01.05.07

DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

FRIDAY, JANUARY

S, 2007

Diocesan office promotes potential vocations to 'Go Out and Fish' in 2007 . By DAVE JOLIVET, EDITOR

FALL RIVER - In Matthew 4:19, Jesus implores Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, both fishermen, "Come, follow me. I will make you fishers of men:' Nearly 2,000 years later, Christ still makes that request to men and women; to devote their lives to the salvation of others. The need is great for new priests, religious Brothers and Sisters, and the diocesan Vocation Office, under the direction of Father Edward E. Correia, takes the call very seriously. "We know the need is great, and we're very excited about the events we have planned for 2007;' Father Correia recently told The Anclwr.

With promoting new vocations in mind, the Vocation Office has introduced a new campaign called "Go Out and Fish." Father Correia said the focus of the campaign is a DVD produced by the Vocation Office of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called "Fishers of Men." The 18-minute productiori is a fast-paced video which shows many facets of a priest's daily life. Several priests from across the U.S. provide testimony to the importance they place on their vocation, including Msgr. Steven J. Avila, pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Mansfield, and diocesan director of the Television Apostolate, and Father David Engo who has served in the Diocese of Fall River. ,The result is a very moving and inspiring film, sure to touch the hearts of all who see it.

Father Correia told The Anchor that a copy of the DVD was sent to all priests who are in parish work in the Fall River Diocese. "Not only is this a tremendous tool to foster vocations;' said Father Correia, ''but it is such an encouraging message for those who have already answered the call."

The DVD will be featured in several planned events this year.

The "Go Out and Fish" campaign begins Sunday at St. Julie Billiart Parish Center on Slocum Road in North Dartmouth.

Beginning at 2 p.m., the "Fishers of Men" DVD will be shown at an information session on the priesthood for college students.

An open discussion will follow until 3:30. "We have sent out invitations to several young men, but it should be noted that any college-age young man may attend the session at St. Julie's," said Father Correia.

A similar information day will be held at the same location and time for high school students on January 28. Again, som~ young men have been invited, but all are welcome to attend.

Tum to page 18 - Vocations

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AN EPIC STORY - Children of Holy Family-Holy Name School gathered to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ at their annual Christmas Pageant held at St. Lawrence Martyr Ghurch in New Bedford.

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Proposed marriage ame~dment advances

By GAIL BESSE

BOSTON - In a cliffhanger session, state lawmakers finally voted Tuesday to advance a proposed constitutional amendment that would let voters in 2008 define marriage as a heterosexual union.

Hours before its 2006 session ended, the Massachusetts Legislature voted 62-134 to approve the Protection of Marriage Amendment. Only 50 votes were needed for the citizen initiative to clear this hard-won hurdle, but it must still survive a second vote by approval of one quarter of the Legislature this year.

The ballot referendum at first won with 61 votes, but then opponents pushed for reconsideration to try and reverse the outcome.

That's when marriage supporters who filled the State House spontaneously broke into small groups in prayer as they awaited the outcome, said Bea Martins, who had traveled by bus with nearly 50 people from the Fall River-New Bedford area.

"It was a nerve-wracking time," she recalled, "but we just

continued to reach out in prayer." The second vote affirmed the II th-hour victory and added another supporter.

"We 'rere elated! Praise be to God for helping us accomplish thist said Martins, who represents the Fall River Diocese with CatIlolic Citizenship, a bishop-approved lay political ac• I, bon group.

Homdsexuallobbyists had fought fiercely against the proposal, wtpch has national significance as it could reverse the state's distinction as being the only one to allow same-same "marriage." The amendment does not address civil unions and would nd~ affect same-sex "marriages" contracted since May 2004 fo1l9wing an activist court ruling.

"I w~ relieved that after all this time, we finally got a vote and avoided a constitutional crisis," said Rep. Robert Correia of Fall Rive!. "Gay marriage is not a civil right, and people have a right to d~bate and decide the issue."

PolitiCians had ducked voting on the measure during two I' Tum to page five - Amendment I,

Marriage Act; pastoral plan; faith formation; Appeal; tqp 2006 stories

By DEACON JAMES

N.

DUNBAR

FALL RIVER - The effort by Church leaders, faithful Catholics and people of many faiths in Massachusetts to restore marriage to its dignity as the basic social structure designed by God in his plan for creation, appears the single greatest remembrance of 2006 for Catholics in the Fall River Diocese.

At the same time a new phase in Pastoral Planning, a new Office of Faith Formation and director, the naming of former Fall River Bishop and Boston Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., to the college ofcardinals, and a successful Catholic Charities Appeal in the face of Middle East war fears and rising gasoline costs, were also front page news.

Catholics in the diocese were busy. They celebrated the anniversaries of their churches and clergy and religious, took

part in hplY hours to pray for more vocations to the priesthood, embraced new pastors and associates and bade goodbye I •• to those retmng.

They ~enerously supported the missions through prayers and colle~tions and journeyed afar to give personal assistance; kept res~onding to the plight of Catholics still hurting from 2005 h~canes in New Orleans and Mississippi; taught and brought ~e faith to the elderly, the young and catechumens; fed the hUngry via parish pantries; sheltered the homeless; and became ~bassadors of Christ by ministering to fellow parishionerk' spiritual and societal needs.

They!~acrificed as family to send their children to Catholic schools; knd guided them spiritually by taking them to Mass • . I recepbon and urgmg 0 f the sacraments; were VI·tal·In Respect I' Tum to page 14 - Year End 1,

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Moving in fast forward: 2006 saw acceleration of Benedict's papacy

By DEACON JAMES N.

DUNBAR AND CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY - The year 2006 saw an acceleration of Pope Benedict XVI's pontificate, highlighted by publication of the pope's first encyclical, four foreign trips and important appointments at the Vatican and around the world.

For what was supposed to be a pared-back papacy, it was a busy 12 months.

The world will remember the big events: the pope's November visit to Thrkey and his prayer in the Blue Mosque, the earlier controversy over the pope's remarks on Islam at the University of Regensburg, his encyclical proclaiming the simple Christian message that "God is love," and his first consistory to induct 15 new cardinals.

But most of the pope's work did not make headlines and took place in quiet offices behind the Vatican's walls. On this day-to-day level, the pace quickened for the pontiff, who turned 79 April 16 - three days before the first anniversary of his election.

During 2005, it seemed the pope was easing into office; in 2006, his daily schedule was starting to look like that of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II. Pope Benedict held more than 700 private audiences during 2006, including some 360 "ad !imina" meetings with individual bishops from dioceses on three continents.

He gave more than 300 speeches or talks, celebrated more than 50 public Masses or prayer services and addressed close to a million people in his weekly general audiences.

In October, he canonized four new saints, including St. Mother Theodore Guerin, the 19th-century foundress of a religious order and numerous schools in Indiana.

In February, he named 15 new cardinals, including Boston Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM, Cap., the first step toward placing his own mark on the College of Cardinals, which will one day elect his successor. The pope convened the cardinals for an advisory meeting to discuss Islam and possible wider use of the Tridentine Mass.

Early in his pontificate, Pope Benedict announced he did not plan

to travel much. You wouldn't know it by his peregrinations in 2006: - in a May trip to Poland he paid tribute to Pope John Paul and, in a visit to the site of the Auschwitz death camp, condemned the brutality and cynicism ofthe Nazi regime; - in July, he joined hundreds of thousands of families from around the world in Valencia, Spain; - in September, he returned to his native Bavaria in southern Germany - but the homecoming aspect was overshadowed by his comments on Islam in an academic lecture at his former university; - in late November, he traveled to Thrkey for a four-day trip that built new. bridges with Islam and with the Orthodox Christian communities.

The pope also traveled extensively in Italy, vacationing in the Alps and addressing a national Church conference in Verona, where he weighed in on moral and legislative issues.

In what has become a hallmark of his pontificate, Pope Benedict continued to speak offthe-cuff and sometimes delivered entire speeches extemporaneously. One of the more moving moments came during a springtime encounter with 40,000 young people in St. Peter's Square.

The pope sat on a chair and patiently answered the youths' questions, telling them he decided to become a priest after witnessing Nazi brutality - but that he wondered whether he was cut out for a life of celibacy. It was another example of how the pope has used a quiet, thoughtful style to connect with his audiences.

Pope Benedict displayed a similar openness when he was interviewed at length by German-language TV and radio reporters, responding to questions about the

Square for a candlelight vigil. ter common good.

He was quick to speak out on the But the pope remained silent, war in the Middle East, life and waiting, as ailing Cuban President AIDS. Earlier in the year, the pope death, science and medicine; geno- Fidel Castro ceded power to his commissioned an exhaustive cide, controversial court rulings, younger brother, ending the longVatican study on medical and moral same-sex unions, abortion, the est current dictatorship in the world aspects of condom use and AIDS, clergy, and famine and and prompting wide speculation on in view of a possible document on homelessness; and addressed the is- Cuba's future in the international sue of 200 million children under sphere. the topic.

Pope Benedict languished at the In September, Zambian Arch- 14 forced to work.

He warned of consequences of worst exodus of Iraq's Christians bishop Emmanuel Milingo was excommunicated after he illicitly or- escalating violence in Middle East, since 2003 reduced their numbers dained four married men as bish- criticized Hamas and Hezbollah for from 1.2 million to 600,000. He met ops, in a push for acceptance of fomenting violence, and called on with more than 150 religious leadmarried priests in the Latin-rite Israel to exercise restraint. He la- ers from around world gathered in Church. The pope responded by mented the deaths of coal miners Assisi, Italy, for shared prayers for convening a meeting of Vatican in West Virginia; and of 26 mis- peace and calls the gathering "prodepartment heads, which issued a sionaries murdered during the year. phetic."

He watched At a Vatican-sponsored congress "with hope" on stem-cell research, the pope enthe U.S. Senate dorsed research and therapy involvTOPNEWS confirm ing adult stem-cells.

Also in October, the pope ended Samuel Alito Jr., making him U.S. permission for lay ministers to fifth Catholic cleanse sacred vessels after Comon Supreme munion; and spoke out against the Muslim-Catholic tensions continue with riots, a C o u r t ; New Jersey Supreme Court ruling papal comment thot was viewed negatively and the pope's November visit to Thrkey, a country with a "prayed" as a that same-sex couples must have Muslim majority.

Kentucky same rights as married couples. Ad2. IMMIGRATION judge approved dressing representatives of the 3. IRAQ a $85 million world's Christian communities, the settlement of pope said Christians must heal their 4. CHURCH FINANCES Cov i ngton divisions to be a sign of hope. Meet5. 'THE DA VINCI CODE' Diocese with ing Irish bishops, he called clergy 382 sex abuse sex abuse of minors a "heart-rendNEWSMAKERS victims; reaf- ing" tragedy needing urgent Church 1. POPE BENEDICT XVI firmed Church response. .

During his first full year as the leader of The pope several times asserteachings as the Catholic Church, the pope issued his first encyclical. traveled to various countries and federal courts tively urged international agreenamed 15 new cardinals. in New York ments protecting rights of migrants 2. PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH and California and refugees, and called the 3. BISHOP WILLIAM S. SKYLSTAD declared fed- planned 700-mile U.S. border fence eral ban on par- "inhuman project."

4. ST. MOTHER THEODORE GUERIN tial-birth aborAt a Vatican meeting with An5. JUSTICE SAMUEL ALITO JR. tions unconsti- glican Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury, the pope expressed tutional.

Pope Benedict offered monetary continuing commitment to strong reaffirmation of the value of and administrative assistance in the ecumenism despite new obstacles priestly celibacy.

The pope made only a few sig- February post-hurricane plan, when raised by divisions over women nificant Roman Curia appointments New Orleans Archdiocese an- bishops and homosexuality.

In December, the pope enjoyed - in contrast to the persistently nounced closing of seven parishes; blogged rumors of a wave of im- and said truths of faith, science can- a preview of "The Nativity Story" minent personnel changes. not conflict because God is source which subsequently opened in U.S. He named Cardinal Tarcisio of both. As the World Council of theaters. He met with Cardinal Bertone, his longtime No.2 at the Churches held its Ninth General Nasrallah P. Sfeir, patriarch of the doctrinal congregation, as secretary Assembly in Brazil, he called on Maronite Catholic Church, and of state. The move was somewhat . young pe9ple to take up the ecu- urged calm and civil discourse as factional street protests mounted in surprising because Cardinal menical task. . He praised cardinals who con- war-tom Lebanon.

Bertone had no diplomatic experiIn his 2007 World Peace Day ence, but the cardinal made clear verged on the White House and he was not out to change the Vatican Capitol Hill to lobby for humane message Pope Benedict said human line on key foreign policy ques- immigration reform; and forcefully rights must be respected, even in endorsed the world's bishops who war or when facing terrorist threats. tions.

The pope brought in Third urged an end to genocide in Darfur When Iran hosted a conference World cardinals to head two other region of Sudan, as "Save Darfur" questioning the existence of World Vatican departments: Indian Cardi- rallies were held in cities across War II Holocaust of Jews, the pope quickly issued a statement calling nal Ivan Dias took charge of evan- United States.

He was "profoundly displeased" Holocaust an "enormous tragedy" gelization, and Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes now heads the by the ordination of four Chinese that must be remembered and not clergy congregation.

Catholic bishops without Vatican repeated. As the year was ending, Throughout the year, the pope approval; and following a VatiCan the Holy Father launched a Christcontinued to remember his prede- investigation of sex abuse allega- mas appeal to fund AIDS treatment cessor and quoted frequently from tions, he barred Father Marcial for some of world's poorest people.

Two of the Church's leading his teachings. Marking the first an- Maciel Degollado, founder of Le: niversary of Pope John Paul's death, gionaries of Christ, from public public figures during and after the the pope celebrated Mass and ministry. He called on Church lead- Second Vatican Council, Dutch prayed the rosary with some 80,000 ers to do more to fight corruption Cardinal Johannes V/illebrands and Tum to page five - World people who packed St. Peter's and bolster governments that fos-

Middle East, the burdens of office and the Church's views about

2006

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JANUARY

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5, 2007

The Anchor ,

The present that keeps on giving

By RONNIE FLOYD

A BIG ASSIST - Michael Princi, left, Rick Presbrey and Lolly Campbell at the presentation of a $41,000 check raised by Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville for the NOAH Center to prevent homelessness.

HAC receives $41,000 from Our Lady of Victory Parish Money will support NOAH, prevent homelessness HYANNIS - Our Lady ofVictory Parish recently presented the staff of Housing Assistance Corporation with a check for $41,000 to support the NOAH Center and homeless prevention efforts.

The money was raised during the parish community's annual Taste & See Gala, an event held in October at the Oyster Harbors Club. The party featured a sampIing of food created and served . by area restaurants, a wine tasting, a silent auction and a live auction hosted by NBC Chief Financial Correspondent, Anne Thompson.

Taste & See was created years ago to raise money for the parish's· community center. When the amount raised exceeded the amount needed to balance the community center budget, they decided to use the rest to prevent homelessness.

Lolly Campbell, who co-chairs Taste and See with Attorney Michael Princi, said that parish has for many years recognized homelessness as a problem that it wanted to help combat. Parishioners are among the most generous on the Cape in their support of the agency's homelessness prevention through the purchase of grocery store gift certificates. Extending that support through Taste & See was a natural progression.

"The more we learned about NOAH, the more we wanted to do," Campbell said. "The best way we know how to fill some of the daily and nightly needs of homeless people in our community is by raising funds. Our committee is becoming profoundly attached to NOAH." Money raised at Taste & See will be used to support the operation of NOAH. That support is particularly critical during the winter when the shelter is kept open dur-

ing days when the weather is' severe. The need is greatest on weekend days because there are no other social services available where homeless people can seek shelter.

