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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

Friday, January 26, 2018

Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford showed its Patriots’ pride and its kindness for others with an “NFL Friday Food Drive.” Pictured are some students, representing each grade, wearing their football “gear” and holding some of the canned goods brought in for the food pantry at St. Lawrence Martyr Church.

Artwork by Emilie Jolivet

Photo by Dave Jolivet The Anchor - January 26, 2018 1

Diocesan Catholic Schools Office excited about future endeavors

FALL RIVER — As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week the diocesan Catholic Schools Office would like to

share with you the Catholic School Leadership’s vision and aspirations for the Diocese of Fall River’s 22

Catholic schools. We are emboldened by and hopefilled about the future of our Catholic schools, for each of

them are deeply animated

by Gospel values, academic excellence and innovation.

These schools are truly re-

gional treasures continuing to meet the Spiritual and diverse academic needs of the region’s children and the families they serve.

Prior to sharing our Catholic school goals, we want to first update you about some of the major initiatives that are underway. As you may be aware, the diocese’s Task Force on Catholic Education completed its work in the fall of 2016. Since that time, the Catholic Schools Office Leadership Team has spent the past year working to implement many of the Task Force’s recommendations. We would like to highlight just three of these major initiatives: 1. Under the leadership of Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., we have established the Central Board of Catholic Education. The role of the central board is to support and ensure effective implementation of the Catholic Schools Office’s mission. The board does this by adopting policies and Turn to page 14

CORRECTION In the January 12 Anchor it was reported in the Catholic Communications Collections story on page two that “The portion remaining in the Fall River Diocese is used to fund the weekly Television Mass, which airs at 11 a.m. each Sunday on WLNE-TV, Channel 6. The annual cost for the Television Mass averages slightly over $10,000 each year including production, airtime and closed-captioning — all of which are handled by different entities.” The correct figure should be slightly over $100,000.

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The Anchor - January 26, 2018

St. Mary’s Cathedral parish revives food pantry operation

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff kensouza@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — As a parishioner at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River, David Holt felt it was important for the “mother church of the diocese to lead by example,” he said.

That’s why he recently stepped up to organize a food pantry collection and distribution outreach program for the parish.

“I really think we should be leading by example,” Holt recently told The Anchor. “I also think we’re definitely in a good location, being in the heart of the city in a needy area.”

Although the parish had supported a similar food pantry operation as recently as 2012, it hadn’t been running in recent years and Holt felt the need was still very much prevalent.

“I know the cathedral had something years ago, before I became a parishioner,” he said. “I’ve been a parishioner for five years now, and in that time there hasn’t been any type of community outreach (like this) as far as I know.”

And as someone who described himself as being “pretty involved” with the parish, Holt would know.

He currently teaches third-and fourth-grade Religious Education classes and also serves as a special minister of Holy Communion.

So when Father Richard Wilson transitioned in as rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral last year, Holt thought the food pantry might be a good opportunity to “build the parish community.”

With Father Wilson’s blessing, Holt has been

busy transforming one of the rooms inside the parish Religious Education Center — the former St. Mary’s School building at 327 Second Street — into a food pantry.

“We’re looking for donations of non-perishables and we’re going to have a parish event and we’ve got a couple of different ideas to fund-raise,” he said.

“I’m hoping that sometime during the latter part of March we’ll be able to have our first parish distribution day.”

For Holt, charity and volunteer work like this are part and parcel of what it means to be a Catholic.

“When you’re talking about Christ’s call for the Corporal Works of Mercy, there are other things I’d like to do and I’ve talked to Father Wilson about expansion once the pantry is up and running,” Holt said. “I’d like to see if we can maybe go out and visit nursing homes, visit the sick, clothe the needy, and do different things like that.”

Holt’s desire to share this Catholic charity is even more compelling given the fact that he is a recent convert to the faith.

“Prior to coming to St. Mary’s, I wasn’t a parishioner anywhere — I actually came to the (Catholic) faith,” Holt explained. “I did my Religious Education with Deacon Peter Cote and I was subsequently baptized, received my First Communion and Confirmation and was actually married at the cathedral.”

Holt’s prior community service experience with the Salvation Army also came in handy when he decided

to organize the cathedral’s food pantry.

“I’m an active advisory board member with the Salvation Army, so I’ve been involved with this type of community service before,” he said. “I’ve been on the board for about a year-and-a-half now. We do various programs and fund-raising. They are a great group, too, and they provide a tremendous service to the Fall River community.”

Working with some volunteer parishioners whom Holt described as a “good core group of people,” their initial plan was to begin by collecting food for other parishioners in need.

“We are now collecting food to supply them and once we get the ropes down and have the pantry fully stocked, we’re hoping to expand outside the parish,” he said. “Our initial idea was to have one Sunday a month where people can come to us and pick up stuff at the food pantry.”

Holt said they are now seeking donations of nonperishable items, food staples and basic necessities.

“We need things like soap, shampoo, razors, shaving cream, feminine products, diapers,” he said.

“As far as non-perishables go, we’ll take anything, but the staples are important — things where you can put together a simple meal that represent the basic food groups. You never want to turn away anything, but you can’t do much with just cans of peas and corn. Pasta is great, peanut butter is

Important notice from Catholic Social Services regarding DACA Program

FALL RIVER — On Sept. 5, 2017, the president’s administration announced that the DACA program was going to end. However, on January 13 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that due to a federal court order, “USCIS has resumed accepting requests to renew a grant of deferred action under DACA” until further notice.

These are the most important points to know: 1. People who have EVER had (or currently have) DACA are allowed to file requests for DACA; 2. People who had their DACA terminated will be able to file requests for DACA; 3. People who NEVER had DACA will not be able to request DACA. It is unclear how long this policy will continue — it could change at any time. Therefore, it is recommended that all eligible individuals who had or have DACA

speak with an immigration attorney immediately to find out what their rights are regarding this change in policy.

Catholic Social Services of Fall River may be able to help you with your application for free. CSS represents people on their DACA cases at no cost and has helped more than 200 people with their applications. This service is only available to those who have ever had or currently have DACA. If you or a person that you know has or ever had DACA, please contact Tim Paicopolos, an immigration attorney at Catholic Social Services at 508-674-4681 as soon as possible. Leave a message if you cannot reach him.

The USCIS announcement can be found here: https:// www.uscis.gov/ humanitarian/ deferred-actionchildhood-arrivalsresponse-january-2018preliminary-injunction.

Turn to page 15

The Anchor - January 26, 2018

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Anchor Editorial

Catholic Schools Week 2018

On page 14 of this edition of The Anchor you can read about the goals the Catholic Schools Office for the Diocese of Fall River has established diocese-wide for our Catholic schools by the 2020-2021 academic year. “With your help, this can be done” is an expression we have heard often in our lives; sometimes so much so that we “tune it out.” However, this expression holds true for the goals of our Catholic schools.

