March 3, 2023

At a glance

March 3, 2023

Volume 32 • NUMBER 11

1123 S. CHURCH ST. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

704-370-3333

PUBLISHER

The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte

INDEX

Arts & Entertainment

17

Contact us 2

Español 14-16

Our Diocese 4-7

Our Faith 3

Our Schools 10-11

Scripture 3, 16

U.S. news 18-19

Viewpoints 22-23

World news 20-21

5things you need to know this week

WALK THE VIA CRUCIS

Between parish-based offerings, special performances and services held at outdoor installations of Stations of the Cross, there are plenty of opportunities to walk alongside Our Lord this Lent. Check with your parish for details. Learn more about local outdoor Stations of the Cross: www. catholicnewsherald.com.

GIVE LIKE ST. FRANCES OF ROME

Consider upping your almsgiving this Lent in honor of the March 9 feast of St. Frances of Rome (1384-1440). Frances was drawn to religious life in her youth, but her parents disapproved of her desires and instead arranged for her to marry a nobleman. As Frances came to know her husband’s family, she discovered that her sister-in-law also had considered religious life. The two devoted their lives to caring for the poor, giving away all they had to help those in need during a plague that ravaged Rome. For more: www. franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-frances-ofrome.

CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK LIKE A CATHOLIC MOM

Need a little help with St. Patrick’s Day fetes at school or home? Catholic YouTuber Heather Johnson shows how to throw a festive, meaningful party for the kids at CatholicMom.com. To watch the how-to video and find other great St. Patrick’s Day resources: www.catholicmom.com/ articles/celebrating-st.-patricks-day-with-your-family.

PRAY FOR UNITY

LIKE POPE INNOCENT V WOULD

EDITOR: Spencer K. M. Brown

704-808-4528, skmbrown@charlottediocese.org

ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan

704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org

HISPANIC MEDIA MANAGER: César Hurtado

704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

EDITORIAL TEAM: Kimberly Bender

704-370-3394, kdbender@charlottediocese.org

Annie Ferguson

704-370-3404, arferguson@charlottediocese.org

SueAnn Howell

704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org

Troy C. Hull

704-370-3288, tchull@charlottediocese.org

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher

704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson 704-370-3333, catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Liz Chandler 704-370-3336, lchandler@charlottediocese.org

ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org

THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year.

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Ask Pope Innocent V to pray for unity in these divisive times. With other notable Dominicans, Peter of Tarentaise (the future Pope Innocent V) was commissioned to draw up the first curriculum for the religious order. He later played an integral role at the Council of Lyons, where he worked for unity between the churches of the East and West. In 1276, he was elected pope but died within five months of his election. Pope Leo XIII beatified him on March 9, 1898.

Diocesan calendar of events

ESPAÑOL

HORA SANTA : 7-8 p.m. Todos los jueves del mes con excepción de los primeros jueves. En la Capilla del segundo piso, Family Life Center en St. Patrick, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte.

VIÑEDO DE RAQUEL: ¿Es usted o un ser querido que busca la curación de los efectos de un aborto anterior? Los retiros de fin de semana son ofrecidos por Caridades Católicas para hombres y mujeres en todas las regiones de la Diócesis de Charlotte. Para obtener información sobre los próximos retiros, incluidos retiros en las diócesis vecinas, comuníquese con Karina Hernández: 336-267-1937 o karinahernandez@live.com.

VIGILIA DE ADORACIÓN: 6 p.m. los jueves, en la Catedral San Patricio, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Nos reunimos para una Vigilia de Adoración por la Paz y la Justicia en Nicaragua, que en estos últimos meses están pasando por momentos turbulentos y ataques físicos contra la Iglesia Católica, sus templos, y sus Obispos. Todos son bienvenidos a unirse a la Adoración, rezar el Santo Rosario, la hora santa de reparación, y terminando con la oración de exorcismo de San Miguel Arcángel.

PRAYER SERVICES

IGBO LANGUAGE MASS: 11:30 a.m. Sunday, March 5, St. Mary’s Church, 812 Duke St., Greensboro. For details, call 336-707-3625.

PRO-LIFE ROSARY: After 9 a.m. Mass every third Sunday at Mother Teresa Pro-Life Memorial, St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte.

SPICE UP LENTEN MEALS WITH ST. PETER’S FISH

Tilapia, also known as St. Peter’s Fish, comes from the Sea of Galilee and was the type caught by the apostles Peter, Andrew, James and John. Jeff Young shares the significance of the fish and his recipe for spicy baked tilapia at CatholicFoodie.com. He recommends reducing or eliminating the cayenne to adjust the heat of this dish. For the recipe: www.catholicfoodie.com/spicy-baked-tilapia-recipe

— Annie Ferguson

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING

PROTECTING CHILDREN: Protecting God’s Children (Protegiendo a los Niños de Dios) workshops educate parish volunteers to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse. For details, contact your parish office. To register for online training, go to www.virtus.org. Upcoming workshops:

ARDEN 9 a.m. Saturday, March 18, St. Barnabas Church, 109 Crescent Hill Dr.

SUPPORT GROUPS

RACHEL’S VINEYARD: Are you or a loved one seeking healing from the effects of a past abortion? Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats are offered by Catholic Charities for men and women in the diocese. For details, contact Jessica Grabowski at 910-585-2460 or jrgrabowski@rcdoc.org, or Lorena Haynes at 828-585-0483.

TALKS

‘THE SACRAMENTS IN SONG’ EVENING REFLECTION : 7:15 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, March 14 and 15, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4145 Johnson St., High Point. Hosted by nationally known speaker and sacred music composer Mark Haas and his wife Renae. Topics include “Reconciliation in Song” and “The Eucharist in Song.” For details, contact Mary Connolly at 336-869-7739, ext. 8108 or mconnolly@ihmchurch. org.

Upcoming events for Bishop Peter J. Jugis:

MARCH 4 – NOON

Rite of Election

St. Therese Church, Mooresville

MARCH 8 – 4:30 P.M.

Diaconate Ordination of Brother James Raber, O.S.B. Belmont Abbey, Belmont

MARCH 9 – NOON

Foundation Board Meeting

Pastoral Center, Charlotte

MARCH 11 – NOON

Rite of Election

St. Eugene Church, Asheville

MARCH 18 – 10:40 A.M.

Mass for the Catholic Men’s Conference of the Carolinas St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte

Our faith

‘San Jose dame tu silencio’

this Lent

As we journey through Lent, accompanying Our Lord in the desert by fasting and praying in union with Him, it is good to have a saintly companion as our guide.

St. Joseph, whom St. Teresa of Avila called “the patron of people who seek to grow in prayer,” is an ideal saint to accompany us as we seek to grow in holiness.

Carmelite Father Michael-Joseph Paris studied in Avila, Spain for a year. He offered a reflection on St. Joseph and how St. Teresa of Avila teaches us to take St. Joseph as a father and a companion who will help us on the intense journey of the spiritual life.

He reminds us that there are no recorded words of St. Joseph in the gospels. This protector of the Holy Family and protector of the Universal Church is seen as the example of a strong, quiet presence, with a silent receptivity to the presence of God in Jesus.

“He too had a life of deep silent prayer. Always united to the presence of Jesus, nourishing and caring for Him in all of His needs, just like the body, the Church,” Father Paris said. “Because of this, St. Joseph is our model and our guide who makes sure we always stay on the right path in our prayer.”

St. Teresa says in her autobiography that, “Especially persons of prayer should always be attached to St. Joseph. Those who cannot find a master to teach them prayer should take this glorious saint for their master, and they will not go astray.”

For us too, who seek to grow in our spiritual life, we can entrust ourselves to St. Joseph as the best guide on our own unique path to divine union, Father Paris added.

This Lent we can take as our motto, “San Jose dame tu silencio,” which means “St. Joseph give me your silence.”

“We can ask for his intercession for the grace of an inner silence which listens for the will of God, and which helps us serve quietly in love without trying to be noticed or to seek our own glory,” Father Paris said. “This grace of silence will keep us united to Jesus through all the struggles of this life and will gradually transform us into Christ’s very image.”

As we move through these 40 days of Lent, let us walk in silence with St. Joseph,

Daily Scripture readings

MARCH 5-11

Sunday: Genesis 12:1-4a, 2 Timothy 1:8b10, Matthew 17:1-9; Monday: Daniel 9:4b-10, Luke 6:36-38; Tuesday (Sts. Perpetua and Felicity): Isaiah 1:10, 16-20, Matthew 23:1-12; Wednesday (St. John of God): Jeremiah 18:18-20, Matthew 20:17-28; Thursday (St. Frances of Rome): Jeremiah 17:510, Luke 16:19-31; Friday: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a, Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46; Saturday: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20, Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Pope Francis

The Spirit helps the Church avoid

‘ideological divisions’

“It is very sad to see the Church as if it were a parliament,” which is what happens when Catholics rely more on their personal opinions than on the Holy Spirit, Pope Francis said.

“The Church is something else; it is a community of men and women who believe in and proclaim Jesus Christ, moved by the Holy Spirit and not by their own ideas,” he said Feb. 22 at his weekly general audience.

Continuing a series of talks about evangelization and mission, the pope said it is natural for Catholics to have different opinions on all sorts of things, which is why, when making decisions about the life of the Church, they must do like the early disciples did and seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

The Acts of the Apostles recounts how the disciples were divided over the question of whether pagans who came to Christianity were required to follow Jewish law.

“They could have sought a good compromise between tradition and innovation: some rules are observed, others are left out,” the pope said. “Yet the apostles do not follow this human wisdom, but adapt themselves to the work of the Spirit, who had anticipated them by descending upon the pagans just as on them.”

“Despite having different sensitivities and opinions, they listen to the Spirit,” he said. The Spirit taught the disciples something, “which is also valid today: every religious tradition is useful if it facilitates the encounter with Jesus.”

contemplating Christ’s love for us and ultimately His death and resurrection, which will lead us to the joys of Easter.

More online

Father Michael-Joseph of St. Therese is a Carmelite Friar of the Washington Province who resides at Holy Hill at the Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Hubertus, Wis. His full reflection is available on YouTube at www.discalcedcarmel.org/blog/from-avilaspain-st-joseph-give-me-your-silence.

MARCH 12-18

Sunday: Exodus 17:3-7, Romans 5:1-2, 5-8, John 4:5-42; Monday: 2 Kings 5:1-15ab, Luke 4:24-30; Tuesday: Daniel 3:25, 34-43, Matthew 18:21-35; Wednesday: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9, Matthew 5:17-19; Thursday: Jeremiah 7:23-28, Luke 11:14-23; Friday (St. Patrick): Hosea 14:2-10, Mark 12:28-34; Saturday (St. Cyril of Jerusalem): Hosea 6:1-6, Luke 18:9-14

MARCH 19-25

Sunday: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41; Monday (St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary): 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16, Romans

4:13, 16-18, Matthew 1:16, 18-21; Tuesday: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12, John 5:1-16; Wednesday: Isaiah 49:8-15, John 5:17-30; Thursday (St. Turibius of Mogrovejo): Exodus 32:7-14, John

5:31-47; Friday: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22, John 7:1-

2, 10, 25-30; Saturday (The Annunciation of the Lord): Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10, Hebrews 10:4-10, Luke 1:26-38

Without listening together to the Spirit, he said, the Church runs the risk of falling prey to “ideological divisions” and arguments based on whether one considers oneself a “conservative” or “progressive,” he said. “But where is the Holy Spirit? Watch out, the Gospel is not an idea or an ideology, it is a proclamation that touches and changes your heart. But if you hide in an idea, whether it’s of right or left or center, you are making the Gospel a political party, an ideology or a social club.”

Pope Francis asked the thousands of pilgrims and visitors in the audience hall, “How many of us pray to the Holy Spirit? ‘No, father, I pray to Mary, I pray to the saints, I pray to Jesus, sometimes I say the Lord’s Prayer so I pray to the Father,’” he imagined some of them responding.

But it is the Holy Spirit “who moves your heart, who carries you forward, gives you consolation and the desire to evangelize and be a missionary,” he said.

‘St. Joseph, give us your silence’

Our diocese

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief

Special St. Patrick’s Day Mass planned at Old St. Joseph Church in Mount Holly

MOUNT HOLLY — A special Mass commemorating the feast of St. Patrick will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 17, at Old St. Joseph Church in Mount Holly. Hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, the annual Mass pays tribute to the historic church’s founding pastor, Father T.J. Cronin, who was Irish born and is buried in the adjacent church cemetery. Built in 1843 by Irish immigrants, it is one of the oldest Catholic churches still standing in the state and is an official state and U.S. historical site. Prayers at the graveside of Father Cronin will be said prior to Mass in the church, located at N.C. 273 and Sandy Ford Road.

Winston-Salem couple honored with national FOCUS award

CHARLOTTE — Winston-Salem couple

Paul and Fran Breitbach have been awarded the national FOCUS St. Joseph Award. The award honors individuals who promote and reinvigorate the Church with their extraordinary generosity and focus on evangelization. The couple has been heroically generous in their support of FOCUS by caring for the apostolate and mission in a way that exemplifies how St. Joseph cared for the Holy Family. Their generosity, prayers and dedication to mission help FOCUS reach its goal to bring more souls to Christ.

— Catholic News Herald

St. Michael Church initiates new altar ministry for girls

GASTONIA — St. Michael Catholic Church in Gastonia has begun a new altar ministry for girls: the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The ministry is designed to create a physical closeness to God through altar service assisting parish sacristans while also providing the girls with spiritual direction and formation to help them build a lifelong relationship with Christ. The group is under the direction of Dr. Adrian Adderley, a fifthgrade teacher at St. Michael School, and each girl’s mother is also actively involved. The girls work in teams, with each team being assigned to set up sacred vessels and priestly vestments for each Mass. The girls also change the holy water in the fonts at each entrance to the church daily, replace the votive candles in all of the candle shrines, and change out the missals with each liturgical season. Spiritual direction and formation are provided by sisters from the Daughters of the Virgin Mother, who meet with the girls on the first Sunday of each month. The Handmaids of the Sacred Heart is open to girls in the parish who have received first Holy Communion up to age 18.

