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Diocese of Fall River Catholic schools celebrate 46th annual Catholic Schools Week January 26 - February 1 Diocese of Fall River, Mass. † Friday, Jan. 24, 2020

FALL RIVER — All Catholic schools in the Fall River Diocese will observe Catholic Schools Week from January 26 through February 1 with Masses, open houses and a variety of special programs and activities for students, families and community.

Celebrated annually across the country beginning on the last Sunday in January, the week is designed to highlight the value of a Catholic education to young people and their families as well as its contributions to the Church and wider community.

It is also the time when most Catholic schools host open houses and open registration for the following academic year. Students and parents who are interested in enrolling in one of the Catholic schools or learning more about the enrollment process should contact the school of interest for information or visit www.CatholicSchoolsAlliance.org.

Specific Catholic Schools Week schedules vary from school to school but often feature academic and athletic challenges; music and arts festivals; guest speakers; special 8 Turn to page 12

Members of the St. John Paul II High School Concert Choir from Hyannis relax before a 2019 performance at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.

January 24, 2020 †

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Complete list of diocesan school Open Houses on page 20

Fourth diocesan Women and Men’s Conference opportunity to prepare for Lenten journey

By Dave Jolivet Co-Editor

davejolivet@anchornews.org

EASTON — In 2017 Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. inaugurated a Women and Men’s Conference with the hope of gathering faithful from across the diocese to share a day of prayer, reconciliation, sharing and lessons, to prepare them for the Lenten journey each travels in her or his own way.

The landmark event was a big success, and in the following two years the retreat again drew hundreds of individuals who wished to launch the

Lenten season with likeminded people and clergy.

On March 7 the fourth annual Women and Men’s

Conference will be the gathering spot for diocesan faithful during the first full

week of Lent.

The conference will again be held at the Sports Complex on the campus of Stonehill College in Easton. The day will begin with an opening by Bishop da Cunha at 9 a.m. and conclude with 4 p.m. Mass, with the bishop as celebrant and homilist.

The theme of this year’s event is, “As I have done, you must also do,” taken from St. John’s Gospel account of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples.

“This conference is a good opportunity for being renewed in prayer; an opportunity to enrich our Spiritual lives as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter,” said Beth Mahoney, chairperson of the conference planning committee. “We are very excited about this year’s conference and the gathering of so many wonderful men and women from across the diocese and the opportunity for them to hear some wonderful guest speakers.”

Mahoney also mentioned that Continued Education Units (CEUs) will be offered to attendees.

There will be a section on the registration form to request the credits.

This year the conference will welcome Kendra Von Esh, a Catholic author and retreat leader. “Kendra is very passionate about developing and improving a relationship with God and helping others to do the same,” Mahoney told The Anchor. “She does it with passion and humor 8 Turn to page 13

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† January 24, 2020

Greater New Bedford Catholic schools participate in ‘Catholic School Challenge’ as part of Catholic Schools Week activities

DARTMOUTH — A tradition that began in 1974, Catholic Schools Week will be celebrated around the country from January 24 through February 1. The Greater New Bedford Catholic schools are no exception and will continue a tradition of their own — the “Catholic Schools Challenge” — where the five Catholic elementary schools in New Bedford, Fairhaven and Acushnet meet at Bishop Stang High School in Dartmouth for a day of fun, faith, and a little bit of competition.

More than 200 seventhand eighth-grade students will arrive at Bishop Stang High School on January 30

for an early welcome and prayer service. Each elementary school will proudly display its team T-shirt as the students compete in activities such as “Minute-to-Win-It,” “Mission Possible,” Fouron-Four basketball, Improv and Quiz Bowl. Each school receives points as they participate in the activities and a winner is announced at the end of the day.

While every team wants to win the overall event, the opportunity to meet students from other schools as well as work with a myriad of Bishop Stang students is what keeps this tradition alive and strong.

Peter Shaughnessy,

president and principal of Bishop Stang, said, “We love hosting this event every year — this is our 10th annual Greater New Bedford Catholic Schools Challenge.

There is always a great sense of school spirit from the students. The challenge calls forth all of the many intellectual, athletic and creative talents that our Catholic school students possess in a fun and high-energy atmosphere.”

“This is my first year experiencing the Catholic School Challenge and my middle school students have already told me they want to win the trophy,” admits Joe Branco, principal of Holy

BUZZARDS BAY — St. Margaret Primary School in Buzzards Bay will jump start its 2020 Catholic Schools Week celebration with a new inaugural video showcasing the school, students, and unique learning environment. Serving children from pre-k through grade Four, St. Margaret Primary School is a nurturing educational environment that embraces the Catholic faith and Spiritual development. Academically, St. Margaret Primary students engage in frequent individual and group project learning opportunities allowing them to develop the foundation for 21stcentury skills.

Based upon these principles, St. Margaret’s promotes “Faith, Family and Fundamentals”. “This new video shares the joy,

excitement, and devotion our students have to learning about their faith, the fundamentals of early education, and special programs, too,” said Christopher Keavy, president of the three-campus pre-k to grade 12 school which also includes St. Francis Xavier Preparatory Middle School and St. John Paul II High School in Hyannis.

“This video communicates our unique program where students as young as three years old are tinkering with Makerspace technology and learning Spanish.”

Elizabeth Hutchison, principal of St. Margaret Primary, added, “Our students love school and frequently stay after for clubs such as Ocean Exploration, Sign Language, LEGO® club, participate in our

well-known theatre productions, or take on-site strings lessons.

Families who visit St. Margaret Primary immediately get a sense of family and community, while their children quickly make friends in classes and activities. Everyone is welcomed here.”

In addition to launching a new video, St. Margaret Primary will include sundaes on Monday, with the Middle School, and pasta with a Priest, as part of their Catholic Schools Week celebration.

To view the new video, please go to https://www. smrsbb.org/get-to-knowus/ For more information about St. Margaret Primary School, please call 508-759-2213 or visit www.smrsbb.org.

St. Margaret Primary School marks Catholic Schools Week by launching new video

Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford. “The close collaboration between all of the New Bedford Catholic schools is amazing and I am so blessed to be a part of a larger group of schools with the same mission and focus on educating the whole child, Spiritually and academically.”

Denise Peixoto, a veteran of Catholic education in the Diocese of Fall River and one of the assistant superintendents concluded,

“I thoroughly enjoy attending this event and watching the kids put their heart and soul into their school spirit.

Catholic Schools Week is a wonderful platform for Catholic schools to showcase the incredible education, academic achievement, and Spiritual development offered by a Catholic education. The rich history along with 21st-century advancements makes Catholic education even more exciting and necessary.”

“Phoenix/scottsdale, arizona” Father Joseph P. McDermott

is the Spiritual Director of a Pilgrimage/Tour to Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona

JUNE 9 - 20, 2020

12 Days / 11 Nights for $1,795.00 (per person - double occupancy)

Includes Airfare, Ground Transportation & Lodging, with a FREE Continental Breakfast each morning We are planning trips to the GRAND CANYON, SEDONA, MONTEZUMA’S CASTLE, TOMBSTONE, the PETRIFIED FOREST, the PAINTED DESERT, ST. MARIA GORETTI’S in Scottsdale, ST. TIMOTHY’S in Mesa & Phoenix.

