01.27.06

Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

FALL RIVER, MASS.

VOL. SO, NO.4· Friday, January 27, 2006

Catholic Schools

Students of all a'ges 'extol the Catholic school experience

By DAVE JOUVET, EDITOR

celebrate' education

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,) FAlL RIVER- From first-graders to high ( school seniors, students in diocesan Catholic , schools agree on one thing: The Catholic , school experience is something to be treasured.

As part of this week's Catholic Schools " '\ Week celebrations, The Anchor sponsored an ] essay contest for all boys and girls enrolled in diocesan parochial schools. Students were asked to prepare a 25(}.wonl'essay on ''What I love about my Catholic school."

The response was overwh~lming, with more than 500 inspiring, insigh$l and entertaining entries crossing the desk of Anchor executive editor, Father Roger 1. Landry. Essays arrived from all comers of the diocese; from Cape Cod to the Attleboros and all points in between.

"Jesus regularly praised the wisdom ofchildren and noted that even God can speak through them," said Father Landry. "I don't think a team of top Madison Avenue marketeers could have come up with better . ....- '" . praise for the value of a Catholic education than the students of our diocese."

Each essay was a winner in and of itself.

Selecting winning essays was not an easy task. ''1be students noticed the little things thatvery FALL RIvER, MASSACHUSETTS often adults can miss," said Father Llmdry. ''In January 27, 2006 tliese essays, the students became my teachers as I looked at a Catholic education through Dear Friends in Christ: their eyes." ' Wmning essays in each ofthe eight elemenAs we prepare to celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2006, 1 am happy to write to you tary grades and three high school entry appear about the value and importance of Catholic education. The contribution made b~ the throughout this special AnChor. edition,. An , education offered in our Catholic schools is something that we come to appreciate rhore honorilble mention list appears on page 16, and more, as we see increasing opposition and even hostility to expressions of religidn in and selected "Pearls of Wisdom," appears on 11 public . l i f e . ' page 20.

The primary value of CathoHc education is that it assists parents in the all-important The Anchor would like to thank and aptask of the faith formation of their children. There are many things that are importa9t to plaud all of this year's participants for a job learn in life, including all of the traditional components of a typical academic curricu~um. well done. Based on the response, principals, The most important thing, however, for a young person to learn is what God has reveh.J.ed teachers and parents have every reason to be to the world through his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Of all the lessons that we learn inilife, proud of our Catholic school students. none is more important than the lessons that Christ has taught us about how to live. our Catholic schools, our young people learn these .lessons. And, as our society and culture are increasingly secularized, it is in our Catholic schools that the Christian faith is protected, preserved and passed on to the next generations. ji One of the results of this faith formation that takes place in our Catholic schools i~ the development of character and virtue in our young people. How often we hear adults reflect on the moral lessons they learned in their Catholic education. These graduat~s of Catholic schools often speak openly about the clear difference that Catholic education made in their lives, by teaching them to value what is true and good. This charJcter formation is something that lasts a lifetime. ' Ii On behalf of the faithful of the Diocese of Fall River, 1 wish to express my sincere gratitude for the dedicated service and commitment of those who work in our CatHolic schools. I also wish to thank those who so generously support the mission to pro~ide Catholic education here in our diocese. Our students are the primary recipients of your generosity, but the Church, as a whole, unquestionably benefits from all that you dp to support Catholic education.

I, With prayerful best wishes for a grace-fIlled Catholic Schools Week, I am

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By DEACON JAMES N.

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FALL RIVER - Dozens of Catholic school principals spoke assertively of the important role Catholic elementary and secondary schools play in providing a values-added, Christ-centered education for its young people as the they prepared to o~ serve Catholic Schools Week.

Asked to offer opinions on "Why Ca~ lic Education is More Relevant Now tl;1aI1l Ever?" their answers were candid, inspiring, and reflected a teaching environment in which the Gospel message merged wiili intellectual and social values provide the resources for a rich and fulfilling life.

Not only were they ready to explain why Catholic education is more relevant now than ever because of what they called inappropriate pressures and influences in young people's daily lives, but they were as quick to point out their responsibilities to provide Church and community needs , of faith-centered staunch leaders in today's world. ' "During my four years, at Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River, I have frequently witnessed students applying moral arguments they have learned in religion and theology class to fundamental principles in history, English, biology, world languages, mathematical applications and debate," said'Paul Cartier, Turn to page 12 ~ Education

Character. Compassion.Values. ~

Principals proud of the values-added curriculum that prepares their students for a Christian life.

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DIOCESAN CATHOLIC schools tend to the spiritual needs of the students. Bishop George W. Coleman and Father David Costa bless the throats of students of St. Mary-Sacred Heart School in North Attleboro.

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A CATHOLIC school education offers students the chance to explore the world in a faith-based environment, like these students at Notre Dame School in Fall River. Catholic schools feed the mind and the soul.

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Friday, January 27, 2006

Catholic Schools

Character Compassion Values Bishop Stang High School· 500 Slocum Road N. Dartmouth, MA 02747 . 508-996-5602 www.bishopstang.com

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St. James - St. John School 180 Orchard Street New Bedford, MA 02740 508-996-0534

St. Joseph - St. Therese School 35 Kearsarge Street New Bedford, MA 02745 508-995-2264

St. Mary School 115 Illinois Street New Bedford, MA 02745 , 508-995-3696 wwW.stmarysnb.com

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Call your local CATHOLIC SCHOOL o en House, Registration & Catholic Schools Week January 29 - February 4, 2006

Friday, January 27, 2006

the ancholS) I

Mass. 'Church Control' measure would remove· financial reporting exem.ptions

By DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR

ministry, clergyassignments, and the power of religious bodies to decide BOSTON- The Massachusetts establishment orclosing ofparishes. for themselves, free from state inHouse of Representatives was Parish closings are at the heart of terference, matters ofchurch govemscheduled to vote Wednesday on a the proposed legislation, said ment as well as those of faith and bill aimed at controlling the internal Saunders. doctrine." operations ofchurches statewide. ''The sponsors ofS. 1074 are canFurthermore, according to this Although Senate bill 1074, "An did about filing this bill in response same court, any state requirement Act Relative to Charities in Massa- to their disagreement with decisions that has "as its ultimate goal, regulachusetts," introduced by Sen. Marian by the Archdiocese of Boston con- tory control over religious instituWalsh, D-Boston, is touted as a ''re- cerning parish closings and finances. tions," or that otherwise "seeks to porting" and ''transparency'' mea- Supporters want to use this legisla- control ofinfluence any aspect ofthe sure, "It does much more," says Ed- tion as a means of exercising con- (entity's) operation," violates the ward F. Saunders Jr., executive'di- trol over the internal affairs of the guarantee ofreligious freedom. rector of the Massachusetts Catho- archdiocese and its parishes. This is ''That is precisely what this bill lic Conference, the public policy not the role of goveniment" would do," added Saunders. voice of the four Catholic bishops Saunders asserted.

By removiI1g religious exempof Massachusetts. ''Your action is needed ASAP," tions in the financial repo$lg'laws, In essence, he said, it would sub- said Saunders. "Ifyou do not know the proposedbill would require some ject all churches and religious orga- your state representative, go to the churches to undergo expensive au. nizations to the same financial re- Website ofthe Secretary ofState and dits. porting obligations applied to secu- enter your address and get that in"Religions would have to regisformation." . lar, non-profit charities. ter with the state before they can pass Saunders has issued "an alert" to Saunders suggested that an the collection basket on Sundays," the four Catholic dioceses in the state individual's message might be: ''I am he said. to alert its parishes and parishioners a constituent that lives at (give your The measure's supporters refer to to telephone, E-mail, or write mem- home address). I urge Rep._ _ to the parish as the "local charity," thus bers ofthe House ofRepresentatives vote ''No'' on S. 1074. The state ignoring the differences. Again, they and House Speaker Sal DiMasi ask- should not be controlling the inter- are using the legislation to exercise ing them to vote ''no'' on Senate 1074. nal operation ofchurches." control over the operations of reliAdditionally, said Saunders, the He said the courts have rUled that gious organizatioris. bill brings .churches and religious state and federal constitutions proHe argued that religion is the only organizations within the oversight of hibit the state from taking sides in non-profit category that enjoys conthe Massachusetts Public Charities internal religious disputes that touch stitutional protection, not because of Law. These provisions allow the at- on the structure and operation of a its charitaole work, but because of tomey general, with court approval, church. its essential role innurturing the spirito investigate the expenditure of ''The state cannot dictate how a tual well-being ofits citizens. charitable funds. religion governs itself with respect ''People do not go to their'little Depending on the results, ~e at- to internal matters," he pointed '?Pt. league for pastoral guiPance. They tomey general could reverse chUrch As recognized by the Massachu~ do not call the United Way to arrange decisions relating'to the allocation setts Supreme Judicial Court, "reli- a funeral," Saunders commented. of resources, priorities relating to gious freedom encompasses the Once the line separating church

Region's Catholi~s to challenge state's proposed mand(:ltory sex-education 'law :> Fall River diocese CathOliCS will travel by bus to Boston for Tuesday's hearing.

By DEACON JAMES N.

DUNBAR

FALL RIVER-Concernedthat portions ofthe Massachusetts Health CurriculumFrameworl<will replace traditional moral values with ''politically correct" ones, parents and parishioners from the Fall River diocese will travel to Boston Tuesday to challenge a proposal that would make the Framework curriculum a requirement for graduation.

"Currently parents in Massachusetts have the right to opt their children out of these classes based on their religious beliefs and to determine when they believe reproduction, sexuality and family should be ,covered," said Bea Martins, Catholic Citizenship policy director for the diocese.

The proposed changes in the proposed House bill H1641 she maintained, ''usurp the role ofparents as primary educators of their children, contradict the religious, spiritual and traditional values par. ents might wish to impart and also eliminates any choice for local communities in determining what would

. be taught to their children."

She announced that two buses will leave the diocese Tuesday, January 31 - one leaving from Cape Cod and another from Fall River - that will make stops en route to the statehouse in Boston in time for a meeting with legislatorS and lunch before the start of the 1 p.m. hearing. The buses, provided by a benefactor, will return at 4 p.m.

She suggested that anyone wanting to testify at the legislative committee hearing should write their testimony in advance in order for it be presented to the committee.

Martins also urged area Catholics to immediately contact their legislators to make clear their views and objections to the proposed legislation.

"When we arrive at the state house we will be given a badge/ sticker identifying that we do not support Bill HI641 ," Martins noted.

She also urged that parish public policy advocates and volunteers mount an effort at the parish level, including informatio.n in the upcoming parish bulletin, to urge attendance at the hearing.

In October 1999, the Massachusetts Department of Education issued a new Curriculum Framework in the area ofcomprehensive health.

It is one of seven curriculum out-

lines that advance educational reform in learning, teaching and assessment.

It was created and revised by Massachusetts' teachers and administrators ofhealth programs in kindergarten through grade 12. It was developed as a guide for teachers and curriculum coordinators to map content appropriate to each grade level. .

Among the troublesome issues is the curriculum's material that is presented to those in kindergarten through grade five. It mandates all students "should develop an understanding of privacy and social norms surrounding sexuality and reproduction; the major parts and functions of the reproductive system, and sexuality as a normal part of the growth process."

In a recent story in The Anchor, some area parents complained that the sensitive materials presented to the very young in kindergarten were inappropriately ''too graphic" and caused some students in male and female mixed higher grades to be embarrassed. But more important, the parents reported they found traditional Catholic values and morality were contradicted by what was Turn to page 15 - Challenge

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from state is crossed, then the way woIking closely with the Massachuis opened for further state intrusion setts Council of Churches, which on the whole range ofother matters represents 17 Protestant denominadealing with church st:rclcture and tions; the BlackMinisterial Alliance, organization govemance,!!he said. the Islamic Council ofNew Englaild, ''That's why the bill has caused the Mass. Association ofTemple and an uproar from across tht1: spectrum , Synagogue Administrators, The of religious interests, sparking pro- Synagogue Council of Massachutests from Protestants, Jewish, and setts, the Union ofReform Judaism other congregations. While 'report- Northeast Council, the United Synaing and 'transparency' may be the gogue of Conservative Judaism selling points, church cOlitrol is the New England Region, the Mass.