Catholic Charities gears up for greater need as emergency food benefits end

CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities is bracing for increased demand at its food pantries across the diocese, as the temporary boost in federal emergency food benefits during the pandemic ended Tuesday.

Thousands of North Carolinians – and millions of people nationally – will have less money to spend on food as their pandemic benefits expire, at a time when food prices are spiking due to record inflation.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will continue to provide benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families, but households will see their monthly account balances drop by at least $95, with some seeing a reduction of $250 or more.

“For many families, the ability to feed loved ones just got harder with this reduction,” says Dr. Gerard Carter, executive director and CEO of Catholic Charities. “As a result, we are working overtime to stock the shelves of our food pantries and appeal to our parishioners and the community for financial support and food donations.”

Catholic Charities operates food pantries in Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem, which last year served more than 15,600 people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The pantries provide fresh meat, dairy products and non-perishable food items to help families stretch their food supply.

North Carolina SNAP recipients who were eligible received an average of 15% more in monthly benefits from January 2021 through February 2023, to help them get through the job losses and economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Just as consumers are spending more on food, Carter says, so too are charitable organizations.

Catholic Charities also is collecting and distributing non-food items that aren’t covered under the SNAP program, such as laundry detergent, pet food, toiletries, paper products, hygiene items and household supplies.

Carter said supporters of Catholic Charities have responded to calls for help again and again throughout the pandemic as demand for food pantry services rose by 39% from 2020 to 2022 –and he believes they won’t stop now.

“The Catholic Charities food pantries are one source locally to assist struggling families in meeting their basic needs,” Carter said. “We are deeply grateful to all of our donors who help us respond to this basic human need, by feeding those who are hungry.”

How you can help

Food donations needed now: Non-perishable items including rice,

beans, spaghetti sauce, pasta, canned chicken or tuna, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, macaroni and cheese, and juice, tea and coffee.

Non-food items are also welcome – including diapers, baby wipes, toiletries, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, hygiene products and toilet paper. The Asheville and Charlotte food pantries also accept refrigerated items such as milk, yogurt, cheese and produce.

Where to take donations:

ASHEVILLE: Drop off anytime 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Calling ahead to 828-255-0146 is recommended.

CHARLOTTE: Call 704-370-3295 to arrange a drop-off time at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

WINSTON-SALEM: Drop off items at the Catholic Charities office lobby, 1612 East 14th St., Winston-Salem, N.C. 27105, anytime 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Individual donations are always welcome, as are collections from food drives organized by parishes, schools and groups.

Financial donations are also welcome: Your contribution will help Catholic Charities buy items it needs to supplement or fill in the gaps from other sources. Go online to www.ccdoc.org (click on “Donate”).

One diocese, one family:

Registration open for Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage 2023

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

BELMONT — Bishop Peter Jugis invites all middle and high school youth of the diocese to join him for the Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage on Saturday, March 25, at Belmont Abbey College.

The Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage provides young people a fun day of music, reflection, prayer, formation, vocation awareness and fellowship. A component of the annual Eucharistic Congress, the day begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.

“The Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage is such a wonderful opportunity for hundreds of young people from around the diocese to come together around the Holy Eucharist,” says Chris Beal, director of catechetical formation for the Diocese of Charlotte. “We are one diocese, one family, and the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian Life.”

Activities will include live music from Catholic songwriter Tori Harris Gray, a keynote speaker to be announced, motivational speakers for middle and high school tracks, Eucharistic

Retreats, parish missions available across diocese this Lent

CHARLOTTE — Parishes and retreat centers across the Diocese of Charlotte are offering myriad retreats this Lent, including one-day, evening and weekendlong retreats, some free and some with associated fees.

Here is a sampling of Lenten retreats across the diocese:

March 3-5

LENTEN RETREAT: St. Pius X Church, Greensboro

Come be inspired by Karlo Broussard, a native of Southern Louisiana, who is a gifted speaker and apologist for Catholic Answers. For full schedule of Broussard’s talks each day, visit www.stpiusxnc.com.

March 5-7

‘PRAYER’ PARISH MISSION: 6 p.m. nightly, St. Leo the Great Church, Winston-Salem

Father Matthew Kauth, a Charlotte Diocese priest who holds a licentiate and doctorate in moral theology, is an author and rector of St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly. He will offer the 8 a.m. Masses on Sunday-Monday, March 5 and 6, followed by a talk.

March 11

‘LOVE LETTERS TO GOD’ JOURNALING

RETREAT: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., St. James Church, Concord

This retreat on Saturday, March 11, is an opportunity for participants to bring their own journal and enjoy a morning of learning, writing, reflecting and sharing. Linda Beauregard, OSF, will serve as retreat director. To register, call the church office at 704-720-0600.

March 14

TRUE PRESENCE NIGHT: 7 p.m., St. Therese Church, Mooresville

Featuring The Vigil Project, this will be a night of live music, dynamic Lentthemed reflections, and Eucharistic Adoration, creating the opportunity to

Regional Director

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte seeks Regional Director to lead Charlotte, NC office.

pray more deeply into this season and prepare for Christ’s Resurrection at Easter. Information on The Vigil Project is online at www.thevigilproject.com. See event details at www.sainttherese.net. Questions? Contact Peter O’Donnell at 704.609.3881 or email Podonnell757@hotmail.com.

March 17-19

‘THE HEART OF THE CROSS’ LENTEN WOMEN’S RETREAT: Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center, Maggie Valley For retreat details, go online to www. catholicretreat.org. For more information, email info@catholicretreat.org.

March 18

A NIGHT OF PRAISE & WORSHIP: Holy Cross Church, Kernersville

The parish will host singer-songwriter Dana Catherine at 6:30-8 p.m. Saturday, March 18, in Salesian Hall. Catherine will talk about her personal faith journey while sharing a variety of contemporary Christian songs. Questions? Call the parish’s Office at Sacred Music at 336-5153379.

March 19-21

FAMILY MISSION: St. Mark Church, Huntersville

6:30 p.m., Sunday, March 19, featuring Father Kevin Barrett from the Apostolate for Family Consecration (AFC).

The AFC supports and challenges Catholic families to grow in holiness, grow in truth, and grow together so that they can become fully alive in Christ. Father Barrett will speak on the family and on the Domestic Church.

7 p.m., Monday, March 20, Feast of St. Joseph Mass and Consecration, a bilingual service. St. Joseph Table and Celebration will follow in the parish hall.

6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, Talk by Deacon Peter Tonon of St. Ann Church in Charlotte on the Domestic Church in a hostile world and resources for combating the pressures of this age.

— SueAnn Howell

The Regional Director is responsible for:

• Providing strategic direction and leadership to the regional office

• Developing and maintaining engagement between Catholic Charities and a variety of critical constituencies (e.g., Catholic clergy, parishioners, volunteers, donors/ benefactors, corporations, foundations, funders, people of good will, and the public at large)

• Securing resources needed to maintain and expand office and agency services and operations

• Directing the delivery of programs and services and implementing community outreach in keeping with the mission of Catholic Charities

• Interpreting and implementing agency policy in the provision of programs and services

Must possess strong desire to be part of the mission of Catholic Charities and ability to work closely with Catholic clergy, parishioners, and diocesan groups.

Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of combined supervisory and direct human services experience required.

Cover letter and resume (2-page maximum) must be submitted electronically to ccdocjobs@ccdoc.org.

No phone calls, please.

CCDOC.ORG

FROM PAGE 4

Catholic men: Deepen your faith at March 18 conference

CHARLOTTE — Catholic men across the Diocese of Charlotte are invited for a day of spiritual nourishment and camaraderie at the 13th Annual Catholic Men’s Conference of the Carolinas Saturday, March 18, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

With dynamic speakers who challenge participants to grow in their faith – and by receiving the sacraments – attendees will have the opportunity to deepen their relationship with Jesus while gaining the strength and encouragement to live their callings as Catholic men, husbands and fathers.

“We want this conference to be a fire that would ignite men who have grown weary, discouraged and complacent by the many trials of life and be inspired to want more from themselves so that they can live according to the dignity God created them to be,” said Jason Murphy, founder of the event.

Murphy said one of his favorite components of the conference is the joy of seeing men pour into the confessionals.

“Men who might not regularly confess or confess at all seem to be moved by the opportunity and encouragement we provide for them to ‘hit the box’ and ‘get themselves

cleaned up’ so that they can be battle-ready for what life sends their way,” he said.

This year’s speakers include Bishop Peter Jugis, Charles Fraune, Jonathan Fanning, Deacon John Clark, Scott Weeman and Kevin Spalding.

Another special element of the 2023 conference is the presence of the relics of Blessed Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus. Brian Caulfield from the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council in New Haven, Conn., will share the story and legacy of Father McGivney and the impact he’s had on what it means to be a Catholic man.

To reach men who may be struggling with what to do this Lent, Murphy assured them it’s not too late.

“Choose one thing and do it well,” he said. “And if that one thing is stepping out of your comfort zone and attending this conference – which will make you a better man, father or husband – get out there and do it!”

Conference check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. Closing remarks end at 3:30 p.m. Sponsorships are still available for vendors or ministry leaders looking to showcase products or apostolates.

St. Thomas Aquinas Church is located at 1400 Suther Road in Charlotte.

For more information and to register, visit www. catholicmenofthecarolinas.org.

St. Joseph Church unveils Lenten crucifix

BRYSON CITY — St. Joseph Church in Bryson City recently unveiled its long-awaited Lenten-dedicated crucifix that was restored last August. A parishioner salvaged the crucifix from a storage garage, where it had been forgotten and earmarked for the landfill. St. Joseph’s assiduous pastor, Father Peter Shaw, has been carefully building up the parish’s arsenal of effective tools of conversion, and this latest sacramental – a grim, yet deeply moving image of our crucified Lord – adds to the unique beauty of the Lenten season. The crucifix will be displayed and venerated only during Lent and on the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in September.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to Charlotte

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is making a comeback Saturday, March 11, in uptown. Students from St. Patrick School and Our Lady of the Assumption School, as well as members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish dancers, pipe bands, alumni from Belmont Abbey College and other Catholic entities, will participate.

The parade steps off at 11 a.m. along Tryon Street. The festival, with live music and food vendors, runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Public parking is available throughout the city.

For more information, visit www.charlottestpats.com.

would like to congratulate St. Luke Parish on the completion of their new Church. We are honored to have been a part of this build.

Elder Ministry offers

‘Aging with Confidence’ webinar series

CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities’ Elder Ministry is excited to announce an “Aging with Confidence” webinar – a four-part series exploring how our five senses impact aging.

The series will begin Wednesday, March 8, with “Hearing Health and the Brain,” presented by Dr. Kelly Knolhoff, audiologist and owner at Birkdale Audiology. Knolhoff will discuss the basics of hearing, the effects of hearing loss on the brain and cognition, and treatment options and updates in hearing aid technology.

On March 22, the second session, “Adjusting to Changes in Smell & Taste” will be presented by Margaret White, a Centralina Area Agency on Aging consultant. White will discuss the impacts associated with any loss, identify risk factors, learn proven tips to mitigate loss, and take steps to

increase the flavor of your foods.

Details about the third session, “Sense of Vision,” and the fourth session, “Sense of Touch,” will be announced later.

The diocese’s Elder Ministry program reaches out to engage and celebrate with the elderly all year long. They collaborate with private, state and community-based organizations to promote opportunities for advocacy and education while helping raise awareness of aging issues.

To register for the webinars, please go online to www.ccdoc.org/events. Registrants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. For additional information, contact Sandra Breakfield, program director of Elder Ministry, at 704-370-3220 or sandrab@ccdoc.org.

Catholic Charities’ Partners in Hope fundraiser set for March 30

$365K goal would help thousands in need in Piedmont Triad

WINSTON-SALEM — In its effort to “strengthen families, build communities and reduce poverty,” Catholic Charities of the Piedmont Triad invites parishioners and supporters to join its “Partners in Hope” fundraiser on March 30 for a cocktail reception, dinner and giving to support the effort.

The free event at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem will feature inspiring stories about the work of Catholic Charities over the past year.

“The Partners in Hope event is a beloved tradition that brings our supporters together to show their commitment to our mission,” said Glynis Bell, director of the Piedmont Triad regional office. “This event brings awareness to the important work that Catholic Charities is doing in the Piedmont Triad and raises the funds we need to continue serving our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Guests will be invited to make a gift toward the Partners in Hope goal of $365,000. All proceeds go directly to Catholic Charities’ Piedmont Triad regional office and will be used to support a wide range of programs and services, including a food pantry, youth empowerment, refugee resettlement, mental health counseling and burial assistance, among other programs.

The event begins with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit www. ccdoc.org/pih.

St. Luke Catholic Church Diocese of Charlotte Director of Leadership Gifts Full Time

Candidate must be a college graduate with a degree in marketing, communications, business administration or related field with five years’ work experience in fund development. Leadership gift experience preferred. Applicants should have strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to interact well with diverse groups. Responsibilities include developing strategies, events, and materials to inform, engage, cultivate, and solicit current and prospective leadership gifts.

Please submit resume to Jim Kelley, Office of Development, jkkelley@rcdoc.org or 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC. Questions call Jim Kelley at 704-608-0359.

American Catholics Make Difference in Haiti Through Support of Kobonal School

When Catholic donors give to a charity — particularly to support mission work in a country like Haiti — they often ask, “Is this really going to make a difference?” “Is this really going to have a lasting impact on the poor?”

It may surprise you, but according to Jim Cavnar, CEO of Cross Catholic Outreach, the answer to those questions is a resounding “Yes!” Cavnar has been working with Catholic missions around the globe for more than 20 years, and the case studies his team has compiled clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of outreaches run by priests, religious sisters and Catholic lay leaders.

One of the Catholic missions he often praises is the Kobonal Haiti Mission, founded by Father Glenn Meaux. [See related story on opposite page.]

“The Kobonal Haiti Mission has a variety of effective ministries to help the poor, and one of their most successful outreaches is the school they operate for needy children in the Diocese of Hinche,” Cavnar said. “Children in that area of Haiti had been growing up illiterate prior to the Mission’s founding, and many became trapped in a cycle of poverty that virtually assured they would remain poor for the rest of their lives. When the school opened its doors, everything changed for those kids. They got a quality education, and that blessing opened up doors of opportunity for them.”