"We are overwhelmed and surprised by the generosity of the gift that resulted from Taste & See. For years now;the community at Our Lady of Victory has been a strong, dependable supporter of Housing Assistance Corporation. The mag: nitude of this gift enables us to provide the best possible service to the homeless men and women of Cape Cod," said Rick Presbrey, CEO of Housing Assistance Corporation.

NOAH provides overnight shelter to more than 50 people every night. It is also the place where individuals can get a meal, coffee and a blanket even if they are not spending the night at NOAH. State funds pay. for half of NOAH's operating budget. The DIOCESAN TRIBUNAL FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS Decree of Citation Since his present domicile is un· known, in accord with the provision of Canon 1509.1, we hereby cite Stephanie Noonan to appear in person before the Tribunal of the Diocese of Fall River (887 Highland Avenue in Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts) on January 19, 2007 at 2:30 PM to give his testimony regarding the question: IS THE HODGIN·NOONAN MARRIAGE NULL ACCORDING TO CHURCH LAW? Anyone who has knowledge of the domicile of Stephanie Noonan is hereby required to inform her of this citation.

Given at the offices of the Diocesan Tribunal in Fall River, Bristol County, Mas· sachusetts on December 29, 2006.

(Rev.) Paul F. Robinson, O. Carm., J.C.D. Judicial Vicar (Mrs.) Denise D. Berube Ecclesiastical Notary

rest must be raised through private donations.

There is nothing liKe Christmas morning when, still tir~d from midnight Mass, you are awllkened by the sounds ofeager little crnldren running to the tree to open their Jresents. They are in a state of pure joy, and despite the fact that you could use another four hours of sleep, you too are filled with their youthful euphoria. For young children it doesn't even matter what they get; they just like the fact that they got it, and the solemn practice of ripping nicely folded wrapping paper to shreds. Older children, being a little mo~ discerning, are often harder to please, but even they can be made to smlle when they " receive a really good gift on Christmas morning.

In the famous song, "The Twelve Days ofChristmas," we are reminded ofthe fact that the giving doesn't have to end on Christmas because there are in fact 12 days of Christmas. In fact, Christmas spans from the feast of the Nativity (Christmas day) all the way .

to the feast of the Epiphany, and in many cultures it is on the Epiphany that children receive their main presents in memory of the fact that on this day the Kings from the East brought the infant Jesus their gifts.

Truly, giving is the reason for the season, we celebrate God's gift to us, Jesus Christ, and we give gifts to others in honor of Christ.

It is in this spirit that I would like to suggest a gift to you, that you might think about giving your older children on the 12th day of Christmas. It will be a gift that keeps on giving - an experience ofJesus Christ, and ofthe Church, at WorldYouth Day 2008 in Cologne.

They say that in giving you receive; this was certainly true for the three kings, who gave their gifts only once to the baby Jesus, but who for the rest of their lives were filled with the joy of having encountered the King ofKings and Lord of Lords. By this world's standards, the kings gave Turn to page J 3 - Present

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The Anchor ,

President Gerald R.Ford brought healing to badly wounded nation

By JERRY FILTEAU CATliOUC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON - In his brief, unelected tenure in the nation's highest office, President Gerald R. Ford restored integrity and character to the White House and brought a measure ofhealing to acountry badly wounded and divided by the Watergate scandal.

Ford, who had a bout with pneumonialast January and two heart treatments in August, died December 26 at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

He was 93.

In a statement, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Holy Rosary Parish, Fall River, will host an Epiphany Concert on Sunday afternoon, January 7 at 3 o'clock in the church on Beattie Street. The concert will be given to benefit St. Mary's Cathedral Pipe Organ Fund.

The purpose of the fund is to restore a pipe organ to the Cathedral.

The Cathedral Choir and soloists will present music of the Christmas season, and Madeleine Grace, director of music at the Cathedral, will play carols on Holy Rosary's two manual Wicks pipe organ.

Everyone in attendance will be invited to join in singing music celebrating the feast of the Epiphany, which is observed on that Sunday.

There is no charge for admission to the concert, but free will offerings will be received very gratefully.

called Ford "a great and good man who served his country with distinction." ''As a healing presence for the nation at a time when it was much needed, President Ford earned his country's lasting gratitude," said Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash. "We pray for the repose of the soul of our 38th president and express our heartfelt condolences to his wife and family."

During his 3()..month presidency, the single most important act in that effort, taken a month after he was sworn in, was to pardon his disgraced predecessor, Richard M. Nixon, ofany crimes he may have committed in the

Watergate cover-up. It was an action that provoked far wider and deeper anger than he had expected, but it prevented a lengthy trial that almost surely would have mired the nation in deeper divisions and bitterness.

He said he pardoned Nixon for the nation's sake, not Nixon's.

The first president to take office after the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decisions requiring states to allow abortion virtually on demand, Ford favored a constitutional amendment that would restore to the states the right to regulate abortions. The U.S. Catholic bishops opposed his approach, arguing that an amendment prohibiting abortion on the federal level was

Our Lady's Monthly Message From Medjugorje It, \

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December 25, 2006 Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina

"Dear children! Also today I bring you the newborn Jesus in my arms. He who is the King of Heaven and earth, He is your peace. Little children, no one can give you peace as He who is the King of Peace. Therefore, adore Him in your hearts, choose Him and you will have joy in Him. He will bless you with His blessing of peace.

"Thank you for having responded to my call."

JANUARY needed so that all states would have to ban the practice.

Ford, who was Episcopalian, won some favor from Catholic officials because of his support of federal aid to parochial schools, his increase of U.S. food aid in the face ofwidespread farninein 1975,hiswelcomingofVietnamese refugees, his support for immigration reform that made family reunification easier and his efforts at detente with the Soviet Union. . But the bishops opposed his domestic policies of reducing the food stamp program and other areas of social welfare. He was criticized by religious leaders for vetoing a public works program that would have created 600,000 new jobs and for supporting covert CIA operations that involved using missionaries as information sources - a policy seen as undermining missionary activity.

In 1976, following an hourlong meeting with them in the White House, he spelled out his convictions on a number of issues of concern to the bishops, including abortion. ''Abortion on demand is wrong," he said, adding that every state should have a constitutional right to control abortion and expressing his beliefthat such laws need to "recognize and provide for exceptional cases."

In 1975 during a trip to Europe he

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met with Pope Paul VI. Gerald Rudolph Ford was born July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Neb., and was named Leslie King Jr. When he was two his mother divorced her abusive husband and moved to Grand Rapids, Mich. There she met and married Gerald R. Ford, who adopted Leslie and gave him his own name.

The future president did not learn until he was 17 that his stepfather was not his biological father.

Ford graduated from the University ofMichigan in 1935 andYale Law School in 1941. He served in the Navy, 1942-46, and joined a law firm following his military service. In 1948 he was elected to the House ofRepresentatives, where he served for the next 25 years, the last eight as Republican minority leader.

In October 1973, when Nixon's vice president, Spiro T. Agnew, resigned after pleading no contest to tax fraud charges, Ford became the first U.S. vice president chosen under the 25th Amendment. When Nixon resigned the following year, Ford became the first man to achieve the presidency without election to national office. Carter narrowly beat Ford in the 1976 presidential race.

Vatican: Saddam execution does not restore justice VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Executing someone guilty ofa crime "is not the way to restore justice and reconcile society;' the Vatican spokesman said after Saddarn Hussein was hanged December 30.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi said, ''A capital execution is always tragic news, amotive for sadness, even when it involves a person found guilty of serious crimes."

In a formal statement issued shortly after Saddam's death was announced, Father Lombardi said, 'The position of the Catholic Church against the death penalty has been reaffirmed many times."

The death penalty not only will not restorejustice in Iraq, but also can "increase the spirit ofvengeance and sow new violence," he said. ''In this dark time in the life of the Iraqi people one can only hope that all leaders will make every effort so that in such a dramatic situation spaces will open for reconciliation and peace;' he said.

Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, who earlier had expressed hope that the execution would not be canied out, toldVatican Radio, '1 hope and pray that this act will not contribute to aggravating the already critical situation in Iraq, a country already so harshly tried by divisions and fratricidal struggles."

The cardinal said the Catholic Church's opposition to the death penalty is based on its recognition of every human life as a gift of God that must be defended from conception to natural death.

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eal-lier 2006 sessions, prompting the state's foUr Catholic. bishops to urge a vote in a joint December 21 letter they sent to each lawmaker. , Finally, the state Supreme Judicial Court ruled unanimously December 27 that the constitution required a roll Fall vote. This was the same ~Ourt that by a four-three vote in 2003 opened the door to same-sex "marriages."

Despite the court's latest clear 'mandate, Governor-Elect Deval Patrick just hours before the session told lawmakers to flaunt the constitution and kill the amendment by again avoiding a vote.

Kr~s Mineau, the spokesman' for VoteOnMarriage.org, the coalition sponsoring the amendment, called Patrick's advice ''unconscionable.'' ''Today'~ vote is the result of pressure, not principal," said C.J. Doyle, executive director of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts Both sides in the historic struggle agfeed that the ,Q1easure had gained new momentum the previous week by. the Supreme Court ruling, which came in response to a November 24 lawsuit brought by Gov. Mitt Romney and the amendment's original 10 'sponsors, including Doyle; Ray Flynn, former , U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican; Richard Guerriero, past state deputy of the Massachusetts Council Knights of Columbus, and former Rep. Philip Travis of Rehoboth. .

They filed suit after lawmakers adjoUrned without a vote November

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return to office this session.

Tuesday's vote was seen as political victory for Ronuiey as he ent~red the 2008 presidential 'race; and as a defeat for Patrlck, who vowed continued opposition.

Martins credit~d outgoing Rep. Phil Travis for his courageoUs support and Senate President RobertTravaglini for gaveling the amendment to a vote. ''There's much to do now;' she said. "We have special elections coming up; we need to suppo'rtthose who helped us. Unfortunately, this time we won't have a,governor who supports us: We just have. to continue to be God's co-workers."

9, fueling speculation that the mea. sure, which had garnered a record 170,000 signatures, would die' by political trickery. ' At that point, even many of the amendment's opponents recognized !;hat the legislature was ignoring the rule of law. Editorials across the state admonished those 109 lawmakers who had stymied' a November vote to adhere to their oaths of office.

The ballot initiative committee . VoteOnMarriage.org further pressed 'the case' bybrrnging a federal civil suit against those legislators, holding , Gail Besse is a freelance writer. each personally liable. Filed in De- She can be reached at cember in U.S. District Court, the suit gailbesse@comcast.net. charged those 109 had violated supporters' rights to free speech, to petition the government, anddue process under the law. It. sought $SOO,OOO :from them for legal fees and another $S million ill punitive damages.

Additionally, marriage supporters' warned that legislators who practice law privately could face professional sanctions for ethics violations if they ignored their constitutional duty to vote. The Catholic Action League said this could be an obstacle to any of the 109 who aspired to future state judgeships. ' The federal lawsuit can now be .'dropped. However, maciage support- , ers know the measure faces intense pressure from homosexual activists who are intent on killing it.

Also, a number,oflegislators who had supported the amendment did not

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508-679¡1 JOO

Continued from page two

American Loretto Sister Mary Luke of the chief religious leaders in the Tobin, were among prominent anti-war movement.

Other noted Catholic figures Catholics who died in 2006.

Cardinal Willebrands, who died who died in 2006 include: Archbishop Paul C. August 2 at the age of 96, was a driving force behind improved Marcinkus, 84, president of the Vatican bank 1971-89 and often reI Catholic relations with other Chrisgarded as the most powerful Ameritians and with Jews.

Sister Tobin, who died August can in the Vatican in those years; 24 at the age of98, was one of only February 20, at his home in Sun is women to attend Vatican II as City,Ariz.

Archbishop Gabriel an auditor and was on'the commisMontalvo, 76, Colombia-born casion that drafted the council's Pastoral Constitution on the Church in reerVatican diplomat who was pa,the Modern World. An ardent and pal nuncio to the United States , articulate advocate of ecumenism, 1999-2006; August 2, of lung canChurch renewal, peace, social jus- cer, at a hospice in Rome.

- Jane Wyatt, 96, Catholic actice and women's rights, she was a pioneer in the postcoriciliar renewal tress on stage, screen and television who was best known for her Emmyof women's religious orders: Among leading non-Catholic re- ' winning role as the mother in the. ligious figures who died in 2006 19S0s TV 'series, "Father Knows Best"; October 20, at her home"in were: - The Rev. William Sloan Cof- Bel Air, Calif.

- Jeane L. Kirkp.atrick, 80, fin Jr., 81, a social activist. He died of congestive heart failure April 12 U.N, ambassador in the'early 1980s at his home in Strafford,Vt. A Pres- under President Ronald Reagan and byterian minister and chaplain at Georgetown University professor Yale University for 18 years, he was before and. after that, noted for an outspoken activist in the civil, "Kirkpatrick Doctrine" advocating rights movement in the early 1960s U.S. support for anti-communist but gained national prominence in governments even if, they are authe late '60s and early '70s ,as a thoritarian dictatorships; December founder of Clergy and Laymen 7, while sleeping, at her home in Concerned About Vietnam and one . 'Bethesda, Md.

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Doing their duties and keep~ng their promises On November 9, after 109 legislators voted to recess the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention until January' 2, supporters of sarnesex marriage gloated that they had effectively killed the Protection of Marriage Amendment. That they were proven wrong.on Thesday is a , testimony to the. hard work of so many who persevered in making sure that no stone would be left unturned in trying to overcome legislators' attempts to avoid following the Constitution.

Few thought that help would come from the Supreme Judicial Court, the institution 'that by a one-vote majority forced the same-sex marriage mess on the citizens of the Commonwealth. But proponents of the amendment appealed to them anyway, to try to get them to compel the legislators to fulfill their sworn duty to follow the Constitution.

In a unanimous December 27 decision,' the Court gave what turned out to be decisive help. They,forcefully reminded legislators that they have "a constitutional duty to vote, by the yeas and nays, on the merits of all pending initiative amendments before recessing on January 2,2007. With respect to legislative action on proposals for constitutional amendments introduced to the General Court by initiative petition, the language ... is not ambiguous ... and beyond serious debate." , Legislators were now faced with a choice, to uphold their sworn oath to follow the state Constitution or violate it by failing to take an up-down vote on the merits of the amendment. They chose to vote and the pro-amendment side had more than the 25 percent necessary to.move the amendment on to the next session.

For the amendment to come before the voters in November 2008, , it must be approved again by 25 percent of the new session of representatives and senators at the State House. There's still the chance that opponents of the amendment may try to cheat on this second round like they did in the first. Just as they did leading up to Thesday's convention, citizens must continue their vigilance to keep legislators accountable to their oath to uphold the Constitution in this second round.

As has become clear over the course of the past few years, what's ... at stake is not just the integrity of the institution of marriage, but our , method of government. That so many legislators had gone on record , that they would continue to violate their constitutional oath to follow the Constitution ~ even after the Supreme Judicial Court's ruljng is ominous. ' , An oath is a sworn promise to God that is the basic grounds for trust. In a courtroom, for example, when a witness swears on the Word of God that he will tell "the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me'God" what he is essentially saying is, "I may be able to deceive the lawyers, the judge, the jury and ev~ryone in this courtroom, but I know I cannot deceive God. I am making a solemn promise to him that I will not lie and if I do, I know he will hold me ac- , countable in this life or the next." While we may not know the witness enough to trust him personally" we do trust the fact that few people would lie to God after making a solemn promise to him to tell the truth. Few people would want to gain a favorable verdict in this life if it meant that they would thereby gain an unfavorable one in eternity.

Similarly, when our public officials swear on the Word of God that they will uphold the Constitution, they are saying to us in essence, "I know you may not trust me or trust politicians in general to keep my promise to you, but I am now making a promise to God that I will do my duty to follow the laws. If you don't know me well enough to trust me to keep my word to you, at least know that I'm not stupid enough to break my promise to him.'.' When a legislator deliberately chooses to violate his oath to uphold the Constitution, therefore, he is undermining the very grounds for citizens' trust in him. If a legislator would break a promise even to God, why should citizens think he would uphold his promises to them? He is showing that he is not a man of his word.

