kitchen
with a bigger
cooking and cleanup space. The dining room will have a domed ceiling. Also,
the dining room already had a concrete floor; now the kitchen will have one, too.
More efficient insulation and new walls will mean quieter bedrooms, and each bedroom have individual heating
will
and
air conditioning.
The
Some cosmetic changes
made
in
house.
Not that improvements
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call Jim Kelley, Executive Director ofThe Foundation Catholic Diocese of Charlotte at (704) 370-330 1, or call Cindy Rice, Director ofPlanned Giving at (704) 370-3320.
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Annual Open House.
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on Wednesday, March 22 their parents
7:00 p.m.
Information Sessions 7:15 p.m.
Tours and meetings with faculty, administrators, students, and parents
information, please contact Edivard Mitchell (Development) or
more information,
of the
The
be the focus of our
Formore
is tfee
and planning for your future
and plan with confidence.
Enact a Lasting Legacy
communities
preparatory school conducted
in the Catholic tradition
to look ahead
lies
of the Triad. Forty years of excellence as a
Ensure a Strong Future Allow a
and programs
Bishop McGuinness continues
first-class college
SCHOOL
1959
k/4s a future bright with prospects for
flows through a diocesan endowment.
— John 4:l4
vpaul@madison.main.nc or by
NC 28277
Laying
will never be thirsty again.
at
calling (704)-622-7366.
With the renovation nearing
w
them
Jonathan Vinkowski of Happy Hollow Enterprises of Madison County prepares to install a new wooden floor in the hallway
weren't needed. When the adjacent to the kitchen. kitchen walls were ripped out, workmen discovered that no support ing retreats, Sister Peggy said. A vabeams were holding up the ceiling. riety of formats is available, including How did the ceiling stay up? "God or private retreats, or directed retreats the tension of the building," Father with the staff. Groups such as confirMcGovern quipped. mation classes are welcome for reThe foundational sills in the treats and there are Advent and Holy kitchen were so rotted the wood could Week retreats. Or people can visit the be pulled apart by hand. A cracked center for a day of private prayer and pipe had been leaking water under meditation. the kitchen. Workmen pulled up red, Information about the Jesuit cream and green vinyl and several House of Prayer is available by e-mail
$8k mm
give
Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach
will be
other parts of the
completion, people are already book-
relocarolina@mindspring.com
Those who drink the water that 1 mil
elec-
system and plumbing are upgraded, and an additional water heater has been installed. trical
layers of flooring to reveal a hole deep enough for a wading pool.
Metro Realty 8035 Providence Road,
House of
"It's
porch where the north-side bedrooms are now. Father Frank Reese arrived in 1978 to -start the retreat center and to
for a one-day retreat.
is
it
director of the Jesuit
a ministry of prayer. We're here to available to everyone. A Catholic presence, particularly
Margaret Verstege,
director of the Jesuit
Phase 2
who has been
Prayer since October.
said
25,
think the story of the Society has been one of needs of the people of God in this area,"
said Sister Peggy,
nearing completion, the restoration of part of the Jesuit House of Prayer includes remodeling the kitchen, dining room and the bedrooms at the north end of the house.
Mercy
I
responsibility to the
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Road
Bishop McGuinness NC 27103
WinstonSalem,
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March
The Catholic News & Herald
United
In
in faith,
30
10,
2000
the New* Parents,
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WADESBORO human
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—
At the same young
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PYANOMAN HENRY C. ROZELL III 2nd Generation
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Tancraitor are outreach icons
in the
Wadesboro community.
More than
make a world of difference.
four decades have
first World Day of Beginning with a 1957
passed since the
Prayer.
More than
than one bowl of
prayer service in East Java, from its early intentions of a day to reflect on the strife and suffering of those in has blossomed into Indonesia, an ecumenical event celebrated by an estimated 12,000 internationally. On the easternmost edge of the diocese, Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopal and Baptist are the prevalent denominations. This year, for the time,
WDP
rice
is
surviving
on
less
each day.
That's why, this Lent,
WDP
first
half of the world's population
more than
13,000 parishes
and schools across the United
States
are
participating in Operation Rice Bowl, helping
the poorest of the poor help themselves.
In addition to expressing solidarity with our
make a real support the work of
brothers and sisters overseas, you can
brought a commu-
nity together in prayer with their
difference, raising
money
to
Catholic neighbors. "It's
Catholic Relief Services in the developing world.
important to show our sup-
port of our churches in this community and how well we work together," said Carole Heste Evans, a member of
Presbyterian Wadesboro. First
More than
Church
experience the true meaning of Lent: praying,
in
women brought
For those who hunger and thirst For justice.
seema slice
of the Third World into view. The gathering gave 14-year-old Cecelia Pueschel an opportunity to connect on a global level while fulfilling a few confirmation community service hours. "It helps in my understanding of what confirmation and church is all about," she said.
1-800-222-0025, ext. 650 www.ccrtfiolkrelief.org Catholic Relief Services
Operation Rice Bowl LENTEN PROGRAM
Contact Editor Joann Keane by call-
(704)
giving.
community,
a slideshow depicting scenes of
ing
and
rundown on
the plight of Indonesian citizens while
ingly destitute
now you can support this work for justice and
fasting, learning
a sense of
participants got a brief
Right
370-3336
or
Twenty-five years and
counting on you
still
jskeane@charlottediocese.org. Since
its
people's
Bowl has been making a difference in around the world, thanks to the support of Catholic schools and parishes
inception 25 years ago, Operation Rice litres
like yours.
Advertise
Operation Rice Bow! has helped fund hundreds of development projects overseas such as
in
The Catholic
News &
Herald!
• Providing dean drinking water. • introducing health education.
And of the $105 million
(704) 370-3332
through the years,
>
techniques.
Facilitating small business loans
25% has helped fund programs to
here in the Diocese of Charlotte, contributions are disbursed as mini-grants to hunger. But there
is still
improve
local
communities, too. For example, right
community groups working toward ending poverty and
more to be done.
as Operation Rice Bowl marks its 25th anniversary - with a new look for the new millennium done and how your participation can make all the difference in the world.
So
Call Cindi Feerick,
raised
• Improving agricultural
celebrate
what your contribution has
A March
10,
2000
In
Operation Rice Bowl: Supplying physical and
Carolina Volkswagen 6625 E. Independence (704) 537-2336
•
spiritual
Blvd., Charlotte
By
(800) 489-2336
Lowest
Selection
Prices
customer
complement
main dish. Operanamed for this unfortu-
Konarski. "Our parish has responded enthusiastically and generously."
nate dietary fact, has collected over $88 million for the impoverished and hunger-stricken in Third World countries
Konarski's family also participates in the activities included in the Operation Rice Bowl calendar.
for 25 years.