Cavnar also credited American Catholics for the role they have played in supporting the Mission’s many programs. They have been particularly supportive of Fr. Meaux’s school and have helped it grow over the years.

“Compassionate Catholics in the U.S. provided the financial support Fr. Meaux needed to fund construction of classrooms, hire staff and maintain the school’s

operation,” he explained. “Their donations continue to support the great things he is doing, and he is deeply grateful for the help they are providing. His success depends on it.”

When asked why donors are so eager to support ministries like Fr. Meaux’s Mission in Kobonal, Cavnar suggested it is because American Catholics have a high level of trust in missionary-run programs, and they want a tangible connection to the families being helped. When they give to the Kobonal Haiti Mission, they are satisfied their gift will have a direct and meaningful impact.

“For example, when someone contributes to the Kobonal Haiti Mission’s educational programs, they know they are changing a child’s life for the better,” Cavnar said. “In those cases, their gift becomes something like a scholarship. It educates a child who might otherwise have remained illiterate. The impact that it has is dramatic. In time, as those children grow up and can pursue better jobs, many are even able to lift their entire family out of poverty.”

So the question “Will my charitable gift really make a difference in Haiti?” has been answered. Yes, it will!

Readers interested in supporting Cross Catholic Outreach education programs and other outreaches to the poor can contribute through the ministry brochure inserted in this issue or send tax-deductible gifts to: Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC02384, PO Box 97168, Washington, DC 20090-7168. The ministry has a special need for partners willing to make gifts on a monthly basis. Use the inserted brochure to become a Mission Partner, or write “Monthly Mission Partner” on mailed checks to be contacted about setting up those arrangements.

Above: Fr. Meaux’s Mission has always aspired to address all the needs of the poor in Kobonal, and that goal has led him to build schools to provide poor children in that area of Haiti with a quality Catholic education and a lunch feeding program.

Below: The school system run by the Kobonal Haiti Mission includes classes for a range of grade levels and even offers a scholarship program for those students interested in pursuing higher education through college classes or technical training.

Legacy Giving Provides Catholics With Unique Opportunity to Bless Others

If you are like many Catholics born in the 1950’s or before, you have probably begun to think about the spiritual legacy your life and actions represent. What did we care about? What did we value? These are some of the things we hope will be remembered.

“For a growing number of Catholics, this introspection has led to the exploration of ‘legacy giving’ — the use of one’s will, trust, life insurance policy or retirement to leave behind an echo of one’s beliefs, deeds and values — a blessing of others that will reverberate

beyond our own lifetime, hopefully influencing our family and others we cherish,” explained Jim Cavnar, CEO of Cross Catholic Outreach, an official Catholic relief and development charity with a staff dedicated to such estate planning.

According to Cavnar, Cross Catholic Outreach has helped many Catholics establish these “legacy gifts” and expects them to play a significant role in future ministry missions.

“A will or trust can also reflect a person’s special heart for a country or

for an area of need. It can be used to build houses for poor families or to build classrooms to educate children, for example,” Cavnar said. “Others simply want to help the poorest of the poor and make their legacy gift for that purpose. It’s their way of saying, ‘As a Catholic, I value life and support works of mercy. I want my family to understand that calling and believe in it too.’ And because legacy gifts can be quite large, they often achieve incredible things. A single one might build an entire school or fund the construction of hundreds of homes. It’s

producing an amazing impact and serves as an incredible testament to the faith of the giver.”

In addition to this service, Cross Catholic Outreach’s staff can also support donors seeking to establish a charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trust or special endowment. Financial planners can also obtain information to help those who seek professional counsel or have donoradvised funds.

To learn more about these services, the charity recommends readers visit its special online portal at CrossCatholicLegacy.org

Cross Catholic Outreach: “We Can Lift Families Out Of Extreme Poverty By Focusing On Education”

Ask most Catholic missionaries how they would eliminate poverty in a developing country like Haiti, and they will usually begin by talking about the value of an education. Poverty, they will often say, is born out of illiteracy and is perpetuated by the hardships and lost opportunities the uneducated must endure.

“They will also explain that in one generation, a quality education can end this downward spiral and turn everything around. That is why so many Catholic missions make it a priority to send needy children to school. They know the value of teaching children to read, write and do arithmetic - that we can lift families out of extreme poverty by focusing on education,” explained Jim Cavnar, CEO of Cross Catholic Outreach, one of the leading Catholic ministries working to educate poor boys and girls in the developing countries of the world. “Once

children break free from poverty, they tend to lift up their whole family and continue to make education a priority when their own children are born.”

When Father Glenn Meaux and his missionary team arrived in Kobonal, Haiti, in 1989, he was deeply disturbed by the magnitude of poverty he saw there. Very few employment opportunities existed for the unskilled, uneducated population, so very few families were able to earn money to buy food.

Access to safe water was also a serious problem. Many families were traveling long distances to collect contaminated water from ponds or streams because no other options existed.

In addition to suffering caused by hunger and thirst, Fr. Meaux saw that families were starving for spiritual guidance. Entrenched in superstition and occult practices, few had ever heard the name of Christ.

“There was no agriculture; there was no irrigation system; there was literally no hope at the time,” Fr. Meaux recalled. “With this sense of hopelessness, it is easy to see how Kobonal earned its reputation as the ‘darkest corner of the Diocese of Hinche.’”

Realizing that creating real and lasting improvement in Kobonal would require local children to be educated, Fr. Meaux

included the launch of a school in his plans to revitalize the community, and that decision is now credited with starting the incredible turnaround the area has experienced.

“The Kobonal school became the centerpiece of the entire community’s transformation,” agreed Cavnar, who has helped the Mission develop its educational programs over the years.

“Fr. Meaux also used the school to bring down cases of malnutrition in the area by serving breakfast and lunch to the attending children. In every project he pursues, he keeps his focus on improving lives, and the Kobonal school plays an important role in that objective. It started as a way of educating the youngest kids

Above: The Kobonal Haiti Mission provides students with everything they need to succeed, including uniforms and supplies. The teachers at the school are committed to helping ensure children who enter the program late are not left behind.

Left: Life in Kobonal is hard and many families still live in poverty, so the Mission continues to seek support from compassionate Catholic donors in the U.S.

in the area, but as children have moved through the program, it has evolved to include support for those seeking a higher education as well. As a result, it really does have the potential to break the cycle of poverty in Kobonal, ending poverty for individuals and families once and for all.”

According to Cavnar, many American Catholics share Fr. Meaux’s enthusiasm for educational programs that benefit the poor, and Cross Catholic Outreach regularly receives donations to support Catholic missions educating children in Haiti, Central and South America, and the developing countries of Africa.

“There are three types of people who regularly support education. One group has been blessed by God, have children

How to Help

who were educated, and want that same blessing provided to others,” Cavnar said. “The second group is interested in giving to programs that break the cycle of poverty — to teach a man to fish, as the saying goes. They love educational ministries because they have that kind of life-transforming impact. The third group is drawn to our educational programs because they want to change a life and bless a poor child in a very direct and personal way. They are effectively giving a scholarship to a child and can celebrate that their act of mercy will forever change a boy’s or girl’s life for the better. All of those are great reasons to support Catholic missions that educate the poor. All of them will make a world of difference.”

To fund Cross Catholic Outreach’s effort to help the poor worldwide, use the postage-paid brochure inserted in this newspaper, or mail your gift to Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC02384, PO Box 97168, Washington, DC 200907168. The brochure also includes instructions on becoming a Mission Partner and making a regular monthly donation to this cause.

If you identify an aid project, 100% of the donation will be restricted to be used for that specific project. However, if more is raised for the project than needed, funds will be redirected to other urgent needs in the ministry.

“A quality education can end this downward spiral and turn everything around.”

Jim Cavnar Cross Catholic Outreach

‘Cougar Pals’ team up with Our Lady of Assumption students for fun, fellowship

CHARLOTTE — For students, no time in life is so hoped for, while at once, so dreaded, as taking that great leap from middle to high school. To ease those worries, Charlotte Catholic High School has launched a new program, “Cougar Pals,” to assist students preparing for young adulthood.

During Catholic Schools Week, Feb. 1, Our Lady of the Assumption School eighth-graders had the opportunity to hop on a bus and take a field trip Charlotte Catholic High School to meet their “Cougar Pals.”

This initiative is a buddy program suggested by Olivia Roberson, a senior at Charlotte Catholic. Its intent is to foster a Big Brother/Big Sister dynamic between members of the Charlotte Catholic Caritas Club and students at Our Lady of the Assumption School, as they prepare to move on to high school.

More than 50 Charlotte Catholic students served as hosts to 22 eighth-graders for an afternoon which included lunch, an “Olympics of Minute-2-Win-It” games, and a living rosary. The day concluded with a surprise mini-pep rally on the steps of the school with the Charlotte Catholic High School drumline and Cougar mascots.

“I really liked how everything was set up – the games, the rosary, the lunch, and a little surprise at the end,” said eighth-grader Karol Rodriguez.

“My favorite part was probably just seeing the school,” said eighth-grader Isabella Sanchez Nunez. “I liked how big it was and they offered sports like swimming, dance class and golf.”

Classmate Shae Lay was stunned at the expansive size of being in a high school. “It was exciting to see a place I’ve never been, and I thought it was small until we went to the back, and it was huge! The people there were nice and treated us kindly,” he said.

Rachel Wilken, a Charlotte Catholic alumnus who now teaches art at Our Lady of Assumption School, accompanied her students to meet their mentors. She enjoyed sharing some of her own experiences and memories with her students throughout their visit.

“This experience not only got our students excited to attend high school, but also allowed them to meet peers

and teachers in a more fun and casual setting,” Wilken said. “The students and teachers involved were helpful, enthusiastic, and provided our eighth-graders with a phenomenal day. I cannot wait to do this with future OLA eighth-grade classes!”

All of the OLA students received Charlotte Catholic T-shirts and a bag full of Cougar swag to take home.

“The care, and responsibility those high schoolers took with our eighth-grade students was so moving,” said Aziza O’Halloran, eighth-grade homeroom teacher. “I could tell they’d been taught how to be welcoming and compassionate leaders. The second my kids got on the bus (to leave) they erupted, ‘I wanna go here Mrs. O!’”

The event was successful, said Charlotte Catholic teacher Jeremy Kuhn, thanks to the “involvement of Charlotte Catholic students from every grade level dedicated to sharing the lessons of their high school experiences with the up-and-coming Class of 2026.”

Eighth-graders at Our Lady of the Assumption School met their “Cougar Pals” at Charlotte Catholic High School Feb. 1 for an afternoon of food, fun and games.

The adviser of Charlotte Catholic’s Caritas Club, Kuhn says “the club intends to nurture these new friendships through future social and service opportunities grounded in our missions as Catholic schools.”

Our Lady of the Assumption’s Principal Tyler Kulp is pleased with the new partnership. “The enthusiasm of their mentors, high school students who are passionate about their faith and school, really resonated with our students,” he said. “I am very appreciative of Jeremy and his team at CCHS for starting this partnership and providing this opportunity for our students.”

More online

At www.catholicnewsherald.com : Watch a video and see more pictures of the “Cougar Pals” visit during Catholic Schools Week

Bishop McGuinness hosts Triad Catholic schools for Model UN

On Feb. 23, Bishop McGuinness High School hosted Model UN for seventh- and eighth-grade students from Catholic middle schools in the Piedmont Triad area, including Immaculate Heart of Mary in High Point, Our Lady of Grace and St. Pius X in Greensboro, Our Lady of Mercy and St. Leo in Winston-Salem, and Sacred Heart in Salisbury. Teams from each school learned how the United Nations operates and prepared to debate solutions to various conflicts in the culminating event at Bishop McGuinness. The event has been led by students at the high school for the past 15 years. At the closing ceremony, awards were given to teams in each debate room. The top three schools were Our Lady of Grace (pictured left), St. Pius X and Immaculate Heart of Mary, respectively.

A blessing for religious education in Hendersonville

$300,000 endowment at Immaculata School to honor legacy of religious sisters

HENDERSONVILLE — Recruiting and training Catholic educators in western North Carolina just became easier thanks to a $300,000 endowment gifted to Immaculata Catholic School by the estate of two formerly professed sisters of the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Originally from Detroit, Sisters M. Johnice Cohen and M. Elizabeth Fowkes developed the “Bible, Life and Worship” series of religious education textbooks in the 1960s, were strong supporters of the religious arts, and founded the Pius XII Religious Education Center in Monroe, Mich. Proceeds from the sale of the textbook series made the endowment possible.

“The legacy left behind by the women will go to fund a program in which we recruit student teachers to come to Immaculata. We will be able to help form young educators and equip them to teach through the virtues of Christ,” said Margaret Beale, principal of Immaculata School. “This innovative program will provide more support for our students and a pipeline of Catholic educators coming to our area.”

Money from the endowment will provide a residential house for student teachers where education students looking for a student-teaching position in a Catholic elementary school can reside, at no cost to them, while doing their student teaching at Immaculata. The funds will also provide continuing education and a stipend to experienced teachers at Immaculata School who will mentor aspiring faculty through the student-teaching experience.

“One of the challenges we face with a small school in a smaller city is recruiting Catholic teachers to our

area,” said Father Christian Cook, chaplain and pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish.

“We hope that, if we give them a place to live at no cost, student teachers will be more likely to do their student teaching at Immaculata, and we hope that they will fall in love with our school and our city and apply for any open teaching positions at Immaculata when they graduate.”

Plans also include training in the Dominican Sisters’ Education in Virtue program and in the diocesan religious education program, Sophia Institute for Teachers. The program’s “Spirit of Truth” textbook series covers the breadth of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in a rich, age-appropriate way and has a strong focus on religious art, which complements the donors’ values.

The formerly professed sisters retired in Hendersonville and eventually started the Sunshine Arts Fund with the remaining proceeds from the sale of their textbooks, giving some of the funds away over the years. After both women passed away, the Sunshine Arts board members continued to maintain the nonprofit. As they too aged, the remaining board members decided to honor their memory by doing something that would reflect the religious sisters’ body of work and their commitment to religious education.