The first goal of academic growth over all disciplines at first would seem to only implicate the teachers, students and parents, since the faculty has to teach the material, the parents need to make sure that their children are working hard, and the children have to put in their own personal effort. However, our financial generosity to the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education and to the individual schools will help with added expenses incurred in achieving this goal.

The second goal, of increasing enrollment by three percent, requires much more effort on our part. Our Catholic schools do all that they can to keep tuitions low, through the sacrifices of our faculty members (who could earn more at public institutions), through the volunteer work of parents and other people (who do the work which would be done by paid employees in other schools), and through the generosity of our donors. Over the last few years tuition assistance has increased greatly, as the diocese and the individual schools do what they can to help as many families as possible send their children to Catholic schools. Our increased donations will help to make this goal a reality, as well as the third goal of stabilizing school finances.

The fourth goal, of increasing church attendance in school parishes, might be the most challenging one, but it is also the one which all of us, regardless of our income, can take part in (and should take part in, since Christ has given all of us the mission at our Baptisms of going out to all the world and telling the Good News).

Even if we do not have children of our own, we can do so much to help realize this fourth goal. As Father Goldrick wrote on page 10, Bishop da Cunha has repeatedly told us that we need to switch from being a Church of maintenance (just keeping everything “as is,” like the man in the parable of the talents who didn’t multiply what his master had given him — see Mt 25:14-30 and Lk 19:12-27) to being a Church of mission. The revitalization programs that our bishop wants us to implement should have the effect of helping to bring more of the children and families from our Catholic schools into our Sunday Masses.

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER www.anchornews.org

Vol. 62, No. 2

Published bi-weekly by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 — FAX 508-675-7048, email: theanchor@anchornews.org. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $20.00 per year, for U.S. addresses.

Send address changes to 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA, call or use email address

PUBLISHER - Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Richard D. Wilson fatherwilson@anchornews.org EDITOR David B. Jolivet davejolivet@anchornews.org ADVERTISING Wayne R. Powers waynepowers@anchornews.org REPORTER Kenneth J. Souza kensouza@anchornews.org Send Letters to the Editor to: fatherwilson@anchornews.org

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The Anchor - January 26, 2018

As individual Catholics, whether laity or clergy, we are called upon by the Lord to always recognize that we are people in need of continual conversion (since we are all sinners). None of us is the Blessed Mother; we all could improve more and more. This individual Spiritual improvement should help us be more credible in our inviting and welcoming other people to come to Mass.

They should be able to see that our lived experience of Christ in the Eucharist has changed us for the better. They would then realize that their own hungers can only be satisfied by the Bread from Heaven and living in imitation of Him, Who gave Himself so that we might live.

Sometimes we will encounter people who have their objections to the Church, regarding some of our teachings or some negative experience they had with a Catholic. Pope Francis, speaking to the Congregation of Catholic Education last February 9, said, “St. Thomas [Aquinas] was and continues to be a master of this method, which consists of taking seriously the other, the interlocutor, seeking to understand fully his reasons, his objections, so as to be able to respond in an adequate rather than a superficial way. Only in this way can we truly advance together in the knowledge of truth.”

In other words, in our schools and in our parishes, we should be ready to listen to these folks in an “in depth” way, so that we can show that we truly listened to what they were saying (or maybe didn’t say with words, but with their attitude or other cues) and show that Christ’s Church is the place where they can encounter God with these concerns and find some answers.

In the same talk, the Holy Father stressed that our Catholic schools need to be places which foster hope. “Man cannot live without hope, and education is a generator of hope. It is necessary to listen to the young: the ‘work of the ear.’ Listen to the young! Education has in common with hope the same substance of risk. Hope is not superficial optimism, nor is it the capacity to look at things benevolently, but rather is a way of knowing how to run risks in the right way.”

Our young people face a world which either offers them no hope (“everything is in decline”) or false hopes (e.g., “this new gadget or form of social media will be the solution for everything in your life”).

Our own Spiritual growth is needed so that we can be examples of hope to these children and parents, so that they will want to discover the “secret” source of our joy — Christ in the Eucharist.

If we are people of hope, rooted in the Gospel, we can achieve these goals. May each of us do our part, trusting in God’s help.

Daily Readings Jan. 27 — Feb. 9

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Jan. 27, 2 Sm 12:1-7a,10-17; Ps 51:12-17; Mk 4:35-41. Sun. Jan. 28, Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Dt 18:15-20; Ps 95:1-2,6-9; 1 Cor 7:32-35; Mk 1:21-28. Mon. Jan. 29, 2 Sm 15:13-14,30; 16:513; Ps 3:2-7; Mk 5:1-20. Tues. Jan. 30, 2 Sm 18:9-10,14b,24-25a,30—19:3; Ps 86:1-6; Mk 5:21-43. Wed. Jan. 31, 2 Sm 24:2,9-17; Ps 32:1-2,5-17; Mk 6:1-6.

Thurs. Feb. 1, 1 Kgs 2:1-4,10-12; (Ps)1 Chr 29:10-11b,11d-12d; Mk 6:7-13.

Fri. Feb. 2, Mal 3:1-4; Ps 24:7-10; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22-32.

Sat. Feb. 3, 1 Kgs 3:4-13; Ps 119:9-14; Mk 6:30-34. Sun. Feb. 4, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jb 7:1-4,6-7; Ps 147:1-6; 1 Cor 9:16-19,22-23; Mk 1:2939. Mon. Feb. 5, 1 Kgs 8:1-7,9-13; Ps 132:6-10; Mk 6:53-56. Tues. Feb. 6, 1 Kgs 8:22-23,27-30; Ps 84:3-5,10-11; Mk 7:1-13. Wed. Feb. 7, 1 Kgs 10:1-10; Ps 37:5-6,30-31,39-40; Mk 7:14-23. Thurs. Feb. 8, 1 Kgs 11:4-13; Ps 106:34,35-37,40; Mk 7:24-30. Fri. Feb. 9, 1 Kgs 11:29-32; 12:19; Ps 81:10-15; Mk 7:31-37.

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An accessible manual for the Spiritual journey

am happy and humbled that on February 1, Pauline Books and Media will publish a new book I’ve written entitled, “Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God.” The book is a response to St. John Paul II’s call, in his 2001 pastoral plan for the third Christian millennium, for a “genuine training in holiness adapted to people’s needs,” and describes a series of basic and more advanced Spiritual practices that sinners and saints across the decades have found helpful to grow in their communion with God in daily life.

In almost every sphere of life, those who take something seriously come up with a plan. Championship sports teams, flourishing businesses, triumphant political campaigns and successful individuals all teach us a powerful lesson: those who get results are generally the ones with better strategies implemented with perseverance.

That’s true, too, of the Spiritual life, which is way too important to wing. So much of our happiness, in this world and in the next, depends on whether we have a plan, whether it’s adequate to form us in holiness, and whether we make and keep the commitment to follow that plan.

