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Number
Volume 10
N E
2001
16,
27
w
s
Serv ng Catholics
Inside Woman walks road from rage to reconciliation
Page 5
Priest reflects liturgical
on popular
song Page 8
News
Local
Catechists gather for
Lenten retreat
4
..Page
Faith journey leads to
permanent diaconate 7
...Page
Every Week Entertainment
Editorials
.Pages
10-11
.Pages
12-13
& Columns
Rite of Election ...Page
Pictured right
Diocese
—
Hundreds
of Charlotte
9
in
the
gathered to
cel-
ebrate the Rite of Election and Call to
Continuing Conversion, a key step
in
the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Photo by Joann
S.
Keane
in
& U Western North Carolina
It in
L
the Diocese of Charlotte
D
The Catholic News & Herald
2
Ihe World
March
Brief
in
Court refuses to hear case on graduation speech's religious
most of the its field,
tone
as
WASHINGTON (CNS) — The US. Supreme Court
was prevented from giving
who
speech three years ago
down
tone
its
in
Without
had violated
in
The
student, Chris Niemeyer,
was
God and
"God
realize that
disappeared SANTIAGO, Chile (CNS)
pleas to the audience to "pat-
and to
tern their lives after Jesus' example"
Speakers assess bioethics from various faith perspectives
— Anything
Augusto Pinochet reconciliation
involv-
5,
ing science or technology must be seen from a moral or social point of view, Rabbi Donald Dixon told a bioethics conference in Miami. Rabbi Dixon, a member of the Miami Heart Institute Bioethics Commis-
Jewish
sion, said the
Thomas
Orthodox
School
justice, forgiveness,
(CNS)
ency," said the cardinal,
violence can occur anywhere.
An
custody, was also an
in police
eighth-grade
girl.
communications
News
Maria Orzel, diocesan director, told Catholic
Service that Bishop James C.
TUCSON, Ariz.
W
& H
S
R A L D
K
March 16, 2001 Volume 10 • Number 27 Most Reverend William G. Joann S. Keane
Publisher: Editor:
Associate Editor: Staff Writer:
Curlin
Advertising Representative: Cindi Feerick
Secretary: Jane Glodowski
vandalism occurred
photo from Catholic Press Photo
St.,
Charlotte,
Box 37267,
Charlotte,
Spanish nun holds images of newly beatified March
1 1
most ever
in St. Peter's Square. at
Pope John Paul
one time, during the
II beatified
233 martyrs, the
service.
NC 28203 NC 28237
tpiscopa., calendar Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events:
Attending Leadership Training Program St. Vincent de Paul, Charlotte
E-mail: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org
St.
The Catholic News & Herald,
Roman
Church
USPC 007-393,
is
published
Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South
NC 28203,
44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $1 5 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $18 per year for all St., Charlotte,
Second-class Charlotte NC and
other subscribers.
postage paid at other
cities.
POSTMASTER: Send
The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267,
address corrections Charlotte,
NC
to
28237.
mortuary chapel
in a
mission, which
land
owned by
located
is
on
federal trust
the Diocese of Tucson and
surrounded by the Tohono O'odham Nation.
—
The first act
discovered Feb. 13
—
included the desecration of 35 of the 50
Timlin of Scranton, who is a pilot, left Scranton immediately to fly out to Williamsport, about 75 miles west. Bishop Neumann, one of nine Catholic high schools in the Scranton Diocese, has about 230 Students in grades 7-12.
Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382
by the
Officials at I
next to the world-rertowned, 203-year-old
A Spanish nun holds an image of a few of the newly beatified Spanish martyrs
March 25 Mass
P.O.
—
dalism in one week in February. All the
CNS
March 24
Jimmy Rostar
Alesha M. Price
1123 South Church
(CNS)
detecting floodlights and a 7-foot security
Mercy nun to direct Interfaith Center on
statues located in the chapel as well as
extensive spray painting. Early on Feb.
Corporate Responsibility NEW YORK (CNS) The Inter-
—
faith
Center on Corporate Responsibility, a
New
York-based agency diat coordinates
— 11 a.m.
March 26
Hills,
— 7 p.m.
LARCUM
Ecumenical
Dialogue Catholic Conference Center,
Hickory
Guadalupe was found covered and smoldering.
8,
in
motor
Law
at (336)
oil
last
288-
for information.
— The
22 HICKORY Home
Program
Respite
is
Volunteer
In#
providing train-
19 CHARLOTTE— The Ladies Ancient
ing for volunteers at
921 2nd St NE, tonight and March 29 from 6-9 p.m. For more information, call
terested in her Irish-Catholic roots, call Jeanmarie Schuler at (704) 554-0720 for
Girls'
Group is for all
Catholic girls ages
and up. The group meets at St. Joseph Church, 720 West 13th St, at 4 p.m. in the Holy Family Hall. For details, call Debbie
five
Vickers at (828) 495-2039.
21 GREENSBORO Council of Catholic
— The Greensboro
Women
annual mini-Lenten retreat at
March 28-29
1
were discovered broken.
Later that evening a statue of Our Lady of
6022
NEWTON — The Little Flowers Catho-
Confirmation Our Lady of the Annunciation, Albemarle
statues
gathering. Call Janet
fiirther information.
Eden
more
Order of Hibernians, an Irish-Catholic social and charitable interparish group, meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at St Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd. Anyone in-
lic
Joseph of the
tiiree
bring hors d'oeuvres to share after the
Diocesan. planner March
Graphic Designer: Tim Faragher
Mail:
also presi-
Mission San Xavier del Bac near Tucson have decided to install motion-
.
E
is
historic
Th
N
who
Security stepped up after vandalism at historic mission
eighth-
grade girl suffered a bullet wound in the upper arm. The alleged shooter, who
was
way of truth,
dent of the Chilean bishops' conference.
—A
and shocking" reminder that
a "sad
the
is
repentance and clem-
gate following three separate acts of van-
Williamsport
in
Chileans,
'The only possibility to
bring Chileans together
to 'play
7 student shooting at Bishop
Neumann High
among
reconciliation
porters of Pinochet.
Gen-
Scranton diocesan spokeswoman called
March
cardinal to a
sharply divided between critics and sup-
Catholic high school shooting called shocking
the
On March
Chileans.
Errazuriz proposed a formula to achieve
yes,
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa
new
final
rabbi said
you would be allowed you could do that"
that
is
God' and,
required for building
is
among
ceremony at the During the nationally broadcast ceremony, Cardinal
cloning would be Godlike, "so the consensus
Cardi-
Chilean President Ricardo Lagos invited
the
faith takes its lead
University. Relating
esis to bioethics, the
—
president's official house.
from the Book of Genesis, where mankind is made in the image of God. "So we feel strongly that we must behave in a Godlike manner, being merciful, just and forgiving," he said. The rabbi was one of several representatives of faith groups who spoke at a bioethics conference in early February at St.
\
Ossa-of Santiago said the truth about those who disappeared during the 1973-90 reign of Gen.
seeks a personal relation-
(CNS)
\
nal Francisco Errazuriz
ship" with each of them.
MIAMI
'
Chilean cardinal says peace requires truth about
High School in Oro\ille, His speech had numerous references
class at Oroville
to
active role
movement
the corporate responsibility
the board of the interfaith center.
co-valedictorian of the 1998 graduating
Calif!
Wolf took an
munity Center for Peace and Justice in New York, and from 1981 to 1983 chaired
they did not allow him to give his prepared speech.
J
heading the agency
after
while serving on the staff of the Intercom-
when
his rights
September
since 1976. Sister
comment, the court rejected the former student's argument that public school district officials
executive director, effective
6.
Timothy H. Smith, a United Methodist layman from Canada who left
when he would not
religious references.
in
Wolf
she succeeded
graduation
his
Sister Patricia
Following an interim directorship by Ursuline Sister Valerie Heinonen,
refused to hear the case of a
California high school valedictorian
new
its
March
groups
activity of religious
named Mercy
2001
16,
is
having
St.
its
Paul the
Aposde Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Rd., at die Wednesday 10 am Masses continuing this morning, March 28 and April
4.
The
ladies ask that attendants
St.
Aloysius Church,
Kathryn Tinkelenberg, parish nurse, (828) 464-9880.
23 HOT SPRINGS
— The
Jesuit
at
House
NW
Hwy. 25/70, is hosting of Prayer, 289 a renewal of body and spirit for those who parent children with special needs. Beginning at 7:30 p.m tonight and ending with Mass and lunch on March
25, this retreat's
on spiritual and physical needs and the deepening of one's awareness through communication with God through prayer. The facilitator, Ann Mercer, has worked focus
is
with parents of children with special needs for over 16 years. tion, call (828)
For
details
MAGGIE VALLEY Lenten retreat
and
registra-
622-7366.
is
—
A weekend
being held at Living
ters Reflection Center, 103
Wa-
Living Waters
..
March
2001
16,
The World
The Catholic News & Herald 3
Brief
in
Youth ministers, chaplains offer comfort to shooting victims
or free anti-retroviral treatment and treatment for opportunistic diseases re-
—
LOS ANGELES (CNS) In an outpouring of faith in the midst of tragedy, Catholic youth ministers, priests, chaplains, parents and teens ministered to each other following the March 5 shooting of 15 people at San tana High School in Santee, northwest of San Diego. Five youth ministers from area churches were meeting together that morning at Guardian Angels Church in Santee, when one of them got a call on her cell phone from a terrified daughter fleeing the high school minutes after the shooting. Father Michael Cunnane, pastor at Guardian Angels, and several youth ministers immediately drove to the school and gathered with fleeing students and parents in the parking lot of the shopping mall across the street. In such chaotic and terrifying moments "presence
is
Durban, president of the conference, said in a statement. South Africa's medicines legislation came under the spotlight in the Pretoria High Court March 6 as about 40 pharmaceutical companies challenged the court to uphold drug patents and ban the use of cheaper alternatives by the government.
Vatican Radio's main FM keeps many Holy Year innovations VATICAN CITY (CNS) Al-
station
—
though many things at the Vatican have returned to normal after the Holy Year, Vatican Radio's primary FM station has not. Once an Italian-language station hosting programs in other languages, 105 on the FM dial was the Holy Year
the big thing," said Father
home
vocations marathon, they all run the good race
LOS ANGELES (CNS)
— The
CNS photo by Karen
prayer drive. Whereas runners usually ask for pledges for
example
the
Run
—
—
to finance a charity,
those
who
signed up for
criticize
This year the run, which was
Caregivers, professional and nonprofes-
sional,
started
14 years ago, drew 77 priests,
sional,
shared their experiences of death and dying during a series of 90-minute
and dying during a
nuns, brothers, seminarians and parishioners as participants.
41 -year-old
Frank Ebiner,
member of St. John
Parish in Baldwin Park, was the
of the 77 to cross the finish
a
the Bapfirst
He made
line.
it in 3:13:39. Ebiner and the rest followed the 26.2-mile marathon trail that took them through the heart of downtown Los Angeles, up to Hollywood, and
back.
Focus group participants share
focus group sessions held Feb.
March
19-
Cloud Hospital. The
2 at St.
meetings were part of a project called "Supportive Care of the Dying," which encourages society to give people with life-threatening illnesses supportive care,
compassionate help in
relief
from
suffering,
and
managing pain and symptoms.
Focus group participants share experiences of caring for dying
experiences of caring for dying
—
ST.
CLOUD,
Minn. (CNS)
— Sup-
90-minute focus group sessions held Feb. 19-
U.S. and Italian doctors to clone
March
from
life-threatening illnesses supportive care,
from suffering, and help in managing pain and symptoms. Southern African bishops decry attempts to block cheap
compassionate
relief
AIDS drugs
CAPE TOWN,
— The Southern ops'
emotional, according to people involved
the St. Cloud area. Caregivers, professional and nonprofes-
people with the
St.
Cloud
area.
March 25. Maureen Meehan and
Lane, this weekend through
Mercy Mercy
Sister Sister
Dorothy McLaughlin are
presenting the theme of people's
neys
in
the context of faith. For
life
jour-
more infor-
mation, call (828) 926-3833 or e-mail lwcrc@main.nc.us.
24 CHARLOTTE
—
St.