The Sisters M. Johnice Cohen and M. Elizabeth Fowkes Endowment Fund is the 15th endowment set up by

individuals for either Immaculate Conception Parish or Immaculata School.

Jim Kelley, development director for the Diocese of Charlotte, said he is pleased to see people continue to leave legacies to what they value through the establishment of endowments in the diocesan foundation. He also noted that the parish and school’s planned-giving committee is the most active in the diocese.

“Their work has resulted in more than 125 people who are remembering either the parish or school in their estate plans,” Kelley said. “The parish and school have already received more than $1.2 million in distributions from those 15 endowments. These funds have changed the lives of many individuals.”

St. Matthew School let the good times roll at Mardi Gras parade

CHARLOTTE — Loud squeals of delight and peals of laughter pierced the air as hundreds of St. Matthew School students gathered around the outdoor track hoping to catch trinkets being tossed from specially decorated “floats” during the all-school Mardi Gras parade Feb. 21.

St. Matthew fifth-graders, assisted by 22 Charlotte Catholic High School students, used small wagons and their creativity to decorate the floats in a variety of themes.

The grand finale of the parade came when Father Miguel Sanchez, parochial vicar of St. Matthew Parish, rode in on the back of a festively decorated golf cart with Principal Kevin O’Herron also on board. Father Sanchez tossed inflatable mini baseball bats to the students who jumped and cheered in hopes of catching one as he passed by.

“They are learning to transition into Lent, which starts tomorrow on Ash Wednesday, so they know that all this is part of the celebration that we are going to enter into a more reflective time,” Father Sanchez said.

March 30, 2023

5:30 p.m. - Cocktail Reception

6:30 p.m. - Dinner and Program

Benton Convention Center, Winston-Salem

Join

At

TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

A dream come true

St. Luke Parish celebrates dedication of long-awaited church

MINT HILL — Feb. 19 was a day of firsts and dreams come true at St. Luke Parish. Parishioners and contractors persevered through a global pandemic, an economic downturn and a building supply shortage to reach this moment – the dedication of a new church.

Located east of Charlotte, the Mint Hill parish has boomed since it was established in 1987. Local Catholics started out attending Masses in a local movie theater, then a retail storefront, then a multipurpose facility dedicated in 1995, before finally building a church on Lawyers Road where everyone could sit shoulder to shoulder in real pews. But more room was needed, so in 2009 they purchased 30 acres on the outskirts of Mint Hill and began planning for a new church campus to fit the needs of the parish that now tops 1,700 registered families.

Plans were realized Feb. 19 as Bishop Peter Jugis presided over the dedication of a new 21,000-squarefoot St. Luke Church.

“It puts patience in perspective as this was always the plan,” said Janet Bevis, a parishioner of 17 years. “We remember a lot of great people who welcomed us when we first came to the parish. Even though they are not around anymore, I feel like they are with us.”

The dedication Mass began with a procession from an outdoor pavilion on the church campus to the new church’s front doors. The bishop was joined by hundreds of parishioners plus priests, deacons, seminarians and altar servers.

They all gathered on the sunlit piazza and watched as Bishop Jugis was presented with the church’s architectural drawings and the keys to the front doors. He gave the keys to longtime pastor Father Paul Gary, who unlocked the doors for Bishop Jugis to lead the procession inside.

“We’ve had this day on the calendar a long time,” said Allen Pole, a senior parishioner. “I’m so excited to go inside. I’m like a little kid!”

As people streamed into the building and filed into the pews, they looked up and marveled at the striking wooden beams supporting the ceiling, the architectural details, artwork and statues.

Micaela Barco, who attends the Spanish Mass, loves the welcoming community of St. Luke Parish. “I hope this new church attracts more people to come to Mass and allows more space for activities,” she said.

THE DEDICATION RITE AND MASS

The 750-seat church, nearly double the size of the former church, quickly filled to capacity for the dedication liturgy. Men, women and children all raised their voices in song as Bishop Jugis and Deacon Larry O’Toole circulated throughout the building during the sprinkling rite, showering everyone with holy water in remembrance of their baptism, as they also blessed the church walls and altar.

Prior to the Liturgy of the Word, two readers and the psalmist presented the lectionary to Bishop Jugis, who raised it high for everyone to see prior to the Word of God being proclaimed in the church for the first time.

The Mass included a special prayer of dedication, the anointing of the altar, the incensing of the altar and the church, and the dressing of the altar by the altar guild and women of the parish.

An audible gasp of awe and wonder was heard from the congregation as, after the candles on the altar were lit, the lights of the church and the stained glass lights behind the crucifix hanging above the altar were illuminated.

“We give thanks to Almighty God today for the gift of this new church, dedicated to God under the patronage of St. Luke,” Bishop Jugis said during his homily.

“Special recognition is owed to your pastor, Father Paul Gary, and to the whole parish family for your hard work of making the dream of a new church a reality. You offer to God this beautiful gift, where God will be worshiped and His praises will be sung.”

He noted that it was a day of firsts for the parish –for the first time the Word of God was proclaimed, for the first time the Body and Blood of Christ had become present in the Eucharist for the nourishment of God’s people, and for the first time the Catholic faith had been announced with the recitation of the Profession of Faith.

“This is the faith which comes to us from the apostles. The words of our holy faith will resound within the walls of this church from this day forward, and this holy faith will be carried with us into our daily lives in the world to proclaim Christ and His Kingdom by the witness of our lives,” Bishop Jugis said.

Concelebrants for the dedication Mass included Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese; Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey; retired Monsignor Richard Bellow; and fellow diocesan clergy Father Thomas Kessler and Father Enrique Gonzalez. They were assisted by Deacon Larry O’Toole and Deacon Guillermo Anzola.

THE NEW CHURCH

The $8.6 million church features religious art from Demetz Art Studios in Italy. Statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph holding the child Jesus flank both sides of the altar. Fourteen new Stations of the Cross and two shrines, one to Our Lady of Guadalupe and another to St. Jose Luis Sanchez del Rio, grace the inside of the church. There are two relics in the altar: St. Paul the Apostle and St. Thomas Becket.

ALR Architecture served as architect. Southside Constructors served as general contractor.

The new church is one component of the parish’s “Cornerstone Capital” campaign. The church is the latest in the parish’s expansion project on 30 acres outside Mint Hill. Previous projects on the new property include athletic fields, a pavilion and a new rectory.

“I had the privilege of watching the new church go up because the new rectory is across the driveway. I would sit on my front porch every day and look at the progress Southside Constructors made,” Father Gary said. “It was a joy to see the reaction of the construction workers as the new church emerged from the ground.”

“It is ultimately God who first placed this dream in our hearts and guided it to completion. To Him, belongs the honor and the glory,” he continued. “‘If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor (Ps 127).’”

“I’m so happy for Father (Gary). He’s been working and planning for so long. He’s a wonderful shepherd,” said Michael Hauser, who with his wife Susan have been parishioners for six years.

“It’s a celebration of all the hard work and fundraising over these many years,” Susan Hauser added.

All Masses will now be celebrated in the new church at 9800 Fairview Road in Mint Hill. Parish meetings and activities will continue to be held at the multipurpose facility located at 13700 Lawyers Road. The parish plans to sell its current property and conduct future capital campaigns as needed to cover the full cost of developing the new campus, including plans for a multipurpose building and an administrative building adjacent to the church.

Un sueño hecho realidad

Parroquia San Lucas celebra la consagración de su tan esperada iglesia

MINT HILL — El 19 de febrero fue un día de primicias y sueños hechos realidad en la parroquia San Lucas. Feligreses y constructores perseveraron durante una pandemia global, recesión económica y escasez de suministros de construcción para llegar al momento con el que habían soñado: la consagración de la nueva iglesia.

La parroquia, conformada en 1987, comenzó celebrando Misa en una sala de cine, luego en un espacio comercial y posteriormente en una instalación de usos múltiples consagrada en 1995, antes de finalmente construir una iglesia donde los feligreses pueden sentarse hombro a hombro en bancas reales.

El Obispo Peter Jugis presidió la Misa de Consagración el domingo por la mañana en la iglesia de 21,000 pies cuadrados. Caminó en procesión con monaguillos, sacerdotes, diáconos, seminaristas, miembros de la Orden Ecuestre del Santo Sepulcro y cientos de feligreses, desde el pabellón cerca de los campos de atletismo hasta la puerta principal de la iglesia.

“Puso la paciencia a prueba, ya que este siempre fue el plan”, dijo Janet Bevis, una feligresa de 17 años. “Recordamos a muchas grandes personas que nos recibieron cuando llegamos por primera vez a la parroquia. A pesar de que ya no están, siento que siguen con nosotros”.

Los fieles se reunieron en la plaza iluminada por un sol brillante, mientras observaban al párroco Paul Gary presentar al Obispo Jugis las llaves de la puerta de entrada, y luego abrirla para que el Obispo Jugis encabezara la procesión hacia la iglesia.

“Hemos tenido este día en el calendario durante mucho tiempo”, dijo Allen Pole, un feligrés de edad. “Estoy muy emocionado de entrar. ¡Me siento como un niño pequeño!”

Siguiendo a sus pastores, los fieles entraron en el edificio, maravillándose de las hermosas vigas de madera que sostienen el techo del templo, mientras se acomodaban en las bancas para asistir a la Misa que duró dos horas y media.

Micaela Barco, que asiste a la Misa en español, ama la acogedora comunidad de la parroquia San Lucas. “Espero que esta nueva iglesia atraiga a más personas a Misa y permita más espacio para actividades”, dijo.

RITO DE CONSAGRACIÓN Y MISA

La iglesia de 1750 asientos, casi el doble del tamaño de su antiguo espacio, se llenó rápidamente. Hombres, mujeres y niños alzaron sus voces en canciones mientras el Obispo Jugis y el Diácono Larry O’Toole circulaban por la iglesia durante el rito de aspersión, bañando a todos con agua bendita que sirve como signo de arrepentimiento y recuerdo de su bautismo. El rito también se utiliza para purificar las paredes de la iglesia y el altar.

Antes de la Liturgia de la Palabra, dos lectores y el salmista presentaron el Leccionario al Obispo Jugis, quien lo elevó para que todos lo vieran antes de que la Palabra de Dios fuera proclamada en la iglesia por primera vez.

La Misa incluyó una oración especial de consagración, la unción del altar, el incienso del altar y la iglesia, y el arreglo del altar.

Voces de asombro se escucharon cuando, después que se encendieron las velas en el altar, se iluminaron las luces de la iglesia y de la vidriera detrás del crucifijo que cuelga sobre el altar.

“Hoy damos gracias a Dios Todopoderoso por el don de esta nueva iglesia, dedicada a Dios bajo el patrocinio de San Lucas”, dijo el Obispo Jugis durante su homilía. “Damos un reconocimiento especial a

su párroco, el Padre Paul Gary, y a toda la familia parroquial por su arduo trabajo de hacer realidad el sueño de una nueva iglesia. Ofrecen a Dios este hermoso regalo, donde Dios será adorado, y Sus alabanzas serán cantadas”.

Señaló que era un día de primicias para la parroquia: por primera vez se proclamó la Palabra de Dios, por primera vez el Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo se habían hecho realmente presentes en la Eucaristía para el alimento del pueblo de Dios, y por primera vez la fe católica se había anunciado en el rezo de la Profesión de nuestra Fe.

“Esta es la fe que nos viene de los apóstoles. Las palabras de nuestra santa fe resonarán dentro de los muros de esta iglesia de hoy en adelante, y esta santa fe será llevada con nosotros a nuestra vida diaria en el mundo para proclamar a Cristo y Su Reino por el testimonio de nuestras vidas”, dijo el Obispo Jugis. Los concelebrantes de la Misa de Consagración incluyeron a Monseñor Patrick Winslow, vicario general y canciller de la diócesis; el abad benedictino Placid Solari de la abadía de Belmont; Monseñor Richard Bellow; el Padre Thomas Kessler; y el Padre Enrique González. Fueron asistidos por los diáconos Larry O’Toole y Guillermo Anzola.

LA NUEVA IGLESIA

La iglesia de $ 8.6 millones presenta arte religioso de Demetz Art Studios en Italia. Las imágenes de la Santísima Virgen y San José sosteniendo al niño Jesús flanquean ambos lados del altar. Catorce nuevas Estaciones de la Cruz y dos santuarios, uno a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y otro a San José Luis Sánchez del Río, adornan el interior de la iglesia. Hay dos reliquias: de San Pablo Apóstol y Santo Tomás Becket. La firma ALR Architecture se encargó de la arquitectura. Southside Constructors fue el contratista general.

La nueva iglesia es un componente de las Campañas de Capital Piedra Angular de la parroquia. Antes de la construcción, la parroquia compró los 30 acres de tierra, completó todo el trabajo de habilitación, instaló campos deportivos, una zona de recreación y construyó una nueva rectoría en la propiedad.

“Tuve el privilegio de ver levantarse la nueva iglesia porque la nueva rectoría está al otro lado del camino de entrada. Me sentaba en mi porche delantero todos los días y miraba el progreso que Southside Constructors realizaba”, dijo el Padre Gary. “Fue una alegría ver la reacción de los trabajadores de la construcción cuando la nueva iglesia emergió del suelo”.

“En última instancia, es Dios quien primero colocó este sueño en nuestros corazones y lo guió hasta su finalización. A Él pertenece el honor y la gloria”, continuó.

“’Si el Señor no construye la casa, en vano trabajan sus constructores’ (Salmo 127)”.

“Estoy muy feliz por el Padre (Gary). Ha estado trabajando y planificando durante mucho tiempo. Es un pastor maravilloso”, dijo Michael Hauser, quien con su esposa Susan, han sido feligreses durante seis años. “Es una celebración de todo el trabajo duro y la recaudación de fondos durante estos años”, agregó Susan Hauser.

Todas las Misas ahora se celebrarán en la nueva iglesia en 9800 Fairview Road en Mint Hill. Las reuniones y actividades parroquiales continuarán llevándose a cabo en las instalaciones de usos múltiples ubicadas en 13700 Lawyers Road. La parroquia planea vender su propiedad actual y realizar futuras campañas de capital, según sea necesario, para cubrir el costo total del desarrollo del nuevo campus, que incluye un edificio de usos múltiples y un edificio administrativo al lado de la iglesia.

