April 21, 2000

The Cathol ic News & Hera ld 1 Apr i l 21 , 2000

Apr i l 21, 2000 t Volume 9 t Number 33

Thirty years ago I joined friends in serving dinner on Easter Sunday to the senior members

in our community. Many of our guests were alone in this world without family or friends. While dessert was being served, one of our guests rose to express her ap-preciation. I will never forget her words: “Don’t go looking for Jesus in a tomb. He ain’t there. He is right here with us in this room.”

One does not have to be a Christian to admire Jesus. Many non-Christians believe Him to be a hero. They often quote His words to support the cause they champion, especially His teaching concerning peace and justice. But, they do not accept His claim to be the Son of God. For them, Je-sus, like many great leaders in this world, is dead, while His words live on. Unfortu-nately, some Christians also look for Him among the dead. They fail to understand that He lives and can be found in those around us.

We will discover Jesus if we seek Him with “eyes of faith,” for He appears in many disguises. Jesus is that homeless man or woman on the street corner. He is the elderly person next door who lacks

the strength to walk to the grocery store or visit the doctor. He is the single parent who feels very much alone in trying to be both mother and father to his or her child. He lives in those whom society brands a social outcast. He can be found in every hospital and nursing home. He is husband and wife, son and daughter in every home. He is everywhere love needs to be!

During the forty days of Lent, we walked beside Jesus on His journey to-wards Calvary. Holy Week invites us to be with Jesus in the upper room where He gives us Himself in the Eucharist as a last-ing memorial of love. Good Friday bids us to celebrate that price He paid for our sins. Easter rings with joy in His triumph over death.

We cannot allow these days of spe-cial grace to end. Jesus has asked us to be witnesses to His triumph over the death. Again, if we look for Him among the living “with eyes of faith,” we will find Him. May this Easter discover us sharing His gifts of love and peace, especially with those most in need of these gifts.

God grant you and your loved ones a Blessed Easter!

Prayerfully in the Risen Lord,

The Most Reverend William G. Curlin, Bishop of Charlotte

Springtime rain does not dampen seniors’ spirit

...Page 5

Special Feature“A Mosaic of Seminary Life” introduces the lives of seminarians at St. Vincent’s

...Center seCtion

Living the FaithChrism Mass celebrated at St. Patrick Cathedral

...Page 16

A Living Presence

The Risen Christ

I n s i d e

Serv ing Cathol ics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

N E W S & H E R A L D

TheCatholic

Photo illustration by Julie radCliffe

2 The Catholic News & Herald Apr i l 21 , 2000

Encounter Weekend happening this weekend at the Catholic Conference Center, 1551 Trinity Lane. This serves as a time for couples to enrich their mar-riages and to enhance communication and spirituality within their marriages. For information, contact Kevin and The-resa Williams at (704) 374-0973, and for registration, call Tom and Emilie Sandin at (336) 274-4424.6 CHARLOTTE — Room at the Inn, a Catholic-sponsored home for unwed mothers providing a structured and supportive environment for pregnant women, is holding its annual “Walk for Life” this morning from 10 a.m.-12 noon at Charlotte Catholic High School, 7702 Pineville-Matthews Rd. If interested in participating in the walk solo or with a group, contact Christine Lively at (704) 521-2774.WINSTON-SALEM — The Bishop McGuinness High School, 1730 Link

Rd., annual fund-raiser, sponsored by the home school association, is taking place tonight at 6:30 p.m. The theme is “Celebrating 40 Years of Catholic High School Education,” and the event features a silent auction, food, a live auction and a cash raffle. For details, call Eddie Mitchell at (336) 725-4248 or Jamie McAleer at (336) 777-0217.7 CHARLOTTE — St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Rd., is having its 48th Semi-Annual Interna-tional Family Rosary Day at 3 p.m. this afternoon, with Legionaries of Christ Father Peter Devereux from Atlanta, Ga., as the speaker for the event. The day includes a procession, a homily, the rosary, hymns and Benediction. For more information, call Kathleen Potter at (704) 366-5127 or the church office at (704) 554-7088.

Please submit notices of events for the Diocesan Planner at least 10 days prior to publication date.

Refurbished Notre Dame CathedralGargoyles high up on Notre Dame Cathedral peer over the city of Paris. The facade and roof of the gothic cathedral have undergone a five-year restoration project revealing cleaner, brighter sculptures on the centuries-old church.

Vatican to publish new general instruction on liturgy in June

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican plans to publish updated in-structions for celebrating the Mass when it releases the third Latin edition of the Roman Missal in early June. Archbishop Francesco Tamburrino, secretary of the Congregation for Di-vine Worship and the Sacraments, said the revised “General Instruction of the Roman Missal” will be released around Pentecost, June 11. The archbishop said the instruction will be dated April 20, Holy Thursday, which marks the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper.

Anglican, Catholic bishops to meet in Canada in May

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Thirty Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops will meet near Toronto in May to re-view the progress in their 30 years of ecumenical dialogue. “This high-level meeting is happening at a time when An-glicans and Roman Catholics around the world are exploring the possibilities for further steps toward visible unity,” said

a April 17 Vatican statement. The May 14-20 meeting at the Queen of Apostles Renewal Center in Mississauga will be led by Anglican Archbishop George Carey of Canterbury, primate of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and Cardinal Edward I. Cassidy, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.U.S. bishops oppose giving China permanent normal trade relations

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. bishops are urging members of the House of Representatives to vote against granting China permanent normal trade relations because of China’s human rights violations, espe-cially in the area of religious freedom. Boston Cardinal Bernard F. Law, chair-man of the bishops’ Committee on In-ternational Policy, stated the bishops’ position in an April 12 letter to House members. Under a historic U.S.-China trade deal announced last November, the United States agreed to support China’s long-sought membership in the World Trade Organization.Vatican asked to declare Chinese

patriotic church in schismVATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a

letter to top Vatican officials, the neph-ew of the late Chinese Cardinal Igna-tius Kung Pin-mei asked the Vatican to declare the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association schismatic. “The CPA is not and cannot be Catholic because it continues to deny the ... supreme authority of the successor of Peter,” said Joseph Kung, president of the U.S.-based Cardinal Kung Foundation. Kung sent the letter March 28. The Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association was founded by and continues to be directed by China’s communist gov-ernment. It elects its own bishops and spurns all ties with the Vatican. The Vatican press office would not comment on Kung’s letter April 14.Vatican diplomat presses for law

against kids enlistingVATICAN CITY (CNS) — While

applauding an international effort to raise the minimum draft age to 18, a Vatican diplomat pressed for a broader law prohibiting children under 18 from even voluntarily enlisting in the armed

services. “In many cases, it is difficult to recognize a truly voluntary and free decision,” said Archbishop Giuseppe Bertello, the Vatican’s permanent ob-server to the United Nations in Geneva. The papal diplomat spoke April 12 in Geneva during a meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Commission, which discussed new rules to prevent child soldiers and the sexual exploitation of children.Pope likely to travel to Oceania in 2001, say regional prelates

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope John Paul II is likely to travel to Noumea, New Caledonia, in the weeks following Easter 2001 to present a major document on church life in Oceania, prelates from the region said. A draft, prepared in the wake of the 1998 Synod of Bishops for Oceania, was virtually complete, said Cardinal Thomas Williams of Wellington, New Zealand. Members of the post-synodal council, made up of Vatican officials and seven prelates from Oceania, met in Rome April 4-6 to add last amend-ments to the draft before it went to the

pope.Indian archbishop calls attacks

on Catholics an ‘opportunity’AGRA, India (CNS) — The Agra

Archdiocese in northern India wit-nessed attacks on missionaries that its archbishop considers a challenge for dialogue. Three of the four attacks reported March 31-April 11 were on priests and nuns associated with schools. They were manhandled, ver-bally abused and threatened, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. Archbishop Vincent Concessao of Agra told UCA News April 11 that the attacks posed “an opportunity for us to come out and tell what we are doing and why.” He said he wrote a letter to federal and state officials, including Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, seeking “immediate action” to provide security to Christian schools.Vatican to hold Easter vigil outdoors

to accommodate crowdsVATICAN CITY (CNS) — So

many pilgrims want to celebrate Eas-ter with Pope John Paul II that the Vatican has decided to hold the April 22 evening Easter vigil Mass in St. Peter’s Square. The Mass, which will begin at 8 p.m. with the blessing of fire and a procession with the Easter candle, usually is held inside St. Pe-ter’s Basilica. St. Peter’s Basilica holds about 8,000 people seated. The piazza, when filled with chairs, can accommo-date five times as many.Peruvian bishops urge calm amid

post-election tensionsLIMA, Peru (CNS) — Peruvian

bishops renewed their call to avoid violence amid tensions following the country’s presidential election. “This is the moment for serenity, respect and confidence in the law,” said Arch-bishop Juan Cipriani Thorne of Lima. The president of the Peruvian bishops’ conference, Archbishop Luis Bambaren Gastelumendi, said the Peruvian popu-lation showed a “great level of civility and respect for the democratic system.” “This respect must be kept,” Archbish-op Bambaren added.

T h e W o r l d i n

Bishop William G. Curlin will take part in the following events:

April 30 — 11 am ConfirmationHoly Spirit, Denver

May 1 — 7 pm ConfirmationSt. Joseph, Newton

May 3 - 10Annual pilgrimage with Knights of Malta to Lourdes

May 12 — 7 pm ConfirmationSt. Aloysius, Hickory

May 13 — 11 am Diocesan Lay Ministry Graduation MassSt. Gabriel, Charlotte5 pm Confirmation, St. Piux Xand blessing of Pro-life monument

plan-DiocesanEpiscopal

calen-Apr i l 21 , 2000

Volume 9 • Number 33 Publisher: Most Reverend William G. CurlinEditor: Joann S. KeaneAssociate Editor: Jimmy RostarStaff Writer: Alesha M. PriceProduction Associate: Julie RadcliffeAdvertising Representative: Cindi FeerickSecretary: Jane Glodowski1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382E-mail: [email protected]

The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $15 per

year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $18 per year for all other subscribers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.

Cns Photo by Martin lueders


April24 CHARLOTTE — The Alzheimer/ dementia group held at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd., is not meeting today but will meet on May 22 from 2-3:30 p.m. Call Suzanne Bach at (704) 376-4135 with any questions or concerns.27 ASHEVILLE — All are invited to attend a healing Mass at St. Joan of Arc Church, 919 Haywood Rd., tonight at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served after the Mass. Call the church office at (828) 252-3151 for details. CHARLOTTE — Our Lady of As-sumption Church, 4207 Shamrock Dr., is sponsoring a presentation on the death penalty and how it works within our legal system by James P. Cooney III, a local attorney. A question and answer period and light refreshments will fol-low the presentation, beginning at 7:30 p.m. tonight. For more information or for babysitting arrangements, call Betty Leone at (704) 334-6553. 28 HIGH POINT — To benefit the

residents of Maryfield Nursing Home, the Volunteers of Maryfield are hav-ing their annual yard sale today and tomorrow April 29 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Providence Place, 1701 Westchester Dr., in the old Westchester Mall in the Lerner Shop. Donations are being ac-cepted until April 26, and tax deduction acknowledgements are being given. For more information, call Dot Hockett at (336) 886-2444 or (336) 869-8186 or Sarah Shelton at (336) 886-2444 or (336) 454-2864.29 BOONE — The third annual “Swing into Spring” golf tournament, sponsored by the Pi Sigma Epsilon service club from Appalachian State University, is taking place today at the Boone Golf Club, 433 Fairway Dr. The round, breakfast, lunch and a gift are included in the package, and the proceeds will benefit the Ivette Ru-bio Fund, a 19-year-old St. Elizabeth Church parishioner suffering from leu-kemia. For time and details, call Karen James at (828) 297-4084.30 CHARLOTTE — A Polish lan-

guage Mass is being offered tonight at 6 p.m. at St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Rd. Father Roch Drozdzik is hearing confessions after Mass, and there is a reception in the activity center also after Mass. Call the church office for more information at (704) 523-4641. SWANNANOA — St. Margaret Mary Church, 102 Andrew Place, is celebrat-ing Divine Mercy Sunday today at 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to participate in Mass, the rosary and chaplet, fol-lowed by refreshments. For more in-formation, call the church office at (828) 686-3243. WADESBORO — Sacred Heart Church, 205 Rutherford St., is hav-ing an “afternoon of song, praise and fellowship” today at 4 p.m., featuring Theodore Carr, mayor of Morven, the Cason Trio from Charlotte, the Voices of Harmony from Lilesville, the Notes of Praise, St. James Church Choir and Sacred Heart Church’s children’s choir and Father Mauricio West, vicar gen-eral and chancellor. The theme for

St. Philip’s parishioner earns Morehead by Jordan McMorrough

the new CatholiC MisCellanyCOLUMBIA, S.C. (CNS) — The

vast majority of South Carolinians support moving the Confederate flag from atop South Carolina’s Statehouse, yet the Legislature has failed to act, Charleston’s Catholic mayor told a rally in Columbia April 6.