Family Institute, the Christian Sciissue," stated Saunders.

He reported that in looking to ence Church, the Salvation Army defeat the measure, the MCC is and the Anti-Defamation League.

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THE L'ANDING-,Catholic schools in the new evangelization

the living word

Pope Benedicthas followed Pope John Paul II in insistently heralding the urgency ofa new proclamation ofthe Gospel to our own age. The Church is fundamentally missionary, and every Catholic is called by Christ to participate in that mission, either by heading to the front lines or by providing spiritual and financial support. The whole mystical Body of Christ is supposed to act together in order to accomplish the great commission that the Lord has given, to "go and make disciples ofevery nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you" (Mt 28:19-20).

In nations where many have already received that baptism and instruction, but where many have ceased to give evidence ofobeying what the Lord has commanded, both popes have called on Catholics to take up the cause of a "re-evangelization" of their cultures and societies. In his 1999 Apostolic Exhoration "The Church in America," Pope John Paul II challenged Americans in particular to live up to the apostolic mandate given us by the Lord: "This command applies to the whole Church; and, in this moment of her history, the Church in America is called to take it up and respond with loving generosity to the fundamental task ofevangelization."

One ofthe primary launching pads for the re-evangelization ofAmerica is Catholic schools. "In the overall work of the new evangelization," Pope John Paul II said, "the educational sector occupies a place of honor." He stressed that "a special effort should be made to strengthen the Catholic identity of schools, whose'specific character is based on an educational vision having its origin in .the person ofChrist and its roots in the teachings of the Gospel. Catholic schools must seek not only to impart a quality education from the technical and professional standpoint, but also and above all MORE THAN 300 PEOPLE ATTENDED A FUND-RAISING BRUNCH AT THE COONAMESSETT INN IN provide for the integral fonnation ofthe h!Jl11an person."

Because of the crucial role of Catholic schools in the evangelizing misFALMOUTH JANUARY 22 TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE ST. MARY'S EDUCATION FUND. sion ofthe Church, the pope added, "It is essential that every possible effort ALL THE CHILDREN WHO ATTENDED RECEIVED BALLOONS AND HAD A WONDERFUL TIME. be made to ensure that Catholic schools, despite financial difficulties, con(PHOTO BY DAVID DOOLITTLE) ~ue to provide a Catholic education to the poor and the marginalized in "THE LORD BUOYS UP THE SPIRITS, BRINGS A SPARKLE TO THE EYES, society. It will never be possible to free the needy from their poverty unless they are first freed from the impoverishment arising from the lack of adGIVES HEALTH AND LIFE AND BLESSING" (SIRACH 35:17).. equate education." What he said applies not just to the materially poor, but to the spiritually impoverished. We will never be able to free those in our society from spiritual destitution without adequate education in the faith.

That's one reason why Catholic schools are more valuable now than ever. Especially in our Commonwealth, where in various places militant secularists are trying to indoctrinate public school children, among other nafure, with its inclination to from the beginning to assist In'October ofl965, when things, with atheistic conceptions of the universe, moral relativism, value- Pope Paul VI came to New York people in dealing with all of sin, and subject to ignorance, . less discussions ofsexual promiscuity, and favorable portrayals ofgay mar- to address the United Nations life's challenges and afflictions, suffering and the inevitability of riage, the worth ofa Catholic education stands out all the more. Education is . General Assembly, he included death. It includes the observable and from this experience far more than instruction about the "three r's"; it is a growth process aimed in his address a very confide~t fact that man experiences a throughout the centuries, the at forming not just minds, but persons. The "integral fonnation of the. hu- and interesting claim that has natural desire for happiness and Church has acquired a certain man person" cannot occur in a valueless vacuum. Educators must have a been the subjec;t of much for the truth, even while he proficiency in guiding people clear sense ofthe type ofcharacter, compassion and values that they want to consideration ever since. He struggles in a life-long spiritual through the joys and sorrows, impart. In a Catholic school, they do: the character, compassion andvalues told the delegates of the United battle to overcome the effects of the achievements and hardships of Christ. . of life. his fallen nature.

Nations that the Church has The crucial evangelizing mission of the Catholic schools in our diocese much to offer in the work of In short, the Church is an .

But, the main reason why the can be accomplished only With the support ofthe entire mystical body. It is human progress, because the Church is an expert in humanity expert in humanity because she becoming increasingly difficult for parents of young children to afford the Church is an "expert in holds the most comprerising costs of a Catholic education that still does not come close to giving humanity." hensive explanation and adequate compensation to talented, committed and faithful lay educators. It understanding of the This' notion of the is becoming even more difficult for parishes with parocWal schools to give Church possessing human person and of the same types of subsidies as in the past to cover their'school's overhead. human nature. And it is expertise in the area of In its 1997 document ''The Catholic School on the Threshold ofthe Third human nature is one because ofthis expertise Millennium," the Vatican's .Congregation for Catholic Education said that that is subject to in human nature that the the only way Catholic schools will thrive in the new century is for those different explanations

By Father David Church is often more within dioceses, and not just in parishes, to recognize ''the necessity oftheir and ipterpretations. A A. Pignato patient and understanddevoting special care to education and schools." Catholic schools will not first possible undering with human failings, be able to fulfill their crucial mission for the future of the Church in our standing of this claim but never 'excuses or diocese solely on the backs ofCatholic school parents and the 26 out of97 could be based on the fact that justifies behavior which the is that she is the guardian and diocesan parishes with schools. human person is capable of protector of God's divine the Church has become very . As with the foreign missions, Christ calls every Catholic to participate in familiar with many of the revelation, which includes the overcoming. As an expert in this apostolic task, either by heading to the front lines or by providing spiri- human cultures and customs humanity, the Church never full revelation of the truth about tual and financial support. ceases to call and challenge the throughout the world, due to the the human person. And, it is the human person to the lofty truth Church to whom God has dedicated work of her missionand supernatural destiny of his entrusted the transmission of. aries over the centuries. This OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE or her being. this revelation to the world. familiarity with different DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER As the community of Through God's revelation, cultures has certainly provided Christ's followers, the Church the Church with a greater . the Church knows that man is a Published weekly except for two weeks in July and the week after Christmas by' the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, is the Body of Christ, who is being and a creature with understanding and expertise of MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 - FAX 508-675-7048, E-mail: inherent and inalienable dignity, the perfect man, the model of the human condition. theanchor@anchomews.org. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year. humanity in its perfection. created in the image and A second,possible explanaSend address changes to P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA, call or use E-mail address likeness of God, both corporeal While it is painfully obvious tion of why the Church may be :1.'1cmber: Catholic Press Association. N"w England Press Association. Catholic News Service that no individual member of . and spiritual, immortal, and considered an expert in human PUBLISHER路 BI!lhop George W. Coleman the Church displays this created male 路and female, in EXECUTiVE EDITOR Father Roger J. Landry fatl1arrogerlandry@andlornews.org nature is the fact that it is the EDITOR David B. Jollvet davejollvet@anchornews.org perfection of humanity as Our perfect equality and Church, and more specifically NEWS EDITOR Deacon James N. Dunbar jlmdunbar@anchornews.org Lord did, it remains true that complementarity. her ministers, to whom counti~EflOR'rEr:t Michael Gordon mfltegordon@anchorncws.org The revealed truth about man the Church, as a whole, less souls have turned and O;:r::CE ~JjANt\GEL~ MaryChaso rnarychase@anchornews.org possesses a certain wisdom also includes the truth and the confided with their deepest Send Letters to the Editor to: theanchor@anchomews.org of our ability to reason, that makes her an expert in mystery secrets.

It is the Church and her POSTMASTERS send address changes to The Anchor. P.O. Box 7. Fall River, MA 02722.

THE ANCHOR ruSPS-545..(20) Periodical Postag~ Paid at FaH River, Mass. humanity: our free will, and our wounded ministers who have attempted

,The Church, expert in humanity

Putting Into the Deep

theancho~

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Friday, January 27,2006

Marian Medails video to air on cable

Comfort food Now that the New England as watching highlights ofthe 2004 Patriots are playing golf(it's still World Series. hard to accept that one), and the And thinking back to my days Red Sox are still trying to create in a Catholic grammar school is as and identity for themselves, the much an elixir as comfort food. gridiron has been replaced by The Having recently read scores of Iron Chef; the Devil Rays have submissions in The Anchor s stepped aside for Rachael Ray; the slam offootball helmets gives way to the ''bam'' ofEmeril Lagasse; and thrilling plays are substituted by grilling with Bobby Flay.

To make a short story

By Dave Jolivet long, my TV viewing habits have changed over the past few weeks from ESPN to the Food Network.

Catholic Schools Week essay I think what draws me to the contest, I can see I'm not aloI.le.

In every essay I read, from first Food Network, aside from my love ofall foods that are bad for you, is grade to 12th, the writer expressed that many shows are themed comfort, safety and joy in his or around "comfort foods." her surroundings. ''Merriam-Webster Online These buddingjoumalists left no stoned unturned. They relayed Dictionary" defines comfort foods as ''food prepared in a traditional an honest, simple love and respect style having a usually nostalgic or for principals, teachers, lunch sentimental appeal." It's food that ladies, custodians, and volunteers. brings you back to a time when Each ofyou working in our you just plain felt good.

Catholic schools should know that Music can do that also, as well - you do make a difference in the

My View From the Stands

lives ofour kids. Well done good and faithful servants.

What I find most amazing in these masterpieces is that the students know whatthey haveright now. They don't have to wait until they're adults to appreciate the good old days. They are living and loving them in real time.

Our Catholic school students are munching on comfort foods that will last a lifetime.

I have great memories ofmy Catholic school days, different as they may be from today's version. I loved the nuns back then, and I still do today. I even cherish the memory of, as a second-grader, having to stand in a wastebasket in front ofthe class for five minutes (I was a talker then). I never had to do that again for the next seven years. I learned my lesson well.

The methods have certainly changed, but the results are the same. Catholic schools assist parents in molding intelligent, respectful, faith-filled members of the family ofGod.

FALL RIVER-A video ofthe 2005 Marian Medals Ceremony that took place in December at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall :IVver is airing on several cable. television public access channels in the Fall River diocese.

The schedule is as folld:ws: - Acushnet and Fairhaven, cable channel 95, Jan. 28, ~fln. 29, Feb. 4,5, 11, and 12 at 11lla.m.

- Attleboro, cable channel 15, Jan. 28 and 29 at 4 p.~.

- Fall River, cable channel 95, Jan. 30 at 3:30 p.m., Feb. 1 at 1 p.m., Feb. 3 at 2 p.m., and Feb. 4 at 4:30 p.m.

- Falmouth, cable chan.tieI13, visit the FCTV Website at www.fctv.org for schedulirig dates & times - Lower Cape TV (serving Orleans, Brewster, Eastham, Truro, Wellfleet" and Provincetown), cable charinel17, Feb. 6, 13, and 20 at 11 :30 a.m. and Feb. 9 at 10 p.m. .

- Mashpee, cable ch$eI17, Jan. 30, Feb. 6 and 13 at5 p.m. and Feb. 2, 9 and 16 at 6 p.m.

- New Bedford, cable channel 95, Feb. 1,8, 15 and 22 at 1 p.m.

- North Attleboro,l~ cable channel 15, Jan. 27 at 9 p.m., Jan. 29 at 12 noon, Jan. 30 at 9 p.m.