Diácono Enedino Aquino

No perdamos de vista al crucificado

Antes que nada quiero darles mis más cordiales saludos y desearles que vivamos más profundamente este tiempo tan hermoso que llamamos Cuaresma, que debe ser como un retiro colectivo de cuarenta días en los que la Iglesia, proponiéndonos vivir el ejemplo de Cristo en su retiro al desierto, nos prepare con la purificación del corazón, una práctica perfecta de la vida cristiana y una actitud penitencial, a la celebración de las solemnidades pascuales.

Explico un poco la penitencia, traducción latina de la palabra griega ‘Metanoia’, que en la Biblia significa la conversión (literalmente el cambio de espíritu) del pecador.

Designa todo un conjunto de actos interiores y exteriores dirigidos a la reparación del pecado cometido, y el estado de cosas que resulta de ello para el pecador.

Literalmente ‘cambio’ y, en pocas palabras, es un acto del pecador que vuelve a Dios después de haber estado alejado de Él, dejando ciertas actitudes que lo alejaron de su Amor.

En su inicio, la liturgia nos propone revisar como está nuestra oración, ayuno y caridad, pudiéramos decir los pilares donde se sostiene nuestra conversión interior, un cambio de vida.

Ya comenzamos con el Miércoles de Ceniza. Asistimos a Misa con un espíritu de compromiso, con el propósito de vivir profundamente el arrepentimiento, de cambio a una vida que agrade a Dios. Como dijo una de las frases de la imposición, “arrepiéntete y cree en el Evangelio”.

Quiero cerrar con una invitación. Sería bueno tomarse muy en serio este tiempo de Cuaresma, un tiempo de hacer un alto en nuestras vidas y revisar qué estamos haciendo mal, ver nuestras debilidades, aquello que no nos deja avanzar hacia Dios.

Por eso hay que vivir los ayunos, las abstinencias, mucha oración para poder discernir. No con el propósito de que los demás nos vean o nos aplaudan. La Cuaresma se vive en secreto, porque nuestro Padre que esta en lo secreto nos dará la recompensa.

En este tiempo, no perdamos de vista al crucificado y vayamos a morir con Él al Calvario para después unirnos al canto de victoria ¡El Señor ha Resucitado! siendo nuestra alegría y nuestro gozo.

EL DIÁCONO ENEDINO AQUINO es coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Greensboro.

Caridades Católicas se prepara para atender una mayor necesidad

Terminan beneficios de emergencia de SNAP

CHARLOTTE — Caridades Católicas se está preparando para una mayor demanda en sus despensas de alimentos en toda la diócesis, ya que el aumento temporal en los beneficios federales de “SNAP” durante la pandemia finalizó el 28 de febrero.

Miles de habitantes de Carolina del Norte, y millones de personas a nivel nacional, tendrán menos dinero para gastar en alimentos a medida que expiren sus beneficios por la pandemia, en un momento en que los precios de los alimentos están aumentando debido a una inflación récord.

El Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP, por sus siglas en inglés) continuará proporcionando beneficios para complementar el presupuesto de alimentos de las familias necesitadas, pero los hogares verán caer sus ayudas mensuales en al menos $ 95, y en algunos casos verán una reducción de $ 250 o más.

“Para muchas familias, la capacidad de alimentar a sus seres queridos se ha puesto más difícil con esta reducción”, dijo el Dr. Gerard Carter, director ejecutivo y CEO de Caridades Católicas. “Como resultado, estamos trabajando mucho más para abastecer los estantes de nuestras despensas de alimentos, apelando a nuestros feligreses y a la comunidad para obtener apoyo financiero y donaciones de alimentos”.

Caridades Católicas opera despensas de alimentos en Asheville, Charlotte y Winston-Salem, que el año pasado sirvieron a más de 37,000 personas,

católicos y no católicos por igual. Las despensas proporcionan carne fresca, productos lácteos y alimentos no perecederos para ayudar a las familias a mantener su suministro de alimentos.

Los beneficiarios de SNAP de Carolina del Norte que eran elegibles recibieron un promedio de 15% más en beneficios mensuales desde enero de 2021 hasta febrero de 2023, para ayudarlos a superar la pérdida de empleos y los desafíos económicos provocados por la pandemia de COVID-19.

A medida que los consumidores gastan más en alimentos, dice Carter, también lo hacen las organizaciones caritativas.

Caridades Católicas también está recolectando y distribuyendo artículos no alimenticios que no están cubiertos por el programa SNAP, como detergente para la ropa, alimentos para mascotas, artículos de tocador, productos de papel, artículos de higiene y para el hogar.

Carter dice que las personas y organizaciones que apoyan a Caridades Católicas han respondido al llamado de ayuda una y otra vez durante la pandemia, ya que la demanda de servicios de despensa de alimentos aumentó en un 39% de 2020 a 2022, y cree que no se detendrán ahora.

“Las despensas de alimentos de Caridades Católicas son una fuente local para ayudar a las familias con dificultades a satisfacer sus necesidades básicas”, dijo Carter. “Estamos profundamente agradecidos a todos nuestros donantes que nos ayudan a responder ante esta necesidad humana básica, alimentando a quienes tienen hambre”.

CÓMO PUEDE AYUDAR

Se necesitan donaciones de alimentos: artículos no perecederos como arroz, frijoles, salsa de espagueti, pasta, pollo o atún enlatados, mantequilla de maní, jalea, cereales, frutas y verduras enlatadas, macarrones con queso, y jugo, té y café. También los artículos no alimentarios son bienvenidos, incluidos pañales, toallitas húmedas para bebés, artículos de tocador, detergente para ropa, artículos de limpieza, productos de higiene y papel higiénico. Las despensas de alimentos en Asheville y Charlotte aceptan artículos refrigerados como leche, yogur, queso y vegetales frescos.

Entrega de donaciones

ASHEVILLE: Entregue sus donaciones de lunes a jueves de 9 a.m. a 4 p.m. Se recomienda llamar con anticipación al 828-255-0146.

CHARLOTTE: Entregue los artículos en el vestíbulo del Centro Pastoral Diocesano, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203, de lunes a viernes de 9 a.m. a 5 p.m.

WINSTON-SALEM: Entregue los artículos en el vestíbulo de la oficina de Caridades Católicas, 1612 East 14th St., Winston-Salem, N.C. 27105, de lunes a viernes de 9 a.m. a 5 p.m.

Las donaciones individuales siempre son bienvenidas, al igual que la entrega de colectas de alimentos organizadas por parroquias, escuelas y grupos.

Las donaciones financieras son bienvenidas: Su contribución financiera ayudará a Caridades Católicas a comprar artículos que necesita para complementar o llenar los vacíos de otras fuentes. Visite www.ccdoc.org y haga clic en “Donar”.

Familia de Emaús alista actividades

CHARLOTTE — La familia de Emaús se prepara para iniciar la obra de evangelización anual que realiza para la diócesis de Charlotte. La misión es grande, explica el P. Julio Domínguez, vicario episcopal del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte y director espiritual de ese movimiento apostólico, “llamar a miles de hombres y mujeres que todavía no han tenido ese encuentro personal con Cristo y reunirlos a participar alrededor de la Mesa del Señor”.

La Familia de Emaús tiene durante el año una formación muy completa, pues realizan 6 retiros de evangelización, tanto para hombres como mujeres. Además, realizan un taller de formación donde reflexionan y estudian diversos temas eclesiales. Así mismo, el Padre Domínguez les solicita participar en ejercicios espirituales para profundizar en su espiritualidad.

Uno de los grandes retos que desean llevar a cabo es proveer retiros de parejas y de jóvenes. Este año, dijo el Padre Domínguez, “comenzaremos con la Pascua Juvenil para los jóvenes del movimiento y esperamos seguir avanzando”, por lo que solicitó las oraciones de la feligresía, “por la evangelización de todas estas personas que poco a poco van envolviéndose más en las parroquias y teniendo un impacto muy positivo en muchas familias”.

El Padre Domínguez hizo especial mención a otros grupos apostólicos, como la Renovación Carismática, Apóstoles de la Palabra, Cursillos y Jóvenes para Cristo, “que están también organizándose para ayudar a nuestra diócesis en esta importante tarea de evangelización”. ¡Viva Cristo Rey! ¡Viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!

FOTO CORTESÍA PASTORAL DE SALUD

Magbis Núnez-Love, directora de enlace para la comunidad hispana en Atrium Health, explica a los asistentes las ventajas de una alimentación saludable para prevenir enfermedades como la diabetes y el cáncer. NúnezLove reveló cifras preocupantes al señalar que en Estados Unidos, de cada tres mujeres, una presentará cáncer a lo largo de su vida. En el caso de los hombres la probabilidad es incluso mayor, indicó.

Ministerio Hispano en Charlotte promueve nutrición saludable

CÉSAR HURTADO

rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — Gracias a un acuerdo entre la Pastoral de Salud del Vicariato de Charlotte y varias organizaciones prestadoras de servicios de salud del área metropolitana de la Ciudad Reina, se vienen realizando conferencias en diferentes parroquias resaltando la importancia de una correcta nutrición como base para la prevención de enfermedades como el cáncer o la diabetes. Así lo informó Maribel García, coordinadora de la Pastoral de Salud en Charlotte, destacando la colaboración desinteresada de los proveedores de servicios médicos.

Por ejemplo, en dos sesiones ofrecidas por Atrium Health en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, se informó a la comunidad latina sobre los alimentos que previenen la aparición del cáncer.

MALA ALIMENTACIÓN Y CÁNCER

Magbis Núnez-Love, directora de enlace comunitario de Atrium Health, explicó que existe una relación directa entre una mala alimentación y esa enfermedad. “El punto es cómo nosotros podemos prevenir y detectar a tiempo el cáncer. Por eso estamos trabajando la alimentación como un camino para que la comunidad se aleje de los alimentos que podrían causar el cáncer”, dijo.

De esta manera, en las charlas se promueve el consumo de granos integrales, las comidas por colores con vegetales y frutas, “que son las que debemos consumir más, como ciertos vegetales llamados crucíferos, el brócoli, la coliflor, que combaten o previenen el cáncer”.

Núnez-Love afirma que algunos hábitos culinarios de nuestros países no son saludables. “En algunos lugares todo se fríe para el desayuno, almuerzo y cena”, por lo que estaríamos consumiendo mucha grasa trans. “Si le hacemos un análisis a la bandeja paisa o al pabellón

Pastoral de Duelo inició ciclo de acompañamiento

CHARLOTTE — La Pastoral de Duelo de la Vicaría de Charlotte inició en enero un nuevo ciclo de acompañamiento a personas que atraviesan por un proceso de duelo debido al fallecimiento de familiares o amigos.

Cecilia Jiménez, coordinadora del grupo de voluntarios, dijo que el grupo dió comienzo a sus actividades el 26 de enero y que concluirán el 30 de este mes.

“Lamentablemente no es posible incluir nuevos participantes porque el acompañamiento es un proceso en el que debemos cumplir etapas y proteger la confidencialidad de las personas que nos confían sus problemas”, dijo Jiménez, detallando que a lo largo de todo este proceso, siguiendo un libro de trabajo, las personas son asistidas por un equipo de voluntarios certificados en este proceso de acompañamiento pastoral, junto con sacerdotes y diáconos.

La coordinadora explicó que el duelo es un proceso normal después de la pérdida de un ser querido. Durante el duelo se atraviesa por diferentes etapas y es muy importante que la persona que lo vive las pueda expresar racionalmente para afrontar el duelo de manera saludable.

comunidad se presentaron varios casos de personas que perdieron un gran número de familiares en un corto periodo de tiempo.

“Hasta el momento, el proceso de acompañamiento no se ha detenido”, dijo Jiménez.

NUEVOS ACOMPAÑANTES

Jiménez anunció que en mayo próximo se iniciará el entrenamiento de voluntarios para extender el servicio a otras vicarías de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

“El Diácono Eduardo Bernal, director de la Pastoral de Duelo, ha enviado una convocatoria a las diferentes vicarías para que ellos, como coordinadores, identifiquen a los los candidatos más aparentes dentro de las parroquias para hacer este trabajo, con la intención que las vicarías tengan su propio equipo y se extienda el alcance de forma importante”, dijo la coordinadora.

La Pastoral de Duelo del Vicariato de Charlotte, gracias al entrenamiento profesional recibido, ha elaborado un manual y cuaderno de trabajo que piensa compartir con los nuevos voluntarios en la próxima capacitación que proporcionarán.

venezolano, veremos que no son platos muy saludables”, comentó.

Un plato saludable debe tener, en mayor proporción, vegetales, como el muy conocido ‘pico de gallo’, en el que todos sus ingredientes son saludables. “El problema es con qué lo comemos, porque regularmente lo acompañamos con tortillas de harina y carne con grasa. Tenemos que lograr como mantener nuestras tradiciones, cambiandolas a saludables”, añadió.

Respecto a la comida procesada, dijo que no es recomendable por su alto nivel de sodio. “Los embutidos, los chorizos, el salame, la charcutería, según la Organización Mundial de la Salud, está comprobado que aumenta la posibilidad de cáncer colorrectal”, precisó.

Núnez-Love asegura que la comida saludable no tiene por qué ser desabrida. “Eso es un mito. Podemos tener recetas riquísimas combinando nuestra gastronomía con muchos otros ingredientes sin poner en riesgo nuestra salud”.

CIFRAS PREOCUPANTES

Según los Centros para el control y prevención de enfermedades, CDC, el cáncer es la segunda causa de muerte en Estados Unidos, siendo los mayores riesgos para contraerlo el fumar, la exposición a los rayos ultravioleta del sol, el sobrepeso, la obesidad y el abuso del alcohol.

Las cifras que publica esta organización para Estados Unidos son escalofriantes: cada año 1.7 millones de personas son diagnosticadas de cáncer, 600 mil mueren por esta causa, 185 billones de dólares son utilizados para el tratamiento de la enfermedad. Finalmente, 1 de cada 3 personas será diagnosticada de cáncer en algún momento de su vida.

Si desea que la información que se proporciona en las charlas pueda llegar a su parroquia, contacte a Maribel García a través de un mensaje de texto al 704-4933747.