We will visit CANAAN IN THE DESERT, the garden of Jesus’ Suffering & Resurrection, as well as other trips!

For information call Margaret 781-762-2029 Father Joe 508-660-1461 January 24, 2020 †

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Merton contemplation and action

anuary is a month when justice receives national recognition. The nation celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. days before thousands assemble in Washington, D.C. to march for life. We are reminded by these two events that standing by and saying nothing in the face of injustice is not who we are as a nation or a Church. How fitting it is that the month closes with the 105th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Merton on January 31.

Merton was a man whose faith compelled him to speak for peace when the national discourse was on fire with disagreement over a war with a nebulous mission.

Though his prolific body of writings dwells mostly on his experience of the contemplative life, his prayer propelled him into action during the turbulence and violence of the 1960s. His outspoken resistance to the Vietnam conflict turned Catholics and non-Catholics against him, and gained him the praise of such

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controversial figures as Daniel Berrigan, who called Merton “the conscience of the peace movement.” His courage to speak did not come from a political affiliation but from the depth of his prayer. Richard Rohr explains how Merton came to this place where prayer and action become one. “In contemplation, one experiences all things as somehow created in the image of God and therefore of equal dignity and deserving of respect.” When this happens it is hard not to see injustice when it stares you in the face.

Merton is a role model for those who see the world through the lens of our Christian faith, no matter how unpopular this might be. He called the Civil

† January 24, 2020

Rights movement “the greatest example of Christian faith in action in the social history of the United States.” Viewing Merton’s life from a perch a half-century removed from that heated debate we can learn the basic principal of his contemplative life.

“The highest form of Spiritual maturity is not action or contemplation but the ability to integrate the two into one life stance — to be serviceoriented contemplatives or contemplative activists.” Those are the words of another Thomas — Aquinas, not Merton.

As the Church searches for strategies to capture the attention of the young, it is reassuring to look back on the life of Thomas Merton for hope. He told his own story in “The Seven Storey Mountain”, a book that has sold more than a million copies throughout the world, and should be required reading for any young person on a path that seems destined for nowhere. Motherless at age six and an orphan by his 16th year, Merton travelled aimlessly through life, despite being gifted intellectually and artistically. He fathered a child, a fact that editors removed from his autobiography because it would be offensive to readers in the 1950s. Young people today will not be that shocked about this detail of Merton’s life, and might take solace that the choices he made, however mistaken, became the substrate on which God built the road Merton would travel. They can learn much about the path that leads to living a moral life from Merton’s journey. After years of contemplation and life in a Trappist mon-

astery Merton concluded, “One of the most important functions of the life of prayer is to deepen and strengthen and develop our moral conscience.” In the words of fellow Trappist, James Finley, “Merton leads us along a journey to God in which the self that begins the journey is not the self that arrives.” Merton reminds us that discipleship begins with an invitation from Jesus from which we will never recover. We have a generation of young people poised to hear the same invitation that brought Thomas Merton to a life of discipleship. The details of his journey to God are less important than the fact that he was met somewhere along the path, far away from the end.

The justice bearers on display this month, from the past and walking the streets, came to be people of action by accepting the mantle of discipleship. No matter the path down which our faith leads us, we need to remember the aim of discipleship. Father Simeon, a Trappist serving in nearby St. Joseph Abbey, explains, “The deepest meaning of Christian discipleship is not to work for Jesus but to be with Jesus.”

Even though Merton gained a reputation as an outspoken activist, in the end he only sought to be one with Jesus. His words reach across the years to all of us who seek fulfillment through acts of charity and justice, that in the end it is love that we seek. “Love in fact is the Spiritual life, and without it all the other exercises of the spirit, however lofty, are emptied of content and become mere illusions. The more lofty they are, the more dangerous the illusion.” We pray that all our acts of charity and justice be rooted in love.

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

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hose few words, “How now, brown cow?” is what we might call a lighthearted way of asking, “What’s up, doc?” or “What’s next?” Dictionaries tell us that the expression has its origin in the teaching of the English language and that teachers have used it to teach students how to pronounce rounded vowels.

Then there are those who say that the phrase had its origin in Scotland in the 1700s. It is said that brown cow meant a barrel of beer and that people could order a beer by saying, “How now, brown cow.” Perhaps it was Guinness stout which began brewing in 1759. I’ll drink to that!

At any rate this expression came to mind during

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’m putting this column together on what is celebrated as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the U.S. It’s no secret that MLK is one of my all-time heroes in life.

Like all of us, he wasn’t perfect, but unlike all of us, as a man, he put his life on the line every day for the values in which he believed — and when I say he put his life on the line, I mean he did that just by getting up in the morning.

There were myriad closed-minded people who would just as soon see him dead as to “carry on with that Civil Rights stuff.” Ultimately, the closed-minded won. But they didn’t really.

A handful of Irish lads who know what prejudice and hatred can do to people, having lived amongst the bloody Catholic-Protestant battles in their home country, formed a rock group and

How now brown cow?

our Christmas preparation, though for me it was converted to “Why now, brown cow?’ The lead up to the celebration of Christmas had gone very well. We had community caroling on December 9 and the Lions Club Christmas dinner and party on December 18 at McVeigh Hall.

Both were joyful evening celebrations. I did not notice any “brown cow” at the dinner but I believe that Mr. Heineken and Miss Corona did make an appearance in the course of the evening.

On Saturday morning December 21, at the strong urging of the “commander in chief,” an army of church

members and visitors gathered at St. Francis Church for the annual ritual of decorating the church for the Christmas Masses and season. It was a scene of

hustle and bustle for threeplus hours. Then the final touches were put to the lighted creche. Randle and his assistants began to carefully place the many figures in the creche. It was at this stage that I approached the creche to admire the work being completed and

blurted out, “There is no cow. Where is the cow?”

My outburst must have startled the assembled crew and prompted an immediate search of the choir loft and every closet in church. This search continued after lunch to no avail. As the son of a farmer who as a child had often taken the family cows to pasture, I was more than disappointed. Why now, brown cow?

I had almost given up on my search when, the next day, I called on St. Anthony, who may or may not have known what a cow is, for his help and he whispered in my ear that I should make one more

climb to the choir loft, bend down low and look under the pew. I did so and, holy cow, there was our brown cow hidden from the normal viewing vantage point.

We celebrated Mass with a large congregation present on Christmas Eve and afterwards enjoyed light refreshments in nearby Damien Hall. The next morning we again celebrated Christmas Mass with the usual congregation present and all the while our brown cow stood guard over the baby Jesus in the manger. How now, brown cow! Happy New Year!

Aloha.

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

Let’s not perish together as fools perhaps gave one of the best homages to the late great MLK. U2, in its “(Pride) in the Name of Love,” ballad, sang, “Early evenin’, April 4, shot rings out in the Memphis sky. Free at last, they took your life, they could not take your pride.”

Reverend King’s dream of having everyone, regardless of race, color or creed, living together in peace and harmony, much like Jesus’ messages, is yet to become a reality.

Hatred, prejudice, arrogance, narrow-mindedness, entitlement, and a “my way or the highway” life philosophy remain rampant in this country.

King once said, “We must learn to live as brothers or perish together as fools.”

Unless there’s a change of heart in many people, I see

the latter occurring before the former.