Moreover, by failing to follow the Constitution, a legislator is un;dermining the foundations for a law-abiding civil society.lflawmakers will, not follow the law, why should the citizens follow the statutes they vote to pass? Our form of government is no longer one of everyone equally under the rule oflaw, but a system power, where th()se with power force others to follow the law but violate it themselves.

That our new Governor Deval Patrick on Monday urged legislators "by any means necessary",to defeat the amendment - in other words, even by violating their oath to uphold the Constitution - is a troubling sign of his overall philosophy regarding the oath he himself swore on the Amistad Bible on Wednesday and what he thi~ his and their responsibility is before the Constitution of the Commonwealth.

It's another sign of how much work supporters of marriage and supporters of our form of government need to continue to do in 2007. They do so buoyed by a stuniling victory on the second day of the new year.

of

TheAnchor ,

JANUARY

5, 2007

the living word

,STUDENT SHEPHERD'S WAVE DURING A RECENT CHRISTMAS PAGEANT FORETE!-LS THE EpIPHANY, THE MANIFESTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS TO THE MAGI NATIONS -

AND ALL

CELEBRATED THIS

SUNDAY. (CNS PHOTOIMICHAEL ALEXANDER, GEORGIA BULLETIN)

"NATIONS SHALL BEHOLD YOUR VINDICATION, AND ALL KINGS YOUR GLORY;

You SHALL BE

CALLED BY A NEW NAME PRONOUNCED BY THE MOUTH OF THE LORD" (Is. 62:2).

Light in darkness The mystery of Christmas, which we continue to celebrate this week, is the mystery of light in darkness. During the Christmas season, we celebrate the birth of Christ, "the true light that enlightens every man [who] was coming into the world" (In 1:9).

But what makes the Christmas story so dramatic is the darkness into which this \.. light was born.

In the star'of Bethlehem that brightened the night sky and , guided the magi to find ~e newborn King, we see a symbol of the Light of the World, who was . born in the quiet dark, ness of a stable. As a result of the savior's b4th, the ~orld was bathed in the light of truth, and the darkness of ignorance and sin was scattered. Years later, the Christ Child would proclaim, "I am the light of the world; he who, , follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the lig~t ' of life" (In 8: 12).

Surrounding the light of the Lord's nativity, however, was the darkness of eviL Looming in the near future, like an approaching, daik cloud, was the threat of danger and violence. First, the harsh reality of poverty threatened the Child's life. But even worse was the jealousy and malice of an evil king, who sought to kill the newborn king, forcing a sudden, long and ,dangerous flight into Egypt.

On the joyful occasion of his presentation in the Temple, predictions of opposition and' suffering greeted his Mother. His cousin, the herald, who leaped in

brought about the Incarnation.

When we recall the darkness of suffering that awaited the Christ Child, we rejoice even more at his birth, knowing that he was willing "to come into our world and suffer to save us, so much'did he love us. The love of God is what we celebrate at Christmas, a love that permeates the darkness of , sin and suffering. "For God so loved the world. that he sent his only Son, that all who believe in the~'D~ep'" him might not perish but , '. 7 (' " ",'. might have etemallife" (In 3:16). y It takes a mature, sober A. Pignato' faith to celebrate the joy of Christmas, because it takes , a mature, sober faith to understand born to live, but Christ was born to die. ' that the light of Christ is not extinguished by the darkness of sin Even our celebration of and suffering that awaited the Christmas is followed immediChrist Child. "The true light that ately in the Church's calendar by enlightens every man was coming a reminder of the darkness that into the world. He was in the world, confronted the light of Christ. On and the world came to be through December 26, we celebrate the , him, but the world did not know feast of St. Stephen, the first him. He came to what was his own, martyr, who suffereo a gruesome but his own people did not accept death for his faithful witness to Christ. And on December 28, the , him" On I :9-1 I). ''The light shines in the darkness and the darkness Church honors the Holy Innohas not overcome it" (In 1:5). c~nts, the infants of Bethlehem, By remembering the darkness who were the victims of Herod's that surrounded the birth of wrath and died in place of the Christ, we can put into the deep Christ Child. of appreciating the love of God: It is the presence of this When we remember what Christ darkness into which Christ was endur~d to save us, we appreciate ' born that creates the drama of the more deeply what we ce1ebrateat Christmas story, and helps us Christmas. appreciat~ more deeply the true Father Pignato is chaplain at meaning of Christmas. RememBishop Stang High School in bering the rejection and' ultimate North Dartmouth and is secredeath that Christ endured to tary to Bishop George If. redeem us moves us'to consider Coleman. the depths of the divine love that the womb for joy at the presence of the savior, would grow, up to be beheaded for speaking the truth about marriage. And for the newborn king, it was a crown of thorns and a cross-shaped throne that waited in the future. As Archbi,shop Fulton J. Sheen explained, every other man is

"Wputtir9) I?:!R, "

JANUARY

5, 2007

,

Sexual assault and abortion I recall once hearing a story his or her dad. Is that right?" His rapist. The real malefactor and about a philosopher who visited coherent and dispassionate culprit is always the rapist and with a group of junior-high never the child. The perpetrator of approach helped the students students at a private school in the appreciate the need to scrutinize the crime needs to be appreMidwest. He had a discussion hended and punished to the full their own assumptions and move with them about ethics, and beyond emotionalism when extent of the law, and insofar as offered a few arguments to important ethical or bioethical sentencing for such crimes may suggest that direct abortion was be too lenient in certain regions or issues are being debated. always unethical and unjust. A Rape is always a grave and locales, our legal system must 14-year-old girl put up her hand unconscionable crime, a tragedy vigorously work to correct it. and asked him if he would make of enormous proportions. If a Women who have suffered the an exception for rape in indignity of rape deserve - . . . , . - - - - - - - - - - [ - - : : : ; ; ; : : - - , . , better, and trauma ought his position against abortion. He put the ball not be layered with even back into her court by more trauma. Our first asking her to carry out a , obligation is to reach out kind of "thought experiin love and acceptance to ment." He asked her to the woman who has been

By Father Tad. consider the hypothetical victimized, and when a Pacholczyk / case that her own father child is conceived, she and became a rapist: "If your her child need our loving dad goes out and rapes somebody, woman becomes pregnant assistance all the more. Sometimes and we convict him of that rape in following sexual assault, abortion in certain bioethical situations, an a court of law, do you think it is sometimes offered as a path to apparently compassionate rewould be right for us to then say, fixing the rape. But the decision sponse may be offered which is, in 'OK, because your dad is guilty to encourage a second trauma fact, profoundly unethical. In of that rape, we're going to kill. after the first trauma of sexual tragic situations like sexual assault, you, his 14-year-old daughter?'" it can be difficult to perceive the assault represents, ultimately, a The girl and her classmates right lines, and to think with misguided response to a situation unanimously replied, "No." He that needs to be handled with reason rather than emotions. pursued the same line of logic a much greater sensitivity and Oftentimes we may be tempted bit further, asking if it would be compassion. A ~d of . to imagine that a child conceived acceptable if, instead of 14 years unexamined emotionalism and by rape would only serve as a old, she were only two years old, anger can arise in these situations, reminder to the mother of the or two months old. Again, they original traumatic event she had directed towards the child, even said, "No." Finally, he asked, "So though the child conceived in suffered, and that she would be how could I say that I'm going to rape is an innocent bystander, and "better off' without that reminder. let abortion happen because 'of' . a victim of the same awful set of Interestingly, however, in a study rape? If I permit abortion because circumstances as the mother. He published in March of 2000, that. of rape, I am killing a child in the or she clearly ought not be treated conclusion was found to be womb for a crime committed by as some kind of surrogate for the invalid. David C. Reardon, Julie

,:~aking Sense

/ / /Out of Bioethics

I can do this I can do this. I can step away from the television remote and no one will get hurt. I can do this.

So what if I was on vacation for the past 12 days? So what if I could watch football any time of day or night for the last 12 days? So what if I did? I can do this.

All I have to do is keep my mind occupied with other things. Then I won't miss the constant image of a green field lined with white yard-markers. I won't miss the sound of helmets smacking helmets. I won't miss the roar of the crowd.

Maybe I can go shopping. "How much is that please? One dollar and 75 cents? For my change I get a quarter back? A quarterback?

Argggghhhhh."

Focus. Focus. Maybe I'll be OK ifl go pick up my friend at the airport. ''Excuse me sir, do you know when Flight 123 will touch down? Touchdown? Arggghhhh."

This may be tougher than I thought. But, I can do this.

I know, I'll invite the older kids over for dinner. That will keep my mind off things. ''Excuse me Ben, would you

mind passing the sugar bowl?

Sugar Bowl? Arggghhhhh."

Whew, this is getting eerie.

Focus. "What's for dessert hon?

Pumpkin pie or apple turnovers?

Turnovers? Arrghhhhh."

I can do this. "OK kids why don't you take some leftovers with you. We have a full pumpkin pie.

You don't want all of it? Then just take half back. Halfback?

Arggghhhh."

Maybe a nice hot shower will help. "Hmmm. What's this, a new shampoo? Gets rid of split ends.

Split ends? Arggghhhh."

This is getting out of hand. I know I can tackle this problem. Did I just say tackle? Arggghhhh.

Perhaps a nice long hike would help. Hike? Maybe I'll just hang around the yard. Yard?

This isn't working. I feel like

71

The Anchor , Makimaa, and Amy Sbbie sifted through nine years worth of testimonies gathered by the Elliot Institute and Fortress International to get a true pidture of the effects of abortion on a woman who had suffered from the trauma of rape. They wrote a!book that debunks the argument that abortion is necessary or helpful after sexual assault. Co-author Amy Sobie has summarized it this way: "The vast majority of the women (and their children) who responded advanced the view that abortion is not a good solution to sexual assault pregnaPcies and that it often leads to further physical and emotional trauma for the women. Conversely, none of I the women who carried to term expressed regret that they had chosen to give birth or a wish that they had chosen abortion instead."

In the final analysis, rape is unable to ever justify abortion, even though in everyi:one of the more than 55 countries that now have abortion on demand, the initial step taken was~intense lobbying for the availability of abortion in so-called "hard cases" - especially rape anp incest. Of all abortions performed, 99.96 percent occur for reasons unrelated to rape, so the ~ery rare exception has been carefully employed to provide cover for all

other cases. Playing the emotional card has been largely successful in the public arena; reminding us of the urgent need for a more level headed and dispassionate discussion of the real goods that are at stake. As former abortionist Dr. Bernard Nathanson once put it, "If a part of a human community were not at stake, no woman should be required to undergo the degradation of bearing a child in these circumstances, but even degradation, shame, and emotional disruption are not the moral equivalent of life. Only life is."

By respecting the life of the vulnerable and innocent child, we steer clear of the grave error in reasoning that tries to suggest that evil can justify further evil. True compassion invites us to suffer with, to be present to, and to aid the victims of sexual assault, by offering them our unconditional love, acceptance, and support, rather than short-circuiting the situation in favor of easy and inauthentic "solutions."

Father Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did postdoctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest ofthe Diocese of Fall River and serves as the director ofEducation at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in .

Philadelphia. www.ncbcenter.org

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I'm in a 1\vilight Zone episode. I swear I can hear Rod Serling.

I'm just going to go for a drive or run back home, and head down to the basement. Drive, runback, down?

Argghhhhhh.

I don't know ifl can do this. Possibly, there's a chance this pigskin obsession will pass over time. Pass? Overtime?

This is impossible.

Prayer. Prayer is the answer.

Here goes: "Hail Mary ...:' Hail Mary? I can't do this.

I may as well admit defeat. I cannot stop watching football. It's just as well though. The Patriots begin their Super Bowl push Sunday against the NFL version of the Evil Empire.

Actually, I'll have no choice after the Pro Bowl on February 11.

There will be no more games.

Although I do have the NFL Network. No, no. Enough is enough.

Besides, the Red Sox report to Fort Myers, Fla. in late February ... the beginning of a 182-game marathon. But I promise I won't watch them all. I can do this.

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4;

8

The Anchor

4;

JANUARY

5,2007

The Messiah came for all January 6, in the Christian calendar, is the feast of the Epiphany. The word means manifestation or revelation. I have heard it referred to as "little Christmas." In some countries, this day, which comes 12 days after Christmas, is bigger than December 25th. On the Epiphany we remember the wise men finding the newborn messiah by following a star.

As a side note, if the couple in the song, "my true love gave to me ..." had a fight on Christmas day and she returned one gift a day, when would the last gift be returned? The answer comes later.

For some people, the messiah was coming just for the chosen people, but this feast is a reminder that the messiah came for all people.

The magi were referred to as

astrologers, or wise people entire article at the beginning. and their names are not There is also a bit of excitementioned in the Bible. ment in his story, as he wants Literature and song have to tell us the good news. numbered them and have Similar to a small child's called them kings and have running to tell her mother named them as Caspar, representing the Europeans, Melchior representing Asians mily of the Wee and Balthazar repreEpiphany Sunday senting Africans.

The only Bible

By Father William' account is from St. H. Kelley, C.S.C. Matthew. Keep in mind Matthew was not there ....- - - - - - - - - with his reporter's that, "I have a surprise gift for notebook capturing the event.

As with every famous person, you. It is all wrapped up but I most were not famous from can't wait until you find out the moment of their birth, the surprise is a bottle of unless their fame came from perfume."

The story is that they his parents. Matthew is a masterful storyteller, and as followed the star. If you meet such uses some literary someone and they say come by my house, it is right under devises. A good writer may give a quick summary of the the full moon, I suspect you

have just been given the brush off. Following a star does not have the accuracy of a GPS system. Maybe, the idea is to follow the light that has come to overcome darkness. Maybe it is to be enlightened by the messiah.

I can imagine people in former times noticing the days getting shorter and the nights getting longer. No wonder the winter solstice was such a welcome feast. As someone who can look up the length of any day in an almanac, and as someone living in the age of electricity, I do not end my day when the sun goes down. With a simple flick of the switch, light returns. , Another aspect of darkness does not go away with electricity. The darkness of

my fears, the darkness of the monster under my bed, the darknessofhatred,the darkness of lack of forgiveness, the darkness of crippling situations. I need to be enlightened - enlightened to see the presence of God, enlightened to see other people as my brothers and sisters, enlightened to see that relationships are far more valuable than things. I suspect you could add many instances of darkness, but also many sources of light.

Oh by the way, she received enough gifts so the last one would be returned on Christmas eve the following year.

Father Kelley is a priest 0/ Holy Cross Fathers and Brothers. He has spent 20 years in the Diocese 0/ Fall River and is presently pastor o/St. Mary's Parish in Taunton.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat, Jan 6,1 In 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15,19-20; Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-38 or 3:23,31-34,36,38. Sun, Jan 7, The Epiphany of the Lord, Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:2,7-8,10-13; Eph 3:23a,5-6; Mt 2:1-12. Moo, Jan 8, The Baptism of the Lord, Is 42:1-4,6-7 or Acts 10:34-38; Ps 29:1a,2,3ac-4,3b,9b-lO. 'fues,Jan 9, Heb 2:5-12; Ps 8:2a,5-9; Mk 1:21b-28. Wed,Jan 10, Heb 2:14-18; Ps 105:1-4,6-9; Mk 1:29-39. Thurs, Jan 11, Heb 3:7-14; Ps 95:6-11; Mk 1:40-45. Fri, Jan 12, Heb 4:1-5,11; Ps 78:3,4bc,6c-8; Mk 2:1-12.

Meeting Mozart The Bloomsbury critic, Lytton Strachey, was the father of the modern practice of biography-as-assassination.