The CRS diocesan committee works with Frazer and Jarina by offering feedback on ways to enhance the program, promoting Operation Rice Bowl to the parishes to increase participation and expanding the
tion Rice Bowl,
all
This year's Beatitudetheme "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they
the Carolinas
inspired
shall have their fill," is part of the silver anniversary of the Lenten program, one of the programs of Catholic Relief
Services (CRS).
Bookshoppe
Medicare
or Insurance
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Articles
t Cards
clinics,
in places like
Rwanda and Kosovo and aid to countries like Mozambique," explained
World
Joanne Frazer, diocesan director of the Office of Justice and Peace and CRS. The Operation Rice Bowl slogan
$30
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704-342-2878
countries. Women primarily receive the money, anywhere from to $500, to start their own small businesses, explained Frazer. "They are the poorest of the poor, and these
—
pray, fast, learn, give reflects the season of Lent and is expressed in the activity calendar that accompa-
businesses help them to provide
money
1-800-337-4144
NC
Diabetic National Service
nies the cardboard rice bowl for collection. These items will- be sent to every family in the mail through the parish coordinators. The calendar includes activities and reflections for every day of the season of Lent, including recipes and biblical passages for family participation.
free,
conference
ganizations
Office of Justice and Peace
the Mother of
and the dioc-
diocesan committee and the parish coordinator for St. Charles Borromeo
God, and her
"Yes" said
Church
2,000 Years Ago
Morganton, said, "OperaBowl isn't just about collect-
in
tion Rice
tries
Pope John Paul II selected this day for parishes and dioceses contribution to society
and the
Church,
and to
reflect
with
"to
honor and remember women for
women on
the challenges
and their needs and can serve as
way of fostering
spiritual growth." Charles Borromeo Church has had the highest contribution per household for the past two years. The parishioners follow along with the
at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Khrakov, Ukraine. The parishioners also have an annual Ukrainian dinner
St.
Theme: "Women Saying 'YES' to God" their
ofthe next century
"
apply for the grants,
help with the citizenship process for Hispanic parishioners, and Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro used their grant to buy a CD recorder/ changer for the startup of a radio station
ing money; it is about education and living out Catholic beliefs. It should give insight into other people's couna
may
which can be used for any program or service with an immigrant or migrant focus, said Jarina. Many parishes sponsor a sister parish in another country, and there is much work with immigrants and migrants in various local areas around the diocese. Last year, many parishes received the mini-grants for their efforts with people from other countries. For instance, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Cherokee received a mini-grant to finance a project entitled "Operation Love" to
esan Operation Rice Bowl coordinator. Ed Konarski, chair of the CRS
honoring Mary,
to-
Twenty-five percent of the colmoney remains within the diocese to fund $500 mini-grants. Parishes, schools and other Catholic or-
their experiences and their daily lives," said Terri Jarina, office assistant for the
day long
move
self-sufficiency."
lected
"The main thrust of Operation Rice Bowl is to educate people and to help them identify with those who are poor, A
for their families to
ward economic
money
We welcome mail orders and special orders!
collected from Operation Rice Bowl goes to the national CRS office for micro-enterprise efforts in Third
conflict resolution be-
tween warring parties
I
with
mini-grant program, said Konarski. Seventy-five percent of the money
"Along with Operation Rice Bowl, CRS also handles agricultural pro-
Attention
grams,
Fax (704) 334-3313 4410-F Monroe Road, Charlotte,
Designated groups prepare meal every week according to the activity calendar and share in group prayer, said a simple
nate countries, a meager supply of
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10 The Catholic News & Herald
March
Readings
10,
2000
Book Review
Book explores public role of American women in religious
Word to Life March
First Sunday of Lent, Cycle B Readings: 1) Genesis 9:8-15
some
12,
success was gone.
2) 1 Peter 3:18-22 3) Gospel: Mark 1:12-15
"Repent, and believe in the good news," Jesus tells us on this first Sunday of Lent. Repentance usually occupies our focus, with its call to root out selfishness and sin, to turn our lives around. We are
DAN LUBY
News Service The evaluations were gratifying. Students were saying wonderfully complimentary things. For a Catholic
most of us
Now, here was
failure
Jesus' invitation: "Repent," he urges
proof.
One
"and do so by believing the good news that you are loved beyond all measure, before and beneath any accomplishment, any demonstration of good faith or talent or effort." To believe that deep down, in our bones is to embrace a
after the other the numerirankings were high and the comments laudatory. He was
us,
cal
thrilled,
almost floating.
The jagged edge
skilled discoverers of
and weakness in ourselves. What's often missing in our approach to Lent is the second part of
long time it had been a goal to teach university students, and he'd thought the class was going well all semester.
was
unsure of. In his mind, the insights of the other students now seemed shallow, flawed. The excitement of
Psalm 25:4-9
By
historical sequence he
that burst his
bubble surfaced toward the bottom of the pile. On an item asking about class lectures, a student had circled "good" and then written, "Lectures
—
—
fractured his brittle self-confidence.
and liberating truth. To begood news is to repent of both our self-reliance and our self-doubt. It is to trust God and give ourselves away more and
He suddenly remembered
more every
radical
lieve in that great
are sometimes elusive."
The
criticism, mild as
times he'd
felt
it
was,
those few
May
uncertain about a fine
philosophical point or rushed past
day.
this
Lenten season move us and joyful belief, t
to deep repentance
Weekly Scripture Readings for the week of Mar. 12-18, 2000 Sunday (First Sunday in Lent), Genesis 9:8-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:12-15; Monday, Leviticus 19:1-2, 1-18, Matthew 25:31-46; Tuesday, Isaiah 55:10-11, Matthew 6:7-15; Wednesday, Jonah 3:1-10, Luke 11:29Thursday, Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 or 4:17 (Esther's prayer), 32; Matthew 7:7-12; Friday (St. Patrick of Ireland), Ezekiel 18:21-28, Matthew 5:20-26; Saturday (St. Cyril of Jerusalem), Deuteronomy 26:16-19, Matthew 5:43-48 1
Reviewed by
NANCY
Catholic
L.
ROBERTS
ing inhaled the contradictory nature of their experiences, women breathe out in their religious thought an ambivalence toward their traditions."