Matthew
Church, 8015 Ballantyne Pkwy.,
is
host-
ing a day of prayer, renewal, faith sharing
and the celebration of women as sisters in the Lord today from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
With
theme "Empowered by Love" as a backdrop, the 2nd Annual Women's
Day
the
includes an afternoon session entitled
This Mess: Living with the Reality of Our Lives" with Mercy Sister Jeanne Marie Kienast. The Carolina Catholic Bookshop will be displaying items, and lunch is also being served. Call Kathy Murray at (704) 849-0398 for registration and information. DENVER The Knights of Columbus Council 10389 Denver is hosting its annual Irish night dinner at Holy Spirit Church, 537 Hwy. 16 North, tonight at 7 "Bless
—
in
just as
—
such care
in
p.m The
dinner of corned beef cabbage and potatoes is open to the public on a firstcome, first-served basis. For tickets and information, call Charley Swengros at (704) 483-1687 or the church office at (704) 483-6448.
25
BELMONT— House ofMercy Inc.
sponsoring
its
is
8th annual three-mile walk
Cloud Hospital. The
2 at St.
important as when life begins. That endcare can be a huge burden but can also bear fruit both spiritual and emotional, according to people involved of-life
life is
series of
meetings were part of a project called "Supportive Care of the Dying," which encourages society to give people with
port and care at the end of
such care in the
church leaders plans to clone humans
Conference
South Africa (CNS)
African Catholic Bish-
criticized a bid
by phar-
virus. It
is
"inde-
fensible to prevent the provision of cheap
Mercy School, 1 East Banner Ave., at 10:30 am. on March 30. Call the schools for details.
29 GREENSBORO Women's Weekend at
St Pius
X
is
Schools in
reconciliation services
on the following
at (704)
1.
For
1 1
Elm
St.,
details, call
544S665 or Aliceann
in the vicariate are
End of Kirby Rd.
—
having
— The
this
Scouts of America Catholic
in
using
must remember the
is
first
that
consideration"
knowledge. 'The hu-
scientific
man
being can never be a reality fabricated solely with technology," he said.
taking place today through April 1 at the Woodfield Scout Reservation. All parish and other Cub Scout Packs and Scout
contact
invited to participate in this
Henry Wallace
9329.
31 BOONE
— The
Faith Formation
at (704) 792-
diocesan Office of
presenting the 5th
is
Annual Boone Education Conference today beginning at 9 am. and concluding at 3 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Church, 259 Pilgrims Way. Based on the theme "Our Baptismal Call and Response," Anne Trufant in her
and
will share
life
and
her sense of God's
will
spirituality
engage
with participants.
deadline for registration
and
for information
and
is
March
The 26,
registration, call
Peg Ruble, Central Regional mation Coordinator,
call
in fellowship
Faith For-
at (704) 391-0445.
in King, April
at 7 p.m. Call the churches for details.
30 ASHEBORO
is
by Panayiotis Zavos, a U.S. fertility researcher, and includes Severino Antinori, an Italian fertility' doctor. Cardinal Carlo Martini of Milan said March
yearly event. For additional ^formation,
Lenten reconciliation services on the following dates: Our Lady of Mercy, 1919 S. Main St in Winston-Salem, tonight at 7 p.m.; Our Lady of Fatima Chapel, Corner of Cherry and 3rd Sts. in Winston-Salem, April 5 at 7 p.m; Our Lady of the Rosary, 619 S. Main St. in Lexington, and Holy Family, 4820 Kinnamon Rd. in Clemmons, April 6 at 7 p.m.; St Benedict the Moor, 1625 E. 12th St in WinstonSalem, April 10 at 7 p.m. and Good Shepherd, East
little
The cloning team
Troops are
at (704) 540-8696.
dates:
St Leo School, 333 Springdale Ave., morning at 10 a.m. and Our Lady of
a publicity stunt with
The 57th
Churches
—
it
chance of succeeding.
taking place
Church, 2210 N.
today through April
Dan Hines
—
Ultreya
WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE
the Winston-Salem area 'are having Lenten
deaths and physical aberrations, while others called
10 that scientists
and awareness for AIDS research. Walkers of all ages are invited to secure sponsors for each of the three miles, and churches, civic organizations and }fouth groups are also encouraged to form teams and walk togedier. A celebration featuring prizes, local entertainment and refreshments is taking place immediately following the event. For more information or- to register, call Paula Wilkerson at (704)
28 WINSTON-SALEM
March 9. Some scientists said the project would inevitably produce premature
"human dignity
AIDS
human
reaction
Italian officials and church leaders. Vatican experts, however, virtually ignored the team's announcement, which came at a press conference in Rome
African government from making cheaper generic drugs available to
die walk at 2 p.m. to raise funds for the
4.
drew a chorus of negative
maceutical companies to stop the South
Coon
825-4711, Ext.
babies
led
today witb registration at 1:45 p.m. with facility
ROME (CNS) — Plans by a team of
shared their experiences of death
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (CNS) Support and care, at the end of life is just as important as when life begins. That endof-life care can be a huge burden but can also bear fruit both spiritual and
—
in which Italian, English and French presenters spoke to each other and their listeners in their own language. When the jubilee ended Jan. 6, the station became "One-O-Five Live," keeping large chunks of the multilingual format, although primarily in Italian and English. For budgetary and staffing reasons, Jubilaeum's twin in Spanish and Portuguese ended with the jubilee.
Italian officials,
for Vocations asked for prayers
instead.
in
Callaway
Bishops meet with female church leaders Dolores R. Leckey, senior fellow at Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University, and Archbishop John G. Vlazny of Portland, Ore., sing a hymn at the opening of a national consultation in Chicago on women in the church and society March 1 1. Archbishop Vlazny chairs the U.S. bishops' Committee on Women in Society and in the Church, which was sponsoring the three-day meeting with women from across the nation.
an-
for Vocations, part of the 16th
Los Angeles Marathon March 4, aims to promote religious life. Participants raise awareness for vocations through a
tist
to "Jubilaeum," broadcasting pro-
grams
In L.A.
Run
by insisting on patent Napier of
rights," Cardinal Wilfrid F.
Cunnane.
nual
AIDS
lated to
Boy Camporee is
diocesan
Please submit notices ofeventsfor the Diocesan
Planner at tion date.
least
10 days prior to
the publica-
The Catholic News & Herald
4
ALESHA M. PRICE
By
with what
Catechetical leaders
Staff Writer
HICKORY
— Eighteen
holes of golf
Mahony
can sometimes prepare Joan
ordinator at
St.
The
Vincent de Paul Church
Charlotte said the golf course
away from home. Her job
is
we do and why we do
it."
2001
nator and catechist at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton for six years, says one of the reasons she is •
for
gain insight, spiritual
formation co-
faith
16,
Terri Martino, faith formation coordi-
the daily routine of her ministry as a parish catechetical leader.
March
Around the Diocese
involved in this ministry
of passing the
is
the importance
home
along not only to her children but to other children as well, and
a steady
the job also helps her personal faith
is
a
in
nourishment at retreat
faith
in her oftentimes
development She tries to involve the entire parish in her work and stresses that communication with the students and the parents is the key. She said that the retreat
seven-day-a-week profession. Golf simply
served as a time for her to fellowship with
serves as a getaway for her from her busy
other PCL's.
stream of parental conferences; gathering of materials for the parish catechists, or formation teachers; student consulta-
faith
and other duties
tions
"If we don't take the
schedule.
think that
"I
because
it is
God
invented the
game
such a spiritual experience that
can't
be understood unless you play.
how
I
away from
get
away from God," she
Mahony and
it all
time to rejuvenate
by attending some kind of retreat or day of reflection to help us focus on priorities and. spiritual refreshment, then we cannot continue on our own journeys of faith,"
It is
but never get
explained Martino.
explained.
who led the afternoon
approximately 75 oth-
Kravatz,
ers across the diocese
to help the
for spiritual
had an opportunity and mental renewal at the
presentations into perspective, said that
session
group bring the morning
formation
an important part of the
parish catechetical leaders' retreat held at
faith
the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory
development of the individual and the
on March 10. The day consisted of presentations from Bishop William G. Curlin; Father George Kloster, pastor of St. William Church in Murphy and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hayesvi]le, and Marylin Kravatz, Southern Regional Faith Formation Coordinator; a prayer service and time for small group discus-
parish as a whole. 'This
how
left to right, Marylin Kravatz, diocesan Southern Regional Faith Formation Coordinator; Joan Mahony, St. Vincent de Paul Church faith formation coordinator; Peg Ruble, diocesan Central Regional Faith Formation Coordinator; Doctor Cris Villapando, diocesan director of faith formation programs;, and Franciscan Sister Bernadette Svatos, diocesan Northern Regional Faith Formation Coordinator discuss the morning presentations at the parish catechetical leaders' retreat in Hickory at the Catholic Conference Center on March 10.
those
message
world: "Our gifts will not have any lasting
authentic theology of the church
we
don't
recommit ourselves and
surrender to Jesus Christ every day.
work
Your
—
the Scriptures, history and the Church
program runs
to other people.
fathers."
She said that gatherings such as this help her in her parish work. "While this ministry does energize the soul, sometimes we need to get that energy from someplace else to fill in any gaps. It is important to come together with like-minded people and is extremely uplifting to get in touch
"It is
and Scripture reading, then you will be able to spread the message of Jesus' love to all you serve." Father Kloster presented church his-
year to retreat from the everyday business
if
life
important to have the PCL's and
come together
also nice for
them
inspired
challenged to
ideas
once a "It is
to be in the presence of
the bishop, their chief catechist, and be
about restoration theology, a possible reII
at least
of their ministry," explained Kravatz.
tory in reference to recent discussions
and doctrine
by
his
message.
grow
The PCL's
Sundays are usually busy days
PCL
Reformation.
Vincent de Paul for nine years. During that
how
worked at setting up the faith formation program for the young parish-
after the Protestant
talked about the importance of
times.
PCL's
face
is
"One of the battles that the what do they teach our chil-
and retaining volunteers and keeping abreast of new faith formation materials. She also schedules meetings with parents, times and dates for the administering of sacraments and parent-
purpose was to help them understand
Vatican
II
sources and to
show how
at St.
ioners, obtaining
dren," he said after his presentation. "So,
my
the
time, she has
reforms carried the church into
II
these
the joy you experience
as efficiently as possible.
this
pace and responsi-
That
is
when you
it is
minister
the bonus of doing
kind of work."
Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail amprice@charlottediocese.org.
for
convened
modern
Christ
is
are
Mahony, who has been
Vatican
know
in faith together."
derived from the Council of Trent, which
He
all
of being a PCL, what balances
bility
catechists
not easy, but
turn to pre-Vatican
can
that entails
spite of the busy, hectic
and performs other behindthe scenes details to make sure the
you constantly
prayer
What
child activities
reconnect with Christ through a consistent
is
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if
it is
.
Jesus'
evant and livable in today's ever-changing value
not a job;
not just professional requirements, which is the knowledge part of knowing your theology and developing your learning of the faith and the administration of that knowledge. "As an administrator, you are a key part of the parish family because catechetical programs are not apart from better.
From
across the diocese.
make
we
with others so Photo by Alesha M. Price
and coordinators, RCIA and adult faith formation coordinators and catechists Bishop Curlin talked about
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•
March
2001
16,
By
The Catholic News & Herald 5
Around the Diocese
Associate EorroR
CLEMMONS
— On
a
me a great big kiss right smack on the lips. She said, There, Momma, that's the way
Woman walks
JIMMY ROSTAR Sunday dur-
it
should
The moment touched Marietta and capped what, to that point, had been a perfect day for a family.
ing a liturgical season that focuses on reconciliation,
Marietta Jaeger Lane spoke
road from rage
about the struggle between fury and forgiveness. It is a
in
I
a family camping vacation, her youngest
daughter was kidnapped from the tent
which she and her four siblings slept. What began as the family's dream vaca-
God for that lovely memory,"
said,
"because
week was murdered.
tortured, raped and, a
abducted,
Rage
Marietta shared her family's story with an audience at Holy Family Church
During
11 as part of that Lenten series on the themes of mercy and forgiveness. For nearly two hours, Marietta weaved a narrative of the rage and reconciliation and faith that
who
parish's
Marietta
said.
"And there
is
we
have to come to when things happen in our or we hurt, or life doesn't go the way we it
to
go
that
we must make an
faith
and know that no matter what like,
God
loves us.
God
is
with
A
cycle.
act of
looks
A
boat dragged the river for Susie's
body. it
And
us."
the family huddled in various
and anger. "All we
states of shock, panic
could do was watch at the picnic table day
God's mountain The to a
path from their Michigan
month of camping
in
children
their five
were on top of the world. They
— and
wait
and wait
...
and
...
wait."