Writing amidst the cynicism caused by the First World War, Strachey's "Eminent Victorians" set the model for pathography by taking down four hithertobeloved 19th-century heroes: Florence Nightingale, Cardinal Henry Edward Manning, Thomas Arnold, and General Charles ("Chinese") Gordon.

Strachey's victims' posthumous reputations have fared rather

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better than his, in the decades since "Eminent Victorians" was published in 1921. Still, the Strachean instinct to dissect (and then deride) men and women widely regarded as admirable and noble continues to this day, as do Strachey's characteristic emphases on emotion, personal relationships, and modernist "authenticity" over talent, a sense of duty, and religious faith.

This literary plague may, in fact, be receding, at least in the United States: think of the admiring biographies of Washington, Adams, Hamilton, and Lincoln published in recent years. One remaining victim of Stracheyism, however, is the man who was arguably the

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greatest musical talent in history, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. How many people have read his story through the psychoanalytic fog of the 1984

Peter Schaffer/Milos Forman film, "Amadeus," in which Mozart is portrayed as a flatulent, boorish, man-child genius stalked by a jealous fellowcomposer of lesser gifts, Antonio Salieri? It's all twaddle, and often vulgar twaddle, but at least you can close your eyes and listen to the music.

Which is, as always, sublime.

Whenever I've visited the slough of despond, Mozart has been an unfailing restorative as he is a welcome companion in life's moments of unrelieved joy, and at every point in . between. So, as we close this year marking the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth, let's just forget "Amadeus" and its imitation of Lytton Strachey by way of Sigmund Freud, and concentrate on the music.

Herewith, then, a very brief Mozart Sampler, for those interested in meeting a genius

on his own terms: The Operas: They're time consuming, but it's permitted to cheat a little by getting the highlights of the main Mozart operas in the Teldec CD "Opera Collection," directed by Nikolaus Harnancourt. Complement that with one of my favorite recordings, the Mozart opera "Overtures" CD on the EMI label, with Neville Mariner and the Academy of St. Martin-in-theFields.

The Symphonies: Mozart took the symphonic form as far as it could go before Beethoven dramatically recast it in his Third. So I'd suggest starting towards the end of Mozart's symphonic production, with No. 31 (the "Paris" symphony), No. 35 (the "Haffner"), and No. 36 (the "Linz"); then move on to No. 38 (the "Prague" symphony) and No. 41 and (the "Jupiter").

The Concerti: Once again, Neville Mariner and the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields do a brilliant job in two doubleCD collections on the Philips label, "Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos." Then try Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music performing the flute and harp concerto, the flute concerto No.1, and the bassoon concerto on a L'Oiseau-Lyre CD, before turning to Hogwood

again for the clarinet and oboe concerti on another L'OiseauLyre disc. Those less inclined to authentic instrument recordings can find most of the Mozart wind concerti on a two-disc Decca CD entitled "Mozart Wind Concertos."

Sacred Music: Whatever biographers say about Mozart's connections to Freemasonry, I defy anyone to listen to his motet, "Ave, Verum," and draw any conclusion other than that he was a sincere (if sometimes confused) Catholic believer. Try the "Ave, Verum" on the Philips CD, "Exsultate Jubilate," with Sir Colin Davis, the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, and Kiri Te Kanawa, which also gets you the "Vesperae SoLennes de Confessore" and the "Kyrie in D-Minor." As for the many Mozart Masses, the "Coronation Mass" is probably the best start for the neophyte, before tackling the unfinished "Great Mass" and "Requiem."

It's often said that the angels play Bach on holy days, and Mozart for the sheer joy of it. I couldn't agree more. One more thing, if I may. Query to Richard ''The God Delusion" Dawkins: do you really think Mozart is the accidental, if fortuitous, product of galactic biochemistry?

George Weigel is a senior fellow ofthe Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

I

JANUARY

$

5, 2007

The Artthor

$'

Tradition! Tradition!

5 January 2007 - Homeport - Traditionally, the three Kings visit tonight There's a trend to end Christmas on December 26. Down come the maroon and gold Victorian-themed ornaments. The Popsicle stick creations get lost.

The white minipumpkins and gilded lady apples get tossed.

The Santa sweaters and embroidered candy cane trousers go back in the closet. Packed away are the tasteful tiny white lights and the giant inflatable plastic snow globe.

What ever became of the Christmas season? After all the Advent preparation, Christmas

:

...

~

should last longer than one day.

How long should Christmas last? No, not 12 days. The celebration officially continues until the feast of the Baptism of

the Lord - this year, Monday, January 8. Let's have a traditional Christmas season, shall we?

You might have started late on Christmas Day, if it had happened to snow. You could have determined if there will be a good harvest in 2007 by going outside and rubbing your hands together and then promptly going to bed. I don't know how this works. Too bad it didn't snow. But it's good to get all the rest you can anyway for tomorrow is the feast of

Fitting it all in give uS a once-in-a-lifetime The ability to differentiate If you have not already done deal on a new line of credit. between urgent and important so, soon it will be time to pack Ninety-nine percent of the time, activities is an important skill Christmas decorations away for this is not an important phone because, for some strange another year. The difficulty call. The same ringing, howreason, important-but-nonwith doing this at our house is ever, could signify a call from a urgent things are the easiest to that the decorations we unfamily member in need, packed in December never put off. On the other hand, meaning that the call is both whether they are important or seem to fit back in the same urgent and important. boxes in January. The crissnot, urgent things are as demanding of our crossed tops of the cardboard boxes won't ....\\!!I!!!J!,...""""__-~_~""""'...-~_:::--.,.. attention as a two...yearold child. If we are not lie flat, and the giant careful, our days can Tupperware pop their plastic lids like so end up like buiging many jack-in-theboxes of random boxes. Plus, each year Christmas decorations wonderful new things and torn wrapping get added to our paper, stuffed to the Christmas collection, point of bursting, but not containing much of like a new creche or a few any real or lasting value. handcrafted ornaments. The House maintenance is. important, but unless it is Some big, important things secret, I've discovered, to squeezing it all back in the something like an actively happen on a short tjme cycle leaking toilet or tub, it is rarely like attending children's sports same boxes is prioritizing. We urgent. Tending to our daily events and g((tting to weekly put the largest items in the prayer life is of vital imp(~rtance boxes first and then pack the Mass. Some big, important to our relationship with God. smaller items in around the things happen on a longer cycle UnfortUnately, daily prayer is like family vacations and taking larger items in order of decreasing size. rarely ever urgent, meaning that dates with one's spouse. We much less important things, such The same secret works for must put these things in our as ringing phones or leaking packing intothe same 24-hour schedules first or more urgent toilets, often and easily replace days we had last year all the things may prevent them from happening for years at a time. it. activities we are hoping to After the big, important things Finding lost car keys is both retain from 2006, plus the new ones we've resolved to begin in are fixed, then items of lesser urgent and important when one importance, like cleaning the is late for work. Installing a key 2007. We need to prioritize our hook is important, but is not activities according to their garage, can be packed in. And relative importance. usually urgent, until one's job is what about the urgent things?

Oat risk because one is habitually Before we can begin From these there is no escape, late. Buying a wide-screen TV except perhaps to leave all prioritizing and repacking our phones, toilets, tubs, and sale at the blowout, after-Christmas schedules for the New Year, we flyers at home and take a brisk sale is urgent because, come on, need to understand the differthese are the best prices of the walk on the beach. ence between things that are year. Beginning to Save money So, until next year, may our important and things that are to cover registration fees for Christmas decorations fit back urgent. For example, the in their boxes, and may the kids' spring sports is not as phone's ringing is urgent. It is urgent as the blowout sales, but activities that fill our days be happening right now and the it is definitely more important. those that also fill our lives with person calling may hang up value and meaning.

Some activities are not particuwithout leaving a message if we larly urgent or important, for do not answer. Just because it is Heidi is an author, photogexample dusting the tops of urgent, however, does not rapher, andfull-time mother. doorframes or fixing the lawn automatically mean that it is She and her husband raise their five children in Falmouth. mower in January. You get the important. It could be a mortgage company calling to idea. homegrownfaith@yahoo.com.

Stephen.

Attach a rope to the jaw so that With the dawning of Decem- you can pull it open and shut. ber 26 you have several schedBedeck yourself with bells and uling options. You may wish to go around terrorizing your spend part of the day raiding neighbors. Loudly beg for food the rectory. Today you are and drink - but you must entitled to devour all of your speak only in rhyme. Upon pastor's food and drink. It's answering the door, if your tradition.

I neighbor is able to answer you If you should find your in rhyme and has the wherepriest cranky, you can always withal to get in the last word, hunt a wren - the'king of all he or she is off the hook and birds. First make sure it is not you are on your way emptyan endangered species in your handed. area. Once you have found a On the morning of December wren, dress up in a bizarre 31, be prepared for children costume and take the songbird wearing white sheets to come around to the homes of your knocking at your door and friends and neighbors, all the singing: "Hogmanay, Trollolay, Gie's o'your white bread and while singing and begging for treats. It's tradition. nane o'your grey." Kids are so If hunting a poor little wren health conscious these days! is illegal, perhaps you should Best to give the kids a slice of just stay home and answer the bread and get rid of them. door, for this is also "Boxing On New Year's Day, hope Day." The people who provide that your first visitor is a flatyou with various services footed, dark and handsome throughout the year will come stranger carrying coins, coal, iron, food and a bottle of looking for leftov~rs from your castle feast. The "box" is the whiskey. If so, you will have a original "doggie bag." very good year. The worse case December 27 is the Feast of St. scenario would be to have as a John. You will, of course, need to "first-footer" a little red-haired bake those small loaves of bread. girl. If so, I would advise you The bread might serve you well to take the year off and go since when you eat it St. John some place far away - maybe Cuttyhunk. (who once escaped"being poisoned) will ensure that you do not' January 4 is Plough Monday, succumb to poisonj.ng. You just even if it does not happen to never know when this sort of fall on a Monday. This day, thing might come in handy. men go back to work. Today, And now we come to Decem- January 5, is "Distaff Day." ber 28 - "Childermas" or the Men can douse unsuspecting feast of the Holy Innocents. Be women with buckets of cold sure to get up early and sneak water. Don't ask why the men aren't at work. into the bedroom of your sleeping children. Then smack Take down your Christmas them with a switch before they tree by February 1. If not, you realize what is happening. It's will have one piece of bad luck tradition. But beware! Today is for every needle on your tree. If the unluckiest day of the year. If you store a veritable forest of you foolishly choose to get artificial trees, this explains married on Childermas, you why 2006 was such a bad year. might as well take out annulI'm taking down my tree ment papers tomorrow. tomorrow, just to be on the safe Claim December 29 as a side. personal day so that on DecemFather Goldrick is pastor of ber 30 you will be fresh to go St. Bernard Parish, Assonet. hodening! I will now enlighten Comments are welcome at StBernardAssonet@aol.com. you, dear readers, as to the proper way to go hodening.

Previous columns are available First, find a horse's skull. at www.StBernardAssonet.org.

mr

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The Anchor

A Christmas reflection

Melanie Borges is a role model for teens

By MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

NEW BEDFORD - One might say Melanie Borges is the essence of all that is good and right with young people today. A devout Catholic, the 16-year-old has faithfully been an altar server for nine years and has recently become a lector at St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