News Service
While women have not been able American religion as fully as have men, "The Religious Imagination Of American Women" demonstrates that they have been thinking long and to develop their public role in
She says that this very "ambivalence about one's religious tradition
— about where one stands — can be viewed quite
in relation
to
hard about the spiritual life. Mary Farrell Bednarowski's provocative, readable analysis covers a wide range of religious traditions, including Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Mormon, and Buddhist. Bednarowski, professor of religious studies at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and a practicing Catholic, illuminates key areas that have compelled American
women religious thinkers. The book is exhaustively
posi-
In a fascinating chapter on healing and religion, Bednarowski views
"The Religious Imagination of
American Women" By Mary Farrell Bednarowski Indiana University Press (Bloomington, Ind., 1999) 240 pp. Hardcover, $39.95; Paper, $15.95.
rethis subject "as one more angle from which to explore women's search for intellectually and emotionally ad-
which produced two earlier, well-received books, "American Religion: A Cultural Perspective" and "New Religions and the Theological effort
equate ways, more theologically creative ways, to expand and transform
Imagination in America." The author delves into such questions as: "When women write and speak publicly about religious ideas, what do they have to say?" and, "What does it mean to be a human being and a woman and how does our understanding of God and reality shape our answer to this question?" Bednarowski's book aims not to create a pan-woman spirituality but
what women
traditional religious ideas."
"The Religious Imagination of American Women" is a scholarly work whose subject, scope, and graceful
command
prose will
readership
beyond the academy, among any who wish to explore this subject in thoughtful depth,
t
Roberts, professor ofjournalism and mass communication at the University of
Minnesota-Twin Cities, has written two books about Dorothy Day and the Catho-
re-
have had to say. She starts by noting, that, "Hav-
ligious thinkers
Readings for the week of Mar. 19-25, 2000 Sunday (Second Sunday in Lent), Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18, Romans 8:31-34, Mark 9:2-10; Monday (St. Joseph), 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16, Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22, Luke 2:41-51; Tuesday, Isaiah 1:10, 16-20, Matthew 23:1-12; Wednesday, Jeremiah 18:18-20, Matthew 20:17-28; Thursday (St. Turibius of Mogrovejo), Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 16:19-31; Friday, Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28, Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46; Saturday (The Annunciation of Our Lord), Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10, Hebrews 10:4-10, Luke 1:26-38
it
tively."
searched and reflects Bednarowski's years of immersion in her subject, an
to interpret critically
life
lic
W
writer
movement.
From readers' suggestions, The Catholic News & Herald will begin printing two weeks of Scripture readings every issue.
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The Catholic News & Herald 11
Entert ainmen
"Drowning Mona:" Witty, dark comedy
Out on video
By
NEW YORK (CNS) —
the
US
The following are home videocassette reviews from Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting. Each videocassette
ANNE NAVARRO
NEW
is available on VHS format. Theatrical movies on video have a U.S. Catholic Conference classification and Motion Picture Association of America rating. All reviews indicate the appropriate age group for the video
sessed fiancee, Ellie (Neve Campbell).
News Service YORK (CNS)
Catholic
— When
Mona's henpecked husband, Phil (William Fichtner), who wears snazzy "Members Only" clothing and is having a steamy affair with Rona (Jamie Lee Curtis), a wannabe rocker
a
nasty resident of a small upstate New is suspected of being murdered, the chief of police has a harder time
York town
audience.
who wouldn't want her dead who would in the dark comedy,
figuring out
"The Best Man" (1999) Uneven romantic comedy in which a wedding
than
"Drowning Mona" (Destination). Chief Rash (Danny DeVito) has a problem. It seems that Mona Dearly's (Bette Midler) plunge into the Hudson River was no accident. As local mechanic Lucinda (Kathleen
is jeopardized when an autobiographical novel by the best man (Taye Diggs) suggests he was intimate with the bride-to-be (Monica Calhoun) while she was dating his best friend, the now-enraged groom (Morris Chestnut). Writer-director Malcolm D. Lee's talky take on the war of the sexes strains for obvious laughs over the sexual double standard and is often raunchy despite the groom's fervently held Christian beliefs which finally lead him to forgiveness. A fleeting sexual encounter, crude bachelor-party lap dancing, brief violence, occasional profanity and much rough language. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R restricted.
—
Wilhoite) puts it, the Yugo she was driving was "fixed to kill."
More accustomed
to breaking
up
CNS photo from
director Stephen PoliakofFs quirky tale is somewhat flawed but captures the still camera s ability to freeze a moment in time forever. Ethical issues, drug references and a few Victonan-«ra nude photos. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification
Not
rated by the
Motion Picture Association of America.
Trite
comedy
which the love lives of four guys from a once-popular early 1980s rock band are complicated when they move in together to attempt to produce a comeback album. As directed by co-star Donal Lardner Ward, the characters are sophomoric, their romantic problems dull and the humor flat. Sexual situations, intermittent rough language and minimal profanity. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R restricted. in
—
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around him
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cast provides
some
good performances, including DeVito, whose keenly reserved Chief Rash works well, and Affleck, whose wideeyed boy-next-door look
fits
Bobby's
Taken as a very dark comedy it succeeds, but the viewer is subject to flippant attitudes and cynical view-
row for Mona's death and the movie's laughs are built around this idea.
some would describe
Because of the comical treatment of extramarital affairs, fleeting vio-
as "white trash" in
this often acerbically
funny film. The main characters are well fleshed out with each having a convincing reason for killing the queen of
mean. Bobby (Casey Affleck), coowner of a fledgling landscaping business with Mona's lazy son Jeff (Marcus Thomas), is being pushed to the edge by Jeffs incompetence and Mona's insistence on getting a bigger share of the dwindling profits. He just
wants to earn a decent living to support himself and his wedding-ob-
points.
lence and homosexual innuendo, and a few instances of rough language, the U.S. Catholic Conference classifica-
—
is A-III adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating
tion
is
PG-
1
3
— parents
tioned that
are strongly cau-
some material may be
appropriate for children under
integrity for
over
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Even the local priest does not escape the sardonic edge, being portrayed as an alcoholic. Not one person in the working-class town shows any sor-
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With
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William Fichtner, Bette Midler and Marcus Thomas star in the film "Drowning Mona."
Writer-
list
witty script
and deadpan
restricted.
stills
adults.
the
reaching for a beer; and throwaway lines are delivered with deft timing
"Shooting the Past" (1999)
—
it off.
chopped
—
Character-driven drama in which the devoted staff of an obscure London photo archive, which is about to be discarded by its new American owner (Liam Cunningham), connives to find a new home for their treasured
A-III
pull
The
encounter
is
of reason to do it. The only question is whether the dull-witted son has the smarts to even come up with the idea of murdering his mother, much less
medic details including wild rumors describing how Jeffs hand was
brief violence, minimal profanity and an instance of rough language The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III adults. The Motion
—
was bullied and belittled and rarely shown any maternal love, has plenty
town has at one time or another incurred Mona's wrath.