And it’s not just in sports, entertainment and politics that these cancer-

like traits are prevalent. I see it in everyday life, in everyday occurrences.

There was a time when in this country and across the world, elderly were held in high esteem and were deserving of respect.

No longer is that the norm. There will come a time when the word respect and its definition will be erased from dictionaries and conversation.

The young don’t respect the elderly, and quite frankly, there are many elderly that don’t much respect anyone (and I’m not talking about those with dementia and Alzheimer’s).

I’m considered a senior citizen and I see it working both ways.

I’ve seen how young people can be rude, crude and callous when speaking to or dealing with me. And at the other end of the spectrum, citizens more senior than I have treated me as inferior because they feel they are better than me.

I’m now seeing things my beloved dad experienced in his senior years; things like folks not caring about all the good deeds he did for others and all the fine work he spent his blood, sweat

and tears on.

He never said a word, but I know the hurt he had to have experienced. And I’m learning it first-hand.

King’s dream seems more distant now than ever.

People are indeed changing, and not for the better.

I recently told a friend that I know what I’ve done in my life, and so does God. And I can live with the insults.

And to my friends out there who are treated likewise remember that God knows what is in your hearts, regardless of those who are “better than you.”

I pray for victims of disrespect, prejudice, hatred and narrow-mindedness.

Don’t let anyone take your pride. Continue to live as brothers and sisters, and pray for the others, lest they perish together as fools. davejolivet@anchornews.org.

January 24, 2020 †

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Editorial From indifference to solidarity

Today (Friday) hundreds of people from the Diocese of Fall River, youth and adults, are marching in Washington, asking that our country respect life from conception until natural death, with a particular plea that there be an end to abortion. The March for Life is held this week due to the anniversary of the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision (which legalized abortion) being January 22. The March used to be held on the anniversary itself, but a few years ago the march was moved to always be adjacent to the weekend, to make it easier for working people and students to attend.

One of the fixtures at the march from our diocese was Kevin Ward, a parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church in Wareham. Kevin will not be at the march this year.

Today (Friday) his funeral Mass is being celebrated. He died this past Sunday.

Kevin was instrumental in organizing the Cape Cod Bus for Life, which is down in Washington at this moment. May the souls of those whose lives he worked to save greet him and put in a good word for him with Our Merciful Lord. We know that the pilgrims down in D.C. are praying for him and his family.

On Nov. 15, 2014 Pope Francis addresses the Italian Physicians Organization at the Vatican. He spoke about respect for human life. He condemned a “‘false compassion’ which holds that it is a benefit to women to promote abortion; an act of dignity to perform euthanasia; a scientific breakthrough to ‘produce’ a child, considered as a right rather than a gift to be welcomed; or to using human lives as laboratory animals, allegedly in order to save others.”

He urged the doctors to have the “compassion of the Good Samaritan, who ‘sees,’ ‘has compassion,’ draws near and provides concrete help (cf. Lk 10:33). Your mission as doctors places you in daily contact with so many forms of suffering. I encourage you to take them on as ‘Good Samaritans,’ caring in a special way for the elderly, the infirm and the disabled. Faithfulness to the Gospel of life and respect for life as a gift from God sometimes requires brave choices that go against the current, which in particular circumstances may become points of conscientious objection. This faithfulness brings with it many social consequences.” The pope did not expand on what he meant by this, but one could assume that he meant that these doctors risk being ostracized or even losing their jobs.

He continued, “We are living in a time of experimentation with life. But it is harmful experimentation. Making children, rather than accepting them as a gift, as I said. Playing with life. Be careful, because this is a sin against the Creator: against God the Creator, Who created things this way. Many times in my life as a priest, I have heard objections. ‘Tell me, why, for example, does the Church oppose abortion? Is it a religious problem?’ — ‘No, no. It’s not a religious problem’ — ‘Is it a philosophical problem?’ — ‘No, it’s not a philosophical problem.’ It is a scientific problem, because there is a human life there and it is not licit to eliminate a human life to resolve a problem. ‘But no, the modern school of thought’ — ‘Listen, in the old and the modern schools of thought, the word kill means the same thing!’ The same is true for euthanasia. We all know that with so many elderly people in this throw-away culture, euthanasia is being performed in secret. There is also another.

And this is saying to God: ‘No, I will end life, as I see fit.’ A sin against God the OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 64, No. 2

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† January 24, 2020

Creator: think hard about this.”

On Tuesday Pope Francis released a letter he sent to the World Economic Forum, being held this week in Davos, Switzerland. In it he urged solidarity with all people on this planet. “The overriding consideration, never to be forgotten, is that we are all members of the one human family. The moral obligation to care for one another flows from this fact, as does the correlative principle of placing the human person, rather than the mere pursuit of power or profit, at the very center of public policy.”

After reminding businesses and governments of their need to act in an ethical manner, the pontiff lamented, “All too often materialistic or utilitarian visions, sometimes hidden, sometimes celebrated, lead to practices and structures motivated largely, or even solely, by self-interest. This typically views others as a means to an end and entails a lack of solidarity and charity, which in turn gives rise to real injustice, whereas a truly integral human development can only flourish when all members of the human family are included in, and contribute to, pursuing the common good. In seeking genuine progress, let us not forget that to trample upon the dignity of another person is in fact to weaken one’s own worth.

“In my Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’, I drew attention to the importance of an ‘integral ecology’ that takes into account the full implications of the complexity and interconnectedness of our common home.”

We share this common home with people of various religions (or no religion).

On Monday Pope Francis met with people from the Simon Weisenthal Center, which “seeks to combat all forms of anti-Semitism, racism and hatred towards minorities” (as the pope said in his remarks). He then spoke about how the center and the Holy See have “a shared desire to make the world a better place in respect for human dignity. This dignity is due to every person in equal measure, regardless of his or her ethnic origin, religion or social status.”

The pope recalled his visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp in 2016. “I went there to reflect and to pray in silence. In our world, with its whirlwind of activity, we find it hard to pause, to look within and to listen in silence to the plea of suffering humanity. Silence helps to keep memory alive. If we lose our memory, we destroy our future. May the anniversary of the unspeakable cruelty that humanity learned of 75 years ago serve as a summons to pause, to be still and to remember, lest we become indifferent.”

Sadly, the pope noted that there is, “in many parts of the world, an increase in selfishness and indifference, lack of concern for others and the attitude that says life is good as long as it is good for me, and when things go wrong, anger and malice are unleashed. May we continue to cooperate in the defense of the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters. May the Almighty help us to respect one another and to love one another more, and to make the earth a better place by sowing seeds of peace. Shalom!”

May our prayer in silence lead to action, together with our fellow Catholics; with other Christians (with whom we are praying for unity this week); with our older brothers and sisters, the Jewish community; and with all people of goodwill.

By seeing the dignity of each other, we can work to defend it.

Daily Readings † January 25 - February 7

Sat. Jan. 25, Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22; Ps 117:1-2; Mk 16:15-18. Sun. Jan. 26, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Is 8:23—9:3; Ps 27:1,4,13-14; 1 Cor 1:10-13,17; Mt 4:12-23 or 4:12-17. Mon. Jan. 27, 2 Sm 5:1-7,10; Ps 89:20-22,25-26; Mk 3:22-30. Tue. Jan. 28, 2 Sm 6:12b-15,17-19; Ps 24:7-10; Mk 3:31-35. Wed. Jan. 29, 2 Sm 7:4-17; Ps 89:4-5,27-30; Mk 4:1-20. Thu. Jan. 30, 2 Sm 7:18-19,24-29; Ps 132:1-5,11-14; Mk 4:21-25. Fri. Jan. 31, 2 Sm 11:1-4a,5-10a,13-17; Ps 51:3-7,10-11; Mk 4:26-34.

