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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

F riday , January 17, 2014

Bishop, diocesan priests gather for prayer and unity

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor

GOAT ISLAND, NEWPORT, R.I. — During the summer months, Goat Island in nearby Newport, R.I., is a bustling tourist area with gorgeous seasides, beaches and shopping.

In the dead of winter the tourists are gone, the beaches are empty, but God’s artwork continues to hold beauty and tranquility. It’s in that setting that this week nearly 110 diocesan priests gathered with Bishop George W. Coleman for the Convocation of Priests the Diocese of Fall River holds every three years.

“The convocation is the one occasion the diocese requires for all our priests to leave behind all their obligations and

to gather together for a few days,” the bishop told The Anchor. “This is especially important now when most of our priests live alone in parishes, some at fair distances from one another. The convocation gives our priests the opportunity to pray together, to spend time with each other, to enjoy each other’s company, and to listen together to the presentations offered by Father Simeon Gallagher, OFM, Cap., on the priesthood. Our fraternal bonds with each other will be strengthened and our priestly vocations — which have been given to us by Christ — will be renewed through the structured and unstructured time we will share and through the presentations.

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O Jesus, our great High Priest, hear my humble prayers on behalf of Your priests. Give them a deep faith, a bright and firm hope and a burning love which will ever increase in the course of their priestly life.

In their loneliness, comfort them. In their sorrows, strengthen them. In their frustrations, point out to them that it is through suffering that the soul is purified, and show them that they are needed by the Church; they are needed by souls; they are needed for the work of redemption.

CNS “Prayer for Priests.” (Photo by Dave Jolivet)

We live in the company of saints have an ongoing influence on modern life. Pope Francis will ASSONET — We love our canonize Pope John XXIII and Catholic saints. We cherish Pope John Paul II on April 27, them as members of our family while Mother Teresa waits in and look to them for inspira- the wings.

As a religion writer, I have tion, protection and intercesmet folks from our diocese who sion.

“Oh my God! You see what have had the rare opportunity a barren and desolate place to interact with those destined this world is — send us saints,” for sainthood and others who pleaded Trappist monk Thomas prayed to them with miraculous results.

Merton.

During his first week as an In the first 2,000 years of Church history, there have ordained priest, Father Mibeen more than 10,000 formal- chael S. Racine, pastor of St. ly recognized saints. Some are Bernard’s Parish in Assonet, our contemporaries, and they Turn to page 18

By Linda Andrade Rodrigues Anchor Correspondent

Christopher M.J. Peschel, right, a native of Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Taunton, was ordained as a transitional deacon by Bishop George W. Coleman last weekend inside the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River. Here the newly-ordained is vested with assistance from Father Richard D. Wilson, pastor of St. John the Evangelist and St. Vincent de Paul parishes in Attleboro, where Deacon Peschel is currently assigned. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

Taunton’s Christopher Peschel ordained a transitional deacon

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

FALL RIVER — Surrounded by family, friends and a group of soon-to-be brother priests from the diocese, Taunton native and seminarian Christopher Peschel took the penultimate step towards fulfilling his calling to the priesthood last weekend when he was ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop George W. Coleman inside the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption.

Peschel shared his great joy with The Anchor just before his diaconal ordination on January 11 and said he looks forward with great anticipation to his priestly ordination slated for June 7.

“There’s a little bit of anxiety, but I’m at the point where I just want it to be over — I just want it to be done so I can carry on with my life and ministry,” Peschel said. “I’ve still got one more semester of classes to push through in Boston and I’m active with the parishes I’ve been assigned to in Attleboro.

“To be quite honest, I had a great retreat this past week at Portsmouth Abbey and I spent a great five days with them and it really put me in the spiritual mood that I need to be in going forward.”

A native parishioner of Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Taunton, Peschel graduated from Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook in Wynnewood, Pa., before enrolling in St. John’s Seminary in Brighton in 2010.

“I entered the seminary after completing one year of college,” Peschel said. “The bishop asked me to go down to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. I was there for three years, and then the last four years I’ve been up here at St. John’s Seminary in Boston doing theology studies. This will complete seven years of study. I received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy (from St. Charles Borromeo) and I’ll complete my masters of divinity Turn to page 14

Needs at area food pantries remain great after the holidays

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff

NEW BEDFORD — While some families are loosening their belts after indulging heavily during holiday meals, other families continue to tighten theirs in light of current cuts in unemployment benefits and food stamps — and area food banks are hoping to meet the need beyond the holiday surge of food donations.

“I can’t believe how much the

donations decline after the holidays, unfortunately,” said Mark Abdow, basic needs coordinator of the Solanus Casey Food Pantry in New Bedford. “There are some organizations that only think of us around the holidays, and we only get a phone call to pick up food from there once a year. We’re so grateful that we get that phone call, but it would be nice if they thought of us more than that. After the holidays, it

can really die down.”

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the most current recession began in December of 2007 and ended in June of 2009. Unemployment rates rose across the nation — as of November 2013, the current unemployment rate in Massachusetts is 7.1 percent. The state maximum unemployment benefit in Massachusetts, effective Turn to page 15

January 17, 2014 News From the Vatican With few words on abortion, Pope Francis shows a new way to be Pro-Life

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — On the morning of Jan. 25, 2013, participants in the Washington, D.C., March for Life received an unexpected boost in the form of a Twitter message from Pope Benedict XVI. “I join all those marching for life from afar, and pray that political leaders will protect the unborn and promote a Culture of Life,” the pope wrote on his account, @Pontifex.

This January 22, when marchers on the mall again protest the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 decision legalizing abortion, Pope Francis might very well follow Pope Benedict’s lead by tweeting his support. If he does, those words will be among the relatively few Pope Francis has devoted to the subject.

Pope Francis’ decision to talk less than his predecessors about abortion has puzzled and distressed some supporters of the Pro-Life movement. Yet the pope has made clear his commitment to the defense of unborn life and, thanks to his colossal popularity and gift for communicating across cultural divides, his pontificate could prove a boon to the Pro-Life cause in enormous and unprecedented ways.

The pope’s comparative reticence on abortion became evident to many observers a few months into his pontificate. At a June Vatican Mass dedicated to Pro-Life causes, an event that had been planned under Pope Benedict, Pope Francis surprised many when he delivered a homily without any reference to abortion, euthanasia or any other specific threat to life.

During his week-long visit to Brazil the following month, the pope said nothing about the country’s moves to liberalize abortion (or its legalization of same-sex marriage), explaining afterward to reporters that the “Church has already expressed itself perfectly on that.”

Among people used to regarding the pope as the world’s foremost advocate for the unborn, his silence was disquieting.

“Some people think that the Holy Father should talk more about abortion,” Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, OFM, Cap., of Boston said in a speech to the Knights of Columbus in August. But the cardinal added: “I think he speaks of love and mercy to give people the context for the Church’s teaching on abortion.”

In a widely-quoted interview published the following month, Pope Francis acknowledged that he had “not spoken much” about “issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods,” and that he had been “reprimanded for that.”

“But when we speak about these issues, we have to talk about them in a context,” the pope said. “The teaching of the Church, for that matter, is clear and I am a son of the Church, but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time.”

The day after that interview was published, Pope Francis spoke out strongly on abortion for the first time since his election, denouncing it as a product of a “widespread mentality of profit, the ‘throwaway culture,’ which has today enslaved

the hearts and minds of so many,” and stating that “every unborn child, though unjustly condemned to be aborted, has the face of the Lord.”

Just as strong were his words in the apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), published in November, in which he affirmed the Church’s “particular love and concern” for “unborn children, the most defenseless and innocent among us,” and quoted Blessed John Paul II’s statement that “every violation of the personal dignity of the human being cries out in vengeance to God.” A key element in the pope’s words on abortion is the link he makes between protection of the unborn and the wider cause of social justice.

“Defense of unborn life is closely linked to the defense of each and every other human right,” Pope Francis wrote in the apostolic exhortation. “It involves the conviction that a human being is always Sacred and inviolable, in any situation and at every stage of development. Human beings are

ends in themselves and never a means of resolving other problems. Once this conviction disappears, so do solid and lasting foundations for the defense of human rights, which would always be subject to the passing whims of the powers that be.”

It is nothing new for a pope to draw such connections, as Pope Francis knows, since he made a similar point in September by quoting Pope Benedict: “If personal and social sensitivity in welcoming a new life is lost, other forms of welcome useful to social life will dry up.”

Yet such arguments are especially effective coming from Pope Francis, because his vehement criticisms of global capitalism, along with his conciliatory attitudes toward some of the more contentious issues between the Church and contemporary secular culture, have earned him a reputation as less of a conservative than either Blessed John Paul or Pope Benedict.

“It is not ‘progressive’ to try to resolve problems by eliminating a human life,” Pope Francis has written. Never-

theless, many now see support for legalized abortion as a progressive position. The idea of a pope who is at once progressive and Pro-Life is thus bound to strike them as paradoxical.

And there is nothing better than a good paradox for getting someone to question one’s assumptions, even on a topic as polarizing and long-debated as abortion. If any public figure today is capable of persuading large numbers of people outside the Pro-Life ranks to change, or at least open, their minds on the question, it is Pope Francis.

There is another way, at least as important, in which Pope Francis acts a witness for life: the countless images of him embracing, kissing and caressing people with crippling or disfiguring injuries or diseases. No verbal argument could more powerfully refute the eugenic mentality behind the culture of abortion than the sight of a pope passionately celebrating human lives that many would insist are not worth keeping.

Pope’s first cardinals represent peripheries of the world

Vatican City, (CNA) — On January 12, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Francis announced the names of the 19 men from various parts of the globe who will be appointed cardinals in February.

In the surprise announcement at the end of his Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis noted that the new cardinals come “from 12 countries from every part of the world,” and “represent the deep ecclesial relationship between the Church of Rome and the other Churches throughout the world.”

The geographical distribution entails eight cardinals from Europe; seven from the Americas; and two from Africa and Asia. No cardinals from the United States were named.

Besides some expected names, such as Archbishops Pietro Parolin, secretary of state; Lorenzo Baldisseri, general secretary of the Synod of Bishops, Gerhard Mueller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; and Beniamino Stella, prefect of the Congre-

gation for Clergy, the list includes several men from the far reaches of the globe.

Archbishop of Ouagadougou, Philippe Nakellentuba Ouedraogo, will join the College of Cardinals from Burkina Faso in west Africa, as will Bishop Chibly Langlois of Les Cayes, Haiti: both will be the only cardinals from their countries.

Father Federico Lombardi of the Holy See’s Press Office noted that the pope’s choice of these two men especially “shows concern for people struck by poverty.”

Three new cardinals from Pope Francis’ own South America are on the list, including the current Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Mario Aurelio Poli, who replaced the then-Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio when he was elected pope last spring.

The pontiff also named Cistercian Archbishop Orani Joao Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who hosted Pope Francis for his first World Youth Day in July of 2013.

When Archbishop Tempesta’s name was read, Pope Francis looked up to ac-

knowledge the cheers coming from St. Peter’s Square.

“There are a lot of Brazilians here, eh?” he said.

Three of the 19 men named are over the age of 80 and will be therefore ineligible to vote in the next papal election: Archbishop Loris Francesco Capovilla, Archbishop Fernando Sebastian Aguilar, and Archbishop Kelvin Edward Felix.

Archbishop Capovilla served as the secretary of Pope John XXIII, who will be canonized in April.

The official appointments will be made on February 22, the feast of the Chair of St. Peter. On February 20-21, Pope Francis announced that he will hold a consistory with all the cardinals in order to reflect on the theme of the family.

He then concluded by asking for prayers for the new cardinals: “Let us pray for the new cardinals, that clothed with the virtues and sentiments of the Lord Jesus, (the) Good Shepherd, they can more effectively help the Bishop of Rome in his service to the Universal Church,” said Pope Francis.

3 The International Church Despite unrest, some foreign religious say they’ll stay in South Sudan

January 17, 2014

YAKIMA, Wash. (CNS) — While many foreigners have fled the fighting in South Sudan, an international group of Catholic volunteers has remained at the side of the people they came to serve.

“None of our group has left the country because of the violence. Being in solidarity means being one with the people. It means standing faithfully beside them at this tragic time,” said Sister Cathy Arata, a School Sister of Notre Dame from New Jersey, in a phone interview from Juba, the nation’s capital.

Sister Arata works with Solidarity with South Sudan, an international network of more than 225 Catholic congregations and donor agencies supporting the Church in South Sudan, which in 2011 became independent from the north of the country.

Fighting broke out in Juba December 15 between ethnic Dinka and Nuer in the presidential guard, months after President Salva Kiir, who is Dinka, fired his vice president, Riek Machar, who is Nuer. The fighting spread quickly to other parts of the country, killing at least 1,000 people and displacing hundreds of thousands. The conflict raised fears of an allout conflict between the country’s two largest groups.

Many foreigners fled quickly. The U.S. Embassy in Juba evacuated most of its staff and urged U.S. citizens in the country to leave.

Solidarity with South Sudan provides training for teachers, health workers and pastoral agents. Sister Arata said her group told 16 short-term volunteers scheduled to arrive in January to cancel their travel plans, yet none of the 32 longterm members working in the country have left unless they already had plans to leave for Christmas.

The group’s activities in Yambio and Rumbek remain unaffected. A health training institute in Wau will start classes in January two weeks later than planned because students do not yet feel safe to travel.

The group is suspending its teacher training operations in war-torn Malakal, however, where some of the worst fighting has taken place. Sister Arata said it was impossible for students to travel there for classes.

Five members of Solidarity were in Malakal during the height of the violence. One

Ethiopian member of the group was trapped in the United Nations camp, but the other four, including Father Michael Bassano, a Maryknoll priest from the United States, were trapped in the Solidarity house, which is located close to two military barracks that came under attack by rebels.

Sister Elizabeth Ryan, an Irish member of the Faithful Companions of Jesus, said the fighting in Malakal began in earnest December 23.

“We were really in a war zone. It was appalling. We all hunkered down in a small room beside our chapel, laying low on the floor, and when the fighting would let up a bit we’d stand up and relax a bit, but then run again when the shooting and bombardment would resume,” Sister Ryan told Catholic News Service.

“It was our personal choice to stay there. But Church people usually don’t go away when things get difficult,” she said.

“We came to South Sudan for a reason, to help them build a new nation. And we’re going to stay for the same reason.”