Once upon a time most Catholics received the basics of this training in prayer and the life of virtue from religious teaching in Catholic schools and catechetical programs and from their parents and grandparents who were alumni of those Spiritual boot camps. But as fewer young Catholics have been attending, and fewer religious teaching in, Catholic schools and Religious Educational programs during

chapters later, the book is the last two generations, ready. the same type of practical After an introductory wisdom just hasn’t been chapter on why we should getting sufficiently transnever stop seeking to grow mitted. This has left many closer to God, the book Catholics without the is broken down into two Spiritual armor they need when their faith comes un- main parts. First there are 12 chapters on the “bader attack and without the sics”: openness to the Holy know-how better to grow in faith and pass it on.

Putting Into “Plan of Life” details in 18 chapters the Deep many parts of the Spiritual game plan

By Father that I have sought Roger J. Landry to form in parishioners, Catholic Spirit, the Heroic Moment, school students and Spirithe Morning Offering, tual directees over the 18 years I’ve been a priest and the General Exam, Daily Prayer, Sacred Scripture, have sought to live since I the importance of Sunday, was first introduced to the Confession, Adoration, idea of a plan of life at the Charity, Holy Week and age of 18. Perhaps it’s not the Rosary. They’re folcoincidental that the book is being published in 2018! lowed by six chapters entitled “Beyond the Basics,” The book originated in a series of columns I wrote focused on Eucharistic in 2015 for The Anchor that practices like daily Mass and Spiritual communion; were republished in The Marian devotions like SatPilot and its online comurdays, the Angelus, Regina mentary site “Echoes.” In Caeli, and the Memorare; November of that year I penitential practices like received an email from fasting and various mortiSister Maria Grace of fications; two chapters on the Daughters of St. Paul unity of life, describing the saying that the series “addresses a very needed topic importance of organization in an interesting and prac- and order, the particular exam, work, study, Spiritual tical way. Many Catholics today desire to understand reading, retreats and recollections; and a final chapter and live the basics of the on Christian attitudes of Spiritual life, in order to the heart, aspirations we grow in their faith and pray, and the fruit of it all, friendship with Jesus, and joy. their ability to share the One of the most movfruits of these with others.” She added, “We think ing aspects of the process for me was that I asked 18 a collection of the Plan friends whose writing and of Life columns would make a great book, so I am Spiritual example I admire writing to inquire whether to read the book ahead of time and consider writing you would be interested endorsements. I was hoping in working with us to edit to get a few back. All 18 them into a book.” agreed, and replied saying I readily and hapthings about the book that pily agreed. Twenty-seven still somewhat blow me months of patient editing and composing various new away.

My friend Matthew Kelly, whom I asked to write the Preface, said, “This book will inspire you to want to live a holy life.”

He added, “It will never be convenient to build a Plan of Life like Father Landry describes in this book. But the day you decide to set out along that path is a day you will remember forever.”

Four bishops who have had big impacts on my life endorsed it.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., said, “Father Landry shows in this book how to plan our Spiritual journey so that we don’t get lost on the way.” Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., wrote, “I highly recommend it for anyone who has recognized the need for a better Spiritual focus in their daily life but doesn’t know where or how to begin.” Cardinal Timothy Dolan, my seminary rector, shared, “A successful Spiritual life needs the same discipline that a successful diet or physical training requires. Father Landry’s very helpful book prompts us to develop such a regimen for growth in holiness.” And Archbishop Bernardito Auza, my boss at the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations, added, “This book will change you and may be just what you need to find the life you’ve always wanted and that God has wanted for you.”

But insofar as I wrote the book fundamentally for lay people in the middle of the world, I was particularly grateful for the endorsements from my lay friends whose writing I so admire.

Pulitzer-prize winning Wall Street Journal columnist Peggy Noonan wrote,

“Most people have a desire to grow closer to God but don’t know how. Herein lies a map.” Raymond Arroyo, author and EWTN host, said, “This book is an 18-course meal of nourishment that will bolster your Spiritual health while provoking longings for the Heavenly banquet.”Kirsten Powers of CNN and USA Today, said, “Father Landry was instrumental in helping me embrace the Catholic faith. He has a way of explaining the faith with clarity, passion and beauty.

Reading this book has strengthened my faith and will help strengthen yours.”

And author Mary Eberstadt whose profound books on culture always sell — and deservedly so — worked in a much-appreciated pitch, writing, “At a time when many Christians feel buffeted by the rising tide of secularism, Father Landry’s book is the ideal guide to higher and better ground. It’s the perfect gift for Confirmation, graduation, birthdays and every other milestone that’s celebrated in this world while pointing to the next.”

George Weigel, Rusty Reno, Kathryn Lopez, Robert Royal, Elizabeth Scalia and Fathers George Rutler, Gerald Murray, Raymond de Souza and Rocky Hoffman also endorsed it.

The book is available on Amazon, at the Daughter’s website (pauline.org/ planoflife), and starting next Thursday in Catholic bookstores. I hope that many will find it helpful in growing closer to the Lord Who loves us and always desires to help us become more like Him. Anchor columnist Father Landry can be contacted at fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.

The Anchor - January 26, 2018

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By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

EASTON — “Back by popular demand,” is an old expression used when an event takes place again because it was so successful the first time around.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., was pleased to recently announce that the Diocese of Fall River

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Diocese pleased, excited to offer second annual Women and Men’s Conference is again hosting a Women and Men’s Conference — back by popular demand.

The day-long event will take place at the Ames Sports Complex at Stonehill College, 320 Washington Street in Easton, on March 10, with doors opening at 9 a.m.

Last year, at the same site, the diocese hosted its first-ever such conference,

The Anchor - January 26, 2018

and it was met with a great response.

In a video posted on the diocesan website at fallriverdiocese.org, Bishop da Cunha said, “The conference drew more than 800 parishioners from across our diocese.

“Participants were enthusiastic, joyful and so happy to be able to take part in this type of program

right within our own diocese.”

The bishop also said, “Many expressed the hope that the conference would become an annual event.”

Those hopes have been fulfilled with the second annual conference offering a full day of uplifting and inspiring Spiritual events.

The conference schedule includes dynamic presentations from outstanding speakers; prayer; music; opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation; time for Eucharistic Adoration; lunch; vendors; and a closing Mass celebrated by Bishop da Cunha. (CEU’s will also be offered.)

The theme of this year’s event is: “Be On Fire — Set the World On Fire.”

This year the conference is also offering a separate track for young adults, ages 18-30, with events and topics geared toward them.

“During Lent we are

called to find ways to grow in faith,” Bishop da Cunha said. “To be on fire in our desire to deepen our relationship with God. This Women and Men’s Conference is an opportunity to do just that.”

On tap are four inspiring, faith-filled speakers who will share their faith, humor, and excitement for the Lord and for our call to “set the world on fire.”

Father Anthony Ciorra, Ph.D. — Father Ciorra is vice president for Mission and Catholic identity at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. He is a leading expert in Catholic Spirituality, and has directed centers for Spiritual development in higher education for the New York Archdiocese.

Father Ciorra is widelyrecognized for his work in lay ministry and interreligious dialogue.

