A Bishop`s Week in Rome The Man Behind the Cathedral Models
Transcripción
A Bishop`s Week in Rome The Man Behind the Cathedral Models
i n s i d e : A Bishop’s Week in Rome p l u s : The Man Behind the Cathedral Models: Ruben Alex Coplo f r o m t h e b i s h o p inside Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge this issue PUBLISHER Frank Morock Our Cathedral DIRECtOR OF COmmUnICAtIOnS June 2012 • Vol. 9 : Issue 5 12 The Man Behind the Cathedral Models: Ruben Alex Coplo Richard Reece EDItOR In CHIEF Anjanette Wiley ADVERtISInG mAnAGER From the Editor Bishop Michael F. Burbidge Father Carlos Arce Rachelle D. Garbarine SueAnn Howell FatherMarcos Leon Anjanette Wiley 15 Our Reader Survey saint of the month 16 Do not live in contradiction Sts Perpetua and Felicity COntRIBUtInG WRItERS Lettie Banda tRAnSLAtOR Richard Reece voices in our church COntRIBUtInG PHOtOGRAPHERS 17 The Witness of St. Charles Lwanga FAITH Catholic Rev. Dwight Ezop – Father Marcos Leon CHAIRmAn Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDEnt AnD CHIEF EXECUtIVE OFFICER Elizabeth Martin Solsburg EDItORIAL DIRECtOR Jillane Job EDItORIAL ASSIStAnt 18 Couples Helping Couples – Throughout our Diocese, husbands and wives are seeking stronger, more faith-filled marriages 17 Sudory Sangre en los Campos de NC – Padre Carlos N. Arce parenting journey 29 I am a widower – How do I tell my children I am in a new relationship? Patrick Dally ARt DIRECtOR Lynne Ridenour GRAPHIC DESIGnER/WEB mAStER Janna Stellwag Abby Wieber GRAPHIC DESIGnERS Derek Melot PROOFREADInG Jennifer Baron COntRIBUtInG WRItERS InnerWorkings PRInt mAnAGEmEnt NC CathlolicsTM (USPS 715-940) is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, 715 Nazareth St., Raleigh, NC 27606. Published Monthly except for February and August. Subscription rates are $16 per year. Individual issues are $2.00. Advertising inquiries, subscription requests and address changes can be sent to 715 Nazareth St., Raleigh, NC 27606; 919.821.9700; fax 919.821.9705 or e-mail [email protected]. Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, NC or additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NC Catholics, 715 Nazareth St., Raleigh, NC 27606. ©2005 FAITH CatholicTM, Catholic Diocese of Lansing. ©2005 Catholic Diocese of Raleigh provided content. No portion of NC Catholics may be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise reproduced or distributed in whole or in part, without prior written authority of FAITH CatholicTM and/or Diocese of Raleigh. For reprint information or other questions regarding use of copyright material, contact NC Catholics, Catholic Diocese of Raleigh. Give the gift of nCCatholics: Order a subscription today 919.821.9730 NC Catholics parish profile 10 42nd Annual Youth Convention Attracts More Than 700 el hisp ano el hispano Católico A lo largo de nuestra Diócesis, esposos y esposas buscan matrimonios más fuertes y llenos de fe. 22 2 June 2012 | www.DioceseofRaleigh.org | www.NCCatholics.org 30 A Gift from New York St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Raeford Cató lico Obispo Burbidge La Semana del Obispo en Roma – Obispo Michael F. Burbidge 24 nuestra catedral El hombre detrás del modelo de la Catedral: Rubén Alex Coplo 26 Liturgical calendar: St. Justin, martyr June 1 | Ss. Marcellinus and Peter, martyrs June t a b l e o f c o n t e n t s A Bishop’s Week in Rome I am writing this article right after returning from Rome at the conclusion of my Ad Limina visit. This visit is a special time designated for Bishops to share with the Holy Father and his closest collaborators information about the Dioceses in which they serve and to discuss the pastoral blessings and challenges we experience. This was my first Ad Limina visit as a Bishop of a Diocese. You can only imagine my excitement and also my great joy in conveying the vibrancy and growth we continue to experience in the Diocese of Raleigh. One of the special highlights of the trip occurred on Monday of the week of our visit. It was that day I had the opportunity to personally greet Pope Benedict XVI. As we were led to the parlor, my heart was pounding rapidly. I was about to see and speak with the Successor of St. Peter, the chief shepherd of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. When we walked into the room, the Pope was already standing at his place and greeted us with a warm and gentle smile. When it was my turn to speak with him, I assured him of the affection, prayers and support of the priests, religious and lay faithful in the Diocese of Raleigh. He conveyed his deep thanks. After exchanging greetings, the Archbishop of Atlanta and his Auxiliary Bishop along with me and the Bishops of Charlotte, Charleston and Savannah (and also the retired Bishops of Charleston and Savannah) entered into a dialogue with the Holy Father which centered around the New Evangelization. The Pope encouraged us to use the resources and tools of the day (including proper use of social media) to bring the Truth of the Gospel to God’s people in new and creative ways. His words clearly reminded us that while the Truth never changes, the way we e 2 | Most Holy Trinity June 3 | St. Boniface, bishop and martyr June 5 | St. Norbert, bishop June 6 | St. Ephrem, deacon and doctor of the Church June 9 | Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ June 10 The Bishops of Region XIV with the Holy Father: (Left to right) Bishops Gregory J. Hartmayer of Savannah, Ga.; Peter J. Jugis of Charlotte, N.C.; Auxiliary Bishop Luis R. Zarama of Atlanta; Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Atlanta; Pope Benedict; Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone of Charleston, S.C.; retired Bishop David B. Thompson of Charleston, S.C.; Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh, N.C.; and retired Bishop J. Kevin Boland of Savannah, Ga. (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano) Bishops enter the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls to celebrate Mass. communicate must always be evolving. I am very pleased with the use of social media and various forms of communication within our Diocese (for example, our newly revised Diocesan web page, our use of Facebook and Twitter, Catholic Voice North Carolina, frequent Internet and cable broadcasts of “Catholic Perspective” shows, Catholic radio programs and NC Catholics, our Diocesan magazine). Upon receiving the Holy Father’s blessings, each Bishop also accepted from him a pectoral cross (which we wear close to our heart) and blessed rosaries. It was a relatively brief time with the Holy Father but a moment that I will treasure and never forget. Throughout the rest of the week, we visited the various Congregations and Councils in Rome staffed by Cardinals, Archbishops, priests, religious and lay men and women. These various offices assist the Holy Father in carrying out the mission of the Church throughout the entire world. The offices we visited included the Congregations for Bishops, Clergy, Institutes of Consecrated Life, Doctrine of the Faith, Divine Worship, Catholic Education and the Pontifical Councils for the Laity, Family and Promoting Christian Unity. NC Catholics June 2012 2012 || www.DioceseofRaleigh.org www.DioceseofRaleigh.org || www.NCCatholics.org www.NCCatholics.org 4 May. One of the highlights for me was our visit to the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, which is responsible for carrying out the “Year of Faith” called for by the Holy Father (beginning in October 2012 and concluding in November 2013). As explained to us, the main purpose of the “Year of Faith” is to help God’s people grow in their knowledge of the faith (formation), to celebrate their faith (worship), and to offer credible witness to their faith (evangelization). Of course, we can only do so when we deepen our own intimate relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ. When others see the authentic joy and genuine peace we find in Christ, they will be attracted to Him and seek those same gifts. In the Diocese of Raleigh, a Year of Faith Committee is hard at work seeking ways to celebrate this special time in the life of our parishes, Diocese and Church. The Ad Limina visit was also a spiritual journey. We celebrated Masses at the four Major Basilicas (St. Peter, St. Paul Outside-the-Walls, St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major). At the tombs of Peter and Paul, one could not help but be inspired by the courageous witness they offered. At the tomb of Blessed John Paul II, who named me a Bishop, St. Barnabas, apostle June 11 | St. Anthony of Padua, priest and docto Pope Benedict blessed each Bishop and presented each of us with a blessed rosary and a pectoral cross. I prayed for the grace to imitate the zeal and faith of Peter and Paul and to be a faithful successor to the Apostles. We also celebrated Mass at the North American College, the seminary for the United States seminarians. Currently, there are 250 seminarians enrolled from 100 different Dioceses. Next year, two seminarians from the Diocese of Raleigh (Timothy Ahn and Michael Schuetz) will be present. The seminarians are on fire with their love for the Lord and their desire to serve the Church. Please continue to pray daily for our seminarians and for the intention that more men in our Diocese will hear and respond to the call to serve as priests and that we will also experience an increase in vocations to Religious Life. Another highlight of the Ad Limina visit was the opportunity for me to spend time with my brother Bishops from the Atlanta Province and with the Bishops of Florida. We had an opportunity to share with each other our pastoral joys and challenges. We were able to renew the fraternal support we wish to offer one another. In addition, we enjoyed some nice meals together! As it is said, it is impossible to have a bad meal in Italy. On a deeper level, the Ad Limina visit helped With the Holy Father and Msgr. David D. Brockman, Vicar General of our Diocese. to remind me that we never walk alone. We walk in the company of those who have gone before us in faith, with the support of the special people and friends God has placed in our lives, and with the promise of the abiding presence of the Lord and His Holy Spirit to guide us. The key is to make sure it is the Lord who leads and we who follow. There was a part of me that wanted my week in Rome to continue and to extend my time in such a sacred place rich in history. But, it was time to come home. Fortunately and because of God’s graces, I returned spiritually renewed, energized and committed – ever thankful for the great privilege of serving as the Bishop of this great Diocese. I renew my promise to try each day to the best of my ability to serve you in imitation of Christ the Good Shepherd and with the zeal of Peter, Paul and the Apostles. I need and depend on your prayers. It is my hope that the summer months will allow you time and experiences to relax and to be spiritually renewed in the special vocation the Lord has entrusted to you. God bless you always! – Bishop Burbidge is the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh or of the Church June 13 | Most Sacred Heart of Jesus June 15 | Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary June 16 | St. Romuald, abbot June 19 | St. Aloysius Gonzaga, religious June 21 l ocal new s The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge will celebrate a Mass to mark the beginning of the FORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOM Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 6:00 PM St. Joseph Catholic Church, Raleigh Outdoor Reception to Follow Hosted by the Knights of Columbus Fortnight for Freedom resources available at www.dioceseofraleigh.org Official Announcements Effective June 28, 2012 Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh, announces the following announcements and priest assignments. • Reverend thomas R. Davis, Administrator of Good Shepherd Parish in Hope Mills, is appointed Pastor of Saint Egbert Parish in Morehead City. • Reverend John Alex Gonzalez, Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish, Burgaw, is appointed Pastor of Transfiguration of Jesus Parish, Wallace and its Mission, Santa Clara, Magnolia. • Reverend monsignor Jeffrey A. Ingham, V.F., Pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Southern Pines and Dean of the Fayetteville Deanery, is additionally appointed Administrator of Good Shepherd Parish, Hope Mills. • Very Reverend marcos Leon