The fighting in Malakal continued for four days until the rebels ran low on ammunition and fresh government troops arrived to push them out of the city.

Once Solidarity decided to suspend its Malakal operations, Sister Ryan flew to Rumbek January 2, where she will help train teachers in a program which has not been directly affected by the conflict.

In Juba, a nighttime curfew remains in place.

“Things are quiet here,” Sister Arata said. “We’re hoping that something will happen in the peace talks” currently underway in Ethiopia.

On January 6, the day the peace talks began in Addis Ababa, Sister Arata said she helped with Mass in one of the U.N. camps in Juba where thousands of displaced families remain, afraid to go home.

“We said Mass on a tiny altar in the middle of the squalor. We celebrated the Eucharist where they were building latrines,” she said. “Yet we witnessed the human condition in its most pristine form, because the people are really one with each other. They are afraid because of what has happened, but they have such faith in God that they say, ‘God will get us through this, just as God has gotten us through every-

thing else.’ During the Mass the singing and the dancing were just like in the parishes; you wouldn’t know they were

living in a refugee camp because they were so involved in the celebration and praising God.

“I was privileged to be there at this moment, as I felt surrounded by the suffering Christ in our midst,” she added.

Sister Elizabeth Ryan, an Irish member of the Faithful Companions of Jesus who trains teachers, sings with children alongside Nyachingowk Laa in 2010 at a Catholic school in Malakal, South Sudan. Sister Ryan was trapped in Malakal during heavy fighting between rebel soldiers and government troops that broke out just before Christmas. (CNS photo/Paul Jeffrey)

January 17, 2014 The Church in the U.S. ‘War on Poverty’ anniversary sparks renewed commitment to the effort

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WASHINGTON (CNS) — When President Lyndon Johnson declared a “war on poverty” in his 1964 State of the Union address, few then expected just what it would take to wipe out domestic poverty.

Fifty years later, acknowledging the task in front of them, Catholic and political leaders alike have stated their intent to lessen poverty in the United States.

On January 8, the 50th anniversary date of Johnson’s address, Catholic Charities USA brought together a host of other organizations, including Feeding America, Save the Children, the Salvation Army, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Lutheran Services in America, United Way and the Alliance for Children and Families, to work together in 2014 to educate, innovate and act to reduce poverty in communities across the country.

Catholic Charities outlined the principles for the groups to follow in the effort: educate the public about the everyday challenges facing the more than 46 million people living in poverty in America today; highlight innovative solutions to poverty by connecting local practitioners with national leaders; and act to reduce poverty in communities across the country using newfound knowledge and techniques.

The participating organizations also will host a poverty round-table in February.

“The partnership announced today will explore tangible opportunities to work together throughout 2014 to support each other’s poverty-reduction initiatives,” said a recent statement from Father Larry Snyder, Catholic Charities’ president.

“We signed on. We’re for it. It’s great,” the Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World, the Christian citizens anti-hunger lobby, told

Catholic News Service.

Rev. Beckmann said the U.S. poverty rate was cut in half between 1964 and 1973.

“The country was concerned about poverty. And the economy was strong,” he said, but “we haven’t had a president since Lyndon Johnson who considered poverty one of his top five priorities.”

He added progress at cutting poverty was “very modest” between 1974 and 2008, “and then with the financial crisis in 2008, there was a big increase in hunger and poverty.

It would have been bigger,” he said, without the programs put in place between 1964 and ’73.

“In the last five years, the social programs had been the lifeline for families.”

One problem Rev. Beckmann sees in cutting poverty further is that “wages haven’t kept up with inflation for working people. We haven’t continued serious progress against poverty because we as a nation haven’t tried. We’ve been preoccupied with other issues. That’s why I’m just thrilled the anniversary of the war on poverty just in the last few days prompts a debate on the war on poverty, and it’s a serious debate.”

Rev. Beckmann is glad he’s got a new ally. “I’m Lutheran, but I think Pope Francis is saying all the right things,” he said.

In fact, he recently gave copies of the pope’s exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), to a dozen Bread for the World donors.

“In it, he says it’s right that markets are important, but if free markets result in homeless people dying on the street, we’ve got to intervene somehow. He’s right!” Rev. Beckmann said.

“The bottom line is we’ve got to get systems in place to keep people from dying in the cold.”

Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami also focused on “The Joy of the Gospel” in a recent op-ed essay he wrote for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

daily newspaper.

The “throwaway culture” Pope Francis condemns in the exhortation “should provoke reflection — and lead to action — especially in the face of the challenges faced by low-wage workers in our economy today,” Archbishop Wenski said.

“This year, the minimum wage in Florida will rise to a paltry $7.93 an hour. This is hardly enough for a worker to support oneself, much less a family.”

Archbishop Wenski added, “Low wages that do not allow workers to earn enough to pay rent at the end of the month and to put enough food on the table for their kids leads to what the pope has also called ‘an economy of exclusion,’ stunting the lives of the poor for lack of opportunity.”

With half of all new jobs projected to be in low-wage occupations, “the growing gap in wages between the most affluent of our citizens and middle- and lower-income

workers needs to be addressed,” the archbishop said. “As Pope Francis has repeatedly said, we cannot tolerate a ‘globalization of indifference.’ We cannot rob the working poor of hope.”

On January 8, Archbishop Wenski, who is chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, made the same points in a joint letter he issued with Father Snyder calling on the U.S. Senate to advance policies that promote decent wages and just wages.

They urged lawmakers to raise the federal minimum wage, which at its current level does not “provide sufficient resources for individuals to form and support families.”

A full-time job at the minimum wage salary of $7.25 an hour provides about $15,000 yearly. Democrats in Congress have proposed raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour.

The minimum wage for tipped workers hasn’t been raised in

more than 20 years and remains at $2.13 an hour.

President Barack Obama said he planned on making income inequality a priority for the rest of his presidency.

Contrarian voices, though, have said that prior government approaches to eradicating poverty did not solve the problem.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in a recent speech, said the United States needs a new agenda to help the poorest Americans find work and help their families climb out of poverty.

Federal money to cut poverty should be shifted to the states instead, and Congress should reform the tax code to give people in low-wage jobs an incentive to stay in the workforce and not collect unemployment insurance, Rubio said, adding that raising the minimum wage to $10 an hour may be popular with many Americans but that it won’t help people emerge from poverty.

Rochester installation marks first new bishop there in 33 years

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (CNS) — At 3 p.m. on January 3, with applause ringing through a full Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bishop Salvatore R. Matano took his seat in the cathedra (bishop’s chair), marking the beginning of his ministry as the ninth Bishop of Rochester.

The installation Mass was the first in Rochester since 1979, when Bishop Matthew H. Clark began his 33-year tenure. Bishop Clark, 76, retired in September 2012. Bishop Matano had been bishop of Burlington, Vt., for eight years.

After being installed by apostolic nuncio Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, Bishop Matano, 67, emphasized in his homily that “I’m not the only Catholic in this diocese.

If I have challenges, then we all have challenges. It is the re-

sponsibility of every baptized Catholic to fulfill faithfully what Christ asks of us.”

He stressed the importance of regular attendance at Sunday Mass: “All that we do as a people of faith stems from our attachment to the Holy Eucharist.”

The ceremony on a frigid, snowy day was attended by bishops and cardinals from across the country. Others were kept away by the harsh conditions, including Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, who had been scheduled to preside.

Since Bishop Clark’s retirement took effect, the Rochester see had been vacant, with Bishop Robert Cunningham of Syracuse, N.Y., serving as apostolic administrator.

In his homily, Bishop Matano alluded to the bitter weather, observing, “I asked, how could I make today memorable? I looked to the Heavens and said, ‘Let there be snow.’”

The native of Providence, R.I., thanked people who have supported him through the years, including family, friends, brethren and people of the Burlington Diocese. In expressing enthusiasm for his new home, he took special note of Bishop Clark, extending his thanks for his warm welcome and observing, “you are a true canonical

icon of stability in this office,” and setting off a round of applause for Bishop Clark.

Bishop Matano also paid tribute to the many priests in attendance, saying, “Let us remember that without the priesthood, there is no Eucharist. And without the Eucharist, the Catholic Church loses its identity.”

He also noted the importance of other vocations, including religious and married life. He said all Catholics play a key role in strengthening the Church.

Bishop Matano said the current culture is often marked by indifference and even anger toward the Church — a drastic change from the 1950s, when Catholicism in the United States thrived on many levels.

For those who are estranged from the Church, Bishop Matano implored, “Please come home.

This is not the plea of Bishop Matano — this is only his voice echoing the voice of Jesus.”

He concluded his homily by asking Catholics to practice evangelization “because we are called to love another, we must tell them the truth of our Catholic faith” — and to defend life and “the dignity of every human person from the moment of conception until natural death.”

January 17, 2014

The Church in the U.S.

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Christian baker files religious freedom appeal in Marriage ruling

A person sleeps on a bench in the early morning hours near the White House in Washington recently. The dangerously cold temperatures put local governments and organizations in the nation’s capital on heightened alert to get people in need of shelter off the streets, out of the cold and into a facility. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)

Catholic witnesses back No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Two Catholic witnesses at a January 9 hearing on the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act endorsed the bill, one of them calling it “long overdue.”

One of those testifying at the hearing sponsored by the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice was Richard M. Doerflinger, associate director of the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat of ProLife Activities.

Doerflinger said the bill, if enacted, would “write into permanent law a policy on which there has been strong popular and congressional agreement for over 35 years” with the adoption of the Hyde Amendment in the annual appropriations bill for the federal department of Health and Human Services.

“Even public officials who take a ‘pro-choice’ stand on abortion have supported bans on public funding as a ‘middle ground’ on this contentious issue — in recognition of the fact that it is not ‘pro-choice’ to force others to fund a procedure to which they have fundamental objections,” Doerflinger said.

“And even courts insisting on a constitutional ‘right’ to abortion have said that this alleged right ‘implies no limitation on the authority of a state to make a value judgment favoring childbirth over abortion, and to implement that judgment by the allocation of public funds.’”

Doerflinger said the implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act may still force Americans to pay for elective abortions through state insurance exchanges.

“Each insurance company will decide whether its plan will include elective abortions, for those

who receive federal subsidies as well as those who do not,” Doerflinger said.

“Once that decision is made, federal law will demand that every enrollee must help pay for those abortions, notwithstanding any conscientious objection they may have,” he continued. “This mandatory surcharge for abortion will be kept in a separate account from the account used for federal premium subsidies, apparently so it can be said that no ‘federal tax dollars’ are being used for elective abortions; and insurers are forbidden by federal law to make any special effort to inform people that their plan includes such abortions, or to tell them how much they will be paying for other enrollees’ abortions.”

He added, “This ‘separation of funds’ scheme is contrary to the policy of the Hyde Amendment and parallel laws, which forbid federal subsidies to any part of a benefits package that includes elective abortions. It also violates the spirit of these laws in terms of subsidies for abortion itself.

“If I find myself explicitly forced by federal law to pay for other people’s abortions, as a condition for receiving the health care my family and I need,” Doerflinger said, “is it really that important to me whether the law calls the forced payment a ‘premium’ rather than a ‘tax?’”

Helen M. Alvare, a law professor at the George Mason University School of Law in Virginia and a public information officer for the U.S. bishops’ Pro-Life secretariat in the 1990s, testified: “It serves the interests of American women for the federal government once and for all to remove itself from the business of abortion funding.”

“Americans, including Ameri-

can women, have never made and will never make our peace with abortion,” Alvare said. “Abortion is not a social good deserving of federal funding, let alone funding in the name of women’s health or well-being.”

The federal budget funds programs that “support and promote human life versus death, insecurity and want,” Alvare said. “But abortion, in the words of our Supreme Court, is different. Even if the court doesn’t get its biology exactly right, it has said that ‘no other procedure involves the purposeful termination of potential human life.’”

When it comes to the role abortion plays in the federal government’s efforts to promote women’s health, Alvare said, “The federal government is decidedly uncurious about the role abortion plays respecting women’s health.

The Centers for Disease Control doesn’t even require mandatory reporting by the states and consequently doesn’t have complete or standardized data on abortion.”

The CDC’s own listed top threats to pregnant women’s health are heart disease, stroke and cancer, Alvare said, and it acknowledges the problems of infertility, carrying a baby to term, and ingesting substances that could harm the unborn child.

But “the federal government has collected no dispositive data about the relationship between abortion and women’s health.

When it addresses women’s health priorities, it rather offers advice to women about caring for their unborn child, and says nothing about abortion as health care,” Alvare said. “There is no empirical basis, therefore, upon which federal lawmakers can make the claim that women’s health is promoted by funding abortion.”

DENVER (CNA/EWTN News) — A Christian baker in Colorado is appealing a judge’s ruling that he must violate his religious beliefs and bake a cake for a same-sex wedding ceremony.

“Jack simply exercised the long-cherished freedom to not speak by declining to promote a false view of Marriage through his creative work,” explained lead counsel Nicolle Martin, who is allied with Alliance Defending Freedom.

“It’s outrageous that the government would turn its guns on Jack and threaten him with a potential jail sentence unless he says and does what the government demands.”

Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood, Colo., declined in July 2012 to make a wedding cake for two men who had recently obtained a civil marriage license in Massachusetts.

Phillips explained that his evangelical Christian faith prevented him from making a cake for a “gay wedding.” In response, the two men filed a discrimination suit.

In December 2013, Colorado Judge Robert Spencer ruled that Phillips’ actions constituted discrimination and do not fall under protected freedom of speech because the requested cake did not explicitly include text supporting “gay marriage.”

Judge Spencer also rejected Phillips claim that he has a right to live out his religious beliefs in his business decisions. The judge said that baking a wedding cake “does not involve an effort by the government to regulate what respondents believe. Rather, it involves that state’s regulation of conduct.”

Phillips was issued a “cease and desist” order that required him to bake wedding cakes for same-sex couples.

He is now appealing that decision, aided by Alliance Defending Freedom, which argued

in its summary judgment brief that the baker “did not discriminate ‘because of ’ sexual orientation.”

“It is undisputed that Jack has served homosexual customers in the past, creating all manner of baked goods for a variety of occasions,” the brief explained, adding that Phillips had specifically told the couple that he would bake other products for them.

While Phillips is happy to serve homosexual customers, his faith prohibits him from affirming “gay marriage” ceremonies through his actions, the brief said.