A throng of people converged at the Statehouse for the rally, which marked the conclu-sion of a five-day, 120-mile trek led by Mayor Joseph P. Ri-ley to call for action on the issue.

The effort was a “grass-roots initia-tive to let the South Carolina Legislature know that the citi-zens of South Caro-lina want an immedi-ate end to the Con-federate flag debate,” according to march organizers.

In his remarks, Riley, a parishioner at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Charleston, shared a threatening letter he received prior to the event, which necessitated the wear-ing of a bulletproof vest throughout the march as well as a beefed-up secu-rity presence for marchers.

The anonymous letter writer told the mayor that if he marched with blacks through Calhoun County south of Columbia, “I will put you in my gun sights.”

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Riley said, “that is not his heritage, that is his hate.”

Opponents of the flag see it as a vestige of hatred and slavery and want it removed from the Statehouse dome. Supporters see the banner as a symbol of Southern heritage that honors Con-

A r o u n d t h e D i -

the program, being held in Madonna Hall, is “Stepping into the New Mil-lennium.” Call the church office at (704) 694-5183 or (910) 582-0207 for further details.

May3 CHARLOTTE — The support group for those living with cancer and their caretakers is having its monthly meet-ing tonight at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd., after the Wednesday night dinner. The group is gathering in the ministry center on the third floor. For more information, call Bob Poffenberger at (704) 553-7000 or Eileen Correll at (704) 362-5047, Ext. 27. 4 CHARLOTTE — The St. Vincent de Paul Church Women’s Guild is having a spring card party tonight from 7:30-10:30 p.m. in the church activity center at 6828 Old Reid Rd. Refreshments, door prizes and a raffle are on hand for attendants. For reservations, call Doris Reinhardt at (704) 552-2026 or Anne Kenney at (704) 552-0376.5 HICKORY — There is a Marriage

catholic mayor, marchers want end to debate over confederate

federate dead and demand that it stay where it is.

Mayor Riley started the walk April 2 with about 600 people. March-ers braved rain, rough roads, blisters, and groups of protesters along the way. About 2,000 people walked the final leg, including Charleston Bishop Robert J. Baker.

“It is time to reconcile and to find a solution that represents the senti-

ments of the parties that disagree about the meaning of the flag over the state Capitol,” the bishop said in a statement.

“There are those who value the flag for its historical and cultural heritage, and there are those who feel the flag does not represent them,” he added. “Now is the time for a solution, not tomorrow — in this session of the Legislature, and not the next.”

“Get in Step” of-ficials noted the event drew thousands of

participants along the way — some for a few minutes and others for an entire day. Church groups came by the bus-loads, as did school groups.

One morning found four of South Carolina’s top university athletic coaches joining Riley at the front of the line — University of South Carolina football coach Lou Holtz and basketball coach Eddie Fogler, along with Clemson football coach Tommy Bowden and basketball coach Larry Shyatt.

Others who joined in the final leg included Msgr. Leigh Lehocky, pastor in Columbia, and Msgr. Christopher

see Confederate flag, Page 9

“There are those who value the flag for its

historical and cultural heritage, and there are those who feel the flag

does not represent them,” he added. “Now is the time for a solution, not

tomorrow — in this session of the Legislature, and

not the next.”

— Bishop Robert J. Baker,Bishop of Charleston

by ellen neerinCX sigMonCorresPondent

TROUTMAN — Dan Folliard, a high school senior at South Iredell High School and a member of St. Phil-ip the Apostle Church in Statesville, had a problem that many high school seniors would like to have. Should he accept an appointment to West Point, an appointment to the Naval Academy or a Morehead Scholarship to the Uni-versity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

He chose to go to UNC. “It was really a tough decision, but I think I made the right one,” he said. “I’m so lucky. All my friends are filling out scholarship applications to see what they can get. I’m so happy I don’t have to worry about that stuff anymore.”

One thing that factored into Fol-liard’s decision was the fact that his brother is currently a junior at UNC. He also mentioned the atmosphere of the campus when he went there for final interviews last fall, just when the leaves were starting to change colors and fall off the trees.

“The scenery was breathtaking,” he said. “They really spoiled us in the finals weekend.” His room and food at the Carolina Inn were paid for by the Morehead Foundation.

He was able to visit his brother’s dorm room and play video games be-fore his interviews. “That helped me relax,” he said. “All my interviews went smoothly. Nothing went wrong.”

This year was the first time that the Morehead competition did not include local interviews, Folliard said. Instead, nominees wrote essays and listed their extracurricular activities and sent that directly to the screen-ing committee in Chapel Hill. Folliard then had his regional interview in Greensboro before the finals in Chapel Hill.

Folliard doesn’t plan to play too

many video games once he arrives at UNC. “I’m not one to stay in my room and study or play games too much,” he said. He is considering a major in in-ternational affairs or foreign relations. He also talked about volunteering at the Newman Catholic Student Center in Chapel Hill, where his brother just received an internship for next year to work as program director.

He plans to get involved in other ways as well. He had thought he might try out for the wrestling team, but he injured his knee during high school wrestling this year and wasn’t able to finish the season, and he thinks that the injury may prevent him from par-ticipating in the future.

Tina Swaney, youth minister at St. Philip the Apostle, said that Folliard is not the type to let injuries get him down. “He’s a real neat kid,” she said. “He’s the type that can take just about anything and deal with it and make the best of it. He has a positive attitude.”

Dan Folliard

see Morehead, Page 4


Program sends fresh air through the minds of afflicted by alesha M. Price

staff writerCHARLOTTE — Suzanne Bach’s

learned to respect and cherish the elderly from her childhood in a small German Catholic community made up of her older family members and other elderly people who were a part of her life. She carried this respect with her throughout her life as she served as the former diocesan director of CRISM or Elder Ministry and now, with her work with the memory-impaired.

Bach is spear-heading an infor-mation session on May 6 for caregivers and family members suffering from Al-zheimer’s Disease or dementia, featuring local panelists, Dr. Fred Allen, a neurol-ogist, Bill Claytor, an attorney specializing in the legal ramifica-tions after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Henry Bostick, the newest director of the Alzheimer’s As-sociation in Charlotte, and Bach her-self, the director of the Shining Stars Adult Day Respite, held weekly at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte.

The Alzheimer’s Information Day is being held at Providence United Methodist Church, across from St. Gabriel Church, from 9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and will be a time for caretakers to learn the latest information about the

disease and for those with Alzheimer’s to experience a little of what takes place at the Shining Stars Adult Day Respite sessions.

Shining Stars grew out of the sup-port group, held on the fourth Monday of the month from 2:00-3:30 p.m., also at St. Gabriel Church, for those who are faced with the day-to-day task of caring for those family members or friends whose memories are slipping away.

“With something as difficult as Alzheimer’s, many feel embarrassed because their loved one is not the same anymore,” explained Bach. “The Church is a good location because of the certain level of trust people feel for it.”

The adult day respite, a state-regu-lated program, serves as a place for the memory-impaired to go to participate in activities and for the caregivers to have some time for themselves, said Bach. “The day respite is a little jewel because it helps the care receiver to get out of the home and interact in a safe social setting with people who are trained to work with them,” continued Bach, who has a master’s of human de-velopment and learning in counseling..

The people who participate in the activities can still take care of most of their functions because the caregivers can drop them off for the day’s ac-tivities from 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., which include reminiscing activities, physical chair exercises, arts and crafts and oc-casional work with the pre-kindergar-ten children from Cradle, St. Gabriel’s early childhood program. Bach added

A r o u n d t h e D i -

Courtesy Photo

Suzanne Bach, director of Shining Stars Adult Day Respite, far right, stands with Nancy Groover, program director, back center, and several people involved with the program, designed for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. Left to right are Juni Bannin, Helene Russell, Rosa Coiro and Lena Gabriel.

that the group does something spiri-tual every day from Bible readings to Stations of the Cross and sing-a-longs, which adds an element on which other such programs do not focus, explained Bach.

“We are lucky as Catholics because we have so many rote prayers and song committed to memory, and we can re-cite those prayers and songs learned as children,” said Bach, in reference to

someone in the group who remembered the words to several songs though suf-fering from memory loss.

To help with the Shining Stars pro-gram, Bach went in search of funding and received a positive response from Unit-ed Way. The grant will also help with the newly established program in place at Providence United Methodist Church,

the host site for the May 6 informa-tion day. Associate Pastor Rev. Mr. Bill Jeffries, one of the ministers at St. Gabriel’s neighbor church, had taken a notice to the program and thought that it would work well with several in his congregation dealing with Al-zheimer’s and dementia.

“It is hard for families to deal with, but underneath all that confusion, these people do shine,” Bach said of the name of the program. “I see them as a

blessing.” t

For more information about Shining Stars Adult Day Respite, the monthly sup-port group and the upcoming Alzheimer’s Information Day, contact Suzanne Bach at (704) 376-4135.

Contact Staff Writer Alesha M. Price by calling (704) 370-3354 or e-mail [email protected].

Swaney also talked about Fol-liard’s involvement at the church. “He’s always been an active part of our youth group,” she said. “He’s always been a leader, mainly by example,” she said.

In addition to being involved with the youth group, Folliard teaches the first-grade faith formation class at St. Philip the Apostle, along with Katie Swaney, her daughter. “They do a great job,” said Swaney. “There are not a lot

of kids who will get up every Sunday morning to teach faith formation.”

Swaney said that there were about 20 children in the class, and that the class continued to grow. She also said that the class recently took its turn leading a Sunday Mass at the church, doing the readings, the responso-rial, the petitions, the ushering and the bringing in of the gifts.

“Several people made a point to tell me what a great job they did,” she said.

Folliard is involved in many ways at school as well. He was captain of the football and wrestling teams this year, as well as the senior class president, an executive officer of the Marine Corps Junior ROTC, a member of the Beta Club and the Junior Jaycees.

Folliard said that Father Peter Fitzgibbons, pastor at St. Philip the Apostle and a former army chaplain, wanted him to go to West Point. All the same, Father Fitzgibbons wishes

Folliard well. “Dan’s a great kid,” he said.

“He’s very devoted and energetic. He has a great sense of humor. He’s just a real all-around good kid.” t

St. Phillip parishioner earns Morehead Scholarship, from page 3

“With something as difficult as Alzheimer’s, many feel embarrassed because their loved one

is not the same anymore. The Church is a good

location because of the certain level of trust people feel for it.”

— Suzanne Bach


Springtime rain does not dampen seniors’ A r o u n d t h e D i -

by alesha M. Pricestaff writer

HICKORY — Hundreds of years of living were represented through smiles that shone through the rainy, blustery day during the Spring Fling for seniors March 13 at the Catholic Conference Center. Many seniors from all points of the western half of North Carolina braved the weather and trav-eled on charter and school buses and in cars to join together for a day of games, demonstrations and an all-around pleas-ant time.

“It is nice to get out and see other Catholics from my parish and other par-ishes,” said Marie Is-ley from St. Mary Church in Greens-boro. “This gives me a good outlook on life, and as an older person, you have to enjoy life now because you don’t know how many more years you have. This also makes you appreciate your religion more.”

Nearly 300 elderly men and wom-en from approximately 30 parishes attended the annual event, sponsored by Catholic Social Services Elder Ministry. “Spring Fling is a day filled with fun and activities and is a time for elders to step out of the normal role

Joanne Grabinski, one of the Spring Fling event committee members from Holy Spirit Church in Denver, assists Daisy Hinton from St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem with her miniature cloth angel during the arts and crafts session at the Spring Fling for seniors on April 13 at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory.

and reconnect with their inner child,” said Sandra Breakfield, director of El-der Ministry. “They come together on common ground to renew their faith and get reacquainted with friends.”