Angulo, V.F., Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Whiteville and Our Lady of the Snows Mission, Elizabethtown, is appointed Pastor of Saint Ann Parish, Clayton. • Very Reverend Salvatore A. Busichio, Vice-Rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Raleigh, is appointed Parochial Vicar at Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Cary. • Reverend David m. Chiantella, Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Raleigh, is appointed Administrator of Saint Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Garner. • Reverend monsignor michael Effective may 29, 2012 • Very Reverend William J. Upah, V.F., Pastor of Saint James Parish, Henderson, and Dean of the Piedmont Deanery, is granted temporary personal leave for a period of three months. • Very Reverend Carlos n. Arce, Diocesan Vicar for Hispanics, is additionally temporarily appointed Administrator of Saint James Parish in Henderson. • Reverend monsignor David D. Brockman, Vicar General of the Diocese of Raleigh, will temporarily assume the administrative duties of the Dean of the Piedmont Deanery. Effective may 30,2012 • Reverend Douglas J. Smiley, Pastor of Saint Egbert Parish in Morehead City, is granted Medical Leave. • Reverend monsignor Francis R. moeslein is appointed Administrator of Saint Egbert Parish in Morehead City. NC Catholics June 2012 2012 || www.DioceseofRaleigh.org www.DioceseofRaleigh.org || www.NCCatholics.org www.NCCatholics.org 6 May. G. Clay is released from priestly ministry in the Diocese of Raleigh to serve on the faculty of the School of Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. • Reverend John J. Forbes, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Raleigh, is appointed to a second six-year term as Pastor. • Reverend martin Restrepo Franco, Parochial Vicar at Maria Reina de las Americas Parish, Mount Olive, Santa Teresa Mission, Beulaville and Santa Clara Mission, Magnolia, is appointed Parochial Vicar for ministry to the Hispanic community at Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Cary. • Reverend Francisco Javier Garcia Gonzalez, Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Raleigh, is additionally appointed Priestly Minister to the Hispanic community at Saint Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Garner. • Reverend marco Antonio Gonzalez Hernandez, Parochial Vicar at Saint Mark Parish, Wilmington is appointed Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Whiteville and Our Lady of the Snows Mission, Elizabethtown. • Reverend Robert F. Ippolito, m.S., Pastor of Saint Brendan the Navigator Parish, Shallotte, is ap- St. Thomas More, martyr June 22 | Nativity of St. John the Baptist June 24 | St pointed Pastor of Saint Stephen Parish, Sanford. • Reverend Patrick A. Keane, Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Newton Grove, is appointed Pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Goldsboro. • Reverend Ryszard Kolodziej, Pastor of Saint Stanislaus Parish in Castle Hayne, is appointed Pastor of Saint Brendan the Navigator Parish in Shallotte. • Reverend Robert J. Kus, Pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Wilmington, is appointed to a second six-year term as Pastor. • Reverend Hector LaChapelle, M.S., Parochial Vicar at Saint Brendan the Navigator Parish, Shallotte, retires from active priestly ministry and will have residence at Saint Stephen Parish, Sanford. • Reverend Don E. maloney, newly ordained to the Priesthood on June 2, is appointed Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Raleigh. • Reverend Roger malonda nyimi, Parochial Vicar at Saint Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Garner, is appointed Administrator of Saint Stanislaus Parish, Castle Hayne and Saint Joseph Parish, Burgaw. • Reverend Paul m. Parkerson, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Dunn, is appointed an additional one-year term as Pastor. • Reverend Johanes teguh Raharjo, C.I.C.m., Administrator of Our Lady of the Rosary Mission, Louisburg, is appointed Pastor of Saint Eugene Parish, Wendell and Our Lady of the Rosary Mission, Louisburg. • Reverend Jaime Perez Restrepo, Parochial Vicar at Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Cary, is appointed Administrator of Maria Reina de las Americas Parish, Mount Olive and Santa Teresa Mission in Beulaville. • Reverend JaVan Saxon, Pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Laurinburg, is appointed to a second six-year term as Pastor. • Reverend Robert t. Schriber, Administrator of Saint Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Garner, is appointed Vice-Rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Raleigh. • Reverend Rafael Leon Valencia, Parochial Vicar at Saint Patrick Parish, Fayetteville, is appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Newton Grove. • Reverend monsignor Stephen C. Worsley, Pastor of Saint Stephen Parish, Sanford, is appointed Parochial Vicar at Saint Mark Parish, Wilmington. Effective January 1, 2013 • Reverend Douglas J. Smiley, returning from Medical Leave, is appointed Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Hope Mills. Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh, announces the following deacon assignments and retirements. January 19, 2012 • Deacon thomas Porter, a deacon of the Diocese of Trenton, retires from active ministry. Effective march 8, 2012 • Deacon Valentine Ekpemerechi Oguledo, a deacon of the Archdiocese of Washington, is appointed deacon at Saint Mary Parish in Laurinburg. Effective April 2, 2012 • Deacon John Hancock, a deacon of the Diocese of Dallas, is appointed deacon at Mother of Mercy Parish in Washington. Effective April 4, 2012 • Deacon Stephen L. Yates, a deacon of the Diocese of Cleveland, is appointed deacon at Saint Thomas More Parish in Chapel Hill. Effective April 11, 2012 • Deacon Andrew R. mcGahran, a deacon of the Diocese of Raleigh, retires from active ministry. 2012 transitional Deacon and Seminarian Summer Assignments Deacons • Reverend mr. nick Cottrill to Saint Thomas More Parish, Chapel Hill • Reverend mr. thomas Duggan to Saint Bernadette Parish, Fuquay-Varina • Reverend mr. Ryan Elder to Saint Gabriel Parish, Greenville Seminarians • mr. timothy Ahn to Saint Joseph Parish, Raleigh & Italian Language Class in preparation for studies in Rome • mr. michael Burbeck to San Jose el Viejo School, Antigua, Guatemala & Mission experience in Honduras • mr. myles Casanova to The Institute of Priestly Formation at Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska • mr. Christian Cook to Saint Mary Parish, Laurinburg • mr. Juan Carlos Garcia to Academic Assignment, Hispano Seminario De Santa Maria De Guadalupe & Mission experience in Honduras • mr. Philip Johnson to Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Wake Forest • mr. John Kane to The Institute of Priestly Formation at Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska • mr. Phil List to Saint Therese Parish, Wilson • mr. James magee, III, to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Rocky Mount • Mr. Marlon Mendieta to Saint Peter Parish, Greenville & Mission experience in Honduras • mr. noe Ramirez to Academic Assignment, Hispano Seminario De Santa Maria De Guadalupe & Mission experience in Honduras • mr. Rob Schmid, Jr., to Sacred Heart Cathedral, Raleigh • mr. michael Schuetz to Saint Joseph Parish, Raleigh & Italian Language Class in preparation for studies in Rome • mr. Edisson Urrego to The Institute of Priestly Formation at Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska • mr. Ian Van Heusen to Sacred Heart Parish, Whiteville • mr. Evan Waniewski to Holy Family Parish, Elizabeth City • mr. Brian Wright to Saint James Parish, Henderson t. Cyril of Alexandria, bishop and doctor of the Church June 27 | St. Irenaeus, bishop and martyr June 28| Ss. Peter and Paul, apostles June 29 | First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church June 30 l o c a l n e w s USCCB Provides Faithful Citizenship Resources In this presidential election year, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has released its quadrennial document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” to help the faithful better understand their political responsibility not only at the polls in November but as they consider the multitude of issues that face our society on a daily basis. This year’s document is one that was issued in 2007 but contains a new introductory note explaining that the document reflects the Bishops’ teaching and their guidance for Catholics as they exercise their rights and duties under American democracy. The document and related material is available at www.faithfulcitizenship. org. The five primary parts of “Faithful Citizenship” are: Part I - The U.S. Bishops’ Reflection on Catholic Teaching and Political Life Part II - Applying Catholic Teaching to Major Issues: A Summary of Policy Positions of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Part III - Goals for Political Life: Challenges for Citizens, Candidates, and Public Officials Part IV – References Part V – Major Catholic Statements on Public Moral Issues The resource material includes planning ideas for parishes, schools Catholic Relief Services thanks Diocese for Donation On behalf of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Dr. Carolyn Y. Woo, President and cEO, thanked the Diocese of Raleigh for its donation of $280,338.49 for “addressing the needs of the poorest of the poor around the world.” CRS has been the international agency of the U.S. Catholic community since 1943, providing relief to communities affected by natural and man-made disasters, and assisting people to gain independence and sustainable livelihoods in countries around the world. The recent donation is being used to address needs in Japan and East Africa. Death of Father Alan J. Dash The Reverend Alan J. Dash, a retired priest of the Diocese of Raleigh, died early Thursday morning, May 17, 2012, in Wilmington, NC. Fr. Dash was born in 1937 in the Bronx in New York, educated in Kentucky and Arkansas, and ordained by Bishop Vincent S. Waters for the Diocese of Raleigh in 1967. He served at St. Gabriel Parish, Greenville, St. John in North Wilkesboro, St. Ann in Charlotte and St. John the Baptist in Ahoskie. He served as Diocesan Director of Vocations in the 1970s and since 1974 he was active in Campus ministry, serving at North Carolina State University and UNC-Wilmington. As a college student, Fr. Dash converted to the Catholic Church from Judaism, and discerned his vocation not long afterwards. “I just wanted to work with people,” he told one interviewer. “There are millions of other ways you can do that, but I thought this is what I’m supposed to do with my life. I haven’t been wrong.” The Funeral Mass for Fr. Dash was celebrated at Saint Mark Catholic Church in Wilmington with the Most Rev. Michael F. Burbidge, Principal Celebrant and the Rev. Msgr. John A. Wall, Homilist. Committal was at the parish cemetery of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Newton Grove. NC Catholics 8 June 2012 | www.DioceseofRaleigh.org | www.NCCatholics.org and campus ministry. The website also contains a series of videos on the main issues facing Americans this election year. Death of Sister Dorothy Rita Lancor, IHm Sister Dorothy Rita (formerly known as Sister M. Bertille) Lancor, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on May 2, 2012, at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton. She was born in 1919, in Providence, RI, entered the IHM Congregation in 1937 and made her final profession of vows in 1943. Among other assignments, Sister served from 1955 to 1991 as a teacher at Catholic schools, including St. Mary Elementary School in Goldsboro, NC, from 1967 to 1971 and 1986 to 1991. Special needs Faith Formation the Focus of Workshop Approximately 70 catechists and Catholic school teachers attended a day-long workshop on Monday, May 21, for those involved in faith formation for children with special needs. The workshop featured Dr. Madonna Wojtaszek-Healy, who holds a doctorate in educational psychology and has taught at the college level and also in Catholic elementary school. Her own children have A.D.H.D. and Asperger’s Syndrome, and she has become an advocate for children with these conditions and their families. Presentations during the day covered Attention Deficit Disorder for catechists, Discipline in the Religion Classroom, and the symptom of Asperger’s Syndrome and other Learning Disabilities, along with suggestions for teaching, nurturing and compassionately accommodating children with those special needs. The workshop was part of an effort by the Diocese of Raleigh find ways of reaching out to God’s children who have special needs for faith formation. A ministry committee addressing Special Needs Catechesis is coordinated by Mary DiSano, under the direction of Sister Rose Marie Adams, IHM, through the Diocesan Office of Catechesis and Faith Formation. Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools Mrs. Rosalie Innacelli is also a member of the committee, which is gathering information and resources to assist parish Directors of Religious Education in teaching special needs children. “The goal of the Diocesan Special Needs Committee,” according to Mary DiSano, “is to increase awareness that will encourage families to come forward with their special needs children who desire faith formation, and to equip parish leaders with the tools they need to provide faith formation and sacramental preparation for these children.” Dr. Healy grounded her presentation in Catholic teaching on social justice and then spoke about the misperception that often confronts children with certain learning disabilities. “When we have people with physical disabilities we make structural changes to accommodate them,” she said. “But if a child looks ‘normal,’ his or her behavior can be misconstrued as willful disobedience.” In her booklet “The ABC’s of ADD for Catechists, Dr. Healy urges compassion. “For many,” she writes, “their last hope of finding welcome and acceptance is the Church. Any person who represents the institutional Church has the ability to affect the relationship which this child’s family will have with the parish community.” Like Dr. Healy, a significant number of those in attendance had discovered special needs when their own children were diagnosed. Angela Nickerson, a catechist from Immaculate Conception Parish in Wilmington, said that only when her son was diagnosed did she realize that some of the children she had taught years before, and thought of as “spacey” or difficult, probably had Attention Deficit Disorder. “These children are so misunderstood,” she said. “They get the label of ‘bad kid,’ but they’re not bad kids. I recognize now that there are better approaches to teaching these children.” Mrs. DiSano noted that “special needs” covers a wide spectrum of learning difficulties, from mild Attention Deficit Disorder or mild autism to severe learning disabilities requiring very specialized instruction. “While we can’t as yet address all these needs,” she said, “we want to give parishes the resources to help as many children as possible, and also to raise awareness among those with special-needs children, as well as the rest of those in the parish, that this perhaps distracting youngster is a child of God who is a member of our Church. We want him or her to understand the teachings of our faith as far as their abilities permit, and for them to have access to the sacraments.” l o c a l n e w s Keynote speaker Bob “Righteous B” Lesnefsky. One service project involved making dresses from donated skirts and t-shirts. Students gathered outdoors for group prayer and meditation. At the closing Mass, Bishop Burbidge commissioned the new members of the Youth Board. 42nd Annual Youth Convention Attracts more than 700 T he 42nd Annual Diocese of Raleigh Youth Convention was held at Fort Caswell on Oak Island, May 18-20, 2012. The theme was, “Do this in memory of Me” based on the Gospel of Luke 22:14. Approximately 700 high school students, chaperones and staff representing 43 parishes participated in the event. Youth Convention is an opportunity for parish youth ministry groups to gather for workshops and fellowship and to elect the youth board for the upcoming year. This year, several honorary guests were in attendance including Fr. Ryan Z. Carnecer, NC Catholics CICM, St. Eugene, Wendell; Fr. Vic Gournas, St. Paul, New Bern; Fr. Joseph G. Vetter, St. Therese, Wrightsville Beach; and Fr. Marcos LeonAngulo, Sacred Heart, Whiteville. In addition, 13 Sisters from Orders representing eight different regions 10 June 2012 | www.DioceseofRaleigh.org | www.NCCatholics.org around the country were paired with groups from each Deanery for the weekend. The 2012 Convention concluded with the celebration of Mass with the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge presiding; Fr. Ryan Carnecer, CICM, concelebrated. In Bishop Burbidge’s homily, he noted how the theme, “Do this in memory of Me,” is rooted in the Eucharist. “In the Eucharist, we have the pledge of eternal life. Where the Lord has gone we hope to follow. Do this in memory of me. Do not allow the passing things of this world to consume you and to be your priority,” said Bishop Burbidge. “This life on earth is merely a journey. Keep your priorities in order; keep Among the presenters was Sr. Laura Downing, IHM, who spoke about her vocation. All in attendance gathered for the closing Mass on Sunday. Youth performed skits based on the theme, “Do This in Remembrance of Me.” your eyes fixed on heaven; stay ready and prepared to meet the Lord so that you may enjoy life with Him forever.” The Bishop concluded, “The Convention is over, it is true. You cannot stay here. The Lord needs you back to your homes, schools and communities to be His witnesses. So go in peace, glorifying the Lord with your life and heeding His words: “Do this in memory of me.” The Bishop’s words resonated with one of the participants, who said, “I learned how my actions affect other people and I want to let God shine through me when I go back home.” The keynote speaker, Catholic Rapper Bob “Righteous B” Lesnefsky, energized the youth in attendance. He is a graduate of Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH, and is a successful Christian rapper. Sr. Laura Teresa Downing, IHM spoke about her journey to her vocation, and Katherine Angulo, Director of Youth Ministry, compared Faith to a Journey and even shared her desire to become a saint. New to the Convention this year was a service project: making dresses from donated t-shirts and skirts. The students assembled and sewed the dresses together to be donated to the organization Dress a Girl Around the World. Youth at other service stations made memory jars and pocket prayers. Reflection Stations were also a part of the weekend’s activities. Sisters were assigned parishes and led reflections in different areas of the campus. A group meditation was held at the top of the fort overlooking the entire campus. Night time activities included a talent show, new Youth Board announcements and Eucharistic Adoration. Students walked through a candlelit tunnel leading into the fort where the Blessed Sacrament was exposed. “There was a lot of energy here this weekend and that gives me hope,” said Sister Grace Malonzo, D.W., visiting from the Diocese of Richmond. “Religious life is full of peace, goodness and joy, and I think that was expressed here this weekend.” O n e F a i t h , O n e P e o p l e the man Behind the Cathedral models: Ruben Alex Coplo A s of June 1, Catholics in the Diocese of Raleigh have attended approximately 160 receptions in their parishes to inquire and learn about plans for Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Campus. Many have been able to view one of two detailed models of the Cathedral and the campus. The models were designed by Argentine-born Ruben Alex Coplo, a professional model-maker who lives with his family in Wilson, NC. “These models were difficult,” Ruben said, smiling, “and it’s my personality that the more of a challenge something is, the happier I am. So I loved building these. I wanted to show every detail so people will fall in love with the beautiful architecture.” Ruben has been building models since he was a child. NC Catholics “I’d buy the kits,” he said, “but I never built them the way the instructions said. I was always trying to make them special.” When he came to the United States, a friend put him in touch with a modelmaking company, and he began doing work for architectural firms, first on the West Coast and then in Washing- 12 June 2012 | www.DioceseofRaleigh.org | www.NCCatholics.org ton, DC. “I did everything I could to educate myself, to improve my skills,” he said. “I read books, went to classes and Google seminars. Model making combines a lot of different skills – painting, sculpture, architecture and learning about different materials and techniques.” An assignment with one of his employers brought Ruben to Wilson. “It was beautiful here,” he said, “and safe for my family, so we moved and I started my own business.” Ruben, a Catholic, also found a spiritual home in Wilson’s St. Therese Parish. In building the scale models of the Cathedral Campus, Ruben started with drawings, then researched the topography of the site. Next came the buildings, which he built in parts and then assembled, and the landscaping. Last came what he calls the “magical touch.” Like the Church itself, what brought the models to life was the people. “The people give the model scale,” he said. “They make it possible to appreciate the size of this project. They make it real and give it personality. And the point of a three dimensional model is to make the cathedral a touchable reality.” Ruben estimates that he spent 450 hours on each model, but the satisfaction was well worth the time. “When people saw it and reacted,” Ruben said, “it was Our Lady of Lourdes Combined Campaign Raises $2.3 million towards Goal As the First Block of the Our Cathedral: One Faith, One People campaign nears completion, parishes participating in the Second Block are gearing up for the start of their campaigns, which will be conducted from July through December. As with First Block parishes, the remaining 53 parish communities will have the ability to combine their individual local needs with Cathedral Campus project campaign. For many parishes, being able to conduct a combined campaign has been beneficial. An example is Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Raleigh, which is using the campaign to make enhancements to its church and build a parish recreation center. Fr. John Forbes, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, said the parish conducted a “dreaming with the parish” planning project in which parishioners identified needs that are essential in the coming years. They included improving the worship space and handicapped access, constructing a gymnasium for use by the school and parish, like a million-dollar check. I was very emotional.” The models will continue to travel to parish recep- tions and various Diocesan receptions during the Block 2 Phase of the Cathedral Campaign. and add additional faith formation and meeting space. “We have chosen to combine our campaign with the Diocesan campaign so that parishioners can know and address all of the needs at one time,” Fr. Forbes said. “Our receptions on the parish level allowed parishioners to hear about our plans, to ask questions, and to provide input into the building projects. They were also unifying events where people got to know one another and combine their efforts to support the projects.” Fr. Forbes said parishioners have been challenged to make an equal sacrifice, not an equal gift. “Bishop Burbidge has been very supportive our parish campaign,” Fr. Forbes added. “We have been blessed with a good response and continue to reach out to give each parishioner and school family an opportunity to give.” The Total Campaign Goal for Our Lady of Lourdes was $3.5 million. Of that amount, $1.5 million was for the Cathedral Campus campaign, which included a 2012 Bishop’s Annual Appeal goal of $204,947. The parish is well on its way to their Total Campaign Goal with over $2.3 million in pledges. l o c a l n e w s Bishop Burbidge (center) and (at left) CGHS Principal Mr. Jason Curtis with students graduating in the top 10% of the CGHS Class of 2012. Bishop Celebrates Baccalaureate mass for Cardinal Gibbons High School Graduates O n Sunday, May 27, Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School held its 2011-2012 commencement ceremony at Meymandi Hall in Raleigh for 285 students receiving diplomas. Two days earlier, Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh, celebrated the class of 2012’s Baccalaureate Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Raleigh. The Gibbons Class of 2012 earned over 8 million dollars in academic and athletic scholarships. Among notable colleges the graduates will be attending are Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, Princeton, Stanford, the U.S. Naval Academy, Notre Dame, Villanova and Catholic University. In his homily, the Bishop told the graduates, “Your most important priority in life must be the nurturing of your faith and your intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. For as our Holy Father Pope Benedict recently said to your peers, ‘If you abide in the love of Christ, rooted in faith, you will encounter the source of true happiness and joy...do not be satisfied with anything less than Truth and Love, do not be content with anything less than Christ.’” He urged the students to “practice your faith: through your participation at NC Catholics Mass each weekend; the frequent celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation; the cultivation of personal prayer; and the offering of your generous service to the Church and community, especially in your outreach to those in most need.” 14 June 2012 | www.DioceseofRaleigh.org | www.NCCatholics.org In conclusion, the Bishop asked the graduates to “bring with you your memory (remembering all that your parents and this school have tried their best to teach you) and a renewed commitment to try each day to be the person God calls you to be and a faithful witness of Jesus Christ.” On Saturday, May 26, Bishop Burbidge also attended the graduation ceremony at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for the 2012 graduates of St. Thomas More Academy in Raleigh. f r o m t h e e d i t o r Our Reader Survey St. John of Avila St. Hildegard Holy Father to name two new Doctors of the Church During his address on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, Pope Benedict XVI announced that he will proclaim St. John of Avila and St. Hildegard of Bingen Doctors of the Church on October 7, at the beginning of the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization. Last August, while on his apostolic journey to Spain for World Youth Day, Pope Benedict announced his intention to proclaim St. John of Avila a Church doctor but did not set a date. Earlier in May, the Pontiff announced St. Hildegard’s “equivalent canonization.” “These two great witnesses of the faith lived in very different historical periods and came from different cultural backgrounds,” the pope said. “But the sanctity of life and depth of teaching makes them perpetually present: the grace of the Holy Spirit, in fact, projected them into that experience of penetrating understanding of divine revelation and intelligent dialogue with the world that constitutes the horizon of permanent life and action of the Church.” St. John of Avila was born in 1500 in the town of Almodovar del Campo, 155 miles south of Madrid. A Christian of Jewish descent, he studied law at the University of Salamanca before being ordained a priest. He went on to become a great preacher, author and mystic, writing works that influenced St. Theresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross and St. Francis Borgia among others. St. Hildegard was a 12th century German nun, writer, composer, philosopher and mystic, as well as an abbess and founder of several monasteries. The title of ‘Doctor of the Church’ is bestowed upon a saint whose writings are deemed to be of universal importance to the Church. The Pope must also declare the individual to be of “eminent learning” and “great sanctity.” Other Doctors of the Church include St. Augustine, St. John Chrysostom, St. Francis de Sales, and St. Catherine of Siena. E arlier this year 700 of our readers – one per cent of our total audience – received surveys asking how they felt about NC Catholics. A 10% response (out of that 1%) is considered valid, and about 17% of our readers returned completed questionnaires. The results were mostly positive, but also sent some clear messages about ways we could do better. First, the good news. Seventy-seven per cent of our readers read every issue of NCC and two-thirds spend 15 minutes or more doing so. Since one of our goals is to keep readers in touch with their faith and their Church, this is an encouraging number, especially when you consider that, nationwide, only about 28% of Catholics say that they attend Mass every Sunday. Nine out of ten readers say they find the magazine attractive and eight out of ten say they find it interesting or very interesting. The most interesting items in the magazine, according to our respondents, were the cover story, local news, the Saint of the Month and the Bishop’s column. A strong majority of readers also endorsed the following statements: • Makes me feel more connected to my Catholic faith – 82% • Increases my awareness of programs and ministries offered by the Diocese – 80% • Improves my understanding of the mission and teachings of the Church – 79% • Gives me a greater sense of association with other Catholics in the local Church – 70% • Moves me to be more interested in spiritual growth – 68% While those are strong numbers, we hope to improve them by the time of our next survey. Something else we’d like to improve is our availability to readers under 30, both through content and our medium. Right now we’re examining an App that would make NCC and other Diocesan features available on tablets and Smart phones. And the following remark particularly hit home: “It [the magazine] is more focused on the Raleigh area parishes. Those of us from the smaller, less well-to-do parishes are pretty much ‘left out.’ The Diocese is very big and there is only so much anyone can do. I like the magazine, but it seems like a publication of far-away events and churches and people.” We hope to improve in this area in coming issues. The Diocese is a large one, but every deanery should be represented in every issue in our news, and over the year in our feature stories. That’s a challenge, but readers can help us meet it by writing and letting us know about inspiring and interesting people and events in your parts of the Diocese. We’re eager to hear about them! – Rich Reece is editor of NC Catholics l o c a l n e w s Do not live in contradiction no vivir en contradicción St. Perpetua became a Christian in 203 A.D. during a period of persecution. Her father was against her decision and attempted to dissuade her. She was 22 years old, well educated, married (possibly widowed), and had a baby boy she was still nursing. However, she was unmoved by his pleadings. She asked her father, “See that pot lying there? Can you call it by any other name that what it is?” When he responded that he could not, she said, “Neither can I call myself by any other name that what I am – a Christian.” She was soon arrested with four other catechumens, including the slave Felicity. Although separated from her child in an overcrowded prison in stifling heat, St. Perpetua’s pain was overshadowed by Felicity who was eight months pregnant and who was suffering immensely from the rough handling of the guards. Eventually, they were moved and allowed visitors. St. Perpetua was allowed to have her baby stay with her. However, when once more her father came to beg her to give up Christianity, she said, “We lie not in our own power but in the power of God.” Her father responded by refusing to bring her baby back to see her. When she later refused even the pleading of the judge, she was sentenced to be thrown to the wild beasts in the arena along with Felicity and the others. At the same time, Felicity was going through a different kind of trial. It was against the law for pregnant women to be executed, lest innocent blood be shed. However, two days before the execution date, she went into labor to the mockery of the guards. She gave birth to a girl who was adopted and raised by a Christian of Carthage. On the day of execution then, St. Perpetua and Felicity, along with the others, entered the arena with joy and calm. The women were stripped to face a cow that had contracted rabies. After the crowd demanded they be re-clothed however, they stood side by side as they had their throats severed. Now the question arises: what causes people like St. Perpetua and Felicity to stand firm in the face of death, of the pleadings of loved ones, and of abandoning their small children? An Eastern sage once remarked, “A truth that is not acted upon becomes a poison.” This same sense is what we find in the witness of these saints. Once they encountered the truth that is Jesus Christ, they could not live in denial of this. Had they renounced Christianity in order to save their lives, they would have introduced a contradiction into their lives which would have been far worse than physical death. To know the Truth and then live as if the Truth does not exist is a poison far more deadly to the soul than the knives of any executioner. Santa Perpetua se convirtió en cristiana en el año 203 A.C. durante el tiempo de persecución. Su padre estaba en contra de su decisión y trató de disuadirla. Ella tenía 22 años, era bien educada, casada (posiblemente viuda) y tenía un hijo pequeño al que todavía amamantaba. Sin embargo, ella no se conmovió antes sus ruegos. Ella le pregunto a su padre: “¿Ves esa vasija que está ahí? ¿Acaso se le puede llamar de otro modo?” Cuando su padre respondió que no, ella dijo: “Del mismo modo yo no me puedo llamar de otra forma que no sea cristiana.” Poco tiempo después, ella fue arrestada junto con otros cuatros catecúmenos incluyendo la esclava Felicidad. A pesar que estaba separada de su hijo en una prisión sobrepoblada bajo un calor sofocante, el dolor de Perpetua fue opacado por Felicidad quien tenía ocho meses de embarazo y estaba sufriendo inmensamente debido a los crueles tratos de los guardias. Eventualmente las movieron y les permitieron las visitas. A Perpetua se le permitió quedarse con su bebé. Sin embargo, cuando su padre vino a rogarle que deje el Cristianismo, ella dijo “Nosotros no nos apoyamos en nuestro propio poder sino en el poder de Dios.” La respuesta de su padre fue negarse a volver a traer a su hijo para que la visite. Cuando ella rechazó incluso los ruegos del juez, fue sentenciada a ser destrozada por las bestias salvajes en la arena junto con Felicidad y los demás. Al mismo tiempo, Felicidad estaba siendo procesada de manera distinta. Ejecutar a una mujer embarazada era en contra de la ley por miedo a que se derrame sangre inocente. Sin embargo, dos días antes del día de la ejecución, ella dio a luz en medio de las burlas de los guardias. Ella tuvo una niña que fue adoptada y criada por un cristiano en Cartago. El día de la ejecución, Perpetua y Felicidad, junto con los demás, entraron a la arena con alegría y calma. Ellas fueron desnudadas y puestas frente a una vaca que había contraído rabia. Después que la multitud exigiera que se les cubra con ropas, permanecieron juntas, una al lado de otra, hasta que sus cuellos fueron cortados. Ahora la pregunta es: ¿cual es el motivo por el cual personas como Perpetua y Felicidad se mantienen firmes ante la muerte, ante los ruegos de sus seres queridos y ante la posibilidad de dejar abandonados a sus niños pequeños? Un sabio oriental alguna vez recalcó: “La verdad que no actúa se convierte en veneno”. Este mismo sentido es el que encontramos en el testimonio de estas santas. Una vez que encontraron la verdad en Jesucristo, no podían vivir negándola. Si hubieran renunciado al cristianismo solo para salvar sus vidas, ellas hubieran entrado en una contradicción en sus vidas lo que hubiera sido mucho peor que la muerte física. Conocer la Verdad y luego vivir como si la Verdad no existiera es un veneno mucho más mortal para el alma que los cuchillos de cualquier verdugo. Sts Perpetua and Felicity NC Catholics 16 June 2012 | www.DioceseofRaleigh.org | www.NCCatholics.org Santas Perpetua y Felicidad V p a s t o r ’s o i c e s per spect i v e the Witness of St. Charles Lwanga T he celebration this month of the role of our fathers in our lives brings us to think of all the characteristics associated with our male role models: strong, faithful, committed, selfless. It seems fitting that the feast of St. Charles Lwanga should also fall in the month of June because all these characteristics apply to him. The story of St. Charles Lwanga took place far away, in Uganda, but not so long ago, in the late 19th century. He served in the court of King Mwanga and converted to Catholicism after being catechized by priests from the Society of the Missionaries of Africa (perhaps better known as the White Fathers). King Mwanga initially had no issue with members of his court becoming initiated into the Catholic Church. But as the newly