In making this decision, he is exercising his right to live out his religious beliefs, the law group stated. Furthermore, by choosing not to bake a cake, he is refraining from participating and promoting speech and beliefs that he does not hold, a practice that is “both statutory and constitutional” under Colorado law.

In addition to avoiding participation in same-sex wedding ceremonies, Phillips closes his store on Sundays and “does not create baked goods for Halloween because of his deeply held religious beliefs.”

By requiring Phillips to “conform his conscience to their definition of Marriage,” the legal brief stated, “government is unconstitutionally attempting to force (him) to violate his sincerely held religious beliefs and to compel him to speak a message that is contrary to his actual beliefs.”

“Every artist must be free to create work that expresses what he or she believes and not be forced to express contrary views,” explained Senior Counsel Kristen Waggoner.

“Forcing Americans to promote ideas against their will undermines our constitutionally protected freedom of expression and our right to live free. If the government can take away our First Amendment freedoms, there is nothing it can’t take away.”

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January 17, 2014

Anchor Editorial

The new cardinals and the poor

Last Sunday Pope Francis named 19 new members of the College of Cardinals, who will formally become part of that group on February 22 at a consistory at the Vatican. In a letter to them, he reminded them that “The cardinalship does not imply promotion, nor an honor nor a decoration. It is simply a service that requires you to broaden your gaze and open your hearts.”

In writing this, the Holy Father is reminding them (and, by extension, us) that we are called to imitate Christ, Who came not to be served, but to serve. The harvest is great and the laborers are few, Jesus said. He wants more laborers and the pope is calling upon these 19 new cardinals to allow Christ to open their hearts to a new service, working to bring souls to Him. It is significant that of the new cardinals, with the exception of those who work in the Roman Curia, only one new voting one (in other words, one under 80) is from Europe.

The Holy Father continues to work to make the Church more responsive to the diverse reality of her members. He also felt free to name cardinals from cities which had never had a cardinal — one of the new ones is not even an archbishop.

The pope wrote to them that their need “to look further and to love more universally with greater intensity may be acquired only by following the same path of the Lord [which is] the path of self-effacement and humility, taking on the role of a servant.”

He told the new cardinals, “I ask you, please, to receive this designation with a simple and humble heart. And, although you must do so with pleasure and joy, ensure that this sentiment is far from any expression of worldliness or from any form of celebration contrary to the evangelical spirit of austerity, sobriety and poverty.” It might sound like the pope is a “wet blanket,” raining on their parade, but in reality, in whose parade should we be participating? Christ’s. And He is surrounding us in so many poor and suffering people.

St. John Chrysostom wrote, “Do you want to honor Christ’s Body? Then do not scorn Him in His nakedness, nor honor Him here in the Church with silken garments while neglecting Him outside where He is cold and naked.”The saint warned us that we need to give Christ the “honor that He desires,” not the one that we want to give Him. Chrysostom draws a parallel between how Peter wanted to “honor” Jesus by not letting Him wash his feet and how we ignore the poor, but wish to do other things to “honor” Jesus in the Church. Chrysostom does not bar those other actions, but says that care for the poor must come first. Pope Francis is trying to remind us of this.

“Of what use is it to weigh down Christ’s table with golden cups, when He Himself is dying of hunger?” Chrysostom asks. “Will you have a golden cup made but not give Him a cup of water? Tell me: If you were to see Him lacking the necessary food but were to leave Him in that state and merely surround His table with gold would He be grateful to you or rather would He not be angry?

“What if you were to see Him clad in worn-out rags and stiff from the cold, and were to forget about clothing Him and instead were to set up golden columns for Him, saying that you were doing it in His honor? Would He not think He was being mocked and greatly insulted?” These words from St. John Chrysostom are “food for thought” as we consider how our area soup kitchens and food pantries are in increasing need of donations, now that the Thanksgiving-Christmas rush is over (but people are still in need of eating every day).

Chrysostom was the patriarch of Constantinople (when it was still in union with Rome). He was criticized in a similar way in which Pope Francis has been criticized.

Chrysostom wrote about this, “I am often reproached for continually attacking the rich.

Yes, because the rich are continually attacking the poor. But those I attack are not the rich as such, only those who misuse their wealth. I point out constantly that those I accuse are not the rich but the rapacious. Wealth is one thing, covetousness another. Learn to distinguish.”

Just as Pope Francis warned the new cardinals to be austere in their celebrating their new role in the Church, so Chrysostom warns us about how we use our possessions. “You eat in excess; Christ eats not even what He needs. You eat a variety of cakes; He eats not even a piece of dried bread. You drink fine Thracian wine; but on Him you have not bestowed so much as a cup of cold water. You lie on a soft and embroidered bed; but He is perishing in the cold. You live in luxury on things that properly belong to Him. At the moment, you have taken possessions of the resources that belong to Christ and you consume them aimlessly. Don’t you realize that you are going to be held accountable?”

As we celebrate today (Friday) the feast of St. Anthony of the Desert, who was moved as a young orphan upon hearing the Gospel story of the rich young man to not imitate that Biblical character, but instead accept the invitation Christ gave to give up everything to follow Him, we ask Christ to help these new cardinals and help all of us to serve Christ in each other, especially the poor.

Pope Francis’ weekly Angelus address and prayer

Dear brothers and sisters, hello!

Today is the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This morning I baptized 32 newborns. I thank the Lord with you for these babies and for every new life. I like to baptize children. I really enjoy it!

Every child who is born is a gift of joy and hope, and every child who is baptized is marvel of the faith and a festival for the family of God. Today’s Gospel reading highlights the fact that, when Jesus received Baptism from John in the Jordan River, “the Heavens opened for Him” (Mt 3:16). This fulfills the

prophecies. In fact, there is an invocation that the Liturgy has us repeat during Advent: “O that You would rend the Heavens and come down!” (Is 63:19). If the Heavens remain closed, our horizon in this earthly life is dark, without hope. But, celebrating Christmas, the faith has once again given us the certainty that the Heavens have been opened

by Jesus’ coming. And on the day of Christ’s Baptism we again contemplate the opened Heavens. The manifestation of the Son of God on earth is the beginning of the great time of mercy, after sin had closed the Heavens, making a barrier beOFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

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tween human beings and their Creator. With Jesus’ birth the Heavens are opened! God gives us in Christ the guarantee of an indestructible love.

From the moment the Word was made Flesh it is possible to see the Heavens opened. It is possible for the shepherds of Bethlehem, for the Magi from the East, for the Baptist, for the Apostles of Jesus, for St. Stephen, the first martyr, who exclaimed: “I see the Heavens opened!” (Acts 7:56).

And it is also possible for each one of us, if we let ourselves be invaded by God’s love! This is the great time of mercy! Do not forget it. This is the great time of mercy!

When Jesus received the Baptism of repentance from John the Baptist, entering into solidarity with the repentant people — He Who is without a need to convert — God the Father made His voice heard from Heaven: “This is My beloved Son. In Him I am well pleased” (Mt 3:17). Jesus received the Heavenly Father’s approval, Who sent Him precisely to share our condition, our poverty. Sharing is the true way to love. Jesus does not disassociate Himself from

us. He considers us brothers and shares with us. And in this way He makes us sons, together with Him, of God the Father. This is revelation and the source of true love.

And this is the great time of mercy!

Does it not seem to you that in our time there is a need for more fraternal sharing and of love? Does it not seem to you that we all need more charity? I am not talking about that charity that contents itself with extemporaneous help and does not get involved, does not put itself into play, but that charity that shares, that takes on our brother’s hardships and suffering. What flavor life has when we let ourselves be flooded with God’s love!

Let us ask the Holy Virgin with her intercession to sustain us our effort to follow Christ along the way of faith and charity, the way traced out by our Baptism.

The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived by work of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary ...

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy Word.

Hail Mary ...

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary ...

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen. {Following the recitation of the Angelus, the Holy Father continued}: Dear brothers and sisters, Today I would like to address a special thought to the parents who have had their children baptized and those who are preparing for the Baptism of a child. I join in the joy of these families, I thank the Lord with them, and I pray that the Baptism of their children will help the parents themselves to rediscover the beauty of faith and to return in a new way to the Sacraments and to the community.

Anchor Columnists

January 17, 2014

R

ight before Christmas, Pope Francis was unsurprisingly named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year and very surprisingly was given the same honor by the Advocate, the oldest and largest gay magazine in the United States.

While Time’s award was for reasons far broader than the Advocate’s, both magazines explained that their fundamental rationale concerned Pope Francis’ comments in a July interview returning from Brazil: “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?”

This phrase, according to Time, defines “both the promise and the limits of Francis’ papacy.” The Advocate emblazoned the phrase on its cover, along with a photo of Francis with the words “No H8” (No Hate) in pretended face paint on his cheeks.

More than any other phrase in his pontificate, “Who I am to judge?” has captured the attention of the secular media and others distant from the Church and has come to define the new pope. Whether people think his five words harbinger a change in Church teaching or just in tone, it’s clear that most are misinterpreting what Pope Francis was actually communicating.

His words came in response to a question concerning a Vatican monsignor whom he had appointed to

I

Judging Pope Francis’ non-judging

a supervisory position at the sins against him after God Vatican bank but who press had forgiven them would be reports alleged had been tantamount to opposing the kicked out of the Vatican’s Lord’s will. nunciature in Uruguay for Then, turning to the flagrant homosexual behavspecific allegations, the ior. pope clarified, “If someone A journalist asked Pope is gay and is searching for Francis what he intended the Lord and has good will, to do about the allegations. then who am I to judge Pope Francis said he did the him? The problem is not preliminary investigation that canon law requires, but Putting Into then added that the Church shouldn’t the Deep succumb to the character assassiBy Father nations popular in Roger J. Landry politics and society where people are destroyed for “the sins of youth” and the media having this tendency, no, we publish them as a means to must be brothers and sisters discredit people later in life. to one another. The problem Francis said there’s a larger is in making a lobby of this principle at work. tendency.”

“If a person, whether it be The pope said that if a lay person, a priest or a re- someone with same-sex atligious Sister, commits a sin tractions is seeking the Lord and then converts, the Lord and morally good, he’s not forgives, and when the Lord going to hold those attracforgives, the Lord forgets tions against him and take and this is very important him away from a position for our lives. When we Con- where he is helping the fess our sins and we truly Church. The problem comes say, ‘I have sinned in this,’ when people form a “gay the Lord forgets, and so we lobby,” a group of people have no right not to forget, defined by a sinful subculbecause otherwise we would ture that flaunts the breakrun the risk of the Lord not ing of the Commandments forgetting our sins.” and priestly promises of He implied that the priest celibate chastity and often in question had repented of seeks to protect and advance his previous sinful behavior, the careers of those in the Confessed, received absocorrupt clique. lution and was now living So, contrary to the gena life consistent with the eral impression, the pope’s Gospel. To hold his past words, “Who am I to

judge?” don’t really concern his thoughts on homosexual activity or gay priests in general, but rather a particular repentant priest who had turned his life around and was now once again seeking the Lord.

Why, then, have these five words captivated so many?

I think there are two fundamental reasons that should give us all much to ponder.

The first is that many who are in any way distant from the Church think that Catholics are constantly judging rather than loving them. They’re judging others’ looks, choices, and pasts. They view the Church as a society of older brothers from the parable of the prodigal son, constantly noticing invisible and morally indelible scarlet letters in others. They perceive from Catholics much more hatred for sin rather than love for sinners, often because they fail to grasp that the hatred for the sin is precisely because of the love for the sinner. They think the more Catholic a person is, the more he or she judges others, and they often have deep wounds from the individual Catholics in their family and parishes who have treated on the basis of their sin rather than their divine filiation.

For them, Pope Francis’ words were, indeed, revolutionary, that a pope looks on them first and

7 fundamentally not with a wagging finger but with a heart full of Divine love.

That’s the way they should see every Catholic looking at them. The repair of the false image of the Church is not just Pope Francis’ responsibility, but our common task.

The second reason his words have fascinated so many is, I’d propose, because, deep-down within, many fear judgment, not so much by others but by God. God’s voice functioning within the conscience cannot be totally extinguished, and no amount of polls or politically-correct slogans can convince people that they really are better off rejecting, rather than following, the moral teachings enunciated by the Church.

To a world that often tries to tune out God’s gentle whispers in conscience but will never be at peace about it, Pope Francis’ emphasis on mercy rather than judgment gives them hope that they may in fact find mercy rather than judgment on the last day. The secular world’s response to Pope Francis’ words, whether it admits it or not, shows how much it’s hungering for mercy.

Pope Francis is explicitly speaking to that need and giving all Catholics a much needed example to follow.

Anchor columnist Father Landry is pastor of St. Bernadette Parish in Fall River. fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.

Go tell it on the mountain: Kalaupapa Christmas

was one of the first to arrive at McVeigh Hall almost on the stroke of six o’clock. In seminary days I learned to respond to the sound of the bell — especially when there is a prospect of a good dinner. This was New Year’s Eve and the one and only Edwin Lelepali always puts on a great meal here in Kalaupapa in the shadow of those great green-clad pali.

The festive season had begun for us here at St. Francis when we celebrated our first Christmas Mass at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The church had been transformed spectacularly the previous weekend by our devoted members aided by some

hope to the new year ahead. kindly visitors. Now our Lelepali did not disappoint visiting choir from St. John us. He and Rev. Kahu RichVianney in Kailua filled the church with Heavenly hymns ard Matsushita with Mrs. as we celebrated the birth of Christ the Savior. After Mass our faithful friends from St. John Vianney treated us to a fabulous dinner in

By Father Damien Hall. Then Patrick Killilea, SS.CC. the celebration continued with community singing. Yes, Matsushita put on a splendid it was a time to go tell it on meal — and I made sure to the mountain. honor them by going for secNow on this New Year’s onds. Then the fun began.

Eve we had gathered as a It has been the tradition community at McVeigh Hall on this night to follow up to celebrate our life together the dinner with an amateur in 2013 and to look with

Moon Over Molokai

night showcasing all our local talent and this night produced a wealth of talent. This was our version of “America’s Got Talent.” There was some great singing as well as musical renditions, poetry recitation, legendary story-telling, hula dancing and comedy skits. By the time I got up to do my best presentation of Eamon Kelly’s “The Looking Glass,” some of the gathering had become well acquainted with Mr. Heineken and Miss Corona.

So audience participation was flowing freely.