La Pastoral de Duelo inició sus actividades en el último semestre de 2019, tras la visita de David Rodas Orozco, psicólogo colombiano que ofreció una capacitación de voluntarios en el Centro Pastoral de la Diócesis de Charlotte. En 2020, los mismos voluntarios recibieron entrenamiento especializado por el Instituto Pastoral del Sureste (SEPI), para mejorar e implementar nuevos servicios a los que ya se ofrecían en el Vicariato de Charlotte.

Entre el segundo trimestre de 2020 y 2021, la pandemia de COVID-19 agudizó la necesidad de acompañamiento en el duelo de las personas, por lo que se ofrecieron sesiones online que reemplazaron a las reuniones presenciales. En nuestra

“Esperamos un aproximado de 80 personas”, dijo Jiménez, quien es voluntaria de la Pastoral de Duelo por cuatro años.

“Todo este tiempo ha sido para mí ser un instrumento de escucha de quien más sufre, ser una gota en el desierto espiritual y anímico de la persona que sufre la pérdida de un ser querido. Me motiva mucho ver que la persona, cumpliendo un proceso, logra recuperarse y cómo en este camino se encuentra con un Dios que consuela, que los acompaña, que los ama”, anotó. Si usted siente deseos de convertirse en voluntario de la Pastoral de Duelo, hágale saber su intención a su sacerdote o al coordinador del ministerio hispano de su parroquia. Ellos sabrán estudiar y canalizar su inquietud.

Ministerio Hispano ofrece videos de reflexión por Cuaresma

CHARLOTTE — El Padre Julio Domínguez, vicario episcopal del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis

permitan vivir esta temporada de arrepentimiento de una manera más profunda”, dijo el Padre Domínguez.

Eucaristía”, dijo.

de Charlotte, informó que varios de los coordinadores hispanos de cada vicaría participarán en una serie de reflexiones que se emitirán por redes sociales durante la temporada de Cuaresma y Triduo Pascual.

“Esta serie de videos no pretende reemplazar los retiros parroquiales, de vicaría o diocesanos, sino más bien extender el alcance de las reflexiones cuaresmales que nos

Los videos se emiten los viernes por la tarde, previo a cada Domingo de Cuaresma, por la página de Facebook y YouTube del Catholic News Herald. El primer video, con la reflexión del Diácono García, coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Hickory, fue compartido el viernes 24 de febrero. Adicionalmente, el Padre Domínguez anunció que los temas que dedicó en los retiros de silencio para hombres y mujeres realizados entre febrero y marzo de este año, serán abordados en varios videos que, en colaboración con el Catholic News Herald, espera producir y grabar mensualmente una vez concluida la Semana Santa.

”Queremos que las vivencias que experimentaron quienes acudieron a esos retiros puedan ser aprovechadas por un mayor número de personas interesadas en incrementar sus conocimientos sobre nuestra fe, y en especial la

“Muchas personas desconocen el significado e importancia de la Eucaristía, incluso algunos tienen dudas sobre la presencia real de Dios en el Sagrado Sacramento. Por eso, vamos a dejar un espacio abierto para que las personas nos hagan sus preguntas y podamos dar luz con las respuestas basadas en la fe”, añadió.

Recordó que entre 2020 y 2021 grabó una serie de vídeos bajo el título ‘Cápsulas de Fe”, en las que se ocupó de explicar algunos de los misterios de nuestra fe, además del sentido de la celebración y rito de la Santa Misa. Estos videos se encuentran disponibles en la plataforma de YouTube de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Finalmente el P. Domínguez invitó a los feligreses y grupos apostólicos de la diócesis a tomar el tema de la Eucaristía muy seriamente, por lo que seguir estos videos ayudará muchísimo en la tarea de evangelización.

— César Hurtado

FOTOS CORTESÍA MINISTERIO EL SEMBRADOR

Las parejas asistentes a un retiro, conducido por el sacerdote colombiano Jhon Henry Jaramillo Duque, se abrazan durante una dinámica de participación realizada durante la jornada organizada por el Ministerio El Sembrador de la Renovación Carismática de Charlotte en la parroquia San Carlos Borromeo en Morganton.

Exitoso retiro de parejas en San Carlos Borromeo

CÉSAR HURTADO rchurtado@charlottediocese.org

MORGANTON — El pasado sábado 18 de febrero, el Ministerio El Sembrador de la Renovación Carismática, con sede en la parroquia San Carlos Borromeo en Morganton, realizó un retiro de parejas que fue conducido por el sacerdote colombiano Jhon Henry Jaramillo Duque.

Dirigido a novios y matrimonios, el Padre Jaramillo abordó temas como las situaciones conflictivas desarrolladas después de la pandemia de Covid-19, el conocimiento de uno mismo, la comunicación asertiva con la pareja, el estrés, la familia, la sanación a través del amor de Dios y consejos de cómo vivir con una pareja imperfecta.

Decenas de parejas se presentaron desde las ocho de la mañana para asistir al retiro anunciado, que concluyó pasadas las 6 de la tarde y ofreció cuidado de niños.

Un tema que capturó la atención fue el del estrés, en el que dijo la mayoría de personas se encuentran inmersas.

Señaló que al estrés, es decir la preocupación por nuestros actos, omisiones, compromisos u otros eventos de la vida diaria, debemos enfrentarlo sin culpas, “aceptando que no todo lo podemos hacer”. En nuestro día a día, “todo queremos solucionarlo por nosotros mismos”, lo que nos lleva a vivir en un apuro constante. Hay que vivir, recomendó, “de una manera organizada, disciplinada”, pero sabiendo que en algún momento las cosas no saldrán necesariamente bien. “Tenemos que ponernos a los pies del Señor”, y reconocer que “no puedo sobrellevar esto solo”, por lo que necesito de Dios.

“Hay que saber escuchar a Jesús que nos dice que no nos juzga ni condena”, pues Dios sabe más de nosotros que nosotros mismos.

También señaló que es vital reconocer que la salud es más importante que el trabajo. El estrés, indicó, “nos hace sentir

San Juan de Dios

Nació y murió un 8 de marzo. Vio la luz en Portugal en 1495 y murió en Granada, España, en 1550 a los 55 años de edad.

De familia pobre pero piadosa, su madre murió cuando él era todavía joven y su padre falleció como religioso en un convento.

En su juventud fue pastor. Le propusieron que se casara con la hija del patrón y así quedaría como heredero de aquellas posesiones, pero él deseaba dedicarse a labores más espirituales.

Estuvo de soldado bajo las órdenes del rey Carlos V. La vida militar lo hizo fuerte, resistente y sufrido.

La Santísima Virgen lo salvó de ser ahorcado, pues una vez lo pusieron en la guerra a cuidar un gran depósito y por no haber estado lo suficientemente alerta, los enemigos se llevaron todo.

Su coronel dispuso mandarlo ahorcar, pero Juan se encomendó con toda fe a la Madre de Dios y logró que le perdonaran la vida. Luego dejó la milicia.

que no debemos parar. Las expectativas, el qué dirán, quizás nos encanta el dinero, o el intentar complacer a la familia”, así como la vanidad nos incrementa el estrés.

Necesitamos, dijo, “reconocer que no es posible abarcar mucho. Si no eres bueno en algo, eres bueno en otra cosa”. Así, explicó, uno pone lo que tiene y Dios lo multiplica, Él hace lo demás.

SACERDOTE COLOMBIANO

El Padre Jaramillo pertenece a la Diócesis de Palmira en Colombia y actualmente es párroco de la Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción de Pradera, Valle del Cauca, un pueblo de aproximadamente 60 mil habitantes.

Nació en el municipio de San Roque, Antioquía, en 1978, de una familia muy católica de un pueblo, “en las entrañas de las cordilleras de nuestro país de la zona andina”.

Su vocación, relata, despertó en ese ambiente de pueblo. Ingresó al seminario, ordenándose sacerdote el 12 de agosto de 2006.

Ha sido párroco de varias comunidades y director de la pastoral social de la Diócesis de Palmira, Valle del Cauca.

PRÓXIMAS ACTIVIDADES

Venancio Morales, coordinador del Ministerio El Sembrador, señaló que planean una cargada agenda de eventos para 2023. “Es posible que el 18 de marzo tengamos una nueva actividad destinada a servidores”, dijo. Por otro lado, la página de Facebook de ese ministerio anunció un retiro de mujeres para el mes de mayo, recomendando a los visitantes que revisen continuamente sus redes sociales donde estarán actualizando la información.

Más online

En www.facebook.com/ renovacioncarismaticaElSembrador : Eencontrará información actualizada sobre las actividades de este ministerio

tenía en su pequeña librería y empezó a deambular por las calles pidiendo misericordia a Dios por sus pecados. La gente lo creyó loco. Al fin lo llevaron al manicomio y los encargados le dieron fuertes palizas.

Cuando San Juan de Avila volvió a la ciudad y supo que a su convertido lo tenían en un manicomio, fue y logró sacarlo. Juan alquiló una casa vieja y allí empezó a recibir a cualquier enfermo, mendigo, loco, anciano, huérfano y desamparado que le pida su ayuda.

FOTO DOMINIO PÚBLICO

‘San Juan de Dios’, óleo en canva de Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617-1682). En la obra, el santo cae llevando a un enfermo y el Arcángel Gabriel aparece para asistirlo.

Salido del ejército, quiso hacer un poco de apostolado y se dedicó a la venta ambulante de estampas y libros religiosos.

Cuando iba llegando a la ciudad de Granada, vio a un niñito muy pobre y necesitado, ofreciéndose a ayudarlo. Aquel “pobrecito” era la representación de Jesús Niño, el cual le dijo: “Granada será tu cruz”, y desapareció.

Estando Juan en Granada, llegó a predicar una misión el famoso Padre San Luis de Avila. Juan asistió a uno de sus elocuentes sermones, y en pleno sermón, cuando el predicador hablaba contra la vida de pecado, Juan se arrodilló y empezó a gritar: “Misericordia Señor, que soy un pecador”, y salió gritando por las calles, pidiendo perdón a Dios. Tenía unos 40 años.

Repartió entre los pobres todo lo que

Lecturas Diarias

MARZO 5-11

Domingo (Segundo Domingo de Cuaresma): Génesis 12:1-4a, 2 Timoteo

1:8b-10, Mateo 17:1-9; Lunes: Deuteronomio 9:4-10, Lucas

6:36-38; Martes (Santas Perpetua y Felícita): Isaías

1:10, 16-20, Mateo 23:112; Miércoles: Jeremías

18:18-20, Mateo 20:17-28; Jueves (Santa Francisca de Roma): Jeremías 17:5-10, Lucas 16:19-31; Viernes: Génesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28, Mateo 21:33-43, 45-46; Sábado: Miqueas 7:14-15, 18-20, Lucas 15:1-3, 11-32

Pronto se hizo popular en toda Granada el grito de Juan en las noches por las calles. Él iba con unos morrales y unas ollas gritando: ¡Haced el bien hermanos, para vuestro bien! La gente le regalaba las sobras de la comida del día. El señor obispo, admirado por la gran obra de caridad que Juan estaba haciendo, le añadió dos palabras a su nombre de pila, y empezó a llamarlo “Juan de Dios”, y así lo llamó toda la gente en adelante.

Un día su hospital se incendió y Juan de Dios entró varias veces por entre las llamas a sacar a los enfermos, y aunque pasaba por en medio de enormes llamaradas no sufría quemaduras.

Después de trabajos, ayunos y trasnochadas, la salud de Juan de Dios se debilitó. Una señora de la ciudad, con la autorización del obispo, lo llevó a su casa y cuidó. El santo le confió la dirección de su obra a Antonio Martín, un hombre a quien él había convertido.

El 8 de marzo de 1550, sintiendo que le llegaba la muerte, se arrodilló en el suelo y exclamó: “Jesús, Jesús, en tus manos me encomiendo”, y quedó muerto de rodillas.

Después de muerto, obtuvo de Dios muchos milagros en favor de sus devotos y el Papa lo declaró santo en 1690. Es patrono de los que trabajan en hospitales y de los que propagan libros religiosos. — Condensado de ACIPRENSA

MARZO 12-18

Domingo (Tercer Domingo de Cuaresma): Éxodo 17:3-7, Romanos 5:1-2, 5-8, Juan

4:5-42; Lunes: 2 Reyes

5:1-15, Lucas 4, 24-30;

Martes: Daniel 3:25, 34-43, Mateo 18:21-35; Miércoles:

Deuteronomio 4:1, 5-9, Mateo

5:17-19; Jueves: Jeremías

7:23-28, Lucas 11:14-23; Viernes (San Patricio):

Osías 14:2-10, Marcos 12:28-

34; Sábado (San Cirilo de Jerusalén): Osías 6:1-6, Lucas 18:9-14

MARZO 19-25

Domingo (Cuarto Domingo de Cuaresma): 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a, Efesios

5:8-14, Juan 9:1-41; Lunes (Solemnidad de San José, esposo de la Bienaventurada Virgen María): 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16, Romanos 4:13, 16-18, 22, Mateo 1:16, 18-21, 24; Martes: Ezequiel 47:1-9, 12, Juan 5:116; Miércoles: Isaías 49:8-15, Juan 5:17-30; Jueves (Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo): Éxodo 32:7-14, Juan 5:3147; Viernes: Sabiduría 2:1, 12-22, Juan 7:1-2, 10, 25-30; Sábado (Solemnidad de la Anunciación del Señor): Isaías 7:10-14, Hebreos 10:410, Lucas 1:26-38

Arts & entertainment

St. Ann Parish highlighted nationally with ‘52 Masses’

CHARLOTTE — Over the course of two years, author Daniel Markham travelled to churches in all 50 states in a quest to experience the richness of the Catholic faith and Eucharistic devotion. Traversing the country and writing down his experiences at each church, his travels eventually led him to St. Ann Parish.

Markham chose one parish in each location, where he attended Mass and met clergy and fellow Catholics. He then documented his adventures, observations and a bit about the history of the churches and communities he visited. The result is his book “52 Masses: A Journey to Experience Catholicism Across America.”