baptized Catholics began to question and reject his immoral behavior, he became outraged. He called his court together and separated the Christians from all the rest. The twenty-two Christians, of whom Charles Lwanga was one of the oldest, were condemned to death. The new Christians told onlookers not to be sad for them, as they were soon going to be with Jesus in heaven. On June 3, 1886, they were wrapped in reeds and burned alive. Pope Paul VI canonized Charles Lwanga and his companions on June 22, 1964 on the site of their execution. The faithful witness of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions inspired the people of his country to convert to Catholicism, to such an extent that when the king died and the White Fathers returned to Uganda, thousands were waiting to be baptized in the faith. As we are about to begin the year of faith, let us be proud to profess our Catholic faith publically and with authenticity. Like St. Charles Lwanga, always be faithful to the sacraments and give witness to your beliefs wherever you are. We remember this pride in our faith whenever we gather together to celebrate the Eucharist, remembering this month our fathers, as well as our brother St. Charles and all the martyrs and saints who have been models of love for God and His Church. – Father Marcos Leon i n o u r c h u r c h la naturaleza de nuestra fe Sudor y Sangre en los Campos de nC C ada año los trabajadores migrantes del campo nos bendicen con su presencia para hacer producir las fértiles tierras de NC con sudor y sangre. Solo en los condados de Johnston, Sampson y Wayne son más de 400 campos de trabajadores agrícolas con un promedio de 15 personas en cada uno de ellos. Son muchos millones de dólares los que producen con grandes sacrificios. Las condiciones en que sobreviven dejan mucho que desear en un país que exige a otros el respeto a los Derechos Humanos pero no lo aplica a sí mismo dentro de sus propias fronteras. Muchos ni siquiera reciben el salario mínimo legalmente establecido, son maltratados por sus patrones, viven en condiciones de hacinamiento, carecen de adecuados sistemas de salud, sufren los efectos nocivos de los pesticidas y no tienen transporte para movilizarse en sus días libres. Como católicos tenemos la gran responsabilidad de velar por los derechos de los más vulnerables. Estos hermanos son, en su gran mayoría, católicos hispanos frecuentemente ignorados por nosotros mismos. Estamos rodeados de ellos pero son invisibles por las condiciones antes señaladas. Necesitamos salir a buscarlos, servirles y atenderlos en el nombre del Señor. Recordemos las palabras de Jesús: “Lo que no hicieron con alguno de estos más pequeños, ustedes dejaron de hacérmelo a mí” (Mt. 25, 45) Tenemos la oportunidad de amar al Señor solidarizándonos con estos hermanos nuestros que enfrentan la explotación, la soledad, la marginación, el abandono y la angustia para compartir la Buena Nueva de Jesús. El Domingo 30 de septiembre 2012 a las 4:00 pm, nuestro obispo Michael F. Burbidge, celebrará una Misa con los trabajadores migrantes en uno de los campos donde viven y trabajan. Será una excelente oportunidad de manifestarles que no están solos; que la Iglesia Católica está con ellos y que cuentan con nuestro apoyo. Nos reuniremos para ofrecer en la Eucaristía su vida y su sangre, junto al pan y el vino, para que el Señor los convierta en signos de vida, justicia y libertad. Si quieres participar con nosotros, puedes llamar a Lettie Banda al 919-821-9771 para mayor información. – Padre Carlos N. Arce, Vicario para los Hispanos Ryan and Kelly Evenson of Chrysalis. NC Catholics 18 June 2012 | www.DioceseofRaleigh.org | www.NCCatholics.org In a room at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Apex, a dozen married couples are praying. One of the couples just celebrated their first anniversary; another has been together 40 years. “Lord Jesus,” they pray, “we place our marriage in Your hands. We pray You would give us teachable spirits open to Your Truth and each other’s needs. Give us hearts always willing to forgive and to ask forgiveness…Help us to grow closer to one another as we grow closer to You, and please surround our marriage and family with Your loving protection.” The couples are members of Chrysalis, just one of many programs available in the Diocese of Raleigh to minister to married couples, from those in crisis to those, like most of the Chysalis spouses, simply trying to keep their marriages strong, prayerful and fulfilling. Ryan and Kelly Evenson, the coordinators of Chysalis, have been married eight years. The group was founded in 2009 by their best friends, Kate and Chaffee Viets, and when Chaffee took a job in Georgia, they asked the Evensons to take over as facilitators. “Kate and Chaffee, along with Joanne Martin from our Parish Council, were the true instruments of giving life to Chysalis,” said Kelly Evenson. “Ryan and I had helped with hospitality, but when they asked us to take over we were pretty humbled. We thought maybe someone more learned and experienced with Scripture would make better leaders, but as we prayed over it, it seemed more and more like something we wanted to do.” The parish group meets monthly in the spring and fall for two hours. Child care is available. Kelly and Ryan arrange for speakers on Catholic marriage or Scripture or topics like communication or personality styles. The couples then write down and discuss their reactions to the presentation and ways they feel it could be applied to their relationship. Meetings open and close with prayer. “Sharing in a group setting with couples you come to know well, you learn things all the time that help enrich your marriage,” Ryan said. “It’s not rocket science, just communication, things you learn about your spouse.” Kelly agreed: “You uncover simple truths, and you have time set aside solely to listen to your spouse, to strengthen your marriage and your faith. I didn’t realize how enriched c o v e r s t o r y Doug and Maryellen Bashioum and Teams of Our Lady. and invigorated I’d feel after these meetings. The couples are excited to be there.” Common themes of discussion include honesty and simple communication, Kelly said, as well as making prayer a priority together and as a family. Recently the group devoted two sessions devoted to couple prayer. “For some people that stretches your comfort zone,” she said, “but the benefits are huge. And the meeting is a safe environment where you can be open and listen to the struggles of other couples that might sound surprisingly like your own.” “Marriage can be hard,” Ryan said. “To succeed, we need God as a part of our relationship.” F or more than 60 years, couples in the U.S. have found support and encouragement in faithfully living out their marriage vows through a movement called Teams of Our Lady. A Catholic lay movement officially recognized by the Holy See under the Pontifical Council for the Laity, it is under the patronage of the Blessed Mother, and members pray the Magnificat daily for Mary’s intercession in their lives. Teams of Our Lady was founded by Father Henri Caffarel in France in 1947. Father Caffarel wrote several books about marriage before his death in 1996 and, like St. John Chrysostom, is considered to be a “prophet of marriage.” He started this community to support traditional marriage and help couples NC Catholics 20 June 2012 | www.DioceseofRaleigh.org | www.NCCatholics.org make more of a commitment to grow in the love of their faith and their spouses. Fourteen Teams of Our Lady groups now exist in North Carolina – two in the Diocese of Raleigh and 12 in the Diocese of CharMarty and Jeanne Driver will facililotte – living out tate Third Option at St. Bernadette the Good News in Parish in Fuquay-Varina. their marriages. Teams of Our Lady groups consist of five to seven couples who meet monthly in each other’s homes to share a meal, pray and discuss the spiritual efforts, or challenges, that they are working on. Sometimes a priest is also a part of a team and may serve as a spiritual advisor to the couples. Couples in Teams agree to practice a spiritual direction that includes personal, couple and family prayer each day; regular reading and reflection on Scripture; a monthly “sit down” for the husband and wife to discuss family and spiritual matters; and an individual “rule of life” for personal improvement. Doug and Maryellen Bashioum, parishioners at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary, are the regional leaders for Teams of Our Lady, overseeing more than 56 groups in the Carolinas and Virginia. They will have been married 52 years in June and have five children, 15 grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. They joined Teams of Our Lady twelve years ago in Virginia. In 2006, they volunteered to drive five-and-a- half hours each way from Virginia to Raleigh every month to help pilot a new Teams group in the Raleigh area. Doug and Maryellen are total opposites when it comes to temperament and have found that Teams of Our Lady has, as Doug says, “been helpful in appreciating our differences rather than trying to correct them. “Teams focus on ‘couple spirituality’ and help you better understand the ‘two becoming one.’ It does this without losing sight of the individual spirituality that each of us has as we progress on our journey through life,” he adds. Maryellen believes Teams of Our Lady has enhanced their spiritual intimacy and made them focus more on each other. She loves the “sit down” time where they can discuss things without the usual distractions of daily living. “It’s important for couples to sit down and check in with each other away from the children, etc., and spend time focusing on each other,” she explained. Maryellen affirmed the Blessed Mother’s central role in her marriage. “Doug and I have developed more of a relationship with the Blessed Mother since joining Teams,” she said. “The whole idea of Mary is to bring you to her Son, which she did. Teams brought us together to look at Mary… pray the Rosary together… look through her eyes. By doing that, you keep expanding spiritually.” J eanne and Marty Driver, members of St. Bernadette Parish in FuquayVarina, have been married twenty years. For most of that time, though, Jeanne said, “We were living the ‘married single’ life. The kids – we have seven – kept us so busy and Marty had two jobs, and we never made time for each other. People would say, ‘You never argue.’ That was because we never talked. Eventually we drifted apart.” By 2009 the couple realized their relationship wasn’t working out and took tentative steps to improve things. Within a couple of years, though, their marriage had hit bottom. Marty describes it as “the darkest time of my life.” “I had to decide if I wanted us to stay together or not,” Jeanne said. The couple sought counseling through Catholic Charities, but the situation drove Marty to his knees. “I knelt by me bed and begged for God’s intercession,” he said. “I was desperate not to lose my wife.” God answered him. Marty described a “light switch.” After that day, he said, things got gradually better until one day “a veil lifted and I saw everything differently.” At the same time God blessed the Drivers with the friendship and guidance of another couple. “We could call them day or night,” Jeanne said, “and they always seemed to know exactly what we were going through, and we could always count on their prayer and support.” Jeanne and Marty also discovered Third Option, a marriage ministry offered at St. Patrick Parish in Fayetteville. Founded 25 years ago in the Diocese of Syracuse, Third Option is an ongoing group program to build better marriages. It can be used both as marriage enrichment or crisis intervention. For hurting couples, who see only two options (painful endurance or divorce) the third option means reconciliation. For ordinary couples, the program teaches them the skills they need to have happier, healthier marriages. “Third Option gets to the core,” Marty said. “It opened our eyes to a lot of things we had mis-communicated or not addressed. It showed us how to express our feelings with respect.” The program combines skill-building workshops with sharing from mentor couples and a support group component. The atmosphere is warm and caring. The Third Option is not counseling, but an educational and support group. “There’s a huge benefit to having a community of couples,” Jeanne said. “Learning that you are not alone, that others are experiencing the same as you or worse, is key to healing.” Marty