- Somerset, cable channel 9, Jan. 31 at 3 and 9 p.m..

- Taunton, cable channel 15, ;1

Jan. 31 and Feb. 7 at 8 p.m., Feb. 2 at 5 p.m., and Feb. 2 and 9 at 9:30p.m.

The 2005 Marian Medal Cer- , emony video is available for purchase. Contact the Diocesan Office of Communications at 508-675-0211 for information.

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Many years later I became a This coming week - January students in the school. There are 30 Catholic schools in the Fall religion teacher in a Catholic 29 through February 4 - is Catholic Schools Week, which will school. I did not choose this River diocese that share in this be celebrated across the nation vocation initially. I was studying to same commitment, and it is always be a speech pathologist and had with the theme, "Character. interesting to read the articles and Compassion. Values." Catholic jUst begun the master's program at see the photos in The Anchor schools in our diocese will have DC-Santa Barbara. Traveling newspaper about the many fine home to Santa Barbara after schools in the diocese. special activities planned to Christmas break, I felt deeply celebrate the universal gift of For teachers in a Catholic Catholic education and also to inspired to study theology. school, the choice to teach in a appreciate their own individual Within a week, I had given Catholic setting is most often a school. choice of the heart and of Catholic education faith; a choice made over offers a special gift, and other choices. It is aplace the experience ofCatholic where teachers can school will always be exemplify character, show close to my heart. It is an compassion, and instill experience that began values. when I was a Catholic A Catholic school is a

By Greta MacKoul special place to work and schoolstudent,continued in teaching for many years grow in faith because it is in Catholic schools and is a eucharistic community, a now one that I share with my own notice to my graduate advisors that community offaith and prayer; something that one does not find in children.

I would not be returning to the The special gift that Catholic program. I don't know ifthey the secular workplace. Many are education offers is the knowledge really understood why I was giving willing tb give up other opportuniup such a wonderful opportunity. ties to be part ofthis wonderful and understanding that faith in Jesus Christ is the most important tradition, a tradition that in some At the time I did not know where foundation and that no matter what this path would lead me, but this families crosses many generations. academic path, career or vocation Catholic Schools Week, 2006: change ofdirection in my life led you choose, your faith should be me instead to complete a master's a week to celebrate the gift of the cornerstone. The gift offaith, degree in pastoral studies. faith and excellence in our in union with excellence in Teaching religion in a Catholic Catholic schools with the theme, academic instruction and teaching school and working as a religion • "Character. Compassion. Values." coordinator and DRE turned out to May we be thankful for our in morality, are instrumental in be wonderful experiences. I bishop, for the many pastors and . bringing about character, compassion and values. principals, faculty members, staff, especially loved helping out with When I was seven years old, I the liturgies and teaching the parents and parishioners who all sacraments. I went to work with a began attending a Catholic school take part in supporting our staffed by Dominican nuns. They smile in my heart because I felt Catholic schools, and especially that God was with me. for our students for whom the shared this special gift of faith. I Now I have children ofmy tradition ~ontinues. can still remember vividly their own. Our children have had the Greta MacKoul is the author beauty and their joy, which began opportunity to attend two very fine and illustrator of"The Ocean what would become a lasting schools in the Fall River diocese; Flowers, A Parable ofLove" and impression. And like all Catholic St. Margaret Regional, and St. Pius numerous articles. Greta and her schools, it was a eucharistic X, where they presently attend. In husband George, with their' community, a community offaith both of these schools the faculty, children Maxwell and Marysa, and prayer, where Jesus Christ staff and parents have a strong are members ofChrist the King could be present; the invisible, yet commitment and dedjcation to the Parish in Mashpee. visible presence within the school.

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Friday, January 27,2006

Teaching with authority "The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes."

One thing we all have in common is our exposure to education, some more than others, but most of us have spent large periods of our life being educated. I'm sure that we are all grateful to those teachers that have come into our lives and taught us some aspect of our human fonnation, especially those marvelous souls who taught us our beloved faith. ' Teaching is not an easy task, it takes a great deal of dedication and study. To teach with authority requires a deep knowledge of the subject matter, an enthusiasm for the topic and a love for those being taught. It is not hard to imagine Our Lord as the perfect teacher, with his divine knowledge of his subject matter and his infinite love for

consciences in hannony with it. us, his pupils.

With regard to the teaching Today Our Lord is seen by office of the Church the the people as someone who Second Vatican Council tells teaches with authority. Jesus is us: "This is the one Church of singled out from other teachers Christ which in the Creed is because of this authority. At professed as one, holy, catholic the time of Christ there were and apostolic, which our many qualified teachers: the scribes, the pharisees, the elders, those who sat at the gates of the H~mily of the Week city, those who freFourth Sunday quented the temple porticos. Just as today, of, Oridnary Time many teachers were teaching many things.

By Msgr.

Out of the midst of this Gerar~,P.O'Qonnor: cacophony of teaching emerges one who Savior, after his Resurrection, teaches unlike the others, one commissioned Peter to shepwho teaches with authority. herd, and him and the other Christ changed the world apostles to extend and direct when he uttered the words with authority, which he "You are Peter and on this rock erected for all ages as 'the I will build my Church." He pillar and mainstay of the gave to his Church his very truth'" (Lumen Gentium 8). own teaching authority which allows us in our own times to It is a great comfort in a world where every possible understand the will of God and pennutation of teaching to be able to properly fonn Ouf

regarding faith and morals is available, that as Catholics we can have recourse to Christ's own teaching authority present in his Church. Just as Jesus taught with authority he continues to teach us with the same divine authority through his Church, in the person of our Holy Father and our bishops. Our Lord gave the Church that authority so that we can lead our lives in his love and make the right decisions regarding our path to him.

Throughout history and even in this present age we have seen this authority challenged. Yet the teaching of the successors of St. Peter and the apostles, the pope and the bishops in communion with him, is our sure success in our quest for holiness and the path to heaven. Reasoned faith allows us to see that this teaching authority fonns a consistent whole and is far

from arbitrary. It would then be foolish to think that this teaching authority is merely human and that only certain teachings apply to us.

The Lord Jesus gave the Church the authority to teach his eternal truths so that we may be ready and worthy to accept his grace, on our heavenly journey to the Father's house. As we enter into Catholic Schools Week let us spare a thought for those dedicated people who work in our Catholic school system educating our young people. Let us remember them in prayer this week, that they remain faithful to Christ's life-giving teaching present in his Church in this age of confusion, and that every subject would be taught in view of our life with him.

Msgr. Gerard O'Connor is a priest ofthe Diocese ofFall River currently assigned to the service ofthe Holy See.

A window to heaven We have three indoor cats. I am chuckling just now at the largest one, an orange tabby. She is napping in a window seat in our house while a squirrel raids the birdfeeders only inches beyond her through the clear glass. I chuckle because I know this cat, Blondie by name, would go insane if she knew her nemesis were so close.

Yesterday Blondie was clawing at the same window, yowling and trying desperately to penetrate its transparent, hard nothingness to get at that twitching squirrel tail.

By some fluke oflighting and

we can neither see nor hear from it clearly with our own eyes and ears.

Nevertheless, and also in direct contrast to my cat and the squirrels, God has given us the great gift ofbeing able to affect the activity ofheaven through prayer.

Prayer is multifaceted activity.

At its very essence prayer is the movement ofour soul toward God in response to his blessings. We can adore God through prayer. We can petition God, intercede for others, thank, and praise God. In each ofthese activities, we are asking to share in God's goodness, searching for the corning ofhis kingdom here on earth, hoping for all things to be good. Prayer is the foundation

By Heidi Bratton ofour personal relationship with God and acoustics, the wild creatures therefore the foundation ofour outside this particular window can family's faith life. Personal prayer neither see nor hear through the is not just important; it is vital to clear glass back into our house. the Christian way of life.

Therefore, much to Blondie's Ofcourse, understanding what dismay, none ofthe squirrels that prayer is and actually doing it are frequent our birdfeeders has ever two different things. I have to been affected by her no matter confess that I have sometimes what kind ofruckus she raises. behaved like Blondie is behaving Domestic cat and untamed right now and taken a little catnap squirrel, while living at the same during Mass. And during that time and in nearly the same place, catnap, Christ was present in the exist in two, completely separate, Eucharist right in front ofme. At realities; the indoors and the other times I have prayed diligently outdoors. for specific needs, but felt like my We, too, have a window into prayer went completely unheard. another world, and that world is ' , In fact, I felt pretty much like heaven. However, betWeen the Blondie looked yesterday; like I earth-pound reality in'which we was petitioning, claWing, and live and the divine reality where . yowling out to God and getting our heavenly Father lives, I think absolutely no resPonse. This is the lighting and acoustic tricks are when I have to lean oil faith and , exactly reversed. Although we believe 'that God is hearing ~d know by faith that heaven exists, will answer every prayer even

Home Grown Faith

and

the outdoor squirrels, whose though I'm not seeing any tangible kaleidoscoping through a stained worlds will never coincide, in results. St. Paul tells us in 1 glass window awakens within my some mystical way, love is able to Corinthians 13:12, ''Now we see soul the desire to pray. The smell transcend its natural boundaries but a poor reflection as in a mirror; ofa deep pine forest and hearing and heaven and earth embrace then we shall see face to face. Now my husband really laugh cause the when we pray.

I know in part; then I shall know same.

Bratton is the at-home mother fully, even as I am fully known."

What is it for you? What makes .your soul aware ofour one, true, of./ive and the author and The trick to effective prayer, I photographer of11 Christian think, is to seek out those occaand unseen God and makes you children ~ books. She and her sions that naturally draw our souls yeam to communicate with him? toward God, just like Blondie is Whatever it is, do it as often as you husband, John, make their home drawn to the window each day by are able. Unlike my indoor cat and in Falmouth. the sight ofthose squirrels.

Because we are each unique individuals; these occasions will be different: holding a newborn baby, the smell ofChristmas, saying tht( Please pray for the following rosary, the taste and feel ofan ocean breeze, or the sight ofa priests during the coming weeks child's bedroOm, clean and tidy Jan. 31 when you didn't even tell them to 1901, Rev. Charles 1. Burns, Pastor, St. Mary, North Attleboro do it. Morning sunlight . , 1930, Rev. William F. Sullivan, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset; Rev. Manuel C. Terra, Pastor, St.~~\er, Provincetown Daily Readings \ \ )<eb.l . Jan 28 2Sm12:1-7a,101948, Rev. Msgr. Michael 1. O'Reilly; Pastor, Immaculate Concep17; Ps 51:12-17; tion, T a u n t o n , / / '.' ~ Mk 4:35-41 1968, Rev. Msgr. Patri~k H:RUtlc'y, Y.F. Pastor, St. Joseph, Taunton Jan 29 Dt 18:15-20; Ps 1975, Rev. AnatoleF. Desmarais, Pastor, St. Jacques, Taunton 95:1-2,6-9; 1 Cor 1983, Rev. Msgr. Gerard 1. Chabot. Pastor, St. Theresa of the Child 7:32-35; Mk Jesus, South Attleboro 1:21-28 1995, Rev. William F. O'ColU1ell, Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford Jan 30 2 Sm 15:132004 Rev. ArthurT. deMello, Retired Pastor, St. Elizabeth, Fall River 14,30;16:5-13; Feb. 2 Ps 3:2-7; Mk 5:11907, Most Rev. William Stang, D.D' l First Bishop of Fall River: 20 1904-07 ' " 2 Sm 18:9Jan 31 1913, Rev. Patrick F. McKelU1a, Pastor; Immaculate Conception, 10,14b-24Taunton 25a,30-19:3; Ps 1941, Rev. John L. McNamara, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall 86:1-6; Mk 5:21- .

River .