Breakfield enlisted the help of several elderly men and women from around the diocese to serve as this year’s Spring Fling team. This was

Helen and Tom Gas-sen’s first time on the committee. “This is critical for seniors because of fellow-ship and simply get-ting out and moving around,” said Mrs. Gassen, who teaches tai chi in her spare time. “This can bring some people to life, and we need more activities for senior citizens.”

After the morn-ing group presenta-tion from Mika Mag-

ic, a magician, the seniors had their pick of several afternoon activities including: blood pressure and pulse checks, arts and crafts, where atten-dants made miniature cloth angels, bingo, professional massages in the “chairway to heaven,” line dancing from J.N. and Company, and a pre-sentation about edible flowers from Rachel Sigmon.

Lisa Bruen, a licensed massage therapist from Carolina Myotherapy Clinic, talked about the importance of massage therapy especially for seniors.

“For elderly people that do not re-ceive touch or one-on-one contact any-more, massage brings them comfort and helps with bodily and emotional systems and lets them know they are not forgotten,” explained Bruen, who,

along with Arc Drumheller, helped to relax the eager people standing in line for the rare treat of personal massage.

“I became involved with herbs and edible flowers a few years before my retirement in 1985,” said Sigmon, who presented one of the more popular events among men and women. “If you don’t stay active as you grow older, you tend to lose something vital and important in your life,” she continued.

Some of the participants decided to forgo the scheduled events and used the time to catch-up with friends, visit the center’s chapel or sit on the sofas and read. Edward O’Brien and a large group of fellow parishioners from Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem sat around smiling while joking and talking the day away.

“It is delightful to get together with friends who feel the same way I do about things. There isn’t much for us old-timers to do except watch TV, and this is a way for us to have a nice,

casual time,” said O’Brien.After the closing liturgy of the

day, celebrated by Bishop Curlin, he and the audience were surprised by a large cake with candles in honor of his sixth anniversary as bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte. “It was a good ending to a nice day of activities and fellowship, in spite of the rain,” said one participant.

James Thompson traveled to the Catholic Center from St. Mary Church in Shelby and noted, “Events like this help keep me motivated and young, and a little change always helps. I meet people who can help me, and I can help someone else. You never get too old to learn.” t


Photos by alesha M. PriCe

“This gives me a good outlook on life, and as an older person, you have to

enjoy life now because you don’t know how many more

years you have. This also makes you appreciate

your religion more.”

— Marie Isley

A Spring Fling participant happily and bravely struggles with the Electric Slide during the line dancing portion, taught by J.N. and Company.


Extend religious workers visas, cardinal asks Congress

WASHINGTON (CNS) — A bill to permanently extend a visa pro-gram for religious workers is critical to many pastoral ministries, Detroit Cardinal Adam J. Maida told a Sen-ate subcommittee. “The work of the Catholic Church in the United States would suffer dramatically without the assistance of nonminister religious workers,” said Cardinal Maida in April 13 testimony to the House Judiciary subcommittee on immigration. The 5,000 visas approved annually for non-minister foreign church workers bene-fit more than half the U.S. dioceses, he said. The nuns, religious brothers and others given the visas work in health care, parish ministry, teaching, nursing and counseling.Chicago Archdiocese takes part

in ‘No Sweatshop’ campaignCHICAGO (CNS) — Chicago’s

cardinal said his archdiocese has joined a national anti-sweatshop campaign because the church is called in a jubilee year to proclaim “‘liberty to captives,’ including those ‘enslaved to undigni-fied working conditions.”’ In a state-ment April 12, Cardinal Francis E. George said the archdiocese is work-ing to make sure that school uniforms are made “sweat-labor free.” He noted that similar campaigns are under way in the Archdioceses of Philadelphia and Newark, N.J. He said the U.S. Labor Department has been asked by the archdiocese to review a list of 19 uniform vendors known to be used by Catholic school personnel “in an effort to identify the source of manufactur-ers of school and sports uniforms.”Project Rachel ad campaign not

for proselytizing, official saysWASHINGTON (CNS) — The

national advertising program for Project Rachel, the Catholic Church’s post-abortion reconciliation ministry, is not aimed at “returning Catholics to the faith nor proselytizing,” a spokes-

P e o p l e i n t h e

Palm Sunday in El SalvadorChildren carry palms in a street procession through Panchimalco, El Salvador, April 16. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphant return to Jerusalem at the beginning of the last week of his life on earth.

Cns Photo froM reuters

woman for the U.S. bishops’ pro-life efforts said April 12. Helen Alvare, director of planning and information for the bishops’ Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, said in a statement that the purpose of the ad campaign and of Project Rachel “is to offer women and men suffering after abortion any help they need.” She said widespread inter-est across the United States and inter-nationally had prompted stories that contained some “inaccuracies which should be corrected.”Way of Cross marks jubilee-year

debt protestsWASHINGTON (CNS) — About

100 praying, singing protesters marched from the U.S. Capitol to the World Bank and International Mon-etary Fund April 11, linking Jesus’ passion and death with the suffering of the world’s poor. The fifth annual Economic Way of the Cross brought an afternoon of prayerful reflection to a week of escalating protests in the nation’s capital against policies of the World Bank and IMF. Those institu-tions were to start their annual spring round of meetings in Washington April 16. Members of the Religious Working Group on the World Bank and IMF sponsored the outdoor prayer/protest.Black Catholics often feel invisible

in U.S. church, says priestNASHVILLE, Tenn. (CNS) —

African-American Catholics often feel invisible in the U.S. church, says a Nashville pastor. “They may not say it, but they feel it: This is not our church,” said Franciscan Father

Ferdinand Cheri, who is black. In an interview with the Tennessee Register, newspaper of the Nashville Diocese, he recalled an assignment as a young priest at a New Orleans parish that had a mixture of black and white families. Parishioners celebrated St. Patrick’s Day for the Irish families and St. Jo-seph’s feast day for the Italian families, but when the black members wanted to celebrate a black saint, like St. Martin de Porres or St. Augustine, there was

opposition, he said.Protestants honor Catholics for defense of Christians in India

NEW YORK (CNS) — Protes-tant evangelicals honored a Catholic archbishop and layman from India April 11 for leadership in defending India’s Christian community against attacks by Hindu fundamentalists. The International Council of Evangeli-cal Churches and the Global Center for Indian Christians, both led by an Anglican minister, the Rev. Bernard Chand of Wilmington, Del., gave the Staines International Award for Reli-gious Harmony to Archbishop Alan de Lastic of Delhi and John Dayal, a newspaper editor in Delhi and official of several organizations.

The Cathol ic News & Hera ld 7 Apr i l 21 , 2000 F r o m t h e

The Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima will be the site of the beatification of Fatima visionaries Francisco and Jacinta Marto in mid-May. Pope John Paul II will celebrate the beatification Mass at the Portugal shrine May 13.

Cns file Photo by leslie Kossoff

by John nortonCatholiC news serviCe

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope John Paul II will travel to Fatima, Por-tugal, in May to beatify two shepherd children who had visions of Mary in 1917, a Vatican official confirmed.

“The Holy Father accepted the invitation of the bishop of Fatima to hold the beatification ceremony of the shepherd children directly in Fatima,” Archbishop Crescenzio Sepe, secretary-general of the Vatican’s jubilee committee, told Vatican Radio March 21.

The pope will leave for Portugal May 12 and celebrate the beatification Mass the following day — the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima — on the shrine’s esplanade, he said.

The announcement marked the first Vatican confirmation that the pope would travel to Fatima to beatify Francisco and Jacinta Marto, two of the three children who had visions of Mary. The third child, Sister Lucia dos Santos, is a 93-year-old nun living in a

Pope to beatify two visionaries in Fatima in

Portuguese convent. Portugal’s bishops, after visiting

the Vatican in November, said that the pope had agreed to make the trip.

Archbishop Sepe also announced that the Fatima statue of Mary would be brought to the Vatican in October for a special ceremony entrusting the third Christian millennium to Mary’s care.

Archbishop Sepe said that at the end of Mass Oct. 8 during the Jubilee for Bishops, the pope will lead an “act of entrustment” to Mary.

Pope John Paul has several times spoken of Our Lady of Fatima as a special protectress. He was shot and seriously wounded on her feast day in 1981, and a year later he paid a visit to the Fatima shrine to give thanks for his survival. On the 10th anniversary of the shooting, he placed a fragment of the bullet that wounded him in the crown atop the Fatima statue of Mary. t

8 The Catholic News & Herald Apr i l 21 , 2000I n t h e

WASHINGTON (CNS) — U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., has in-troduced legislation that would award the Congressional Gold Medal to Pope John Paul II.

Sixty-six senators have co-spon-sored the bill.

“Though many people see the pope as an important statesman, diplomat and political figure, Pope John Paul II is much more than that,” Brownback said April 13 on the Senate floor. “As spiritual leader to the world’s 1 billion Catholics, the pope has commenced a great dialogue with modern culture, one that transcends the boundaries of political or economic ideology.”

A House version of the bill was introduced in January.

The pope “stands boldly as an ever-vigilant sign of contradiction to a culture that is darkened by the clouds of death,” Brownback said. “In the face of this mounting storm, he has tire-lessly proclaimed the need for a culture of life.”

Brownback added, “He is a cru-sader against the offenses against human dignity that have transpired in the 20th century. More than any other single person this century, Pope John Paul II has worked to protect the rights of each individual. As well, John Paul II has addressed almost every ma-jor question posed by the modern mind at the turn of the millennium.”

A Brownback spokesman said the bill has been assigned to the Senate Banking Committee for consideration.

Earlier this year, a Congressional Gold Medal was approved for Cardinal

senate bill would award congressional gold Medal to pope

John J. O’Connor of New York. Last year, a medal was approved for Holy Cross Father Theodore Hesburgh, the former president of the University of Notre Dame. In 1997, Congress ap-proved a medal for Mother Teresa.

Others under consideration for Congressional Gold Medals are the late “Peanuts” cartoonist Charles Schulz, the Apollo 11 astronauts, 1960 Olympics three-time gold medal-winner Wilma Rudolph, civil rights activists Rosa Parks and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and former Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford and their wives. t

The pope “stands boldly as an ever-vigilant sign of

contradiction to a culture that is darkened by the clouds of

death,” Brownback said. “In the face of this mounting storm, he

has tirelessly proclaimed the need for a culture of life.”

— Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan


by Joann s. Keaneeditor

LATROBE, Pa. — We set out as voyeurs of the future church. What we found comes as no surprise: We are in good hands.

We were driven by the prospect of a historic number of priestly ordina-tions this coming June, when seven men will commit themselves in service to God and His people in the Diocese of Charlotte.

But our story plans traveled well beyond our initial thoughts. As we

mulled over the editorial direction of this edition, it became more than just the seven. We wanted to introduce all of the 22 seminarians in formation for the Diocese of Charlotte. Moreover, we wanted to cut into a slice of daily life in seminary.

As practicality set in, we realized the daunting task of 22 interviews, not to mention the logistical challenge posed by nearly half a dozen seminar-ies up and down the East Coast. Last month, Associate Editor Jimmy Ros-tar and I hit the road. Destination: St.

Mosaicof seminary life

We set out for a glimpse of the future church.

A couple months back, Editor Joann Keane and Associate Editor Jimmy Rostar met with Bishop Curlin, seeking counsel on how to best bring vocations to the pages of The Catholic News & Herald.

With 22 seminarians in formation for the Diocese of Charlotte, what could be placed in print to develop a picture of who and what these

men are all about?

What we wish to share with you in this special section, is what Bishop Curlin calls, “a mosaic of seminary life.”

As we prepare to celebrate new beginnings in Easter, let us intro-

The

Vincent Archabbey and Seminary in Latrobe, Pa., with plans to meet with the largest coalition of seminarians studying at the same institution.

In Pennsylvania, we found the mosaic — not a cookie-cutter mold of a priestly man, but nine distinctively unique personalities. Nine diverse men preparing to serve a diverse church, nine men, not unlike the rest of us, sharing some of the same challenges of daily life. Yet, one sacrament will someday separate them from the flock: The sacrament of ordination.

We met a man who escaped the religious persecution of a communist regime, only to be captured, returned, imprisoned. His faith journey is one of near fatality. And while a second escape proved successful, his road to freedom was blighted with horrendous obstacles. He survived on faith.