At about 10 o’clock I bade farewell to those who were still having a great time and mentioned that I would be available for Confession the next morning for those who might have partied a little too much. I told Kahu Richard that I might need his help for that reason. It had been a great celebration that night for all of us who rub shoulders with each other here in Kalaupapa in the course of the year. And yes, Kalaupapa has talent. Kalaupapa is blessed and we need to go tell it on the mountain.

Anchor columnist Father Pat Killilea, SS.CC., is pastor of St. Francis Parish in Kalaupapa, Hawaii.

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T

his week’s Gospel describes how it was that St. John the Baptist came to recognize that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the Christ, the Son of God. As John was baptizing on the banks of the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit was made visible, coming down in the form of a dove and remaining upon the Lord.

This was the sign that John the Baptist had been told to look for. He found it in the Person of Jesus Christ.

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world.

He is the One of Whom I said, ‘A Man is coming after me Who ranks ahead of me because He existed before me.’ I did not know Him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that He might be

January 17, 2014

Pointing us toward the Lamb

made known to Israel” ( Jn the Holy Sacrifice of the 1:29-31).

Mass. God’s Word is proPreparing for this homclaimed and His Son, the ily, I came across an article Lamb of God is offered. that connected Sunday’s The apparition at Knock Liturgy with the apparihelps us to recall that Jesus tion of the Blessed Virgin is the Lamb of God Who, Mary at Knock, Ireland.

It was in County Mayo on the west Homily of the Week coast of the “EmSecond Sunday erald Isle” on Aug. in Ordinary Time 21, 1879, that 15 people experienced

By Father an incredible appariWilliam M. Rodrigues tion. At the center of the gable of the local church they saw a cross and an altar as John says in our Gospel with a young Lamb on it. this Sunday, has come to John the Evangelist and St. take away the sin of the Joseph were at Our Lady’s world. side. Our Lord chose to John the Baptist’s misappear there that day as a sion, in fact, his very vocaLamb on the altar. tion, was to prepare the John the Evangelist was way of the Lord and point with a book of the Gosall towards the Lamb of pels in his hand. What was God. He spoke of repenwitnessed that day by those tance, turning away from 15 was a representation of our sinful or selfish ways what transpires each day at and letting the Lord be our

guide and compass as we make our journey through life. Through the eyes of faith in Jesus Christ, we can understand the words of the prophet Isaiah in Sunday’s first reading: “I will make You a light to the nations, that My Salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (Is 49:6). Our world and each one of us is in need of that light to the nations. God’s grace is what heals our brokenness, helps us to overcome the sin that burdens us, and helps us to grow in His love.

As people of faith, our call is to recognize and then to point others to the Lamb of God, as John the Baptist did. The most perfect place to encounter the Lamb of God, of course, is wherever the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass takes place.

At Mass, the priest shows

our Eucharistic Lord to the congregation saying the familiar words: “This is the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world, happy are we who are called to His supper.”

Then he and the congregation respond: “Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

May our prayer this week be that refrain of this Sunday’s responsorial psalm: “Here am I, Lord; I come to do Your will.” By God’s grace may we come to recognize Jesus as John the Baptist did those many centuries ago. Perhaps not with the appearance of the Holy Spirit seen as a dove, but in the ordinariness of everyday life.

Father Rodrigues is pastor of St. Anthony’s Parish and chaplain at Coyle and Cassidy High School, both in Taunton.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Jan. 18, 1 Sm 9:1-4,17-19;10:1a; Ps 21:2-7; Mk 2:13-17. Sun. Jan. 19, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Is 49:3,5-6; Ps 40:2,4,710; 1 Cor 1:1-3; Jn 1:29-34. Mon. Jan. 20, 1 Sm 15:16-23; Ps 50:8-9,16-17,21,23; Mk 2:18-22. Tues. Jan. 21, 1 Sm 16:1-13; Ps 89:20-22,27-28; Mk 2:23-28. Wed. Jan. 22, 1 Sm 17:32-33,37,40-51; Ps 144:1-2,9-10; Mk 3:1-6. Thurs. Jan. 23, 1 Sm 18:6-9;19:1-7; Ps 56:2-3,9-13; Mk 3:7-12. Fri. Jan. 24, 1 Sm 24:3-21; Ps 57:2-4,6,11; Mk 3:13-19.

A

good friend habitually refers to the Wall Street Journal as his “favorite Catholic newspaper” — a bit of whimsy not without foundation, given the openness of the Journal’s op-ed pages to serious Catholic argument on numerous issues. But just as Homer occasionally nods, so does America’s best newspaper. And on January 2, the Journal nodded, big-time, in this description of why Pope Francis was one of the “People to Watch” in 2014: “After raising expectations for shifting views toward homosexuality, divorce, the environment, and society’s obligations to the poor, the pontiff is expected to also undertake bureaucratic reform at the Vatican, as well as the possible expansion of the role of women in the Church.”

By my count, and bypassing the unnecessarily split infinitive, there are four errors in that one sentence, plus one grave misconstrual of ecclesiastical “roles.”

Although it is very difficult for those who see Catholicism

What popes can and can’t do noting that “the Roman through political lenses to pontiff is bound to revelagrasp this, popes are not like tion itself, to the fundamental presidents or state governors, and doctrine is not like public structure of the Church, to the Sacraments, to the definitions policy. Which means that a of earlier councils, and (to) change of papal “administration” does not — indeed cannot — mean a change of Catholic “views.” Doctrine, as the Church understands it, is not a matter of anyone’s “views,” but of settled

By George Weigel understandings of the truth of things.

Nor are popes free other obligations too numeragents who govern by the ous to mention.” seat of their pants, if you’ll Those “other obligations” permit the phrase. Prior to the completion of Vatican II’s include honoring the truth Dogmatic Constitution on the of things built into the world and into us. At an academic Church, Pope Paul VI proconference years ago, a distinposed adding to that seminal guished Catholic philosopher document a sentence stating remarked (perhaps hyperbolithat the pope is “accountable cally) that “If the pope said to the Lord alone” — an effort, I suspect, to protect papal that ‘2+2 = 5,’ I’d believe him.”

An even more distinguished authority and freedom of Catholic philosopher gave the action from potential civil or correct, and far more Catholic, ecclesiastical encroachments. response: “If the Holy Father But the council’s Theological said that ‘2+2 = 5,’ I would Commission rejected Pope say publicly, ‘Perhaps I have Paul’s proposed amendment,

The Catholic Difference

misunderstood His Holiness’s meaning.’ Privately, I would pray for his sanity.”

Popes, in other words, are not authoritarian figures, who teach what they will and as they will. The pope is the guardian of an authoritative tradition, of which he is the servant, not the master. Pope Francis knows this as well as anyone, as he has emphasized by repeating that he is a “son of the Church” who believes and teaches what the Church believes and teaches.

Thus the notion that this pontificate is going to change Catholic teaching on the morality of homosexual acts, or on the effects of divorceand-remarriage on one’s communion with the Church, is a delusion, although the Church can surely develop its pastoral approach to homosexuals and the divorced. As for the environment and the poor, Catholic social doctrine has long taught that we are stewards of creation and that the least

of the Lord’s brethren have a moral claim on our solidarity and our charity; the social doctrine leaves open to debate the specific, practical means by which people of good will, and governments, exercise that stewardship, and that solidarity and charity.

And “the role of women in the Church”? No doubt various Church structures would benefit by drawing upon a wider range of talent (irrespective of gender) than the talent-pool from which Church leaders typically emerge. Still, in an interview with La Stampa before Christmas, Pope Francis made it clear that identifying leadership in the Church with ordination is a form of clericalism and another way of instrumentalizing Catholic women. Flying a Vatican desk, Francis was suggesting, is not the acme of discipleship.

As for curial reform: Oremus, as we used to say.

George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

January 17, 2014

Anchor Columnists Catholic schools: The best form of evangelization

ince I have not written this year, I want to begin S by wishing you all a happy, Holy

and healthy new year. I hope it brings many blessings and good luck to you and your loved ones.

At Baptisms, it is always good to experience the joy of parents.

As they bring the newborn to church, you can sense their loving concern and caring for their child. For the first child, they are so careful with everything. By the birth of the second or third child, they are more comfortable with sharing their child and worry less about “germs.” As our parents use to say, “it won’t kill you” or “you have to eat so much dirt before you die.” These refer to the reality that we cannot live in a sterile environment and we can try eating spinach, because it will not kill us.

Parents want the finest for their children. They want the best for them. All throughout their lives they work so that the child can have the best. We see this so often now in providing children with everything they want, but do not necessarily need. It is amazing to see how many children in grammar school have iPods, iPhones, iPads, tablets or video games.

Many children will tell you of their recent trip to Disney World or a cruise.

I

t was superhero day of spirit week. In Catholic education, this is the week students come to class in costume instead of dress code. My students arrived dressed as assorted superheroes and affiliated arch enemies.

As I took attendance, I had two issues to resolve. First, I had to “remove temptation” by physically separating one hero/villain pair. This was easily accomplished as Superwoman graciously gave up her seat for the day. Second, I had to ask the Caped Crusader to go away from the window and to take his assigned seat. Yes, young man, I do understand the importance of vigilance for the Bat-Signal. Today, as we have biology class, we will watch for the signal together.

Class begins with prayer. For reflection, I asked all my superheroes what was so appealing about their character and his/her epic battle of good versus evil.

One freshman said, “I got this one. Good always wins!” When I asked where the strength came from to defeat those villains, I got a blend of gibberish from all the superhero tales. I asked them to think about the Holy Spirit as we listened to Mariah Carey’s song “Hero” (see http://www.azlyrics. com/lyrics/mariahcarey/hero. html for lyrics). An upperclass-

heard of a family who did not All of these things are provided, prompted by the desire of choose to live in New Bedford, but moved to Acushnet, bethe parents to be the best they cause of their concerns about can be. It is also an opportunity the schools. This is a concern to keep up with what other children have. To some extent, it in many of our communities, can be the parents providing for as evidenced by the reports we read, about school scores. This their children what they themis also fueled by the possible selves did not have.

The danger is that it can make children Living spoiled in the sense that they expect it. In some the cases, they may not even Faith appreciate the effort by their family to provide

By Msgr. these extra things.

John J. Oliveira It is my custom to note at a Baptism, how takeover of schools not meetgood it is that, while the child already has a home and a caring ing the standards of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for family, the parents want more.

They come to Church to provide schools. They also grade them at various levels. a moral compass and a sharing Charter schools, two in New of the values they believe in.

Bedford near our church, allow They are assisted in their role an alternative school choice. A by the sponsors or godparents Nativity Prep school for boys of the child. At least, this is and Our Sisters School for girls, my hope. But we all know the provide a chance for lower-inreality can be different. It is not uncommon that we may not see come students to receive a good education. Varying expectations the family again until the child begins Religious Education or is for parents at times make this opportunity available to some. ready for First Communion.

What do parents want? I One of the major concerns of believe they want a good educaparenting is to provide a good tion, a safe environment, respecteducation. Not surprisingly, a ful teachers, and some moral home can be chosen because of the schools in an area. I recently upbringing. Other characteris-

tics for a school can be added to the list. To varying degrees, some parents expect more than the teacher can provide. In fact, I believe most teachers go above and beyond their obligations. Many are overworked and underpaid.

The last week of January is considered “Catholic Schools Week.” Many Catholic schools have special programs for the students and open houses for interested parents to view the school and what it provides. Catholic high schools have already had their open houses and admission tests. Bishop Stang High School has reported a 30 percent increase in applications over last year. They will be happy to see an increase in their enrollment. The situation in local schools may account for some of the increase, but the achievements of Catholic schools over the years in many areas also helps parents to view Catholic schools as special. It provides many of the characteristics parents are looking for.

The same values are expressed in Catholic grammar schools.

Most are supported by a parish, even though there are few “parish” schools. Most schools find their enrollment to be from a neighboring area.

To live life safely or fully

dreams are hard to follow, but man rewarded my efforts with, “Oh, Dr. Flavin, that Holy Spirit don’t let anyone tear them away.”

Finding and voicing our heart’s stuff is way too deep. Maybe tomorrow, but for today I just want desire can encourage us to now follow a dream we may have had to be Bruce Wayne.” to place on hold.

Isn’t that where we adults Steve Jobs, a co-founder of find ourselves each January as Apple, Inc., once commented on we ponder New Year’s resolunew beginnings. He said, “The tions? We all have areas where we wish to smooth out the rough edges and change something in our lives to a more positive situation. We Wrestling with God must understand that the Holding on for daydream of the hero who His blessing brings an immediate fix just represents an invitation

By Dr. Helen Flavin or desire to change. Do we choose to remain safe as we are (really living in a heaviness of being successful was pretend world) or do we seek to replaced by the lightness of being find the courage to change and a beginner again, less sure about thereby live life fully? everything. It freed me to enter How to decide where to start one of the most creative periods or what change to make? Dr. of my life.” In his words, I hear Howard Thurman was a theoa child-like spirit. I believe that logian, educator and civil rights starting fresh frees us from the leader. He suggested one look fallacy that we are in control. It deeply inside. Thurman said, “Don’t ask what the world needs. demands we once again trust in God and choose to journey with Ask what makes you come alive, Him. From Proverbs 16:9, “A and go do it. Because what the man’s heart plans his way, but the world needs is people who have Lord directs his steps.” come alive.” Is not what makes God’s path may even take us us come alive choosing to live somewhere we cannot imagine. those dreams we hold inside? I As an example, let us consider hear Thurman’s ideals echoed how one atheist strengthened the in Carey’s lyrics, “Lord knows

faith of a priest. Professor John Powell once taught a section of his religion class where he had this horribly annoying student named Tommy. Father Powell freely admits he filed this kid under “S” for strange. Tommy was an avowed atheist who loved to argue. Father Powell, in his frustration, once told Tommy, “You won’t find God, but I am certain He will find you.”

Much to Father Powell’s surprise, Tommy returned one day to share just exactly how God had chosen to find him. God didn’t find Tommy in that religion class. God didn’t find Tommy when he had terminal cancer and demanded to know if God were real and if so, for God to speak with him. God found him when Tommy chose to finish his life in love. Tommy did this simply by just telling the people he loved that he loved them. They, in turn, told Tommy they loved him.