43 , 1947, Rev. P. Roland Decosse, Pastor, St. Hyacinth, New Bedford Feb 1 2 Sm 24:2,9-17; 1991, Rev. Daniel F. Moriarty, Assistant, St. Brendan, Riverside, R.I: Ps 32:1-~,5-7; Feb. 3 Mk 6:1-6 1952; Rev. Antonio O. Ponte, Pastor, OUf Lady ofAngels, Fall River . Feb 2 Mal 3:1-4; Ps , ,'Feb.4 24:7-10; Heb 1921, Rev. Msgr.

Hugh 1.

SIr1yth, P.R., Pastqr, St. Lawrence,'New 2:14':18; Lk2:22Bedford.

First Vicar General, Fall River, 1904-07,'Administrator ofDio40 or 2:22-32 cese, February-July 1907 Sir47:2-11;Ps. Feb 3 . 2004, Rev. Raymond Graham, S.M.M., St. Peter's, Provincetown 18:31,47,50路51 ; Feb.6 .

Mk 6:14-29 ' 1988, Most Rev. Fre~erick A. Donaghy, M.M, Bishop ofWuchow

In Your Prayers

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Friday, January ·27, 2006 II

God whispers 14 January 2006 - Port-OCall- Centerville Here I stand on the shores of Nantucket Sound, I'm at the Cmigville Conference Center in Centerville. I'm here for ECHO No. 243. ECHO is a retreat for high school students conducted by a volunteer team of laymen and women, with the spiritual support of priests, deacons and religious. There have been many ECHO retreats on Cape Cod 243 - that's a lot. This one happens to be for high school , girls.

Our leader is Ellen Driscoll of Falmouth, assisted by Susie Brown ofCenterville and Alex Smith of Sandwich. Spiritual directo.t:S are Father Bill Pendergast, a Sacred Hearts priest, and Deacon John Simonis ofFalmouth: ' The team mcludes Anne, Ginnetty working with Lauren

Hill atld Megan Medeiros; Judy McManamon and Mary Donovan with Shea Maloney; Christine Perrault with Katie Nelson and Katherine

our way to Cmigville.

There are 15 retreatants with us this weekend: five each of sophomores, juniors, and seniors.'

Most are from Cape Cod (and one from Nantucket!) but this weekend we do have retreatants from Lexington and Groton in Massachusetts, and even from Southington, Conn. and Pelham, N.H. Seems the word on ECHO is getting around. Some of us know each other, but mostly not, so the initial McDonough; husband and wife gathering can be a little awkward. . I notice a sign hanging at the Maryellen and John Loucks with Genny Moore. John joins us door: "There are no strangers for a part of the weekend so that here, only friends who have not he and Maryellen may share the yet met." Soon everyone is well story of their marriage. acquainted. The kids seem to ECHO, the Christian marriage jurnp right in.

The three-day ECHO retreat is talk is always a highlight.

We have spent months ill about the core of faith, the paschal ,preparation. We've pmyed mystery: Christ has died, Christ together, fretted over our assigned has risen, and Christ wilLcome talks, chosen a song to accomagain. Everything said and done pany our talks and finally made on the weekend will flow from

on

Sent into the world The four ev~gelists highlight key moments in the life ofJesus emphasizing the Lord's ability to teach and form the disciples for their own good as well as for the good ofthe whole world. In the Gospel ofMatthew, Chapter 5 we read, '~When he saw the crowds he went up the mountainside and began to teach." (Mt 5: 1-2) What followed were the Beatitudes, the 10 invitations to perfect love.

Centuries earlier Moses, speaking on behalfof God, inscribed the Ten Commandments on stone tablets and presented them to the Ismelite communitytoenflesh.

Jesus, the new Moses and truly God, inscribes on By the human heart the law of his sacred heart, he invites us to live on the other side of sin which is virtue, to grow in holiness, to adopt, as it were, certain'attitudes which would make us imitators ofGod. The first beatitude, "How blest are the poor in spirit: the reign of God is theirs," teaches utter dependence upon God's mercy and providence. We understand "spirit" in the sense of"breath."

Our life must rely on Christ, like our body relies on air. Here Jesus teaches a variety ofhuman attitudes. With this depend~ncy upon God, we who are called to take an active role in renewing the tempoml order will find our strength, joy and coumge to proclaim Christ.· With the 10th Beatitude, Jesus exhorts his disciples, to "rejoice and be glad, for our reward is great in heaven."

It is this joy which is the constant object of our search throughout our journey offaith and the building up the Kingdom ofGod. Jesus invites us to know and experience the very happiness and bliss that God himselfenjoys. He invite's us,

his followers, to be happy in the same way God is happy: by loving.

Vatican IT stated that humanity, working in harmony, should renew the tempoml order and make it increasingly more perfect: such is God's design for the world." (Lay People, No.7) What is meant by the ''temporal order"? The tempoml is the world where we live out our faith, our personal and family values, culture, economic interests, the tmdes and profes-

This Christ-like flavor is needed in the temporal order. Ifnot for salt, things would become insipid, The Greek word for "becoming insipid" actually means ''to become foolish," the Latin for ''tasteless,'' means ''that which no longer knows." Our society and culturel, our political system and media in many ways have become insipid regarding fundamental truths. A contempomry example of the laity being "salt and light" 'to a growingly insipid society is that of the abortion.

Twenty years ago this , week I began to participate in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. I was one ofa very few college age students who joined in this visible proclamation for life. At that young age, I was impressed with the faithfulness and dedication of the older genemtion witnessing to life.

However, I did wonder where my peers we~ and questioned if the light shtxfby this march would eventually fade away and burn out.

Over the years I have watched this march and the Pro-Life movement be salted with the enthusiasm of the young. The torch has been passed .from one genemtion to the next. Our youth and young adults, abortion swvivors themselves, have lit a blaze which burns brightly on behalf of the unborn.

Like salt the younger genemtion, as well as the dedicated older faithful, has kept society from growing insipid to the ways of truth and life, oeauty and goodness. Thank you, dear young people, for preserving our society and culture from the lies that ultimately hurt women and their unborn children. .

this mystery and return to it.

Delving into the paschal mystery is intensive spiritual work. It is also very, verY joyful.

There will be talk aft~r talk about how the paschal mystery relates directly to our lives in so many different ways. Once we come to realize that we are among friends, we may choose tP share with each other some of our own particular faith journey. Iishare some of mine. My talk is lithe theme of the weekend, the paschal mystery. It comd soon after the retreatants arriv~, so they are still a bit unsettled and not yet ready to listen deeply. I don't worry one bit. There is really no great need to explain the paschal mystery - just to realize you are already living it.

As a priest~,I enjoy these ECHO weekends. Sometimes in a parish, you may sow the seed but not see the results. Spiri~l . growth can take time, On ~ ECHO, the results are ~ediate.

I relish celebmting'Mass with such an enthusiastic assembly, hearing 4eart-felt confessions, and pmying peac~fully together before the Blessed Sacmment. Sitting at the "head table" in the back of the room, I can see everyone. ] watch as the Holy Spirit fmds just the right moment to whisper wprds of . gmce to one individual, anci then to another. :1 You just never know what is going to bean instrument of gmce. For some, it is a COmlnent made in one of the talks. ForIi' 0

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others, it might be an experience ofspontaneous pmyer, or a rosebud slowly opening, or a note from a friend or family member, or a song. It might be the celebmtion of the Eucharist or the sacmment of penance, or maybe a counseling session. Someone might even hear God whisper something to them in a bouquet of . balloons. On an ECHO, expect the unexpected.

A few days after the ECHO, there's an E-mail from a young woman: "Thank all ofyou so much for the wonderful experience of .

ECHO. You opened my heart to a new and brighter life. I feel more love than ever before and will do all in my power to give that love back, and to share it with others. I wish everyone could experience ECHO. If they did, they would truly have Christ in their everyday life. Fifteen young lives were changed last weekend and that's huge. Amazing! I pmy every day, and I'm going to start going 'to church EVERY Sunday. There are not enough words to express my gmtitude, but I will show it through my actions. Actions, they say, speak louder than words."

It's a God whisper arriving in my E-mail box. But that's God for you - always full of surprises.

Father Goldrick is pastor of SL BernardParish, Assonet..

Comments are welcome at StBernardAssonet@aoLcom.

Previous columns are at www.StBernardAssonet.org.

1"'----------.. . -:::_::"'--,...

Lay co-workers in the vineyard Lisa M. Gulino sions, institutions of the political community, and international relations. It is the role ofthe laity to britig Christ into these moments, these realities.

Immediately following the Beatitudes, Jesus declared, "You are the salt ofthe earth. But what if salt goes flat? How can you restore its flavor? You are the light ofthe world. Men do not light a lamp then put it under'a bushel basket.

They set it on a stand where it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, your light must shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give pmise to your heavenly Father" (Mt 5: 13-16). .

As Catholics, we are not only to be virtuous, but are to be the salt of the earth. That'is to say, we are to mise the level of the flavor of every humail activity and to transform it. We bring to the world these God-like attitudes, and season all our words, actions, work and thoughts with joy and devotion.

Lisa Gulino is director ofthe diocesan Adult Education Office.

SOME SPIRIT-FILLED retreatants ofthe ECHO 243, held recently in Centerville. ':1

St. Anne's Prayer , ·"Good St. Anne, Mother of Mary, and .

Grandmother of Jesus, Intercede for me and my petitlons. Amen."

I

In honor of Sister Lucia dos Santos, II

seer of Fatima, who died 2005, age 97.

February Luci~ pray for us.

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Friday, January 27,2006

anch~ Essay Contest Winner

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Grade One

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(Co-winner)

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Holy Name School is special because Jesus is walking with us through the entire school. It is special to learn about Jesus. He loves us because we are his children.

Aubrey Correiro, Holy Name School, Fall River

anch~ Essay Contest Winner Grade.Two

:

anch~ Essay Contest Winner

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.(;rade One

:

(Co-winner)

I Holy Name School is special because you can learn your I ABC's and l23's and all about God's love. You can almost see I the angels.

I Michael Leboeu, Holy Name School, Fall River

~ Essay ,Contest Winner

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What I like about my Catholic school St. James-St. John. All the people that work at the school are very nice. We all learn and play together as one big family. The teachers are great. They teach us how to read and write and how to care for one another. We have rules we need to follow, but they are good rules. We get to have fun parties for special holidays. We have our regular classes plus we get to have art with Mrs. Wilson, music with Mrs. Worden and computer with Mrs. Mulcare. We are very busy: We also have buddies that come to read and help us once a week. We get to do fun projects with our eighth-grade buddies. Our buddy also watch over us and take care of us. It's a nice feeling. Our Principal Mr. Borges is the greatest. He is always there for us. He treats everyone the same. He knows everyone by their first name. He even takes time to play sports with us during recess. I really like that. Mr. Borges also teaches us to respec,t one another and be kind and leads the whole school in prayer everyday. We pray, sing and learn all about God and how important God is.

Amelia DeMelo St. James-St. John School New Bedford

BISHOP

FEEHAN

HIGH SCHOOL

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Grade Three

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My Catholic school makes me feel like we are one together. We respect everyone and care for the kids, teachers and principal. One ofthe great things is that we love and we are nice. I mean your kids need a nice school and a loving school. I know you want your kids to be happy. My Catholic school would make sure your kids are safe. The students help care and so do the teachers. One of the best things is you pray together and leam about·our savior Jesus Christ. We are honest, trusting and compassionate and what I am really saying is that a Catholic school is my life and it could be yours. I am proud ofmy school. It makes me feel like I am part ofsomething. Some kids don't like school but at our school it will be like a new beginning of fun, learning, loving andjust everything. What I love is going to church and what do you know we go to church and learn about Jesus. We love God so we want to learn about him. That is why we got to church and also have religion classes to leam more! We are blessed to go to our school and you could too.

I love my school, the kids love our school, and you would too!

Cady Arruda , Holy Trinity School Fall River

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Our Lady of Lourdes School

CatholicSchoob Character. Compassion. Values.