We met a man holding the world in his hands, or so he thought. The trappings of wealth and success, as it turns out, were but smoke and mirrors to his true calling.

We met a man contemplating mar-riage and coming to grips with the whisper that grew louder: God has other plans.

We met a man who always had an inkling he wanted to be a priest.

Though he joined the working class, he felt an emptiness. This void is filling now with the Holy Spirit.

We met a man already immersed in faith. For the better part of a decade, he was a brother in a religious com-munity. The fork in his faith journey brought him to the diocese to fulfill his desire to become a priest in service to Western North Carolina.

The stories go on, poignant and honest, each unique. Every interview a new tile in this mosaic of faith.

On the campus of St. Vincent Seminary, these men are learning more than homiletics. They are find-ing camaraderie in friendship and sup-port that extends beyond the diocese in which they will serve. St. Vincent Seminary is the formative home for men from 16 dioceses.

And while support comes from their brother seminarians, it is nur-tured by a faculty and staff eager to assist with theological quandaries and the intricacies of faith formation.

We met nine men in love with the church. And while diversity was evi-dent in their stories, the cohesive bond of this mosaic is irrefutable: Jesus. t

Photos by Joann s. KeanePhoto illustration by Julie radCliffe

Special to The Catholic News & Herald • April 21, 2000

Sharing the Faith: Rev. Mr. Dave Brzoska

Rev. Mr. Dave Brzoska sees the church as a place for people to share their faith,

find support and encounter a sense of life in their faith. It wasn’t all that long ago when he, too, found himself looking for those very elements.

Brzoska grew up outside Philadelphia, where, he says, Mass was much like a pro-duction line. Move ‘em in, fill the parish, get ready for another Mass. It was a delivery of the sacraments, but there wasn’t much life to it. He drifted away.

When Brzoska’s job transferred him to New-ton, a small hamlet near Hickory a dozen years back, he got reacquaint-ed with his faith. He

2 Special to The Catholic News & Herald • April 21, 2000 A Mosaic of Seminary Life

A lifelong dream to serve: Christopher RouxFrom the age of five, Christopher Roux sensed he wanted to be a priest. “That was sort of always there, through grammar school, high school,

dating and everything else,” said Roux, now 36 and anticipating ordination by 2002. “I just somehow always knew.”

To be an instrument in the eucharistic mystery is what Roux looks most forward to in priesthood. “The greatest miracle on earth is when that bread and wine is transformed into the body and blood of Christ,” he said. “To be used by God in that way is very awe-inspiring.”

Like many of his brother seminarians, Roux entered the professional world after college, work-ing as a youth ministry director, for a pediatric health project, and as an assistant director of human resources for a catering company. The calling to priesthood stayed strong, however, and Roux spent a year in college seminary.

The youth ministry and health care experiences, he said, taught him much about evangelizing and helping people in need, while the human resource work fostered some of the management skills he’ll

need in parish life.“I think I can handle hiring a parish staff a lot easier than some of the

human resources work,” he said with a laugh. “They don’t have to tend bar.”A couple of chance meetings with Bishop William G. Curlin — in addi-

tion to having family in the Carolinas — influenced Roux to decide to pursue studies for the priesthood of the Diocese of Charlotte.

He said support from his family, brother seminarians and the people he will someday serve as a priest has been invaluable while in formation.

“I don’t think that can be underestimated,” he said. “It’s just nice to know that people are thinking of me and praying for me.” t

found St. Aloysius in Hickory. More significantly, he discovered the peace-ful prayerful manner of then-pastor Father Wilbur Thomas. “It gave me a new perspective on the Mass,” says Brzoska. “Going to church on Sunday was something I really started looking forward to.”

While enjoying the success of his job, it was at the expense of stress and pressure, and little life outside the work environment. He became in-volved in parish ministries, and found relief and satisfaction in his volunteer efforts.

The idea of priesthood and a future of service drifted through his mind. The thought of priesthood was dismissed about as quickly as it popped into his head. Dismissed, but not for-

gotten. Time passed and he broached the idea with Father Thomas.

“I had no clue about what would be involved,” says Brzoska. Father Thom-as listened, encouraged his vocation and connected him with then-Director of Vocations, Father Frank O’Rourke.

“And the process went from there, and here I am, six years later,” he says.

In those interme-diary years, he felt at times as though he’d been plucked from his friends and family, and went through a natural progression of ‘what am I doing here.’ But semi-nary is discernment, and a time of learning more about yourself. It’s a time of, “trying to come to grips with yourself and recognizing gifts, talents and weaknesses. And learning to improve

Profilesthem,” says Rev. Mr. Brzoska. Further, he says, “it is a time of becoming aware how God works in yourself and oth-ers.”

This past year has been one of practical experience, with his assign-ment to assist a nearby parish on week-ends. As a transitional deacon, Rev. Mr. Broska can celebrate sacraments such as matrimony and baptisms. In St. Bernard parish, he also preaches at a couple of the weekend Masses. It’s invaluable, he says, “Learning to preach and how to effectively express Scripture and the church’s teachings for the people to make it practical in their lives.”

Today, Rev. Mr. Brzoska is much more comfortable with himself and the growth of his own spirituality. “More specifically, in relationships with oth-ers ... and taking an active role in bringing expression to God’s presence in those relationships.”

It wasn’t all that long ago when he set out on a journey for those very elements. t

Rev. Mr. Dave BrzoskaJune 2000

Humble servant: Leo Fowler

There is a pleasantness on Leo Fowler’s face when he speaks

of the things he is passionate about.He has vivid recollections of

growing up in Louisiana and of fam-ily life in South Carolina. He wears a contented look when he discusses the spirituality of the saints. And when the subject of his upcoming life as a priest comes up, Leo Fowler’s happi-ness is unmistakable.

“I’ve always felt the desire to be a priest, even as a kid,” said Fowler, 52. He recalls knocking on his pastor’s door in grade school, eager to be an altar server. He loved the Mass from his earliest memories.

Even St. Nicholas himself got in on a plan that had yet to fully unfold itself.

“By fifth or sixth grade, Santa Claus brought me a Mass kit, so I had my little altar and white vestments and alb, and I used to practice Mass,” he said with a chuckle. “That was sort of the beginning of my vocation, and it’s something that’s stayed with me all these years.”

Fowler’s discernment process took him to Belmont Abbey, where he spent nine years preparing for the Benedic-tine life. But, as is common in the faith journey, a new path unveiled itself. Fowler began studies for the diocesan priesthood last fall.

“The expe-rience of God and wanting to be in his ser-vice requires a great deal of taking second looks,” he said of his vocation. “You can’t take your prayer life for granted.”

F o w l e r said his ambitions, shaped in profound ways by his faith, are simple. Again, that pleasantness returns to his face. “All I want,” he said with a humble smile, “is to be is a good priest.” t

Surviving through Faith: Tien Duong

Tien Hung Duong is alive by the grace of God. Eight years ago, Tien and his younger brother attempted a daring escape from oppression in Vietnam. They failed. The two Duong brothers were returned and jailed. A determined Tien escaped a second time with his older brother, making their way to a refugee camp in Indo-nesia.

In Vietnam, Tien went to minor seminary, that is until the government closed the seminaries. “The more they forbid people to become priests,” says Duong, the more determined he be-came to someday be ordained.

It would be two and a half years before Tien would leave the encamp-ment. Malnutrition took its toll, and

Tien was temporarily paralyzed, un-able to walk. All the while, thoughts of priesthood remained. Tien prayed and prayed. He could not walk, and asked, “God, why? Why me? You brought me safely to the free country, I want to be a priest, but how can I serve if I am paralyzed?”

His epiphany came when he real-ized, it wasn’t God wanting him to be like this. “It’s just a challenge,” recalls Tien. “I just prayed and prayed.” He exercised and got himself back on his feet.

Tien had hoped to reach America, and be able to sponsor his parents and nine siblings. Instead, his family would reach the United States first. Through resettlement by the United States Catholic Conference, the Duong family put down roots in Charlotte.

The family sponsored Tien and his brother Duc, allowing them entry into the United States. The brothers entered seminary together, spending their first couple years in Lousiana

before transfering, Tien to St. Vincent, Duc to St. Mary Seminary in Wash-ington, D.C. A younger brother is studying to become a Vincentian priest in New York. t

Is God calling

you?Are you answering

his call?

For information on vocations in the

Diocese of Charlotte, call Father John Allen

in the Office of Vocations, (704) 370-3353.

Apr i l 21 , 2000 • Specia l to The Cathol ic News & Hera ld 3 A Mosaic of Seminary Life

ProfilesResolved in his calling:

Rev. Mr. Luis Osorio

Rev. Mr. Luis Osorio is an early riser, but his calling to the priesthood didn’t

exactly come at the sunrise of his vo-cational discernment.

Now 42, Rev. Mr. Osorio experi-enced a variety of professional choices before answering that call to ordained ministry in the church. A native of Colombia, South America, he will be ordained in June as one of seven new priests to serve the Diocese of Charlotte.

“My parents made the effort to pay for my studies, and after I graduated, I had nice jobs,” says Rev. Mr. Osorio, who worked in a government office and a sugar refinery in Colombia.

“But I felt that I was missing something here,” he adds, pointing to his heart. “I was looking for something else.”

It was during a trip to visit his sister in Statesville back in 1988 that Osorio’s path to the priesthood slowly began to unveil itself. Father Joe Wa-ters, long known in the Charlotte Dio-cese for his work with Hispanics, was pastor at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville at the time. Osorio felt an

instant connection.“It was marvelous, because we

could relate in Spanish,” he says. “Since I met him, his kindness, his friendship, the way that he relates with the people have been so special. He is a very holy priest.”

Osorio left Colombia in 1990, relocating to Statesville and search-ing for a new career. Fa-ther Waters asked him to help with the immigrant population. Soon enough, Father Waters brought up the priesthood.

“Oh ... ,” says Osorio, smiling at the memory. “I said, ‘Father, why are you asking me that?’ I never in my life thought of that. Never.”

But in Father Waters, Osorio found a mentor and an example of faith. He entered a four-year period of prayer, during which he felt the support of many. Finally, the call he felt was strong enough to lead him to seminary life.

He said it was a life lesson on let-ting God do the directing.

He recalls a conversation with Father Frank O’Rourke, diocesan voca-tions director at the time Osorio entered the seminary. “I asked him, ‘Father, why did this happen to me so late?’”

They laughed, and Father O’Rourke offered advice that stays

with Osorio today: “‘It’s not your time. It’s God’s time. God is a mystery, and he works in mysteri-ous ways.’”

With ordination just weeks away, Rev. Mr. Osorio is more resolved than ever in his calling. He begins his mornings by 5 with a holy hour, attends classes, enjoys a hike or a meal with friends, catches the evening news, spends weekends in a parish pas-toral assignment, and studies — a lot.

He says the oppor-tunity to serve a diocese

with such ethnic variety is appealing. “In our diocese, there is a big necessity

for bilingual priests,” he says. “Our population is multicultural, and we need to understand the language, the culture and the behavior of the people. The church is universal, and we have to include everybody in that family.”

His life at seminary has been one of self-discovery, too. “I have looked at myself in the mirror and asked, “Who is Luis?’” he says. “‘What were the mistakes? What kinds of failures and doubts do I have?’ I came to un-derstand that, and I forgave myself. Because I came to this place, I could do that.”

“It’s something that moves your inner being,” he added. “If you know yourself, you can love yourself. And in that way, you can share that kind of love and understanding with others.” t

Conversion of faith: Rico De Silva

Perhaps nobody is more surprised by the priestly vocation of Rico De Silva than Rico himself. At 34 and now in his second year of studies, Rico describes his former self as a party-boy with a eye for the women, a taste for drinking and somewhat reckless living.

“I was a fallen-away Catholic, even though I had gone to Catholic school all my life,” says De Silva. “I stopped practicing my faith right after gradu-ating from high school.”

Certainly a lifetime away from the Rico today, who rises before dawn for a personal holy hour to start his day.

Panamanian-born De Silva came to the States in 1985, landing at Radford University in Virginia. Though he

studied journal-ism, he found he had a nack for sales. He made his way to Char-lotte, falling into a relationship that appeared to have him headed for the altar.