Father Dave Dwyer

ValLimar Jansen

Father Anthony Ciorra

Sister Marie Paul Curley

Turn to page 21

Day of Prayer for Religious is February 3

NORTH DARTMOUTH — Dominican Sister Paulina Hurtado, diocesan Episcopal Representative for Religious and assistant director of Vocations, has announced that the annual Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life will take place February 3 at St. Julie Billiart Parish in North Dartmouth from 9 a.m. to noon. The snow date is February 10 at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Taunton.

La Salette Father Flavio Gillio will lead attendees in reflection and shared prayer on the theme “From Jerusalem to the Jordan River,” re-experiencing mountain-top experiences with God to find purpose, meaning and goals in today’s religious life.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will celebrate Mass and join those there for lunch.

All priests are welcome to concelebrate.

RSVP before January 30 by contacting Sr.Paulina@dioc-fr.org.

The Anchor - January 26, 2018

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ext week is Catholic Schools Week, and each year at this time, I can’t help but think back to my days at St. Anne’s School in Fall River. Despite the derogatory images baby-boomer comedians (or so-called comedians) have painted about being taught

by Sisters, I had a wonderful time in my nine years at SAS. We were taught by Dominican Sisters, and my favorite was Sister Anne of

Back to school

Jesus, whom I had in first a half of a roller skate nailed and fourth grades. She was to the front, and the other to young and funny and a joy to the back. be around.

In fact some of My View my buds and I would visit her during From the summer at the the Stands convent at the old

By Dave Jolivet Dominican Academy on Park Street. Not that we went out of our way — we used to I have great memories of skateboard down that part of Father Rene Patenaude who Park Street nearly every day always seemed to be in the on our planks of wood with school. He was a great baseball fan and heavily into the St. Anne’s Little League, the only baseball league in the city run by a parish school.

I used to love to put on the old gray woolen Collies uniform (like my Igor), on hot summer nights and play ball. It itched and was like a sauna, but it was baseball.

We got a taste of what lay teachers were like when a couple of them were brought in while I was there. Mr. Dozois was a really cool guy that we all looked up to. As a

matter of fact it was he who was our teacher when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated within months of each other in 1968.

Those were scary times for 12-yearolds and he got us through them.

And in eighth grade, Soeur Mary D’Aquin took ill and Miss Prescott took over for the final few months of our time at SAS. It was the first crush I had on a teacher — before that it was just classmates. She was blonde with blue eyes, but for this 13-year-old the clincher was that she was a Boston Bruins fan. And the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 1970 for the first time in 29 years while she was our teacher, so she was also my good-luck charm.

I did well with my studies there, and it was largely because of the Sisters and the sprinkle of lay teachers,

who taught with enthusiasm, humor, and always with the Spiritual element at the forefront.

We were taught to respect each other and to bring that lesson into our own little corners of the world.

I made great friends at SAS, one of whom I’m friends with on Facebook.

I’m in awe that I’m still in contact with a pal I met more than 50 years ago.

There were also times when I was admonished for poor behavior. I was a bit of a pest — some say I am still.

That’s up for debate.

There were also a couple of teachers I didn’t care for, but nothing is perfect.

But I wouldn’t give up those precious years at SAS for anything. They’ve made me the man I am today, and I thank everyone who had a hand in that at SAS. Sometimes I love going back to school. davejolivet@anchornews. org.

A subscription to The Anchor would make a wonderful gift for a loved one, a friend, or yourself.

It’s a publication that provides a Spiritual uplift and keeps Catholics connected to our beloved Church — locally and beyond.

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

State:

Zip:

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

City-State:

Enclose check or money order and mail to: The Anchor, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720

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The Anchor - January 26, 2018

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ather Roger Landry, a priest of the Fall River Diocese who presently works for the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations, has just written an invaluable guide to developing a solid Christian life entitled, “Plan of Life: Habits to Help You Grow Closer to God” (Pauline Books and Media, 2018). Full disclosure: In his acknowledgments, Father Roger first thanks his parents, with whom I have been friends for more than 25 years, and then the priests and lay people of Opus Dei whom he got to know during his college years at Harvard College.

They, he says, “introduced the Plan of Life to me and inspired me to live it.”

Since I was one of those people who met young Roger during his first week of college, I’m not exactly impartial on the subject.

Plus the book comes recommended by glowing blurbs from what amounts to a Who’s Who of American Roman Catholicism, from Matthew Kelly, author and founder of Dynamic Catholic, who wrote the Foreword, to Cardinals Timothy Dolan of New York and Sean O’Malley of Boston, to George Weigel, biographer of St. John Paul II, and Father George William Rutler, famous convert and author, as well as Peggy Noonan, columnist and speechwriter for President Reagan.

Based on a series of columns Father Roger originally wrote for The Pilot and The Anchor on various Spiritual practices, the book lays out a game plan for holiness and intimacy with God. In an age of self-help books, this one is

The book on building a vibrant Spiritual life geared to help people turn Apostle, Doubting Thomto God for strength, joy as, in response to one of and peace. I totally love Jesus’ post-Resurrection this book, and think it will appearances, whatever be invaluable for people intent on loving God and Judge developing godly For habits and pracYourself tices.

Vatican II solBy Dwight Duncan emnly proclaimed that everyone is called to holiness, which should be the goal subsequent use St. Thomas of our life. Father Roger Aquinas made of them. carefully explains the I know that the Angelic means to grow in holiness under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Bible and the Church’s rich tradition of Sanctity and apostolate. “Plan of Life” concentrates on the tried and true means of Spiritual progress: daily mental prayer, Bible and other Spiritual reading, Mass, Holy Eucharist, Rosary, examination of conscience, frequent Confession and so forth, all under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, “a sanctifying fire,” as Father Roger calls Him. This little book has the power to inspire and guide many on the path to holiness.

In encouraging the frequent practice of aspirations, which he calls “short prayers of love and trust,” Father Roger helpfully gives us some examples drawn from the Bible and the lives of saints. Words like “Fiat!” (Let it be with me according to Your word!) (Lk 1:38), or “My Lord and my God!” ( Jn 20:28).

This latter contains the one minor error I found on my reading, as he says, “echoing St. Thomas Aquinas’ words.” Of course, as the Scriptural reference indicates, the words echo St. Thomas the

Doctor references them in his “Adoro Te Devote” hymn, when he says that Thomas the Apostle saw Jesus’ wounds; but this is really a quibble. Even Homer nods once in a while. And Father Roger, like all of us, can grow in humility.

His book, though, is an invaluable and reliable guide to building a vibrant Spiritual life. In the new

year, when we formulate resolutions to improve in various ways through diet, exercise, and better habits of work and study and family life, we would do well to get a copy of this book and try to gradually put its recommendations into practice. If so, it will change our lives for the better. Judge for yourself.

Anchor columnist Dwight Duncan is a professor at UMass School of Law Dartmouth. He holds degrees in civil and canon law.