Montana passed
husband and
day
after
home
through eight states, and by the time their van pulled into Three Forks for their first stop, Marietta, her
of stuffed animals
trail
Over the next weeks, search planes buzzed overhead. Teams on the ground looked on horseback, on foot, on motor-
all
life,
want
slept.
enforcement.
to forgive,"
a point
Mon-
The campground that served as host of the family's dream vacation suddenly transformed into headquarters for the FBI and local law
—
how
...
night of their
lay sprinkled across the grass.
she experienced after her daughter's disap-
need to learn
first
cut a hole in the tent near her head
where she
pearance.
"We
that
was
after she
tana vacation, Susie was taken by someone
Clemmons March
—
time
last
family
tion of a lifetime turned into a nightmare.
in
was the
it
my little girl."
ever saw
Though a year would pass before her knew for sure, 7-year-old Susie was
to reconciliation
in
praise
"I
Marietta
struggle she
when,
firsthand
grew to know the summer of 1973 on
be.'"
Holy Family Church youth ministry members Lauren Pashke and Mary Kate Foley, both 15, share stories of faith with Marietta Jaeger Lane after her March 1 1 presentation at the church on rage and reconciliation.
Please allow us to introduce
you
to.
met up with trailer
whose
Marietta's parents, in
she and her husband planned to
stay.
we had come
"I felt
tain,"
she
time that
said.
we
to God's
"We were
moun-
having the best
ever had as a family."
into their sleeping bags
and kissed them
"My
was the hardest for was tucked a corner with a bunch of camping
was only
me
who
youngest daughter, Susie,
away
in
gear at the foot of her sleeping bag, and
had to hang over her
sister
I
next to her and
try to reach Susie to kiss her
good
night."
Marietta's lips barely brushed across
right in front of me,
my bare on my face." with
said, "No,
Momma,
not like
that,'"
sleeping bag, she crawled across her
sister,
and she got right up in front of me. She threw her arms around me, and she gave
was
"I
filled
As
I
I
could take his
life
hands and with a big smile
who was
Raised a devout Catholic
taught to forgive her enemies, Marietta entered the most harrowing faith struggle life.
She knew the damage long-term
anger can do to a person's health as
She strong
faith directed
well.
her anger, yet her
felt justified in
her to turn to
God "God
and place her anguish laid a good foundation
in his hands.
knew
was going to be was to live out my
held accountable to
if I
me," she
in
the principles that
said. "I
I
Catholic faith with integrity."
And
Marietta recalled. "She got up from her
seething," she said.
got into bed that night, I said to my husband that even if the kidnapper were to bring back Susie alive and well that moment, I could kill him for what he had done to my family. I knew that if he were put
Susie's cheek.
"She
was
"I
7 years old,
to reach," she said. "She
numb-
with hatred and a desire for revenge.
of her
goodnight.
Marietta's
ness finally transformed into sheer rage.
During the first night of that Montana journey, Marietta tucked her five children
two weeks,
After
Photo by Jimmy Rostar
so,
amidst the harrowing search
for her little girl, Marietta
began the
struggle to turn her anger into something positive. "I
say
surrendered to God," she re-
could not with any authenticity
called. "I
forgive this person at that point
I
It
would have been just empty words. "But
I
believe in a
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God who
So I did the only thing I could do, and that was to give God permission to change my heart." She devoted herself fully to asking God to help her in her struggle. "With that I felt a great peace, and I was able to get the first good night's sleep since Susie had been never violates our free
The eral
to reconciliation
kidnapper called the family sev-
more times
in the
ensuing months,
each time saying he wanted to exchange Susie for ransom and would call again
when
his plan was complete. Marietta relied on God's grace,
See RECONCILIATION
,
page
15
6
The Catholic News & Herald
People
in
March
the News
Nun says cancer, treatment challenged
human
—
— was
—
besides get-
in the
for leading Lenten retreat VATICAN CITY (CNS) Pope
—
John Paul
thanked Cardinal Francis .E. George of Chicago for helping him and top Vatican
doning "I
it,"
I'll
try again.
It's
"A Faith CNS photo
up
lages are ending
in the shelters
and on
the streets of Anchorage," Buser said. In the
serving with the bishops in Russia, Father
Anchorage
Opiela headed a Catholic college and edited
six years, Buser's Iditapledge fund-raiser
new
At one time he Moscow-based pro-
vincial.
Jesuit order's
Father Opiela said he has yet to
world's fastest dogsled racers
more
job was to
Georgetown
CHICAGO
familiar with
may
we not
asked
March
2.
Martin Buser's back-
versity of Dayton after accepting the 2001
Dog
Monsignor Oscar Romero Award
Race
Leadership in Service to
Human
He
named
(CNS)
—
Jesuit Father
Garanzini, special assistant to
Georgetown University
human
rights
After the breakup of the Soviet Union
and the dismantling of South African apartheid, "those of us working in human rights had seen the bottom drop out of the human rights movement in the United States," said Shea, director
of the Center for
J.
Piderit,
of
St.
who
May.
resigned last
ago the staff of Brother Francis Shelter in Anchorage asked Buser if he would lend a hand with a fund-raiser for the homeless. "My racing gets me through some of the most remote places in Alaska, and unfortunately some of the people from the vil-
the Latin American branch of the
Covenant
House.
New The
struggle to protect and defend the street
America has not been "an easy Harris. The award and talk were part of an international conference, "A kids of Latin
A native
ence in teaching, research, service and administrative leadership at
some of
sity in
Rome. He
also serves as a full
professor of psychology at Georgetown.
www.cssnc.org
Catholic
Social^ Services
JOIN FR ED McDEVITT FROM THE ORATORY FOR...
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the
and universities including Georgetown, Fordham, St Louis, Rockhurst and Gregorian Univernation's leading Jesuit colleges
battle," said
...
Ln
Louis, Father Garanzini has experi-
for
executive director of Casa Alianza,
York-based
J.
Rights.
doesn't leave everyone behind. Six years
is
official
Bruce Harris spoke to an
overflow crowd of about 300 at the Uni-
ner of the Iditarod Trail Sled
—
(CNS) Human Nina Shea credits U.S.
issue.
be
side than his front, but the three-time win-
keeping issue visible
WASHINGTON
churches with reviving the
murder of the world's children?" a longtime advocate for children in Latin America
—
rights activist credits churches for
Child advocate decries world's neglect of poor, abused are
"to help
president of Loyola Chicago
Human
age Archdiocese.
— "Why
upon Scripture
their prayer."
the president at
rights activist
DAYTON, Ohio
reflect
them deepen
Washington, has been elected president of Loyola University Chicago. Father Garanzini, who will assume his new duties this summer, succeeds Jesuit Father John
nine or 10 days. In
shouting at the top of our voices to stop the
for All Peoples: Conversion, Free-
Life for All Children"
Francis Shelter, operated by the Anchor-
from Russia's Foreign Ministry for the Feb. 27 rejection and does not expect one. The government is not required to give one under Russian law.
The
Nome Ln
has brought in nearly $20,000 for Brother
receive an explanation
Iditarod musher harnesses help for the homeless ANCHORAGE, Alaska (CNS)
to
chose as his theme,
Question of Conscience: Making a Better
top teams cover the 1,151 miles from
race,
religious magazine.
was the
Anchor
Michael
7 tele-
offices,
dom and Communion in Christ." He told Catholic News Service March 10 that his
Snowboarder represents U.S. in Special Olympics Snowboarder Chris Vance represented the United States in the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games held March 4-11 in Anchorage. He is a parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in the Alaskan capital.
phone interview from Warsaw. "Maybe there will be some kind of protest." Besides
a
by Michael Dinneen, Catholic
pope and the
talks to the
heads of Vatican
just not
March
4^-10 Lenten Redemptoris Mater Chapel
who gave 22
fall.
said Polish Jesuit Father
Stanislaw Opiela, 62, in a
chose Cardi-
March
of the Apostolic Palace. Cardinal George,
attempts to return to Moscow.
don't think
worth
him with new
The pope
to lead his
retreat in the
aban-
is
George
nal
has been refiised a Russian visa
his
strengthen their faith in
officials
vigor to the world.
—
three consecutive times, says he
II
Christ so they can proclaim
secretary of the Russian bishops' confer-
who
of
Pope thanks Cardinal George
Prominent Polish Jesuit denied Russian visa for third time MOSCOW (CNS) The general ence,
at the School"
University.
"Avon Breast
Cancer 3-Day," a 60-mile walk
as
Advanced International Studies on the Washington campus of Johns Hopkins
to find
in training for the
saw the church
rights activists
movement," Shea said. ments March 6 in a talk
Following a mastectomy, she twice underwent four regimens of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Today, Sister Ganiel is considered a three-year survivor, and is
Washingtonwas then that
human rights She made her com-
where God was in the midst of it. 'The whole cancer experience was a conversion experience and the task for me as a Christian disciple was to find out where God was in all of this and who God was for me," she told The Monitor, newspaper of the Trenton Diocese. It took most of 1998 to treat her cancer.
she
It
2001
"a natural gathering of the
was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 and underwent chemotherapy and radiation to treat it, Franciscan Sister Kathy ting well
at the
based Freedom House.
her to find God in ordeal TRENTON, N J. (CNS) When she
Ganiel said her challenge
Freedom
Religious
16,
Thank you media sponsor
to
our
WBTV3/
WBTV
March
2001
16,
The Catholic News & Herald 7
From the Cover
Family's faith journey leads to permanent diaconate Curlin, who was director of the first diaconate class in the United States, conferred the sacrament on Jerry, the first
NELLENBACH
By JOANITA M.
Correspondent
MAGGIE VALLEY of human friends
— Tor
the joy
deacon to be ordained at St. Margaret. In a ceremony held before the ordination, Lorraine became the first wife to witness
love, brother, sister, parent, child,
on earth and
friends
above
." ...
The capacity congregation, 200 strong, sang the old hymn "For the Beauty of the Earth" as the procession made its way up St Margaret's center aisle on the evening
her husband's commitment to the bishop and the pope, commitments that are made by every deacon candidate
of March
prior to his ordination.
joyfully
9.
They were parishioners and former pa-
In his homily during the ordination,
and friends, who had come together to honor a couple, special to them all, at a very special event. Gerard (Jerry) La Pointe was about to be ordained a permanent deacon. Jerry, who had completed the diocesan lay ministry program and had been studying for the diaconate for four years, was planning to be ordained in June with the seven other members of his class. But when Bishop William G. Curlin learned that
Bishop Curlin directed
rishioners, family
Jerry's wife, Lorraine,
terminally
is
months
said.
"Vatican
The
II
important that people
a
gift to
the
not new, and
it's
it's
know
that.
and Lorraine have been married 49 years and raised six children. After Jerry retired from his auto body and repair business in Florida, tiiey Valley.
In
die
the
first
St.
Margaret.
was a Eucharis-
and was on the RCIA team. For a while, he and Jasay Ketchum were the only altar servers, and they
the ordination of
seven deacons, called by the
Maggie
and the couple soon became
served as a sacristan. Jerry
reading during that
first
Mass recounted
to
Together they have been involved in the parish's ministry to the sick and dying for eight years. Lorraine sang in the choir and tic
fact,
moved
He had been an usher at their church
in Florida,
restoration."
evening's
new
for
a
It's
Jerry's
They have been reaching out for a long
involved in parish activities at
stressed that is
community through
time. Jerry
early.
diaconate
tiiat
otiier in
role as deacon.
"We need the diaconate," Bishop Curlin church.
diem
their marriage, diey are able to reach out to
die wider
offered to confer the sacrament of holy
orders three
of his com-
telling
through the love they have for each
he
ill,
many
ments to the La Pointes,
worked together to make procedures more
first
efficient
apostles.
William Murphy,
who
built
garet was ordained a priest there in 1972.
harder:
is
there.
March 9 was a
"I
can do more as a deacon.
you wear a
the second person to be ordained
Jerry
apt to
night of firsts. Bishop
what
I
want
to
do
is
come
clerical collar,
to
you
When
people are
more
to ask for help. That's
time
I've
to help people. If it
will
be worth
my discernment was when we didn't have a
can
I
all
the
Father Bill Evans was pastor at Margaret when he wrote Jerry and
I
I
St.
tion. I
to forgive his brother after the brother
other parishioners suggesting that diey look
became ill. A woman came up to me afterward and said she had asked her mother [who was dead] for forgiveness, and she believed that the mother gave it"
was the only one to
He completed the lay
ministry program.
lot
"After that," Lorraine said, "there
was a
of prayer and discernment to see
if this
really
we
was a
call.
"It's
Jerry began the formal diaconate process,
this
was a
it
even more challenging He often put in a 40-
hour week studying
calling
for the twice-monthly
class sessions at the Catholic
desire."