Sat. Feb. 1, 2 Sm 12:1-7a,10-17; Ps 51:12-17; Mk 4:35-41. Sun. Feb. 2, Presentation of the Lord, Mal 3:1-4; Ps 24:7-10; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40 or 2:2232. Mon. Feb. 3, 2 Sm 15:13-14,30; 16:5-13; Ps 3:2-7; Mk 5:1-20. Tue. Feb. 4, 2 Sm 18:9-10,14b,24-25a,30—19:3; Ps 86:1-6; Mk 5:21-43. Wed. Feb. 5, 2 Sm 24:2,9-17; Ps 32:1-2,5-7; Mk 6:1-6. Thu. Feb. 6, 1 Kgs 2:1-4,10-12; (Ps) 1 Chr 29:10-12; Mk 6:7-13. Fri. Feb. 7, Sir 47:2-11; Ps 18:31,47,50-51; Mk 6:14-29.

Celebrating joyfully the First Sunday of the Word of God

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n January 26, the Church will celebrate for the first time an important new annual feast, the Sunday of the Word of God, which Pope Francis established last September 30 to accentuate the importance that Sacred Scripture is meant to have in the faith, prayer and lives of believers.

He announced it intentionally on September 30, which is the feast of St. Jerome, the famous translator of the Bible from the Greek and Hebrew into Latin, then the common language of the people. This year the Church marks the 1,600th anniversary of St. Jerome’s death. He is famous for emphasizing, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ”: unless we are familiar with what Jesus said and did in the Gospel, how He fulfilled all the prophecies of the Old Testament, and how the Apostles proclaimed Him, we really do not know Him. In his decree establishing the feast, Aperuit Illis, taken from the words in the Emmaus scene describing how Jesus “opened to them what referred to Him in all the Scriptures” (Lk 24:27), Pope Francis said he hopes that it will help believers “grow in religious and intimate familiarity with the Sacred Scriptures,” “appreciate the inexhaustible riches contained in that constant dialogue between the Lord and His people,” “experience anew how the Risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of His Word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world,” and “marked by this decisive relationship with the living word, grow in love and faithful witness.”

Desiring the feast to be dedicated to the “celebra-

tion, study and dissemination of the Word of God,” he made various practical suggestions. He asked that the Sacred Scriptures be “enthroned” during Mass, to focus on the permanent, normative value of God’s Word. He suggested that the installation of lectors or commissioning of readers take place, showing the importance of proclaiming God’s Word and giving extra attention to readers’ formation to proclaim it faithfully and beautifully. He asked priests in a particular way to focus on their preaching, so that the Word of God may be better understood and come more alive in the heads of hearts of believers. He proposed that pastors give away a Bible, a set of the Gospels, or at least one of the books of Sacred Scripture, to emphasize the importance of reading, appreciating and praying daily with God’s Word. He encouraged training in lectio divina, so that people may prayerfully assimilate the content of Scripture. And he expressed hope that since the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time either will fall each year within or at the end of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity, the Sunday of the Word of God might bear great ecumenical fruit, “since the Scriptures point out, for those who listen, the path to authentic and firm unity.”

I would like to underline two points.

The first is about celebrating the Word of God as the great treasure it is.

During the 2008 Synod on the Word of God in the Life and Mission of the

Church, Bishop Anton Justs of Jelgava, Latvia, gave an unforgettable intervention. He described a priest, Father Viktors, who was arrested by the Soviets for possessing the Bible and commanded him to step on it. Instead, he knelt and kissed it, for which he was condemned to 10 years of hard labor in Siberia. When he returned a decade later as an emaciated witness

to Scripture’s inestimable value, he celebrated Mass with his people. After proclaiming the Gospel, he kissed once more the Word of God, and he and the people cried profusely with gratitude to God. Father Viktors wasn’t alone in his testimony. “In Latvia, during the Soviet era,” Bishop Justs continued, “no religious books, no Holy Scriptures, no catechisms were allowed to be printed. The reasoning was: if there is no printed Word of God, there will be no religion. So our Latvian people did what the first century Christians did: they learnt the passages of the Holy Scriptures by heart.”

And specifically with regard to celebration, he recounted, “Still today in Latvia there is an oral tradition alive. We stand on the shoulders of our martyrs to proclaim the Word of God. Our grandchildren remember their grandfathers and grandmothers, who died for their faith; they want to be, in their turn, heroes of

faith. In Latvia we proclaim the living Word of God! We go in the processions and on the pilgrimages, we sing songs and we pray and say: ‘This is the Word of God, for which our grandparents died.’”

A people learning Sacred Scripture by heart, taking the Bible on pilgrimages, proudly proclaiming the Word of God, and seeking to be heroes in witness to it — this is what the Catholic Church is meant to be. This is the type of faith and celebration Pope Francis, by establishing this feast, is trying to catalyze.

The second point is about learning Sacred Scripture.

About a decade ago, I happened to meet a priest from Cleveland at Green Airport in Providence.

I invited him to lunch.

When the cashier asked if there would be one check or two, I said one and gave my credit card. Father Bob immediately interjected, “Sirach says we should go Dutch!” I stared at him quizzically, but retorted, “Jesus calls us to love one another as He loves us and the Last Supper wasn’t Dutch. I’m paying!”

When we got to the table, immediately after grace, I asked whether he had invented the quotation from Sirach. “Not at all!,” he enthusiastically replied, as he pulled a worn Bible from his backpack and amazingly opened it to the exact page in the Book of Sirach where it says not to be ashamed to “share the expenses of a business or journey” (Sir 42:3).

Blown away, and frankly filled with holy envy by his

command of Scripture, I asked how he had come to know the Word of God so well. He told me he had made a promise the day of his diaconal ordination to read the entire Bible once a year and that he had been faithful to that promise.

“After 24 years,” he said with a smile, “You get know what Sirach says about restaurant bills!”

I asked him how long it takes to read the whole Bible in a year. He replied that it takes cumulatively only 75 hours, or 12-15 minutes a day.

Since that encounter, I’ve tried to emulate Father Bob’s commitment to reading the Bible each year and have encouraged many others to join us. Twelve to 15 minutes a day can change your life. There are so many books and smartphone applications that make reading the Bible in a year easier, intelligently varying the passages to help one understand it better than if one just read from cover to cover. I’d encourage you to consult them.

If ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ, intimate familiarity with the Word of God will help you to know not only the inspired words but the Wordmade-Flesh so much better.

The upcoming inaugural Sunday of the Word of God would be a grace-filled occasion to make a resolution to give those 12-15 minutes a day, either individually, or with family, friends or fellow parishioners.

If you do, then what happened on the Road to Emmaus can happen on the very paths you walk.

Anchor columnist Father Roger Landry can be contacted at fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.