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Friday 26 January 2018 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus here are, dear readers, certain catchphrases TV news commentators use that make us all cringe. Here, in my opinion, are some of the top offenders: “At the end of the day”; “New right now”; “Breaking as we speak”; “Our sources tell us”; “Well, listen”; “Continuing to unfold”; “Stay with us”; “But first we begin with.” My personal favorite in the overused cliché category is “Going forward.”

“Going forward” was once a perfectly good phrase. Who after all, in this day and age, wants to be “standing still” or worse, who wants to be “going backward”? Since 2015, the Diocese of Fall River has been “going forward” with a pastoral

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Going forward ...

planning process called appointed with the goal “Rebuilding in Faith and of making recommendaHope.” Here’s what has tions to the bishop based happened thus far: on the collected data. The The guiding vision is Task Force and Impleto refocus the diocese mentation Team have from “maintenance to complete(d) their work. missionary.” The bishop We are now (how shall I issued a pastoral letter say?) — going forward. diocesan-wide to explain his vision of the future.

The Ship’s Log As one of Reflections of a the first steps, Parish Priest a representative

By Father Tim diocesan Task Goldrick Force was convened. The Task Force’s strategy was to study the Spiritual, Concurrently, the physical, and fiscal health bishop is in an ongoing of each parish in the process of meeting with diocese. The compilation small groups of priests of information included to personally explain his self-reported statistics, an vision for the diocese and online survey of parishio- to elicit thoughts and ners, and feedback from comments from the gatheach parish’s core leaderered priests. ship.

Going forward with Subsequently, an Imthe mission of strategic plementation Team was planning in parishes, a Parish Planning Commission has been appointed. Part of its task is to oversee parish revitalization efforts throughout the diocese. Hopefully, all parishes will be actively engaged in a revitalization program within a couple of years.

There is also an immediate outreach underway to those parishes that seem to be handicapped in some way (buildings, finances, and/or Sacramental life) from fully participating in the revitalization effort. Parish Planning Teams are forming to discern what, given the facts, can be appropriately done in their particular situation. The diocesan-moderated sessions are intended to be open, honest, and frank discussions to identify realistic options. There are no foregone conclusions.

The Anchor - January 26, 2018

The Catholic Church is the oldest and largest institution in the world.

We are currently 1.2 billion strong and we are still growing. One reason is that Catholic parishes do not operate separately.

They are not individual communities operating more or less on their own.

Together, parishes constitute a Diocesan Church.

Each diocese, under the pastoral care of a bishop, forms the local Church, not particular congregations. This is our organizational strength.

Another strength of the Catholic Church is our ability to adapt to changing pastoral situations. A cursory summary of the Catholic presence right here on Cape Cod proves my point. Barnstable (the county seat) is the only city on the Cape but there are 12 unincorporated communities, 14 towns, 20 villages, and 40 census-designated places.

This requires flexible pastoral planning.

The biggest town on Cape Cod is Falmouth, where, coincidentally, I happen to live. So, let’s look for any evidence of pastoral change over the years in the Catholic Church in Falmouth. We won’t have to look far.

The first Catholic church in the Town of Falmouth was established at Woods Hole in 1882.

By 1915, the mother church had three missions (Falmouth Village, Falmouth Heights, and the Megansett neighborhood of North Falmouth). In 1922, a national parish was established in East Falmouth. By 1928, with the creation of a parish

in Falmouth Heights, there were two territorial parishes, two chapels, and one national parish.

In 1931, the mission in Falmouth Village became a parish church, with the chapel in Falmouth Heights as its mission.

In 1977, the number of territorial parishes doubled from two to four (A brand-new parish was established in the Old Silver Beach neighborhood of North Falmouth; the national parish became territorial; the Megansett chapel was suppressed).

In 2013, the Woods Hole parish was likewise suppressed. There are now three parishes in Falmouth (two parishes on Nantucket Sound and one on Buzzards Bay) as well as two summer chapels, and two cemeteries.

See what I mean?

Pastoral change in Falmouth has been constant, as it has no doubt been in the city, town, or village in which you happen to live.

The key to successful pastoral planning is not any one particular program, commission, task force, or team. The key to pastoral planning is the Holy Spirit. Pastoral planning began at Pentecost with the founding of the Church. It is the Holy Spirit Who leads the Church into the future.

We are living in exciting times. The Holy Spirit seems to be moving throughout the Diocese of Fall River.

Our best response, going forward, is to pray, “Come Holy Spirit” — and to mean it.

Anchor columnist Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth.

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he operation was in full swing when Meli (we call her Bishop Meli) Watanuki burst through the church entrance and told us that an armed missile was on its way to Hawaii. Not surprisingly no one in the church panicked but rather continued taking down

Moon Over Molokai

By Father Patrick Killilea, SS.CC.

the Christmas decorations.

Meantime, I hurried across the lawn to my residence.

No, I did not run, as my sprinting days are over — except when I get the call to “water the flowers.” I hit the button for the television, scrolled down the channels to channel four and quickly learned that someone had pushed the wrong button and so put our islands into a frenzy. It had been a false alarm.

Buttons have taken a much elevated status since my younger days. I remember the days when a button was used to keep one’s shirt modestly closed for him or for her. A button was also quite necessary, in conjunction with a pair of galluses (suspenders), to keep one’s pants from falling down.

Somewhere along the line came engines and we got a sense of power when we pushed the button to start the motor. Then we began to wear buttons to promote a candidate for public office or to show allegiance to our favorite teams (Go Patriots). And now we have one country’s leader saying, “I’ve got an atomic button on my desk,” and another country’s leader in response

On the button for drills in preparation saying, “My button is bigfor a catastrophic event. ger than yours.” We wish There we are encouraged to that they would both button their lips. We wish that all alarms would be false.

Here on Kalaupapa, since I arrived five years, six months and 19 days ago, we have had two valid alarms, one a late evening alarm for a small tsunami and the other for the fire which destroyed our state kitchen. Then recently we had a false alarm when our community alarm siren “pushed” its own button.

When our siren goes off, our place of assembly is at the mouth of the Waihanau Valley across from the trail to the dormant crater, Kauhako. There we receive our further instructions and there we periodically gather

respond on the button.

Aloha.

Anchor columnist Father

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

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Bishop Connolly H.S. to host screening of new education documentary

FALL RIVER — The Catholic Schools Alliance and the Pioneer Institute invite all to a special screening of the Pioneer Institute’s new documentary: “Big Sacrifices, Big Dreams: Ending America’s Bigoted Education Laws.” The film features Raymond Flynn, former Vatican ambassador and mayor of Boston, who will be at the event to answer questions and talk about his role in the film.

The screening will take place on Thursday, February 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Bishop Connolly High School.

ABOUT THE FILM The film traces the ordeals of four very different families who share the same struggle to send their children to schools that offer instruction rooted in religious faith, academic rigor, and a culture of

respect.

The Morins The Morins, a Catholic family of eight from Fall River, want a structure- and values-based education for their children.

The Costons The Costons are a missionary couple, make financial sacrifices to enroll their three young children at Calvary Baptist Academy in Midland, Mich.