Tommy found himself overwhelmed by God’s love within and around him. Sister Clare Fitzgerald, SSND, describes this state of being as, “Walk around and let God love you.” When Tommy finally acknowledged that God was real, he went back

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Several years ago when I arrived at St. Mary’s, our parish school was formed by 75 percent of the students coming from the parish. It was a wonderful addition to the parish. When we were asked to form a new diocesan school supported by our parish and another, enrollment at St. Mary’s school was less than 33 percent.

Many factors are causing enrollment changes in some areas of our diocese. In New Bedford, fewer children and more poverty are causes for concern.

The best form of evangelization, teaching about the Church, is the Catholic school.

It provides a good education, moral values and a safe environment. It is my hope that this year’s Catholic Schools Week will provide an incentive for more parents to appreciate this value that is available to them for a minimum cost compared to other private schools.

Let us pray that this method of education and evangelization will continue into the future by the support of parents, parishes and the diocese.

God bless you.

Anchor columnist Msgr.

Oliveira is pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in New Bedford and director of the diocesan Propagation of the Faith Office.

to inform his arch rival. Father Powell humbly recognized that God had sent him a message in the form of someone that he himself had rejected.

Bruce Wayne, are you up for the challenge of a lifetime? Do you understand now Carey’s song is about the heroes awakened by the Holy Spirit?

Each has the courage to be a superhero for God. They do this by daily walking in God’s love and sharing God’s love with each and every being God has created. Ah, Batman, you understand now the reason you do not need to be near the window. That transformative call of the Holy Spirit will be God’s quiet whisper to your heart. His love will find you wherever you are. Be open to where He will guide your steps.

Enjoy the adventure!

Anchor columnist Helen Flavin is a Catholic scientist, educator and writer born and raised in Fall River. She is a member of St. Bernadette’s Parish and received her Ph.D. in neurochemistry from Boston College and teaches in the Chemistry Department at Rhode Island College. She is also a science instructor at Bishop Connolly High School. She can be reached at hflavin@bishopconnolly.com.

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January 17, 2014

Pope: Christian love isn’t soap-opera swoon, it’s generous, concrete

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christians must love through concrete actions, not words, which are just

whisked away in the wind, Pope Francis said. True love knows it’s more important to give — “give things, give life,

give oneself to God and others” — than receive, the pope said in his homily January 9 during his morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, where he lives.

Christian love is generous and real, it’s not some dreamy romantic notion and “not the love on soap operas,” he said,

according to Vatican Radio.

When Jesus spoke of love, “He speaks to us of concrete things: feed the hungry, visit the sick,” and more, the pope said. “When there isn’t this concreteness, one can be living a Christianity of illusion because the person doesn’t really understand the core of

Jesus’ message,” he said.

The pope said there were two things that make Christian love concrete. “First, love with actions, not with words.

The wind whisks words away; today they’re here, tomorrow they’re not,” he said. The second thing is “for love, it’s more important to give than receive.”

Father Bruce Czapla, OFM, pastor of St. Margaret’s Parish in Buzzards Bay, recently invited all past recipients of the Marian Medal to attend a 4 p.m. parish Mass followed by a dinner provided by the parish Knights of Columbus. Several recipients of the medal went back to the 1970s. Father Czapala’s homily at Mass cited St. Joseph’s “yes” to God and his lifetime service to the Holy Family. Many of the recipients of the Marian Medal are still saying that “yes” to God regardless of aging and infirmities.

To advertise in The Anchor, contact Wayne Powers at 508-675-7151 or Email waynepowers@ anchornews.org

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January 17, 2014

Priest says hitching ride on popemobile was invite to hit road for God VATICAN CITY (CNS) — When Father Fabian Baez booked his trip to Rome, he didn’t have an appointment to meet with the pope, so he gave himself ample time in the Eternal City to be able to arrange some way to see him.

A week-and-a-half in Rome seemed like plenty of time to meet up with the pope “because I thought I needed to find a ticket, to get a ticket to a general audience. Instead he found me,” the priest told Catholic News Service January 9.

Father Baez, a parish priest in the pope’s former Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, arrived in Rome late January 7 but did not manage to get a ticket to the next day’s general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

He said he did not worry about it because he still had another week to try. He still went to hear the catechesis anyway, sending out a message on Twitter saying he was on his way to the square.

Little did he know a short time later he would end up having the best seat in the house: first with the pope on the popemobile, then VIP seating during the audience talk.

Father Baez said: “I had no ticket so I couldn’t really come into the square. I was outside the audience area. But he saw me from a distance.”

The pope yelled to him, “What are you doing here?” the priest said. And he yelled back, “I came to see you!”

The pope had the driver stop the vehicle. He gestured to the priest to come, “And I ran as best I could,” squeezing past the people pressed in front of him, past the large wooden barricades snaking through the square and past a large security detail that is now used to protocol being thrown to the wind.

The pope said, “Come, get on!” and

gave the priest an empty seat next to his papal assistant.

The priest said that later, when he thought about it, he felt that phrase “Come, get on” was also meant for the whole world.

“When he invited me, he invited all priests to be near the people,” he said, and the pope was also inviting all people “to stand up, rise up and go,” and lift their hearts and lives up to the Lord.

When the priest from the church of Our Lady of the Pillar climbed onto the popemobile, the pope told him, “The picture will go around the world,” as many unique and touching images capturing the pope interacting with those around him have.

“I really didn’t think about that” and the instant fame he was going to have “because I was just so happy to see him.

I’ve known him for 20 years; he was my bishop for 15.”

“I hadn’t seen him since he became pope and I really wanted to see him and give him a big hug. I was so happy because I saw him and we spoke.”

Father Baez spoke very fondly of his former bishop: “He’s a very good priest, whether he was a bishop, a pope, he is first and foremost a priest.

“He showed all of us priests how to be a priest, how to care for people, to be a pastor with the smell of sheep,” he said.

Father Baez’s parish runs a school and two residential homes: one for girls to live in while doing studies and one for homeless women with children.

“We’re not a poor parish, but we work for the poor,” he told Catholic News Service.

The priest said Pope Francis “is the same man he was as a priest and as a bishop,” and his recent apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), contains “everything he thinks, everything he be-

Father Fabian Baez, far left, a priest from a church in downtown Buenos Aires, sits in the popemobile as Pope Francis arrives to lead a recent general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. The pope spotted the priest in the crowd and invited him to board the popemobile. (CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters)

lieves, does and says” in his ministry — “to proclaim Christ’s love.”

As a bishop, the pope always needed to demonstrate that love and show it by example, the priest said, so “I think it is difficult for him” being pope because his actions and mobility are more limited.

“He likes people, he likes being with the poor, hearing Confession,” he said.

Father Baez has seen a large uptick in his @paterfabian Twitter following.

He’s replaced his header image with one of him and the pope hugging at the end of the general audience and added a new bio: “Priest in Buenos Aires. The pope once invited me to get on the popemobile with him. My mission is to be a pastor and I am on Twitter because I want you to get closer to God.”

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January 17, 2014

Have a heart

ext week, hundreds audience. from the Diocese of In Father Tad Pacholczyk’s Fall River, and thousands more column in last week’s Anchor, from across the country, will he mentioned Norma Mcgather in the nation’s capital to Corvey, the former “Jane Roe” march for life — in direct defi- of the Roe v. Wade Supreme ance of the “Supreme” Court’s Court decision. He said Mcbarbaric 1973 Roe v. Wade Corvey once worked in an decision legalizing infanticide abortion clinic and described in the United States. what happened there: These people care about the fate of the unborn. I’m afraid far too many others, including Catholics, will look at this as the annual feeble gesture of

By Dave Jolivet a group of fanatics.

For me, the primary reason abortion is legal in this country is because “When a later abortion was people fall for the lies and deperformed, workers had to ceit of the abortion industry. piece the baby back together, They’ve turned a human and every major part — head, being into a blob of tissue, torso, two legs, and two arms and quite frankly, it didn’t — had to be accounted for. take much of an effort thanks One of our little jokes at the largely to the apathy of the clinic was, ‘If you ever want

My View From the Stands

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, January 19, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Paul E. Canuel, a retried priest of the Fall River Diocese, residing at Cardinal Medeiros Residence in Fall River

to humble a doctor, hide a leg so he thinks he has to go back in.’”

If that doesn’t make one’s blood boil, then perhaps one is cold-blooded.

When my son Dave died after three days of fighting for his life, a doctor asked if he could perform an autopsy, with the hope that maybe some other baby could be saved by knowing the results. The thought of doctors performing such a procedure on my little guy was heartwrenching, but I knew it was the right thing to do.

Yet others can accept a doctor ripping a baby apart in the womb as a legitimate “choice.”

When Dave’s funeral was celebrated, his casket was not much bigger than a large shoe box. It was heart-breaking to see, and it still stirs up great emotions today.

I never asked those who attended the funeral what their thoughts were seeing the tiny coffin, but I’m willing to wager that they, too, were heart-broken.

Yet, millions of other babies never had the dignity of a funeral Mass or a tiny coffin.

They were simply placed in medical waste bags and tossed.

If that doesn’t break one’s heart, then perhaps one is heartless.

I don’t care if someone is Catholic and doesn’t believe in all Catholic teachings — there is nothing that can justify the killing of a life in the womb.

And it shouldn’t take a Catholic soul to figure that out. Anyone with a brain should be able to discern that abortion is evil.

Live spelled backwards is evil.

If the butchering of an innocent human life, or believing in the right to butcher an innocent human life, doesn’t touch one’s soul, then maybe one doesn’t have a soul.

There will be thousands of “fanatics” marching for life next week. If you have never raised a prayer for them or the children for whom they are marching, now is the time.

If one isn’t cold-blooded; if one has a heart; if one has a soul, now is the time to cast aside the derisive terms for those who stand up for life and join them on the battlefield — at the very least, with your prayers.

Anchor columnist Dave Jolivet can be reached at davejolivet@anchornews.org.

Vatican analyst eager to improve media coverage of Church

DENVER (CNA) — Vatican journalist and expert John L. Allen Jr. will join the staff of the The Boston Globe as an associate editor next month in a bid to enrich the media’s coverage of religion and the Church.

“What I really hope we can accomplish is to offer a model of what serious coverage of the Catholic Church will look like in a major secular news outlet,” Allen said in a recent conversation with CNA. “Fundamentally, what I hope is that this will lift up an example of what getting this story right would look like, so that in the end it’s not just The Boston Globe doing it, but I hope it has a kind of leavening effect in the media business generally.”

Allen’s new post, which he will assume February 1, was announced January 7. The Globe is one of Boston’s two major dailies; last year, its Sunday edition circulation was more than 380,000. Nearly 46 percent of the population of the Boston area is Catholic.

The paper’s editor, Brian McGrory noted in a statement the “resurgence of global interest in the Catholic Church” following the election of Pope Francis, saying there is “nobody in the nation better suited” than Allen to cover the Church.

“John is basically the reporter that bishops and cardinals call to find out what’s going on within the confines of the Vatican. His inexhaustible energy, supported by extraordinary insights, is legendary.”

Allen said he will fundamentally “continue to do the kind of reporting and analysis on the Vatican and the Church that I’ve always done,” and that his role as editor will largely be part of a “ramped-up” coverage of the Church by the Globe.

“I’ll be guiding, quarterbacking that in some sense, but the primary thing is, I’m going to continue to be a correspondent in the field,” he added.

McGrory said Allen will help the Globe “explore the very real possibility of launch-

ing a free-standing publication devoted to Catholicism.”

Allen is currently senior correspondent at the National Catholic Reporter, where he has worked since 1997. Dennis Coday, the Reporter’s editor, wrote, “We will miss John and the contributions he has made to NCR over the years” and that “we look forward to a continued friendly, professional relationship as colleagues carried out in mutual respect.”

The Vatican analyst explained the move, saying, “My rap on the so-called mainstream media for years has been that it doesn’t take religion seriously as a newsbeat; that is, it doesn’t invest the resources in religion coverage that it does, not only in things like politics and finance, but even in sports and entertainment.

“The coverage of religion tends to be sporadic, it tends to be incomplete, it tends to be incredibly superficial.” The Globe’s decision to hire him, he said, suggests that such coverage of religion is beginning to change, “and at long last the kind of secular news business has clued into the fact that religion is something that an incredibly important segment of its audience cares deeply about, and therefore it’s worth trying to get it right.”

McGrory said that Allen will work alongside the Globe’s religion reporter Lisa Wangsness, and the change will have no impact on the paper’s coverage of other religious bodies.

He noted that coverage of the Church in a major secular daily will be distinguished from that in “the specifically Catholic press,” but that “I want this to be responsible and well-informed, without fear or favor.”

Allen added that his new position will allow him to continue his current side projects, which include speaking engagements, television appearances on CNN, and book writing. His most recent and critically acclaimed work, “The Global War on Christians,” was published last October.

Visit The Anchor online at http://www.anchornews.org

Anchor Columnists Bringing you the latest news, before it even happens

January 17, 2014

Monday 14 January 2014 — Newport Harbor — “Admiral” Benedict Arnold’s birth anniversary (1741). find myself, dear readers, in a rather awkward situation.

I intend to write about an event that has not yet taken place. Not to worry. I enjoy a challenge.

The event is the Convocation of Priests of the Diocese of Fall River. It doesn’t begin until this afternoon, but my publication deadline for this issue of The Anchor is at hand. By the time you read this column, the convocation will have been completed. At the time I am writing, however, the convocation has not yet begun.

Just about every diocese in the United States holds convocations for its priests. The frequency of these events varies among the local Churches. In the Diocese of Fall River, for the past 28 years, convocations of priests are held periodically, as determined by the diocesan bishop. We haven’t been convoked since 2009. The bishop decided it was time.

Once the bishop announces a convocation, planning swings into high gear. In the Diocese of Fall River, oversight of the event

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“E

very day I want to speak with you. And every day something more important calls for my attention — the drugstore, the beauty products, the luggage I need to buy for the trip.

“Even now I can hardly sit here among the falling piles of paper and clothing, the garbage trucks outside already screeching and banging.

“The mystics say you are as close as my own breath.

“Why do I flee from you?

“My days and nights pour through me like complaints and become a story I forgot to tell.

“Help me. Even as I write these words I am planning to rise from the chair as soon as I finish this sentence.” — Marie Howe, “Prayer” from “The Kingdom of Ordinary Time.”

It was the best of time; it was the worst of time. Time is money; time flies; in the nick of time; a waste of time. We are bound by time, in fact, strapped for time. And though the God of Creation gave us the Sabbath to remedy our time-depleted lives, we have twisted this gift into yet another demand on our most precious commodity: time. What the Lord giveth, the world taketh away with shopping malls and town sports.