January 24, 2020 †

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Finding Cindy Lou Who

his year Christmas at my home came and went without my having festive plans or even a tree. As we moved past Christmas towards the beginning of a new year, I found myself reflecting upon the Grinch and Whoville. I wondered if this year I might find my own little Cindy Lou Who — someone who reminded me of the meaning of the season?

I had started the season filled with anticipation and goodwill. I had enjoyed shopping for my gifts for the Giving Trees.

But then, early December, my dad was rushed to the

8

ER. That initiated a chain of events that led to his emergency placement in a nursing home.

As a nurse let me into the ER wing, my father and his girlfriend were screaming vile things at my brother. My hand on the curtain, I was reminded of Jesus’ words, “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where

† January 24, 2020

you do not wish to go” (Jn 21:18). With a forced smile, I opened the curtain and gently inquired what was up. My father said that instead of a nursing home he would rather die.

contagious.

As the nurse led my father off for the mandatory skin check, my brother and I exchanged weary glances. At the hospital, my father had reacted very negatively the very first time someone had asked him to wait for something they needed to do.

I thanked God that my father handled the screening peacefully. Maybe Both my father and his on some level my dad could partner have dementia. The grow to accept others decidopen wound on my father’s ing for him as caring for head, inability to explain him? how or when my dad fell, Being a caregiver and and the X-ray that connot knowing what comes firmed pneumonia each next is a horribly lonely belied their screams that place to be. My father’s acthey knew they were fine ceptance isn’t an object like without us. After a very, a shirt that one can provide very long time of trying to for him. Without reason, assist them despite their argumentation and perno, we decided as a famsuasion are useless tools. ily that placement was the One knows one is that lost road our father must walk. sheep on Jesus’ shoulders Unsure if he would ever wondering where we are accept it, my brothers and I going. Leaning in, watchpainfully did what needed ing the world, and content to be done. By the time someone else has a plan. my father was admitted By the end of that first day, to the nursing home, his one resident had shared pneumonia was gone and the TV remote with my my brother and I were far dad and a few family memenough into the course of bers visiting other resiantibiotics against our own dents had reached out to cases of pneumonia that offer comfort and support. we were considered not At bedtime we reassured our dad this was his bed.

I was conscious of my first Cindy Lou Who in the optician who was selling me a new glasses cord. I was smiling as I told him even with the Alzheimer’s, my dad’s glasses were getting washed today. The man gave me the cord and wished me a Merry Christmas with my dad. I felt

God’s love.

Another Cindy Lou Who was the man who walked me through printing digital photos for my dad’s memory poster. I was explaining the image of my Christmas cross-stitch.

Suddenly conscious of probably being his grandmother’s age, I paused. He asked me to continue the story. I felt God’s love.

I arrived at the nursing home prepared to face the worst. As I walked down the hall, a number of activities people were letting me know my dad was fitting in and was a hot sketch. I breathed a sigh of relief.

A line from a Psalm ran through my mind: “You changed my mourning into dancing” (Ps 30:12).

Finally, I found my dad.

There, I was invited to join the group using flotation tubers to hit around a beach ball. All the dementia residents seemed so sad when I said no. So, I laughed and straddled that alternative dimension for a while.

Today my dad was safe and happy. Thank You, Lord.

Though it will continue to have ups and downs, I am leaving off, at this transition, the story of my dad’s journey. Each person, mentioned or not, who in their own way reminded me of Cindy Lou Who sharing God’s love is deeply appreciated. Each also reminded me to remember to watch for times when I might be the one called to share God’s love with others.

Anchor columnist Dr. Helen J. Flavin, Ph.D., is a Catholic scientist, educator and writer.

January 24, 2020 â€

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Diocesan Catholic high schools attend March for Life in Washington, D.C.

FALL RIVER — Now in its 47th year, nearly 300 high school students and chaperones from the five diocesan Catholic high schools made the long bus

trip to Washington, D.C. to celebrate their belief in the value of every human life, from the moment of conception to natural death.

The students joined

tens of thousands of others from around the country at the world’s largest annual human rights demonstration. This year’s theme is: “Life Empowers: Pro-Life is

Pro-Woman,” and includes the incredible history of women who pioneered the women’s rights movement and their Pro-Life beliefs.

Irina DeLucca, director

of the Pro-Life Apostolate for the Diocese of Fall River said, “It is amazing to witness the passion and dedication our students have in their Pro-Life beliefs. The March for Life offers them an opportunity to experience first-hand the importance of getting involved in order to make a difference.

We dream of a world where every life is celebrated, valued, and protected.”

“This is my third year attending the March for Life. Every year, the March for Life is an incredibly impactful experience,,” said Thomas Canuel, a senior at Coyle and Cassidy High School. “Being on the March for Life is more than defending babies in the womb. It is defending all life, from the moment of conception to our natural death. We cannot ignore our responsibility to stand up for life and what is right. For me, the March for Life allows me to remain in solidarity with the most vulnerable in society and pray for all those who cannot defend their own lives.” Marie Carney, a senior from St. John Paul II High School in Hyannis, added, “The March is my favorite part of the entire event because we have an opportunity to listen to some amazing speakers, meet students from all over the United States, as well as play a small part in showing support for such a big issue.

Our Pro-Life beliefs need to be heard and I am so impressed by the distance many schools travel to show their support.”

As the former director of the diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate, Marian Desrosiers 8 Turn to page 11

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Diocesan high school students join thousands in D.C. continued from page 10

Complete list of diocesan school Open Houses on page 20

said, “When we first started going to the Pro-Life March 26 years ago, there were a total of 84 pilgrims. Today, that number has tripled and continues to grow. What a blessing to have so many young people represent all of us at the March for Life events in D.C. May our prayers, through the intercession of Our Lady, ask for His blessings on all our diocesan pilgrims. We are so grateful and proud of all of you.”

The buses departed from Bishop Stang, Coyle and Cassidy and Bishop Connolly high schools early January 23, arriving in D.C. later in the day. Some students attended an evening Mass at the basilica while others went to an Evening of Prayer at George Mason University. On the 24th, after a morning Pro-Life Rally at George Mason

University, the entire group joined tens of thousands of other supporters in the

March for Life on the National Mall and Constitution Avenue.

January 24, 2020 †

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Diocesan schools celebrate Catholic Schools Week continued from page one

Complete list of diocesan school Open Houses on page 20

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† January 24, 2020

opportunities for prayer; activities to support charities and outreach to those in need; appreciation events; and student socials.

The national theme for the celebration is “Catholic Schools: Learn.

Serve. Lead. Succeed.”

In a message for Catholic Schools Week, the diocesan Catholic Schools Office — led by Superintendent of Schools Stephen A. Perla — said, “I continue to be amazed at what our students are doing and achieving every day. Our schools are truly the future of the Church as they continue to meet the Spiritual and diverse academic needs of the region’s children and the families they serve.

Each school is truly a God-given treasure.”

The Catholic Schools Office Leadership Team role is to oversee and guide educational programming, Spiritual development, academic rigor and leadership development for all 20 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Fall River.

The leadership team concludes its message for Catholic Schools Week with an expression of deep gratitude to all who serve and support Catholic education, especially the parents of students “for the trust they have placed in our schools to provide their child with an excellent academic program and to assist them with deepening their personal faith.”

For more information about the Catholic Schools Alliance, please go to www. catholicschoolsalliance. org.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, January 26 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Providence

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on the Portuguese Channel Sunday, February 2 at 7 p.m.