'It's
Conference
which Ix>rraine also attended. At one point during the second year,
not something that smacks you in
the eyes," Jerry said.
but found
than he had expected.
That's the big thing, that
prayed over whether
or just a Life Program offers one-day marriage preparation workshops for engaged couples. Couples come to better understand themselves, * their partners, and the relationship they share, through small and large group activities, presentations, joumaling and pnvate partner-to-partner discussions.
and
service.
six
explore the possibility.
The diocesan Family
was doing the daily would give a reflecgave one on a man who was only able
[ftiU-time] priest
Communion
spent studying."
into the diaconate. Jerry
$95 fee
NELLENBACH
Jerry and Lorraine La Pointe have made the diaconate journey together through praying and discerning together and supporting each other.
help even one person,
Jerry looks forward to working even
St Mar-
Photos by JOANITA M.
minister, sacristan
Center
not something that
you by storm. It evolves over time. I think one of the things that pushed me in
in Hickory,
takes
See
JOURNEY,
page
14
IflHBHHMl^fe.
DATES AND LOCATIONS Upcoming Workshops 2001
Please join
Apr. 7- Sacred Heart Campus, Belmont Apr. 28 - St. Barnabas Church. Arden
May 12 Sacred Heart Campus, Belmont May 26 Catholic Conference Center, Hickory June 9 Holy Family Church, Clemmons Aug 4 Catholic Conference Center. Hickory Sept 29 St. Barnabas Church, Arden Oct. 20 Sacred Heart Campus, Betmont
us...
•
-
Catholic Heritage Society
-
-
•
Nov.
Honoring the generosity
17 Sacred Heart Campus, Belmont -
PLUS, we have two workshops for
those being remarried
We offer a special program designed for those couples in
which
at least
provide for the future of the
one of the two Church through a planned
Conference Center, Hickory Holy Family Church, Clemmons
31, Catholic
September
15,
gift to
the Diocese
of Charlotte
The Marriage Preparation
One-Day Workshops are part vj
or a diocesan parish, school,
the
FAMILY LIFE PROGRAM
Become a member by making: A bequest in your will • A gift from a retirement plan • A gift of life insurance • A gift of an annuity • A gift of a trust • A gift of real estate •
specifically
partners was previously married:
March
ofCatholicfriends who
For more information or to reserve a space
For more information,
Office of Special Ministries Cirltoiic Social Services
1123 Sooth Church Sired NC 2UI»
Qy.irle.lte.
(704) 370-3228
call
Gina Rhodes, Director of Planned Giving agency, or diocesan foundation.
(704) 370-3301
8
The Catholic News & Herald
March
Around Ihe State
16,
2001
Priest never anticipated
popularity of song 'On
Eagle's Wings' Ordainedin 1980, FatherJoncas has since written dozens ofpieces ofliturgicalmusic.
But he is bestknown for "On Eagle's Wings. but because eagles have such a strong
this,
STRANGE
By JOHN
NC Catholic
CHAPEL
friend's
but in die 20-plus years since
Wings" was on a
dead
"On
hymn
written, the
liturgical life It is
—
HILL, N.C. (CNS)
began as a song for a
It
father,
Eagle's
has taken
of its own.
tions."
and during weekend Masses. Native Americans and Catholic members of the U.S. Air Force have claimed it for their own because of its references to eagles and flying. All of this surprises the song's
com-
poser to no end. off at
NC
am
surprised
of all that
first
it
took
Father Michael Joncas told the
all,"
Catholic,
newspaper of the Raleigh
But the song began much more humbly. Father Joncas explained that he was visiting a fellow seminarian at The Catholic University of America in Washington. When the two returned from dinner, they received a message that the friend's father had just suffered a fatal heart attack. In between getting the friend onto an
workshop
vice,
Chapel
Hill.
20 years
later, I
think
I
understand some of the reasons why. It's a very expansive, wide-ranging kind of melody. In that, it probably gives an aural, auditory image of eagles," he said. "Now, I never would have guessed
What
Eagle's Wings."
service vocation" in the song.
airplane
in
Father Michael Joncas, who composed the hymn "On Eagle's Wings," speaks at a diocesan conference on music in Chapel Hill, N.C. He wrote the popular liturgical song 20 years ago.
found connections to "their
Diocese, in an interview after a liturgical
"In hindsight,
CNS photo by John Strange, NC Catholic
Even members of the Air Force have own armed
played at funeral liturgies, but
also at baptisms, weddings,
"I
American connotation, the Native American community also picked up the song," said Father Joncas, a priest of the St PaulMinneapolis Archdiocese. "They found this as something that could connect Christianity and their own native tradi-
home and
the father's
wake
ser-
He its
said that while
success, he
"It's
mine. series
he
said.
"I
is
best
for
"On
poem of
refrain
is
is
I
The
stakes of writing
"I
was very
to
make
In
fact,
clear,"
he
a
gift."
do
positions.
He
for
new
musical com-
also has written eight "set-
they are today," he explained.
on the canticle of Mary. "These are texts that are really inexhaustible," he added. "You can always find new nuances and new ways of expressing
more about
it
again, the
"My
drastically
tings" based
standards were different than music,
I
hope
"I know know more
I
in song."
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said.
Father Joncas has returned to
Psalm 9 1 four times
different resonances."
song would be
it
prayed the text of Psalm 91 every night.
way
meanfrom the
Ironically, the priest said, if he could
I
But the triggering mechanism was I wanted to find a way to help my friend at this tough time. As an artist, that was a
a
able to bear multiple different contexts
know more about the become much
life,
Lord.
"Back then
not really a
and the
91,
same "text, taking on
Father Joncas has
known
It's
hope
about
higher.
believe that Scripture as the
So many
ings.
different
music. But he
Psalm
It's
it
in 1980,
many
of phrases from the Old Testament,"
wake.
Ordained
not surprised that so
Scripture.
word of God
.
since written dozens of pieces of liturgical
surprised by
is
people related to the song.
Father Joncas had written die song, He sang the song publicly for the first time during the basing the lyrics on Psalm 9 1
is
he
For more information, contact the CFL Center at (910) 328-t584, or cfl2@juno.com, or fax (910) 328-3481. CFL Center • 2006 Wicker Street • North Topsail Beach, NC 28460
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1
March
16,
2001
JIMMY ROSTAR
By
The Catholic News & Herald 9
Around The Diocese
Associate Editor
Lest anyone wonder how the Diocese of Charlotte is growing so rapidly these days, they had to look no further than three parishes here recently to understand one reason for such exciting expansion.
William
Bishop
G.
Curlin
The
Bishop Curlin presides at Rite of Election
and
Call to
standing and appreciation for Catholic life. The candidates offer the bishop their names as well, signed on scrolls. For those involved in the RCIA process, a great deal of discernment takes place. Bishop Curlin likened the experience to searching for something not yet fully realized in people's lives. "You're hungry for something in your life that you have not found to fulfillment yet," he told one group. "You're looking for something wonderful. You come into our faith to receive a deeper awareness and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ." Bishop Curlin said there are key ingredients points of light that compose the faith lives of Catholics. "Treasure that light," he urged. "Feed it with the sacraments, prayer, love, charity and God's holy Word." Bishop Curlin asked all present to
Continuing Conversion
Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion, one of the essential steps by which people of faith prepare to enter as full members of the Catholic
Church. their spon-
members, friends and parteam members gathered at Holy
sors, family
ish
Family Church
March
in
Clemmons on
—
Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville on March 10 and at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte
on March
The
the
at
4,
1 1
for the celebrations.
rite is
part of theHite of Chris-
tian Initiation of
Adults (RCIA), the
process by which adults become ated into the Catholic
recommit
initi-
Church through
—
own lives to Jesus on a and he reminded the as-
their
daily basis,
study, prayer and liturgical celebra-
sembly that the Mass
tions.
the Eucharist
In his message to those hundreds
filled lives
dedicated to Christ.
"When you come
into the Catholic
what we celebrate." Individuals engaged in the RCIA
meaning
to
who have
not been baptized are called catechumens. They prepare for the initiation sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. Baptized Chris-
"What we
Catholic Social S Siimcis i
—
particularly
the center of the
tians of other faith traditions prepar-
experience represents the belief that
ing for either or both confirmation and Eucharist are called candidates. During the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion, catechumens are officially called by the bishop to the sacraments of initiation,
God
to be conferred
by pastors
at the
Eas-
Mass on Holy Saturday. The
ter Vigil
is
calling these
Executive Director: Elizabeth Thurbee (704) 370-3228
Refuse Office
&
Mass
Editor Joann
men and women
S.
Keane contributed
Special Ministries: Gerard A. Carter (704) 370-3250
Contact Associate Editor Jimmy Rostar by calling (704) 370-3334 or email jtrostar@charlottediocese. org
Books of the Elect containing the signatures of the catechumens are presented, and following a series of questions affirming their readiness, the cat-
echumens become known
as
the
"elect."
The
Two in
separate one-week sessions at
Kings Mountain
State Park the
Camp York weeks of
July 8-14, 2001 and July 15-21, 2001
Oratory
.
girls under 12 who will enter grades 2-6 September can apply for consideration. Swimming, crafts and religious activities.
Boys and
Religion
Camp
.
.The
fee
For information
is
$100.
J application:
tin
The Oratory Religion Camp, Those wishing
1 123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203 Area Director: Geri King (704) 370-6155 Western Region: 50 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Area Director: Sister Marie Frechette (828) 255-0146 Piedmont-Triad: 621 W. Second Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27108
to
P.
O. Box 11586, Rock Hill,
SC 29731-1586.
volunteer as counselors can write for a staffapplication.
Charlotte Region:
We'll beat any advertised price... Let us prove it!
Area Director: David Harold (336) 727-0705 Greensboro Satellite Office: (336) 274-5577 High Point Hispanic Center: (336) 884-5858
For information on the following programs, please contact the
number
listed:
CCHD
(704)
Natural Family Planning
(704)
Casa Guadalupe
(336) 727-4745
Operation Rice Bowl
(704) 370-323
Catholic Relief Services
(704) 370-3225
Prison Ministry (beeper)
(704) 581-7693
Disaster Relief
(704)
Programa Esperanza
(704)
Elder Ministry
(704) 370-3220
Respect Life
(704) 370-3229
Family
(704) 370-3250
Voices
I
Life
land to
Host
Hand
Homes
Marriage Preparation
1123 South Church
370-3234
370-3250
(336)
72541 AND
(336)
725-HOST
(704)
370-3228
tor lustice Legislative
Dealerships
370-3230
Serving Charlotte with integrity for over 39 years!
370-6928
Network
Jtmitsubishi
HONDA
jrm MOTORS
(704) .370-3225
Widow/Separated/Divorced (704) 370-3228
Street © Charlotte,
6951
E.
Independence Blvd.
7001
© www.cssnc.org
Frank LaPointe, President,
E.
Independence Blvd.
535-4444
531-3131 NC 28203
to
this story.
to the fullness of the church.
Peace:
Joanne K. Frazer (704) 370-3225
is
"When we celebrate the Mass, heaven comes down to earth, to this very altar."
in
Cira Ponce (704) 370-6930
lustice
celebrate in the
said.
Sponsors play an essential role in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Not only do they walk along the path of faith with those they sponsor; in many instances, they experience a renewed sense of faith themselves.
•
I
is
the presence of the living Christ," he
Photo by Joann S. Keane
process.
Church, you must commit yourself to the belief that Jesus loves you and is the center of your life," the bishop said at one of the celebrations. "He gives
—
Catholic faith and tradition.
RCIA
preparing to enter the church at this year's Easter Vigil, Bishop Curlin spoke of living gracein the
the
echists testify to their deeper under-
presided at three celebrations of the
Hundreds of people,
rite is also significant for
candidates, as their sponsors and cat-
Member
of
St.