The four Catholic schools of Taunton, each a unique, individual entity join with our nation's 7,800 other Catholic schools to share enthusiasm, values and Catholic faith.

We believe in each student's potential to learn, to grow in virtue and wisdom, to become valued and outstanding members of their Church, ~ommunity and nation. Catholic schools nurture faith in our students and families, belief in God and a deeply rooted commitment to Him. We are communities of faith where you can gain strength when you are weak: and give strength when you are strong. Catholic schools give parents a place to educate their children and let them feel the joy of celebrating sacred times with other people of faith. Catholic schools are a place to study the sacred tenets of our faith and learn from teachers who share a deepened sense of their own connection to the wisdom of God.

''Out of our hands are formed the children of God."

52 First Street Taunton, MA 02780 Tel: 508-822-3746 Fax: 508-822-1450 E-mail: olol@tmlp.com St. Mary's Primary School ''Challenging and quality education within the framework of a caring, safe and Christ-centered learning environment."

106 WaShington Street Taunton, MA 02780 Tel: 508-822-9480 Fax: 508-822-7164 www.saintmarystaunton.com E-mail: bcote@saintmarystaunton.com Taunton Catholic Middle Scbool ''Teaching Gospel values today, for tomorrow."

61 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 Tel: 508-822-0491 Fax: 508-824-0469 www.catholicmiddle.com E-mail: tcms@catholicmiddle.com Coyle and Cassidy High Scbool ''Enter to learn, learn to serve."

2 Hamilton Street Taunton, MA 02780 Tel: 508-823-6164 Fax: 508-823-2530 www.coylecassidy.com

'the ancholS>

110 Catholic Schools.

Friday, January 27, 2006

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Friday, January'D, 2006

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The Diocese of Fall River Catholic School Family St. Michael 209 Essex St. Fall Rivel: O21W 508-678-0266

Espirito Santo 143 Everett St. Fall River 02123 508-672-2229

St Francis Xavier 223 MainSl Acushnet 02743 508-995-4313

Holy Family-Holy Name 91 SUIIlII1er Sl NewBedfotd 02740 508-993-3547

Enrollment: 266 students

Enrollment: 157 students

Enrollment: 256 students

Enrollment: 200 students

Thition: K-8 $2,900; call for Pre-School figures

Thition: Parishioners $2,225; non $2.300; Pre-K and Pre-school $3,500 Mary Bolton, Principal: A Catholic scbooI educalion helps families maintain high moral values and slrengthens faith in a society that is becoming increasingly secular.

Thitioo: Parishioners $2,100; non $2.400

Thition: PreschoollK $3.200; 1-8 $2.800

Tuition: Pre-K& K $2,900; 1-8 $2,700

Sister Mane Baldi. SUSC, Principal: Our students receive a full academic eduction steeped in our faith, values and traditions.

Cecilia M. Felix. Prineipal: Catholic schools help students build strong foundations made of solid academics and enduring truths of Gospel values.

Daphne Couto, Principal: A Catholic school is the safest and IIlOSt effective place a child could learn and grow.

SS. Peter & Paul 240 Dover St. Fall River 02721 508-672-7258

Holy Name 850 Pearce St. Fall River 02720 508-674-9131

St. John the Evangelist 13 Hodges St. Attleboro 02703 508-222-5062

Our Lady of Mt. canJlel 103 Crapo St. New Bedford 02744 508-997-9612

Enrollment: 260 students

Enrollment: 231

Enrollment: 194 students

Enrollment: 130 students

Tuition: $3,000

Tuition: Parishioners $2,550; non $2850

Tuition: K-g $2,600; Call for Pre-School figures

Thition: K-8 $2,400; Call for Pre-K figures

Sister Mary Jane Holden, c.P.. Principal: Our role, in collaboration with parents. is to foster moral development in an atmosphere of Olristian love and respect.

Dr. Patricia M. Wardell, Principal: A Catholic school offers parents a safe, secure, peaceful, and nurturing environment for their children.

Kathleen A. Burt. Principal: Our mission is to belp students learn to embrace their faith and put it into action to make their world a better place.

Magdalen Cl!ianese. Principal: We have the abilit}' to stress the importance Of diScipline. responsibil. it}' and regard for 0lIT fellow people.

St. Stanislaus

Holy Trinit}' 64 Lamphor 51.

Fall River 02721 508-673-6TI2

Bishop Feehan H.S. 70 Halcott Dr. Attleboro 02703 508-226-6223

2006

5t.Mary li5 Dlinois St. New Bedford 02745 508-995-3696

Enrollment: 211 students

Donald A. Pelletier. Prineip<l.l: We strive to develop God's gifts in our students and facult}'. working in cooperation and mutual respect, with compassion.

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St.Antbony 190 Ashley Blvd.

New Bedford 02746 . .,508-994-5121 ' . ";'

37 Rockland SL Fall River 02724 508-674-6TII

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SI. Pius X 5 Barbara St. South Yarmouth 02664 508-398-6112

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Holy Trinity Regional 245 Main St. West Harwich 02671 508-432-8216

Enrolhncllt; 230

Enrollment: tOO

Enrollment: 197 students

Enrollment: 150 students

Enrollment: 140 students

Thition: $2,700

Thition: $2,500

Thition: $1.850

Tuition: Pre-K $2,200; K-6 $3,700

Tuition: $3,300

ChristopherSeNant, In a world out for moral auidance ~ dlrt:otion; a Oif.boUe education offeR discipl.il)«. Slnll:~ - ' Y·ll1ues.

Emma Hipolito, Principal: ACatholic education gives the student a strong foundation in the Catholic religion and a munded education based in faith and academics.

Jean WIllis, Principal: We stand for human dignit}'. teaching our students to apply Gospel values to the world around them.

Patricia Marmen, Principal: Our school is a learning-centered environment steeped in Catholic-based education, with smiling, happy. inquisitive students.

Linda Matlson, Principal: A Catholic school gives the uuique opportunity for teachers and administrators to nurture educational and spiritual growth.

St. Margaret Regional 143 MainSl Buzzards Bay 02532 508-759-2213

Notre Dame de Lourdes 34 St. Joseph SI. Fall River 02123 508-672-5461

Tuition: $6.950

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Bishop Connolly H.S. 373 E1sbree St. Fall River 02720 508-676-1071

St. James-St. John 180 Orchard 51.

New Bedford 02740 508-996-0534

51. Francis Xavier Preparatory 33 Cross St. Hyannis 02601 508-771-7200

Enrollment: 242slU4ents .

Enrollment: 149 students

Enrollment: 389 students

Enrollment: 260

BDroJJment: 240 students

Thition: $2,'900;

Thition.: Pre-K $3,000; K-8 $2,700

Thition: $6,425

Tuition: $2,550

Tuition: $4.500

Mary Ann LaFleur, Principal: Catholic education provides a nlltllJring. respectful, disciplined family atmosphere, with Jesus as a model.

E. Christopher Myron, Principal: Catholic education is relevant in our world because to seek the truth is to seek the face of Christ in the world.

PlIul Calticr, PlincipaI: OUr slUdents have a gre;Er seme ofwMtbcy aresndOOw tbcy are aDItdfd lDeldldbeI:

Edmund Borges. Principal: Our belief in the dipit}' anduniquenessOfeacb stu.dentcreatesllll~ wbenl they can fully achieveOQd's pw:pose~lbetn.

Robert H. Deburro. Headmaster: Our Catholic sdlool's mission is lOOted in the Gospels of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Robert P. Morissette. President;

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St. Joseph 100 Spring Sl Fairhaven 02719 508-996-1983

St. Anne 2110 Forest St. Fall River 02721 508-678-2152

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Bishop Stang H.S. 500 Slocum Rd. North Dartmouth 02747 508-996-5602

330 Pratt Sf. Mansfield 02048 508-339-4800

Enrollment: 182 students

Enrollment: 292 students

Thition: K-8 Parishioners $2,550; non $2,650. Call for Pre-School figures Dorothea Coderre. Principal: We provide a learning experience that challenges students to develop a personal re\ationshi with God.

Thition: $2,750

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1\lition: Pre-K $2.340; K 2,000; 1~8 $2..200

Thition: $6.500

Felipe M. Felipe, Principal: Our Catholic schools have the right fonnula in which our students continue to develop and grow spiritually and academically.

.Jo8IIM N. JtIIe.y, Principal' We enablri_eIII(lO'WIIlt c~ to cllcel in all aapeets of dleir ecllIcalion llIld"el if MIlt, and cberish all OfG04's Clt Illioo.

"'GagnoD, MlciplI: 'l1IIoujI1ourIovetJrQJt:lsl, and ~ to IluildioB a lIlrong CeIbolic !lJllIl'Il, .

Theresa B. Douga.ll, Presi<lent: Catholic schools llfOVide the most ,thoto!lgh means Qf lratlSmitting !be truth of our faith to young people,

Enrollment: 810 students

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Education

Continued from page one

principal.

Having the perspective as a teacher and administrator in the public sector for 34 years, he has gained considerable insight about the importance and value of Calholic school education and its role in the modern world "Our students have a greater sense of who they are and how they are connected to each other and the school. I believe the classroom lessons ofcommitment, communication and connectedness have a hWIlllllizing effect ... and provide stodents with a viable touchstone that enables them to discern, to make sound, moral decisions, and to assume the mantle ofleadership in whatever they choose to do."

The January 29 through February 4 celebration is ainted at emphasizing the intellectual, spiritual, moral. physical and social values offered students in Catholic schools that go beyond preparation for a secular life and sets them on a sound and steady course for a full Christian life.

A joint project of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the United StatesConference ofCath<>lic Bishops to showcase Calholic schools since 1974, this year's School Weeks' theme is "Catholic Schools: Character. Compassion. Values."

Also during the week National Appreciation for Catholic Schools is celebrated February 1; with special honor given the parish family on January 29; the community on January 30; stodents on January 31, vocations on February 2, and faculty, staff and volunteers on February 3.

Schools also set aside time during the week to honor grandparents.

For North Attleboro's St Mary-Sacred Heart School Principal Denise Peixoto, the vital message is "that we strive to create responsible, moral, caring adults out ofour stodents if we want a future that will be conducive to the continuance of family life and the spread of Christianity." Catholic education, she said, is one of the most powerful tools we have to accomplish this.

"Catholic education allows us to use the teachings ofJesus and the Catholic Chun:h in our daily encounters with our students so we can help them become adults who will make the rightchoices for themselves and the people around them" At a time when materialism is referred to as the Trojan Horse in the City of God, Daphne Couto, principal of St Mary's School in New Bedford, says such materialistic ideals "are detrimental to our children and schools. The Cath0lic school fosters the essential elements that include compassion, building a strong moral character and learning to develop proper values. To this end I believe a Catholic school is the safest and most effective places a child could learn and grow."

She added, "The sacrifice made by parents in the long run, will be an investment not only in their children, but for the future."

Linda Mattson, principal of Holy Trinity School in West Harwich, says "the feeling of peace is always present" there, where the goal is "an environment where stodents may flourish and develop into well rounded, spiritual young men and women ... where a1wnni return to discuss their successes with their principals and teachers. That is what my Catholic school means to me."

In providing an innovative academic curriculum and diverse scholastic programs our mission is to help our students learn to embrace theirfaith and put it into action to make their world a better place, says Kathleen A Burt, principal at SS. Petec and Paul School in Fall River. '"Their Catholic education gives our young people the strong academic and spiritual foundation they need to meet the unique challenges their futures hold" For New Bedford's Holy Family-Holy Name School Principal Cecilia M. Felix, the relevance of a Catholic education todayis because "itheIps stodents build a strong foundation ofsolid academics and enduring truth ofOospel values. A house built on a weak foundation cannot stand In a Catholic school our children not only Ieam about the life giving and affirmative values ofJesus, but also are nurtured in and encouraged to live them. This foundation enables each stodent to deveInp into a person of faith with an informed conscience '" allowing them 10 live a rich and fulfilling life."