"Random Hearts" (1999)
R
is suspiciously unwife's death. "You
in
After discovering his wife and the husband of a congresswoman were having an affair when both were killed in a plane crash, a Washington cop Harrison Ford) becomes romantically involved with the man's widow (Kristin Scott-Thomas), jeopardizing her re-election. Director Sydney Pollack explores the painful aftermath of adultery in a plodding drama whose melodramatic subplot is similarly uninvolving. A discreet sexual
is
his
snooze, you lose," according to Phil. Shaggy-haired, belching Jeff, who
And
—
Picture Association of America rating
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12 The Catholic News & Herald
Lent:
March
& Columns
Editorials
A Time of Reconciliation
of Lent
before Easter. Its purpose
is to better prepare us for the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord. Lent is a privileged time during the liturgical year that dis-
Speaks
2000
The Season
As we enter the season of Lent, we understand that we are observing the forty days of preparation
The Pope
10,
poses us for a more fruitful reception to, the graces that Christ merited by his passion, death and Resurrection.
POPE JOHN PAUL
II
Pope expresses gratitude for Mount Sinai pilgrimage By
JOHN THAVIS
News Service (CNS) Pausing between Holy Year pilgrimages, Pope John Paul Catholic
—
VATICAN CITY
expressed gratitude for his recent trip to Sinai and looked ahead to a planned visit to the Mount of the Beatitudes in Israel. II
Mount
The two
biblical sites
— where Moses
re-
ceived the Ten Commandments and where Christ gave his sermon on the Beatitudes sum up the divine law that modern men and
—
women must
still follow, the pope said at a general audience at the Vatican March 1. Both expressions of moral law should find an echo in the human heart, he said. "The person who follows Christ does not feel oppressed by a multitude of rules, but, driven by the strength of love, experiences the commandments of God as a law of freedom; freedom to love, thanks to the inner action of the Spirit," he said. The pope, his face tanned after his Feb. 2426 visit to Egypt, said the high point of the trip was the one-day stop in Mount Sinai. While there he was able to pray at the site of the "burning bush," where God revealed himself to Moses, and at the foot of the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
Lent is an opportunity to reform ourselves, individually and as community, in order to practice the virtue of love. Some good forms to live the season of Lent include a more attentive listening to the Word of God and a more constant attention to prayer. Scripture and the fathers of the church will insist on three forms: fasting, prayer and almsgiving. But these three forms will make no sense if there is no interior conversion, conversion of the heart. The Lenten practices such as fasting, prayer and almsgiving are to express sincere conversion in relation to oneself, to God and to others. Fasting and almsgiving have a much wider significance than just refraining from eating or buying. They symbolize giving up our own ways to take up those of Christ. The main purpose of Lent is the struggle against evil within ourselves. If we give up a plate of food but don't give up our desire for revenge, our fasting will be almost sterile. If we take out money from our wallets to give alms but don't remove from our hearts hatred or pride, almost nothing has been gained.
God
they do not observe his law. To be God, in fact, is to be faithful to oneself, to one's own true nature and one's deepest and strongest aspirations," he told some 6,000 people in the Vatican audience hall. He thanked Egypt's political authorities and religious leaders, including Grand Sheik Mohammed Sayyid Tantawi, for the welcome he received in the predominantly Muslim country. He recalled his meetings with Pope Shenouda III, the Coptic Orthodox patriarch, and said he hoped for new progress in ecumenical dialogue. Having focused on Moses during his trip to Egypt, the pope said he would dedicate his upcoming Holy Land pilgrimage to Jesus Christ. The March 20-26 visit will take him to Jordan, Jerusalem and other holy places in "I
me
with
prayers ... in the spiritual preparation of this important event," he said. The pope, scheduled to celebrate Mass for thousands of young people near the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel, said that when Christ preached the beatitudes, he brought new meaning to the old law of Moses. In Christ's life and suffering, "the Ten
Commandments
are heard through his voice,"
he
came
said.
Christ
to perfect the old law,
the
Father Fidel Melo is administrator of Our Lady of Americas Church in Biscoe.
so on. Lent will be a true time of reconciliation if we our eyes in Christ's love, mercy and compassion and try to put them into practice.
finds the following:
Hispanic
On
the plus side... Hispanic Ministry's "presence" at the parish level has grown by almost 50 percent. b) The recognition of Hispanics as a "presence" in local parishes has increased. On the downside...
Ministry
a)
if
and the Palestinian territories. ask everyone to accompany
May the good Lord bless us during this Lenten season with his divine grace in order to experience reconciliation with him and one another. And let us close our thoughts with the words of St. Peter: "Therefore, be serious and sober for prayers. Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs glory and dominion forever and ever." (l Pt 7-11)
fix
faithful to
Israel
Guest Columnist
Reconciliation is attained in daily life through gestures such as desire to forgive, attention to the poor, the exercise and defense of^justice, acceptance of suffering, the owning of our faults before our brothers and sisters, examination of conscience, and
"Individuals cannot think they are faithful to
FATHER FIDEL MELO
FATHER VINCENT FINNERY
H.
Guest Columnist
Evaluating Hispanic Ministry
The 1998 study
of Hispanic Ministry, commissioned by the Secretariat for Hispanic Affairs of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, offers an evaluation of diocesan structures and parish structures, regarding Hispanic Ministry in the U.S. With regard to diocesan structures, it concludes the following:
On the plus side... A growing number of dioceses
have created new structures for Hispanic ministry at the regional or deanery
level.
a) Most Hispanics continue to worship in "mixed" or "parallel" parish settings. These settings allow Hispanics to maintain their own identity and culture, but the administration and life of the parish is divided into separate, and at times, highly unequal spheres. Most Hispanics attend their own masses in Spanish, usually at non-peak times, an not always in the main church sanctuary. In addition, Hispanics rarely have the same level of representation on the parish pastoral coun cil as non-Hispanics, and frequently rely on volun teers to manage their own parish programs. b) Most Hispanics are not receiving culturally sensitive programs in their parishes. Less than third of the parishes with a significant Hispani presence offer youth ministry, RCIA, lay leadership training, parish renewal or retreat programs in Spanish. Only 13 percent are developing Christian "base" communities for evangelization and outreach
to Hispanics.
On
the down side... a) Collaboration between Hispanic Ministry and other diocesan departments tends to be limited
In addition, about 21 percent of all Hispanicoriented parishes offer no Hispanic programs, aside
in duration.
from the liturgy and mass in Spanish. Again, I hope this has been helpful.
b) Most dioceses do not conduct pastoral planning for Hispanics on a consistent or regular basis. With regard to parish structures, the study
Hispanic Ministry.
Vincentian Father Vincent H. Finnerty
is
director of
becoming himself the "new law" through which salvation said.
is
offered to
all
peoples, he
We welcome your comments and
letters.
Send your Letters to the Editor to Joann S. Keane, The Catholic News & Herald, 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 or e-mailjskeane@charlottediocese.org.
March
2000
10,
Light
field of grain one Sabbath and plucked the ears of grain to eat them, they were technically breaking the rules. Reaping a meal from the harvest was a
One
Candle
FATHER THOMAS
J.