H i s a l t a r ca l l took an abr upt tur n . He’d returned

to the church on a casual basis, but something drew him closer. He found himself turning more and more to prayer. He questioned his relationship and was surprised to find himself pon-dering questions of the priesthood. “God had me in the palm of his hand,” says De Silva.

Now in year two of formation, De Silva remains faithful to prayer and Eucharistic adoration as he continues his journey towards anticipated ordination in 2004.

De Silva will bring much-needed bilingual skills to the diocese. His na-tive Spanish will serve a diocese listed by the United States Catholic Confer-ence as home for the largest Hispanic influx in the country. t

A new path: Chapin EnglerIn a 1995 commencement ad-

dress at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, singer-songwriter James Taylor had this to say about his craft: “I thank God for music, and I thank music for God.”

Those words are ones Chapin Engler can relate to, for it is through music that his journey toward the priesthood was initially orches-trated.

“I had a conversion experience, and the beginnings of it were while I was singing,” said Engler, who was a cantor at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte for eight years.

“It’s quite an odyssey how God just basically tapped me on the shoulder. I finally turned, and it was like he said, ‘Hey, you! I’ve been try-ing to get your attention for a long time.’”

Engler had been struggling with his appreciation of the liturgy for a number of years, and it wasn’t until

he had the chance to serve as cantor that he returned to weekly Mass.

His struggle continued, and then one Sunday, as he was singing, the lyr-ics and the music moved him to tears.

“I was right in the middle of this song, I just started breaking down,” he recalls. “I said, ‘Lord, I don’t know what’s up with this, but I need to figure it out.’”

That experience began an intense

Unwavering Faith: Thomas Darcy

Thomas Darcy wrestled with his calling

for twenty years. That time frame just about cov-ers his entire lifetime. At 31, Darcy is fulfilling his call to the priesthood as he studies at St. Vincent Seminary. “I felt the call for over 20 years,” said Darcy. “God is persis-tent.”

In the interim years, Darcy re-ceived a degree in Archaeology from the University of North Carolina at

Greensboro. He spent time in a wide variety of profes-sions, from broadcast TV to mental health.

His is a faith that fol-lows the magisterium to the letter. If it is written, then so let it be done. It is through this faith he sees little need for concern for the future. “The church was

founded by Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit,” said Darcy.

Darcy describes himself as a gentle and loving man with many life experiences.

“I believe [these experiences] will enable me to be empathetic towards most and sympathetic to-wards all. I desire to be a good and faithful servant.” t

discernment process that would im-merse him in a love of the church. That process would eventually take him away from a successful eight-year career as a stockbroker to St. Vincent Seminary, where Engler, now 37, pre-pares for the priesthood.

Though he’d never have guessed it then, the faith struggles of his earlier years were lined with a heavenly plan.

“There’s an incredible amount of peace that happens when you finally say, ‘Okay, Lord, I’ve made a mess of things. If you’ve got a better plan, I’ll do what you want me to do,’” he said. “When you get to that point, you never look back.

“That’s a very unique and special place to be, and I think that is the peace of Christ. I want to communicate that message of God’s love to as many people as possible.” t

“It’s quite an odyssey how God just basically tapped me on the shoulder. I finally turned, and it was like he said, ‘Hey, you! I’ve been

trying to get your attention for a long time.’”

Rev. Mr. Luis OsorioJune 2000

12 The Catholic News & Herald Apr i l 21 , 20004 Specia l to The Cathol ic News & Hera ld • Apr i l 21 , 2000 A Mosaic of Seminary Life

by JiMMy rostarassoCiate editor

LATROBE, Pa. — Witnessing a seminarian grow in faith, confidence and fidelity to the church is a true joy of seminary administration, said key personnel involved in priestly forma-tion at St. Vincent Seminary.

Benedictine Father Thomas Ack-lin, who for 11 years has served as rec-tor of the seminary, said to walk with a seminarian on his faith journey is a grace-filled opportunity.

“The most important area is the spiritual,” he said of seminarians’ formation, a period of discernment, deepening of faith and intensive stud-ies. “To see them grow in their prayer life and in their faith life, to see them go through the process of really coming to know the Lord better, has just been a beautiful thing.”

Father Acklin serves as chief pas-tor and administrator of the 154-year-old St. Vincent Seminary, where nine of the Diocese of Charlotte’s 22 seminarians are in formation.

The rector’s responsi-bilities are many, but the one Father Acklin holds most dear is the minis-try of preparing oth-ers for the priesthood. Through that work, he said, his own resolve as a priest is renewed.

While seminary rec-tors work from what is called the external forum — meaning they do not hear semi-narians’ confessions or serve as their spiritual directors — they do share a dynamic relationship with those in for-mation. They are models, teachers and evaluators. They reach out as brothers in faith.

“It’s all grace,” said Father Acklin of seminary life. “It’s Christ who forms the person He has called for ministry, but to be involved in seminary work is really an experience of grace and of

Seminary administrators see change, growth in future

Photos by Joann s. Keane

“It’s Christ who forms the person He has called for

ministry, but to be involved in seminary work is really

an experience of grace and of the miraculous every single

day.”

the miraculous every single day.”Like Father Acklin, Mercy Sister

Cecilia Murphy noted the spiritual benefits in her administrative role.

“I often tell them that if I could give them one gift, I would want to give the gift of listening,” said Sister Cecilia, aca-demic dean for the seminary. “I think that would include listening to God, listening to the needs of others.

“That dimension of other-cen-teredness is so important for a minister

of the church.”Sister Cecilia, who is responsible

for the seminary’s academic programs, curriculum and hiring of faculty, meets with the seminarians regularly for theological reflection sessions and other encounters, both academic and informal. She agreed that such gifts as service to others are natural results of the formation process, in which per-sonal growth is so important.

“It’s really a privilege,” she said, “to be in this kind work, to see them

learn to look at an experience they had in terms of what happened ‘then’ — but also, what the religious, social and cultural dimensions of that experience are.”

Benedictine Father Kurt Belsole, assistant rector of the seminary, agreed that a seminarian’s grow-ing self-awareness is essential in the formation process. That very per-sonal process, he added, builds a future priest’s foundation of spiritual life.

“We try to have them develop in fidelity, consistency and responsibil-ity,” said Father Belsole, who has been at St. Vincent for 35 years as a student, a monk, a teacher and an administra-tor. He was named assistant rector last January.

“Once they get out of the semi-nary, they have to have a strong enough relationship with Christ and a deep enough love for ... the church, that they’re able to get through the tough times,” he said.

For those in formation, the rigors of the process are indeed daunting at times.

“They are not without problems, and they won’t be priests without problems,” Father Belsole conceded. “God never promised that to the church, and we’ve never had a period in church history when that was the case.

“But here we see that God is preparing outstanding priests for his church, and I have every confidence they are going to make great contribu-tions.”

Father Acklin and Sister Cecilia echoed similar sentiments, both noting that their greatest hope for seminar-ians is that they will be faithful men of God.

“What do I want for the men?” Father Acklin reiterated. “I want them to become men who are on fire for the Lord.” t

Mercy Sister Cecilia Murphy

Benedictine Father Kurt Belsole

Benedictine Father Thomas Acklin with Rev. Mr. David Brzoska

Trading science for the church: Bill ClarkBill Clark’s vocation is a story of life changes, a process that began in

a career of science, continued with a conversion experience and proceeds today in formation for the priesthood of the Diocese of Charlotte.

Clark, 38, is a native of Lancaster, Pa. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in biochemistry from the University of Maryland, and he enjoyed a 10-year career at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., working as a molecular biologist. Still, he has said, something was missing in his life.

He began attending Mass at St. Matthew Cathedral in Washington D.C.. Something moved him in a profound spiritual way, and entered the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in 1992.

It would be another four years or so before Clark truly felt a calling to priestly life. Clark, who has family ties to Ashe County and the Triad in North Carolina, visited the Charlotte Diocese

at the invitation of Bishop William G. Curlin. For Clark, who had not been in the Tar Heel State since he was a young-

ster, the visit was fruitful — and one that would help him in his decision to enter seminary.

“Once I came down and looked around in North Carolina,” he said, “I fell in love with the place and the people.” t

Where to reach the seminarians forthe Diocese of Charlotte:

St. Vincent’s Seminary300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690

Rev. Mr. David Brzoska, William Clark, Thomas Darcy, Ricardo De Silva, Tien Duong, J. Chapin Engler, Leo Fowler,

Rev. Mr. Luis Osorio, Christopher RouxCUA Theological Seminary

401 Michigan Avenue, NE, Washington, D.C. 50017Matthew Buettner, Duc Duong, Rev. Mr. Christopher Gober,

Rev. Mr. Matthew Kauth, Rev. Mr. Frank SeaboPope John XXIII National Seminary558 South Avenue, Weston, MA 02193

Robert Ferris, Rev. Mr. Kurt FohnSt. Mary’s Seminary

5400 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210-1994Michael Cabot Carney, Jonathan Hanic, Larry LoMonaco

St. Meinrad SeminarySt. Meinrad, IN 47577Rev. Mr. Shawn O’NealParish Assignments

Rev. Mr. Joseph Long Dinh — St. Gabriel ChurchDennis Seavers — St. Michael Church


happy easter!

The Cathol ic News & Hera ld 9

Lathem, pastor of a Summerville church, as well as such notables as Darius Rucker and other members of the rock group Hootie and the Blowfish; author Pat Conroy; and for-mer Gov. David Beasley, who initially proposed relocation of the battle flag during his term in office.

When he arrived at the State-house, Riley was greeted by Gov. Jim Hodges and Columbia Mayor Bob Coble. Riley presented Hodges with the official South Carolina state flag, emblazoned with the palmetto tree and the crescent moon.

The Confederate battle flag has flown atop the Statehouse since 1962, when it was hoisted during the Civil War centennial celebration. South Carolina is the only state in the nation that continues to fly a Confederate flag over its Capitol.

The current controversy erupted last year after the NAACP called for economic sanctions against the state until the flag is removed.

“It’s Lent; it’s a new century, a new millennium, a new era,” said Bishop Baker in his statement. “Let’s lay down our hatchets and make a new initiative, all of us working together, all people of the great state of South Carolina!”

The Rev. Joe Darby, senior pastor of Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in Charleston, delivered the prayer at the end of the April 6 ceremonies.

“Since somebody will say that this was an insignificant event populated by outsiders, if you’re from South Carolina, say amen,” Rev. Darby said. “The crowd shouted back, “Amen.”

Although about 300 pro-flag sup-porters were holding a concurrent rally on the north side of the State-house, there were no arrests or serious incidents. t

Confederate flag,from page 3

I n t h e

14 The Catholic News & Herald Apr i l 21 , 2000R e a d -

Word to LifeApril 23, Easter Sunday, Cycle

B Readings:1) Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 16ab-17, 22-232) Colossians 3:1-43) Gospel: John 20:1-9

by Jean dentonCatholiC news serviCe

I will never forget that moment of clarity when I held the tiny, mal-nourished Haitian baby girl in my arms. She was so weak she could barely cry. Just as I began to wonder why she had to be so hungry, why she would probably only live a couple of years more and in such poverty, I felt a profound love and oneness with this child.

As her little arms clung to me, I recognized that for that moment she was there for me — for me to know the embrace of Jesus.

Since then I have experienced other instances in which someone else’s brave suffering and trust in the Lord have brought me into his presence and have drawn me close to him in love. I can think of more than one occasion in my life when I realized and felt, with every fiber of my being, the shame of a specific sin I committed, only to be blessed with the pure exhilaration of knowing God’s forgiveness and desire for me to be reconciled with him.

Such were the ways that, after many years of a superficial under-standing of the existence of God and a studied indifference to him, he

Book Review

W e e k l y S c r i p t u r e

slowly and gently poured the gift of faith into my life. Somewhere in there I also became a Catholic.

I know this is how God works in revealing himself to his people. But sometimes I do wonder what it’s all about.

The first of the readings for Easter Sunday offers a very huge clue. Peter says that when God raised Jesus from death to life, he granted that this action would be witnessed by those who already knew him, who would eat and drink with the risen Lord.

That’s us, we who have experi-enced the life-giving embrace and mercy of Jesus, and who are so blessed to come to his table every week as he fills our lives with his own — and we are called to bear witness to that same love and for-giveness.