and Jeanne feel that the combination of Third Option, counseling, their mentoring friends and constant prayer saved their marriage. “The Holy Spirit is truly alive and working with us now, “ Jeanne said. The Drivers’ gratitude for the graces and help they had received fired a desire to give back. They began leading Marriage Enrichment Bible studies at St. Bernadette in Lent of 2012. “We were told to expect two or three couples,” Jeanne said, “and thirteen showed up. There is just a tremend ous need.” The group has studied Scriptures relating to marriage and will soon move into Theology of the Body. In addition, the Drivers will be facilitating Third Option at St. Bernadette beginning June 20. – Rich Reece is Editor of NC Catholics. SueAnn Howell is Staff Writer for the Catholic News Herald of the Diocese of Charlotte. more for Your marriage The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has made understanding and supporting the Sacrament of Matrimony a priority. Chrysalis, Teams of Mary and Third Option are just three of many ways in which the Diocese of Raleigh seeks to enrich, support and when necessary rescue marriages and families. In addition, the Diocese offers marriage preparation and support for engaged couples. For information on the full range of these efforts go to the Diocesan Web site www.dioceseofraleigh.org or call the Diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Ministry, 919.821.9753. e l h i s p a n o C a t ó l i c o Parejas ayudando a Parejas A lo largo de nuestra Diócesis, esposos y esposas buscan matrimonios más fuertes y llenos de fe. E n la Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena en Apex, doce parejas casadas se encuentran en un salón orando. Una de las parejas acaba de celebrar su primer aniversario; mientras que la otra está cumpliendo 40 años de casada. “Señor Jesús”, ellos oran, “ponemos nuestro matrimonio en Tus manos. Te pedimos que nos des un espíritu de enseñanzas sobre Tu Verdad y sobre las necesidades de cada uno. Danos un corazón siempre dispuesto a perdonar y pedir perdón…Ayúdanos a crecer cerca del uno al otro, crecer junto a Ti y por favor rodea nuestro matrimonio y familia con Tu amor protector”. Las parejas son miembros de Chrysalis, uno de los muchos programas disponibles en la Diócesis de Raleigh para servir a las parejas casadas, a aquellas en crisis, a aquellas, como la mayoría de los cónyuges de Chrysalis, simplemente tratando de mantener su matrimonio fuerte, en oración y pleno. Ryan y Kelly Evenson, los coordinadores de Chrysalis, llevan ocho años casados. El grupo fue fundado en el año 2009 por sus mejores amigos, Kate y Chaffe Viets, y cuando Chaffe aceptó un trabajo en Georgia, le pidieron a los Evensons que asumieran la posición de facilitadores. “Kate y Chaffee, junto con Joanne Martin del Consejo Parroquial, fueron los instrumentos verdaderos que dieron vida al programa Chrysalis”, dijo Kelly Evenson. “Ryan y yo habíamos ayudado en hospitalidad, pero cuando nos pidieron asumir la posición nos sentimos muy humildes. Pensamos que quizás alguien con más conocimiento y experiencia en las Escrituras serían mejores líderes, sin embargo, cada vez que orábamos para NC Catholics 22 June 2012 | www.DioceseofRaleigh.org | www.NCCatholics.org discernir, parecía que era algo que deseábamos hacer”. El grupo de la parroquia se reúne cada mes en la primavera y en el otoño por dos horas. Hay cuidado de niños. Kelly y Ryan se encargaron de los conferenciantes sobre el Matrimonio Católico, las Escrituras, temas sobre la comunicación o sobre la personalidad. Las parejas escriben y discuten sus reacciones a la presentación y las formas que ellos sienten se podrían aplicar a su relación. Las reuniones comienzan y terminan con una oración. “Cuando compartes en un grupo de parejas llegas a conocer mejor, aprendes técnicas que te ayudarán a enriquecer tu matrimonio”, dijo Ryan. “No es ciencia espacial, solo comunicación, cosas que aprendes sobre tu cónyuge”. Kelly está de acuerdo: “Descubres verdades simples y tienes tiempo destinado exclusivamente para escuchar a tu cónyuge, para fortalecer tu matrimonio y tu fe. No me imaginaba qué tan enriquecedora y fortalecida me sentiría después de las reuniones. Las parejas están emocionadas de estar allí.” Temas de discusiones comunes incluyen la honestidad y una comunicación simple, dijo Kelly, así como hacer prioridad la oración juntos como familia. Recientemente el grupo dedicó dos sesiones a la oración de pareja. “Para algunas personas se extienden su zona de alivio”, dijo ella, “pero el beneficio es grande. La reunión es un ambiente seguro donde te abres y escuchas las luchas de las otras parejas que pueden sonar sorprendentemente como las de uno mismo.” “El Matrimonio puede ser difícil”, dijo Ryan. “Para tener éxito, necesitamos a Dios que forme parte en nuestra relación”. P or más de 60 años, las parejas en los Estados Unidos han encontrado apoyo y aliento al vivir fielmente sus votos matrimoniales a través de un movimiento llamado Equipos de Nuestra Señora (Teams of Our Lady). Un movimiento Católico de laicos oficialmente reconocido por la Santa Sede bajo el Consejo Pontificio para los Laicos, está bajo la patrocinio de la Santísima Madre, y sus miembros rezan diariamente el Magníficat por la intercesión de Maria en sus vidas. El Equipo de Nuestra Señora fue fundado por el Padre Henri Caffarel en Francia en el año 1947. El Padre Caffarel escribió varios libros sobre el matrimonio antes de su muerte en 1996 y, como San Juan Crisóstomo, es considerado un “profeta del matrimonio”. Él comenzó esta comunidad para apoyar el matrimonio tradicional y ayudar a las parejas a comprometerse a crecer más en el amor de su fe y de sus cónyuges. Ahora existen catorce Equipos de Grupos de Nuestra Señora en Carolina del Norte – dos en la Diócesis de Raleigh y 12 en la Diócesis de Charlotte – viviendo la Buena Nueva en sus matrimonios. Los grupos de Equipos de Nuestra Señora constan de cinco a siete parejas que se reúnen mensualmente en las casas para compartir una comida, para orar y discutir los esfuerzos espirituales, o desafíos, que están enfrentando. A veces un sacerdote también forma parte del equipo y puede servir como un consejero espiritual para las parejas. Las parejas en el Equipo están de acuerdo en practicar una dirección espiritual que incluye una oración personal, de pareja y familiar cada día; lectura y reflexión sobre la Escritura; mensualmente “sentarse” para que el esposo y la esposa compartan asuntos familiares y espirituales; e individualmente la “regla de la vida” para la superación personal. Doug y Maryellen Bashioum, feligreses de la Parroquia del Arcángel San Miguel en Cary, son los líderes regionales del Equipo de Nuestra Señora, supervisando a más de 56 grupos en las Carolinas y en Virginia. En junio ellos cumplirán 52 años de casados, tienen cinco hijos, 15 nietos y un bisnieto. Se unieron al Equipo de Nuestra Señora hace doce años en Virginia. En el 2006, se ofrecieron a manejar cinco horas y media de camino de Virginia a Raleigh cada mes para ayudar con un nuevo Equipo piloto en el área de Raleigh. Doug y Maryellen son totalmente diferentes en temperamento y han encontrado en el Equipo de Nuestra Señora, como dice Doug, “ayuda para aceptar nuestras diferencias en vez de tratar de corregirlas”. “Los equipos se centran en la ‘espiritualidad de la pareja’ y ayudan a comprender mejor el ‘dos convirtiéndose en uno’. Lo hacen sin perder de vista la espiritualidad que cada uno de nosotros tenemos al progresar en nuestra jornada a lo largo de la vida”, agregó. Maryellen cree que los Equipos de Nuestra Señora han mejorado su intimidad espiritual y los ha hecho centrarse más en el otro. A ella le encanta el tiempo de “sentarse” para abordar las necesidades sin la distracción usual de la vida diaria. “Es importante que las parejas tomen tiempo y hablen sobres sus asuntos a solas, etc., y pasen tiempo juntos centrándose en ellos mismos”, explicó ella. Maryellen afirma el rol central de la Santísima Madre en su matrimonio. “Doug y yo desarrollamos una relación con la Santísima Madre desde que nos unimos como Equipo”, afirmó. “La idea de María es brindarnos a su hijo, lo cual ha hecho. Los Equipos nos unieron para ver a Maria…rezar el Rosario juntos…ver a través de sus ojos. Al hacerlo, sigues creciendo espiritualmente. J eanne y Marty Driver, miembros de la Parroquia Santa Bernardita en Fuquay Varina, han estado casados por veinte años. La mayoría del tiempo, sin embargo, dijo Jeanne, “Vivíamos la vida de matrimonio como solteros. Los niños-tenemos siete-nos han mantenido ocupados, Marty tenía dos trabajos, y nunca hacíamos tiempo para nosotros. La gente decía, ‘Ustedes nunca discuten’. Era porque nunca conversábamos. Finalmente, con el tiempo nos fuimos distanciando”. En el año 2009 la pareja descubrió que su relación no estaba funcionando y tomó medidas provisionales para mejorar la situación. En un par de años, sin embargo, su matrimonio había tocado fondo. Marty lo describe como “el tiempo de mayor oscuridad en mi vida”. “Tenía que tomar la decisión si quería estar juntos o no”, dijo Jeanne. La pareja solicitó asesoría a través de Catholic Charities, pero la situación llevó a Marty a doblar sus rodillas. “Me arrodillé al pie de mi cama y rogué a Dios por su intercesión,” dijo él. “Estaba desesperado no quiera perder a mi esposa”. Dios escuchó su plegaria. Marty lo describe como un “interruptor”. Después de ese día, dijo él, las cosas fueron mejorando hasta que un día “me quité la venda de los ojos y lo vi todo de manera diferente”. Al mismo tiempo Dios bendijo a la pareja Drivers con la amistad y la guía de otra pareja. “Les podíamos llamar durante el día o durante la noche,”, dijo Jeanne, “y siempre sabían exactamente por lo que estábamos atravesando, siempre contamos con su apoyo y sus oraciones”. Jeanne y Marty también descubrieron la Tercera Opción, un ministerio de matrimonio que ofrece la Parroquia de St. Patrick en Fayetteville. La Tercera Opción, fundada hace 25 años en la Diócesis de Syracuse, es un programa de grupo en curso para construir mejores matrimonios. Se puede utilizar para el enriquecimiento del matrimonio o la intervención en crisis. Para parejas heridas, que ven sólo dos opciones (resistencia al dolor o divorcio) la tercera opción significa reconciliación. Para parejas ordinarias, el programa brinda herramientas a la pareja para tener un matrimonio más feliz y saludable. “La Tercera Opción llega hasta el núcleo”, dijo Marty. “Nos abrió los ojos para darnos cuenta de la falta de comunicación entre nosotros. Nos enseñó cómo expresar nuestros sentimientos con respeto”. El programa combina talleres de desarrollo de habilidades con el intercambio de mentores de parejas y un componente de un grupo de apoyo. El ambiente es cálido y caritativo. La Tercera Opción no es consejería, sino un grupo educativo y de apoyo. “Tener una comunidad de parejas es un enorme beneficio”, dijo Jeanne. “Saber que no estás sola, que otras parejas están experimentando lo mismo o peor que uno, es la llave a la sanación”. Marty y Jeanne sienten que la combinación de la Tercera Opción, consejería, sus amigos mentores y las oraciones constantes salvaron su matrimonio.”El Espíritu Santo está verdaderamente vivo y está trabajando en nosotros ahora.”, dijo Jeanne. El agradecimiento de los Drivers por la gracia y la ayuda que recibieron les abrió un deseo de devolver algo. En la Cuaresma 2012 empezaron con Estudios Bíblicos para Enriquecer el Matrimonio en la Parroquia de Santa Bernardita. “Se nos dijo que dos o tres parejas participarían”, dijo Jeanne, “asistieron trece. Existe una gran necesidad”. El grupo ha estudiado las Escrituras en relación con el matrimonio y muy pronto estudiarán sobre la Teología del Cuerpo. Los Drivers facilitarán la Tercera Opción en la parroquia de Santa Bernardita comenzando el 20 de junio. Por Rich Reece y SueAnn Howell O bi spo Bur bi dge La Semana del Obispo en Roma R ecién llegado de Roma escribo este artículo al concluir la visita a Ad Limina. Este es un tiempo especial designado para que los Obispos compartan con el Santo Padre, y sus colaboradores más cercanos, la información de la diócesis que servimos, y discutir las bendiciones y los desafíos pastorales que enfrentamos. Esta fue mi primera visita a Ad Limina como Obispo de una Diócesis. Se pueden imaginar mi emoción y también mi gran alegría de transmitir la vitalidad y el crecimiento que continuamos experimentando en la Diócesis de Raleigh. NC Catholics 24 June 2012 | www.DioceseofRaleigh.org | www.NCCatholics.org