The Church calls Sunday a

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retired from active ministry are falls to Father Mark Hession, cordially invited. A presenter is diocesan director of Continuing procured. Pastors begin to make Education and Formation of arrangements and adjust schedClergy and pastor of Our Lady ules so that the parishes of the of Victory Parish in Centerville diocese might function without and as well as pastor of Our priests for a couple of days. With Lady of the Assumption Parish the shortage of priests, this task in Osterville. This proves once again the old adage, “If you want to get someThe Ship’s Log thing done, ask a busy Reflections of a person.” The task of assembling all of the Parish Priest priests from all of the

By Father Tim Catholic churches and Goldrick apostolates throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and is becoming more and more difthe Islands is formidable. The ficult. We must increasingly rely logistics are complicated. Mark on retired priests and Religious has already done this several times. He is assisted by a handful order priests not in diocesan assignments. Statistics indicate of other priests.

Here’s how the process works. that, in the not-too-distant More than a year in advance, the future, this will be the norm and not the exception. In a certain bishop announces that a convocation will be held and the dates sense, a convocation prepares us are specified. All priests are noti- all for the continuing decline in the number of parish priests. It fied. Priests in pastoral ministry helps us to prepare for the ineviand diocesan apostolates must attend. Very rare exemptions can table. The convocation may only only be given by direct interven- be a couple of days or so, but it is a glimpse of things to come, the tion of the bishop. Religious order priests not in pastoral min- “new normal.”

In the cities of the diocese, at istry or diocesan apostolates and least one nearby parish is identialso diocesan priests who have

fied where daily Mass will be celebrated during the convocation. Here on Cape Cod, parishes tend to be further apart, so, for the convenience of the people, more parishes must provide daily Mass. Fortunately we have a greater numbers of retired priests on the Cape. Communion services are not held during the convocation so that parishioners do not begin to equate a Communion service with the actual celebration of the Eucharist.

The celebration of Holy Mass, not a Communion service, is the center of our faith.

The theme of the 2014 Convocation of Priests is “Growth in the Priesthood: Deepening the Spiritual Life.” The presenter is Father Simeon Gallagher.

Ordained in 1971, he is director of the Preaching Ministry Office of the Mid-America Province of the Capuchin Order.

He conducts retreats, parish development programs, parish missions and Religious Education workshops. Father Gallagher holds advanced degrees in Religious Education, ascetical theology, liberal arts, and l9thcentury British literature. He is

also director of the Malvern Retreat House, in Malvern, Penn.

I’m sure Father Gallagher will be an inspiration to us priests. I’m looking forward to hearing his presentations.

There are other things I’m looking forward to as well. There will be opportunity for priestly camaraderie. The support and encouragement of our brothers in the priesthood helps us not only to survive but to thrive emotionally and spiritually.

Many of my brother priests, I suspect, will be looking forward to eating three meals a day. Most of us get by just grabbing fastfood when we get the chance or eating alone in some diner.

I personally look forward to the opportunity for communal prayer and Liturgy. There will also be a Chapel of Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament and time for our own private prayer.

I’m happy to be the first to report, dear readers, that the 2014 Convocation of Priests was a great success. The Anchor — “Bringing you the latest news, even before it happens.”

Anchor columnist Father Tim Goldrick is pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth. frxmas@aol. com.

“new normal” has made parents day to sanctify time. “Sunday feel trapped by everyone else’s as a day of play and worship is schedules. a Sacrament of redeemed time.

The synod survey described How we live Sunday proclaims the state of the family with words to the world what we believe about redeemed time. What hap- like “overwhelmed; anxious, stressed.” Everyday life in the pens in the Church on Sunday suburbs of this diocese is no is the fruit of our past week,” “Ozzie and Harriet — Leave it (2014 “Ordo”). Sunday is a day when we look behind at how we spent our time and offer it up with our thankful response, which we call Eucharist.

Why, then, do so

By Claire McManus many of our families give up the opportunity to sanctify time? to Beaver” sitcom. Life is more The results from the recent like a three-ring circus filled with survey in preparation for the 2014 Synod on the Family reveal juggling schedules and balancing acts that teeter on the brink a malaise that grips our families.

Many families need two incomes of exhaustion. They rush from home to day care to after-school in order to pay for mortgages, activities, to hurried dinners, to transportation, and the other homework. This dizzying schednecessities that life brings. The ule is amplified by the demands cost of raising children in this of complex logistics since many society includes countless extraof these activities are spread curricular activities so that they across the region. Families being can take part in what is now raised in our inner cities have the new normal. Parents do not the added stress of single-parent always feel that there is a real choice in this. They have been led households, inadequate housto believe that their children need ing, working three jobs to make ends meet, and children left on to be over-involved so that they their own. Our families’ lack of can be healthy, normal kids. This

participation in the Eucharistic community may not be what some have called “disordered priorities,” but more a statement that our Church is not in tune with our needs.

In past generations the Church was right in the middle of the lives of the families. The parish provided schools, extra-curricular activities, social life, and charitable support. Times have changed and most of the temporal activities of the parish have been taken over by the cities and towns; relegating the Church to spectators and critics. The Church can’t resurrect the past, but can become more relevant in the lives of her families.

Pope Francis addressed this in his papal exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium.” “The Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation.”

Moving from self-preservation to relevance is not easy, and not without risk. It begins when we listen to the needs of our families, and ask them the right questions. Rather than sitting

in judgment of their priorities, we might ask them about their hopes and fears for their family.

Instead of condemning them for their occasional attempts at communal prayer, we might ask them if they have an innate sense of God in their lives. Do you pray? Can we help you to take control back control of your lives?

Maybe we can partner with you and help you to advocate with the community for more reasonable schedules during the week and on Sundays. Do you need us to provide a safe place for your children to go after school? If we offer a Sunday evening Mass to allow you to feel like you have a day of rest, will you bring your needs, hopes and fears to the altar each week so that we might sanctify your time?

Our families want and need God’s embrace, but their thirst for time gets in the way. Jesus already admonished us for twisting the Sabbath into a litmus test for piety when He said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” When we make Sundays more relevant to their lives our families will show up to redeem time.

Anchor columnist Claire McManus is the director of the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation.

‘The Sabbath was made for man’

The Great Commission

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January 17, 2014

Chris Peschel ordained a transitional deacon continued from page one

(from St. John’s Seminary) in May.” A product of Catholic education for his entire academic career, Peschel remains an ardent supporter of Catholic schools.

“I graduated from St. Mary’s School in Taunton, Taunton Catholic Middle School and then did a year at the Franciscan University in Steubenville after that, so I had 13 years of Catholic school before entering the seminary,” Peschel said. “That’s 20 years of Catholic education in total. I think that’s where a lot of the seeds of my vocation (were planted), so I’ve always tried to be a promoter of Catholic schools since entering the seminary in whatever capacity I can.”

Peschel’s first inkling that he might have a calling to the priesthood began when he was a young student enrolled at St. Mary’s School, where he began serving as an altar boy.

“I liked that closeness to the altar and seeing what was going on,” he said. “I loved being in the sanctuary and assisting the priest. I was very comfortable there. But it wasn’t until high school that I started thinking about it again and giving it some serious consideration.”

After attending a few retreats during his high school years, Peschel began to discern a vocation to the priesthood.

“Quo Vadis didn’t exist when I was in

high school,” Peschel said, referring to the annual week-long summer retreat now sponsored by the diocesan Vocations Office. “But I went on others and some of the campus ministers asked me to think about a vocation to the priesthood and they were certainly encouraging (to me).”

One particular priest who was very supportive to him during this time was Father George Harrison, who was thenpastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Seekonk, where Peschel had become involved with the parish youth group.

“They have a 24-hour adoration chapel, and I really began to appreciate the joys of being there and praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament,” Peschel said.

“I remember having conversations with Father Harrison that always pointed me back to adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and devotion to the Blessed Mother. There’s a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the chapel and I remember it being such a peaceful place to pray with the Blessed Sacrament and our Blessed Mother right there.”

Peschel would often frequent the adoration chapel in Seekonk during those formative years.

“By the time I got my license as a 16-year-old junior in high school, I

found myself going there a lot, sometimes late at night or when I was frustrated,” he said. “I would just get in my car and drive to Seekonk to spend an hour or so in the chapel praying. Little things like that helped me orient toward (my vocation).”

Even after Father Harrison moved on to other pastoral assignments, Peschel maintained a close relationship with him.

“He was actually one of the biggest inspirations for me entering the seminary,” he said. “He really helped to encourage me. I find it to be the case that most of the guys in the seminary are not there because of website promotions or programs. As much as all those things help, it’s really the personal invitations that mean the most.”

“Serving as Deacon Peschel’s pastor for several years and by traveling with him to World Youth Day in Cologne, I know that he clearly understands the Church’s mission and that he will commit himself to the work of evangelization with great enthusiasm,” said Father Harrison, who currently serves as pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich. “Deacon Peschel’s effectiveness in Holy Orders will be enhanced by his prayerfulness, keen intellect and delightful sense of humor.”

Another priest whom Peschel said made an early impression on him was Father Thomas Kocik, who now serves as parochial administrator for St. Anne’s Parish in Fall River.

“When I was in my senior year in high school, I remember meeting Father Kocik for the first time — he was filling in for a Mass — and he befriended me right away and we’ve carried on a great friendship to this day. He introduced me to several other priests, just so I’d know some of the people I’d be ministering with … and he definitely has been one of my greatest friends in the priesthood.”

Currently assigned to serve the dual parishes of St. Vincent de Paul and St. John the Evangelist in Attleboro since the summer of 2013, Peschel has also developed a bond with pastor Father Richard Wilson, whom he asked to vest him during the diaconal ordination.

“Since last summer Father Wilson has been a great advisor to me and he’s helped me quite a bit,” Peschel said.

“I really didn’t know him all that well before the summer … but I’ve come to know him quite well and have realized he’s a very good priest and a hard worker. He’s very dedicated and he wears a lot of hats and I admire his dedication and his willingness to take on all the tasks that he’s asked to do.”

“Chris brings to the practice and transmission of the faith a joy that is infectious,” Father Wilson said. “That being said, he also brings caring and concern to people in difficult situations. He has worked well with the multi-ethnic communities that we have here in Attleboro (and) he has been embraced by the English-, Portuguese- and Spanishspeaking people of our two parishes. He has a good sense of humor and a good

prayer life and he gets along well with people of any age.”

Immediately after his diaconal ordination, Peschel preached for the first time during two Masses in Attleboro last weekend — the first during the 4 p.m. vigil Mass on Saturday at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, and then again during the 11:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday at St. John the Evangelist Parish.

“My homily was already prepared — I did most of that work while I was on retreat down in Rhode Island,” Peschel admitted, adding that he was excited to preach for the first time. “I was able to spend a good amount of time praying and gathering my thoughts (while on retreat) and I hope it is something people will like.”

He already has a few Baptisms lined up at the Attleboro parishes and he said he looks forward to celebrating weddings and funeral rites outside of Mass as well.

“I guess it’s an opening of the door to Sacramental ministry,” he said.

Peschel’s proud father, Bruce, and mother, Linda (Ferreira) Forte, were present for his ordination, along with many other family members, save for a couple of aunts who live further away.

“I know my ordination as a priest is only five months away and I’d rather have everyone there for that — it will be a much bigger occasion,” he said.

Peschel’s previous assignments before coming to Attleboro also included stints at St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth and St. Patrick’s Parish in Wareham, and there was a delegation from both parishes present for the occasion as well.

“I did invite parishioners from my previous parishes,” he said. “I knew the priests from those parishes were coming and I was hoping if people couldn’t attend they could at least pray for me.”

Peschel was particularly pleased to be able to share this special day with his parents, who “greatly sacrificed to put me through Catholic schools all those years,” he said.

“They saw there was something to it and I think Catholic schools certainly grounded me in my faith everyday,” he added.

As he looks forward to continuing his ministry in Attleboro and to his presbyteral ordination in June, Peschel asked for the ongoing prayers and support of those throughout the diocese and encouraged other young men to seek similar guidance if they think they may have a calling to the priesthood.

“They should definitely contact their parish priest, or contact one of the three working at the Vocations Office,” Peschel said. “I would encourage as much communication as possible — I wouldn’t say that discernment is something that should be done alone.

Vocation directors have a way of helping you to discern — what you should pray about, how to discuss things with your families — because it’s important to get encouragement from your family, too.”

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January 17, 2014

Bishop, priests gather at convocation for prayer and unity continued from page one

“With the prayers and support of God’s people, may we return home with the grace to live out in our pastoral ministry the fruits of our time together on this year’s convocation.”

“It’s a great occasion for all of us brother priests to gather with our bishop to pray together,” said Father Mark R. Hession, pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Orleans, and the director of the diocesan Office of Continuing Education and Formation of Clergy. “It’s a time when we all can get together. We are not branch managers, but part of the presbyterate of Fall River.”

Father Hession told The Anchor that the convocation offers diocesan priests many opportunities for prayer, reflection, fellowship, and peace.

Father Hession is in his 20th year as director of the Office of Continuing Education and Formation of Clergy, and has been involved with the convocation for the two decades. “This meeting of diocesan priests began with Bishop Daniel A. Cronin,” he said, “and they were held every five years. Then-Bishop Sean P. O’Malley, OFM, Cap., changed it to every three years, a tradition Bishop Coleman has maintained.”

The theme for this year’s event was “Growth in Priesthood: Deepening the Spiritual Life.”

At this week’s session, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Goat Island from Tuesday through Thursday, the guest-speaker was Father Simeon Gallagher, OFM, Cap., a classmate of Cardinal O’Malley and longtime friend of Father Hession. Father Gallagher gave presentations each morning and evening of the convocation, as well as preaching during the two Masses at which the priests gathered at the hotel. Father Gallagher has been in the diocese on several occasions presenting priest and parish retreats.

“The setting is magnificent,” added Father Hession.

“During Liturgies, we faced Newport Harbor, and it provides such a peaceful setting during the Mass. And we always have a small room set aside, complete with peaceful

lighting and floral arrangements where the Blessed Sacrament resides for priests to come and spend time with the real presence of Our Lord.

And we also have time to ourselves for fellowship or meditation, and the Goat Island setting is perfect for that.”