The second reading points out, “Your life is hidden now with Christ in God.” Easter is the ultimate eu-charistic message in which we who are given life in Christ bear his life to others. We are called to go forth at his resurrection, forgiving, minister-ing, reconciling and embracing all those he sends our way.

Questions:When was the first time you

remember that the risen Lord was clearly revealed to you? What is one concrete way you can bear Christ to someone this Easter season?

You know a lot about the Catholic Church, or maybe you are just learn-ing, but there are things that confuse you — like what to do when you pray a novena, or how to “offer up” something, exactly what the Angelus is, or any of the dozens of other devotions that set

Catholics apart from other Christians. But help is here!

“The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions” is the only book that not only provides the who, what, where, when, and why of the most time-honored traditions of the Church but also the how.

About the AuthorMike Aquilina is the editor of New

Covenant magazine and has been wide-ly published in the Catholic press. This is his sixth book for Our Sunday Visi-

how-to book explains tor. Regis J. Flaherty was the executive director for the Archdiocese of Boston Catholic Cemeteries. He has written many articles for the Catholic press. This is his second book.

Key Distinguishing Features• Offers step-by-step guidelines to

all the devotional rites and rituals of the Catholic Faith

• Provides a history of each devo-tion and a reflection on its importance in the prayer life of Catholics

• Features succinct and salient quotes from saints and prominent members of the Church

• Furnishes cautions, drawn from Scripture and Tradition, for potential temptations and distractions

• Outlines the blessings and graces associated with the devotions

• Just a few features include the Angelus, First Fridays and First Sat-urdays, Novenas, the Rosary, Mental Prayer, examination of conscience, and much more!

To place an order, call 1-800-348-2440. Reference 0-87973-415-9, paper, $12.95, 272 pp. (plus shipping)

“The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions: Everything You Need to Know but No One

Ever Taught You”By Mike Aquilina and

Regis Flaherty

Readings for the week of April 23 - 29, 2000Easter Sunday, Acts 10:34, 37-43, 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, Mark 16:1-8; Easter

Monday, Acts 2:14, 22-32, Matthew 28:8-15; Easter Tuesday, Acts 2:36-41, John 20:11-18; Easter Wednesday, Acts 3:1-10, Luke 24:13-35; Easter Thurs-day, Acts 3:11-26, Luke 24:35-48; Easter Friday, Acts 4:1-12, John 21:1-14; Easter Saturday, Acts 4:13-21, Mark 16:9-15

Readings for the week of April 30 - May 6, 2000Second Sunday of Easter, Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 5:1-6, John 20:19-31; Mon-

day (St. Joseph the Worker), Genesis 1:26-2:3, Matthew 13:54-58; Tuesday (St. Athanasius), Acts 4:32-37, John 3:7-15; Wednesday (Sts. Philip and James, Apostles), 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, John 14:6-14; Thursday, Acts 5:27-33, John 3:31-36; Friday, Acts 5:34-42, John 6:1-15; Saturday, Acts 6:1-7, John 6:16-21

“They killed him, finally, ... only to have God raise him up on the third day and grant that he be seen ... by us who ate and

drank with him after he rose from the dead” — Acts 10:40-41

10 The Catholic News & Herald

The Cathol ic News & Hera ld 15 Apr i l 21 , 2000E n t e r t a i n -

by gerri PareCatholiC news serviCe

NEW YORK (CNS) — A pivotal year in Napoleon Bonaparte’s extraor-dinary military career is examined in “Napoleon’s Obsession: Quest for Egypt,” airing Sunday, April 23, 10-11 p.m. EDT on cable’s The Learning Channel.

Lively Egyptologist Bob Brier chronicles what was actually a disas-trous military campaign, but which the cunning Napoleon reported as a glori-ous French expansion of power.

Determined to conquer Egypt as the gateway to Indian trade routes, and to foil the British, Napoleon’s fleet set sail in 1798. After easily captur-ing Alexandria, he ordered his wool-uniformed men to make the grueling three-week march through the desert to Cairo, leaving his vulnerable fleet of ships behind.

Although weakened by dysentery, the French did defeat the ferocious Mameluke army in Cairo in what Napoleon tagged “the Battle of the Pyramids” — despite its having been fought in a much less impressive-sounding melon patch miles away.

However, British Adm. Nelson soon attacked Napoleon’s fleet, slip-ping behind the ships so that the French cannons were aimed in wrong direction. The decisively won na-val Battle of the Nile left Napoleon stranded in Egypt.

The program goes on to describe

Napoleon’s foray to defeat the Turks in Syria in 1799, where French troops rape and massacre civilians and Gen-eral Bonaparte orders the slaughter of 3,000 Turkish prisoners of war — by bayonets, to save on the use of bullets. But Napoleon is defeated when the British join Turkish forces and he re-turns to Cairo, then flees Egypt, claim-ing victory abroad, and within months he is the virtual ruler of France.

As produced and directed by Pe-ter Spry-Leverton, this lesser-known chapter in Napoleon’s life comes alive as a character study of a charismatic leader who could always inspire his men under miserable conditions. Yet his dark side included ruthless decep-tions, mass killings and adultery with the wife of one of his lieutenants.

During on-the-scene shooting in Egypt and Israel, Brier conveys a deep admiration of the general’s military boldness as he never stopped looking for new worlds to conquer. The legacy of his Egyptian adventure was the scientists and artists he left behind; their discoveries in the Valley of the Kings and of the Rosetta Stone led to the translation of hieroglyphics and immense European interest in ancient Egypt.

The hour proves a quite interest-ing look at the future self-crowned emperor of France, who certainly knew how to turn the shame of defeat into a glorified portrait of triumph in the eyes of a public eager to embrace victory. t

Pare is director of the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broad-casting.

“Where the Money Is”Paul Newman stars as bank robber Henry Manning in the movie “Where the Money Is.” The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-IV — adults, with reservations. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

TV special showcases disastrous military campaign of Napoleon

“Napoleon’s Obsession: Quest for Egypt”

April 23, 10-11 p.m. EDTThe Learning Channel

Cns Photo froM universal filMs

new at the Box officeNEW YORK (CNS) — Following are recent capsule reviews issued by the

U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting.“American Psycho”

Repelling tale of a late 1980s Wall-Street yuppie (Christian Bale) who despises his associates and is able to murder women, colleagues and cops with gleeful impunity. As directed by Mary Harron, attempts to satirize the greedy excesses of the me genera-tion are overwhelmed by the remorseless main character’s killing sprees and the film’s core nihilism. Recurring violence with gore, including nudity and graphic sexual en-counters, recreational drug abuse, some profanity and frequent rough language. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is O — morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted.

“East Is East”Droll British comedy-drama set in the early 1970s about a controlling Paki-

stani father who blindly tries to drag his seven British-born children back to tra-ditional Muslim ways despite their resistance to saris, arranged marriages and religious instruction. Damien O’Donnell’s deft directorial debut is an absorbing look at cross-cultural familial relationships with a well-written, credible plot and lively characters. Brief marital sexual encounter, some domestic violence, homo-sexual innuendo, flash of nudity and recurrent rough language. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted.

“Set Me Free”Somewhat poignant coming-of-age story set in 1963 Montreal where a

13-year-old girl (Karine Vanasse) runs away from her selfish would-be poet dad (Miki Manojiovic) after her overworked mother (Pascale Bussieres) attempts suicide, but a caring teacher (Nancy Huston) guides the troubled teen away from life on the streets. Writer-director Lea Pool sluggishly explores a family torn by conflicts between the Jewish father and Catholic mother but is less insightful fol-lowing the girl’s friendship with another girl who is physically drawn to her as well as to her older brother. Subtitles. Brief violence, sexual situations and an in-stance of profanity. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III — adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

The Cathol ic News & Hera ld


Shop till you turn greenWith the arrival of spring, much of nature again

turns green. God calls forth renewed growth, and we recognize our interdependence in the web of life.

Yet, a gruesome thought stalks us. We, the stew-ards of creation and the managers of the earth, have the power to pollute a river, destroy a mountain and ruin the countryside. No law of physics says we must, no formula from chemistry makes this inevitable.

The marketplace, that marvelous device for allo-cating resources in the economy, harbors an inherent flaw that pushes it towards destructive behavior. The market simply undercounts the social and resource costs of producing goods and services. By not clean-ing up fully after production, a company lowers its production costs by shifting part of that cleanup cost to the entire society as pollution. The quest for profit maximization encourages this. By pursuing the cheap-est way of extracting resources, corporations can devastate mountains and countrysides, leaving com-munities without good water or a healthy economic base. Globalization pits one part of the world against another in a race for the least cost.

For people of faith, the market represents a device, not a dogma. As a device, the market decides tril-lions of transactions daily without any problem. Yet, left to its own, it lacks a moral compass. There are limitations to the market’s abilities. A cheap price for a good, the result of competition for the consumer, does not differentiate between a greater efficiency of production from the exploitation of people and creation.

As a result, many people of faith are intentionally supporting businesses with an environmental and social vision, enterprises called “green businesses.” These compa-nies practice a responsibility toward the environment and the world community. The National Green Pages (www.greenpages.org), for example, lists over 10,000 products and services for ordinary consumers. The Cloth Bag Com-pany (www.clothbag.com) is dedicated to ending society’s dependence on throw-away bags. The Fair Trade

Pope, at audience, says whole Trinity involved in salvation

by cindy WoodenCatholiC news serviCe

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The essential role of the Trinity in bringing salvation to all men and women was revealed when Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, Pope John Paul II said.

The voice of God the Father proclaiming his love for Jesus and the descent of the Holy Spirit set the seal of authenticity on the mission of Jesus, the pope said April 12 at his weekly general audience.

The mid-April audience marked the first time Italian police began using the 15 metal detectors they installed under the colonnade encircling St. Peter’s Square.

With an estimated 30,000 people attend-ing the audience, the screening appeared to go smoothly as visitors passed through the metal detectors and put their bags through X-ray machines.

Continuing a series of audience talks about the Trinity, Pope John Paul said the reality and the glory of the Trinity were revealed when Jesus was baptized.

The action of the Father and the Spirit as Jesus comes out of the Jordan were a clear sign that with Jesus “the history of salvation has entered its central and definitive phase,” he said.

“He is the one who brings to completion the divine plan of salvation, humbly putting him-self in solidarity with sinners,” the pope said.

“Through baptism, we, too, enter into this mystery of salvation,” Pope John Paul said. “Be-ing reborn in the baptismal waters, we begin our journey of Christian life and witness.”

Pope celebrates Palm Sunday Mass, urges youths to follow

ChristVATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope John Paul

II opened Holy Week with a colorful Mass on Palm Sunday, leading a procession through St. Peter’s Square in front of 100,000 Holy Year pilgrims. Preceded by lay people, bishops and cardinals dressed in bright red vestments, the pope rode on a white jeep through the packed square April 16 as faithful from all over the world waved palm fronds and olive branches, in remembrance of Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem a week before his death. Among those at the head of the procession were groups of young people — including five from the United States — who squinted in the sunshine as the 79-year-old pontiff prayed at the start of the liturgy.

When the rule of teen secrecy must be broken

Every teen-ager knows certain rules — they’re just assumed. One of the most basic is that you don’t tell your friend’s secrets.

If a friend is doing something foolish or danger-ous, you may hope that he gets caught early so that the worst doesn’t happen. But the rule is clear; you don’t tell. It simply isn’t done.

Sometimes that rule is wrong.Recently, the New York Times published a study

of multiple murders, looking at 100 “rampage kill-ings” over the past 50 years.

What did the staff of the Times learn about these crimes? One significant fact stands out clearly: While adult killers act alone and in secrecy, many of the teens involved in rampage killings told people what they were planning. Certain friends and acquaintances knew about the murderous thoughts and schemes.

Mostly, people didn’t believe them. They couldn’t imagine that someone they knew — someone who went to their school — could ever do something so horrible.

The same is true of violence directed inward — toward the self. While most adults who kill them-selves act in secrecy, teen-agers usually give signals. They tell their friends how badly they feel and often talk about thoughts of suicide long before they act.

Often people don’t believe them. “People who talk about it don’t do it,” they tell themselves. “She’s down, but it really isn’t that serious. She’ll snap out of it.”

I work with a mental-health crisis service. Re-search shows that even one contact with a mental-health professional greatly reduces the chance that a teen-ager’s depressed thought — “I feel like I’d be better off dead” — turns into a tragic reality.