El lunes durante la semana de nuestra visita, se llevó a cabo una de las partes especiales del viaje. Fue ese día que tuve la oportunidad de saludar personalmente al Papa Benedicto XVI. Mientras nos conducían al salón, mi corazón palpitaba con rapidez. Estaba a punto de ver y hablar con el Sucesor de San Pedro, Jefe Pastor de la Iglesia una, santa, católica y apostólica. Cuando entramos al salón, el Papa ya estaba en su lugar y nos saludó con una sonrisa cálida y suave. Cuando se llegó mi turno de hablar con él, le aseguré el afecto, las oraciones y el apoyo de los sacerdotes, de los religiosos y de los fieles laicos en la Diócesis de Raleigh. Él expresó un profundo agradecimiento. Después del saludo, el Arzobispo de Atlanta, y su obispo auxiliar junto conmigo, el Obispo de Charlotte, Charleston y Savannah (y también los obispos retirados de Charleston y Savannah) entablamos un diálogo con el Santo Padre centrándonos en la Nueva Evangelización. El Papa nos alentó a utilizar recursos y herramientas del día (incluyendo el uso apropiado de los medios de comunicación social) para llevar la verdad del Evangelio al pueblo de Dios de manera nueva y creativa. Sus palabras nos hicieron recordar claramente que la Verdad nunca cambia. La manera en que nos comunicamos debe evolucionar. Estoy muy contento con el uso de medios de comunicación y de las diferentes maneras de comunicación que utiliza nuestra Diócesis (por ejemplo: nuestra página web diocesana recién revisada, facebook, twitter, programas de internet, “Catholic Perspective,” Voz Católica de Carolina de Norte, radio Católica y nuestra revista diocesana, NC Catholics). Después de recibir la bendición del Santo Padre, entregó a cada obispo una cruz pectoral (que llevamos junto al corazón) y rosarios benditos. Relativamente fue un tiempo breve con el Santo Padre; pero uno que atesoraré y nunca olvidaré. A lo largo del resto de la semana, visitamos las distintas Congregaciones y Consejos en Roma formadas por los Cardenales, Arzobispos, sacerdotes, religiosos, y hombres y mujeres laicos. Estas distintas oficinas asisten al Santo Padre llevar la misión de la Iglesia a lo largo del mundo entero. Entre las oficinas que visitamos se incluyeron la Congregación para la Doctrina de la Fe, Culto Divino, Educación Católica y el Pontificio Consejo para la Unidad de los Laicos, Familia y Promover Unidad Cristiana. Una de las visitas destacada fue al Pontificio Consejo para Promover la Nueva Evangelización la cual se hace responsable de llevar el “Año de la Fe” llamado por el Santo Padre (comenzando en Octubre 2012 y finalizando en Noviembre de 2013). Se nos explicó, que el objetivo principal de el “Año de la Fe” es ayudar al Pueblo de Dios a crecer en el conocimiento de la fe (formación); celebrar su fe (culto); y ofrecer testimonio fiel de su fe (evangelización). Claro que, se hace solo a través de una profunda relación intima con Nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Cuando los demás vean la auténtica alegría y paz genuina que encontramos en Cristo, los atraerá a Él y buscarán los mismos dones. En la Diócesis de Raleigh, el Comité del Año de la Fe está trabajando duro para encontrar maneras de celebrar este momento especial en la vida de nuestras parroquias, Diócesis e Iglesia. La visita a Ad Limina también fue una jornada espiritual. Celebramos Misas en cuatro de las Basílicas principales (San Pedro, San Pablo Extramuros, San Juan de Letrán y Santa Maria la Mayor). Desde las tumbas de Pedro y Pablo, uno no puede ayudar pero si para inspirar con el testimonio de valentía que ofrecieron. En la tumba del Beato Juan Pablo II, quien me nombró obispo, oré por la gracia de imitar el fervor y la fe de Pedro y Pablo y ser un fiel sucesor de los apóstoles. También celebramos Misa en el Colegio de Norte América, Seminario para los seminaristas de los Estados Unidos. Actualmente, existen 250 seminaristas inscritos de distintas diócesis. El próximo año, dos seminaristas de la Diócesis de Raleigh (Timothy Ahn y Michael Schuetz) se harán presente. Los seminaristas están ardiendo por su amor al Señor y el deseo de servir a la Iglesia. Por favor continúe orando diariamente por nuestros seminaristas, para que más hombres en nuestra Diócesis escuchen y respondan al llamado de servir como sacerdote y por el aumento de vocaciones a la Vida Religiosa. Otra parte culminante de la visita Ad Limina fue la oportunidad de pasar tiempo con mis hermanos obispos de la Provincia de Atlanta y con los Obispos de Florida. Tuvimos la oportunidad de compartir nuestras alegrías y desafíos pastorales. Pudimos renovar el apoyo fraternal que deseamos ofrecernos unos a otros. Además, ¡disfrutamos algunas comida deliciosas juntos! Como se dice, es imposible tener una mala comida en Italia. A nivel profundo, la visita a Ad Limina me ayudó a recordar que nunca estamos solos. Caminamos en compañía de aquellos que se han adelantado en la fe; con el apoyo de personas especiales y los amigos que Dios ha puesto en nuestras vidas; y con las promesas de la presencia constante de Dios y Su Espíritu Santo para guiarnos. La clave está en estar seguros de que es el Señor quien guía y nosotros los seguidores. Hubo una parte de mi que quería que mi semana en Roma continuara y extender mi tiempo en el sagrado lugar rico en historia; sin embargo, era tiempo de regresar a casa. Afortunadamente y por la gracia de Dios, regresé espiritualmente renovado, lleno de energía, comprometido y agradecido de poder servir como Obispo a esta gran Diócesis. Renuevo mi promesa de tratar cada día dar lo mejor de mi habilidad para servirle a ustedes imitando a Cristo el Buen Pastor y con el celo de Pedro, Pablo y los Apóstoles. Yo necesito y dependo de sus oraciones. Es mi deseo que los meses de verano les permitan tiempo y experiencias para relajarse y estar espiritualmente renovados en la vocación especial que el Señor les ha confiado. ¡Dios les bendiga siempre! N u e s t r a C a t e d r a l ELEMENTOS DIOCESANOS • La Catedral de Santo Nombre de Jesús • Salón de Reuniones • • ELEMENTOS PARROQUIALES • Ayuda a los Pobres • Proyectos de Instalaciones de la Parroquia Instalaciones de Estacionamiento • Mejorar el Ministerio de la Parroquia BAA 2012 • Reducir la Deuda de la Parroquia Una campaña para los fieles de la Diócesis de Raleigh El hombre detrás del modelo de la Catedral: Rubén Alex Coplo A partir del 1 de junio, los Católicos de la Diócesis de Raleigh asistieron aproximadamente a 160 recepciones en sus parroquias para conocer y aprender sobre el plan del Campus de la Catedral del Santo Nombre de Jesús. Muchos han podido ver uno de dos modelos de la Catedral y el campus. Los modelos fueron diseñados por el Argentino Rubén Alex Coplo, fabricante profesional de modelo quien vive con su familia en Wilson, Carolina del Norte. “Estos modelos fueron difíciles”, expresó Rubén, con una sonrisa, “y es mi personalidad que entre más grande es el desafío, más feliz soy. Así que me encanta construir estos modelos. Quise mostrar cada detalle para que la gente se enamorara de la hermosa arquitectura”. Rubén ha estado construyendo modelos desde niño. NC Catholics “Compraba los kits”, dice él, “pero nunca seguí las instrucciones para construirlos; siempre trataba de hacerlos especial”. Cuando Rubén ingresó a los Estados Unidos, un amigo lo conectó con una empresa de modelo de maquetas, y comenzó a realizar trabajos para la empresa de arquitectura, primero en la Costa Oeste 26 June 2012 | www.DioceseofRaleigh.org | www.NCCatholics.org y luego en Washington, DC. “Yo hacía todo lo que estaba a mi alcance para educarme, para mejorar mis habilidades”, expresó él. “Leía libros, asistí a clases y hacía los seminarios de Google. Elaborar los modelos exigió diferentes habilidades– pintar, decorar, arquitectura y aprendizaje acerca de las diferentes técnicas y materiales”. El trabajo con uno de sus empleadores trajo a Rubén a Wilson. “Era hermoso aquí”, dijo él, “y seguro para mi familia, así que nos mudamos y comencé mi propio negocio”. Al construir los modelos del Campus de la Catedral, Rubén comenzó con dibujos, luego investigó la topografía del sitio. Empezó la construcción, que formó por partes, después el jardín y lo armó. Por último, lo que él llama el “toque mágico”. Igual que la Iglesia misma, lo que dio vida a los modelos fue el pueblo. “La gente dio la escala al modelo”, dijo él. “Ellos hacen posible poder apreciar el tamaño de este proyecto. Lo hacen real y le dan personalidad. El objetivo de un modelo con tres dimensiones es para hacer la catedral una realidad tocable”. Rubén calcula que dedicó 450 horas en cada modelo; pero la satisfacción mereció el tiempo. “Cuando la gente lo contempló y reaccionó,” dijo Rubén, “fue como recibir un cheque de un millón de dólares. Fue muy emotivo para mí”. Las dos Campaña en una de nuestra Señora de Lourdes recauda $2.3 millones hacia el Objetivo Como el Primer Bloque de la campaña Nuestra Catedral: Una Fe, Un Pueblo se acerca a su final, las parroquias participando en el Segundo Bloque se preparan para comenzar sus campañas, y se coordinarán desde Julio hasta Diciembre. Así como el primer Bloque de las parroquias, el resto de las 53 parroquias comunitarias tendrán la oportunidad de coordinar las necesidades locales con el proyecto de la campaña del Campus de la Catedral. Para muchas parroquias, poder coordinar dos campañas en una sola ha sido beneficioso. Un ejemplo es la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes en Raleigh, que está utilizando la campaña para hacer mejoras a su iglesia y construir un centro de recreación para la parroquia. El Padre John Forbes, párroco de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, dijo que la parroquia coordinó el proyecto “soñando con la parroquia” donde los feligreses identificarán las necesidades esenciales de los siguientes años. Incluyeron mejorar el espacio de culto y el acceso de discapacitados, construir un gimnasio para el uso de la escuela y parroquia, y añadir espacios para la formación Los modelos continuarán viajando a las recepciones de las parroquias y a varias recepcio- nes Diocesanas durante la fase del Bloque 2 de la Campaña de la Catedral. de fe y para las reuniones. “Hemos escogido incorporar nuestra campaña con la campaña Diocesana para que los feligreses puedan conocer y satisfacer todas las necesidades al mismo tiempo”, dijo el P. Forbes. “Nuestras recepciones a nivel parroquial, le brindarán a los feligreses la oportunidad de conocer nuestros planes, hacer preguntas y proveer información a los proyectos de las construcciones. También están uniendo eventos para que la gente se conozca y puedan unir esfuerzos para apoyar los proyectos”. El P. Forbes expresó que han desafiado a los feligreses a realizar un sacrificio igual, no un regalo igual. El Obispo Burbidge ha apoyado mucho nuestra campaña parroquial”, añadió el P. Forbes. “Somos bendecidos con respuestas positivas y continuamos acercándonos para brindar a cada feligrés y familia escolar una oportunidad para dar”. El Objetivo de la Campaña Total de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes fue de $3.5 millones. De esa cantidad, $1.5 millones fue hacia la campaña del Campus de la Catedral, que incluyó el objetivo de $204,947 a la Campaña Anual del Obispo. En mayo, Nuestra Señora de Lourdes ha recibido $2.3 millones de dólares en promesas y está en camino de lograr su Objetivo de la Campaña Total. c o m m u n i t y things to do: Priesthood Discernment Group, June 9, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 219 Edenton Street, Raleigh, N.C. 27603. Adult Catholic men between the ages of 17-48 discerning a possible call to Priesthood are invited to the Priesthood Discernment Group meetings held on the third Saturday of each month. If you are just beginning to contemplate a vocation or are more serious about a call to priesthood please consider attending this group. The Priesthood Discernment Group provides a fraternal environment in which to discuss your discernment of a possible call to Priesthood with other men who are also examining the call. The group discusses issues central to the call and does so within the context of prayer, presentations, and discussion. The morning Upcoming events at Avila Retreat Center 711 Mason Road, Durham. 27712. To register or for more information, call 919.477.1285. Father’s Day: Quality time with Our Father: Ignatian Retreat for men: Friday, June 15, 2-3 p.m. – Sunday, June 17, noon. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus at St. Luke the Evangelist and St Raphael the Archangel. Catholic men, is God calling you to a peaceful respite and conversation with Him? This silent retreat will give you opportunity for reflection on your roles and relationships in our world. Fr. Michael Proterra, S.J., drawing on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, will lead us through vocal, contemplative and meditative approaches that focus on Our Father and how we as Catholic men can serve Him in our lives. The $145 cost includes overnight room for two nights, two dinners, two breakfasts and a lunch. To register, send a $50 deposit, made out to K of C #12455 -- Ignatian Retreat, to C/O Jim Haag, 500 Emerywood Dr., Raleigh 27615. For information contact him at [email protected] or 919.841.5817. Weekend for Engaged Couples, July 13-15, Fri. 7 p.m. - Sun. Noon. Contact Linda Bedo, Director, Marriage & Family Ministry, Diocese of Raleigh, at 919.821.9753 NC Catholics theology Workshop, July 20-22, Fri. 7 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. Theme: Entering the Inner Chamber of the Soul: Teresa’s Interior Castle. Description: This weekend will be an opportunity for us to get our minds our of our soul’s way. St. Teresa of Avila will be our guide, and Mary will be our model. They will be our resources in helping us to open the doorway to the inner rooms our heart. For the little time we have, we will be “mystics without monasteries” as well as our busy minds and hearts to identify some of the fears and doubts (“reptiles”), that prevent us from “feeling God in the walls of our soul”. The weekend will also offer time for personal reflection, as well as guided prayer experiences. Presenter: Ann Harriman holds a certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Bethesda, MD. Ann has also been trained in accompanying retreatants taking the 20-week spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. She has been involved in offering retreats for the wives of the Deacons in the Permanent Diaconate Program for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, Maine. Ann is a proud mother of five children, and a grandmother of ten grandchildren. Donation: $160. 28 June 2012 | www.DioceseofRaleigh.org | www.NCCatholics.org begins with Mass. Coffee and doughnuts will be available in the Office of Vocations (two doors down from the Cathedral) after Mass. Morning Prayer, a discussion/presentation about discernment/Priesthood, Daytime Prayer, and lunch follow. For more information contact the Vocations Office, 919.832.6279. Next group June 9. Single & Single Again. Single-Single Again is a group of single, divorced, or widowed Catholic adults, brought together through common interest as we pray, work and play together. The group was formed to offer help and support in facing the challenges of being single and “single again” in the Catholic Church. We meet for Mass once monthly on Sundays at 5:30 pm. If you are interested to become a part of our community, please plan to attend Mass with us. Upcoming Mass schedule: June 10 at Doggett Center at Aquinas House, NCSU. Visit our website at http://www. singlesingleagain.com/ for more information about SSA ministry and to sign up for our Yahoo group that sends out notices of our activities. the Justice theater Project presents “Light on the Horizon,” at Clare Fellowship Center on the campus of the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi, 11401 Leesville Road, Raleigh, NC 27613, on June 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8:00 p.m. and June 10, 17 and 24 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for Adults, $15 for students and senior citizens, and $12 for groups of 10 or more. For more information call 919.264.7089 or visit www.TheJusticeTheaterProject.org. Faithful Servant Institute, June 17-22, Ridgecrest Conference Center in Black Mountain, NC. The Faithful Servant Leadership Institute p a r e n t i n g is a program co-sponsored by the Dioceses of Charlotte and the Diocese of Raleigh, NC. It is a weeklong intensive training experience for high school youth designed to foster their Catholic Christian spirituality and develop specific leadership skills to live out their Christianity in practical, everyday ways. Cost $265; some financial aid available. Registration deadline June 1. For more information go to www.dioceseofraleigh.org/utils/getcalendarpdf.aspx?id=2527 or call Katherine Angulo at 919.821.9770 or youth. [email protected]. marriage Encounter Weekend, June 22-24, place TBA. Love your spouse by giving the gift of yourself. Show your love to one another by deepening your communication, rekindling your romance and renewing your sacrament. Contact William and Elizabeth Nickles, 704.469.3866 or [email protected]. AAmEn Annual Retreat, June 23, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., St Alphonsus Center, 810 Reid Street East, Wilson, NC 27893. Fr. Wayne Paysse, Executive Director of the Black and Indian Mission Office, will be our retreat leader. The theme for retreat is the New Evangelization and what it means for the Black & Indian communities. $20 per person for hospitality and materials. RSVP to Lauren Green, aamen. [email protected] or 919.821.9762. j o u r n e y I am a widower How do I tell my children I am in a new relationship? I am a widower with two young children. I met someone I want to marry, and we’ve been quietly dating for about a year. When and how do I tell the kids? Will they be OK with a new mother? telling the kids. Set aside a block of time when you will be free of distractions. Emotional news doesn’t mix well with hunger or sleepiness, so consider those factors when choosing a time. A comfortable spot in your home, perhaps where you read stories, is a better location than a public setting. Be matter-of-fact and explain that you are going to get married – don’t make it sound negotiable based on their reactions. They may respond that they want Mommy back; acknowledge their feelings. Explain that you will make sure they remember their mom. Let them know that all questions are OK to ask. This isn’t a one-time discussion, because they will continue to sort out their thoughts. Be ready to explain again, listen carefully. not a new mother. Clarify that your new wife is not a replacement for their mom. Rather than a new mother, they have a new family member who cares for them. Allow time for them to adjust to the relationship. They may, in time, feel comfortable acknowledging the relationship by adopting a term associated with motherhood. Start out slowly and let them use her first name, if that seems most comfortable. Emphasize that their maternal grandparents and other relatives always will be a part of their lives; your new wife’s family means more people to care about them, not people that you want them to love instead of others. Dealing with change. Your children have experienced a loss that they will be processing throughout life. They may be concerned about losing you, as well, to this new relationship – or even to death. Keep this in mind and try to establish a daily schedule that is predictable. Regular family dinners, bedtime rituals and other opportunities for interaction will help them feel secure. Incorporate your fiancée into the family activities. Keep in mind that adjustment takes time and patience: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) par i sh pr ofi l e A Gift from New York St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Raeford Keaney, newly appointed Pastor. The first St. Elizabeth Catholic community comprised fourteen families. In 1984, St. Elizabeth played a special part in the history of the Diocese of Raleigh, when Bishop Joseph F. Gossman assigned that parish the first Pastoral Administrator of the Diocese, Sister Dolores Glick, MHSH. Among the ministries instituted by “Sister Dolly” was a women’s Scripture study every Wednesday, at which members read and discussed the upcoming Sunday Readings. The group is still active. Sister Elizabeth Bullen, IHM, who became Pastoral Adminisn 1958, Fr. James Keaney, Pastor of trator in 2011, joined this group as “a great way for me to get St. Mary Parish in Laurinburg, was to know the parish.” Today St. Elizabeth is the only Catholic church serving approached by four Catholic women Hoke County, with 380 registered households, including a from Bronx, NY, about building a few founding families still in the parish. An example is the chapel in North Carolina. He consulted Frahm family, who have been in Raeford since before there was a church. One of the Frahm“children,” 59-year-old Regwith then Bishop Vincent S. Waters, who gie, has been an altar server since the parish began. accepted a gift of $20,000 from Genevieve Many of St. Elizabeth’s members are military families assoM. Carter, Sue Gorman, Marian D’Agostino ciated with nearby Ft. Bragg. “There is a long line of military family history here,” said Sr. Bullen, “and military life poses and Teresa Conlin to establish a church in unique challenges, such as long absences of a spouse or a mission territory in the Diocese of Raleigh. parent. But these families have a powerful support system for one another. They anticipate each other’s needs. Our Knights Ms. Carter explained in a letter to Father Robert of Columbus play a large role in that L. Wilken, then editor of the North Carosupport.” the Diocese of lina Catholic, on Feb. 15, 1959: “We are Some 60% of St. Elizabeth’s memmost anxious to fulfill a wish our late bership is Hispanic. “I have been so employer, Mr. Walter J. Black, had impressed with the diversity of that expressed prior to his death. He wanted community,” said Sister Bullen. “Many are to build a church somewhere in the South bilingual and they bring so many different in memory of his dearly beloved mother and gifts and talents to the parish.” St. Elizabeth of have it called St. Elizabeth after her.” Ms. Sister explained that St. Elizabeth is a comHungary, Raeford Carter continued, “It is just a little token of munity that comes together in sickness and appreciation for the generosity, kindness, in health, regardless of ethnicity. “My prayer 6199 Fayetteville Road, thoughtfulness and interest he had in us.” for the future of St Elizabeth is for the parish Raeford One year later, Bishop Waters dedicated to grow in spirituality and faith and in their St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church knowledge of God’s love for them,” she said, 910.875.8803 in Raeford, NC. The four benefactors were “and that they continue to be a community present at the dedication along with Fr. that cares for one another.” I Raleigh l o c a l n e w s Justice theater Project Addresses Gulf Oil Spill This month the Justice Theater Project (JTP) will present “Light on the Horizon,” a play based on the April 2010 oil well explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. Based on interviews and observations in Louisiana Gulf communities, the play begins in the 1960s, when Gulf communities embraced the oil industry and the first rigs on the horizon, and portrays the grief and anger of those whose livelihood depended on a healthy Gulf. The play is written and directed by Deb Royals, founder of JTP. “There are so many layers to this story,” she said. “In southern Louisiana mourning and joy sit side by side, and the people are so strong and tenacious. Researching for this play was a sacred journey, one that rendered incredible insight and light.” “Light on the Horizon” will be performed at Clare Fellowship Center on the campus of the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi, 11401 Leesville Road, Raleigh, NC 27613. June 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. and June 10, 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and senior citizens, and $12 for groups of 10 or more. All seating is general admission. For more information on special prices and features, go to www.thejusticethe- aterproject.org. The Justice Theater Project is an advocacy and activist theater company whose mission is to use the performing arts to bring to the fore of public attention the needs of the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed. Each year JTP presents a diverse combination of original works, main stage productions, and community outreach events focusing on issues of social justice. June 2012 715 Nazareth St. Raleigh, NC 27606 919.821.9730 Online: www.DioceseofRaleigh.org www.nCCatholics.org The Diocese of Raleigh is now on Facebook to share news, stories, photos and video from across Eastern North Carolina. Find us at www.facebook.com/dioceseofraleigh. p l e a s e r e c y c l e