The Lamps Robin Lamp is a Baptist single mom and her two teen-age daughters, Haley and Hannah, from Stockbridge, Ga., are plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the state’s bigoted Blaine amendments.

The do Caarmos Arlete do Carmo is a first-generation Brazilian-American mom

who works multiple housecleaning jobs to send her Presbyterian daughter, Sarah, to Marian High, a Catholic school in Framingham.

These families come from states that have legal barriers to programs that would make it possible for low- and middle-income children to attend parochial schools.

Their moving stories will endear them to audiences from every faith background — and mobilize sympathizers and activists to challenge the special interests that are protecting the status quo, perpetuating the shameful legacy of anti-Catholic bigotry, and blocking greater

parental choice for all families of faith.

Learn how you can support this ground-breaking film project today — together, we can ensure that these stories touch the hearts of millions of families all across America, and inspire them to take action to end this injustice in their communities and states.

This event is open to the public.

Please invite your family and friends. You can download the invitation for full event details.

You can learn more about the film by visiting https://pioneerinstitute. org/bigdreamsfilm/ or downloading the flyer.

Visit us online at www.anchornews.org

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Diocesan CSO excited about future endeavors continued from page two

supporting Catholic schools with advancing practices and plans for academic excellence, sustainable financial management, and human resources. To learn

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more about the Central Board and its members visit our website at catholicschoolsalliance.org.

2. Each school is developing a strategic plan that

The Anchor - January 26, 2018

will set priorities and guide its direction for the next three years in the areas of Catholic mission, academics, finances, enrollment/ marketing, capital improve-

ments, and governance. As part of the planning process each school is also going through an in-depth financial review. The CSO Team is visiting each school and meeting with representatives from all of the key stakeholder groups to learn

from them the school’s strengths and challenges and how we can partner with them to advance the school’s mission.

3. Through the generosity of a private donor and public e-rate funding the CSO has invested more than $800,000 to improve the Wi-Fi infrastructure in 20 of our schools. The installation of new equipment over the next few months will enable schools to integrate more technology into their curriculum and prepare students for college and careers in an ever increasingly technology dependent world.

Looking to the future, the CSO has adopted the following four major diocesan-wide goals to be achieved by the start of school year 2020-2021: 1. Increase academic growth across all academic disciplines by five percent; 2. Increase enrollment by three percent; 3 Stabilize school finances; 4. Increase church attendance in school parishes.

Throughout the next four months we will share what is specifically being done to address each of these goals on our website.

We invite you to visit www.

CatholicSchoolsAlliance.org each month to learn about the exciting new projects and progress we are making.

We are enormously grateful to Bishop da Cunha, the Central Board of Catholic Education members, school pastors, administrators, teachers, staff, volunteers, and donors for their extraordinary commitment and support. We are especially thankful for our parents, for their support of our Catholic schools, and 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.

Cathedral revives food pantry operation continued from page three

a huge staple — it’s got protein and all you need is bread. Canned meats can last a while and that’s something you can build around as well.”

There are currently collection baskets located at the back of St. Mary’s Cathedral where items can be dropped off before or after Masses, but Holt said people are welcome

to contact him directly if that’s not convenient and he will arrange to have someone come pick the items up.

Holt said he’s grateful for the support he’s received from fellow parishioners and Father Wilson in this endeavor.

“Father Wilson had a great idea that during the weeks of Lent, each week

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 January 28, 11:00 a.m.

Catholic Schools Week

Celebrant is Father Maurice O. Gauvin, pastor of Espirito Santo Parish in Fall River.

we’ll have a certain item that (parishioners) can bring in — so instead of just giving up something for Lent, they can actually donate something,” he said. “You know, maybe one week will be pasta sauce, one week will be peanut butter. So we’re hoping to do something like that for Lent.”

Speaking of Lent, a fund-raising event will be held on Mardi Gras weekend on Saturday, February 10 to benefit the new food pantry. The evening will be held at St. Mary’s School (across the street from the cathedral) and will include music and food.

Tickets will be available after Masses this weekend ( January 27-28) and again on February 3-4 and the price of admission is a freewill donation. Attendees are also asked to bring non-perishable food items with them.

Given St. Mary’s Cathedral’s close proximity to downtown Fall River and the former Sacred Heart Church which hosted a vibrant soup kitchen and food pantry operation before the parish closed in 2014 and the soup kitchen moved to St. Bernadette’s parish, Holt said he thinks the new operation will certainly fill a void.

“It’s one step at a time, but I think we’re making progress,” he said. “We’re putting one foot in front of

the other and it’s a positive step forward. It’s a big undertaking and it’s something that takes a little bit of time and a little bit of planning, but things are looking pretty good.”

For more information about the food pantry at St. Mary’s Cathedral or to make a donation, contact David Holt at 774-2019994 or email davefh0_0@ yahoo.com.

February 4, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Robert A. Oliveira, pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in New Bedford.

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For and About Our Church Youth

Here students make Rosaries at St. James-St. John School in New Bedford during recess time.

Fourth-graders from St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro took part in the New England Revolution Fourth-Grade Fitness Day at Gillette Stadium. The students enjoyed a health and wellness program along with eating lunch in the stands and exercising on the field.

Nina recently had the pleasure of having lunch with principal Faith Piazza at St. Joseph School in Fairhaven.

Clayton McLane and Carley Medeiros listen as Amber Ferreira strikes a comical chord during a scene from the Bishop Connolly High School Theatre Company’s recent performance of “The Man Who Came to Dinner.”

The Anchor is always pleased to run news and photos about our diocesan youth. If schools, parish Religious Education programs or home-schoolers have newsworthy stories and photos they would like to share with our readers, send them to: schools@anchornews.org 16

The Anchor - January 26, 2018

The Faith Formation first-grade students at Holy Name School in Fall River learned about Jesus’ call to His Apostles. Here children dressed as Religious Sisters, Brothers, the pope, cardinal, and a priest.

Annual March For Life 2018, Washington, D.C.

Students and chaperones from Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro and Coyle and Cassidy High School in Taunton joined forces to travel to Washington, D.C. for the annual March For Life last Friday.

Six eighth-graders from All Saints Catholic School in New Bedford, accompanied by Bernie Flood, Jenna Pedechenko and Anna Zimmerman, participated in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. Supported at home by the prayers of the entire All Saints community, these students joined thousands of others gathered for the march to stand up for life.

Students from St. John Paul II High School in Hyannis attended the March For Life. From left, back row: Sarah LoPiccolo, Brennan Loewen, Lucas Boyle, Kevin Simpson, Vanessa Townsend, Father Ron Floyd (chaplain), Mary Skordas, Katie St. Jean, Marie Carney, and Kerry Carney. Front: Luke Bagley, Maria Bagley, Nora Kearney, and Margaret Buckley.

Members of the youth group of Good Shepherd and St. Stanislaus parishes with seminarians from St. John’s Seminary met at the March for Life in Washington D.C. on January 19.