Many times we have reached out to a teen be-cause a friend told somebody — a parent or someone at school. In case after case, we have gotten the de-pressed teen the help that was needed.

With so much recent publicity about mass kill-

ings, we have started getting calls about teens threat-ening rampage killings. Here again we’ve been able to get those kids into treatment.

Mass murder is very, very rare. Who knows if we’ve really prevented anybody from marching into a high school with a loaded assault weapon? Far better, we believe, to talk to 100 kids who wouldn’t really have done it than to miss the one kid who would.

Preventing teen violence — toward others and toward the self — depends on you. Teachers, coun-selors and psychologists simply don’t have access to the critical information.

Confused, depressed and angry teens talk to their friends — not to grown-ups — and all those teachers, counselors and psychologists stand helplessly on the sidelines until somebody breaks the code of secrecy.

Every teen-ager knows that you don’t tell on your friends. However, when a friend or acquaintance is talking about violence, that rule must be broken.

It seems wrong. It makes you feel like a snitch. You’ll worry that your friend will be mad and may not ever talk to you again. “Probably,” you tell your-self, “nothing is going to happen, and I’ll be making trouble for nothing.”

Still, imagine the possible consequences if you hear talk of suicide or threats of murder and do nothing.

The Pope Speaks

Economy of Faith

Coming of Age

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PoPe John Paul ii

ChristoPher Carstens

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father John s. rausChguest ColuMnist

Federation (www.fairtradefederation.com) promotes economic self-sufficiency in developing countries by eliminating the middleman and returning the best price to the farmer growing the coffee or the craft-sperson making the jewelry.

But, the most widely celebrated green business concerns the stock market. Socially responsible invest-ing screens companies in regards to the environment, labor, human rights, diversity and many other topics. More than 150 socially screened mutual funds and hun-dreds of socially responsible financial advisors nation-wide are supporting corporations with a social vision and keeping social and environmental issues on com-pany agendas. The Social Investment Forum (www.socialinvest.org) offers practical advice and references for socially committed investors.

Market theory says that competition delivers the cheapest price for products, and people invest where they receive the highest returns. Yet, people of faith add ad-ditional filters. Informed by their responsibility toward creation and global workers, they assess the impact of their economic decisions. Since every purchase registers a vote for a particular product or service, people of faith are questioning profit at-any-cost and changing mindless consumption into intentional shopping.

Glenmary Father John S. Rausch writes, teaches and



Easter 2000: An old and ever-new storyCreation, death, and resurrection form the

dynamic triangle of our existence. Let me ex-plain this simple and profound truth with a story. A little boy made his way home from school one afternoon. As little boys do, he walked through alleys and vacant lots. Along the way he found a piece of wood. Not much more than a piece of a 2x4, but he took it home. Once home, he went into the garage. Using his father’s tools, he ham-mered and sawed and fashioned a little toy boat.

Later that afternoon, he went to play with his little boat in the stream that ran near his house. For days, after he came home from school, he played with his boat in that creek. He greatly enjoyed those hours with his little toy. He loved his little boat, and even gave it a name. One afternoon, while pushing the boat about with a long stick, he accidentally let the boat slip away into a strong current. He ran along the creek trying to catch up with the little boat. Soon another creek spilled into the stream, and the current sped up carrying his boat faster than his little legs could keep up. Finally, he stopped running and watched his little craft sail out of sight. Tears came to his eyes as he realized that his boat was lost forever. For days, he mourned the loss of his wonderful toy.

Months passed, school ended, and his fam-ily went on summer vacation to the ocean. One day as the little boy played along the beach, he stopped to admire the things displayed at a beachcomber’s shop. There were pieces of drift-wood, fishing net floats, and old bottles. Then he saw it. He could hardly believe it. There on one of the shelves of ocean debris was his little boat. It was hanged up and its paint was scratched, but there was no doubt in his heart. “That’s my boat,” he told the shopkeeper. He begged him to hand it over. “Well,” said the man, “it may have been yours once, but now it’s mine, and if you want it, you’ll have to pay for it.”

As fast as he could, he raced to his father and explained the situation. The boy and his father returned to the shop. A price was agreed upon, and the little boy received back his little boat. As he and his dad walked toward home, the little fellow looked down at the boat held in his arms. With tears in his eyes, he said, “Little boat, I love you. You are now really mine. You are mine twice. I made you. I bought you.”

The parallels are obvious: Creation, death, and resurrection. Don’t despair if the currents of the world toss you around, you will eventu-ally end up in the ocean of God’s love.

I have created you, O Jacob,I have formed you, O Israel.I have called you by name,I have redeemed you.You are mine.— Isaiah 43:1

Capuchin Father John Aurilia is pastor at Im-maculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.

Unconditional love is eternalThe older I get the more I understand that

among all the ways we love, unconditional love is the noblest gift a human being can enjoy. Love that gives without measure is truly a gift of God.

Surely you have your own personal example of someone who embodies such selfless love. A parent, a friend, a spouse whose love demands nothing in return. Recently I met the aunt of a friend of mine, and, for me, she has become the most striking ex-ample of what I am talking about. Her name — Rose Marie Bergna, or as she prefers, Aunt Rowe.

As a young woman, Aunt Rowe went through a difficult marriage and then separation from her hus-band. Determined to remain loyal to her wedding vow, ‘til death do you part, this devout Catholic stead-fastly refused to even consider marrying again.

Then John Baker moved into town. He and Aunt Rowe met one snowy Christmas Eve. He promptly fell in love with her and proposed marriage. But try as he might to convince her otherwise, Aunt Rowe was determined as well. She recalls, “John became so discouraged that he quit his job as a business man-ager and moved as far away as he could from Mineola, Long Island — to Nogales, Arizona!”

Still, Aunt Rowe knew intuitively that they were meant to meet again. As he said his goodbyes, she softly pledged, “John, if ever you need me, I will be there for you.”

Two years later, John built a home in a new devel-opment, but a freak fire changed everything. He was burning construction debris when a dry desert wind coiled around him, swallowing him up in a whirlpool of flames and searing heat. 85 percent of his body was irreparably charred. Amazingly, he survived through swift emergency action and a helicopter ride to the hospital burn clinic in Tucson.

Aunt Rowe was awakened in the middle of the night by a call from John’s niece. That morning she was on a plane hopscotching across the country. That evening she stood at his bedside. “His body was all wrapped up like a mummy when I got there, but his mind was alert.

Light OneCandle

Coping with the guilt of an abortionQ. I hope you can help me. A close friend sent me one

of your columns about excommunication because of an abortion. More than a year ago I too had an abortion, and I’ve never forgiven myself for it. Honestly, I don’t think I can.

No one in my family knows, and my friends who do know have no idea what pain I feel every time I hear a baby cry. I haven’t gone to confession and sometimes don’t want to be forgiven because then I’ll forget, and I won’t let myself off that easily.

I wanted more than anything to have the baby, but I knew my mother would kick me out, and the baby’s father would not be there physically or emotionally.

I’m now in a new relationship with someone I believe truly cares for me, but I find myself holding back. Maybe it’s the anger I have toward myself. I know I want to be happy again, but I still want to remember that awful mis-take I made.

A. I’m very sorry for you. A lot of painful healing will be needed in your heart as you move, as you say, toward happiness again. It will be helpful, I believe, to reflect prayerfully on a few truths as you move in that direction.

First, there is no way you will ever forget your experience, no matter what you do. It has had too great an impact on your feelings and memories. But

Easter 2000

QuestionCorner

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father John dietZenCns ColuMnist

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He said, ‘What are you doing here? You have a job!’” Her response: “John, I am here for you.” Looking up at her, John said, “Rowe, I see two angels on either side of you.” And then came his radiant smile. “It was a smile that changed my life forever,” she said.

He flat lined twice but was resuscitated. His legs were so gangrenous both had to be amputated. The gnarled stumps that were his hands made it impos-sible to fend for himself. With the help of Aunt Rowe, John eventually settled into a nursing home, and for the next 23 years she dedicated herself to caring for him.

John Baker was a remarkable man. Through all the pain and loss, he created a new life for himself. The near-quadriplegic learned to dive and swim — when he was told he never could — and went on to win awards. His vitality and humor kept him going. Most of all, Rowe kept him going.

One friend reported: “Rowe was with him 16 hours a day, seven days a week. He couldn’t scratch his nose; she did it. When he got angry, she absorbed it. When he was happy, she cheered him further. ...Rowe’s life was John.” This February, John died.

Aunt Rowe misses him terribly. But she told me, “We will be soul mates forever. Remember, we were meant to meet and we will meet again.”

I believe they will because unconditional love is stronger than death, stronger even than life.

that has little connection with forgiveness, either your forgiveness of yourself or God’s forgiveness of you.

Genuine forgiveness, which can occur gradually, and which will be part of your returning happiness, happens at another level than remembering. Forgive-ness means letting go, especially of anger and re-sentment, and of the desire for revenge. For you, this means the anger and resentment, and perhaps even the need for punishment you feel toward yourself.

You have done a serious wrong, we admit that. But it is past, part of history, and there’s nothing you, or even God, can do to change that. The impor-tant present concern of God is where you go from here.

God knows you (as all of us) are a long way from perfect. You are not the first to make a big-time mis-take, and you will not be the last. What is needed now is the humility to acknowledge that, and to calmly and peacefully go home to God’s love, and believe in his faith in you.

I realize this is a big order, but with prayer and patience, and the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist — and insofar as possible working through it with a friend you can trust — it can hap-pen more peacefully and gracefully than you think. Don’t be intimidated by how you feel at the moment. As the Bible says, God is bigger than our hearts; so don’t be afraid to move on. Good luck!

Questions may be sent to Father John Dietzen Box 325, Peoria, IL 61651 or e-mail: [email protected].


18 The Catholic News & Herald Apr i l 21 , 2000I n t h e

Administrative Assistant: St. Therese Catholic Church, Mooresville, NC is seeking a replacement vital to its ministry team in the role of Admin-istrative Assistant to the Pastor. Our dynamic parish comprises 1100 families and continues to grow. Administrative Assistant is principally responsible for day-to-day administration of the parish and supervision of other staff. Applicant must have pastoral sensitivity and respect for a Catholic environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office or comparable computer software systems is required. Prior experience in office management is desirable. We offer an attractive compensation package, including comprehensive benefits pro-gram. Interested applicants should submit their resumes with references and salary history to: Pastor, St. Therese Catholic Church, 217 Brawley School Rd., Mooresville, NC 28117.

Director of Life Teen Ministry: Vibrant, 4,000-family parish seeks a full-time Director for one of the largest Life Teen programs in the country, serving 200-300 high school teens weekly. Director works in collaboration with two other full-time staff members devoted to youth ministry and manages a wonderful team of 25-30 adult volunteers. Responsibilities include liturgical preparation for the Teen Mass, directing the “Life Night” program that provides teens with creative faith formation, and Confirmation preparation. Preferred candidates have education in ministry or theology, experience in youth ministry, and a heart for sharing Christ’s love with young people. Contact Liz Riegel, St. Michael Catholic Church, 804 High House Road, Cary, NC 27513 (919) 468-6134; Fax: (919)468-6130, [email protected].

Director of Religious Education: St. Jude Par-ish, Radford, VA, is seeking a full-time director for its religious education program, involving devel-opment of catechetical programs Pre-K through 12, sacramental preparation, adult education, RCIA within both parish and campus, catechist formation, and other related areas. Qualifications include: committed Catholic lifestyle, master’s or certificate in Religious Education or equivalent background, with strong interest in liturgical de-velopment. Available July 1. Application deadline: May 1. Contact: Pastor, St. Jude Church, 1740 Tyler Road, Christiansburg, VA 24073; phone (540)639-5341; e-mail: [email protected]

Elementary School Positions: All Saints Catholic School has the following openings for the 2000-2001 school year: classroom teachers, computer teacher, teaching assistants (part-time), and ad-ministrative assistant (starting 6/12/00). Teach-ers must be NC certifiable. Please send resume by 4/30 to: Principal, All Saints Catholic School, 7000 Endhaven Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277.

In-home or Skilled Nursing Care: Henderson/Transylvania/Polk Counties. All workers with Personal/Professional Liability and Worker’s Compensation Insurances and FBI checks. Li-censed through Raleigh, NC. Please call (828) 696-0946 - COMPASSIONATE COMPANIONS, INC.