As Catholics everywhere celebrate the manifestation of God to mankind at the feast of the Epiphany this Sunday, it's appropriate that this week's Living Stone is herself an epiphany of

~~~~:e~~h~~e:~~c~:~ God-given talents and is happy to do so according to her pastor, Father

and something to believe in is important."

She has been a lector now for about a year and said it has given her a lot of confidence. "I was hesitant at first because I was a little nervous, but it's been good. I feel better now when I have to speak in front of my classmates at school. I enjoy being a lector and look forward to it."

Borges was excited about being named a Person of the Week and said, "I was thrilled and a little overwhelmed." She attends New Bedford High School and when she's not helping out at the parish she enjoys sewing ~.~~. and making her own

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Kevin J. Harrington.

"She is one of the most reliable altar servers and lectors I have ever encountered," said Father Harrington. "She is an outstanding young woman who is eager to be involved in the Church and is very faithfilled."

A Fall River native, Borges opened the door to ministry at the former Sacred Heart Church in the Spindle City. When her family moved to New Bedford, she continued to do so at her new parish and thinks she MELANIE will always help the Church in some way.

"I started serving at the altar right after my first Communion and I enjoy it a lot," said Borges. "I especially like the Easter service. I feel like I'm helping the Church and the priest so he doesn't have .to do it all by himself. It's important to try and make a difference," she added.

She also has enjoyed knowing that parishioners appreciate seeing young people serve at the Mass.

"People will come up to you after Mass and thank you. That makes you feel happy. You feel appreciated."

Her family came over to this country from the Azores and Borges has six brothers and sisters, and is the third youngest. Her parents Eduardo and Maria Borges, have always encouraged their children in the faith.

"My older sister Melissa trained to be an altar server and she was a role model for me. I wanted to serve too." Several of her siblings have assisted in the parish in various capacities.

Prior to her interview, I was welcomed into the family home by her father and it was easy from his smile that he is proud of his daughter's involvement. "I'm very proud of the work that Melanie does for the Church. We've encouraged her to pray and get involved at the parish. It's a pleasure for my family to see our children involved like they are."

As we gathered around the family's kitchen table with Father Harrington, Borges spoke about her faith.

"I feel like I have a good relationship with God. My parents raised me to pray every day and I feel like something's missing from my day if I don't pray. You always need something to fall back on and push you along. Having a strong Catholic faith

out at the Missionaries

.;.-路';;r: of Charity on County

Street.

"One summer my sisters and I were looking for something to do. My father took out the phone book and found the Missionaries of Charity." The Sisters have a program for needy children every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon and the two assisted during the summer. Melanie helped with the care ofchildren and did arts and crafts much like a camp counselor would. ~ Sister Mary Noelita of the I Missionaries of Charity was glad to have help from Borges. Sister Noelita said, BORGES "She did some good work for us. She's a nice young lady."

Borges said of the venture, "My involvement there over those four summers was great. The children are wonderful and I enjoyed spending time with them. I learned a lot from the Missionaries of Charity."

Asked if she thinks of herself as role model, she pondered and said, "I think I help out a lot." Father Harrington agreed and said, "She has a real heart for serving young people. It's important for young people to be involved in their parish and she's demonstrated her devotion to the Lord in many ways.

She's always the first to say yes and when I need anything in the parish I can look to this family for help."

He doesn't have to look far as the family lives in a house right across the street from the church.

Borges has also assisted with the Religious Education program on occasion and was thankful for the guidance her parents have given her. "It's important to have people in your life or something to push you along in the right direction. I'm lucky to have a strong faith that guides my decisions in life."

Borges has dreams of attending college to study business and would eventually like to save up to study fashion at New York University. "I'd love to design clothes and sell them," she stated. She is learning about business now in school and puts her sewing skills to use making costumes for the drama club. She also loves to read and works after school at Subway. She's also.worked for the summer lunch program put on by the city.

The Anchor encourages readers to nominate

othersforthe Person ofthe Week-who and why?

Submit nominations at our E-mail address: theanchor@anchornews.org, or write to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

people's hearts are open to one In the days following another, when forgiveness is Christmas, the sweetness of restored and generosity is Christmas lingers, as we reflect commonplace? What miracles upon its true meaning and the continue today when people gift that Jesus is. Christmas care as much about one another presents may be returned, as they do themselves?

Christmas dishes and decoraAngel of the Lord tions tucked away until next year, but in our churches and in proclaiming good news, tidings of great joy. A Savior has been many of our homes the creche will remind us of the gift of born to you, the Messiah and Lord.

Jesus, as will the Epiphany of Son - for as God the Father our Lord which we celebrate revealed to the Apostles, and to this Sunday. For the gift of all of us. "This is my Son, my Jesus does not happen in one beloved. Listen to Him!" day, and as much as we cherish Jesus' birth, we cherish everyAt Christmas time, and just before New Year's Eve, many thing about what his coming people reflect upon New Year has meant to us. I would like to share this reflection that I wrote resolutions and the possibility several years ago. of doing something to make a positive change in their life. e. H. R. I. s. T. M. A. S. Millions of people are inspired Christ ~ whose birth we and motivated to change some remember, whose coming into aspect of their lives, simply at the world we celebrate. Jesus the stroke of midnight. It's was once a small child in his interesting that simply one mother's arms, but beyond that 1. 1 nothing about , . 'J , Ou~r' .. him was small, , '. for he had a ~: vision larger ")' than life that ; included all

By Greta MacKoul people, a;' ~, special love and hope for calendar day can make such a everyone. difference. A new year, virgin Heart - the compassion of and pure, makes it worthy of Jesus, a compassion that Jesus our most fervent attempts to shared with many during his reach a new goal, stop a life, and for all of the hearts negative behavior or increase that are opened during this some positive behaviors for season of giving. change.

Remembrance - as we Many will attempt to reflect upon the powerful words of Jesus, "This is my body to be achieve a New Year's resolution simply by their own will given for you. Do this as a and determination. Some will remembrance of me." be successful, others may not Incarnation - God came be. Some will find that by late into the world, for in Jesus, January, or possibly February, God chose to walk the earth. the New Year's resolution has Sometimes Jesus' humanity is fallen by the wayside; a goal so embraced that his divinity is or change that was not fully almost forgotten, or is misunderstood, for the gift. of Jesus is embraced.

Possibly we need to bring that he was both fully human, Jesus into our New Year's and also, fully divine. resolutions; to see our resoluSavior - for truly Jesus is tions as another chance for the , the one who can bring light to mercy and power of Jesus to the darkness in people's lives, touch our lives. Another truth to the falseness, hope to chance to find healing and the hopeless and peace'to all. strength, renewed vision and Trinity - three persons in purpose so that we might one God. With Jesus' birth the Trinity became possible. Now it fulfill all of the potential that is possible in the New Year. was no longer God the Father Another chance to listen to alone, but also, Jesus the Son, Jesus, and to implement his and then the gift of the Holy words and his wisdom into the Spirit. fabric of our lives.

Miracles - what was it like Greta is an author and to have known Jesus while he was on earth, to have felt his illustrator. She and her husband George, with their touch, to be cured of blindness, children are members of Christ leprosy or lameness? What the King Parish in Mashpee. miracles continue today when ~

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Journey of Faith'

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,

- 2006

-JANUARY - Students from Fall River's nine Catholic schools attended a Mass celebrated by Bishop George W. Coleman at St. Anne's Church for Catholic Schools Week. (Photo by Mike Gordon)

OCTOBER - Ground was broken for the new St. Peter the Apostle Church in Provincetown. A fire destroyed the former house of worship on January 25, ~005. (Mike Gordon photo)

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I SEPTEMBER - NBC's Tim Russert was the guest speaker at the St. Mary's Fund Fall Dinner in Westport. Here Russert greets Mercy Sisters Elaine Heffernan, Ellen Martin, Lucille Sociarelli and friend Mary Wagner. (Photo by Mike Gordon)

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AUGUST - It was full speed ahead for the new Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis with renovations and other activities. (Photo by Dave Jolive~)

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MARCH - Fifteen Cape Cod teen-agers spent nine days at the diocesan mission -in" Guaimaca, Honduras. They were sponsored by Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. (Photo by Nicole and Peter Bratton)

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JANUARY

5, 2007

DVD/video reviews NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of new and recent DVD and video releases from the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Theatrical movies on video have a USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification and Motion Picture Association of America rating. These classifications refer only to the theatrical version of the films below, and do not take into account DVD releases' extra content.

"All the King's Men" (2006) Uneven remake of Robert Penn Warren's 1946 Pulitzer Prize winner set in the 1950s, about a rabble-rousing everyman (Sean Penn) who rises from obscurity, railing against political corruption, and is elected governor of Louisiana, only to be polluted by power once he's in office; and the idealistic journalist (Jude Law) who falls under his spell. Written and directed by Steven Zaillian, the handsomely crafted morality tale - loosely based on the life of Depression-era Louisiana Gov. Huey P. Long - explores the means and ends of power, but Penn's passionate and committed performance is undermined by an opaque script. A violent shooting, implied adultery, a suicide, a bedroom encounter with shadowy side nudity, a provocative nightclub performance, some mildly crude language, profanity and racial slurs. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is Aill - adults. The Motion Picture Association ofAmerica rating is PG13 - parents strongly cautioned.

Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 (Sony Pictures).

"Jet Li's Fearless" (2006) Action drama loosely based on the life of Chinese cultural hero Huo Yuanjia (Jet Li), an arrogant martial artist whose pursuit of street-fighting fame ends in tragedy, prompting a spiritual awakening that leads him to found a school to promote self-improvement and national pride during the foreign occupation of

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China at the turn of the 20th century. Director Ronny Yu's artful film delivers balletic fight choreography, elegant visuals and a solid story buttressed by Li's poignant performance and a redemptive theme about the futility of violence and revenge. Subtitles. Much stylized action violence and an instance of mildly crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-ill - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 - parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 (Rogue Pictures). ''Lady in the Water" (2006) Atmospheric but unconvincing fairy tale about members ofa suburban Philadelphia housing complex (Paul Giamatti, Jeffrey Wright, Bill Irwin, Bob Balaban) who - harking back to mythic times when humans and water creatures were friends - attempt to return a nymph (Bryce Dallas Howard) to the sea, while pursued by wolflike beasts.

Director-writer M. Night Shyamalan provides some trademark scary moments with admirably little overt violence, and the universal brotherhood theme is unarguably a noble one, but this aquatic "E.T." retread isn't terribly compelling despite skillful direction and solid performances.

Some scenes of intense peril, suggested nudity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-IT - adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 (Warner Bros.).

"A Scanner Darkly" (2006) Bleak, cautionary tale of futuristic investigator (Keanu Reeves) who goes undercover to investigate drug users (Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson, Winona Ryder and Rory Cochrane), only to discover that he's also spying on himself. Performances are a plus in writer-director Richard Linklater's faithful version of Philip K. Dick's hallucinatory 1977 science-fiction novel, but the results are surprisingly talky and dull. The milieu is almost unremittingly sordid and unpleasant some humorous dialogue notwithstanding - and the use of animated rotoscoping over the live action only adds to the already confusing narrative. Pervasive substance abuse, much profanity, rough and crude language, partial nudity, premarital sexual encounters, disturbing imagery and a suicide attempt. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian (Warner Independent Pictures).

MARSHALL LAW - Matthew McConaughey, left, and Matthew Fox star in a scene from the movie 'We Are Marshall." For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photolWarner Bros.)

IC~' ~'I()viile fCallJ)~Ulllle~ NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. ''The Good Shepherd" (Universal) Austere but generally absorbing over-the-years saga of a fictitious CIA man (a quietly intense Matt Damon) tracing his life from initiation into the secretive Yale Skull and Bones fraternity; his unhappy marriage to a classmate's sister (Angelina Jolie); his recruitment into the Office of Strategic Services during World War IT; his role in the failed Bay of Pigs invasion during John F. Kennedy's administration; and his poignant relationship with the son (Eddie Redmayne) with whom he could never be close. Robert De Niro (who plays a small part here) directs the fact-based film with a sure hand, and though the plot has some holes, it effectively demonstrates the emotional consequences of its protagonist's overly secretive life and the tragedy of sacrificing one's humanity for misplaced ideals. Adultery and premarital sex, a shadowy sexual encounter, innuendo, a predatory gay character, a couple of cold-blooded murders and other spy-related dirty doings, suicides, marital discord, partial nudity, drug use, a few expletives and racial epithets. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-ill - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R --.:...- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guard-

Ian. ''Night at the Museum" (Fox) Lightweight but diverting comedy-fantasy about a perennial loser (Ben Stiller) who takes ajob as night watchman at New York's Museum of Natural History only to learn that the dinosaur bones, stuffed animals, mummies and diorama characters (played by Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan and others) all come to life after closing time, leading him on a whirlwind adventitre of slapstick and mayhem, and eventually allowing him to earn back the respect of his young son. Director Shawn Levy's film could be much funnier, but the effects are terrific, Stiller is appealing, and oldtimers like Mickey Rooney, Dick Van Dyke, Bill Cobbs and Stiller's mom, Anne Meara, add to the fun of this entertaining family film.

There is the standard, but always worthy, message about proving yourself. Light slapstick violence.

The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification isA-Igeneral patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG - parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. ''We Are Marshall" (Warner Bros.)

Moving true-life story about the

aftermath of a 1970 plane crash in West Virginia that killed 70 players, coaches and fans of a college football team, and how the grieving university town came to recover its spirit by the formation of a largely new team galvanized by the leadership of a new coach (a dynamic Matthew McConaughey), working in tandem with the Marshall University president (David Strathairn) and the assistant coach of the former team (Matthew Fox). Director McG's (actually Joseph McGinty Nichol) film, though to some extent formulaic and predictable, is several notches above average, bolstered by solid performances including that of Ian McShane, and a script that mostly avoids cliche, with good messages about winning not being everything, accepting loss, and healing from it, with a good sense of this being a faith-based community.

Several uses of the s-word as favored by the coach, a few other¡ crass expressions and discreetly handled plane crash. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-IT - adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association ofAmerica rating is PG - parental guidance suggested.

Some material may not be suitable for children.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, January 7 at 11:00 a.m.

Scheduled celebrant is Father Jeff Cabral, parochial vicar at St. Anthony Parish and chaplain of Coyle and Cassidy High School, both in Taunton.

JANUARY

,

5, 2007

The Anchor ,

Bishops Dooher, Hennessey ordained as auxiliaries for Boston Archdiocese BOSTON (CNS) - The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe engraved on

their episcopal rings should inspire Bishops John A. Dooher and Robert F. Hennessey to be courageous in their ministry, Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston told his newest auxiliary bishops at their ordination December 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The crowd at the ordination more than filled the 1,8ao-seat Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston's South End. The ceremony was attended by more than 30 bishops, more than 300 priests and leaders from other religious faiths, including the Rev. Diane Kessler, executive director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, and Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Methodios of Boston.

In his homily, Cardinal O'Malley told the story of Mary's appearance in 1531 to a poor, illiterate Mexican named Juan Diego. Mary asked Diego to be her messenger and to tell

Present

the bishop that she wanted him to build her a church. As a sign she sent roses in December, the cardinal said.

"God's love is like roses in December, full of surprises," he said. ''We often feel that we are inadequate messengers, but we are the ones God has called to do this, to show the roses in December to a world grown cynical and cold."

Cardinal O'Malley also recalled that'in the early 16th century Mexican missionaries took the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Japan.

When persecution of the Church there broke out, he said, the authorities ordered Japanese Christians to tread on the image, which had been placed on medallions called "fumies:' and if they refused they were martyred. ''We should remember that many of our brothers and sisters in the faith long ago in Japan died rather than tread on $is image:' he said. ''In a world where many people are quick to put