Broadcast from St. Francis Xavier Church in East Providence

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, January 26 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Michael Racine, Pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Lawrence Martyr parishes in New Bedford.

Sunday, February 2 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Andre Patenaude, M.S., from the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, Attleboro.

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

­­­Area religious to gather for World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

TAUNTON — Area religious are invited to gather on the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life on February 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 19 Kilmer Avenue in Taunton.

The scheduled pre-

senter is Father Thomas Carzon, OMV, director of formation at Our Lady of Grace Seminary in Boston.

The day will include two presentations, sharing, Mass celebrated by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., and a closing lunch.

The deadline for reservations is January 28. RSVP to Sister Paulina Hurtado, O.P. at Sr.Paulina@dioc-fr.org; call 508-675-1311 or FAX 508-679-9220; or contact 47 Underwood Street, Fall River, Mass. 02720.

“We will have displays from diocesan ministries and support systems, and articles and resources to aid in one’s Spirituality,” added Mahoney.

In the past, regional buses have been available to bring people to the conference, and the hope is that will again be the case.

People should check with future Anchor editions to see what transportation will be available and where.

Mahony told The Anchor that the cost to attend the conference is $50, which includes lunch.

People can register for the conference at the Diocese of Fall River website at FallRiverDiocese.org and

click on the conference menu choice, or they can get more information by emailing Mahoney at frdccwbeth@gmail.com.

Registration forms will also soon be available at individual parishes.

“This convention is a perfect time for faithful to enjoy a diocesan Lenten retreat, to gather with people and prepare themselves for the Lenten season and Easter,” said Mahoney. “I hope to see this grow and grow.”

Women and Men’s Conference is March 7 continued from page two

and she’s a wonderful speaker.”

Also on the agenda is Auxiliary Bishop Robert Evans of the Diocese of Providence, R.I., who will give a presentation, “In service to God and others,” referring to pastoral ministry in parishes and individually.

From the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J., Auxiliary Bishop John Flesey will speak about his vast experience as a Spiritual director and educator dealing with parish ministry and relationships with God. “We are really excited about the speakers this year,” said Mahoney, “and Bishop da Cunha will share a meaningful homily at the closing Mass. All four presentations will offer people such great resources for beginning their Lenten season.”

Mahoney told The Anchor that attendees will have access to index cards throughout the day with which to write questions to any or all of the speakers.

In addition to listening to the dynamic speakers scheduled, faithful will be able to partake of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharistic Adoration, sharing with other attendees, and browsing through what a number of vendors there have to offer.

January 24, 2020 †

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F ocus on C hurch Y outh Why do Catholic school students wear uniforms?

uring this Catholic Schools Week 2020, it is an opportune moment to reflect on one of the more distinctive facets of Catholic schools: uniforms. Whether it be in school or in the community, the Catholic school uniform is a hallmark that distinguishes our Catholic schools and students. Why then, are school uniforms important to our Catholic mission?

Each person has an inherent dignity and worth because we are made in God’s image and likeness.

Human dignity transcends all differences, and this most certainly includes the clothes you wear. There is no question that the internal disposition of a person matters far more than one’s external appearance. Jesus made this very clear to us, and I often think of St. John the Baptist as one whose outward appearance was rough, but whose faith was pure! What is happening in our heart, mind and soul is what truly matters most and we make a profound mistake when we judge people based on their external appearance. With all

of that said, we can also say that one’s external disposition and appearance should be a reflection of the inner dignity given us by God. It follows then that the Catholic school uniform, and the way it is worn, can reflect a self-respect rooted in dignity and reverence for the God Who made you.

The uniform also creates a culture that inspires a sense of order in the students and in the school. As Catholic educators know well, the atmosphere in the school can be very different on dress-down days! Those days are needed and often provide positive energy and fun for the community, but there is a reason why they don’t happen everyday! The order that the uniform brings to the school culture creates a constructive learning environment for all. Catholic schools are communities and families, not a collection of isolated individuals. The common uniform can, if we allow it, create a common bond of solidarity within the

Catholic school, and a strong sense of identity and school spirit. When students are in the community, traveling to and from school, the uniform says something about who that student is and who the school is. In some areas,

students courageously wear the Catholic school uniform at risk to their own safety.

While Catholic schools should never be elitist, the education we provide is special, distinctive and should inspire young people to excellence in learning and life.

Moreover, the uniform cultivates a sense of modesty.

In one sense, modesty means that there is no distinction by class. One’s background, whether one of wealth or poverty, is not apparent when the uniform is worn.

The school uniform can and should remind us of

our equality before God. Of course, modesty also means that we are able to limit the distractions that come with an “anything goes” approach.

Also, the uniform promotes modesty because it is very economical. The cost savings to families can be significant.

Additionally, the school uniform prepares young people for success in a professional setting. As a part of the outstanding holistic education that our Catholic schools provide, uniforms equip and prepare our students for higher education and the workforce.

Students learn the practical skills to present and comport themselves in a professional, responsible and dignified manner that employers want. Of course, what counts as “professional dress” is changing in the workforce, and there is no reason why Catholic schools can’t adapt accordingly!

Lastly, the uniform provides freedom. That’s right, freedom! Students and parents are relieved of the

concern of having to worry about what to wear on a daily basis. Students don’t have to worry about impressing others. The uniform can teach humility and encourages students to simply “be yourself!” The uniform allows one’s personality to shine.

In conclusion, it is important to re-state that God is more concerned with the movements of the heart and thoughts of the mind. The internal disposition of our soul, our conscience, and our relationship with the Lord matter more than the clothing we wear. However, there are good reasons why we wear the uniform in Catholic schools that bear reflection and reminder. Have a happy and blessed Catholic Schools Week 2020!

Anchor columnist Peter Shaughnessy is president/ principal of Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth. He resides in Fairhaven with his wife, Anabela Vasconcelos Shaughnessy (Class of ’94), and their four children: Luke (Class of ’24), Emilia (Class of ’25), Dominic (Class of ’27) and Clare (Class of ‘30).

South Yarmouth school students partner with local charities to assist needy

SOUTH YARMOUTH — One of the dynamic ways St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth celebrates Catholic Schools Week is by partnering with local charities to learn about the needs in the local community and then donating items to meet those needs.

St. Pius X School is the only Pre-K to eighth-grade school on Cape Cod. The middle school students (fifth-eighth grade) are split into “houses,” named after saints (St. Teresa, St. Veronica, St. Anthony, and St. Elizabeth). Each SPXS 14

“house” is partnered with a lower school class (pre-k to fourth) to support a local charity. The students conduct research on the charity (e.g. how/why it was started and by whom, who/what it serves, who works there, who it helps in the community, etc.). A leader from each charity’s organization visits the school to explain the charity’s mission and how the students can help.

Once the needs of the charities are identified and understood, the students and their families collect items to support the charity.

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This year’s charity partnerships are: The Housing Assistance Corporation, which serves 5,000 households to prevent homelessness; Heroes in Transition, which serves veterans and their families; the Yarmouth Food Pantry, which serves 800 people a month; and Community Connections, which serves people with disabilities.

In addition to collecting items such as non-perishable food/canned goods, warm winter clothing and blankets, reading materials, art supplies, etc. for these

specific organizations, SPXS also runs a social media campaign to raise awareness for the worthy causes.