Gabriel Church
1
lO
The Catholic News & Herald
Read
March i
n g
2001
16,
:
Book Review
New books explore
Word to Li
Jewish-Christian relations
March 1)
EUGENE FISHER
Reviewed by Catholic
"Christianity
News Service in Jewish Terms"
definition as such, but to
is
Study Group on Christianity, sponsored by Baltimore's Institute for Jewish-Christian Studies. The group has been meeting regularly for years in an effort to reassess Judaism's understanding of its relationship with
September 2000 the group issued "Dabru Emet" ("Speaking Truth"), a groundbreaking statement of historic proportions that acknowlother things, that "Jews
and Christians worship the same God." This has been the Christian claim, of course, but the doctrine of the
Trinity has appeared to many Jews to reject the Oneness of the Creator, while
News Service
array of items, mystified to know many people see them as "collectibles."
aside"
flocks to
On
seems
aisles aimlessly, idly
are mostly confined
treats.
to
narrates engagingly how Christian writings from Augus-
Aquinas "fash-
That's
why
to read about
I
Gutenberg Bible at
am
always amazed
someone who in a
an estate sale for $10 or a missing
neath an ugly amateur
CHRISTIANITY IN JEWISH
(their)
fruit
TERMS, edited by Tivka
from age to age, and how "this
Frumer-Kensky, etal.
a
basis of reading of the
crafted
controversial in "Dabru
in Chris-
LIVING LETTERS
thought and culFor those seriously interested in
IN MEDIEVAL
Jewish-Christian relations, it is an utterly
tian
Emet" is the affirmation that "Nazism is not a Christian phenomenon,"
OF THE LAW: IDEAS OF THE JEW
while asserting equally strongly that "without the long history of Christian anti-Judaism and Christian violence
Cohen. University of California
CHRISTIANITY, by Jeremy
451
ture."
fascinating read.
James
Carroll's
"Constantine's Sword" attempts, and
$24.95.
against Jews, Nazi ide-
fails
ology could not have taken hold nor been car-
grand synthesis of
estants since the end of
World War
II
and with Catholics since the Second Vatican Council) for Jews, as one put it, "to take yes for an answer." The book is organized around 1 themes from the "Dabru Emet" statement. Each theme is discussed first by a Jewish scholar, who is then responded to by a Christian and a Jewish scholar. The 27 contributors are among the leading scholars in the world in both communities. The result is a sprightly and immensely illuminating dialogue on such themes as the Shoah and anti-Semitism, God, Scripture,
commandment,
Israel,
worship,
suffering, Incarnation, redemption, sin
and repentance. In each the point
is
what Judaism
has to say about what Christians say about these topics. Quite often, the authors conclude, what Judaism used to' say about Christianity has been found
wanting through the closer lens of dialogical understanding. In
many
ways,
then, this courageous book is a call on Jewish tradition not to change its self-
table.
I
oil painting of can never imagine
pay attention to a bush which on fire without burning
to be
Lent
is
a call by the church for
all
of us to "turn aside" from the million
and one things which distract us, from our preconceptions about where true beauty and value can be found, and to pay attention to the signs of God's presence. Life holds treasures for those
who
pay attention to the signs that indicate the presence of something extraordinary beneath the surface. Let us turn aside in the days ahead and attend to those signs.
Weekly Scripture
Jew assumed
and power
$30.00.
cades of successful dialogue with Prot-
on a
Moses
Bible,"
distinctive character
pp.,
Press (Berkeley, 1999).
Rembrandt masterpiece hidden be-
we
reading,
hermeneutically
Westview Press (Boulder,
438
of)
first
speaks to
up.
finds a
trunk purchased
Jew on the
200 or so rabbis and scholars approached by the group signed the statement. This is a sign of a growing consensus among Jews that it is time (after de-
con-
magazine, there an incomplete socket
nically (if not necessar-
ried out." Still, virtually all of the
I
God
upon noticing that' he has "turned from the routine of tending his
sidering here a back issue of Life
Law" he
ioned (an image
pp.,
go,
influence each has had, theologically,
tine to
Colo., 2000).
I
on the other.
seen to-
intentionally) since it "idolatry," appears to them to raise a human being to the level of divinity. Perhaps even more
In this Sunday's are told that
My purchases
too put
able.
and country trade days. I'm overwhelmed by the mind-numbing
set.
too dis-
by the conviction that in such a mass of tacky junk there could never be anything truly beautiful or valu-
sales
wander the
am
it all,
I
off
I'm a terrible shopper at estate
when
find.
tracted by the variety of
DAN LUBY
those rare occasions
signs that indicate to
such a spectacular
Gospel: Luke 13:1-9
By
little
the careful buyer the possibility of
Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
day by many among Orthodox Jews as, techily
to notiqe the
smoked turkey legs and funnel cake and nut-covered frozen ice cream
In "Living Letters of the
the doctrine of the Inis still
1
Catholic
Meanwhile, Jeremy Cohen of Tel Aviv University is one of the leading medievalists in the world today. He is specialist in Jewish-Christian a relations over the centuries. His two prize-winning books, "The Friars and the Jews" and "Be Fertile and Increase, Fill the Earth and Master It," have brilliantly evoked not only the disputations between Jews and Christians but also the profound and positive
In
carnation
2) 3)
myself paying close enough attention
Readings:
Exodus 3:1 -8a, 13-15 Psalm 103:1-4, 6-8, 11
attest!
Christianity.
among
its
—
interpreting Christianity not an easy task, as those Catholics such as myself engaged in a similar process for our own community can
the product of the Jewish Scholars
edged,
change
way of
Third Sunday of Lent
18,
C
Cycle
to achieve, the
Catholic theology on Jews and Judaism that this book easily provides the reader. But then, Carroll spent a grand total of one year researching his book while "Living Let-
Readings for the week of Mar. 18 - 24, 2001 Third Sunday of Lent, Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15, 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12, Luke Monday (St. Joseph), 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16, Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22, 13:1-9; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24; Tuesday, Daniel 3:25, 34-43, Matthew 18:21-35; Wednesday, Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9, Matthew 5:17-19; Thursday, Jeremiah 7:23-28, Luke 1 1:1423; Friday (Abstinence), Hosea 14:2-10, Mark 12:28-34; Saturday, Hosea 6:1-6, Luke 18:9-14
Readings for the week of Mar. 25 - 31, 2001 Fourth Sunday of Lent, Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Luke 15:1-3, 1 132; Monday (Annunciation of the Lord), Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10, Hebrews 10:4-10, Luke 1:26-38; Tuesday, Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12, John 5:1-3, 5-16; Wednesday, Isaiah 49:8-15, John 5:17-30; Thursday, Exodus 32:7-14, John 5:31-47; Friday (Abstinence), Wisdom 2:1, 12-22, John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30; Saturday, Jeremiah 11:18-20, John 7:40-53
THE JESUITS
Law" is the result of a lifetime of study and dialogue. In the late 1960s and early '70s I attended New York University's Institute of Hebrew Studies and was for the first time in my life (or virtually that of any other Catholic, for that matter) exposed to how Western history looks from the perspective of the Jews, the one "outsider" group allowed to survive under Christian domination. ters of the
Cohen's
Is this whereyou belong?
Lucian C. Martinez,
Saint Peter's Church Charlotte, NC 28202
book
explains the theological underpinnings of decisions by generations of church leaders about Jews in Christian society. It is a must for anyone who wants to understand where church teaching was before the Second Vatican Council overturned all previous Christian reflection since St. Paul and set the church on the course of the "dialogue of mutual esteem" that
has resulted in the revolutionary progress in Catholic-Jewish relations and, therefore, in the response to that revolution by the authors and editors of "Christianity in Jewish Terms."
S.J
Coordinator of Vocations
Phone: 704-332-2901
E-Mail: vocations@maiprovjesuits.org
Web: www.jesuitvocarion.com
Retiree^ Considering retirement! Join us for a special retreat/workshop: "Another Third of Life
-
Spirituality,
Challenge and Opportunity in Retirement. * Reflect upon your hopes and concerns about your future
Maggie
Valley's
-
What
is
God calling you to
be?
Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center
pm through
April 6-8
Cost: $1 10 covers Friday 7
With Richard von Stamwitz,
iunch Sunday. Early pre-registration required.
national certified gerontological
For information: Richard von Stamwitz,
counselor, author and motivational speaker
LPC
(336) 931-0577 or (828) 926-3833
March
16,
The Catholic News & Herald 11
2001
Entertainment
Video reviews Convoluted conclusion to the fan-
By Catholic News Service
NEW YORK (CNS) — The following are
home
tasy series in which immortal
videocassette reviews from
the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for
most powerful immortal (Bruce Payne) is said to hang in
Film and Broadcasting. Each videocassette is available on VHS format. Theatrical movies on video have a U.S. Catholic Conference classification and Motion Picture Association of America rating. All reviews indicate the appropriate age group for the video audience.
as the fate of humanity
The
the balance. rector
Doug
nonsensical plot of di-
Aarniokoski's lame film
is
clumsily pasted together with melodra-
matic performances and kitschy special effects.
Intermittent stylized violence, a
sexual encounter with fleeting nudity
Beyond the Stars"
"Battle
humans
(Adrian Paul, Christopher Lambert) engage in a final battle with the worst and
and a few instances of crass language.
(1980)
Thomas
The
U.S. Catholic Conference classifica-
goes on a hunt to hire mercenaries to defend a planet threatened with conquest by an intergalactic tyrant.
tion
is
Young
volunteer Richard
—
and humor, ing
sci-fi
oriented jokes.
style
Many
The U.S.
ence classification
is
—
The
adults.
Motion Picture Association of America rating
PG —
is
in
meets tony parents (Robert De Niro and Blythe Danner) for the first time and everything that can go wrong does. With a scenario ripe for comical misunderstandings, director Jay Roach's sprightly paced film scores with laughs despite some predictability. Comically intended
Catholic Confer-
A-III
R
Stiller)
his teacher girlfriend's (Teri Polo)
sexually
parental guidance sug-
(New Concorde) "The Broken Hearts Club" (2000) Sluggish comedy about a gay photographer (Timothy Olyphant) whose gested.
minor violence, reference to a live-in relationship, brief drug references and some crass language with much profanity.
co-dependent friendships with three gay
(Andrew Keegan, John Mahoney and Dean Cain) are stifling his
The
U.S. Catholic Conference classifica-
tion
is
personal growth and romantic
ture Association of America rating
buddies
Pre-
life.
PG-13
and stereotypical, writer-direcBerlanti's boring film showcases an all-gay cast moaning about dictable
tor
tioned.
Greg
—
A-III
adults.
The Motion
Picis
are strongly cau-
material
may
be inappro-
priate for children under 13. (Universal)
their lives while actually reveling in the superficiality they
purport to
criticize.
some
Blatant homosexual theme with
implied sexual encounters, brief drug
The
use and recurring rough language.
U.S. Catholic Conference classification
is
ture Association of America rating
R
O — morally offensive. The Motion Pic-
—
restricted.
is
"Highlander:
of
—
NEWS SERVICE
Endgame" (2000)
Malloy, Notre Dame president, said that over the years Philbin has been "among
Television personality Regis Philbin, a
our most generous" alumni. "With his time, talent and resources, Regis has made numerous contributions to the university and our surrounding community," he said. "We are most appreciative of this latest gift, which will do much to enhance our growing commitment to and reputation
NOTRE DAME,
Ind.
(CNS)
1953 University of Notre Dame graduate, has given his alma mater $2.75 million for the creation of a studio theater in the Marie P. DeBartolo Center for the Performing Arts. Construction of the center will begin later this year on the south side of campus and will be completed in 2003. The Regis Philbin Studio Theater will be home for lab and performance art productions in Notre Dame's department of film, television and theater. The
has been designed for cal
Serving Young Adults tke test in Catkolic Tkeology Speakers
&
...
Conversation
Dame
—
By CATHOLIC
in the
and seating
The
maximum
dramatic
arts."
game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and his own morning talk show, received an Philbin, host of the
honorary doctor of laws degree from Notre Dame in 1999 in recognition of his previous gifts to the university and his service as host of an annual fund-raising broadcast on behalf of the Center for the Homeless in South Bend. He and his wife, Joy, have two Jennifer, a 1996 graduate daughters of the university, and Joanna, a secondyear student in the Notre Dame Law
cated lighting and sound systems and
THE CATHOLIC COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGN
—
Regis Philbin donates $2.75 million to Notre
100-seat facility will feature sophisti-
(Columbia TriStar)
It"
"Get Over It" (Miramax) is a teen romance in which a high school senior (Ben Foster), crushed when his girlfriend dumps him, gradually springs back thanks to the encouragement of his best friend's younger sister (Kirsten Dunst), who gets him involved in a school production A Midsummer Night's Rockin' Eve." Director Tommy O'Haver spins a comic romance of little distinction save for a few sprightly song-and-dance numbers. Some sexual innuendo, brief comic violence, crude references, fleeting substance abuse and an instance of rough language and profanity. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
.
— parents
Some
"Get Over
Picis
(Dimension)
restricted.
which a male nurse (Ben
a moderately entertain-
it's
action fantasy.
The Motion America rating
adults.