E. Christopher Myron, principal at Notre Dame de Lourdes School in Fall River, summed up the relevance of a Catholic education: "The goal of education is to help the individnal come 10 a greater understanding of themselves and the world they live in, in order to understand the truth. Calholic education is more relevant in our world today because to

seek the truth is to seek the face of God in the world that God has created" Sister Mary Jane Holden, CP, principal of St John the Evangelist School in Attleboro, said, "As a faith community we are challenged to live in word and deed the Gospel message and integrate effectively faith and learning. Our role, in collaboration with parents, is to foster moral development and spiritual and educational growth in an atmosphere of Christian love and respect" In a world that cries out for moral guidance and direction, a Catholic education offers discipline, structure, 0pportunity, equality, care and values, said Christopher E. Servant, principal of Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro.

"A Catholic school is the 21st-<:entury family whose rnetnhers are committed to common goals; actualizing human p0tential, living lives of integrity, serving l!loo needy and treating others with fairness and justice," he added.

A good Calholic education rooted in the Gospel message where stoden!s' daily faith can be the foundation to living a moral just life is needed in today's society where drugs, increased gang violence, sexual activity among teens and lack of respect for authority had placed their lives in bnmoiI, said Fall River's St Anne's School Principal Felipe M. Felipe.

"Today, more than ever, the Chun:h needs to channel its Christian Doctrine through its Catholic schools, which have the right formula in which our stodents will continue to develop and grow spiritually and academically to live good Christian lives, recognize their gifts and share with their colleagues in the hope of making this a benerworld for all," he told The Anchor.

Living in strange times when technology means we don't have faces of voices of those we're talking with, our children need to have a sense they belong to

something wonderful that they get only through their connection to Jesus himself, says Brenda Gagnon, principal at New Bedford's St Joseph-St Therese School. '''This is where our part as Catholic educators comes in.

Throogh our love for Christ and commitment to a strong Catholic future, we spend our days providing our students with the formation they need" Dr. Patricia Wardell, principal at Holy Name School in Fall River, maintains, 'The curriculum iD the Catholic schools is second to Done either private or public. A Catholic school offers parents a safe, secure, peaceful and nurturing environment in which their children will be challenged intellectually, offered the opportunity to gain knowledge and awareness of God's presence in the world, while fostering growth as faithful stewards and disciples of our Lord, Jesus Christ" In answering the question why Catholic education is more relevant than ever, Theresa E. Dougall, president. Bishop Stang High School, said, "God has been removed from stodent's education in the public school setting, and society, in many ways, advocates a way of life contrary-to the Gospel message. The teachings of Jesus Christ and his Chun:h must be made known. Catholic schools provide the most thorough means of transmitting the truth of our faith to our young people and through them, to our society at large."

Open House St. Stanislaus School Preschool - Grade 8 Thursday, February 2, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

37 Rockland Street, Fall River, Massachusetts 508-674-6771

www.saintShmislaus.com A Treasured Past - A Vibrant Present - A Faith-filled Future

Friday, January 27, 2006

Letters to the !,Editor HEALING MASSES

Fatima Church. Attendees may , bring two items for appraisal by ATTLEBORO - Mass will be Frank McNamee,' owner of the celebrated by Father Andre Marion Antique Shop. For more inPatenaude Sunday at 2 p.m. at the formation call 508-763-4294.

National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. A healing service will folFALL RIVER - The Catholic low. It will include the opportunity television program "Good News to be prayed over individually. For For Life," sponsored by the Commore information call 508-222- munications Department ofthe diO5410. cese, will present Part 31 of the "Christians Ask" series, "How BREWSTER - Mass will be Does Mass Affect Our Everyday celebrated by La Salette Father Life?" February 1 at 9:30 p.m. on Richard Lavoie February 1 at 7 the Portuguese channel. ' p.m. at 'Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road. A RETREATS healing service will follow. For more information call 508-385-3252.

MASHPEE - "Time Out: A Couples Retreat," will be held FebMISCELLANEOUS ruary 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Brain Center, 33 Sea Nest FALL RIVER - Saint Anne's Drive. For more information call Hospital seeks volunteers for sev- Peggy Patenaude at 508-548eral areas and programs includ- 9149. ing patient information, the gift shop and emergency department.

SUPPORT GROUPS Positions are available for adults and, teens. Training and orientaNORTH DARTMOUTH-The tion will be provided. For more in- Dioces;:ln Divorced:'Separated formation call 508-674-5600 ext. Support Group will meet January 2080.

30 from 7-9 p.m. at the Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road. For NEWBEDFORD-'-A local ver- more information call Bob Menard sion ofthe Antiques Roadshow will at 508-673-2997. It will include a be held tomorrow from 1-4 p.m. at ,video byAndy Morgan entitled "Rethe parish center of Our Lady of lationships.n

Once again, you come down on the side of secrecy and non-accountability for our institutional Church.

How many are there out there who have embezzled from their parish collections? How many pedophile priests have had their crimes hidden from our eyes by secret settlements?

How much real estate do the bishops and dioceses actually own?

Ifyou shoot down S. 1074 as you are attempting to do, we will never know. We have a right to 'know. Most parishioners don't even know how much is collected each week and where that goes.

You want separation ofchurch and state, but you, more than any other priest that I have ever known, want to overturillegal precedents and rewrite the laws of out country. Some separation, huh? '

Ed Scahill Mashpee Thanks again for an outstanding editorial "The assault against conscience and religious freedom."

This is indeed another slippery slope, which will lead inexorably to the end of our democratic system of government. When the state violates the conscience of an individual by demanding compliance with an unjust law, it erodes our religious freedom to the point of nonexistence. This law marks the beginning of the end for democracy in this country unless the courts intervene and declare it unconstitutional as soon as possible.

Your editorial "Tearing down a false wall" in the J~nuary 6 edition was so right on the money! Too bad it was in such small print. Too bad it couldn't be posted in screaming headlines on every street corner in the country.

Also, ,~'Making Sense Out of Bioethics" was particul~rly informative - as usual.

And of course, "My View From the Stands" was as itlsightful and enjoyable as ever.• Thank you for including them with all the other title Anchor articles. I look forward to more of the same.

Bill Bayley East Falmouth This ~ote is' to express my appreciation for the, significant improvemeqt in the content of The Anchor under the new manageI' ment.' , The more profound editorials and the expanded participation of diocesan priests' columns, and the variety of subjects have added interest for me. Since Pope John Paul advised the bishbps of Asia not to be discouraged because Opr Lord· started the Church with only the Twelve Apostles, I have an especial interest in the eNS news items of the progress of the Church there. ' May 'almighty God continue to help you in 200 ,6 with his ble.ssings and good health.'

1

Lucila Roche North Falmouth

Robert V~ Tessier South Dartmouth

Letters are w,elcome but the editor reserves the right tp condense or edit for clarity if deemed necessary. Letters should be typed, no longer than 100 words and should include name, address, and telephone number. Letters do not necessarily reflecfthe editorial views of The Anchor.

Letters should be sent to: Th~Anchor, Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA02722-o007.

Narne School.

Fall River,MA

Pre-Kinder~arten -

Grade 8 "I

ALL ARE WELCOME A school community with an unbelievable combination of faith and academics.

COME AND SEE WHAT MAKES ST. JOHN'S SPECIAL

Holy Name School, as an integral part ofthe Holy Name,parish community, fosters an environment ofacademic excellefzce in which students and their families may become "FAITHFUL TO HIS HOLY NAME. " The school promotes Catholic va{ues in a safe healthy' environment that recognizes stud~nt achievement, encourages active learning, stimulates curiosity and II develops critical thinking.

OPENHOUSE Sunday, January 29, 2006 2PM

ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST SCHOOL 13 Hodges Street Attleboro, MA 02703 508-222-5062 www.sje-school.com Applications available on-line

-'w

550 PEARCE STREET • FALL RIVER, MA 02720 PH01\E: 508-674-9131 • FAX: 508-679-0571 WEB SITE: WWW.HOLYNI\MHR.COM

EMAIL: INFO@HOLYNAMEFR.COM

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114

Friday, January 27,2006

anch~ ES,say Contest Winner Grade Four

~+

Hi! I'm Chelsey. I go to St. Michael School and I'm in the fourth grade.

Tqday, I'm going to tell you the top ten reasons why I love my Catholic school.

The lOth reason why I love my Catholic school is that we have hot and coldJunches. They are good for the parents because this way they don't have to make us lunch everyday.

The ninth reason why I love my Catholic school is computer and library.

Cemputer and library is fun. It's also educational because we,learn how to use the computer and we get to read new books.

The eighth reason I love my Catholic school is we have art, music and more. The thing that is fun about my school is th~twe have art, music and specials. Specials is when we have the choice ofinside games, outside g~es or movies. This happens every Friday. We also have dress down day. That's when we don't have to wear our uniform.

The seventh reason why I love my Catholic school is that we have after school activities. After school we can have fun and learn new things. There's knitting club, Futsol (indoor soccer), Portuguese club, flag twirling and student council. I go to knitting club and Portuguese club.

My number six reason why I love my school is that I have good friends. In my school the one thing ,that can rea~y cheer you up is your friends. They make you happy and they make you laugh. Especially when you're sad.

Number five on my list is we have good teachers. The teachers are nic~ in my school. That's a good thing, because they make school fun and they will talk to you ifyou don't understand what you're doing. Example: math work.

The fourth reason why I love my school is that our principal, Sister Marie, is really nice. She runs the school. She is also fun. She has lots of ideas to make the school both fun and educational. .

Now I'll tell you the third reason, \yhi~~ is about our priests. Father Scott and Father Cardoza. When we go to Mass, usually Father Scott says the Mass, but once in a while Father Cardoza will say it. They teach us things too (like about Jesus and God).

Number two on my list is that Catholics get to leam about God. We do .religion in my school. We learn about the life Jesus lived. Also, this way we don't have to go to c.c.n. We couldjust go to school. .

Now, the number one reason why I love my Catholic school is that we have a great education! The thing about a great education is we learn things, we get smart and we get accepted into college. .Well, those are the top ten reasons why I love my Catholic school! .

Chelsey Howard St. Michael's School, Fall River

anch~. Essay Contest Winner Gra'de Five

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The thing I like most about my Catholic school is the freedom to talk about God. I mean just imagine in a public school! You would be in big trouble just if you said, "God or Mary, Mother of God or Jesus," and those are the most important words in the world to me! Now imagine talking about Jesus anywhere you like! And you can talk to'yoqr friends about him too! And they would not be like "I'm telling that you talked about God." But at school they would join your conversation and like it.

How wonderful is it that in every class from Spanish to art to gym we talk . about Jesus. We get to have Advent candles! We are not allowed to light them for safety reasons, but we get to dedicate a lot ofthings to Jesus. We also get to go to M.ass every Friday and that is very important to me too.

The other thing I like about my Catholic school is the people, because everyone is nice. In public. schools people have fights and bullies and some people say and do inappropriate things in sch~ol! I've been in a . public school before and I could never hear the teacher because people were always talking. And don't get me wrong I think some public schools are nice, but if I could go back in time I would go to a Catholic school.

Leticia Malta St. Pius X School, South Yarmouth

anch~ Essay Co~test Win...er Grade Six

~+

What I love best about my Catholic School is that so many people inspire me: My friends, teachers an~ principal are a huge part ofmy education.

Without such great teachers, I would not be encouraged to do my best or to want to learn what I need to know for my future. Each teacher has inspired me in a different, but important way.

Without my friends, I would not be who I am today. My friends at Holy Trinity h~ve helped me achieve many goals that I would never imagine to be possible without them. I have been going to school with most ofmy friends since we were five years old and in kindergarten.