The students write about what they learn about each charity and offer suggestions for how others can help. There is a social media photo contest and the charity/house partnership with the most “likes” wins a financial donation, in addition to the items that are collected on their behalf.

The money for the financial contribution is raised with a $2 “dress down day” donation from

students wishing to wear “street clothes” instead of their uniforms for one day. The parent organization, The Friends of SPXS, matches the donations that are raised for an even larger financial impact.

This is the third year that St. Pius X School has partnered with charitable organizations. It has been hugely successful in raising the students’ awareness about the wide variety of needs in their community and helping them to understand the importance of service to others.

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The first-grade students at Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford heard about the Australian wildfires and expressed compassion and empathy for the millions of animals who have lost their lives and their habitats. So with the help of their teacher, Stacy Gillard, they created and assembled mittens and “Joey pouches” from up-cycled sheets and pillowcases for the animals. These items will be shipped to the Koala Rescue of Southern Australia. Hopefully their efforts will make a difference!

Explorers from American Heritage Girls Troop MA3712 recently took part in Bags of Hope. After wrapping blankets, the girls were able to select an empty monogrammed duffle bag and fill them with gifts prepared for that child. Each duffle bag represents a child in foster care. Bags of Hope has expanded and is blessing children in many states including Alaska.

First-graders at Holy Name School in Fall River were recently “surgeons” in an “Operating Room” and were dissecting and rebuilding short vowel words.

January 24, 2020 †

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The Prison Ministry Team at the Barnstable County House of Corrections recently gathered for Mass and supper at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Osterville. The team, composed of clergy and laity, offers weekly prayer services and support groups as well as retreats throughout the year to help inmates experience God’s love and mercy as an aid to conversion of life.

Fairhaven eighth-grader to be honored for selfless service

Fairhaven — Ireland Nordstrom, an eighth-grade student at St. Joseph School in Fairhaven, will receive the 2020 Youth Virtues, Valor and Vision Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) for selfless service, determination, innovation and ideals that are changing the world. “Catholic schools are harbingers of committed young people dedicated to service and committing their time and energy for the good of others,” said NCEA president/CEO Dr. Thomas Burnford. “These students are the faces of Catholic faith at work in their communities.”

Nordstrom was chosen from more than 1.8 million Catholic school students across the country. She will be presented with the prestigious NCEA Medal of Honor and Certificate at her school, during the week leading up to National Catholic Schools Week, January 26 through February 1.

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“We are so proud of Ireland’s accomplishments, both in school and in our community,” indicated Faith Piazza, principal of St. Joseph School. “Ireland’s dedication to preserving the memories of those lost during the Holocaust is exceptional — and at such a young age!”

Steve Perla, diocesan Superintendent of Schools, added, “Ireland exemplifies what Catholic education is

all about — faith and commitment to helping others.

We congratulate Ireland on this incredible accomplishment and know that she will continue to be an inspiration to all.”

Nordstrom spearheaded the immense task of helping provide 1.5 million buttons for the Bristol Community College Holocaust Center Button Project. These buttons will be used to create Memorial

Murals honoring the 1.5 million children who died during the Holocaust. Affectionately known as the “button girl,” Nordstrom placed collection jars throughout local schools, churches, libraries, and nursing homes. As a result of her hard work and commitment to the project, she received more than 300,000 buttons.

When asked about her feelings with winning this

Ireland Nordstrom, a student St. Joseph School in Fairhaven, holds some of the buttons she collected, some of which were used to make a memorial collage of Ann Frank.

† January 24, 2020

award, she said, “I certainly did not expect to receive an award — I merely wanted to do something to remember all who passed during the Holocaust. We cannot forget what has happened in our history and certainly not the 1.5 million children who perished during the Holocaust.”

The Youth Virtues, Valor and Vision Awards program is made possible, in part, through the generosity and support of Cross Catholic Outreach, a Catholic ministry whose mission is to mobilize the global Catholic Church to transform the poor and their communities materially and Spiritually for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Cross Catholic offers dynamic programs and free resources to Catholic educators to engage students in faith-in-action service projects and works of mercy.

For more information about Cross Catholic Outreach please go to www. crosscatholic.org/PSCD.

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests and deacons during the coming weeks:

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 Jan. 25 Rev. Jack Hickey, O.P., Dismas House, Nashville, Tenn., 1987 Rev. David M. Andrade, Pastor, St. Louis de France Parish, Swansea, 2018 Jan. 27 Rev. John T. O’Grady, Assistant, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1919 Rev. Joseph M. Silvia, Pastor, St. Michael, Fall River, 1955 Rev. Thomas E. Lockary, C.S.C., Stonehill College, North Easton, 1988 Jan. 28 Rev. Joseph M. Griffin, Pastor, St. Mary, Nantucket, 1947 Rt. Rev. Msgr. John J. Shay, V.F., Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Attleboro, 1961 Jan. 29 Rev. Christiano J. Borges, Retired Pastor, St. John the Baptist, New Bedford, 1944 Rev. Albert J. Masse, Pastor, St. Joseph, Attleboro, 1950 Jan. 30 Rev. Raymond F.X. Cahill, S.J., Assistant, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1983 Rev. Sebastian Slesinski, O.F.M., Conv., 2006 Rev. Raul M. Lagoa, Pastor, St. John of God, Somerset, 2012 Jan. 31 Rev. Charles J. Burns, Pastor, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1901 Rev. William F. Sullivan, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset, 1930 Rev. Manuel C. Terra, Retired Pastor, St. Peter, Provincetown, 1930 Rev. William J. Shovelton, Retired, Former Pastor, St. William, Fall River, 2015 Feb. 1 Rev. Msgr. Michael J. O’Reilly, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Taunton, 1948 Rev. Msgr. Patrick H. Hurley, V.F., Pastor, St. Joseph, Taunton, 1968 Rev. Anatole F. Desmarais, Pastor, St. Jacques, Taunton, 1975 Rev. Msgr. Gerard J. Chabot, Pastor, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, South Attleboro, 1983 Rev. William F. O’Connell, Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford, 1995 Rev. Arthur T. DeMello, Retired Pastor, St. Elizabeth, Fall River, 2004 Rev. Albert J. Ryan, Catholic Memorial Home; St. Francis of Assisi, New Bedford; Holy Trinity Parish, West Harwich, 2015 Feb. 2 Most Rev. William Stang, D.D., First Bishop of Fall River: 1904-07, 1907 Rev. Patrick F. McKenna, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Taunton, 1913 Rev. John L. McNamara, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1941 Rev. P. Roland Decosse, Pastor, St. Hyacinth, New Bedford, 1947 Rev. Daniel F. Morarty, Assistant, St. Brendan, Riverside, R.I., 1991

† O bituary † Patricia M. Wardell, former Holy Name principal PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Patricia M. Wardell, 78, passed away peacefully on January 8, at Rhode Island Hospital.

Born in Providence, R.I., she was the beloved daughter of the late Howard and Elizabeth (Murray) Wardell. Wardell was an exemplary Catholic and an outstanding educator. She was a graduate of Bryant College (now Bryant University) and earned a doctorate in Education Administration at Boston University.