"Meet the Parents" (2000) Amusing romantic comedy
Scripted by John Sayles and directed by
Jimmy T. Murakami with some
—
A-III
ture Association of
techni-
flexibility.
123,000-square-foot DeBartolo
—
center will also include a 900-seat con-
main stage theater, 200-seat cinema theater and 100-seat organ and chorale hall. Holy Cross Father Edward A. cert hall, 350-seat
School.
Join us in serving God as priest or brother.
Tkpping into Lent" witk young adults in their 20
s
ana 30
Our Oratorian Congregation was founded s
in
Rome by St. Philip Neri in
"The Apostle of
Join us at Tyber Creek
Pub
Tuesdays, March 20
"Lent: Is
March
itjust
27
virtue
-
7pm
Holy
Week
Sr.
all
ages and
As a group of priests and lay men, we live life without vows and serve the
another 40 clays?"
people of God
in
various ministries:
terry larina
"Operation Rice Bowl: The Other Bowl
-
and brought people of
a community
Game"
Parishes
April 3 -Sr. (Dichev 0Dartine3, S] " What a Week: From the Palms to the Passion " April 10
Known as
backgrounds to the Church.
(Pattbew Ceonarb
Sr.
-
(1933 South Blvd.)
1.575.
Joy," St. Phillip lived this
Conrad F)oover
'Vumm... What's the Triduumt"
@
370-3359
For info, Call Jen Sponsored by Office of Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese of Charlotte
Retreat For more information., pkivse write: Fr.
Work
Nursing
Campus Ministry Youth Summer Camp Hospital Chaplaincy
EdMcDevitt, CO. or Fr. Joe Pearce, CO. The Oratory P.O.
Box 11586
RockHitl.SC 29731 -1586
our members are come from across the United
Like our ministries,
unique and
States and from Brazil.
I
The Catholic News & 4Herald
Editorials
March
& Columns
Confronting the problem of suffering for the first time
The Pope
bit
Speaks
son called me from college the other day, a shaken, although he did a good job hiding his
He had mother
—
been
2001
Coming of Age
My
feelings.
16,
—
grandmother my where she was trying to
to- visit his
in the hospital,
recover from a serious, rather sudden burst of problems.
My son attends college in the same city where grandparents live, while I'm now some distance away. I'd been down the previous weekend, had seen my mother and visited with my son, but because of his work schedule he'd not had a chance to see her himself at that point. But Thursday morning, my father called and told me to get in touch with my son and see if he could get to the hospital. It seemed, at that point,
AMY WELBORN CNS
his
POPE JOHN PAUL
Pope
beatifies
II
Spanish
martyrs, urges
end to
rather grave.
So he went,
Basque terrorism By
JOHN NORTON
Catholic
VATICAN CITY beatified
— Pope John
233 martyrs of religious persecution
modern-day scourge of Basque
him until late that was shocked," he told me from his dorm
couldn't get in touch with
room. "She looked so much worse." It was, I knew, a frightening experience on a
shall return."
number of different
the Christian, those
ter-
tactic.
"I
is
*
said.
Basque terrorists in northern Spain have killed some 800 people in their three-decade campaign for a separate homeland. The latest victim, a 25-year-old Spanish policeman, died March 9 in a car bomb attack near San Sebastian. The martyrs recognized at the March 1 1 -cer-
—
the largest beatification ever
fairly
levels. It's scary to see
strong three weeks ago
fined to bed, in a severely
weakened
pletely dependent on others.
It's
state
someone
now
con-
and com-
scary, as a
young
and vigorous person, to confront the reality of life
in
—
Many
of you have encountered mortality in personal ways. Perhaps you have struggled with serious illness yourself or had a friend in that situation. Maybe you've seen poor health or accidents take their toll on close relations or friends. There are certain things that remain nothing more than words and ideas until you look at someone whose blood runs through your veins and wit-
The church
Reflections
beliefs.
investigation of potential martyrs
requires proof only that they died for their faith;
miracle or certification of a
needed, as
is
life
no
of heroic virtue
is
the case for normal beatifications.
Nonetheless,
all
of those beatified
March
also led lives of extraordinary holiness, the
and without exception
1 1
pope
explicitly forgave their
had said,
execu-
Their martyrdoms "sealed lives interwoven with work, prayer and religious commitment in their families, parishes and religious congregations," he said. "One can say diat their exemplary conduct was like
a preparation for the supreme confession of faith
martyrdom." The pope said it was important for the church to keep alive the memory of the martyrs because they gave convincing testimony to Christian hope and that
is
TERRI LYKE
Guest Columnists
The generation gap The
generation gap, particularly in the area of popular music, is as wide as it's ever been. Watching the Grammy Awards recently, it was clear that we were not in the know on most popular artists. Even with teens under foot we felt really "out of it" regarding today's pop stars of music. When our teen children are in the car with us, they immediately change the radio station to something more "in" that what we have it set to. And it doesn't take very long before the curmudgeon comes out in one or both of us. try to avoid phrases like "Turn that trash off!" But sometimes it
their blessed
violence, hatred ish soil!" lie said.
memory remove any form
comes
This didn't happen purposefully. Despite our promise of old to stay current so we could always relate to our kids, we have become old fuddy-duds about music. How did this happen? As magical as the radio airwaves were when we were teens, with personalities like Dick Biondi and Herb Kent who were pied pipers of our generation, there seems more power in the fairy dust of music today. It's not just the radio; it's also and other music video programming tha-t mesmerize our youth with images, sound and in-your-face messages about sex, violence and personal gratification. Popular music seems to us curmudgeons more menacing than the music of our youth. And we have some fears about what the messages may normalize
just
out.
MTV
serenity in the face of difficulty.
'May
ANDREW &
We
tioners.
of
and resentment forever from Span-
—
they're just the beginning.
The
Ash Wednesday, you see, was only the begincoming so soon now, is about light,
ning. Easter,
not darkness, about the healing of everything that was broken and the gift of a life that, this time, will never end. We just need to open our eyes and see.
minds of our children. parents' generation had similar fears. But
we
nuns and lay men and women who were between 1936 and 1939 in Spain's civil war. Though they died at the hands of militants in a period of civil conflict, the pope said the martyrs were
women.
end
travel during
right beside Jesus.
Our
killed
"The newly beatified that are raised today to the altars were not involved in the political or ideological struggles, nor did they want to get involved in them" he said. 'They died exclusively for religious motives." Most of the new martyrs were killed in the Diocese of Valencia, where religious persecution was particularly intense, but hailed from a total of 37 dioceses. Two of those killed were originally from Uruguay and are their country's first beatified lay-
we
you in your tracks. But for words and that brush of ashes
to stop
Lent is one that takes us through some pretty heavy darkness, following road
in the
included
enough
aren't the
Family
priests,
targeted solely for their religious
It's
its totality.
born of hate and in turn feeds it; it is radically unjust and increases the situations of injustice; and it seriously offends against God and the dignity and rights of persons," he said. "No motive, no cause or ideology can justify it," 'Terrorism
That's what 'my son saw when he visited his grandmother. Her condition affected him, certainly, but beyond that, what shook him was facing the shape of the road on which all of us travel. But of course, Lent shows us the deeper dimension to this. Lent began, if you remember, with ashes on your forehead and words ringing in your ears: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you
in
30,000
humanity" and an inherently losing
He
draw some blood.
about.
night.
mosdy Spanish pilgrims in St Peter's Square interrupted him with sustained applause March 11, the pope said terrorism is "the enemy of
emony
to
who'd been
As
me
although obviously a stayed for an hour, until the time
something in your own something you'd really rather not think
ness, in their struggles,
future,
II
rorism.
he
scared.
came I
Paul
1930s Spain, entrusting to their intercession an end to the country's
little
News Service (CNS)
as his grandfather reported to
later, nicely dressed, relaxed,
Columnist
don't see ourselves as having the ?ame stiff backs as that generation had when we were young, wild and free. The music of our youth that road the
edge of decency (and even went over it) is rather tame compared to today's listening fare. It pains our ears when we hear it. And it's easy to just turn on the "Golden Oldies" station. Because we have to parent our youths, we must be careful about how we draw lines in the sand. We have no desire and see no need to be completely upto-date with the music of youth today. But, to avoid becoming completely irrelevant we must bear with the music and engage our youths in meaningful discussion about the messages without being con-
descending.
As
Of course, this kind we share
a family
what radio
of openness goes both ways. the airwaves. Negotiating
station to listen to in the car
is
part o
that sharing. So, our kids bear with the "Golden
Oldies" as
much
as
we
bear with their music.
We
war over music. We also find enjoying some of the music of
find ourselves not at
ourselves actually today.
Picking up our son after school, he hopped
in
the car, immediately changed the radio station.
A
song that we had discussed was playing. Knowin that we had serious issues with it, he quickl changed the station back to the "Golden Oldies" no words necessary. station. No need to do battle We're simply learning to coexist the curmudgeon and the rapper.
—
—
March
The Catholic News & Herald 13
2001
16,
Editorial* & Columns Her eyes and
the attention.
One
Light
mention of
face shine at the
her beautiful tresses.
|
Last week
Candle
Julia,
who
Lenten
loves to read, spotted a story
newspaper about children with cancer. The artalked about a group called "Locks of Love." This
in the ticle
Reflection
non-profit organization creates custom-fitted hairpieces
who
for children
experience various kinds of medical
hair loss. Often the
MSGR. JAMES
P.
Guest Columnist
Julia's Gift my youngest niece, now fully 8 years old. She is smart and beautiful. More importantly, Julia has a gentle kindness. Oh, she can be tough. Two older brothers have taught her how to be assertive. But at the heart of this young girl is a sweetness and helpfulness
A
I
is
to offer her
treasure.
hair a
lot.
image comes to mind. After shopping with my niece and nephews, we return to their home and the boys hurry in with barely a thought about
and she
helping to bring
offer
**
typical
It is Julia
open
in
for her
sure that the door
Uncle Jim, who
is
laden with
is
.
When
the day
done, and prayers are
is
stand between tiredness and sleep, Julia
is
all
that
attentive to
pray for all those whom others might forget. She might be exhausted, but there always seems to be time for one more prayer for that very special person or intention. Julia's sweetness is also experienced through generosity. And that spirit of giving became clear just last week, once again, in her commitment to someone she will never know. Julia has been blessed with long, blond hair. Never cut, it runs straight down her back to her waist. People often stop her in stores to comment on her striking mane. Julia blushes a little, but not-too-secretly loves
tough
hair. for a child in need. Julia loves
But she knows that someone needs
said a little wistfully, "It will
it
her
more,
grow back
in
SISTER
BERNADETTE SVATOS, OSF Guest Columnist
The golden blossoms of the kingdom
Two weeks ago on the first Sunday of Lent, was driving on 1-40 on my way to Clemmons for the I
celebration of the Rite of Election for the catechumens
from the parishes of the Northern Region of die diocese. The golden blossoms of the forsytliia along die roadway were a sight of beauty. They heralded for me a touch of
What had now full of glory.
divinity.
her hair
Henry
the
all
own
Listening to
held wide
groceries.
It's
time."
the bags of food they will later enjoy.
who makes
to treat cancer,
enough carrying the burden of illness, without also dealing with another blow to self-confidence. Approximately three hundred children have been helped so far. "Locks of Love" (1-888-896-1588) has arrangements with a number of hair salons to cut and style volunteers, most of whom are children. At least ten inches of hair is needed, and it takes the hair of twelve donors to make just one hairpiece for each patient. Julia read the story and got very quiet. Minutes later she sought out her Mom and asked for permission
LISANTE
Julia Elizabeth
chemotherapy used
for example, results in serious loss of hair.
story
my
sister describe Julia's decision to
made me
think of the wonderful classic
"The Gift of the Magi."
Earlier that morning,
0.
a tale about the
It's
been barren diese past months were
liturgy with the pastor
I had participated in the and die people of God at St Pius
true spirit of giving.
And it suggests that giving what can easily do without is fine, but giving something that really matters to. us means much more. I like the way Julia is giving. She's giving something she loves
X
we
sanctuary was a contrast to the view before me. Barren
and treasures to -someone she'll never know, someone who can never say thank you. She's giving because* already, at 8 years of age, Julia knows something about empathy. She may not know the word yet, but she certainly has the ability to imagine what it's like to go through something painful and difficult, to feel someone else's pain, and most importantly, to do something to
seemed to be a call to make fruitful the barrenness of our spiritual lives by our works of penance during this time.
