Nothing can replace a good teacher
I am writing regarding the March 16 Catholic News Herald story "Belmont Abbey freshmen to receive iPads." The student-teacher dynamic has long been epitomized by the profound influence of Socrates on his followers, only to be surpassed by Jesus Christ. Given all the progress over the past 3,000 years, no technology has replaced the personal influence of the great teacher on his or her students. This personal influence is of such immense import, it is no wonder that the greatest Teacher left us His presence in the Eucharist for all time.
The admonishments in the story of the very good professors, Drs. Travis Cook and Al Benthall, pertaining to the use of and reliance on such technology as the iPad cannot be overstated, and need to be heeded by academic institutions and parents alike.
As Pope Benedict XVI wrote in "Spe Salvi": "Without doubt, (progress) offers new possibilities for good, but it also opens up appalling possibilities for evil – possibilities that formerly did not exist."
Joseph P. Lindsley Sr. lives in Charlotte.

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Patron saints of families
There's a saint for everyone, and families are no different. Here are a few noteworthy examples for your family to learn more about. There is the familiar and beloved St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, and St. Francis of Assisi, who's on everyone's... -
Reflections on St. PeterPeter the fishermanAfter Jesus, Peter is the figure best known and most frequently cited in the New Testament writings: he is mentioned 154 times with the nickname of Pétros, "rock," the Greek translation of the Aramaic name Jesus gave him directly;...
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Pope Francis on the Year of Faith
Pope Francis spoke about the Year of Faith in his audience with representatives of the Churches and Ecclesial Communities, and other religions March 20: "I begin my apostolic ministry in this year that my venerated predecessor, Pope Benedict... -
As pope, Benedict worked to promote understanding of Vatican II
VATICAN CITY — On Feb. 14, in one of the last public appearances of his pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI spoke to the clergy of Rome about his experiences at the Second Vatican Council, which he had attended as an expert consultant half a century... -
People around world pledge to say rosary daily during Year of FaithEASTON, Mass. — The Family Rosary division of Holy Cross Family Ministries in Easton has gathered more than 80,000 pledges from people around the globe who said they would pray the rosary daily during the 2012-13 Year of Faith. The pledges,...
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A culture of life
In 2013 our country observes a shameful anniversary: marking 40 years of a "culture of death" that began when the U.S. Supreme Court, in Roe v. Wade, struck down all state laws restricting abortion. Since the advent of "legalized" abortion,... -
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Lives of the Saints
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St. Justin Martyr, patron of philosophers, honored June 1
On June 1, one day before 2011's celebration of the Ascension of Christ, the Catholic Church honors the memory of the early Christian philosopher St. Justin Martyr. Justin was born around the year 100 in the Palestinian province of Samaria,... -
Roman martyrs Sts. Marcellinus and Peter remembered June 2
On June 2, the Catholic Church remembers two fourth-century martyrs, Sts. Marcellinus and Peter, who were highly venerated after the discovery of their tomb and the conversion of their executioner. Although the biographical details of these two martyrs... -
St. Barnabas, 'son of encouragement' Feast day: June 11
Catholics will celebrate the memory of St. Barnabas on June 11. The apostle and missionary was among Christ's earliest followers and was responsible for welcoming St. Paul into the Church. Though not one of the 12 apostles chosen by the Lord, Jesus, he... -
St. Anthony of Padua, 'Hammer of Heretics,' honored June 13
On June 13, Catholics honor the memory of the Franciscan priest St. Anthony of Padua. Although he is popularly invoked today by those who have trouble finding lost objects, he was known in his own day as the "Hammer of Heretics" due to the powerful... -
St. Aloysius Gonzaga, patron of AIDS patients, remembered June 21
On June 21, the Church celebrates the life of St. Aloysius Gonzaga. St. Aloysius had a great desire to serve and know God as a young boy, but his family life was not always aligned with his desire. He was born into a noble Italian family and...
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RESOURCES
- Read the Catechism in a year: A little to read every day, emailed each morning during the Year of Faith
- USCCB: Stories, videos and more about the Year of Faith
- Annusfidei.va: Vatican's Year of Faith website
- Catholic Relief Services: Features and stories about Year of Faith
- My Year of Faith App: Daily prayers, reflections and thoughts
- Video Catechism for Teens: A free online resource for youths and young adults
- Weekly video series: “C4: Ignite Your Catholic Faith”
- OnceCatholic.org: Geared for people who have left their Catholic faith
- Explore the Sacraments: An 8-part video series on the Sacraments
FROM THE PASTORS
Read and listen to homilies posted regularly by pastors at parishes within the Diocese of Charlotte:
- Fr. Frank Cancro at Queen of the Apostles
- Fr. Patrick Earl at St. Peter in Charlotte
- Fr. John Eckert at St. John the Baptist in Tryon
- Fr. Timothy Reid at St. Ann in Charlotte
- Fr. Benjamin Roberts at Our Lady of Lourdes in Monroe
- Fr. Patrick Winslow at St. Thomas Aquinas in Charlotte
- Watch full Masses live and on demand, listen to homilies and reflections from Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury
- Listen to homilies from St. William Catholic Church in Murphy