"Why do ,
weekend
I
test the patience
"I find
part of the
many households where teenagers and skill of many a dutiful parent.
mom doesn't make him
so-o-o-o boring!" "John's
"It's
go!"
is
here, Jesus teaches us at least three essentruths vital for our life of faith. First, religion does not consist of rules and regulations. There is a great deal more to religion than Sunday obser-
God more
in nature, so howsabout I just the backyard while you're gone?" Some arguments are more informed. One dad told me that his 13-year-old recently shot back:
probably think sitting car."
"Remember what Jesus said! 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.'" "What did you do?"
I asked. "Well, I was so impressed that he even knew something from Scripture, I let it go!" But what is a parent to do? One of the most frequent concerns I hear from moms and dads everywhere is what to do about getting their kids to church. Some have found it helpful to take a closer
look at the matter.
The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew "shabbot," the "cessation of labor." The first thing in the world that God made holy was not a mountain, an
—
not a person, but a day the Sabbath! "God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it." (Genesis 2:3) altar,
In time, the Sabbath was defined by elaborate rules and regulations. All work was forbidden.
when
Jesus and his disciples
So were going through a
in a
Second, faith stops
if the performance of your religious you from helping someone in need, then
you misunderstand the essence of religion. People matter far more than systems. Persons are far more important than rituals. Jesus could not have been more clear on this point: the best way to worship
God
is to serve others. Third, the Sabbath is never more sacred than when it is used to help those who need help. The altar is sacred not only because it is dedicated to
God's worship but also because it spiritual well-being of His children.
more holy than when
is
used for the
Bread is never used to feed one who is
it is
starving.
Then "Do I gotta go?" My answer: the Sabbath means more than not working. It is a day devoted to
God and our
spiritual lives. Its
gins in the home, where
we show
observance belove for family
and friends. And as family and friends, we go to church freely to join with others to thank and worship our Lord and Creator.
Determining the Sunday readings
Question
Q. I have
been struck by the prayerful coherence of the three Scripture readings at the Sunday liturgies and especially appreciate
when
the homilist
shows how
I
know
the readings
like to
know how
come
in three-year cycles, but
they are selected,
who
does the
and when this all began. When I was growing up, as I recall, the same Sunday passages were read every year. Are these readings fixed or
CNS
representative part of the holy Scriptures be read to the people over a prescribed number of years (No. 51).
The Lectionary
for
Mass
is
the result of that
request. First completed in 1969, some expansions and slight revisions were added later.
In spite of its inevitable limitations, the Lectionary truly is, as you indicate, a remarkable achievement. Under the auspices of the Vatican congregation responsible for the church's worship and sacraments, a group of experts in Scriptural exegesis, liturgy, catechetics and pastoral theology from all parts of the world worked on the task for
several years.
They
first
Columnist
got lost. As with the rest of us older Catholics, you obviously are one who remembers when what we now call the Liturgy of the Word was still considered a negligible, even unnecessary, part of the
Mass.
Today we have returned again
to acknowledge one presence of Christ, who both speaks to us when the Scriptures are proclaimed and who is sacramentally with us above all in the liturgically the
Eucharist.
As you
would
Underlying the entire
effort,
of course,
is
the
church's ancient belief that the celebration of Mass hearing God's word and offering and receiving the Eucharist is one single act of worship. In both of these elements Christ is present as he carries on the work of salvation, makes our human family holy and offers perfect worship to the Father.
—
Somewhere along the
line
much of
that vision
dare you to take Lent seriously you remember, ages and ages ago,
when you were
just a little kid, and you'd get dared to do something? "Dare you to climb up to the top of that tree!" "Dare you to eat that worm!" "Oh, yeah? Well I triple dare you to steal home!" Do you remember how a dare made you feel?
If
you were
a normal kid, it probably you just had to run out and do whatever that dare was about. It didn't matter what it was. You'd been challenged, and you weren't about to back down, right? OK, how about this? It's Lent. I dare you to take it seriously. Double dare you, in fact.
made you
feel as if
Giving up candy bars and cutting down to one soda a day was fine and dandy when you were a little kid, but you're older now. Don't you think you're ready for a more grown-up approach? I dare you to take a few minutes out of your life and reflect on what Lent is really all about. Dare you to confront that whole issue of "giving things up" as an adult. Maybe do it this way: Ponder the whole concept of "sacrifice." Think about how many important things in life require sacrifice. Being a good athlete requires you to sacrifice time and comfort. Doing your absolute best in school, using the brain God gave you to
and family requires the sacrifice of ego and and the willingness to give. And it's just like that with God. Being close to God and living within God's comfort and peace requires sacrifice too. We have to examine our lives closely, all the time, for those things that are keeping us from God. Sometimes those things are sinful, and sometimes they're just a waste of precious time, energy and focus. So what we do during Lent is try to put a microscope to the stuff in our lives that is keeping us from being closer to God. For some of us it's alcohol or sexual sin that's working at destroying our best selves. For some it's the hours we spend in front of mindless entertainment. For some it's just plain, shut-the-doorin-everyone's-face selfishness. So I dare you. Dare you to think about Jesus and how much he loves you.
—
Sunday readings are arranged B and C), designated as if Year 1 of the Christian era,
Dare you to clear your life of junk this Lent: junk relationships, junk entertainment, junk pastimes.
Year 2 being B and so on. Thus, all years evenly divisible by three are in the C cycle, with the others
Dare you to open the door to your room and face the rest of your family as though they're human beings, not impositions on your
note, the
in three-year cycles (A,
the series started in
falling into place behind them.
refined the principles which
guide the choice of readings and then assembled the list of texts itself. The Order of Readings is the result of their combined effort.
—
FATHER JOHN DIETZEN
to use others?
A. At Vatican Council II, in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (1963), the bishops of the world ordered that a more lavish table of the word of God be spread before the faithful, that the treasures of the Bible be opened up more widely and that a more
I
Do
pride,
selecting
can they be altered if the priest wants
Columnist
explore this fantastic world, requires its own kind of sacrifices too. So do relationships. Being happy in your relationships with friends
Corner
they,
illuminate each other.
would
CNS
garage will make you a
Whenever we
forget the love and forgiveness, the service and mercy that are at the heart of religion, and replace them by adherence to rules and regulations, religion loses meaning.
sit in
riot
AMY WELBORN
vance. As Garrison Keillor aptly put it: "If you think going to church makes you a Christian, you
Gotta?!"
gotta go to church?!"
ritual in
And
tial
Guest Columnist
I
Coming of Age
form of labor and they were lawbreakers. When confronted, Jesus argued that human need takes precedence over human, and even, divine law. He insisted that we are not to be enslaved by the Sabbath. Quite the opposite, the Sabbath exists to make our lives better.