Religion class teaches each ofus to know how to live the way Jes~ would, and you can see it in many people at Holy Trinity. .

Without my principal, I would not be getting such a great educatiol}. My principal, who is also my teacher, has taught me very important lessons that I will need in my future. She has taught religion to me and my class for the past year. She has taught me about my religion and how to act more nicely and be a better person to my friends and family. She has also taught me to live the way Jesus would want me to behave, by being a great role model for me and all my friends. By watChing her, I can be a better person and act more like Jesus every day.

Without any ofthese people, my education would not be as important as it is to me today. My teachers, friends and principal have helped me achieve more than I have ever imagined. This is why I love Holy Trinity Regional School so much.

Faith Farrenkopf Holy Trinity Regional School, West Harwich

a~ Essay Contest Winner Grade Seven

, ~+

At St. Mary's ~chool we are planted in our early years as seeds to grow and flourish in rich soil full ofa Catholic education, friends, andcdiversity. Being raised in a Catholic environment enriches the body, mind, and soul. We are able to fully experience love, compassion, faith, trust, sadness and joy. As a community we never feel alone b~cause we know and believe that Jesus is always nearus. As we begin to germinate, we reach to follow God and Jesus; our roots are our faith and our faith clings to the soil to stabilize us.

Our stem is our Catholic education. In St. Mary's we grow to believe that God is our heavenly Fatherand our creator. We grow to learn and believe.that Jesus suffered, died, then rose again to free all men, women and children from sin and death. Being a young plant in St. Mary's School we are able to ' attend Mass and hold prayer services that enable us to fully experience a one, holy, Catholic and apostolic background in our lives. This enriches the soil adding water and nutrients so that we may become strong; this is a ~ymbol of our faith; this is how we become holy and apostolic.

Our first leafgrows with the help offriends.

We are all brothers and sisters. In St. Mary's School I always feel as if! am surrounded by a very supportive fiunily. Here you feel as ifyou have somebody right next to you who has your back. Ifsomeone is in pain, or ifthey are overjoyed you feel the same. This is how you show love and compassion.

Our second leafbranches with diversity. We are all citizens ofthe world it does not matter what race, color, type offamily that we come from, or our culture, because we are all united by 9ur faith and trust in God. At St. Mary's we are uniformed to resemble this. We are all equal and no one is allowed to wear better dress than his or her brother or sister. We grow to believe that Jesus loves all people, and we should be happy with who w~ are and how God has planned our lives; this is our trust.

We blossom into a flower providing nectar which feeds other insects, this nectar becomes Christian values that are used to nourish others. Pollen is passed by insects who drink the nectar; the pollen becomes our faith. In St. Mary's School we are taught thatwe should spread our faith to others around us. This enables others to grow and blossom as followers and believers in Christ the King who died to save all pe.ople. This is why I love St. Mary's School!

Melissa Cieto St. Mary's School, New Bedford

.I

the ancholS)

Friday, January 27, 2006

Parish givi~g goes electronic WASHINGTON (CNS) - As Americans move increasingly to an electronic economy, Catholic parishes are finding that many of their members prefer making their regular parish offerings by credit card or electronic cash transfer.

W. Brian Walsh, founder and' president of Faith Direct, said that typically about one-fifth ofenvelope holders sign up for electronic giving within the first year after a parish offers that option.

FaithDirect,basedinAlexandria, Va., is one ofseveral U.S. firms that help churchgoers do a better job of stewardship by committing themselves to an automatic monthly bank. account deduction or credit card charge for support oftheir church. ''Most people are accustomed to monthly charges" for financial transactions ranging from mortgages and carpayments to utility bills and credit card bills, Walsh said.

Walsh is so certain parishes will see a substantial increase in income,

Challenge being taught. They also were concerned that organizations such as Planned Parenthood were being considered as resource groups to provide informational input.

Massachusetts Citizens for Life,

anchob

he guarantees a refund ofhis service fee ifthe parish does not show an offertoI)' increase that exceeds the fee.

In a telephoQe intetview he told Catholic News Service that in parishes which have had the Faith Direct program for the past year the increaseingivingamongthosewho .enroll in the program has been 30 percent, and that has meant an average increase inoverall parish income ofeight percent It allows parishioners to plan their giving with "a greater sense ofreflection" and provides their parishes with ''more resources to operate their programs," he said.

"I think it's a great idea," said Villanova Universityeconomics professor Charles E. Zech when he was asked about electronic giving. . Zech, who specializes in research on the economics of religious organizations and has written several books onchurch giving patterns, said his research shows that "37 percent of regular Mass-attending Catholics

base their contribution each week on what is intheircheckbook that week" ''Being a good steward is bard," he said.

"Getting people to commit up front"througharegularautornatically deducted amountthroughoutthe year helps them give whatthey reailywant to give butoften fail to reach ''because they lack discipline," he said.

Zech said he serves as a consultant to ParishPay, a New York-based firm that offers a similar program to Catholicparishes. ''I'mexcited about it. It's the way to go," he said.

At a recent meeting in Providence, R.I., Walsh gave a presentation on the Faith Direct program to more than 150. clergy and lay leaders from more than 60 parishes across the Providence diocese. ''Faith Direct serves as the complete back office for the parish, so thatparish staffdoes not have to face additional work through this process," he said.

In addition to a monthly elec-

Essay Contest Winner Grade Eight

~+

What makes a school a place where scholars like myself can go and know that we are receiving the best possible education from people who truly care? Is it the dedicated staff? Technological advances? The promotion of interaction during class discussions? The numerous enrichment courses? Or is it the morals and values we are learning to help mold us into responsible yo~g adults?

At Holy Family-Holy Name School, it is all of these characteristics, plus many more, that make this school a second home to its students.

At Holy Family-Holy Name, there is a strong connection between the educators and us learners. Students know they can seek the teachers for advice, whether academically or personally related. Teachers use all possible resources to help us view education in different formats.

With such open class discussions about different perspectives, it is hard for someone to give a "wrong" answer.

As a school family, we help those who are less fortunate than we are. We actively participate in food drives.

Every time we lend a helping hand, we are filled with a great feeling inside. This school has helped us discover what that feeling is -love.

During my education at Holy Family, I have been provided with many tools I will need to succeed in my future. However, the most important instrument of learning I have been granted is love. Learning to love other human'beings has greater value than any diamond in the world. At my school, it's not only the' things we learn, but how we learri and how we apply them with . love, that \Jlake~ Holy Family-Holy Name the wop.der:". . ful school it is,' . ' , . , Alyssa Q.uann Holy Family-Holy Name School New Bedford

tronic transfer for the regular Sunday collections, parishioners using Faith Direct can designate funds for annual special collections Ii such as those for Latin America and Catholic communications and for special occasions such as Christmas and Easter when many Catholi9s give a larger donation than usual. If the parish has a capital campaign or other fund-raising drive, a p~hio­ ner can specify a monthly Contribution for that as well.

I' Faith Direct charges $7'per year per parish household foriparishes

with 2,000 or more households. For smaller parishes, the fee per household increases, up to $12 a year per household for parishes with 500 to 999 households.

Walsh said the fee covers a range ofservices from marketing the plan to providing full security for electronic transactions to supplying the parish with itemized statements of all contributions. No parish could do that on its own without hiring a fulltime person trained in accounting, electronic security and other areas, he said.

Montie Plumbing & Heating Co. . Over 35 Years " of Satisfied Services Reg. Master Plumber 7023 JOSEPH RAPOSA,; JR.

432 JEFFERSON STREET FALL RIVER 508-675-7496 , ,

The National Catholic Center for Stu,oent Aspirations at ASSUMPTION COLLEGE

Continuedfrom page three

a Pro-Life group, has done research on the legislative measure and identified the problems at eveI)' grade level with making this curriculum mandatoI)'.

Among the many questions

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MCFL proposed for consideration included: What ''behaviors'' will be discussed with regard to pregnancy prevention? Why are refusal skills not emphasized or included? And How much time will be given to . abstinence, given that presentations on birth control could include the pill, condoms, diaphragms, injections, spermicides, cervical caps, the fame condom, etc. Will the high failure rate of condom use among teens be presented?

Tuesday's transportation plan to bring people to the state house has a bus that will pick up passengers from Fall River and those commuting on their own to Fall River from New Bedford.'

That bus will leave the parking lot of Immaculate Conception Church on County Street in Fall River at 9:30 p.m. It will travel to the area of the Taunton Galleria Park and Ride at the Galleria Mall and pick up passengers at 10 a.m.

It will then proceed to the Westgate Mall in Brockton ifpassengers from , that area make reservations.

"All those seeking a seat on the Fall River bus can reserve seats by calling me at 508-678-3351 or 508415-2599, or by E-mail at bjmartins@comcast.net," she said.

The second bus will leave Holy Trinity Church parking lot, 246 Main Street, West Harwich, at 9 a.m. Reservations there may be made with Charlotte LeBlanc at 508-430-1269.

That buS will travel to Corpus Christi Chlirch parking lot, 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich and pick up passengers . at 9:45 p.m. Reservations may made by made with Pat Stebbins at 508-833-8432.

. '''Please pray that our work for the Lord on this issue will be blessed with parental support," Martins said. "May the Holy Spirit open our hearts to hear the truth and take the time away from their busy , schedule to respond."

Educating in the Present with Ifaith in the Future II

To leam how The NCCSA can raise STUDENT ASPIRATIONS in your school, call il or visit us online at: www.kssumption.edu/nccsa.

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The Eight Co:nditi(inSll1at Affect Aspirations

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1Je(on8in '1feroes Sens,e of,'AccomyJisnment . ~un,~ !Excitement CU'fi05{.~··&t Creativity ~1{.rif of 9lav~~\ure .

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anch~ Essay Contest Winner High School

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''The hardest part isn't finding what we need to be; it's being content with who we are." These intelligent words were not spoken by apolitician or some obscure historical thinker, but by the punk-rock band The Ataris. The lyrics - simple, yet inspiring - teach that our ultimate goal in life is not to find how to get others to accept us, but rather to become the person we truly see ourselves to be. Throughout my high school career, I have discovered how important it is to be comfortable in your own skin and accepted for who you are. It is for this reason that I love Bishop·Feehan, my Catholic high school.

In middle school, I don't believe I had a clear vision ofwho I really was.

The school I attended gave me a great education and developed my work ethic, but I do not think I ever truly understood myself. As early as the third grade, when I believed I had to become a football player and attempted-to do jUst that in order to fit in, every day became a constant battle to gain the approval ofmy classmates - people who, frankly, were not open to the idea of non-conformity. I desperately tried to fit the mold of the average Abercrombie and Fitch brand-name teen-ager. I felt that I was in an oppressive environment forced to accept inadequacy for not wearing a certainbrand ofclothing or behaving in a particular way.

Finally, in the fall ofeighth grade, I took a chance and applied to our local Catholic high school: Bishop Feehan. This was finally my chance to enter a new setting, one where I hoped to·be acknowledged as myself With that significant decision, I began a new journey in my life - one that ultimately led me to accept the person I am.

Immediately Bishop Feehan felt like a new, more open world. In fact,.1 found my classmates to be much more accepting ofpeople the way they are.

Although· many sttidentsfind the idea of Feehan's uniform too confining, oddly, I found it freeing. I no longer had to worry about what I looked like; I could focus on who I am. For the first time in my life, I felt free to express myselfand show my personality. I could sing in the hallways to myself, and I could dance at dances without fear ofbeing mocked by the "popular" kids. I felt accepted, befriended, and most importantly, liberated. I was free to show my true ~olors and not be humiliated for it. Last spring, at the end of my junior year, I was given the ultimate confirmation that I am accepted simply for the person I am; my peers voted me their senior class president. And although I naturally have a few gripes about my high scho~l experience, I do not see how my life could ever be the same had I not decided to attend Bishop Feehan.