aside their faith for personal convenience, political expediency or to be comfortably assimilated into the dominant secular culture, let us remember those martyrs who died courageously with Jesus' name on their lips."

After Cardinal O'Malley ordained the new auxiliary bishops, Boston.

Auxiliary Bishops Emilio S. Allue, Walter 1. Edyvean and Francis X. Irwin and newly retired Auxiliary Bishop John P. Boles joined in laying hands on them. Then the cardinal anointed the new bishops' heads with chrism oil and presented them with the Book of the Gospels and with their rings, miters and crosiers, the pastoral staffs of their office.

Bishops Dooher and Hennessey were then greeted by all those bishops gathered during the kiss ofpeace.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist followed and afterward the new bishops processed throughout the cathedral to bless the faithful,. before addressing the crowd.

Continued from page three

considerable gifts to Jesus, and not only the precious gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They also gave considerably in time and resources, traveling from far away lands in search of a new born king about whom they knew almost nothing. What they received in return, however, was priceless: an experience of God himself and an assurance of his plan of love.

They received hope in the future that filled them with Christmas joy all the days of their lives.

The experience of this hope and joy coming from a long trip to meet the Baby Jesus is the reason that the planners of World Youth Day 2005 chose the pilgrimage of the three kings as the model for the last World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany.

For one reason or another there is something about the hardships and self-sacrifices, the joys and new experiences of a pilgrimage to a far away land that lends itselfto encountering God. Maybe it's because at home we get stuck in the everyday world, blinded to the workings of God in our life? Or maybe it's the fact that on pilgrimage you meet so many diverse people living different vocations -like the pilgrims in Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" - you hear their stories, and see how they are trying

~o live their Christian faith. On pilgrimage, like the good Samaritan, we encounter Jesus in the people we meet as we walk along the way and, like St. Paul, having encountered Jesus on our journey, our lives are' changed forever.

For whatever reason, from the earliest centuries Christians have left home on pilgrimage often returning home on fire for their faith. As a seminarian I am often asked what most impacted me while I was considering entering seminary. After much thought and reflection I believe that my experience of God while traveling on pilgrimage was one of my most life-changing events, not because it made me decide to become a priest, but because seeing how others live their faith, I began to re-examine the way I lived my faith. I thank my parents each day in my prayers for affording me these experiences.

The gift of faith is the most important gift a parent can give a child, and giving your child a pilgrimage to World Youth Day is only one way to nurture this gift. Growing up I never did get to go to a World Youth Day, but after having attended World Youth Day Cologne in 2005, I can attest to the great friends and memories it gives. and its power to ch~ge

Marian Medal air times FALL RIVER - A video of the Marian Medals Ceremony that took place in 2006 at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River is airing on several cable television public access channels in the Fall River Diocese.

The schedule is as follows: - Fall River, cablechannel95, Jan. 6 at 9 p.m. and Jan. 7 at 3:30 p.m.

- New Bedford, cable channel 95, Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m. and Jan. 9 at

5:30p.m.

- Taunton, cable channel 15,Jan. 9 and 16 at 8 p.m. and Jan. 11 and 18 at 2 p.m.

- Westport, cable channel 17, Jan. 5 and 12 at 9 a.m., Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. and Jan. 10 at noon.

The 2006 Marian Medal Ceremony video is available for purchase. Contact 508-675-0211 for information.

the way you think about your faith.

As the feast of the Epiphany approaches please consider giving your child this opportunity to encounter Jesus in a unique way at WorldYouth Day 2008 in Sydney, Australia. Like the gifts of the three kings, this pilgrimage is a gift that will keep on giving, and when your kids return with Christmas-style smiles on their faces, you too will share in their joy at the Birth of Christ in their hearts.

Ronnie Floyd is a seminarian of the Diocese ofFaY Riverin his third year oftheology atthe NorthAmerican CoUege in Rome. For more information about WYD 2008, go to the Sydney WYD Website www. wyd2008.org or contact the FaY River OjJice ofYouth Ministry at 508-675-3847 or by email at yministry@dfrec.com

13 PRACTICE THE DEVOTION OF THE FIRST SATURDAYS, AS REQUESTED BY OUR LADY OF FATIMA

On December 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia (seer . of Fatima) and spo~e these words: "Announce in my name that I promise to assist at the hour ofdeath with the graces necessary for the salvation oftheir souls, all those who on the first Saturday of five consecutive months shall: 1. Go to confessiot,; 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite the Rosary (5 decades);, and 4. Keep me company for 15 minutes while meditating on the 15 mysteries ofthe Rosary, with the intention of I!.making reparation to me."

In a spirit of reparation, the above conditions are each to be preceded by the words: ''In reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary."

Confessions may be made during 8 days before or after the first Saturday, and Holy Communion may be received at either the morning or evening Mass on the first Saturday.

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I 14 YearEnd for Life and Pro-Life efforts; and attended Masses, liturgies and took part in perpetual eucharistic adoration.

The Anchor marked the beginning of its 50th year of publication by freshening its look with a new masthead with an encyclical demeanor, a new style font, cut line boxes, expanded use of shading and designs for various weekly departments and features to bring news across the diocese.

The Marriage Amendment The citizens' petition brought by a broad spectrum of religious and secular organizations asked the state legislature in constitutional convention to vote to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman in the wake of the 2003 ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Court that ordered same-sex marriages to be recognized in the Bay State.

While the consistent goal was restoration of traditional marriage, the reluctance of many legislators at two constitutional conventions to take up the matter necessitated a secondary, more concentrated campaign - that led back to the judiciary - to force lawmakers to fulfill their mandated constitutional responsibility to act on the petition and allow citizens their subsequent right to vote.

Two weeks into New Year 2006, supporters of the marriage amendment knew they had a battle on their hands. The Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, GLAD, in a lawsuit challenged the state attorney general's authority to allow the proposed marriage amendment fostered in 2004 to proceed.

But when 170,000 signatures statewide supporting the amendment were certified by the Secretary of State's Office, it meant the petition could be taken up a constitutional convention in which 50 votes by legislators would be needed in the 2006 assembly and another 50 votes in the 2007 assembly to get the petition before the voters on a ballot question in the 2008 general elections.

Bishop Coleman -like his three colleague Catholic bishops in Massachusetts - continually urgecl Catholics to contact their legislators and he spoke out strongly on the rights ofcitizens to vote on the petition they filed.

But at constitutional conventions in July-and November 9, two days after general elections - a slim majority of legislators opted to go into recess and not take up the matter.

Their reluctance drew sharp rebukes from the bishops, the Massachusetts Catholic Conference - the policy voice for the bishops - as well as the Massachusetts Family Institute, and Catholic Citizenship, all supporters of the amendment. In the interim, local rallies to keep citizens interest strong were held in New Bedford and Barnstable; and in the dioceses of Worcester and Spring-

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field.

In mid-December, a citizens group filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Worcester seeking $500,000 in damages and asking the court to order legislators to fulfill their elected obligations. . Two days after Christmas the Massachusetts Supreme Court in an allied action - sought by lameduck Gov. Mitt Romney - chastised the state's legislators for refusing to consider the marriage amendment, but ruled the court itself lacks the authority to order a vote.

On January 2, the deadline to vote on the marriage act, legislators at a constitutional convention voted 62134, advancing the proposal.

Pastoral planning An invigorating new phase in Pastoral Planning aimed at creating a stronger, more vibrant Church in the many faith communities facing fewer priests, fewer resources, and fewer parishioners in attendance, came off the drawing board.

Father David R. Andrade, director of Pastoral Planning, assisted by Barbara Brito consultant Doug Rodrigues and a hard working committee, blitzed the diocese, outlining Phase Two of a 2004 initiative that looks at the needs and challenges over a five year span. In an open letter ''Towards A Future of Hope" sent to clergy, religious and laity in June, Bishop Coleman focused on the newest phase. He made it candidly clear that there is no master plan of parishes slated for closure and reconfiguration. Rather, he asked all parishioners to share in the obligation - inter-parish collaborationto strengthen the local Church, utilize church buildings and other structure as they reflect on and share a common understanding of the mission that will involve reconfiguration.

After an extensive study and meetings, Our Lady of Health Parish in Fall River was suppressed on February 2 as part of the Pastoral Planning process. Its records and property were turned over to Espirito Santo Parish.

The Cardinal Across the diocese, people took time out in March to proudly hail Boston Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., as a cardinal; journey to Rome to see him installed at a consistory; and marvel at the honor of having "one of their own" as a councilor to new pope Benedict XVI in the infancy of his papacy.

Within weeks ofthe report, a contingent of clergy and laity led by Msgr. RonaldA. Tosti, flew to Rome to attend the colorful panorama at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. As the new cardinal and 11 others were handed their red hats, the contingent whopped and hqllered. The group of local pilgrims including Bishop Coleman, later enjoyed a private dinner with Cardinal O'Malley.

JANUARY

He returned the compliments, coming to Fall River to celebrate Mass "with all myoId friends" and be the guest at a luncheon hosted by the local diocese and attended by hundreds. At year's end, his innovative cyberspace blog or Web log, waS to draw millions of hits internationally.

Faith formation The establishing of an Office of Faith Fonnation by Bishop Coleman to unify the catechetical effort on all levels and better serve parishes was well received across the diocese.

In creating the new office, Bishop Coleman conducted an extensive search for a director who would bring a broad background in faith fonnation and accountability, and named Claire McManus of Marshfield to the post. She was to unify, coordinate and oversee three ministries: The Office of Religious Education, the Office ofYouth Ministry and the Office ofAdult Education and Evangelization, that hitherto had been separate with their own leadership.

Within weeks, McManus visited parishes, addressed the common Gospel mission, reviewed financial resources, the education and training of those in various ministries, and met with Catholic school administrators, before drafting a master plan.

CathoDe Charities Appeal The 2006 Catholic Charities Appeal, led by Michael 1. Donly, director ofDevelopment, realized another success, allowing the many agencies that serve the diocese to meet needs of hundreds ofthousands of the poor and marginalized, young and old.

Even with the political uncertainties among warring Mideast nations, inflated gasoline and fuel prices, and a general malaise in charitable giving natio~wide, campaign officials still sparked generous donors among the diocese's 95 parishes and business and industry sectors and by dint of hard work and outstanding cooperation came up with a whopping $4 million in its 65th campaign year.

Diocesan happenings Operation Planting Seeds, an intense, year-long campaign to foster vocations to the priesthood, concluded in April with an hour of prayer coinciding with the 43rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

Led by Father Edward E. Correia, director of the Diocesan Office of Vocations, the campaign included a whirlwind tour oftalks at 10 parishes in 10 weeks by Father Karl C. Bissinger following his July 2005 ordination to the priesthood.

Visits by interested young men to seminaries as well as holy hours and infonnational meetings with recruiters put a strong accent on the joys of serving as a priest or religious.

St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Continued on page 15

Migration week theme is 'Welcoming Christ in the Migrant' WASHINGTON - "Welcoming Christ in the Migrant" is the theme of the U.S. Catholic Church's National Migration Week January 7-13. "I invite you to welcome Christ in the migrant through prayer, education and parish outreach," said Bishop Gerald R. Barnes of San Bernardino, Calif., chainnan ofthe bishops' Committee on Migration. He said Jesus' biblical admonition that what one does to a stranger is done to him "is particularly timely" in the current immigration debate. "Our nation's legitimate security concerns have been distorted by some who would foment anxiety, fear and a distrust of migrants," he wrote in a letter accompanying parish educational materials for this year's migration week. ''The present immigration refonn debate has lost much of its reason and is often being fueled by raw emotions," he added. He urged Catholics to become involved in the Catholic immigration refonn initiative described on the Website www.justiceforimmigrants.org.

Jewish foundation pledges $3.5 million to Baltimore CathoDe schools BALTIMORE - A Baltimore-based Jewish foundation is pledging $3.5 million to Catholic schools in Baltimore in an effort to boost enrollment and attract even more financial support for urban-based Catholic education. In an event at the Catholic Center in Baltimore, Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore and Donn Weinberg of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation announced that the foundation would donate $500,000 in 2006 and $1 million for the next three years to benefit atrisk students in kindergarten to 12th grade at one of 17 Catholic elementary/middle schools and three high schools. The grant is contingent on the Archdiocese of Baltimore finding matching grants from other donors. The 20 schools' are part of the archdiocesan Partners in Excellence program, known as PIE, which provides tuition assistance for low-income families. Since its inception in 1996, the program has provided more than $13 million in tuition assistance to more than 14,000 children.

CathoDe Medical Mission Board gets $1.7 million grant to fight AIDS WASHINGTON - The Catholic Medical Mission Board has received a grant of approximately $1.7 million for HIV prevention and care services abroad, through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

The award to the NewYork-based organization was part of the first round of grants by the New Partners Initiative, announced by President George W. Bush at the conclusion of a round-table discussion about global mv and AIDS at the White House on World AIDS Day last month. The Catholic Medical Mission Board will use its three-year grant for prograrns in Zambia aimed at prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission. Specifically, the funds will be used to implement Men Taking Action, a program developed to enable men to become part of the solution to prevent transmission of the HIV virus from mother to child.

CathoDc Kolping Society marks 150th anniversary in United States WASHINGTON - The Catholic Kolping Society, founded in Gennany as a support system and social action movement for young workers and men in transition, marked its 150th anniversary in the United States in 2006. With some 2,500 U.S. members in 12 Kolping branches in California, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, the society is part of an international movement based in Cologne, Germany. There are currently an estimated 470,000 members in 59 countries worldwide. Established in 1849 by Father Adolph Kolping, who was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1991, the organization was brought to the United States in 1856 by German immigrants in St. Louis. It was originally organized around Kolping Houses, community homes where journeymen working away from their family homes could learn and practice good moral and social skills while being provided the basic needs of good meals and sleeping quarters at a nominal cost.

Vatican says more than 3.2 million attended papal events in 2006 VATICAN CITY - With two public events still to go in 2006, the Vatican reported in late December that more than 3.2 million people attended papal audiences and liturgies during the past year. Almost 1.3 million people joined Pope Benedict XVI for the recitation of the Angelus on Sundays and feast days at the Vatican and at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, the Vatican reported. The statistics, compiled by the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, do not include figures from Pope Benedict's four trips abroad in 2006, or from his trips to different Italian cities. The Vatican said 539,200 people had attended papal liturgies at the Vatican and at Castel Gandolfo during the year. Another 357,120 people took part in special audiences for particular groups. In addition, theVatican said a total ofjust over 1 million people attended one of the pope's weekly general audiences on Wednesdays at the Vatican or Castel Gandolfo.

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Continued from page 14 took time to honor the countless Re- member of the chaplaincy team at High Sc~ool in Fall Rive~; Other ~ew Bethlehem to contemplate the Word Provincetown held groundbreaking ligious men and women who for Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall principals included:I Suzanne . made flesh .. .let's tum our hearts forits new church building to replace more than a century have 'made.a River, was among those attending. Brzezinski at St. Joseph's in evermore to the Christ Child and the one destroyed in a fire on Jan. commitment to serve to the Church, The Fund provided more than Fairhaven, Cristina Raposo at St. -commit ourselves to following him 25,2005. It was on the same date at aWorld Day for Consecrated Life $660,000 in partial tuition aid to Anthony's in New Bedford, Joseph with true fidelity and perseverance."

The' postulator of the sainthood 132 years ago that the original at St. Mary's Cathedral, that in- more than 650 students in the 2006 Sullivan at Our Lady;, of Mount Carmel in New Bedford, and Linda cause of Pope John Paul IT said the church building was dedicated. And cluded a Mass celebrated by Bishop academic year. in December, Our Lady of Victory Coleman.