Maintenance/Custodial: St. Pius X Catholic School, Greensboro, NC seeks a full-time 2nd shift maintenance/custodial employee. Must work inde-pendently performing various custodial and main-tenance duties. Salaried; hours 2 - 10pm. Retirees welcomed. Reply to C. Usischon, 2200 N. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27408 or Fax:(336) 273-0199.

Principal, Elementary: St. Peter’s Catholic School, in southeastern NC university town near coast. The K-8 school is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is fully enrolled with 530 students. Starting date: July 1, 2000. Ideal candidate must be a practicing Catholic with vision, proven leadership and administrative skills. Principal will work collaboratively and maintain educational excellence. Applicant must hold teaching certificate, hold or be eligible for NC Principal License, and have a minimum of five years administrative experience. Send resume with salary requirements, references and statement of educational philosophy to: Search Committee, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 2700 East Fourth St., Greenville, NC 27858-1712 by April 30, 2000.

Principal, Elementary: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School. PreK - 8th grade serving 200-350 students in military/coastal/community of Jacksonville, NC. Competitive salary. Send resume by May 1 to: Search Committee, Infant of Prague Parish, 205 Chaney Ave., Jacksonville, NC 28540. [email protected]

Teacher, Middle School: St. Pius X Catholic School, Greensboro, NC seeks reading \language arts teacher; 8th-grade homeroom. Must be prac-

ticing Catholic with NC certification in the field. Experience preferred. Benefit package included. Send resume to: C. Usischon, 2200 N. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27408 or Fax (336)273-0199.

Teachers: Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School in Charlotte has openings beginning in Au-gust for a Pre-School Teacher and a Transitional Kindergarten Teacher. Part-time positions. NC teacher certification required. Call (704)531-0067.

Teaching Assistants, Full-time: St. Pius Catholic School, Greensboro, NC. Middle school, technology, and grades 4 and 5. If interested in working in a faith-oriented environment, contact: School Office, 2200 N. Elm St., Greensboro, NC 27408 or Fax (336)273-0199.

Youth Minister: A half-time position as a Youth Minister is available at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in High Point, NC (1000 households). The parish has a Total Youth Ministry Program, which includes the Confirmation Program, for middle and high school youth. Applicants must be a practicing Catholic and a member of a Catholic parish. Experience in Youth Ministry and Reli-gious Education is desirable. Send resume and ref-erences to Search Committee, IHM Church, 605 Barbee Ave., High Point, NC 27262. Fax (336)884-1849. For more information call (336)884-5212.

Youth/Young Adult Ministry Director: A tri-parish (including one Hispanic) Catholic com-munity of 1800 families in a university setting is seeking a full-time Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry to implement comprehensive youth ministry as described in “Renewing the Vision.” Candidate should have prior ministry experience, and be able to work collaboratively with staff and members of parish community. Background in Theology, Christian Formation, and/or certification in youth ministry desired. Please contact Rev. Bernard Campbell, CSP, P.O. Box 112, Clemson, SC 29633 or (864)654-1757.

Youth/Young Adult Minister: Prince of Peace, a growing community of 1800 families in beautiful Upstate SC, seeks practicing Catholic to develop: a middle school ministry (social and service); a comprehensive high school ministry of prayer, formation, and service; and a young adult program. Experience and/or related degree preferred. Position available July 1. Send resume and three references by May 5 to: Youth Minis-try Search Committee, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1209 Brushy Creek Road, Taylors, SC 29687. P(864)322-2233x216. Fax(864)322-2239.

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PRINCIPAL

St. Pius X Catholic High School

Atlanta, Georgia

The Archdiocese of Atlanta, Catholic Education of North Georgia, Inc., is seeking a highly motivated experienced instructional leader in Catholic

secondary education. St. Pius X Catholic High School has approximately 1000 students in grades 9-12. St. Pius X enjoys an exceptional reputation due to it 42-year history of providing a firm foundation for students in a college preparatory curriculum while fostering a strong Catholic emphasis. The school is located in Northeast Atlanta which is a vibrant and growing area with a wonderful climate and a comfortable standard of living.

The principal must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, enthusiasm and commitment to the development and imple-mentation of an educational program of religious formation, academic excellence, and parental involvement. The position is available starting with the 2000-2001 school year. The sal-ary is competitive and commensurate with credentials and experience.

Qualifications

Submit a letter of intent, resume, three letters of reference (including a letter from your pastor), philosophy of education and university credentials by May 8, 2000 to:

The Search Committee, St. Pius X Catholic High School, 2674 Johnson Rd. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30345.

• A master’s degree in education administration and supervision (or equivalent) with adminstrative experience.• Experience in the areas of administration, curriculum development, supervision and evaluation of instruction.• Commitment to maintain the level of development of the Catholic faith within the school environment.• Active member of the Catholic Church.


Cardinal George goes door-to-door in Chicago CHICAGO (CNS) — The mission stamped on their T-shirts was to “make

disciples of all the nations.” So Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago and St. Sabina’s pastor and parishioners started block by neighborhood block. Dressed in “Army of the Lord” beige and green mock military fatigues, hundreds of pa-rishioners joined the cardinal and their pastor, Father Michael Pfleger, in taking the Gospel to the snow-covered streets of a Chicago neighborhood April 8. “As a church, outreach has always been a part of what we do, but it’s usually been through services like Catholic Charities, schools and hospitals. What we want to do is attach to that a clear invitation of evangelization,” said Cardinal George, wrapped in a black winter cap and scarf.

Retired Bishop O’Keefe of Davenport dead at 82DAVENPORT, Iowa (CNS) — Retired Bishop Gerald F. O’Keefe died of a

heart attack early April 12 in Davenport. He was 82. His funeral Mass was sched-uled for 11 a.m. April 17 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport. His successor, Bishop William E. Franklin of Davenport, will be the principal celebrant. Bishop O’Keefe, a native of Wayzata, Minn., where he attended public schools, studied for the priesthood at St. Paul Seminary and was ordained for the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis on Jan. 29, 1944.


by declan WalshCatholiC news serviCe

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (CNS) — A delegation of Catholic Church officials and aid workers was to travel to the drought-stricken Gode region of eastern Ethiopia to assess needs for a planned emergency aid program.

“This famine is what we have been trying to avert for years, but now our aim is to reach the needy. I think that it can be contained if all parties come together,” said Abba Tsegaye Keneni, general secretary of the Ethiopian and Eritrean Episcopal Conference.

Abba Tsegaye was to travel with representatives of the U.S., Irish, Eng-lish and Welsh bishops’ international aid agencies and Caritas Internatio-nalis, the church’s international aid umbrella organization.

The delegation was to fly from the capital, Addis Ababa, to the eastern town of Dire Dawa, where they were to pick up local church representatives before continuing on to Gode, in the eastern Somali region.

The United Nations estimates that 8 million Ethiopians risk starvation due to the current crisis, caused by lack of seasonal rains for the fourth successive year. An estimated 12 mil-lion people are at risk in the Horn of Africa region.

Gode is the worst affected region in the current crisis. Tens of thou-sands of people have flooded into the main towns of Gode, Danan and Imi after losing their livestock to the

drought. More than 90 percent of all cattle have died.

The displaced have settled in camps where there is little water, food or medicine. The most severe conditions are to be found at Danan, where more than 300 children died in March and the first two weeks of April.

The Catholic relief effort in the area will be organized by the Apostolic Vicariate of Harar, Abba Tsegaye said.

The vicariate will distribute food and medicine either directly or through the aid agencies already working on the ground. It is already supporting the emergency distribution of food in the neighboring Borena region, which is considered to be the next most seri-ous after Gode.

Abba Tsegaye said airlifting emer-gency supplies to the crisis-stricken area would be considered during dis-cussions with partner agencies.

The budget of the proposed in-tervention has not yet been approved pending the report from the assess-ment. Funding agencies such as Cari-tas are anxiously awaiting the delega-tion’s report, he said.

U.N. World Food Program Execu-tive Director Catherine Bertini visited Gode and warned at a news conference in Addis Ababa April 14 that the cur-rent requirement of 800,000 tons of food to avert a crisis could rise before the summer.

Just over half of the current requirement has been pledged. The United States donated 400,000 tons

of wheat while the European Union donated 50,000 tons.

The Ethiopian government has been criticized for continuing its border war with neighboring Eritrea while mil-lions of its own citizens risk starvation. While the government will not say how much it is spending on the war, it is esti-mated at $1 million per day.

Abba Tsegaye said he did not think

I n t h e

Church officials to assess need in drought areas of

that the war would have any impact on the delivery of aid to Gode and other regions.

“There is no relationship between the two. One is due to the shortage of rainfall, and the other is a conflict between people, and they are in com-pletely different regions.” t

An Ethiopian child stands next to decaying cattle carcasses south of the town of Danan in Ethiopia April 7. Relief agencies are struggling to get emergency food aid to the area where the threat of famine looms.

Cns Photo froM reuters


20 The Catholic News & Herald Apr i l 21 , 2000L i v i n g t h e

attendants witness blessing of oil and priestly pledge at chrism

by alesha M. Pricestaff writer

CHARLOTTE — The chrism Mass, held at St. Patrick Cathedral on April 18, drew a large, collective con-gregation from all parts of the diocese, and approximately 100 of their priests concelebrated the sacred Mass with Bishop William G. Curlin.

In keeping with traditional Holy Week observances, the Mass’ purpose is to bless three different oils used in sacramental and liturgical practices for all of the faithful. Moreover, the at-tending priests re-dedicate themselves to their mission in life as spiritual advi-sors and leaders within their parishes and the diocese.

During the renewal of commit-ment to priestly service, the bishop re-minded the priests of their ordination vows and their pledge to serve their parishioners and lead them toward a deeper devotion to Jesus. He also asked the congregation to pray for their con-tinued work as priests — their leaders in faith.

“My brother priests, this is a time when we must say, ‘God, we would like to begin again,’” said Bishop Curlin.

“This is a new century, a new millen-nium, and this Mass serves as a new beginning for us, when we must strive to deepen our love for Christ and our people.”

“I ask God to give me the grace to be more faithful, generous and loving, and I ask God’s forgiveness for all of my failings,” he added.

In his homily, the bishop said, “this day we come to reclaim our love for Jesus Christ and to consecrate our lives to him. We ask that that God give us the grace to renew ourselves in faith and love.”

During the Eucharistic prayer, the bishop first blessed the oil of the sick, used for the ill and dying. After Communion, the oil of catechumens for baptismal candidates was blessed next. Balsam, a naturally-derived aromatic essence, was mixed into the sacred chrism, or christ oil, and then consecrated.

Fourteen-year-old Ross Shin-gledecker, a student at Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro, traveled to the Mass with Danita McDonald, his eighth-grade teacher and school religion coordinator, Ruth Flemming, Our Lady of Grace Church youth minister, and his eighth-grade confir-mation class on a religious field trip to witness the ceremonial traditions.

“The whole experience of watch-ing then bless the oil that we will be confirmed with adds to the whole experience of the sacrament,” he said. “It was really exciting to see that many priests up on the altar; it was the pin-nacle of holiness for me.”

Another student Jackie Assal, 13, added, “we are all making our confir-mation this year, and we thought it would be special to see the chrism be-ing blessed.”

During the Liturgy of the Eu-charist, all of the priests and deacons gathered on the altar with the bishop

Rev. Mr. Nick Fadero looks on as Bishop William G. Curlin pours into the chrism oil the fragrant balsam, a naturally-derived aromatic essence, which was then consecrated. The oil of consecration is used during the sacraments of confirmation and baptism, the ordaining of priests and bishops and the blessing of churches and altars.


Photos by Joann s. Keane

and the vicars of the diocese.“As a priest, this is one of the most

important Masses of the year because this being Holy Week, is a joyful time and the holiest of the year,” said Father Mark Lawlor, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jefferson. “It a time when all of the priests are together and when we can recommit our lives to serve the Lord and the body of Christ,

the Church.” t


At the chrism Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte, the attending priests re-dedicate themselves to their mission in life as spiritual advisors and leaders within their parishes and the diocese.

The next issue ofThe Catholic News & Herald will be May 5, 2000. There is

no issue for April 28.

Documents

April 21, 2000