Wardell began her teaching career at Cranston East High School in Rhode Island, where she taught English and business subjects. Shortly thereafter, she joined the English Department faculty at Park View Middle School in Cranston, R.I., where she taught English and computer studies.

Later, she became the English Department Chairperson at Park View Middle School. Her career as an educator in the Cranston Public Schools spanned 32 years.

For three years, Wardell served as an Education Coordinator in the Alan Feinstein School.

For the past 14 years, before retiring in 2019, she served as principal of Holy Name School, Fall River.

Wardell was a devoted daughter and a helpful sister. She leaves a sister, Mary Elizabeth Wardell of Providence, R.I. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated January 13 at Holy Name Church in Fall River. Burial followed at Mount St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket, R.I. The Monahan, Drabble & Sherman Funeral Home, 230 Waterman Street, Providence was in charge of the arrangements.

Donations to the Dr. Patricia M. Wardell Scholarship, made payable to “Holy Name School — Dr. Wardell Scholarship,” may be submitted to Holy Name School, 850 Pearce Street, Fall River, Mass.

02720.

Feb. 3 Rev. Antonio O. Ponte, Pastor, Our Lady of Angels, Fall River, 1952 Feb. 4 Rev. Msgr. Hugh J. Smyth, P.R., Pastor, St. Lawrence, New Bedford. First Vicar General, Fall River, 1904-07. Administrator of Diocese, February-July 1907, 1921 Rev. Raymond Graham, S.M.M., 2004 Feb. 6 Most Rev. Frederick A. Donaghy, M.M, Bishop of Wuchow, 1988

January 24, 2020 †

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Two retired priests suspended from ministry FALL RIVER — The Diocese of Fall River has announced that two retired priests have been suspended from ministry due to separate allegations of sexual abuse of a minor, said to have occurred decades ago.

The suspended priests are Father James F. Buckley and Father Edward J. Byington. The separate, unrelated claims of abuse were referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities and remain under investigation by the diocese. Both priests have denied the allegations.

The suspension from ministry is required by diocesan policies. The diocese is committed to resolving both cases in a fair and expeditious manner.

Both priests are retired and are not assigned to a parish. However, both have assisted with the celebration of Masses in various parishes since their retirements.

The diocese was informed that Father Byington has also taught German classes at St. Joseph’s School in West Warwick, R.I. and has, in turn, notified the Diocese of Providence about his suspension.

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“Nothing is more important than the welfare of all members of our diocesan community, especially anyone who has been harmed or impacted by abuse in any way,” said Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. “The Diocese of Fall River remains committed to resolving these matters in as fair and as transparent a process as possible and to ensuring the safety of all youth and vulnerable adults.”

As part of ongoing efforts to improve its Office of Safe Environment, the diocese recently hired Carolyn Shipp, a licensed social worker, to focus on pastoral outreach to victims/survivors. “As a social worker, I am here to listen to anyone with concerns and to connect survivors to the resources they need,” said Shipp.

Anyone with information that they wish to raise regarding the conduct of any past or present member of the diocese, is encouraged to contact Carolyn Shipp, the Diocese’s Victim Assistance Coordinator, at 508-985-6508 or cshipp@ dioc-fr.org.

Around the Diocese

St. Vincent’s Services is conducting a Winter Coat Drive. Please consider helping the children and youth at St. Vincent’s by donating a new coat (with tags) this winter. Coats are needed for children ages 10 to 18. Donations can be dropped off at St. Vincent’s Reception Desk, 2425 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information contact Janice Johnston via email at JJohnston@SaintVincentsServices.org or call 508-235-3329.

Our Lady of the Cape Parish in Brewster invites all to join them for an upcoming Bible Study on the origin of the parts of the Mass. They will explore the Liturgy in a program entitled “A Biblical Walk Through the Mass.” The group will meet monthly on Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 11 a.m. on February 23, March 22, April 26 and May 24 in the parish center hall, located at 456 Stony Brook Road. The program will consist of prayer, Scripture, a video lecture and small group discussion. Cost of materials is $20. If you would like to participate but cannot attend, there is the option of doing so remotely. Please contact Kathy at adultfaithformation2@gmail.com or 508-385-3252, extension 14 to sign up or for more information.

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† January 24, 2020

Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening prayer and Benediction is held Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

ASSONET — St. Bernard’s Parish will have Eucharistic Adoration every Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on the altar at the conclusion of 9 a.m. Mass and the church will be open all day, concluding with evening prayer and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.

ATTLEBORO — The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette holds 6:30 p.m. Mass followed by the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Adoration at 7:15 p.m. every Wednesday evening.

Brewster — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. buzzards Bay — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, every First Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending at 5 p.m.

DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Mary’s Church, 783 Dartmouth Street, every First Monday of the month, following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with evening prayers and Benediction at 5 p.m.

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 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 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at 11:30 a.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of Padua Church, on the corner of Bedford and Sixteenth streets, has Eucharistic Adoration accompanied by music and prayer every first Wednesday of the month from 6-7 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, has Eucharistic Adoration Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursdays following the 8 a.m. Mass until Friday at 8 a.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.

FALL RIVER — St. Joseph’s Church has a Holy Hour every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m., with Benediction at 6:45 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Michael’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with Benediction at 5:30 p.m.

Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday following the 7 a.m. Mass, with Benediction at 4:30 p.m.

HYANNIS — St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis, 347 South Street, Hyannis, has Eucharistic Adoration from noon to 3 p.m., daily Monday through Friday.

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

MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m. Each First Friday Mass ends with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration continues until Benediction at 5 p.m.

NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic Adoration is held every Thursday, with Confessions, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Church. 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 Fridays from 7:30-11:45 a.m. ending with a simple Benediction NORTH DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 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 4 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 4 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

NORTH EASTON — A Holy Hour for Families including Eucharistic Adoration is held every Friday from 3-4 p.m. at The Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street.

NORTH EASTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Immaculate Conception Church Chapel on the first Wednesday of the month beginning after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, until 6:40 p.m. Those wishing to make a monthly commitment can sign up on the parish website at www.icceaston.org or call the parish office at 508-238-3232.

ORLEANS — St. Joan of Arc Parish, 61 Canal Road, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday starting after the 8 a.m.

Mass and ending with Benediction at 11:45 a.m. The Sacrament of the Sick is also available immediately after the 8 a.m.

Mass.

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 until 9 a.m.

Taunton — The Chapel of St. Andrew the Apostle, 19 Kilmer Avenue, Taunton, will host Eucharistic Adoration Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Taunton — St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Taunton will host Eucharistic Adoration on Mondays following the 9 a.m.

Mass and the St. Jude Novena, until 11:30, ending with Benediction. It will take place at Holy Rosary Chapel during the summer months.

WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church takes place 9 a.m. Thursday through 7 p.m. Friday. Adoration is held in our Adoration Chapel in the lower Parish Hall.

† PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION † ATTLEBORO — Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 71 Linden Street in Attleboro. All welcome to visit. To sign up for an hour or for more information call 508-212-8528.

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.

NEW BEDFORD — Our Lady’s Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street, offers Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For information call 508-996-8274.

SEEKONK ­— Our Lady of Mount 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.

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 are invited to sign up to cover open hours. For open hours, or to sign up call 508-430-4716.

Complete list of diocesan school Open Houses on page 20 January 24, 2020 â€

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†January 24, 2020