Folks from Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich showed their support for all life at the recent March for Life in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Barbara-Anne Foley)

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DCCW meeting slated for February 24 in Taunton TAUNTON — The Fall River Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will hold its next meeting on February 24 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 249 Whittenton

Street in Taunton.

The program will be a Lenten reflection on the “Women in the Passion.”

The meeting part of the morning will focus on new National Council of Catholic Women projects,

local fund-raising plans, and the Women and Men’s Conference that will be held at Stonehill College in Easton on March 10, themed “Be On Fire — Set the World On Fire.” Also on

the docket will be details on the upcoming annual DCCW meeting in May. For further information contact DCCW president Beth Mahoney at 508-821-6201. Other contacts, by deanery, in-

clude: Attleboro, Rebecca, 508-761-4638; Cape Cod, Roberta, 508-743-5448; Fall River, Lynette, 508674-7036; New Bedford, Terry, 508-993-5085; and Taunton, Virginia, 508676-6515.

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

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St. Joseph students collect hats for cancer-stricken children

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff kensouza@anchornews.org

FAIRHAVEN — When Chance Silvera, a seventh-grade student at St. Joseph’s School in Fairhaven, learned that a young boy from Leominster named Caiden Falcon had been diagnosed with cancer at just five months old and eventually succumbed to the disease, he felt compelled to do something.

“I felt bad for the family, knowing that they had to go through that — seeing their child dying from cancer,” Silvera said. “I felt really bad about a child who had to battle something so young, and I wanted to do something about it.”

Since Thanksgiving, Silvera and his classmates have been hard at work collecting hats of all styles, shapes and sizes to donate to children who have been stricken with cancer. It is said the young patients — many

of whom are the same age or and upsetting, so I messaged her younger than those spearheading and told her that I would have the campaign — take great com- our students and school pray for fort in getting a unique hat to this little boy. Then, as I thought cover the hair loss that so often about it, I felt that our school results from cancer treatments. would want to do a little more.”

The ongoing hat collection Given Caiden’s fondness for drive has funny and ell, you may think it’s just cute hats, become something a hat, but when someone’s his famof a pet in the hospital, any little thing can ily esproject tablished brighten their day and knowing that for the Caiden’s something came from another child is Crusaders seventhreally powerful.” graders to collect and it all hats in his began name to when their homeroom teacher, be donated to children battling Misti Nordstrom, first told them cancer at Boston’s Children’s about little Caiden’s story.

Hospital and New York’s Sloan “The project started when a Kettering Cancer Center. friend of mine, Jillian Zucco, “I shared the story with my who is currently Miss Massaclass and I showed them a video chusetts, posted something on (of Caiden) and, of course, you social media about this little an- could tell they were impacted gel who had lost his battle with (by it) — you could see it in cancer,” Nordstrom told The their faces,” Nordstrom said. “I Anchor. “It was really just sad asked them if they would like to lead the school and the community in (a hat drive), and they were really happy to do that.”

The modest effort soon took on a life of its own as the entire school became involved, then it extended to parishioners at St. Joseph’s Church, and eventually to others in the community.

“W

“I wanted the class to see that it just takes one person to try to inspire other people and that they have a lot of power, even though they are young, and they can make a difference,” Nordstrom said. “I think the importance of community service at this age is invaluable. If they can recognize how good it feels to help those in need, it empowers them and helps them recognize that they have a voice.”

The students have taken it upon themselves to go to other classrooms to talk up the project, they’ve gone around personally collecting hats in the community, and they’ve kept close track of the incoming donations which Nordstrom estimates to be “in the hundreds.”

“They’ve pretty much watched over everything and it’s been really nice to see them take on that responsibility and leadership,” she said.

Now a campaign that Nordstrom originally expected to last through Advent has extended well into the new year and will end on February 14.

“We decided to extend it through Valentine’s Day, because we still have people wanting to bring in hats, and we’ve had Continued on page 23

Seventh-grade teacher Misti Nordstrom, third from right, helps her homeroom students at St. Joseph’s School in Fairhaven sort through some of the hundreds of donated hats they’ve collected for children stricken with cancer in memory of Caiden Falcon. Having begun the effort at Thanksgiving, the students will continue the drive through Valentine’s Day. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

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The Anchor - January 26, 2018

Diocese to offer second annual Women and Men’s Conference continued from page six

Sister Marie Paul Curley — Sister Marie Paul is a Daughter of St. Paul whose ministry exemplifies her religious community’s mission of communication. She is an author, blogger and video producer. Sister Marie Paul is a gifted multi-media artist who uses those means to share the message of Christ with her audiences.

Father Dave Dwyer — Father Dwyer is a Paulist priest who serves as director of Busted Halo Ministries and is the host

Rene A. Canuel, brother of Father Paul A. Canuel

ROSEVILLE, Calif.

— Rene A. Canuel passed away unexpectedly at the age of 78, in Roseville, Calif. on January 11.

Born to Robert M. and Beatrice O. (Belanger) Canuel on July 3,1939 in Fall River, he was raised and educated in Fall River and Swansea, graduating from Case High School in 1957, whereupon he entered the U. S. Air Force and served in Colorado, the Azores, Laos, Hawaii, Louisiana and California until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Margaret (Absalom) who died in 2010. He is survived by his son Steven R. Canuel of Colorado and his daughter Vicki. J. Antonovich of Yarmouth Port; his stepchildren Jane Barron, Leslie Rockefeller and Carl Shovelton, all of Calif. He also leaves his brothers Father Paul E. Canuel of Fall River and Robert M. Canuel of Swansea and his sister Claudette L. Canuel of Swansea, nine grandchildren, two aunts and many cousins.

of “The Busted Halo Show,” a call-in radio talk show airing five nights a week on SiriusXM’s The Catholic Channel.

He is also the host of the “Sacraments 101” video series on YouTube. Through his outreach, Father Dwyer seeks to help people grow

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

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, 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, Retired, Catholic Memorial Home, U.S. Air Force Chaplain, 2015

in their Catholic faith and share it with others.

ValLimar Jansen — Jansen is a highly-regarded singer, composer and recording artist known especially for her work in contemporary Christian music. Bishop da Cunha said, “I am happy to announce that ValLimar will be returning to be with us again. Last year she literally got the room moving with her exuberant music and inspiring message.”

Jansen is blessed with an extraordinary voice and she tours the country and around the world as an inspirational speaker and a leader of worship and prayer.

Bishop da Cunha tells diocesan faithful in the website video, the conference “will be once more, I am certain, a

Spiritually enriching and inspiring day together.”

As diocesan faithful make the Lenten trek towards the Easter Resurrection, this year’s Women and Men’s Conference will be a great aid in the journey. “With the theme, ‘Be On Fire — Set the World On Fire,’ it will surely help ignite and inspire us on our journey towards Easter,” said the bishop.

For more information on the conference, or to register, visit the Diocese of Fall River’s website at fallriverdiocese.org.