Father Hession also mentioned that Goat Island has been used a few times now because it’s close enough for retired diocesan priests to attend the convocation as well. “Our retired priests are extremely important to the presbyterate and we want them to attend.”

Father Marcel H. Bouchard, pastor of St. Mary/Our Lady of the Isle on Nantucket, was diocesan director of Continuing Formation of the Clergy under Bishop Cronin.

He has been attending the diocesan convocations for more than three decades. “All the convocations have been opportunities to pray, study, discuss, and relax together,” he told The Anchor. “Something that has gotten even more important through the years as our numbers dwindled and our responsibilities seem to multiply — and since our morale has been challenged by having priests we know convicted of abuse or financial misappropriation.”

He added, “Some things that tend to happen because we have convocations: Priests begin to understand and appreciate their brother priest better; they get new ideas for pastoral ministry; are renewed in their commitment to ministry; and are encouraged to face challenges and difficulties.

“They laugh, tell stories, and learn more of the history of our diocese and of our parishes.”

Maintaining a parish 30 miles out in the Atlantic Ocean Father Bouchard has a special affinity for the convocations. “As someone who can’t attend many things where priests normally gather, such as funerals, ordinations, etc., I regard the convocation as especially important.”

Father Jason Brilhante, a parochial vicar at St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth, attended his first convocation this week, and had accepted an invitation to be on this year’s planning committee. “I was delighted to be a part of the planning committee for the

priestly convocation because it’s an opportunity for me to serve my brother priests, and it gives me an insight as to what to expect for the priestly gathering,” he told The Anchor.

“As a member of the planning committee, I was able to contribute to the planning process ideas and suggestions of other priests of the Fall River presbyterate for a successful gathering. I looked forward

to Father Simeon Gallagher’s reflections and prayer and fraternity with brother priests.”

With most of the diocesan priests away for several days, a group of lay people at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Attleboro, and beyond, who had formed a prayer team for the parish’s successful Day of Evangelization last summer, prayed for the priests who attended this week’s convocation.

The group, consisting of 15 to 20 faithful gathered together to fast, attend Mass,

take part in Eucharistic Adoration, pray the Rosary and perform sacrifices, all for the intention of the priests who had gathered on Goat Island.

In an email to The Anchor, a group spokesperson said, “Prayer is a very important ministry because we know that prayer is the root of our faith. Our God is a gracious God always waiting for us to come to Him with our petitions. He has blessed us with some wonderful priests. We are very thankful for them.”

Needs remain great at area food pantries after the holidays continued from page one

Oct. 7, 2012, is $674 per week, with an allowance of $25 per child, per week, for dependent children.

In response to the economic downturn, the Recovery Act boosted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, but on Nov. 1, 2013, those SNAP benefits were cut, resulting in a serious loss of basic SNAP benefits and a hardship for families in need.

SNAP has never experienced a reduction in benefit levels that affected all participants. Add in the Emergency Unemployment Compensation, a federally-funded program originally designed to extend unemployment benefits beyond the state maximum of 30 weeks, ending on Dec. 28, 2013, and families are starting the new year in a most desperate way.

Ten years ago, Sacred Heart Parish in Fall River launched its soup kitchen, adding its food pantry a year later. Twice a month the food pantry is open, and Janice Rosa, longtime volunteer, works hard to make the dollars stretch at the Greater Boston Food Bank.

“We haven’t been able to get as much from there, they seem to have less than they used to,” said Rosa, “but for the pantry, we can get some stuff there. The stuff that you can buy is more expensive than it used to be. You couldn’t do your whole food pantry on that because you couldn’t afford it.”

The amount of free items given by the Boston Food Bank has dropped in recent years, said Rosa, and due to their cost many items, like peanut butter and tuna fish, are mainly donated by parishioners and other individuals. In Sacred Heart Church, large tubs are filled with donations.

“I’ve had a couple of people tell me, ‘I only come when I really need it,’ but the need is in the eye of the beholder,” said Rosa, of

those who use the food pantry.

While the food pantry opens twice a month, the soup kitchen is open every Monday. Started in March of 2004, its first year — calculated during a 10-month span — saw the soup kitchen serve 3,037 meals. Fast-forward to 2013 — calculated for a full 12 months — and the numbers speak for themselves: a total of 10,131 meals were served.

“The numbers always seem to go up,” said Rosa, “but He says that this is an extension of His table. At dinner, we have more children than we’d like to see, but it is mostly adults. The majority range from 18-64 (in age).

We don’t turn anyone away. We don’t take names because we’re self-funded, so we don’t have to do that.”

Meals range in cost from $300 to $500, and often companies or an organization will step up to cover the expenses.

“It’s amazing,” said Rosa.

“People love to give to the soup kitchen. We have groups that will supply a whole meal, and will bring their own volunteers.”

At the Solanus Casey Food Pantry, Abdow has become a master at stretching the dollar during his weekly trip to the Boston Food Bank.

“I find the food bank to be incredibly reasonable and they have a fairly decent variety of items.

I’m always comparing prices at supermarkets; there is nobody, penny for penny, who can beat the food bank,” said Abdow. “I pick up approximately between 2,000 to 2,500 pounds of fresh produce, and I also get around 2,500 pounds of non-perishable goods so the people that come to the pantry every week are always getting fresh produce yearround.”

He also relies heavily on volunteers, who help serve the people who show up for the food pantry every week. Everyone using the food pantry services has to show a photo ID, are put into

the system and are only allowed to come once every four weeks.

With an average of 200 people showing up during the two hours the food pantry is open, there would be no way to run the pantry without its mainstay of support.

“We have an army of volunteers,” said Abdow, of the volunteers whose backgrounds range from parishioners to students, including students from Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth. “We could not operate this food pantry without them. I am the only paid employee that has anything to do with the food pantry.”

As one of the larger food pantries serving those in the Fall River Diocese area, Abdow said the rise in unemployment and cuts in benefits has had a dramatic impact during this past year — from Nov. 1, 2012 to Oct. 30, 2013, the Solanus Casey Food Pantry saw an increase of 60 percent of new clients using its services.

“When I heard [about the cuts], I knew the food banks were going to be overwhelmed,” said Abdow.

And right now, without the boon of new businesses creating jobs in the area or a change in legislation allowing the reinstituting of benefits, the pressure is on for area food banks to fill the void.

“I hope that more jobs will be created for these people,” said Abdow. “None to my knowledge want to be on unemployment; they’re not happy about it. I would like to see something happen. Just a couple of years ago, a number of mills were open and employed hundreds of people, and now they’ve closed. I’m nervous that if the economy does not pick up over time that not only on my end, but a lot of these food pantries could very well get overwhelmed with clients and not be able to serve them properly.”

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Youth Pages

January 17, 2014

Third-graders at Holy Name School in Fall River recently worked on part of their social studies Mini-Assessment Project — the culture and art of the Native Americans.

Third-grade students at St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro recently spent an afternoon learning about community gardening during a recent trek past Willett Field. The students witnessed a couple cleaning up their garden. The students will return in the spring and then again before school gets out so they can see the progress made. The students saw many kinds of gardens: flower gardens, vegetable gardens and mixed gardens. They also saw and talked about the compost pile.

Students from St. James-St. John School in New Bedford recently played their musical instruments for the school. This group is part of the Greater New Bedford Catholic Schools Orchestra Ensemble of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra.

Pre-kindergarten students at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Taunton pose with their gingerbread houses.

Grades one through five at All Saints Catholic School in New Bedford recently explored the sounds and shapes of symmetry during a special presentation by members of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra. The interactive program used music, art, and geometry to help students gain a deeper understanding of different types of symmetry in the world. Afterwards, education director Terry Wolkowicz enrolled students in the Symmetry Detection Agency and charged them with the mission to explore the school environment for evidence of symmetry. Students will present their findings and share with other schools at a Young People’s Concert in the spring.

Students from Espirito Santo School in Fall River enjoyed time at Providence College.

Grades five through eight participated in a “stay active” rally as well as enjoyed a Friars basketball game.

Father John Raposo recently visited the eighth-graders at St. Michael School in Fall River to give them a blessing for Christmas and the new year.

January 17, 2014

Youth Pages The rest is still unwritten

T

Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth hosted musical sensation Music Motivates Me, for its students. “We were excited to have Music Motivates Me perform at Bishop Stang as the group applauds the values of education and hard work while addressing the difficult subject of bullying in a way that really engaged our students,” said Peter Shaughnessy, president/principal of Bishop Stang High School. The group is known for its powerful music and rap-style lyrics that encourage and motivate students to accomplish their academic goals while living in peace and harmony with others. The Music Motivates Me Tour is a non-profit group that has performed at more than 50 schools in Massachusetts and has earned rave reviews for its presentation and message.

Led by Bishop Feehan High School economics teacher Glenn Loiselle, 14 Feehan students recently represented the countries of Sweden, El Salvador, and Algeria at the International Economic Summit held at Gillette Stadium, presented by Boise State University in partnership with the Massachusetts Council of Economic Educators. The summit featured student teams representing more than 100 countries that simulate economic models in a realistic global competition, teaching the students the challenges of working in today’s complex global economy. There were more than 550 students representing 50 high schools from around New England. El Salvador won “Best Table” and table display with a real working “Volcano.” From left: Matthew McKeon, Kathryn Saba, Jonathan Bailey, Joseph Geraghty, and Lindsey Smith.

wenty-fourteen. A new year. A fresh start.

Or as a quote on Facebook suggested — “The first blank pages of a 365-page book.”

That quote brought to mind a song by Natasha Bedingfield that, for me, captures that idea. It’s called “Unwritten.” In part, it says: “Drench yourself in words unspoken. Live your life with arms wide open. Today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten.”

As we begin this new year, keep in mind that no matter what has taken place in the past, we still have a chance to write a different story. With each new year, we can begin anew. It’s a perfect opportunity to set new goals and plan on making changes that will make our lives better. Unfortunately, for many, we just keep doing what we’ve done.

As well-intentioned as we may be, sometimes nothing changes.

So what should we do going forward into this new year? How do we change ourselves to be better versions of ourselves this coming year?

What should we be writing in the pages of our books?

What advice can I give you on how to live your life going forward? Well that’s simple.

You’ve come to the right place! Here is my best and free advice on how to live.

Drum roll please! “Just do whatever the heck you want.”

Huh? What did he just say, you ask? You heard me!

Perhaps you were expecting something like, “Live by the Commandments and do what Jesus expects us to do.” Well, essentially, that’s what I did say.

I should confess that I did not arrive at this advice on how to live life on my own.

My pastor, Father Joe Viveiros of St. Dominic’s Parish in Swansea, shared this theme in a sermon many years ago.

It has stuck with me. And since I’m confessing, let me say that I didn’t give you all the advice — since I wanted to get your attention with a phrase we’d all like to live by — “Just do whatever the heck you want.” I got you to read this far, didn’t I? In actuality the complete advice is “Love God and then just do whatever the heck you

want.” Adding the phrase, Love God, does change things a bit, doesn’t it? It now aligns easily with the advice of parents, priests and teachers who help guide us in our lives. My advice, however, is

Be Not Afraid

By Deacon Frank Lucca essentially true also. If you love God, then you will only do what pleases God. If you do what pleases God, then you can do whatever the heck you want since it will be in line with what God wants from you anyway.

So as we begin 2014, what will you do to fill the unwritten pages of your book this

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year? Consider my advice and just get out there and “Love God and just do whatever the heck you want.” See what is wrong and make it right. See what needs to be done and do it. See someone hurting and help them. Pray. Love God and then get out there and do whatever the heck you want!

Today is where your book begins.

Get writing! I smell a best-seller! Happy New Year!

Anchor columnist Frank Lucca is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Fall River, a youth minister at St. Dominic’s Parish in Swansea, and a campus minister at UMass Dartmouth. He is married to his wife of 35 years, Kristine, and a father of two daughters and a son-in-law. Comments, ideas or suggestions? Please email him at DeaconFrankLucca@comcast. net.

The Anchor is always pleased to run news and photos about our diocesan youth. If schools, home-schooling groups, or parish Religious Education programs have newsworthy stories and photos they would like to share with our readers, send them to: schools@anchornews.org.

The Anchor would make the perfect gift for a loved one or a friend.

It’s a gift that gives back all year long. Give one this year.

One-year subscription — $20 Name: Address: City:

State:

Zip:

if given as a gift, the card should read: From: Street:

City/State:

Parish to receive credit: Enclose check or money order and mail to: The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722 This Message Sponsored by the Following Business Concern in the Diocese of Fall River Gilbert C. Oliveira Insurance Agency

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January 17, 2014

CCC collection in diocesan parishes this weekend FALL RIVER — Last September the Television Mass sponsored by the Fall River Diocese each Sunday on WLNE-TV Channel 6, marked its 50th anniversary on air. Week after week, for more than five decades, the TV Mass has brought the Word of God and prayers of the Mass to countless numbers of area Catholics unable to go to a parish Mass because of illness or infirmity. And for many of those viewers that spiritual sustenance was conveyed by a familiar face or name as the Mass broadcast has remained a locally-produced one with priests from the diocese serving as celebrants.

The diocesan Television Mass is a ministry made possible in part through the financial support provided by the Catholic Communication Campaign. Parishes in the Fall River Diocese will take up the CCC collection at Masses this weekend.

An annual national collection, the CCC is unique in that it is designated as a shared collection, meaning half of the proceeds stay in the local diocese and the other half is forwarded to the U.S. Bishops’ Conference to support national and international communication programs and projects.

The portion remaining in the Fall River Diocese is used to fund the weekly Television Mass. The annual cost for the Television Mass is $105,056 including production, airtime and closed-captioning — all of which are handled by different entities.

“We have been very fortunate in that we have been able to maintain providing a Mass on television for so many years,” said Msgr. Ste-

phen J. Avila, director of the Television Mass Apostolate and pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Mansfield.

“While there are Masses from different parts of the country carried on cable TV, Bishop George W. Coleman is committed to offering a local Mass from our diocese, believing it to be an important service to those who are sick, elderly or homebound,” he said. “The bishop remained steadfast in his commitment even as the diocese assumed a steep increase in its cost in 2011 when production of the Mass could no longer be done by the TV station and an independent video services company had to be hired.”

In addition to proceeds from this weekend’s CCC collection, the Television Mass is also funded by the Catholic Charities Appeal.