Thousands of students celebrated Mattson at Holy Trinity ,Regional in healing of a French nun suffering from Parkinson's disease could be Parish in Centerville blessed and Two area pnests became authors. education and extolled the Catholic West Harwich. i~ dedicated is new Fa!th and Family Msgr. Thomas J. Harring'ton, a . school experience and principals Hundreds of you:,ng people the miracle neeqed for the pope's beFormation Center. It culminated the former chancellor, fire chaplain, and' voiced pride in their values-added flocked to the National Shrine of Our atification. On a similar note, the parish's 50th anniversary of the first retinid priest, published his book, "A curriculum as they marked Catholic Lady of La Salette in {'.ttleboro in healing-of a Permanent Deacon Jack Mass celebrated at the parish. Ear- Call to Save: The Memoirs of a fire Schools Week. As part of that The August, joining thousllDds of col- Sull~van of Marshfield on Cape Cod 'lier, the parish presented.a check for Chaplairi," a tribute ncit only tq chap- Anchor sponsored an essay contest leagues from across N~w England was being viewed as one of ,the 'for all students enrolled in the for the annual Steub~nville East miracles needed to advance the $23,000 to Housing Assistance Cor- lains but firefigh!ers as well. poration in January to be used to Father David Reid, former pro- diocese's Catholic schools, that drew . Conference aimed at eooching their cause for sainthood ofCardinal John Henry Newman. assist the homeless or those at risk vincial of the Sacred Hearts Fathers 500 inspiring, insightful and enter- faith.

Personnel chang~ St. Stanislaus School in Fall River of becoming homeless. community in Fairhaven, published' taining entries. The top winners inThere were dozens of transfers of marked its centennial with a Mass Hundreds from the diocese were "The Grace of the Rosary," which - cludedAubrey Correiro and Michael c pastors, administrators and parochial among'S,200 men and 2,300 women anchors Catholic devotions on scrip- Leboeu of Holy Name School in Fall parish brunch.

For outstanding generosity to vicars during the year. Several priests who were. "energized" when they . tural references.

River, Amelia DeMelo of St. James-' attended the Boston Men's Confer-' George Daou, owner of Daou's.St. John School in New Bedford, Bishop Stang High Scl.tool in North named administrators in June 2005, ence and Women's Conference in a Market in Fall River and a member. Cady Arruda of Holy Trinity School Dartmouth, .Patrick !i and Lillian were named pastors of their respec.unified show of faith in March at the of St. Anthony of the Desert inFall~ver,ChelseyHowardofSt.. Carney of North Dart~~uth, presi- tive parishes. .

Fathers Hector Fabio Arredondo New Boston Convention and Exhi~ Maronite Catholic Church in Fall Mlch~el's School in Fall River, dent and chmnnan of Claremont Inbition Center. Following months of River, chronicled the escalating war Leticia Malta of St. Pius X School dustries in Bridgewater, were Arango, Carlos Alberto Patino Villa, hard work, more than 50 Boy Scouts in Lebanon, from which he, his wife in SouthYarmouth, Faith Farrenkopf awarded the' Outstanging Catholic and German Correa Agudelo, of and Girl. Scouts received various and family were forced to flee in a' of Holy Trinity Regional School in Philanthropists Award by the New Medellin, Colombia, aqived in Febmerited awards for service' to the perilous escape after what began as West Harwich, Melissa Cieto of St. England Association o,f Catholic De- ruary to help with the Hispanic Ministry in the diocese for a three-year Church at ceremonies in March at avaca~onwithrelativesthereinJuly. Mary's School in New Bedford, velopment Officers. 'Ii As the year enaed, Bishop period.

St. Mary's Cathedral. In ~une, FaLed by Tricia Svendsen, a mem- Alyssa Quann of Holy Family-Holy There was also several retirether Stephen B. Salvadore, in the berofSt.JohntheEvangelistParish Name School in New Bedford; Feehan High Scho~l students in forefront of Scouting in the diocese . in North Attleboro,. and a public Andre Noll and Carla DeSisto of Attleboro, spread Clltistmas cheer as ments. Father Edward 1. Byington, for more than 30 years, was named school librarian, an eight-member Bishop Feehan High School in _they sponsored and servec:i Christ- pastor ofSt. Thomas More Pansh in Somerset, retired after 35 years servNational Chaplain to Catholic Scout- band of pilgrims answered the mis- Attleboro, and Thomas Lally of mas dinner to the ne~dy. ing the diocese; Msgr. John 1. Smith, Vaticait messages ing. . sionary call from the diocesan mis- Bishop Stang High School in North Pope Benedict xXi's first encyc- pastor of St. Pius X ~arish in South . . Former superintendent of dioc-. sion in Guaimaca, Honduras, and lit-Dartmouth. eSan schools James A. McNamee erally carried an entire library there On the internationai level, SS. lical, "Deus Caritas,Est," ("God is . Yarmouth, retired after 47 years of \ and Bishop Stang. High School and set it up. Annunciation of the Peter and Paul School sixth-grader Love") was publishea in full in The priestly service; Msgr. Ronald A. the letter on Christian Tosti, pastor of Christ the King Parteacher Susan D. Negri were hon- Lord Parish in Taunton held a spe- Amanda Drapeau placed first for her Anchor, and . j . oredfor their contributions to the cial collection to'bolster its hUrri~ grade in the annual ''Try ~yer! It love became the topi9 of~, homi- ish in Mashpee, after 44 years as a 'Pro-Life cause in April, at the an- cane-struck namesake parish in Wor!cs!" contest sponsored by Fam- lies and study thr0ttghout the dio- priest; and Father Luis A. Cardozo, pastor of St. Michael's P~h in Fall nual Pro-Life Awards luncheon. Ri- Biloxi, Miss.; still reeling from 2005 ily Rosary in Easton. She was one cese. :; chard Doerflinger, deputy directorQf Hurricane Katrina. of 13 first-place winners chosen Bishop Colemari in his I:enten River, who also marked a half centhe Secretariat for PJ:o~Life Activi-.

The St. ThomaS More Award for from more than 50,000 entries message to parishio~ers asked them tury as a priest.

Anniversaries and celebrations ties for the U.S. Conference of distinguished service were presented worldwide and was quite amazed at to use the season to "better inspire St. Stanislaus Parish celebrated others to discover an~ follow Christ."

Catholic Bishops, was the keynote to four members of the justice sys- hearing she had won.

Kathryn Crosson, chairman of Hundreds flocked to Lenten mis- .1 00 years of Catholic education at speaker. tern: Judge Bernadette L. Sabra of .TheNationalShrineofOurLady路 Somerset, Attorney Robert J. the Science Department at Bishop sions in Fall River, New Bedford and its parish school with a Mass and re路ofLaSaletteinAttleboro路initiateda Marchand of Fall River, Attorney Stang High School in North Taunton. In his Easter message he ception. Speakers proudly recalled . new chapter of Pax Christi, U.S.A., Anastasia Welsch Perrino of South Dartmouth, received the diocese's took a page from :{lope Benedict's' how it had gone from being a Polish a peace movement, in March. It's Dennis, and Judge Malcolm Jones Secondary School Cath<:>lic Teacher- episcopal motto, "CO-Workers of the school at its beginnings in 1906 to a celebration ofthe Nativity, which be- of Dartmouth. of-the-Year Award. She was the Truth" in a remind~r that Catholics school promoting Polish traditions gan in Advent, featured more than . In late October, 140 married Sigma Xi Society of UMass- are indeed co-workers in the awe- in its faith-based education system.

St. Anne's Hospital observed路the 300,000 lights, magnificent creches, couples, markIng 'wedding anniver- Dartmouth Teacher-of-the-Year in some task of preaching the truth-of and two daily concerts by La Salette' .saries from their first to their 50th, 1992. the Gospel. Dozens of catechumens lOOth anniversary of its 1906 dediFather Andre Patenaude, better attended the 27th animal Mass and Forty-six diocesan youth re- , in parishes were e:x:pectant in their cation at a Mass in St. Anne's known as ''Father Pat." . reception for those celebrating sig- ceived the St. Pius X Award at ser- personal pilgrimage to encounter Church. The liturgy recalled the cenIn a candid report, Dr. Krysten nificant anniversaries. Eighty-nine . vices-at the Cathedral. The awards Christ. In his ~dsage for Christ- tury of "expert care delivered with Wmter-Green, director of.Diocesan faithful from parishes across the dio- cited their selflessness and dedica- mas 2006, citing::Luke 2: IS, the grace" at the hospital. St. Anne's "AIDS Ministry, reported New cese. were awarded the Marian tion to helping others in their par- bishop reflected: "In our hearts and Church in Fall River marked the cenBedford and Fall River among the Medal for devotion to the parish and ishes in the name of Christ in our prayer, H~t us go to Continued on page 18 'I top 20 cities in M~sachusetts with the Church at November ceremonies Coyle and Cassidy High School . !I the highest rate ofIDV infection di- in the Cathedral. in Taunton reported an increase in agnosis.

Catholic education arid activities enrollment in the co-ed Catholic iO Tragic deaths made news A contingent of students from the school and announced additional April 1121,2007. . The murder of Mrs. Bernadette diocese's four high schools joined music and athletic facilities were on June 23 ,; July 1, 2007 DePina, a member of Our Lady of adults in a Pro~Life pilgrimage to -the agenda. In Mansfield, dreams October:: 5. - 12, 2007 the Assumption Parish in New Washington, D.C. in January for the became reality as St. Mary's Parish Cost: $2,200 Bedford by gang members in retali- 33rd annual Pro-Life March to School- which opened in 2002Ii '. ation for the alleged the killing of peacefully support the sanctity of graduated its first class. Fifteen teens ~omelTuscany/Florence. one of their members by her son, human life. . and 10 adults from Cape Cod parSee the Pope, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, -s~ocked the Whaling City's faith Tim Russert; host of NBC's ishes spent nine days helping out at C~tacombs, Spanish Steps... communities.

"Meet the Press'~and its chief po~ Mission Honduras, sponsored by : Contact: The death of four women, who litical analyst, was the keynote Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. died after being trapped in a fire that speaker at the St. Mary's Educlitiori Christopher W. Keavy was Anthony Nachef, PhD (Theology) I . ravagedatSt:John'sHolyGhostAs~ Fund Fall Dinner September 28 at named the first principal of the Pope 857 W. Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606 sociation Hall in Fall River while White's of Westport. Mercy Sister Paul II High School in Hyannis, !!

508-340-9370 . they were praying and preparing for Lucille Socciarelli, Russert's former . which will open in September this E-mail: an @cathol.icteachings.org the annual Holy Ghost" feast, was teacher who started him on his jourc year. Michael Scanlon accepted the We,bsite: www.catholicteachings.org mourned at Masses. The diocese naljstic career as a youth, and a . prlllcipal's post at Bishop Connolly

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New Bedford school to host alumni 'at first~ever reunion

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NEW BEDFORD - As a kick- set up with memorabilia through the off to Catholic Schools,Week 2007, years will be displayed. Attendees. the first-ever alumni event of St. , are encouraged to bring along their Joseph's, St. Theresa's and St. Jo- old year books.

To date, more than 250 people seph-St. Theresa's schools will take place on January 27. have been contacted. Many teachThe event is for anyone who ers and alumni are expected to atgradu~ted, attended or taught at any tend. of the schools. The 'event will beProc~eds from the event will gin at 5 p.m. with a tour of St. Jo- help buy replacement windows for seph-St. Theresa School, 35 the school.

Kearsarge Street. A dinner and For more information, call the dance will follow in the church hall. school at 508-995-2264, or the recRaffles are planned and tables tory at 508-995-5235.

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HEARD FROM ON HIGH - Eighth-grade students from St. Pius X , School in South Yarmouth take part in its annual Christmas pageant From left: Emily Maguire, Brianna Crimaldi, Nikki Yannatos, Bri McLaughlin and Molly Geary. Below first-, fifth- and sevent~-. graders sing.

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A SPECIAL GIFT - Students from St. Mary-Sacred Heart School in North Attleboro celebrated the feast of the Immaculate Conception with a school Mass. Each student received a blessed, handmade rosary. Father David A. Costa, ,pastor of Sacred Heart Par. ish, presents rosaries to two stUdents. â&#x20AC;˘J:-

LEARNING THE CHRISTMAS STORY - Tanya Lirihare's and Rosa Arm~ntano's third-grade Faith' Formation class at Santo Christo Parish in Fall River, created a nativity scene in celebration of Jesus' birthday. As the story of Christmas was told, the nativity took ~hape. The hands-on learning experience brought to light the true meaning of Christmas for the chIldren.

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YOUTH PAGES

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Reviewing the llIusic of 2.006

By CHARLIE MARTIN - CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

STAGE PRESENCE - Children from St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro celebrate the first Christmas for friends and family during a recent holiday performance. Students from grades kindergarten through six participated under the direction of music director Sue Fortin.

KIDS FOR KIDS - For Christmas 2006 students at St. Joseph School in Fairhaven packed 111 shoeboxes with toys and toiletries for children in need around the world as part of Operation Christmas Child. Last year the program distributed 7.6 million shoebox gifts to children in 95 countries.

What happened in music during 2006? The short answer is easy: "Lots, and most of it is good!"

As I looked through my 2006 columns, I was struck by how many new artists gained recognition. One of the biggest breakthroughs came from Scotland's KT Tunstall. She got a big break when American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee sang Tunstall's "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" during the competition. McPhee's rendition introduced Tunstall's quirky and somewhat enigmatic music to American audiences. What resulted were two Top 40 hits for Tunstall, "Black Horse" and "Suddenly I See." Also from the British Isles and new in 2006 music was James Blunt. His voice and vocal power remind me of a male version of Evanescence's Amy Lee. His debut disc, "Back to Bedlam," produced two hits about the power of romantic attraction: "You're Beautiful" and "High."

Other newcomers included teens Chris Brown and Teddy Geiger. Brown's "Say Goodbye" and Geiger's "For You I Will" explored the ups' and downs of teen love.

Also commenting on teen struggles, especially those involved with comparing yourself to others, "The Girl Next Door" introduced Saving Jane to pop listeners.

Perhaps the most unusual new sound was the collective voice of the cast of the Disney movie "High School Musical." Their "We're All in This Together" made a surprise .!riP up the charts. The song encouraged us to reflect on the broader topic, that is, that as God's family

in the 21st century we are indeed on this planet "all together."

Of course, the flip side of new folks beginning to get recognized is old guys reappearing. Veteran artists made notable Icontributions to 2006's music. Rising prominently in this group were the Dixie Chicks. "Not Ready for Nice" was the group's first rel~ase in three years. It focused on the importance of forgiveness when trying to heal hurtful wrongs. The song seems to be a personal reflectidn on the Dixie Chicks' 2003 experience when many in the country music business responded harshly to their opposition to the Iraq War. Other "oldsters" re-emerging included Sheryl Crow and Sting, who combined their abilities on "Always on My Side." This song too seems to reflect personal sentiments. Crow's encounter with cancer deeply affecte~1 her life and I: musical career.

One could also point to a group of artists who mig~t be dubbed those who never left"the charts but keep producing hit after hit."

Nickelback would be an obvious example. I reviewed the group's "Far Away" and "Save Me." Both showcased Nickelback's signature, angst-ridden style but also provided an opportunity to discuss how to form healthy relationships.

I liked Five for Fighting's ''The Riddle." John Ondrasik demonstrates an ability to write songs inviting listeners to fxplore life's deeper meanings. The group's 2006 hit encouraged us to accept the mysteries in our lives, that is, the situations, hurts or '1vents that we !:

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cannot readily understand.

For a variety of reasons, a few songs were personal favorites.

These include Keane's "Is It any Wonder," Christina Aguilera's "Hurt," Rascal Flatt's "What Hurts the Most" and O.A.R.'s "Heard the World."

However, if! were to choose my No. I 2006 song it would be John Mayer's "Waiting for the World to Change." In his first big hit in two years, Mayer reflected on the sense of discouragement many feel about how war and violence afflict our world.

While I understand Mayer's message about feeling powerless, I would offer a different perspective.

Today's disciples of Jesus do have a voice. We can practice nonviolence and foster peace in all the communities we are part of.

Without doubt, what I find most enjoyable about writing this column are the responses I receive from readers. I encourage you to continue giving me your comments and suggestions on songs that speak to your life.

I especially enjoy working with religious education classes or parish youth groups, so if your group would like to collaborate with me on a 2007 column, please contact me at the address given below.

As we begin this new year, I ask God to guide us in doing much more than "waiting for the world to change." As today's disciples of Jesus, we carry within us a powerful, healing and peace-filled vision.

Your comments are always' welcome. Please write to me at: chmartin@swindiana.net or at 7125W 200S, Rockport, IN 47635.

Your will be done Oftentimes, when talking about current events, whether personal or not, good or bad, I hear people, mostly elderly, express a love for God in sayings like, "It's in God's hands." or, "It's God's will." I always respond by telling this truth: God's desire, his will and his plan for us all is to love one another as he loves us. Then I ask, "What about your will?

How strong is your desire to live God's plan?"

The beginning of a new year prompts us to make resolutions, new plans for our lives. It's a rediscovering of who we are and why we are here - a new epiphany.

This Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. We know the story of the magi and their desire, their will, to press on in search of the newborn king. What's interesting here, however, is to know who the magi are and why they were compelled to come and adore

this child. The magi were nonJews (gentiles). It is this fact that reveals a great truth: God's love is for all people.

Young people of God, these days it seems that living life is like walking a thin line. Simple things are hard to understand.

Life's difficulties are unbearable. Emotions, like loneliness, anxiety, guilt, anger and depression, make you question whether this is really "God's plan for me." You feel abandonment and separation.

These overwhelm you.

This is not God's plan. God wants you to have a life filled with happiness. Life, however, does have its downs. Here is where you resolve, with God's help, to make things new. Here is where you discover your true strength, where good triumphs over bad and hope over despair.

Here is where you find out who

you really are. Your will is to take matters into your own hands.

Take, for example, the story of a young boy who anxiously waited, day after day, to spend

finding the questioh strange, ignored his son. But the son persisted and asked again and again until he got an answer.

"Why do you want to. know?" the father asked, hesitantly.

"It's important," replied th~ son.

"I make 10 dollars an hour," said the father. Then the son asked if tie could borrow a dollar.

"What for? asked the father; "It's important," replied the son. Not wanting to carryon the conversation any longer the father gave his son the dollar. Immedi~tely, the son rushed into his room, opened a little wooden box and took out nine dollars he had been saving and added the one Ihe just got from his father, making it 10.

Quickly, he ran back to his father with the 10 dollars in hand. Giving the rrioney to his I'

some time with his father, whom he loved very much.