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. Moriarty, Assistant, St. Brendan, Riverside, R.I., 1991 Feb. 3 1952, Rev. Antonio O. Ponte, Pastor, Our Lady of Angels, Fall River 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, SMM, 2004 Feb. 6 Most Rev. Frederick A. Donaghy, M.M, Bishop of Wuchow, 1988 Feb. 7 Rev. Arthur N. Robert, O.P., St. Anne Shrine, Fall River, 1991 Rev. Robert S. Kaszynski, Former Pastor, St. Stanislaus, Fall River, 2014 Rev. José Antonio Ferreira dos Santos, Retired, Former Pastor, Our Lady of Health, Fall River, 2017 Feb. 8 Rev. Raymond P. Monty, USAF Retired Chaplain, 1996 Feb. 9 Rev. Msgr. John J. Kelly, Pastor, SS. Peter & Paul, Fall River, 1963 Rev. Peter J. McKone, S.J., Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River, 1972 Rev. Vincent R. Dolbec, A.A., Assumption College, 1985

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Around the Diocese The Fall River Area Men’s First Friday Club will meet on February 2 at St. Joseph Church on North Main Street in Fall River. The celebration of Mass begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public.

Following Mass, club members will gather in the church hall next door for a hot meal prepared by White’s of Westport along with a guest presentation by Ron Roy. New members are always welcome. For more information, call Norm Valiquette at 508-672-8174.

“Here for a Purpose: A Retreat with Peggy Patenaude,” will be held on Tuesday, February 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of the Cape Parish, 468 Stony Brook Road in Brewster. Patenaude is the founder of Taking Time Out and has worked in education and pastoral ministry for more than 45 years. Preregistration is required and the deadline to register for the retreat is February 1. For more information, visit www.ourladyofthecape.org or call 508-385-3252.

Entries for the 2018 Annual Pro-Life Essay Contest for Catholic students in the Diocese of Fall River (grades six to eight and nine to 12) are now being accepted. The theme this year is “Be Not Afraid.” First-prize winners will be awarded $150 cash and second prize will be $75 cash. Deadline for submissions is February 9. Entries should be mailed to the Office of the Pro-Life Apostolate at the Chancery, P.O. Box 2577, Fall River, Mass. 02722. For more information, call 508-675-1311.

The chamber chorus Sine Nomine will present its 25th anniversary concert at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River on Sunday afternoon February 11 at 3 p.m. under the direction of its founder, Glenn Giuttari. The program will feature music of the German Baroque period including Schutz, J.S. Bach and Telemann.

Tickets at the door are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students. Visit www. sinenominechoir.org for more information.

St. Patrick’s Church, 511 Main Street in Falmouth, will host “Reflections on Divine Mercy and the Eucharist” with guest speaker Bryan Thatcher, M.D., on Saturday, February 17 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction will follow. Thatcher founded Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy in 1996, is the author of several books on Divine Mercy, and has co-hosted two series on Divine Mercy for EWTN. There is no charge for this conference and lunch is provided. For more information, contact the parish office at 508-548-1065.

Our Lady of the Cape Parish, 468 Stony Brook Road in Brewster, will host a Lenten Mission entitled “Ablaze: Passionately Pursuing Christ and a Life of Purpose” featuring Deacon Keith Strohm, a well-known international speaker and author on March 19-21 at 7 p.m. each night. Deacon Strohm has helped tens of thousands of people hear the Gospel message and encounter the mercy, love and power of Jesus. Over the course of three evenings, he will present themes on being created for a relationship with God, finding fulfillment and joy now and in eternal life later through following Jesus, and living the Kingdom life we receive in the Holy Spirit. For more information, email ourladyofthecapebrewster@gmail.com or call 508-385-3252, extension 10.

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 — Beginning September 14, 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 — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the Adoration Chapel at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 71 Linden Street, from 7 a.m. to 7 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.

ATTLEBORO — There is a weekly time of Eucharistic Adoration Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church on North Main Street.

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, Monday through Saturday, from 6:30 to 8 a.m.; and every first Friday from noon to 8 a.m. on Saturday.

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. 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 — 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. 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.

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 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 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 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.

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. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, and Adoration will continue throughout the day. Confessions are heard from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 5 p.m.

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 ~

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.

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The Anchor - January 26, 2018

Students collect hats for kids with cancer continued from page 20

some people who are knitting and crocheting the hats, and that takes some time, so we figured by Valentine’s Day we can collect them all, pack them up, and ship them,” she said.

While prayers and get well cards are helpful, Nordstrom said there’s something special about receiving a one-of-a-kind hat.

“Well, you may think it’s just a hat, but when someone’s in the hospital, any little thing can brighten their day and knowing that something came from another child is really powerful,” she said. “We have hats in all sizes, from infant to adult. That helps you understand that cancer doesn’t choose a person based on their age or family or religion.”

Seventh-grader Aleena Armstrong can attest to the fact that cancer can strike anyone at anytime. Two of her family mem-

bers were recently diagnosed with the disease.

“My stepmother’s mother had cancer and she lost all of her hair, so she really appreciated it when she got hats,” Armstrong said. “My uncle also has cancer and has lost some of his hair and he wears hats a lot, too. So I felt a personal connection with this project, because I know what it’s like for someone to go through.”

Her classmate, Brenna Haward, said she’s proud of their collection efforts and she hopes the donations will let the young patients know there are people who care about them and they are loved.

“I think it’s good to let them know that God didn’t forget about them and there’s hope for them,” she said.

“That’s what Jesus would want us to do — to help out,” agreed student Ava Costa. “Be-

ing a Catholic school, working together is a big part of it, especially doing something for a little boy with cancer. It doesn’t take a lot to do something good.”

Nordstrom said teen-agers are often wrongly dismissed as being indifferent or disconnected from the real world, but she said you’d be surprised to learn how compassionate they can be.

“They sometimes get the reputation that they don’t care about what’s going on in their community, or that they’re complacent, and I don’t think that’s true,” she said. “I think they just need to be shown the way and there’s nothing more powerful than seeing a young baby with a beautiful smile and to see his family go through that loss.

“A lot of the kids have mentioned to me that they can’t understand how a baby would have to suffer something like

that. I think when they saw the video of him laughing and playing, just like a normal little baby, to know that no one is really exempt from dealing with pain and suffering and they were definitely very sad to learn he passed away.”

As Nordstrom helped students sort through the latest box brimming with nearly 200 donated hats, it was clear they had a sense of pride and had taken ownership of the project.

“We want this to be instilled in them for their whole life,” Nordstrom said. “Community service is not just something your read about in a textbook or something you do for religion class. They need to see there are things they can do and something small can become something big. It’s nice to see the trickle effect and how it kind of spreads. I hope this is an experience they’ll want to continue.”

The Anchor - January 26, 2018

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Visit the Diocese of Fall River website at fallriverdiocese.org The site includes links to parishes, diocesan offices and national sites.

Students from Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth gathered for a group shot in front of St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, D.C., during their trip to the annual March for life. At right are youth from Fall River diocesan schools at the Life Is Very Good rally at George Mason University, hosted by the Diocese of Arlington, Va.

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The Anchor - January 26, 2018