Greensboro.
branches had been
The
liturgical
artistically
environment
arranged
in die
in pots as
striking Lenten reminder of tills penitential season
In the liturgy for the third celebrate the
first
a
They
Sunday of Lent, we
of three sTutinies for those in a
final
stage of preparation for entrance into the church at the
Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. These scrutinies are for self-searching
and repentance
in the lives
rites
of the elect
(These scrutinies are also conducted the next two Sun-
help relieve the burden. love Julia's beautiful golden hair. But
I
in
I
love her
golden and giving heart so much more.
days.)
We,
too, as the
people of God scrutinize the hold
over us in our lives. In the Liturgy of the Word for
sin has
this third
Sunday of
Lent, there exists the option oftwo sets ofreadings for the
we hear the parable of the barren fig tree. In we hear ofthe thirst for living waters from the Samaritan woman at the well. In either reading we are confronted with our great need day. In one,
Q. In our parish
we have what appears
to be
a
local
custom
the other option from John's Gospel,
Question
concerning adoration of the Blessed Sacrament before Easter.
Most ofus recall that after Mass on Holy Thursday evening, adoration took place at what we called the altar of repose until around midnight. After this there was no adoration at this altar or anyplace else until the Easter Vigil. It was a beautiful way to be reminded of that period between our Lord's death and resurrec-
Corner
ground ofour being. Both readings contain who we are and of who we are called to be as the chosen of God. I am reminded by these Scripture passages of two scaies from my life. I salivate as I remember the fruit of the ripened figs stolen from the bushes surrounding the chaplain's house on the Incarnate Word University grounds when I was a student years ago in San Antonio. My classmates and I walked daily to and from class past interior holy
powerful imagery of
tion.
Here all
the repository
is
arranged that adoration continues
so
day Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Have the
changed?
Why
must
we
always be so quick
to
rules
FATHER JOHN DIETZEN
CNS
compromise our
Columnist
traditions? (North Carolina)
A. No, there has been no change from the sacred
Triduum ceremonies
that
The Sacramentary
you remember.
makes
adoration after midnight."
A. For some reason,
Communion on Good is
Friday, says the
returned to
its
place outside
the church (in the sacristy or separate oratory) or,
if
circumstances require, in the tabernacle. Before the Easter
"Communion may be given only
Obviously, prayer
is
lics
Your daughter's
and impotence.
ity
or a
only for
Communion
to those
"solemn" or public adoration.
mistaken. Sterility, the
blessed in the chyrch.
students.
result
from confusing
steril-
I can understand not blessing a
man who
who
has had a hysterectomy, for example,
produces no sperm,
is sterile
in the legal
sense of the word.
Impotence on the other hand is the permanent inabilhave sexual intercourse because of a physical or
man
or woman.
Permanent and irremediable impotence
ment to marriage. Sterility is not. As you note, an explicit intention not is
ask myself the questions of how to tend
my life and how
to best use the
called to
child.
A woman
I
the barren branches of
which prevents conception
is
an impedi-
to have children
who
I
am
become and to help bring about the kingdom. As a Third Order Franciscan, I think of the early 13th-century church, a time of various penitential movements. Among the number of penitents of this day was St Francis ofAssist Francis in 1209 had been given oral approval by Pope Innocent III for the Gospel form of life for his friars of the First Order. At this time he had also been given papal permission to preach penance and conversion. We are told by his early biographers that enthusiastic men, women, clergy, married, single and children surrounded Francis and asked that lie give to
a different matter. In the teaching of our church and
many
(until
why punish someone who may have
to at least the possibility of children
grueling disease or surgery, or has been born with a problem that
standing in the
flowing fountain of living waters to become
marriage in which one ofthe partners does not want children. Bid already gone through a
The other event of remembrance is desert in the
an obstacle in the natural
ity to
cannot have children, she cannot marry in the Catholic
Church or have her marriage
may
Sterility is
emotional defect in the
This upset many
is
internal processes of generation
Q My daughter's morality teacher told her class that if a woman
waiting.
living water,
teacher
Part of the problem
of a
Good Friday liturgy who are dying, not for
The
age.
life
intended to be reserved after the
anticipating their ripened deliciousness.
on either the man's or woman's pail to have is no obstacle to marriage. One would think a little looking around would prove that. Thousands of couples, for example, marry in the Catholic Church when they are long past child-bearing
during these hours symbolized by the separation of the Eucharist from the church. Thus, the Eucharist is
Catholics and non-Catho-
inability
as viaticum."
encouraged during these days,
figs,
Holy Land where die Great Rift begins, with its massive sand dunes and the sensory feeling of being thirsty. (The Great Rift is a geological phenomenon that begins in the desert of the Holy Land and continues into East Africa) As I ponder the barrenness of the fig tree and the eternal desire for the fountain of
even in church. But by the church's ancient traditions and current rubrics, something special is happening in the church's
many
are confused about this area of Catholic teaching.
children,
Sacramentary, the Eucharist
Vigil,
those
(Indiana)
enjoyment of tasting was heightened by the time of
fer of the Eucharist to the place
After
tier sterile?
(Missal) notes diat after the trans-
of reposition Holy Thursday evening, people should be encouraged to continue adoration before the Blessed Sacrament for a suitable period during the night, "but there should be no solemn
We
are in by the waters of God's graces. need of deepening our relationship with Divinity in the to be refreshed
recent times) in
of any valid marriage.
civil
law is
traditions,
an
openness
essential
element
See REFLECTION, page
15
,
The Catholic News & Herald
In
him
to
nearly drop out
"When
I left Hickory that weekend, I even take the books for the next
didn't
WOODEN
By CINDY
and on
he said. But he and Lorraine talked and prayed about it, and he went to see his mentor, the late Rev. Mr. Jos Vandermeer, a deacon at
News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) Karol Wojtyla received the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel when he was about 10 years old. As Pope John
St Eugene Church "He said, You
Paul
Catholic
session,"
come this far,' in
my head
"
in Asheville.
can't quit
Jerry recalled.
that I'm going to
can. If it's all right
now. You've
'1
do the best it's not
I
I I
did
think
"I
ministry has helped us to
understand that we're
she
ing,"
"God
said.
illness. It's
a part of
vulnerable to dy-
all
didn't give
me
has given
knowing
peace,
Jesus
is
have cancer.
I've
me a great sense of
ladies right
now who
never met them in person.
I
the phone."
at Jerry. "I
giver in the world.
my
ordination at
feel
I
family, but in
have the best care-
so blessed, not only
my friends.
Those
are
the things that sustain me."
"We
have two
families,
our family and
Margaret" Jerry said. That family was at St. Margaret
the family at
St.
for
Jerry's ordination. Friends, family, priests
who
used to pastor St. Margaret, and former parishioners came from out of town and from other states. Former St Margaret deacon, Rev. Mr. Robert Dotson,
now in Charleston, SC.,
St.
who
is
helped Jerry vest in
and stole. Betsy VaTidermeer, Jos Vandermeer's widow, gave Jeny Rev. Mr. Jos's four-volume set of the "Liturgy of the his alb
Church on March
9.
Hours" as an ordination the gift of themselves. Katie
gift
Others gave
She was deeply moved by the ordination, she said, by "the way they made it special for him and his wife." George Pastore was one of the altar servers. "Just knowing Jerry and working with him and having him as a mentor, I felt so proud that he asked me to serve at that Mass," George said. 'He's just a good person, and I'm glad I know him." Nancy Porter was a Eucharistic minister at the Mass. "I was moved by the whole celebration, and I was moved when Jerry gave Lorraine a kiss. It was so moving to me that Jeny worked so long and so hard. He and Lorraine have a spiritual togetherness and they and their family brought us all
together
in a spiritual
piano, voice); choral directing; cantor
knowledge of Catholic
rites
November
and
1,
rituals.
2000. Sal-
ary commensurate with education and experi-
Send resume
to:
Church, 5000 Southpark Dr., Durham,
NC
Administrative Assistant: Full-time.
lic
Oversees church statistics/database, supports pastor and staff, prepares and manages church calendar, assists prospective parishioners, and other duties as assigned. BA/BS and
27713. Fax 919/544-1799. References required
2-4 years business/ administrative experience
Director of Music Minis'try: Part-time position for growing 800-member parish. St. Mary's Church, Shelby and Christ the King Mission, Kings Mountain is seeking qualified person proficient in organ and with vocal ability to work with cantors and choir. Responsibilities include one Saturday evening service and two Sunday services (one in Kings Mountain and one in Shelby). Salary commensurate with education and experience. Send resume and references to: St. Mary's Music Search Committee, 818 McGowan Rd., Shelby NC 28150 or Fax: (704)487-0187. For more information on our
Director of Music Ministry: Holy Infant Catholic Church is in search of a full-time Director of Music. Located in Durham, North Carolina, a dynamic and growing area of the country near Research Triangle Park, this Vatican II parish-consists of 900 households that are committed to ongoing liturgical renewal. Holy Infant Parish embraces its call to be hospitable, inclusive and Christ-centered. This position works closely with the Pastor and a collaborative and supportive staff. Requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field although a master's degree is preferred. Must have music performance skill
at
time,
"we have no proof
that the vision did not happen," said
Carmelite Father Redemptus Valabek, a Rome and an expert on
expected to write about
professor in tion.
The
anniversary
brown
is
Mary
piece of fabric that
fits
tion does not stray into superstition.
Although not nearly as popular was 40 years ago, the scapular is
over the
time, lay people joining confra-
connected with the Carmelites As its popularity grew, its size shrank. the small scapular has
stamp-sized cards
— one with
as
said.
The
scapular's origin
was
as part of
the Carmelite habit, a symbol of belong-
two
ing to the order and living
The
a picture
of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the other
tradition that
its rule.
Mary
told St.
Simon anyone wearing it would not go to hell makes sense if one realizes that wearing the scapular meant striving with one's whole being to live the Gos-
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus or of St. Simon sewn onto brown fabric and connected with brown ribbons.
—
In homilies and books, in speeches
pel,
Father Valabek
said.
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Our Lady
of Consolation Church, at
Ft
still
second only to the rosary as a frequently used Marian devotion, Father Valabek
head.
Over
Carmelite priest, a native of
with a clear view of reaching modern men and women and ensuring the devo-
connected to a appeared to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite, in 1251 and gave him the scapular, an apron-like
*
DOMM Search Committee, Holy Infant Catho-
9470.
At the same
70 years
Connecticut, promotes the scapular, but
way."
ence. Benefits package included.
1
is
no written account of it appeared
before the late 1300s.
anniversary of the scapular.
Today
Yurko helped serve refreshments
Available no later than
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vision;
ternities
at the reception following the ordination.
training;
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
it,
the Carmelites are
the historical authenticity of St. Simon's
also received the scapular.
(e.g.
Classified
wearing
sites,
Carmelite spirituality and Marian devo-
Margaret Catholic
my
that I'm not alone, that
two
them on
She looks in
Bishop William Curlin lays hands on Jerry La Pointe during Jerry's
taking this journey with me. I'm
ministering to
talk to
this
For me, having a
life.
terminal illness has totally changed spirituality. It
NELLENBACH
Photo by JOANITA M.
ill.
tills
still
—
pious tradition that
though she has continued ministering to
who are
is
Web
the scapular and Marian devotion in the coming months as Carmelites around the world mark what may be the 750th
The
But Lorraine's condition deteriorated, others
he
II,
The pope
my best. Then Lorraine got cancer, and my marks really suffered. When she got better, my marks got better." know
2001
careful to explain that doubts surround
later.
got the idea
right. If
it's all
16,
Carmelite hopes anniversary renews scapular popularity
JOURNEY, from page 7 a compilation of problems caused
March
the News
March
2001
16,
her, she prayed he would have the courage to come forth. "I won't kid you," she said. "Forgiveness is hard work. It takes daily, diligent
REFLECTION,
RECONCILIATION,
from page 13
from page 5
them too, a way of life. Tliis, Francis did. In an known as 'The First Letter
though the struggle continued with each
discipline.
passing moment.
ness
existing writing
to die
Faitiifiil,"
he
states diat herein
lie
die
words of spirit and life, and he calls blessed diose who do die works of penance. What are these works he describes? They are love of God, love of neighbor, hatred of our vices and sins, reception of die Body and Blood of Clirist, and bringing forth die fruit of good works. He dien emphasizes tiiat diose who do penance are "the cliildren of die heavenly Fatiier, the spouses of the Holy Spirit,
and the brothers and motiiers of Our
Lord Jesus Christ" (Cf Matt 12:50) The Gospel message has remained die same throughout die centuries. Tliis Lent,
may we
deepen our relationship with the
who
passionate gardener
waters and prunes
die holy ground of our being
As we consider
die justice and
mercy of our heavenly Father, may we, the barren branches, by our works of penance bring forth Christ into our world.