McSWEENEY
The Sabbath: "Do
The Catholic News & Herald 13
& Columns
Editorials
Most of us know from experience that the Bible texts during Advent, Lent and Easter harmonize with the character and themes of those seasons. During the
rest of the year (Ordinary Time), the Gospel passages are predominantly from Matthew (A), Mark (B) and Luke (C).
—
freedom.
—
Dare you to go to Mass every single Sunday during Lent, open your heart to God
Not many Catholics, I believe, realize that when the Scripture passages for each year were chosen, a particular effort was made to reflect the unique
and pray, really pray this time. Dare you take 15 minutes a day and in silence read God's word and listen to him. Dare you to rest your eyes on Jesus on the cross and not look away after two seconds. Dare you to reflect on the pain he suf-
theological and stylistic characteristics of that par-
fered out of love for you.
—
— —
Dare you. Double dare you. See DIETZEN, page
14
14 The Catholic News & Herald
In
March
the News
2000
10,
Dietzen, from page 13
Women
ticular synoptic Gospel.
religious gather at
One
Catholic Conference Center representing a crosssection of the nearly two dozen orders of women religious who serve the Diocese gathered Feb. 26 at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory. The women met to discuss ways to support one another in ministry, and to discuss future plans as a collective group. "We used to live in convents and had the support of our communities right there with us," said
sisters
Mary Timothy Warfor women religious. "Today, we of sisters who live alone, separated
Mercy
ren, vicar
Sister
have a lot from their communities to build in
some
in distance.
We
need
support, both spiritually and
socially."
The women iam G. Curlin,
Gospel texts
met with Bishop Will-
who thanked
the
women
for
Mary Timothy Warren and
Rosalind Picot chat with one of the Missionaries of Charity Sisters during the Hickory gathering.
in
the
A
cycle.
The same Luke
is
true for
Mark and
in their years, as well as for
in the
many
texts
John from that Gospel
during Lent and Easter.
The first reading, most of the year from the Old Testament, usually is chosen because of some relationship to the other readings, especially to the
Gospel of the day. Obviously the entire Bible cannot be covered in three years, so some large sections must be omitted. But the church is very concerned that "difficult" texts
also
their dedication and service, and pledged support to their endeavors. Pictured here, Mercy Sisters
of
"feel"
sensitive to the
About 50
much Matthew by being
can, for example, learn
about the
not be easily passed over.
Some profound
literary or interpretative difficulties arise from the texts themselves. But there is "no justi-
according to the rules of the Lectionary, "for concealing from the faithful the spiritual riches of certain
fication,"
texts on the grounds of difficulty if the problem arises from the inadequacy either of the religious education that
Photo by Joann S. Keane
Rice Bowl from page 9 ?
and host two Ukrainian
The
diocese
priests.
was recently honored
with the Operation Rice Bowl
Award
Annual Social Ministries Gathering in Washington, D.C., for the efforts of CRS and Operation Rice Bowl. at the
"We have
quadrupled our Operation
Bowl
offering in the last three
Rice years,
and we have the diocesan
CRS
committee, which most other dioceses don't have. Also, our mini-grant program is unique among the dioceses in the United States," said Frazer. "The Operation Rice Bowl Pro-
that situation."
gram provides an opportunity
www.catholicrelief.org.
NC
Choir Director, Part-time: St. Barnabas Catholic Parish in beautiful western North Carolina (680+ families) is seeking a practicing Catholic to direct our music program. Applicant to have; experience in liturgical music and a working knowledge of Church documents on liturgy and music; keyboard skills - organ and piano; skills in sic
college degree in liturgy,
mu-
or related field preferred. Responsibilities in-
working with pastor,
staff
and liturgy
commission; fostering parishioner participation; coordinating music and volunteer musicians for all liturgical services, primarily for our three Masses each Sunday and Holy Day; directing the adult and youth choirs; working with cantors and musicians; collaborating with an independent folk group. Salary: $10,000 - $12,000 range plus some benefits. Call Mary Ann Demelfy (828)684-6098 or write to the address below for a job description. Send resume and references to; Search Committee, c/o Fr. Roger Arnsparger, St. Barnabas Catholic Parish, P. O. Box 38, Arden, NC 28740.
Controller: The Diocesan Finance Office is accepting applications for a Controller for Regional Schools. The position is responsible for
the accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, annual audit; and supervises the ac-
webpage at
Contact Staff Writer Alesha
Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or email amprice@charlottediocese.org.
CPA
preferred.
ficer,
Assistant Principal: Our Lady of Grace School, a K-8 Catholic school in Greensboro, NC, is accepting applications for an Assistant Principal for this school year. Applicants must possess the following qualifications: practicing Catholic; current teaching/ administration license for the state of NC; master's degree in education; and at least five years teaching experience. Please send resume and salary expectations to: Ms. Roberta Hutchcraft, Principal, Our Lady of Grace School, 2205 W. Market St., Greensboro, 27403. Deadline for applications; March 31, 2000.
to their
second step is by contributing to Operation Rice Bowl to help improve
Please forward Chief Financial Of-
NC
Director of Faith Formation: St. Philip Neri Church, Fort Mill, South Carolina, a growing Catholic parish of 700 families in the suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina, is seeking someone to direct its parish formation programs. This person
would be responsible for directing K-High School, RC1A, and developing an adult education program. Person should have
a master's in theology, at least three years' experience, and three written recom-
mendations. Person needs to recruit and train catechists and have good managerial skills. Send resume plus references to Search Committee, St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 292 Munn Road, Fort Mill, SC 29715.
M.
Classified ads bring results! Over 104,000 readers! Over 42,000 homes! Rates: $.50/word per issue ($1 0 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 1 23 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203. Payment: Ads may be pre-paid or billed. For information, call (704) 370-3332.
EOE.
resume and salary history to: 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, 28207.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
clude;
800-736-3467 or go
families to realistically experience how the poor live," said Jarina. "The
experience.
A
For free materials and other information, call Catholic Relief Services at 1-
counting staff. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in Accounting and three years relevant
Classified
choir directing.
for
r
every Christian should have or of the biblical formation that every pastor of souls should have" (Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass, Art. 76). This helps to explain that, while considerable flexibility in readings is possible on other occasions, such options are very rare on Sundays and major feasts so as not to blur the character of the season, the sequence of readings or the message from a particular book of the Bible.
pay and flexible hours for warm and loving person who can help out busy mom with infant. Nonsmoker and references required. Please call Judy at (704) 553-8136.