“I got the idea to do this in 2016, but I wanted to wait until my youngest son was finishing up high school so I didn’t miss any special occasions,” Markham said.

In 2018, with the blessing of his bishop, he mailed out letters to dioceses across the country. Over the next six months he heard back from dioceses, confirming approval to visit a parish of his choosing. Markham then reached out to pastors in those dioceses.

But in 2020, the pandemic hit and complicated his travels. “Originally I was going to go 52 weeks straight, visiting a church every week, but COVID-19 hit. I went where I could when I was able to travel, depending on what churches were open,” he said.

Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Parish in Charlotte, was one of the pastors who responded to Markham’s inquiry. Markham was intrigued by the history of the parish, its transformation from what Father Reid and others agreed was “the ugliest church in Charlotte,”

and the community’s commitment to preserving the tradition of the Church in its liturgies and its service to the poor.

Markham attended the Vigil Mass at St. Ann on Divine Mercy Sunday weekend in 2022. “What I really liked was that all of the artwork and the architecture is so perfectly consistent with the faith community that you have at St. Ann. The traditional elements are incorporated into all of the liturgies. To have the building reflect that so well – it just works so nicely for the parish community,” Markham said.

He describes his book as an invitation to accompany him as he embarks on a journey to visit a wide array of Catholic places: chapels, cathedrals, basilicas and makeshift churches.

But Markham cautions against placing too much emphasis on church buildings. While the Church is visibly embodied in these houses of worship, “52 Masses” reminds people that church extends beyond brick and mortar, beyond altar and sacristy. The Church is found, ultimately, in each of us as members of the Body of Christ.

“If someone else decided to do this, they could go to 52 different parishes and be equally blessed along the way,” he said. “Every parish has a story and something it can tell and share. I was blessed to be pointed in the right direction along the way.”

Order a copy

“52 Masses: A Journey to Experience Catholicism Across America” is available at www.amazon.com. Questions? Contact Daniel Markham at 52Masses@gmail.com.

Our nation

Pew survey: Only 1 in 3 Catholic parents say it’s ‘very important’ children share parents’ religious beliefs

Catholic experts are expressing concern after a recent Pew Research Center survey found that only 35% of U.S. Catholic parents say that it is extremely or very important to them that their children grow up to hold similar religious beliefs.

The survey also showed that 30% of Catholic parents say it is somewhat important to them, while 34% say it is not too important or not at all important.

“This study is concerning in that it points to an ambivalence that many people involved in pastoral ministry see so much among our families,” said Susan M. Timoney, associate professor of practice, pastoral studies area, and associate dean for undergraduate studies at The Catholic University of America’s School of Theology and Religious Studies.

“Parents want their children to be ‘good people,’ which is inclusive of many elements of a Catholic worldview, but what parents seem to struggle doing is sharing a conviction about the importance of practicing the (Catholic) faith and speaking to a personal relationship with God,” Timoney said. “It calls for a spiritual renewal among parents and families.”

The numbers come as part of a larger survey of 3,757 U.S. parents with children younger than 18, conducted last fall. An analysis of that survey, published Feb. 6, focused on religious and ethnic differences in parenting among Protestants and Catholics.

CatholicCounselors.com, a pastoral telecounseling practice, suggested that the findings are due to the lack of impact people believe faith and religious practice have on their daily lives and relationships, especially family relationships.

“Most people see faith and religious involvement as something that complicates their relationships more than it benefits them,” he said. “At best, church is one more thing to do in an already busy life. At worst, it asks me to follow rules that I fail to see having any positive impact on the quality of my relationships. Unless we can show people how our Catholic faith helps people lead more loving, connected, caring lives – especially in their families – most people will find no compelling reason to celebrate the faith themselves or encourage their children to own it,” Popcak said.

Joseph White, a child and family psychologist and the associate publisher for catechetical resources at OSV, found it “especially striking” that a third of Catholic parents do not consider it important to pass on their faith.

“I think this highlights the need for evangelization of Catholic adults,” White said. “The issue is not just that Catholic adults don’t ‘know’ their faith; they don’t see why their children would ‘need’ it.”

He said this represents not only a failure to catechize but also a failure to evangelize.

“When we fall in love with someone, we want to know everything about them,” he said. “If we can help our children see the need for Jesus and the church in their lives,

to understand what Jesus has done for them and who He is, they will want to know everything about Him and will want to be active in His Church.”

The percentage of Catholic parents and the percentage of all parents who say it is extremely or very important that their children have similar religious beliefs to their own as adults is the same: 35%. Of all parents, 22% say it is somewhat important and 42% say it is not too or not at all important. The majority of U.S. parents (81%) and Catholic parents (81%) find it extremely or very important for their children to grow up to become people who help others in need, according to the analysis. The majority of U.S. parents (80%) and Catholic parents (79%) also say

it is extremely or very important for their children to grow up to be accepting of people who are different from them.

Parents’ answers changed depending on how often they attend religious services or Mass, according to Pew. U.S. parents who attend religious services at least once a week are more than three times as likely to consider it important to raise children who will share their religious views. With two-thirds of Catholic parents saying it is at least somewhat important that their kids share their religious beliefs as adults, White recommended that ministry leaders in Catholic parishes and schools consider what tools they can give parents to ensure that the Catholic faith is handed on to the next generation.

“We need to use this knowledge to help parents who want to raise their children as lifelong disciples of Jesus,” he said. “This is a primary responsibility of the parish. Pope Francis calls us to be ‘a family of families,’ and we need to work harder to ensure that the family stays together.”

For the latest news 24/7:

Suspect in shooting death of LA bishop charged with murder

LOS ANGELES — The suspect in the shooting death of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell was formally charged with murder Feb. 22. District Attorney George Gascón said at a press conference Feb. 22 that Carlos Medina, 61, admitted to the killing. Bishop O’Connell was found dead of a gunshot wound to his upper torso in his home in the Los Angeles suburb of Hacienda Heights on Feb. 18. Medina faces one felony count of murder and a special allegation that he used a firearm, according to the LA County District Attorney’s Office. His formal arraignment is scheduled for March 22. Medina is the husband of Bishop O’Connell’s housekeeper and had done handyman work at the home, authorities said. He was arrested at his Torrance home Feb. 20, after a six-hour standoff with SWAT and LA County Sheriff’s deputies. If convicted, Medina faces up to 35 years to life in prison.

Indianapolis priest named director of USCCB’s Institute on the Catechism

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The recently formed

Institute on the Catechism will carry out the U.S. bishops’ vision of the importance of “connecting evangelization and catechesis,” according to Father Daniel J. Mahan, an Indianapolis archdiocesan priest just named as the institute’s director on Feb. 27 to head the institute, effective July 1. This “evangelizing catechesis,” a focus of the Church as a whole, aims to teach the beliefs of the Catholic faith in a “compelling and inviting” way to help young Catholics foster a “deeper relationship with the Lord and help them see their place within the body of Christ, the Church, and in turn, reach out to others to share the Good News,” Father Mahan said.

Catholic immigration advocates condemn proposed border rule

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Biden administration on Feb. 21 proposed its most restrictive border control measure to date, announcing it plans to issue a temporary rule blocking asylumseekers who cross the border illegally. Catholic immigration advocates condemned the proposal. The proposed rule would introduce a “presumption of asylum ineligibility for certain noncitizens” and “encourage migrants to avail themselves of lawful, safe, and orderly pathways into the United States,” according to the text of the document.

Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, said the USCCB is “deeply troubled by this proposal,” and have recognized “our country’s right to maintain its borders,” but have “consistently rejected policies that weaken asylum access for those most in need of relief and expose them to further danger.”

— OSV News

Planned Giving Officer

The Diocesan Office of Development has an opening for a full-time Planned Giving Officer. This position is responsible for securing planned gifts to support ministries of the Diocese of Charlotte, cultivate relationships with current and new Catholic Heritage Society members, and increase endowment gifts to the Foundation Diocese of Charlotte that support the Diocese of Charlotte.

Must be willing to travel within the Diocese of Charlotte.

Knowledge and Experience:

• BA/BS degree required

•3 to 5 years of demonstrated experience in professional fund development; 3 years planned giving experience preferred

•Excellent relationship building skills: ability to work effectively with parishioners, prospects, and parish leaders

•Proficient in MS Office

•Excellent organizational and attention to detail skills

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently

•Experience in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge/NXT and WealthEngine preferred

Please submit letter of interest and resume to: Gina Rhodes, Office of Development gmrhodes@rcdoc.org or mail to: 1123 South Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28203

e Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of March:

Rev. Robert A. Gibson – 1987

Rev. Francis Gorham – 1981

Rev. John Huston – 1976

Rev. Joseph P. Tobin, OSB - 1978

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus www.kofcnc.org

Support Room At The Inn , and you might win $5,000!

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BUY YOUR 2023 RAFFLE TICKET NOW www.roominn.org /raffle-tickets/

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Our world

Pope from ‘ends of the earth’ brings new style to Rome

VATICAN CITY — Right from the start, upon his election, Pope Francis presented a whole new style of being pontiff.

The way he spoke to the vast crowd after his election March 13, 2013, was familial and down-to-earth, beginning with, “Brothers and sisters, good evening,” and ending with “We’ll see each other soon!” and “Have a good night and sleep well!”

He repeatedly referred to himself as “bishop of Rome,” which eventually ended up being his sole title in the “Annuario Pontificio,” the Vatican yearbook, and would be another sign of his vision for renewal by promoting a more collegial and decentralized Church.

And his invitation to the crowd on the day he was elected – “Let’s begin this journey” with “fraternity, love, trust” and prayer, and “may it be fruitful for evangelization” – was a clear sign of a new style he saw for the entire Church, that of synodality, with all brothers and sisters in the faith walking, praying and evangelizing together.

That first night also gave a glimpse into how Pope Francis would lead the universal church in the uncharted situation of having a retired pope in the wings. He led everyone in prayer “for our Bishop Emeritus Benedict XVI.”

Many of his most unexpected choices on how he would live as pope were offered as a kind of, “Do as I do, not just as I say,” especially to his brother bishops around the world. He chose to live in a Vatican guesthouse instead of the Apostolic Palace, he has used an annual penance celebration at the Vatican to publicly go to confession, he responds to many people who write to

him with a letter, note or phone call, he meets regularly with victims of abuse, and he has gone in person to pay a bill, to pick up a new pair of glasses and to visit the elderly and the sick.

The election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, marked the first time a Jesuit was made pope. He ushered in a number of styles characteristic of his order: the Ignatian practice of discernment for making decisions in the presence of God; seeking God’s presence in all things; and a penchant for boiling his talks down to three bullet points.

He was the first pope to come from the Americas, born of immigrant Italian parents; this second-generation experience lent lived authenticity to his insistence migrants be respected, integrated and appreciated for their hard work and the rich diversity they bring to a host nation.

Most indicative of his unique style was choosing the name “Francis” to honor St. Francis of Assisi, known for his poverty, commitment to peace and love of creation. It was a signal of the style to come: simplicity, humility, working with the poor, desiring a Church that is poor and for the poor, and further deepening his predecessor’s love of creation integrated with a respect for all life.

Under his watch, the papal charities office has increased its outreach, particularly to the homeless who live near the Vatican and in other parts of the world, such as Ukraine, where he has sent his papal almoner to deliver aid directly and convey his prayers.

He also set aside the usual practice of washing the feet of 12 priests during a public celebration of the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Instead, he has celebrated smaller Masses – closed to the

public – in prisons, refugee centers and rehabilitation centers, washing the feet of Catholics and non-Catholics, men and women, in order to show Christ’s love for everyone, especially the most marginalized.

His idea of “outreach” has included reaching outside the Vatican bubble. He called in “outsiders” as the majority of the members of his International Council of Cardinals and of the Vatican safeguarding commission. He gets a new personal secretary every few years and gives dozens of interviews to big and small media outlets.

His desire to “speak from the heart” means many off-the-cuff comments, homespun anecdotes, sharp rebukes or critiques and an occasional statement that requires clarification or an apology.

A native-Spanish speaker who grew up with Italian-speaking relatives in Argentina, the pope merges a number of styles and, as a former high school teacher, often draws on literary themes and rhetorical devices.

Pope Francis also has offered a new approach to evangelization that he had mapped out in his brief address during the pre-conclave meetings of the cardinals. Cardinal Bergoglio’s words struck a chord with his listeners and formed the basis of his blueprint as pope.

More online

At www.catholicnewsherald.com : Look back at more coverage of Pope Francis’ 10 years as pope

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

Pope: Everyone must take part in politics for the common good

VATICAN CITY — Everyone must engage in politics, which is simply what it means to take part constructively in the life of a nation or society, Pope Francis said in a new book of interviews. Even the Gospel has “a political dimension” in that it seeks to convert “the social, including religious, mindset of the people,” he said, according to a series of excerpts published Feb. 26. Marking the 10th anniversary of the pope’s election, journalists Sergio Rubin and Francesca Ambrogetti will release a book-length compilation of a decade of interviews with the pope in Spanish March 1. Titled “El Pastor” (“The Shepherd”), the book covers the “challenges, reasons and reflections” of Pope Francis over the course of his pontificate. When asked what he would say to those who accuse him of “doing politics,” the pope said, “Yes, I am doing politics. Because everybody has to do politics. Christian people have to do politics. When we read what Jesus said we see that He was doing politics.” The pope then explained what he meant by “politics,” saying it is “a way of life for the ‘polis,’ for the city.” “What I do not do, nor should the Church do, is party (or partisan) politics. But the Gospel has a political dimension, which is to transform the social, including religious, mindset of the people,” he said.

Six people closer to sainthood

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has moved six candidates for sainthood closer to canonization. The pope signed decrees Feb. 23 recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of an Italian religious sister and the heroic virtues of five others.

With the pope’s recognition of a miracle through her intercession, a beatification ceremony can be planned for Sister Elisabetta Martinez, founder of the Congregation of the Daughters of St. Mary of Leuca. The Italian, who lived 1905-1991, founded the congregation to care for young children and single mothers. The miracle reportedly involved saving a fetus experiencing blood clots and other complications; the baby was born in good condition in 2018.