May
The Catholic News & Herald 15
Around the Diocese
the golden blossoms of die
kingdom
flourish.
Sister Bernadefle Svatos,
ofRochester, Minn,
is
a Franciscan
Sister
Nort/iern Region coordina-
tor of faithfonnation in the Diocese
ofCharlotte.
"I had to go back to square one: 'Did I even believe in God? Maybe God is just a psychological crutch some wise person dreamed up a long time ago. Maybe terrible things happen because there is no God at all,"' she recalled of her thoughts.Six months had passed, and Marietta painfully and gradually reached a realization that her faith does exist and that it does matter that she does indeed believe in a God who loves his people and gives them all they need to get through tough times.
—
"I
knew
that Christians are called to
pray for their enemies, and he certainly
fit
that category," Marietta said of the kid-
napper.
And
so, as
And
hearts that get changed.
the
more
I
prayed for him, the more I realized how important it was for him to experience the love of God in his life." Plus, she said, her prayers included a
would take
petition that the kidnapper
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hard work. But
it is
it is
Anybody who thinks forgivewimps has never fried it, be-
worth
am
I
here to
tell
it."
how
Marietta learned
valuable for-
our front porch. With
Spring Fever? the doctor ordered...
pathways and
551
Trinity
Lane, Hickory,
of
threatened to destroy her family.
He was smug and
The
challenging on the
family buried Susie's remains
Montana, and Marietta met David's mother to grieve with her, "as two moth-
undone when,
ers
in a
calm voice and
spirit,
Marietta told him that she was praying for him. She asked him what she could do to help
him through
this ordeal.
She
tened with compassion as he broke
lis-
down
and wept.
And
in
doing
she and her
so,
daughter's kidnapper talked for more than an hour long enough for Marietta
—
to realize
more
fully
than ever before that
her heart had been transformed.
Transformation With law enforcement hot on kidnapper's
them
trail after
that
to a 26-year-old
call,
the
clues led
named David
Meirhoffer. Officials working the case
hoped that if Marietta agreed to a face-tomeeting with him, he might give himself up by confessing to what happened to Susie. "It was a great blessing to have the chance to go out and say to David that I forgave him, that God forgave him and that God was giving him this opportunity to receive the grace he needed to become the man God had created him to face
she
who had lost their children." She rehome with a profound loss, yet with a newfound sense of God in her life. turned
Living the faith Today, Marietta calls Three Forks, Mont., her home. She travels throughout the country sharing Susie's story at churches, schools and other venues. For her, God's mandates of reconciliation and forgiveness far outweigh society's need for revenge and justice. As a founding board member of
Murder Victims
—
own grief and
rage and hopefully, their road to healing. Along the way, she has
grown
to appreciate
all
of
life
as sacred
from God and has become a staunch opponent of the death penalty. "What I had finally come to understand was that to kill somebody in Susie's name would be to violate and profane the goodness and sweetness and innocence of gifts
her
own
she said of her family's
life,"
experience. "I'm not advocating forgiving
violent people and then putting
back on the
said.
Families for Reconcilia-
she continues to help people in their
tion,
street.
Meirhoffer was seemingly unfazed by that meeting, Marietta said. But because he had incriminated himself in re-
kill
corded telephone conversations to the family, police had enough evidence to proceed with him in custody. A search of his
sense God's compassion as well.
people in order to keep society
And is
in
while she
them
But we don't have to
knows
safe."
that her Susie
heaven, she hopes David was able to
had to remind myself over and
"I
home yielded more evidence. And
over and over again that however I felt about this person, in God's eyes, he was
call
just as precious as
my little girl,"
"That's the kind of God that
God who
is
I
she
said.
believe
in:
Call to
one of us, no matter who we are and what we have done."
found. "It
was the concrete proof of what
know
in
I
my own
David had been talking about exchanging Susie for a ransom and all this time we had
Jimmy Rostar 370-3334 or e-mail
Contact Associate Editor
by calling (704)
jtrostar@charlottediocese.org
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a
crazy about each and every
beauty on woodland
be and through.
in
phone, boasting of the control he had over the situation. But he became completely
comfortable
feeling like spring through
a
called Marietta.
and break-out areas, delicious meals
renew your 1
on
later, he hanged himself in his cell. For Marietta, it was sad ending to
hotel style lodging rooms, six meeting
and snacks, miles
We've got just what
fifty
air
days
heartbreaking saga that took her youngest daughter away, shook her faith and
heart: that in spite of all this time
take a breath of fresh
kidnapper, Meirhoffer confessed to killing Susie and three other children. Three
year to the minute that he snatched Susie from her sleeping bag, the kidnapper
had already come to
Come
Soon after his meeting with Marietta and knowing she had gone to the authorities begging for life imprisonment rather than the death penalty for her child's
when, a
life
a phone from an FBI agent confirmed what Marietta and her family had feared for a year: a search team had found the remains of a little girl in the same area that another of MeirhofTer's victims was
Owner/Director Fax (704) 334-3313 441 u-F Monroe Road, Charlotte,
for
giveness had become in her
be,"
Dignity
Ret,
cause you,
she continued to pray
and her safe return, she also began to pray for her abductor. That, Marietta believes, had a dramatic and divine effect on her. "I discovered something that maybe you already know," she told her audience. 'The more you pray for someone, it's our for Susie
is
been searching for her, she was already home in the arms of the Lord."
sate at
A weekend Visit
Holiday Inn Winston - Salem
Kmilte Sandin (336) 274-4424 for info
of discover). .. a lifetime of love
our website: htfp://cg.thedepot.com/me
The Catholic News & Herald
March
Living the faith
Pope says God's
16,
2001
Parents' influence leads
powerwill prevail
over forces of evil VATICAN CITY
(CNS)
— The
son to permanent diaconate
forces of evil try to attack the church as well
By
as inclmduals, but Christians can be sure that in the
end God's power
Pope John Paul II said. "For the church, which frequently feels the weight of history and is besieged by evil, the mother of Christ is the shining emblem of humanity redeemed and wrapped in the grace which saves," the pope said.
At
his
March
14 general audience in
the Paul VI Audience Hall, the pope spoke about the passage from the Book of Revelation in which a woman is about to give birth and a dragon waits to devour her child.
While Christian sents the
woman
passage primarily
as is
ALESHA M. PRICE
tradition often pre-
Mary, he
said,
— The
can see
said.
said.
"Against
them there has been unleashed the monstrously devastating energy of violence, lies
and
injustice."
However, Pope John Paul said, the end of the biblical passage proclaims that the final winner of the struggle will be given to "the salvation and power, the kingdom of our God and the authority of his anointed one."
—
much
for
God had done so became more important my faith. I wanted to tell the
family, children.
me, and
it
knowing what
The seed planted by his father and nourished by his own Catholic faith and
involved with a charismatic prayer group in
in
West
Virginia. But,
hometown who preacher speak, it was as if
Rev. Mr. Vallandingham had heard every
one of
his father's sermons.
ecumenical
parents'
Vallandingham
seed
was
But
father's church.
Mr. Vallandingham
it
was
believes,
a
planted.
"Back stricted
the
children, raised Catholic, did
not attend their then, Rev.
Because of his
marriage,
in the early '50s,
we were
re-
and
from going to a non-Catholic church,
it
grew and blossomed, and Rev.
experiences
Mr. Vallandingham was ordained
me to walk in Lord that I was appreciative for all lie had done for me and my family and a way to say that was to respond to the call of service in the
for
church."
The
couple entered the program not
Charlotte, serving in the church ral
had been
to expect "Since he
was a natu-
progression for him to take," said Mrs.
VaUandingham.
"It
was a positive experience
Diocese of Charlotte's first
just a part of our
diaconate class in
lives."
1983 and began his ministry at
Vallandingham
in the
and now,
for us,
it is
Mr.
Rev.
served as the first as-
home parish, Sacred Heart
program and has
Church
been vicar of the
ministers in denominations other than the
confront each other, the pope
had
ordained a deacon."
church
through positive reports and feedback from
of love, truth and justice," he
evil
you
heard the Baptist
his father's
"Mary, her son and the church represent the apparent weakness and smallness
In the story, as in history, good and
notes,
Just prior to
his death,
his
bol of the church.
them
the people in and around his
time Rev.
first
was never made an issue. Even though I grew up in a home of mixed religions, there was a divine respect between Mother and Dad as far as religion was concerned. He supported my mother in everything she did with us. He was a very good speaker and was sought after from all over the area He would travel the circuit and would fill in for other
'The Marian interpretation does not contradict the ecclesial meaning of the text," he said, because Mary is the sym-
over
'Catholic' all
he had communicated to my mother about the possibility of becoming Catholic. He didn't make it but came awfully close. If there is such a thing as conversion by desire, my father was there. What a blessing it would have been for my father to see me
SALISBURY
Mr. Patrick Vallandingham heard his father speak publicly was at a father-son banquet at
the
about the church.
"Looking at some of his sermon
Staff Writer
will triumph,
sistant director of the
in
Salisbury. was
It
Charlotte region for
over a year.
actually
The couple
the family's second
in-
time living in North
troduced
Carolina
diaconate to their
been living
hometown
the
After his father passed away, the father
They had in West Virginia, their home state, where Rev.
and son remained linked through memories and the sermon notes he left behind. Rev. Mr. Vallandingham often reads those notes, yellowing with age, and he still derives comfort
Mr. Vallandingham worked his way up from the operations department to the
from them. Early in his ministry as a permanent deacon, he made reference to them and honored his father's memory through them.
vice-presidential po-
up
sition in a local bank,
stole,
when "they decided to move to North
one did a double
Baptist religion."
"We
Carolina
—
mother's funeral, over which he presided. "I
Courtesy Photo
Rev. Mr. Patrick and
and had thought it would be a nice place to live," remembered Ann Vallandingham. They settled in Charlotte, and he went to work for First Union as an operations manager in the building where the old diocesan pastoral center was located. In fact, Rev. Mr. Vallandingham's old office was where Bishop
Ann Vallandingham
Emeritus Michael J. Begley's office was. "After
was
I
ries
ordained,
when
would bring back memo-
it
would come
I
to the old pastoral
center."
who
"Everyone
Unfortunately, they were not able to stay in
be thirsty again;
Virginia
but
whoever drinks the water I shall
give will
never thirst; the water I shall give will
become a
spring ofwater welling
up
— John
to
be
Vallandingham's
father,
my father's
"With
greatly touched,
I
death, even
13-14
though
work
He
I
was
I
took those
me to my ministry."
After his death, they
life.
cancer.
walked away with a new
Charlotte, and he 4:
who had
understanding about death, and feelings with
"
to eternal
They moved back to West close to Rev. Mr.
Charlotte long.
drinks this water will
was
to
go back
to
at a similar position at his old job.
then
lotte,
moved
and
to another
bank
Salisbury.
in
after nearly five years
that bank, he and his family
Charwith
moved
to
Even though they were relucgrown to
tant to leave a city they had
love, they also fell in love with their
home.
The
diaconate entered into his
several years after that,
Photo by Joann S. Keane
"I
who
used to
and and every-
No longer was
the people
work
hometown knew as
at his father's
was much older than I was then, and I was also taking a double-take because I hadn't seen any of them in a while. My mother's death was a "I
source of blessings for a lot of us to
come
together again to say good-bye."
With a 36-year career in banking behind him, Rev. Mr. Vallandingham retired in 1994 and began to work fulltime for the church. Three years ago, he began taking care of the financial end of a friend's business.
'There is a delicate balance because he has a regular job and is also a deacon. There are times when he has to leave work to go to the church. I help by trying to
make
things as easy for him as
Mrs. Vallandingham.
"Aspects of my faith are paramount my life; it really means something to me internally," said Rev. Mr. in
Vallandingham, father of three and "I look forward to going to church and doing things for people, which wasn't my experience
grandfather of four.
The permanent diaconate has been a great source of grace and blessings for Ann and me." before.
life
and he welcomed
it
had reached a point -in my life where so much had happened to me, and I began to be appreciative in my faith of all I openly.
Pat"
walked alb
he the young boy
Pepsi-Cola bottling plant
possible," said
moved back
able to
"little
my
in
take."
this area
iOQ\
a
ion at Rev. Mr. Vallandingham's
had
traveled through
in
bittersweet fash-
Contact Staff Writer Alesha
calling
(704)
370-3354
amprice@clmrhtiediocese.org.
M. or
Price by