Msgr. Avila expressed on behalf of Bishop Coleman his gratitude to those who support the TV Mass through this weekend’s CCC collection and the Charities Appeal. He said that donations may also be sent directly to the Diocesan TV Mass at P.O. Box 7, Fall River, Mass., 02722.

On the national level, the CCC supports the development and production of a wide range of media projects produced by the U.S. Bishops’ Conference and grantee organizations around the world and made available through the Internet, radio, TV, print and social media.

To learn more about the Catholic Communication Campaign, visit http://www. usccb.org/catholic-giving/ opportunities-for-giving/ catholic-communicationcampaign/

Evening of Prayerful Remembrance and Intercession seeks healing from Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision

ATTLEBORO — St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 71 Linden Street, will host an evening of Prayerful Remembrance and Intercession on January 22 in observation of the 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court Decision legalizing abortion. All are invited to gather to pray and intercede on behalf of the entire community, seeking forgiveness and healing in God’s merciful love.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. Volunteers will read personal testimonies written by health care professionals, family members and friends affected by abortion. The com-

munity will offer intercessory prayers. At 7 p.m. there will be Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. At 8 p.m. the evening concludes with the celebration of Holy Mass.

The hidden wounds of abortion affect each of us, not just those directly involved in the act of abortion itself. Women, men, families, health care providers and all of us, directly or indirectly, have been impacted by abortion. In response, as the nation observes the 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, St. Vincent de Paul Parish invites everyone to gather in prayer to seek healing and forgiveness

for our families, communities, country and world. This evening of intercession was developed by Theresa Bonopartis and the Sisters of Life and is sponsored by St. Vincent de Paul and St. John the Evangelist Respect Life Ministry.

St. Vincent de Paul Parish formed in January 2013 from the merger of the former St. Joseph’s and Holy Ghost parishes.

Information about the parish, the Evening of Prayerful Remembrance and Intercession, and directions can be found at www.stvincentattleboro.org or by calling the parish office at 508-226-1115.

We live in the company of saints continued from page one

met Mother Teresa of Calcutta when she visited her order, the Missionaries of Charity, and attended Mass at St. Lawrence Martyr Church in New Bedford on June 14, 1995.

Presiding at a Holy Hour at the convent, Father Racine asked Mother Teresa for her blessing, and in true humility she asked for his. He gave the tiny, frail woman in the whiteand blue-striped habit his first blessing in the priesthood.

Known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal,” Brother André Bessette of the Holy Cross Fathers was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 17, 2010.

Venerated around the world for thousands of miraculous healings that he attributed to St. Joseph, St. André was simply Uncle André to the Cayer siblings, who grew up in New Bedford. They said he wore a black cassock with very deep pockets that were filled with St. Joseph medals.

Word spread quickly whenever the future saint, a doorman with a ministry to the sick, entered the diocese; and crowds gathered at the Cayer home.

They said that on his return trip to Canada, Uncle André’s car would be filled with crutches and wheelchairs donated by those who had been cured.

Suffering from spinal stenosis and arthritis since his teens, José Amaral collapsed at work in February 2003 and was diagnosed with cervical myelopathy, a stroke of the spine. Consequently, he walked painfully with his neck bent while gripping forearm crutches.

Amaral remembers reading on Jan. 26, 2008, the Biblical

passage about Jesus curing the paralytic. He went to Confession at St. Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford, and that night while looking at a picture of the late Pope John Paul II, he asked for his help.

Four days later Amaral prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and looked again at the pope’s picture. He then stood up and began walking without his crutches. His physician has no scientific explanation for the healing.

Father Roger J. Landry, the former pastor of St. Anthony’s Parish, wrote a letter to the postulator at the Vatican relating Amaral’s healing through the intercession of Pope John Paul II. A medically certifiable miracle is required for canonization. Father Landry is currently the pastor of St. Bernadette’s Parish in Fall River.

Like many Catholics, I always ask St. Therese to pray for us at the end of the recitation of the Rosary.

At the time of her death from tuberculosis in 1897, Therese Martin was an obscure 24-yearold cloistered Carmelite nun in Lisieux, France, where her incorrupt body still lies.

But her memoir “Story of a Soul” survived her, detailing her spiritual life which she called “Her Little Way.” St. Therese wrote that despite her illness and weaknesses, she could smile, have kind thoughts and do small loving deeds.

“It is not so essential to think much as to love much,” St. Therese wrote.

She was canonized in 1925 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997 by Pope John

Paul II. I always kept a copy of her book on my desk for inspiration; but when my friend and colleague Rebecca Aubut became a staff writer for The Anchor three years ago, I placed “Story of a Soul” in a manila envelope and sent St. Therese to her. She wrote back to thank me and said that the book was on her desk at The Anchor.

Out of the blue, I received a call in December from Father Richard D. Wilson, executive editor of The Anchor, offering me a writing position for this newspaper.

As I hung up the phone, it occurred to me that I would follow St. Therese to The Anchor.

A week later my best friend gave me a Christmas present.

She said that she had been looking for something for her mother when she spotted a statue of St. Therese. Walking away, she immediately thought of me and went back and purchased it. She had no idea about my devotion to the saint.

As I write this, my eyes fall on the statue sitting on my desk, along with the digital copy of “The Complete St. Therese of Lisieux” on my Nook.

“I will spend my Heaven doing good on earth,” St. Therese said.

Saints reveal the wonder and power of God, and sometimes their little nudges show us the way.

The former religion editor at The Standard-Times in New Bedford, Linda Andrade Rodrigues joins The Anchor staff as a correspondent. She also blogs at http://seaskyandspirit. blogspot.com.

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January 17, 2014

Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Monday and Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Evening prayer and Benediction is held Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

ATTLEBORO — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the St. Joseph Adoration Chapel at Holy Ghost Church, 71 Linden Street, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

ATTLEBORO — The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette holds Eucharistic Adoration in the Shrine Church every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. through November 17.

Brewster — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the La Salette Chapel in the lower level of Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays beginning at noon until 7:45 a.m. First Saturday, concluding with Benediction and concluding with Mass at 8 a.m. buzzards Bay — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, every first Friday after the 8 a.m. Mass and ending the following day before the 8 a.m.

Mass.

East Freetown — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. John Neumann Church every Monday (excluding legal holidays) 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady, Mother of All Nations Chapel. (The base of the bell tower).

East Sandwich — The Corpus Christi Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich.

Use the Chapel entrance on the side of the church.

EAST TAUNTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the chapel at Holy Family Parish Center, 438 Middleboro Avenue, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On First Fridays, Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, from 8:30 a.m. until 7:45 p.m.

FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at noon. Also, there is a First Friday Mass each month at 7 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration. Refreshments follow.

Fall River — Espirito Santo Parish, 311 Alden Street, Fall River. Eucharistic Adoration on Mondays following the 8 a.m. Mass until Rosary and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Bernadette’s Church, 529 Eastern Ave., has continuous Eucharistic Adoration from 8 a.m. on Thursday until 8 a.m. on Saturday.

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, has Eucharistic Adoration Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

FALL RIVER — Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street, has Eucharistic Adoration Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady of Grace Chapel.

FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has Eucharistic Adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass and concluding with 3 p.m. Benediction in the Daily Mass Chapel. A bilingual holy hour takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory.

Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday, following the 9 a.m. Mass until Benediction at 4:30 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

MANSFIELD — St. Mary’s Parish, 330 Pratt Street, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Benediction at 5:45 p.m.

MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m.

Mass every First Friday with special intentions for Respect Life, followed by 24 hours of Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel, concluding with Benediction Saturday morning followed immediately by an 8:30 Mass.

NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic Adoration takes place 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 233 County Street, with night prayer and Benediction at 8:45 p.m., and Confessions offered during the evening. Please use the side entrance.

NEW BEDFORD — There is a daily holy hour from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It includes Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, recitation of the Rosary, and the opportunity for Confession.

NEW BEDFORD — St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, 565 County Street, holds Eucharistic Adoration in the side chapel every Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

NORTH DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, every Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m., ending with Benediction. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at this time.

NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Wednesday following 8:00 a.m. Mass and concludes with Benediction at 5 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration also takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

OSTERVILLE — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 76 Wianno Avenue on First Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

SEEKONK ­— Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish has perpetual Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549.

Taunton — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction.

Recitation of the Rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.

Taunton — Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord, 31 First Street. Exposition begins following the 8 a.m.

Mass. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, and Adoration will continue throughout the day. Confessions are heard from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 6:30 p.m.

WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church begins each Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. and ends on Friday night at midnight. Adoration is held in our Adoration Chapel in the lower Parish Hall.

WEST HARWICH — Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Parish, 246 Main Street (Rte. 28), holds perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. We are a regional chapel serving all of the surrounding parishes. All from other parishes are invited to sign up to cover open hours. For open hours, or to sign up call 508-430-4716.

Celina R. Oliveira; sister of Msgr. John J. Oliveira

NEW BEDFORD — Celina Rita Oliveira, 65, of New Bedford passed away January 5 at St. Luke’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of Celina (Cordeiro) Oliveira and the late John J. Oliveira. She graduated from Holy Family High School and went on to receive her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bridgewater State College. She became a fourth-grade teacher in the New Bedford public schools where she taught for more than 30 years at the Ellen R. Hathaway School until her retirement.

Celina was an avid reader, Scrabble player and jumble word player. She also enjoyed long car rides. She was passionate about education and loved watching sports on TV, especially the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. Celina had a wonderful sense of humor and a heart-warming smile. She was loved by everyone who met her.

Her greatest joy was being with her family and loved being “titia” to her eight nephews and many grand- nieces and nephews.

Celina was predeceased by her twin sister, M. Gloria Lima and is survived by her mother, Celina; her sister, Terry Gaffney and her husband, Jim of Dartmouth; her two brothers, Msgr. John J. Oliveira, PA, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish, New Bedford, and Dr. Lawrence Oliveira and his wife, Charlotte of Mattapoisett.

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks Jan. 19 Rev. Thomas E. O’Dea, Assistant, St. Lawrence, New Bedford, 1999 Jan. 20 Rev. Roland J. Masse, Assistant, Notre Dame de Lourdes, Fall River, 1952 Jan. 21 Rev. Msgr. Henri A. Hamel, USAF, Retired Chaplain, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, New Bedford, 1983 Jan. 24 Rev. Aaron L. Roche, O.P., Immaculate Conception Mission, North Easton, 1870 Rev. Louis A. Casgrain, Pastor, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1920 Rev. Edward H. Finnegan, S.J., Boston College Faculty, 1951 Rev. Thomas F. McMorrow, Assistant, Our Lady of Victory, Centerville, 1977 Rev. Cornelius J. O’Neill, Retired Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1999

The family would like to give special thanks to her caregivers, Rebecca, Irene and Judy for their excellent care during her long battle with Machado/Joseph’s disease.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, New Bedford on January 10. Interment was at St. John’s Cem-

etery.

Donations may be made in Celina’s memory to St. Mary’s Parish Scholarship Fund, 106 Illinois Street, New Bedford, Mass., 02745.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Aubertine-Lopes Funeral Home, 129 Allen Street, New Bedford.

Around the Diocese The public is invited to a Pro-Life Hour of Prayer Sunday at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel, 80 Bay Street in Taunton beginning at 2 p.m. The Holy Hour will include exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary prayer and a special presenter.

The hour of prayer is sponsored by the Taunton Deanery Pro-Life Committee in the Diocese of Fall River.

A tribute to John F. Kennedy will take place Sunday at 3 p.m. at Boston’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross. A performance of Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor (K. 626), in remembrance of John F. Kennedy, on the 50th anniversary of the performance and Requiem Mass held for Kennedy at the same cathedral. Sponsored by the Schiller Institute. Free (open seating).

A mini-retreat will be held on January 22 beginning at 11 a.m. with a screening of “Assumptions,” a 29-minute Pro-Life film produced by Family Theater Productions, followed by the praying of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary with video of Catholic celebrities. The retreat will conclude with Mass and will take place at the Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street in North Easton. For more info call 508-238-4095 or visit www.FamilyRosary.org/Events.

All are invited to prayer and Eucharistic Adoration inside St. Jude’s Chapel of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee on January 22, immediately following the 8:30 a.m. Mass. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will open the hours of adoration and Benediction will be at noon.

A Healing Mass will be celebrated on January 23 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford. The Mass will begin at 6:30 p.m. and include Benediction and healing prayers. At 5:15 p.m. there will also be a holy hour including the Rosary. For directions or more information call 508-993-1691 or visit www.saintanthonynewbedford.com.

The ninth annual St. Mary’s Education Fund Winter Brunch will be held January 26 at the Coonamessett Inn in Falmouth beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Proceeds will benefit the St. Mary’s Education Fund, which provides need-based scholarships to children in need of financial assistance to attend one of the schools in the Fall River Diocese. For reservations or to make a donation, call Jane Robin at 508-759-3566.

The placement exam for prospective students wishing to attend Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River will be held on February 1 at 8 a.m. The test fee is $20. For more information, please call Anthony Ciampanelli, director of admissions, at 508-676-1071, extension 333.

A Day with Mary will be held on February 1 at Holy Family Parish, 370 Middleboro Avenue in East Taunton from 7:50 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will include a video presentation, procession and crowning of the Blessed Mother with Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There will be an opportunity for Reconciliation and a bookstore will be available.

Please bring a bag lunch. For more information call 508-996-8274.

2013 Marian Medal Awards Ceremony available on Video The Nov. 24, 2013 Marian Medal Awards Ceremony is available on DVD from the Diocesan Office of Communications. The DVD cost is $24.95. To obtain one, please forward a check in that amount payable to the Diocesan Office of Communications, Diocese of Fall River, PO Box 7, Fall River, Mass., 02722. Shipping is included in the video cost.

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January 17, 2014

“An evangelizing community gets involved by word and deed in people’s daily lives; it bridges distances, it is willing to abase itself if necessary, and it embraces human life, touching the suffering Flesh of Christ in others.”

Pope Francis ‘Evangelli Gaudium’

No. 24

From Pope Peter to Pope Francis, the Church has had as her evangelization mission, to lead Catholic faithful to the Way, the Truth, and the Light.

For more than 50 years, The Anchor has been a part of that evangelization mission, keeping faithful in the Diocese of Fall River informed and aware. Anchor renewal weekend is February 1 and 2. Renew your subscription and encourage a friend to subscribe!

The Anchor 508.675.7151 marychase@anchornews.org website:www.anchornews.org All photos are CNS