Five other candidates for sainthood will become “venerable” after Pope Francis recognized their heroic virtues:

n Francisca Alcover Morell, a Spanish writer and laywoman who defended the Church in newspapers during the Spanish Civil War

n Italian lay woman Albertina Violi Zirondoli, a schoolteacher who educated young women in post-war Italy

n Capuchin Father Giulio Bocci, an Italian priest and founder the Franciscan Volunteer Sisters for Vocations institute

n Brazilian Sacred Heart Father Aloísio Sebastiao Boeing died in 2006, longtime spiritual director and founder of the Marian Fraternity of the Heart of Jesus

n Ursuline Sister Maria Margherita Lussana, co-founder of the Congregation of Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart

Diocese of Charlotte

• Are you a current Cursillista looking to continue your 4th Day?

• Would you like to find a local Ultreya?

• Would you like to know more about the Cursillio Movement? Visit us at http://charlottecursillio.com/

The Cursillio Movement is a recognized charism of the Catholic Church founded on small friendship groups.

Administrative Coordinator

The Diocese of Charlotte, Office of Development is currently accepting applications for a 30-hour week (benefits-eligible), Administrative Coordinator to support the Director of Planned Giving/Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte and the Office of Development staff.

The position requires a professional who can work independently, communicate well with donors, and can successfully work in an environment that requires multitasking.

This individual will administer endowment funds, provide records management, and provide general administrative support to the Foundation and development staff.

Knowledge and Experience

•Associates degree or greater in related field

•Three years’ experience in administrative support

Do You Have a Donor Advised Fund?

Your parish, Catholic school, Catholic ministry, the Diocese of Charlotte, or the diocesan foundation are qualified charities eligible to receive grants from Donor Advised Funds. Your DAF grant can be restricted for offertory, campaigns, programs, or the DSA.

•Preferred experience in Raiser’s Edge or other database software

•Proficient in MS Office

•Solid planning and organizational skills

•Ability to work both independently and as a part of a larger team

•Strong written and verbal communication skills

Try a dopamine fast

The devices we love make a disciplined prayer life all but impossible

Fasting is an art ordered to the cultivation of attention to God. Such a spiritual practice cannot be done just anywhere but in a place free of distractions – a place like a desert. The Gospels often depict Jesus going into the desert or up the mountain to be alone with the Father and pray. As the perfection of attention, prayer is attention to the presence of God. When He commanded His disciples to go into a room, close the door, and pray to the Father (Matthew 6:6), Jesus was primarily warning His disciples not to be like those who put on a public demonstration of their prayer. We can also read His command as a good way of being free of distraction. But how many of us go in our room and close the door to pray while clinging to our smartphones?

As I write this, I feel the hold my smartphone has on me. I can almost hear it call me by name: “Bobby, Bobby, attend to me. Here I am.” Tired of consciously resisting its pull, I automatically check a couple of social media sites, doomscroll, and text 20 friends without even realizing what I am doing – because dopamine feels good. My wife sees the hold my smartphone has on me, and sometimes she will hide it after I get home from work. Yet I am OK and do not throw myself on the floor, screaming like a punished child, because I get the same dopamine hit by getting on the computer or tablet.

These devices have not improved my relationships anywhere, but they have helped to damage my relationships with people at hand. They have made a disciplined prayer life all but impossible, and the joy they have promised has come up short. I need a dopamine fast.

A DIFFERENT PRESCRIPTION

The Wall Street Journal had an interesting essay by Stanford psychiatrist and professor Dr. Anna Lembke, “Digital Addictions Are Drowning Us in Dopamine,” in which she tells the story of one of her patients, a young man in his early 20s struggling with debilitating anxiety and depression. He had recently dropped out of college, was living with his parents, and was contemplating suicide, but Lembke highlights that he was playing video games most of the day and late into the night, which played a big role in his depression.

Instead of giving him antidepressants, she suggested he abstain from all screens, especially video games, for one month. She called this “a dopamine fast.”

While we are more than our brains, there is a lot we can appreciate in the latest

findings in neuroscience, particularly its conclusions about screen addiction and dopamine. Lembke’s new book, “Dopamine Nation,” will hopefully be a valuable resource on why we should all try to put away our devices and, like her patient, go on a dopamine fast.

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good, but too much dopamine offsets the homeostasis of the brain. An endless cycle of seeking dopamine kicks in, upping the need for more intense hits just to fight the offsetting pain. In the process, the brain becomes rewired to require such hits. This habit becomes an addiction, and we become beholden to our devices. Hence, my irritability when I don’t have access to my digital dopamine-delivering devices.

After the dopamine fast, Lembke’s patient was able to successfully return to his beloved devices but within set boundaries. Lembke concludes that everyone should try a dopamine fast, particularly by abstaining from our smartphones and setting up certain limits of use in order to stave off continued addiction.

Her advice works just as well for cultivating the attention necessary for prayer.

Lembke’s essay resonates in many ways with the work of philosophermechanic Matthew B. Crawford. In his book “The World Beyond Your Head,” Crawford looks at the numerous ways our artificial environments are engineered for distraction, thus making unmediated thinking and reflection nearly impossible. He calls this “a crisis of attention.”

Let’s face it: Most of us are addicted to our devices, and we are in need of a dopamine fast. Our addiction is making our lives worse. We are slaves of the screen. Like Israel held captive in Egypt, ask the Lord God for freedom from the oppression of the dopamine hit.

Go on a dopamine fast. But get ready: Such a fast will take you out to the desert, where you’ll be craving the food of Egypt (Num 11:5). Just remember that the desert is not the end but a highway to the land of salvation, the land of freedom – even freedom from the screen.

Only then will we be properly disposed to listen to God.

ROBERT MIXA is the Education Fellow at Word on Fire Institute. He received a Master of Theological Studies in biotechnology and ethics from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute. You can read more of his thoughts, reviews and interviews at www.robertmixa.com.

In recent years, a number of U.S. states have legalized a new way to process human corpses that some have called “dissolving the dead.” Its technical name is “alkaline hydrolysis,” but it is also known as biocremation, aquamation, green cremation and resomation.

The basic process involves placing a body in a heated, pressurized metal chamber and hastening its decomposition by adding lye (water mixed with a small quantity of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide) to break down proteins, fats, DNA, etc. This rapidly digests the tissues of the body and reduces it to skeletal fragments. The procedure, which some claim is merely an accelerated version of what happens if you’re buried, requires three to four hours.

Afterward, the dissolved tissue, a brown soup comprised of simple organic materials such as salts, sugars and lipids, is released from the machine into a drain, then into the sewer system before it makes its way to water treatment facilities.

The leftover bone fragments inside the machine are collected, ground up and, as in standard cremation, pulverized into a powder (colloquially and imprecisely termed “ashes”), which can be given to the family in an urn.

For alkaline hydrolysis, many instinctively object that dissolving bodies in a vat of chemicals and pouring the resultant liquid down the drain is not a respectful way to dispose of our loved ones’ remains, because it seems to treat their bodies as waste to be flushed away.

Others note that standard embalming involves similar steps, as the drained blood and viscera that are extracted through the aspiration of the body cavities are also sent down the drain. The idea of flame cremation, they add, raises parallel concerns, as numerous parts of a person’s body are degraded and flare up a pipe or chimney into the atmosphere.

As a society we have laws prohibiting desecration of the human body, illegal burial and other abuses, and we can ask whether alkaline hydrolysis or liquification of the human body raises any of the same concerns and whether the process meets the standard of reverent treatment of our earthly remains.

Because of the novelty of alkaline hydrolysis, the Church does not yet have an official teaching on the practice. Instead, it stresses the importance of showing careful regard for human remains and honoring the memory of the deceased. These considerations should influence our decisions as Catholics. Neither cremation nor alkaline hydrolysis is intrinsically evil, but each can lead to abuses and provoke misunderstandings about our human nature.

In an age in which many misidentify

the human person as only corresponding to the soul, without recognizing the sacredness of the human body, the Church tries to emphasize the importance of full-body burial as the best way to assure loving homage toward those who have died as well as witnessing to our belief in bodily Resurrection.

Both cremation and alkaline hydrolysis bring the potential for irreverence and a certain casualness when it comes to attending to human remains.

After cremation, rather than being reverently disposed, ashes are often kept in the attic or in the living room on the fireplace mantel, something that would never be done with a whole human body. Instead of being reverently reserved in the consecrated ground of a cemetery, our loved one’s remains may be subjected to unbefitting or even superstitious treatment. At a deeper level, do we minimize or even negate someone’s embodied human reality when we dissolve them in lye, or incinerate them in fire?

On the other hand, when the whole body is buried in the ground, there is a greater sense of connection to those mortal remains, which speak to us of the full embodiment of the person who once lived and breathed as we do, body and soul.

These notable differences in terms of according respect toward the deceased means that we should generally prefer whole body disposition of human remains, as the Church recommends, even though extenuating circumstances can allow for cremation and, until the Church formally teaches otherwise, alkaline hydrolysis. I believe it is unlikely the Church will ultimately counsel or encourage the use of this latter method.

When alkaline hydrolysis is carried out, the same basic principles that are at work in cremation to protect human dignity should be applied. Bone fragments, powder and ashes left over from the process should be placed in a suitable container like an urn, and not scattered or divided among family members. The urn should be interred in the family plot, a mausoleum, or a columbarium. This establishes a specific point of reference in time, space and geography where we can commemorate our deceased family members. In this way, we are not only invited to respect their mortal remains, but also to pray for the repose of their souls as we mourn their passing in the hope of Resurrection and beatitude.

FATHER TADEUSZ PACHOLCZYK earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the diocese of Fall River, Mass., and director of education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. Reprinted with permission. For more, go online to www.ncbcenter.org and www.fathertad.com.

‘Dissolving the dead,’ like cremation, can undermine respect for human remains

Prayers for imprisoned Bishop Álvarez, with help of Benedict, Van Thuan, Kung

In recent news, a train derailment in Ohio threatens to spread toxicity throughout the environment. In recent news, the U.S. government is shooting “spy balloons” and other unknown objects from the sky.

In recent news, religious leaders are still not saying or doing enough to address sexual abuses that have gone on for decades, all over the world, while secular leaders are not talking about abuses that have happened – and are still happening – in public schools and institutions, as though the wounds suffered by secular victims are of lesser quality.

With such stories all about, it’s easy to lose sight of a single story about a single Catholic bishop being imprisoned by a government that has been traveling on corrupted rails for decades.

The story is not just about one bishop, though. In recent news, 222 of his fellow Nicaraguan “political prisoners” have been stripped of their citizenship and deported from their country. Given the number of them who are Catholic priests, seminarians and layfolk, it is not difficult to believe that a commitment to their faith is part of how they fell afoul of the secular authorities. People without a country, they have landed in the United States and are being given assistance – all but one of them, the bishop of Matagalpa, who, now lacking citizenship and sentenced to “a perpetual loss of civic rights” has begun a 26-year prison term.

We are better off not imagining what sort of life Bishop Rolando Álvarez will face without the protection of citizenship or the civil rights that could protect and advocate for his interests.

It is difficult to know exactly how he remained behind. Strange and confusing statements from the Nicaraguan government suggest both that Bishop Álvarez changed his mind about leaving –requesting an oddly timed “meeting” with bishops – and (or) that he wanted to talk to the priests already aboard the plane. Local sources say instead that the bishop had declared, “Let (the others) be free, I will serve their sentence.”

When credible reports cannot be cited, early hagiography is always a suspect thing, yet something heroic may truly be happening in the imprisonment of Rolando Álvarez. Perhaps, with Lent approaching, we need to observe the amount of obfuscation surrounding this story and take it as such, if for no other reason than

because we know that wherever muddled and conflicting narratives fly, wickedness and the energy of evil is usually afoot. This story has nudged me to pray for the exiles, but especially for Bishop Álvarez, and to offer fasts of food and small pleasures for his good – for his well-being, his spirit, his fortitude – for his freedom, should God will it. As someone who has certainly challenged bishops over the past few years – urging them to give up (or repurpose) their houses, and to perform penances laying prostrate before the world (I’m still waiting) – it seems only fair that, for a bishop in real trouble, I give up a few things and perform a few penances myself before Lent, through Lent and even after, should this imprisonment continue.

For the bishop’s good, I am inviting the recently departed Pope Benedict XVI to accompany me in this prayer, along with the Venerable Cardinal François-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan of Vietnam and Shanghai’s Cardinal Ignatius Kung Pinmei. These three men, in varying ways and degrees, knew intimately the pain of being confined or restricted in movement.

For Pope Benedict, who longed to return to Bavaria in retirement but obeyed his successor’s request, that meant an apartment in the Vatican.

For Cardinal Van Thuan, that meant 13 years alone in a damp cell, where he carved a tiny cross and, using drops of contraband wine along with his rough bread, privately celebrated Mass, which was forbidden.

For Cardinal Kung, it meant 30 years of imprisonment. When offered a chance to renounce his crimes – in a stadium, before tens of thousands – he instead cried, “Long live Christ the King! Long live the pope!”

We may never know, precisely and credibly, why Bishop Rolando Álvarez was sentenced to exile, or why he is now imprisoned in a mean Nicaraguan cell. It is enough to know that a Catholic bishop has been placed in the middle of something awful.

The crucifix always reminds us that terrible and unjust things must sometimes be permitted for the sake of future glory. It is good, then, (and necessary) to pray for the bishop with every tool at our disposal. It is good, too, to invite the prayers of those bishops who understand something of his plight.

Two of Nicaragua’s released priests find refuge in Charlotte

Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa, Nicaragua, was sentenced to 26 years in prison and stripped of his Nicaraguan citizenship Feb. 10, one day after he refused to get on a flight to the United States with 222 other prisoners.

Two of the released priests who were imprisoned with him in Nicaragua arrived in Charlotte Feb. 12 to hugs and tears from family and friends. Fathers Ramiro

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Pope Francis

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Parish celebrates dedication of long-awaited church

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Tijerino and Óscar Danilo Benavidez

Dávila were among the political prisoners exiled from the country by President Daniel Ortega. Mayra Tijerino, a parishioner at St. Matthew in Charlotte, flew to Washington, D.C., to bring her brother and his fellow priest to her home in the Charlotte area. For more coverage, including photos of their arrival, visit catholicnewsherald.com.

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