30; Position available July
Principal:
1.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Rocky Mount, NC (Grades PK-
Catholic School,
seeks a principal for the 2000-2001 school must be practicing Catholic, hold teacher certification and principal's license 5)
Infant Care Provider: Henderson/south Buncombe County. Seeking non-smoking, experi-
year. Applicant
enced adult to care for infant part-time; flexible hours beginning late April. References required; pay negotiable. Call Katy at (828)698-2956.
dence
Director of Faith Formation - Full-time position is open at Our Lady of Mercy, a mid-size parish in Winston-Salem. Responsibilities include weekly classes for pre-school through grade 8; parent and
Liturgy/Catechumenate Direct or/ Adult Formation Coordinator: Dynamic college town parish. Successful candidate will build on a well-estab-
Youth/Young Adult Ministry
student preparation for Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation; coordination of RCIA and adult
of the Re-Membering Church. Parish in initial stages of learning Stewardship and all of its ramifications. New church (i year old) with excellent worship space (with adult immersion font). Need help in maximizing the full potential of the abundant gifts present in this community. Secretarial support provided. Competitive salary and benefits. Contact Parish Administrator, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514, by April 30, for position July l.
Some background and/or experience in Religious Education preferred. Send resume to Rev. Joseph Angelini, 1919 S. Main St., Winston-Salem, education.
NC 27127. For more information and/or a detailed job description, call Fr. Angelini at (336)722-7001. Faith Formation Office - Diocesan Regional Coordinator: Charlotte Diocese seeks person with Master's degree in Rel Ed/allied field, five years of demonstrable successful experience in parish/diocesan work. Well-rounded in catechist formation skills. Collaborative. Sensitive to cultural minorities. Good written/oral communication skills. Position is located in the Smoky Mountain and Asheville Region. Please send resume and three letters of recommendation to: Dr. Chris Villapando, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte NC 28203. (704)370-3246. Application deadline
March
24, 2000.
Infant Care Provider: South Charlotte. Excellent
lished process that seeks further implementation
Music Ministry Director: Dynamic
college
parish. Successful candidate will build
on
initial
in
Director:
parish (including one Hispanic) Catholic
A
tri-
com-
munity of 1800 families in a university setting is seeking a full-time Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry to implement comprehensive youth ministry as described in "Renewing the Vision." Candidate should have prior ministry experience, and be able to work collaboratively with staff and members of parish community. Background in Theology, Christian Formation, and/or certification in youth ministry desired. Please contact Rev. Bernard Campbell, CSP, P.O. Box 112, Clemson, SC 29633 or (864)654-1757.
town
a well-
established program that includes hand bells, pipe organ, grand piano, tympani, etc. Select music for liturgies; direct/develop traditional and children's choir; coordinate with contemporary choir. Parish in
must establish resiRocky Mount. Send resume to: Search Committee, 331 Hammond Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. (or in progress). Principal
stages of implementing Stewardship and
of its ramifications. New church with excellent worship space. Secretarial support provided. Competitive salary and benefits. Contact Parish Administrator, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 940 Carmichael St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514, by April
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March
2000
10,
n
The Catholic News & Herald 15
the New:
Blessed Bakhita a model of Christian By
The faithful
DIANNE RIGGS
Correspondent lives of the saints provide the
with exemplary models of
men and women who dwelt
in the
love of Christ and lavished that love upon others, often in the most humble of ways. Such was the life of Blessed
who
Josephine Bakhita,
the first Sudanese saint
canonized on Oct. Called
will become when she is
1.
of
whom
faith,
those at the
Born into a prosperous, loving family in Sudan, Africa, in 1869, Bahkita experienced a world turned suddenly upside down when she was kidnapped and sold into slavery at the age of nine. So severe were her tortures, both physical and moral, that she even forgot her own name. She was sold and resold in the markets of cities.
One owner named her
"Bakhita," which
means
made
a mistake that incensed the master's son. He became furious,
snatched me violently from my hiding place, and began to strike me ferociously with the lash and his feet. Finally he left me half dead, completely unconscious. Some slaves carried me
away and placed me on where
a straw mat remained for over a month."
I
b
1
1
even if always veiled by nostalgia for her own family who were perhaps
She was eventually sent to care for a
to Italy
young woman named
the daughter of one of the
who was attending a boarding school run by the Canossian sisters. It was here, Consul's friends,
through the sisters' nurturing, that she learned of the Catholic faith and of the God whom she knew was al-
ways
her heart. After several months, Bakhita was initiated into the Catholic in
Church and assumed the name Josephine. The year was 1890. From then on, according to the Canossian
Web
site, she was often seen kissing the baptismal font, saying, "Here, I
became
a
daughter of God."
When Mimmina's mother came
fortunate.
She described in first-person narrative one of the horrors, according to the February 2000 issue of Living City magazine: "One day I unwittingly
sisters' Web site, in the consul's residence she "experienced peace, warmth and moments of joy,
Canossian
Mimmina,
:
,
lost forever."
Canossian Institute found humble, simple and tender of heart.
Sudan's
„u„ was „.„„ ., she bought by the Italian consul, Callisto Legnani. For the first time, no one used the lash, but instead treated her in a loving, cordial way. According to the
Mother Moretta, our Black
Mother, by the Canossian Daughters of Charity community at Schio, Italy, Josephine Bakhita emerged from a cruel background and became a
woman
, qq * 1.883,
t„ In
to take her
and Bakhita back to Africa, Bakhita, who was now of age, refused. With the help of the Canossian superior, the cardinal and the king's procurator, it was declared that since slavery was illegal in Italy, Bakhita could not be forced to return to Africa.
Bakhita remained with the sisters, discerning her call to become a religious. On Dec. 8, 1896, she was consecrated forever to God, whom she called the Master.
.
community, Bakhita
In
performed very humble tasks: sewing, cooking, embroidery, door-keeping.
She was known to pray
for the sisters
of her community, who held her in high esteem for her piety, and she was fond of the children whom the sisters taught.
According
to the Canossian Web her voice, "which had the inflection and rhythm of the music of her country, was pleasing to the little site,
ones, comforting to the poor and suffering and encouraging for those who
knocked
at the
door of the
Institute."
Her experiences in childhood and young adulthood did much to shape her desire to serve God and to live the religious life. She once said, according to Living City, "If I were to meet the
who kidnapped me, and who tortured me, I would
slave-traders
even those kneel and kiss their hands, for if that did not happen, I would not be a
continued to witness in faith. To those who visited her and asked how she was, she would respond with a smile, noting that she accepts God's wishes! She died on Feb. 8, 1947, at the age of 78, surrounded by sorrowful, praying sisters. A large crowd gathered to see for the final time their
"Mother Moretta" and to ask for her intercession from heaven. At the Canossian General House,
hundreds of letters were received from persons who had experienced the efficacy of her intercession. She was proclaimed blessed by Pope John Paul II on July 6, 1991. t
CHARLOTTE —
A delegation from St. Peter Church in Charlotte that has rostered a relationship with a community in northeast El Salvador will travel to the Central American locale later this month meet with some old friends and commemorate the death of Archbishop Oscar Romero of San
Salvador Since 1990, the parish's El Salvador interest group has fostered a relationship with Segundo Montes, a civil-war weary refugee community 100 miles northeast of San Salvador. Continuing their pastoral and
Segundo Montes, the parish group
financial assistance to a delegation there March 18-26 as delegation will get updates on the status of a will
send
part of its jubilee observation. The variety of social justice, educational, community and church projects made possible through the involvement of the interest group. The delegation will also take part in the 20th anniversary observance of the death of Archbishop Romero, who was killed while celebrating Mass during El Salvador's bloody civil war.