With each passing day, however, his heart was broken because his father never had time to spend with him. So the young boy took matters into his own hands.

One day when the father came home from work, the son asked him, "Dad, how much do you make an hour?" The father,

father, the son asked, "Dad, can I buy an hour of your time?"

This new year, take matters into your own hands. Make resolutions, but never give up on them. Begin by asking yourself, "Who am I?" and "Why am I here?" If you feel you've distanced yourself from Christ and have not involved him in your life as you have hoped to, make your first resolution a return to the Lord.

Remember, he never leaves us.

We leave him. Set good goals and strive to attain them with fervor. Be passionate about your life and the good it can do for you and for others. This is pleasing to God. This is the epiphany of your life - God's love revealed in you.

With God's help, may your will be done. May you have a happy New Year filled with God's many blessings.

Ozzie Pacheco is Faith Formation director at Santo Christo Parish, Fall River.

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18 Continued from page 15 - was a Christ figure. tennial of its dedication in ceremoTaking a welcomed and bold nies July 9. Ironically, Dominican stance opposite that of some CathoFather Pierre E. Lachance, 91, who lic institutions, Providence College spent most of his priesthood at the cancelled the play "The Vagina parish as director of St. Anne's Monologues" saying it was inapproShrine, died the same day after a long priate for a Catholic college campus illness. and "at odds with the true meaning In March, St. Michael's School and morality of Church teaching." in Fall River prepared for its 75th anDeaths niversary with a Mass followed by a Among those who died during dinner. St. Mary's Parish in North 2006 were: Attleboro marked its 150th anniver- Sister Bertha LeBlanc, SSJ, sary of ministering to Catholics in 87, a New Bedford native who the diocese, and at another St. Mary's taught in schools in the diocese; - in Seekonk - a Mass and ban- January 11; quet hailed its centennial.

- Brother Joseph L. Morris, Santo Christo Parish in Fall River CSC, 78, director of maintenance hosted its annual two-day June feast and purchasing at the congregation's that included Masses, a procession Mission Band in North Dartmouth; and concerts on its parish grounds January 21, after a period of failing in Fall River. Our Lady of the Holy health; Rosary Parish in Taunton hosted a - Father Sebastian Slesinki, triduum as it observed the 1DOth an- OFM Conv., 85, retired pastor of niversary of the founding of the Holy Rosary Parish in Taunton; Franciscan Province of St. Anthony January 30 after a battle with Lou of Padua in the United States to serve Gehrig's disease; the needs of Polish immigrants.

- Father Thomas E. Morrissey, St. FranCis Xavier Parish in 70, pastor of St. Jacques Parish in Acushnet celebrated 100 years of Taunton and a priest for 45 years, Catholic presence on the South Coast was found dead in his rectory on region, with a Mass, banquet and a . February 20; concert of sacred and popular mu- Holy Union Sister Alice sic.

Menard, 101, a religious for 85 Two priests observed half centu- years, who taught at many diocesan ries in the priesthood. Father Gerald schools; February 20 at Madonna T. Shovelton, retired since 2000 and Manor in North Attleboro; living in Lady Lake, Aa., was pas- Father Jerome R. Lawyer, 93, tor of Holy Trinity Parish in West a World War II prisoner in the PhilHarwich. Father Bento R. Fraga, a ippines, director of Family Theater Taunton native, who retired in July in Hollywood, Calif., and an assis2005, also marked his anniversary. tant to famed "Rosary Priest" and Father Paul E. Canuel, pastor of two Servant of God, Father Patrick mission parishes of the Fall River Peyton; March 6 in South Bend, Diocese in Guaimaca, Honduras, Ind.; celebrated the 40th anniversary ofhis - Holy Union Sister Mary L. priestly ordination at ceremonies Sampson, 87, who ministered as a there. teacher and nurse in the diocese; Two pastors, Msgr. Stephen 1. Avila March 5, at the Catholic Memorial at St. John Neumann Parish in East Home in Fall River; Freetown, and FatherGerardA. Hebert - Father Thomas 1. Tobin CSC, at St. George Parish in Westport, ob- 80, a member ofthe Holy Cross comserved their 25th anniversaries of or- munity in Dartmouth for more than dination to the priesthood.

30 years; March 16 from Parkinson's Entertainment disease. A World War II U.S. Coast 'The Da Vmci Code" movie, based Guardsman before ordination, he was on Dan Brown's book ofthe same title director ofAging and Healthcare for and centering on the an alleged rela- the Eastern Province; tionship of Jesus with Mary - Deacon Joseph P. Stanley, a Magdalene, initially created a stir in well-known manager in the lumber Catholic circles and was neatly dis- and hardware industry, and who sected by theologians. A documentary, served at Our Lady of Victory Par"Jesus Decoded," by the Catholic ish in Centerville; April 13. A perCommunications Campaign, de- manent deacon for 24 years, he was bunked the book's plot in detail. In the also chaplain at the Barnstable long run the controversial film proved House of Correction; a flop - even at the box-office.

- Father Robert E. McDonnell, In mid-Advent "The Nativity CSC, 80, a member of the Mission Story" proved a timely and inspir- Band in North Dartmouth, and a ing film that stayed close to the Gos- former superior; May 14, after a pel narratives. It was a welcome re- battle with cancer; lief from the many porn-clad, vio- Chorbishop Norman J. Ferris, lent, zany and gory offerings earlier 78, retired pastor of St. Anthony of in the year. the Desert Parish in Fall River, and The film blockbuster based on a leader in the Maronite Rite of the C.S. Lewis' novel, "The Chronicles Catholic Church; May 26, after a linof Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and gering illness; the Wardrobe," dido't pack the punch - Sister Louis J. Bellenoit, SSJ, it could have because screenwriters 78, a native of Fall River and a relimissed the message that readers had gious for 63 years, who taught in found - that AsIan, a lion character many diocesan schools; May 29;

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- Sister Marie Ascension France, 84, of the Dominican Sisters of Charity of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin; June 4, in Dighton, after 59 years of service as a registered nurse and hospital administrator and superior; - Holy Union Sister Evelyn Rogers, 78, a Taunton native who served as a teacher and pastoral minister for more than 50 years, June 5; - Dominican Father Pierre E. Lachance, 91, well known director of St. Anne's Shrine at St. Anne's Church in Fall River; July 9; after a long illness; - Father James T. Donohue, CSC, 71, a missionary and paStor; July 2 in Easton, after a period of failing health; - Father Paul Price, SS.CC, 86, who served in many ministries in the diocese; July 6, after a brief illness; .

- Donald H. Racine, 68, a native of New Bedford, and father of Father Michael Racine, chaplain at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford; September 4, after a bout with cancer; - Maryann 1. (Tetrault) DeMelo, a New Bedford native, sister of Father Ralph D. Tetrault; September 29 after a long illness; - Benedictine Father Roger P. N. Nolette, 70, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, teacher and retreat master; October 8, following a brief illness; - Brother of Christian Instruction Lionel Morneau, 86, a religious for 70 years who grew up in Fall River; June 23 after a long illness; - Father J. Marc Hebert CSC, 82, a member of his community in North Dartmouth, a teacher and chaplain; October 13, suddenly; - Deacon Richard J. Hassey, 82, who served at St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth from 1983 to 2005, and was devoted to ministries of the sick, and worked with divorced and separated couples; October 31; - Sister Mary Byrne FMM, 93, a religious for more than 68 years and a teacher in Fall River schools; November 1; - Holy Union Sister Anne DesRoches, 86, who taught in the diocese for more than 60 years; November3; - Maryknoll Sister Rita Mane Regan, 99, a Fairhaven native who served as a religious for 75 years, including long stints in China and Taiwan; November 4; - Sister Leandra Jankowska CR, 89, who worked with children at St. Savior Day Nursery in New Bedford; November 7; Philip Smith, 80, of Dartmouth, brother of Msgr. John J. Smith of Fairhaven, November 20; -AlfredA. Robillard, 95, father of Father Raymond A. Robillard of Westport; November 21; - John Ferry Sr., 96, a Swansea dairy farmer and father of Father James Ferry; December 15; - Sacred Hearts Sister Mary Rose Perry, 86, a New Bedford native; December 23.

JANUARY

Vocations In addition to the information sessions for college and high school students, several field trips are planned for junior high school boys and girls.

The boys will visit St. John's Seminary in Brighton, and the girls will travel to the Daughters of St. Paul Convent in Jamaica Plain.

"We sponsored a couple of these trips last year, and the response from the boys and girls was very positive;' said Father Correia.

Several Holy Hours for Vocations are planned as part of the "Go Out and Fish" campaign. The first events will be January 9 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in New Bedford at 6:30 p.m., and Annunciation ofthe Lord Parish in Taunton at 7 p.m.

Other scheduled holy hours are: January 17 at St. Michael School Hall in Fall River at 7 p.m., January 21 at S1. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in North Falmouth at 4 p.m., and February 2 at St. Pius X Church, South Yarmouth at 7 p.m.

Father Correia said that he is working with pastors of other parishes across the diocese to host a holy hour.

The schedule will be published in The Anchor as new dates become available.

On the weekend ofMarch 8 and 9, all diocesan priests are invited to an overnight retreat at Miramar Retreat House in Duxbury. There, Msgr. Edward Burns of the Vocation Office of the USCCB, will speak about the ''Fishers ofMen" DVD. Father Correia said the purpose ofthe overnight session is ''for priests to appreciate their priesthood and to help priests understand that they are the primary voca-

5,2007

Continued from page one

tion recruiters in the diocese."

The overnight will be preceded by interviewing priests about their experiences as a priest. Certain quotes from the interviews will be part of the welcoming environment for the overnight.

These quotes will also be used in other promotional work for vocations.

This year the Vocation Office is teaming with the diocesan Communications Office to promote vocations on local cable TV and radio stations.

Father Correia is working closely with John E. Kearns Jr., diocesan director of vocations, to produce a video to be shown on cable TV. It will present the "Fishers of Men" DVD followed by a discussion of the production by several diocesan priests. ''Father Correia and I have come up with an idea to augment the wonderful national video with reflections on ministry as a priest from our own diocesan priests;' Keams told TheAnchor. ''We'll then have a 3D-minute program for airing on cable TV as a resource for use with, for example, small groups or any one who might be considering a life of service as a priest." .

In addition, plans are in the works for several radio commercials promoting vocations.

The "Go Out and Fish" campaign will draw to a close on May 6 with a Holy Hour at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River at 3 p.m.

Next week's Anchor will feature several stories written by diocesan priests and seminarians. The pieces will give several perspectives ofthose who have accepted Christ's challenge to go out and fish.

'Go Out and Fish' Vocation Schedule 2007 January 7 - Information Session on the priesthood for college students; St. Julie Billiart Parish Center, 2-3:30 p.m.

January 9 - Holy Hour for Vocations; Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, 235 North Front Street, New Bedford; 6:30 p.m.

January 9 - Holy Hour for Vocations; Annunciation of the Lord Parish, 31 First Street, Taunton; 7 p.m.

January 17 - Holy Hour for Vocations; S1. Michael School Hall, 209 Essex Street, Fall River; 7 p.m.

January 21 - Holy Hour for Vocations; S1. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 481 Quaker Road, North Falmouth; 4 p.m.

January 28 - Information Session on the priesthood for high school students; St. Julie Billiart Parish Center, 2-3:30 p.m.

February 2 - Holy Hour for Vocations; St. Pius X Church, 5 Barbara Street, South Yarmouth; 7 p.m.

March 8-9 - Overnight retreat for priests; Mirimar Retreat Center, Duxbury.

May 6 - Holy Hour for Vocations; St. Mary's Cathedral, Spring Street, Fall River; 3 p.m. .

The Anchor will routinely run a schedule of vocation events as they become available.

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JANUARY

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5,2007

Around the Diocese ~ .

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Eucharistic Adoration ATTLEBORO - Perpetual eucharistic adoration is held at St. Joseph's Church, 208 South Main Street. For more information call508-226-11l5.

ILectureslPresentations FALL RIVER - The program ''Adoption by Choice:' will be presented January 21 from 1-3 p.m. at the Catholic Social Services Office, 1600 Bay Street. It is for individuals and families interested in adopting a domestic newborn. Refreshments will be served. For more information call 508-674-4681.

FALL RIVER - A presentation about the use of icons in prayer, by Pat Pasternak, will be given tomorrow from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in Our Lady's Chapel at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. It will feature many icons of the Christmas season. For more information call 508-678-1054.

FALL RIVER - A catechists' workshop, "Prayer and Spirituality," an approved course of the diocese's Catechist Certification Program, will be presented January 7, 14, 21, and 28, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Parish school hall, 64 Lamphor Street by coordinator of Religious Education Pat Pasternak. For information call 508673-1284.

IMisceUaueouS--'-":'-'-~~ EAST FALMOUTH - The Knights ofColumbus, Council No. 813, is sponsoring Saturday devotions including the Fatima Rosary tomorrow following celebration ofthe 8a.m. Mass at St. Anthony's Church, Route 28. Refreshments will follow.

Sister Mary Rose Perry, SS.CC; missionary, teacher and caregiver

FAIRHAVEN - Our Lady's Haven seeks volunteers to assist at the nursing facility in transporting residents to and from their rooms to meals, activities and daily Mass. People are needed during the week and on weekends: For more information call Manuel Benevides at 508-999-4561.

HONOLULU, Hawaii Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Sister Mary Rose Perry, 86, formerly of Fairhaven, Mass., died on December 23, 2006 in Hawaii where she had been residing for the past four years at the congregation's retirement residence also known as the Malia o Ka Malu Community.

Born in New Bedford, she lived most of her life in Fairhaven where she graduated from St. Joseph School and Fairhaven High School, Class of 1938.

The daughter of the late Frank Perry and Rose (Mello) Perry, she had survived six brothers one of whom was Father Daniel Perry, SS.CC., a missionary in Japan, as well as her late Mercy Sister Angela Perry, of Worcester, Mass. who died last October. For some years she worked in the rubber industry and as a caregiver.

FREETOWN - Mother of the Sorrowful Heart Rosary Crafters are making and sending handmade cord r0saries to Missions all over the world.

They are available for teaching and demonstrations. For more information call Carol Spoor at 508-644-2645.

SOUTH DARTMOUTH - The Knights of Columbus Bishop Stang Council No. 4532 is seeking good Catholic men to becomenew members. It meets on the first Thesday ofeach month in the basement of St. Mary's Church, 783 Dartmouth Street. For information call Brock Cordeiro at 508-979-8930.

FALL RIVER - The Fall River Area Men's First Friday Club will meet tonight at 6 p.m. at Good Shepherd Par-

ish, 1598 South Main Street. Mass celebrated by Father Freddie Babiczuk will be followed by a meal in the parish hall.

Father Thomas Kocik, chaplain at Charlton Memorial Hospital is the guest speaker. For information call 508-6724822.

II

Ourtady路 of Fatima to Sister Lucia, Blessed II Jacinta an~ Blessed Francisco July 13, 1917

"I shall come to askl~or the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart, and the Conkunion of Reparation on the First Saturdays. If my requests are he~ded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace. If not, she wQ.l spread her errors throughout the. world; causing wars and persecutiQns of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father will hare much to suffer, various nations will be annihilated.In the end, mYiIImmaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she will be converted, and a period of peace Will be gr4nted to the world. In Portugal, the dogma of the Faith will always be preserved, etc."

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Rev. Jourdain Charron, a.p., Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1919 Rev. George H. Flanagan, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River,

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She is survived by several nieces, a nephew, and grandnieces.

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During her 45 years as a Sister of the Congregation Of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, she had been involved in teaching physical education; was i:the official driver for the Sisters' 4ppointments at Sacred Hearts Academy; and for many years worked at!I the National Enthronement Genter in Fairhaven, where shelifilled out re-

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Rev. Thomas F. Kennedy, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, Woods Hole,

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Rev. Vincent Marchildon, a.p., Director, St. Anne Shrine, Fall River, 1972

FALL RIVER, MA 02722

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Rev. Msgr. John E. Boyd, Retired Pastor, St. Patrick, Wareham, 1977 Rev. Harold A. Whelan Jr., SS.CC., Ph. D., 1997

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IN FINE VOICE - Inmates from Dartmouth House of Correction sing Christmas Carols at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro, during a recent concert. The choir's performance included religious carols and testimony from several of its members. (Photo by Mike Gordon)

CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION - Members of the Hispanic Community present the Posados, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro. The Posados is an acting out of the ~tory of Mary and Joseph seeking lodging in Bethlehem. At left, Bishop George W. Coleman was the principal celebrant of a bilingual Mass at the Shrine Church. More than 500 people attended the December 16 service and learned about the new diocesan Hispanic Pastoral Plan. (Photos by La Salette Father Ron Gagne)

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A WRAP SESSION - Jordan Lopes and his mother Debbie Lopes of St. John of God Parish, Somerset, wrap presents at Catholic Social Services as part of its annual Gift of Giving Program. They were among many who volunteered to wrap more than 12,000 gifts which benefited 1,000 families in need this Christmas. (Photo by Mike Gordon)

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FLOAT HOPES - The Downtown Association of North Attleboro hosted its annual Santa Parade. St. SANTA'S HELPERS - Bishop Feehan Sophomores Allison Tormey and Angela Pettine organize toys at the Attleboro school's Santa Shop. More than 250 local families in need benefited from the annual toy drive and Christmas party.

Mary-Sacred Heart School of North Attleboro won its division with a Nativity float, replete with the Holy Family, angels, shepherds, and three wise men. Some students rode on the float in international costumes. Front, from left: Allie Moura, Deirdre Augusto, Adriana Almeida, Ashley McCullen and Kay LaBelle. Rear: Meghan Lawler, Emily McCullen and Madelyn Sweet.