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had many speaking engagements. Towards the end of her life, she became ill and was confined to a wheelchair. Even with the long, painful years of sickness, Mother Bakhita
Charlotte parishioners to travel to El Salvador, commemorate Romero death
FREE RENT!
T\vo
' ' Christian and Religious today.'" In 1930, a biography of her life was published and from then on, she
To commemorate this jubilee event, the interest group has designed sweatshirts for its supporters. For further information on how you can help support the work of the interest group, call Mike Horn at (704) 598-4283. t
'1111
A
faith, pietv +
16 The Catholic News & Herald
March
.
Living the Faith
10,
2000
Black History Month celebrated
Mass
at St. Lawrence Basilica By JOANITA M.
NELLENBACH
Correspondent People must look ASHEVILLE
—
beyond the symbols
to the soul of and Catholic cultures, the vice chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte told the congregation in the Basilica of St. Lawrence at a recent Mass observing Black History Month. Rev. Mr. Curtiss Todd, who also serves as vicar of African American Affairs in the diocese, was homilist at the Feb. 27 Mass. Father Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the dioblack, white
cese, presided.
of the basilica,
Father Cecil Tice, rector had invited Father West
and Rev. Mr. Todd
to help the parish
celebrate Black History
Month.
What started some years ago as Black History Week has become Black History Month, but, Rev. Mr. Todd said, "We want to be celebrated all
year
The
—
as all cultures should be."
Catholic Church also
is
cel-
ebrating a Jubilee year. A banner hanging in front of the basilica proclaims the Jubilee message, "Open Wide the Doors to Christ." But, Rev.
"All people are created in the
image and likeness of God, and we are not entitled to deny that. Some people say when they look at me, 'Curtiss, I don't see a black man.' I know what they mean, but I have to ask, Whatdo you see?' Because that's what I am. That's what God made me to be." White U.S. culture in America has been shaped by white European culture, he said, and so has Catholic Church culture.
When
Church
Todd
blacks look at the Catholic
in the
said,
United
many
feel
States,
Rev. Mr.
unwelcome when
Photo by Joanita M. Nellenbach
and Father Mauricio West greet parishioners the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville.
Rev. Mr. Curtiss Todd, after
Mass
at
left,
Catholics in the United States. According to the National Conference of
Catholic
Bishops/United
States
Catholic Conference's Secretariat for African American Catholics, 2.3 million Catholics are African American. In this diocese,
two
priests in active
white priests and
ministry are African American, and Rev.
nuns, a white hierarchy, the grandeur of European royalty, and art and icons
is the church?" he asked. 'We doors to be opened are not the
showing fair-skinned people. While differences in worship style between white and black congregations exist, he added, one is not better
Mr. Todd is the only African-American permanent deacon currently serving. Of the 94 parishes and missions in
"Who The
said,
to that
Mr. Todd says, there's more than might seem obvious. are.
theme from the day's second reading from the second letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians. He quoted from the reading: "You are bur letter, written on our hearts, known and read by all, shown to be a letter of Christ ministered by us, written not in ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets that are hearts of flesh." "What do people see when they read my heart's letter?" he asked. He acknowledged the differences between black and white cultures, but
We must open our minds and our hearts to Christ. Opening wide the doors to Christ means being the Jesus someone needs to see." Rev. Mr. Todd added that before one can evangelize others, he or she must experience evangelization of self. Rev. Mr. Todd took his homily doors to the building.
all
they encounter
is
than the other. Rev. Mr. Todd's comments reflect on the ethnic makeup of today's church, both in the United States and in the Diocese of Charlotte. There are more than 62 million
the diocese, three have predominantly
African-American congregations. In November 1989, the U.S. Catholic bishops approved and recommended a pastoral plan for black Catholics. The plan, originally adopted by the National Black Catholic Congress in 1987, focused on Catholic identity of African-American Catholics, ministry and leadership in the community, and the obligation to reach out to broader society. The plan was part of an effort by
the U.S. bishops to
more
effectively
evangelize the nation's AfricanAmerican Catholics. It dealt with a multitude of issues, including cultural, spiritual, educational and social awareness and development. Black soul and culture come mainly from Africa, Rev. Mr. Todd said in his homily, but "slavery
In St.
stripped Africans of their culture, their identity, even their humanity.
What
But, he said, "Everybody has the
right to belong to their
No
one culture
ing pot, one, with
— Psalm
Associate Editor
NC 28203 Web
site at
Jimmy Rostar
con-
Rector
Parocltial Vicar
Rev. Mr. Nicholas Fadero
(704) 334-2283 www.stpatricks.0r2
Cross 2000
Fridays during Lent at 7:30 pm
Dean Cesa
1621 Dilworth Road East Visit our
individuality.
for the Jubilee
The Very Rev. Paul Gary
Deacon
Photo by Joann S. Keane
its
tributed to this story.
ofthe
130: 1-2 Charlotte,
stew
distinctions, but in a
Stations
Rev.
fathedral
the ingredients blend into
Rev. Mr. Todd noted that he is asked from time to time why he feels a sense of belonging in a church with such a relatively small percentage of African-American congregants. "I tell them, a Catholic is a Christian who believes that God manifested himself to the world through Jesus Christ," he said, "and that the purpose of life is to know, love and serve God through divine worship and service to others."
us every Friday during Lent.
Patrick
no
whole while retaining
Blessed Sacrament
St.
all
pot, each ingredient contributes to the
this JubileeYear,
..
culture.
understand the soul of the culture." All are to evangelize, reconcile and celebrate, he said. America has been called a "melting pot," but a better term might be "stew pot," he added. In a melt-
+ 7:30 pm: Solemn Stations of the Cross + 8:00 pm:Holy Hour ofAdoration + 9:00 pm: Benediction of the
"Out of the depths I cry to to you, O Lwiba^ ^ Lord, hear my voice! oice! Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication."
own
better than any
is
other. Jesus came for everybody. There should be respect for all cultures. Go beyond the symbols and
Patrick Cathedral invites you
to join
they were allowed to keep was
for the entertainment of others."
j