My experiences over the past several years at Bishop Feehan have led me to discover how important it is to show the person you are inside. I no longer wake up every morning with the fear ofbeing deemed inadequate. I am comfortable with the person I have become, and I consider myself extremely lucky to attend a school that accepts me the way I am. I truly love my Catholic high school.

AndreNoU

Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro

anch~ Essay Contest Honorable Mentions

Colyn Liberato, Grade 2, St. James-St. John School, New Bedford Anna Copenhaven, Grade 3, St. Pius X School, South Yarmouth Jacob Tavares, Grade 5, St. Annes School, Fall River Emilie Jolivet, Grade 5, No~re Dame de Lourdes School, Fall River Jonathan Stafford, Grade 7, St. Margarets Regional School, Buzzards Bay Kaleigh Sosa, Grade 8, Holy Family-Holy Name School, New Bedford Vincent Mok, Bishop Fe.ehan High School, Attleboro Christine Lanagan, Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth

anch~ Essay Contest Winner High School A Catholic education is more than just teaching reading, writing and arithmetic. It teaches how God, prayer and spirituality should and can play a role in everyday life. The teachers are some ofthe best people I've had the privilege of meeting. The environment is supportive, compassionate, and conducive to learning. All of these things put a Catholic education in a league of its own.

Now, more than ever, prayer is being removed from public schools and removed from our very culture. Going to a Catholic school, I am able to pray before every class, before lunch, or any time the Spirit moves me. Not only am I able to pray, but it is actually encouraged. It is not embarrassing or unpopular to pray or be religious because everyone does it. God is the heart and the reason for all schools, both public and private, bula Catholic school recognizes it and uses it to live out His message.

Going to a Catholic school, I am allowedjust to be me. The environment is caring and supportive of who I am, not who they might like me to be.

Uniforms, while some may see them as a disadvantage, actually filter out one ofthe many distractions in our lives that can take our focus away from learning. I don't have to get up everyday and wonder what I wear, or what everyone else is wearing. I simply put on my uniform, just like everyone else, and as equals, we all learn more.

What really sets a Catholic school apart, however, are the teachers. As I'm sure anyone ofthem will tell you, they're not doing it for the money.

They are here because they chos~ to be, because they enjoy what they do.

That shows through in the way they teach and the way they interact with their students. I can honestly say that my teachers care about me, and I know thatthey will and already have helped me in ways that go beyondjust the classroom.

All ofthese things combine to make for an educational experience unrivaled by public schools. I have always gone to Catholic schools, a total of 13 years. When choosing a high school, I coul~ have gone to my public high school, but I didn't. I knew what made a Catholic school different, and I chose it for those very reasons.

Thomas LaUy Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth

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I remember sitting in a crowded auditorium during the fall ofeighth grade, trying to block out all that was being said about Bishop Feehan High School.

I had always attended public school, and assumed that people who went to parochial schools were ''weird.'' However, I somehow ended up wearing a green plaid skirt.the following year, and now I thank God every day for that opportunity.

Bishop Feehan has immensely shaped my character, compassion and values. Over these four years, Ibecame transformed from the freshman sitting in the back of a peer ministry class to the ·senior teaching about spirituality. I went from thinking ofcommunity service as just another obligation to enthusiastically spending my summerand after school time volunteering at asmany places as possible. Best of all, I have lea.med to stop trying to please other people and instead began worrying about what God wants from me.

I attribute all these changes in me to the atmosphere pfFeehan. Every day, I am surrounded by supportive friends and teachers who help me grow in faith. There is a trusting environment within our community - our Feehan family. We are comfortable talking about God in classes, we share our deepest feelings on retreats, we are unashamed to pray aloud, and we know how to have healthy fun.

I will be graduating from Feehan in a few months, but I am so grateful for the life-long knowledge I have gained. My relationship with God has grown exponentially since the first time I heard morning prayer over the intercom, and I can hon~stly say that I would not be the young woman I am today without my Catholic·education.

Carla DeSisto Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro

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FALL RIVER - SS. Peter and Paul School recently held a sqrprise book drive to benefit the school's library in honor ofKatbleen A. Burt's 25th anniversary as principal., It was organized by her staff to celebrate her many years of educational leadership. School communities and colleagues from ~cross the diocese made donations:in her honor for the purchase ofbooks including 100 by Tomie DePaola, Burt's favorite author.

A day was designated PrinCipal's Day in her honor and staff, sttldents, families and fellow educators joined Burt at a Mass ofthanksgiving celebrated by pastor Father Stephen Salvador.

Following Mass, guests gathered in the school's conference cedter for a breakfast. .

"I was overwhelmed by die generosity ofso many students, parents, colleagues, and com~unity friends," said Burt. "I thank them II

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SEVENTH-GRADER Kristina O'Keefe, second from right, was acting principal for the day at St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro recently. Her duties included reciting morning prayers and overseeing the eighth-grade bake sale. With her, from left are Principal Passionist Sister Mary Jane Holden, Acting Administrative Assistant Lindsey Vincent and Administrative Assistant Diane Blaha.

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for their confidence in me as the educational leader ofSS. Peter and Paul School. I am truly honored to embrace the mission of Catholic education here each day."

On behalfofthe faculty and students, Ines Bates, the school's computer technology teacher, expressed shared gratitude for Burt's gifts of wisdom, compassion, and guidance throughout the past 25 years.

"To parents, you are a guardian angel. To faculty, you are a leader.

To students, you are a friend. To all of us," said Bates, "You are a teacher and our mentor."

Members of the school's teaching staff then unveiled a custombuilt bookcase holding 100 Tomie DePaola children's books for its library. She was presented with a $500 check to purchase additional library books and resource materials. As a special memento,.they also gave her an autographed DePaola book for her personal collection.

Alumni share experiences with college-bound seniors FALL RIVER - Earlier this month, 15 members of2005 graduating class from-Bishop Connolly High School attended the inaugural Ahllpni-Senior Class Breakfast where they shared their first-year college experiences with seniors. .

Rebecca Honohan, a freshman at Stonehill College; Vanessa Oliveira~ a student at Brown University; and Kristen Saurette of Merrimack College, were among the 15 alumni who addressed the attentive audience. All shared their thoughts on the college experience touching upon many subjects they felt would be helpful to those who are collegebound this fall.

Topics included courses of study and what they can expect as they adjust to college life.

Honohan stres~ed the importance of taking responsibility for your own actions, particularly those that determine a good grade or failure. Oliveira spoke about the importance of following a class syllabus and told students there wouldn't be anyone there to remind them ofwhen projects are due or that exams are coming up.

In noting the adjustment to living on campus, Saurette told seniors, "It's quite different from living a~ home," and ifthey are not careful it can be an area of "major stress," for both students and parents.

Following the candid talk, seniors broke into smaller groups and asked questions of the visiting alumni.

Feehan Senior earns . Eagle Scout rank . A~EBORO-BishopFeehanHighSchooISe.- .

STUDENTS IN Frances Vincent's first-grade class at St. .1110rD,al11~lBlanchettewasrecentlyawardedtheBoy . Joseph's School, Fairhaven, display gifts they made to Sc~>Ut s ,hIghest honor, Eagle Scout. In order to re- brighten up the lives of residents at Our Lady's Haven NursceIv~ t~IS ~ward a scout needs t? d~monstratele~d- ing Home. They have been learning about ttie importance of ershIp m hIS troop, apply the pnncIples of scoutmg .. . ' . in everyday life, earn more than 21 merit badges ~IVlng ,and helpl.ng oth l rs and wor~ed hard on several projects and complete a final service project approved by the including greeting car~s, decorations and ornaments.

Boy Scouts of America National Counsel.

I . Blanchette exceeded his requirements by earn15 do ing. more than 31 merits. His final project took 1 route 23 barb KO I roan 22 months of planning as he re-painted a solar system 7 compassion 25 m 2 omits 23 Karl V mural at his former elementary school, Flora S. CuII chal 27 S~ 24 or 3 lip tis in PaWtucket, R.I. He has been a scout for more .~ 12 lace 29 25 rna 4 til atqlf than nine years.

26 l:1alic 13 santa 31 antic 5 FS Blanchette said, "I have really enjoyed the op15 . diner 33 re<lr 6 blip 28 ace portunities to meet new people, have exciting expe7 16 AR 34 dlai"Uchter t1i 30 aiGe riences, and to gain skills I wouldn't have been able 17 S t 3 5 br!1!iance 8 !an 32 to without the Boy Scouts." He is member of Troop 36 U\ 13 O? 39 vnluos OrC8.'1~ ide 18, affiliated with St. Leo's in Pawtucket, RI. I~ AD to llCl'd 37 ~1.

ANGELO NICOLOSI, a Pre-school student [I (:5/\ 38 1\1 20 c was quite intrigued during a recent story hour /Be sure to take photos atYOlIJrr C21ilhoo ~4 ~. t 21 A

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at Espirito Santo School, Fall River. The event was coordinated by his teacher Julie Carreiro and is a regular event for her students.

Hoc Schools Week evsnlts 21rntdJ ssrntdJ ~fJ1Jsm 21Ho1l19 to Tll1e Al1'IIcihloli'".

Catholic Schools Week Crossword Puzzle answers from page 18 II

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I will not make the same mistake that you did I will not let myselfcause my heart so much misery I will not break the way you did You fell so hard I've learned the hard way· To never let it get thatfar Refrain: Because ofyou I never stray too far from the sidewalk.

Because ofyou I learned to J?laj; on the safe side so I don't ge.t hurt Because ofyou I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me . Because ofyou I am afraid I lose my way And it s not too long before you point it out .

I cannot cry Because I know that s weakness in your eyes I'mforced to fake A smile, a laugh every day ofmy life My heart can ~ possibly break When it wasn ~ even whole to start with (Repeat refrain.)

I watched you die I heard you cry every night in your sleep I was so young You should have known better . than to lean on me You never thought ofanyone else You just saw your pain And now I cry in the middle ofthe night For the same damn thing (Repeat refrain.)

Because ofyou I try my hardest just to forget everything Because ofyou I don't know how to let anyone else in _ Because ofyou I'm ashamed of my life because it s empty Because ofyou I am afraid

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Because ofyou, b,ecause ofyou

Sung by Kelly Clarkson Album: "Breakaway" (c) 2004 by RCA Kelly Clarkson's 2004 ' "Breakaway" disc continues to produce hits. "Since U Been Gone," "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and the album's title song all have done well on the charts. Now comes "Because ofYou." This'ballad showcases Clarkson's iIrimense vocal abilities. The song conveys a sense of deep sadness .';'.. ("1'-',,;,,'--~

about an unidentified relationship.

The focus seems to be on a person's painful memories from childhood.

What occurs in our homes as we grow up profoundly affects us. For the person in the song, the consequences ofthese events include an ongoing struggle with fear. " She also doesn't know how to trust. Due to her relationship with ''you,'' she finds "it hard to trust not only me, but everyone." ~he says she "cannot cry because I know that's weakness in your eyes." She feels "forced to fake a smile, a laugh every day." Almost every part ofher life has been diminished ''because of you."

The song portrays the hurts that can be carried forward from childhood. The story in this song will resonate with many. Certainly, it reflects some ofdifficulties and

challenges that resulted from my own growing up.

Because I experienced these realities, I also know that God's healing can change the hurts that the song describes. While all families are imperfect, some struggle with issues and problems that leave lasting effects on children. Ifthis song's story speaks to you, here are some suggestions for bringing God's healing into your life: Dori't keep the pain secret.

Through counseling, you can find a safe place to share the hurts from the past. Ifyou are not sure who to talk with, tell your school counselor or a staffmember at your parish that you want a counseling referral. This first step was the most important decision that I made toward finding a way beyond what happened to me in " childhood.

Realize that the most important time in your life is "now." I never completely will understand why I encountered the hurts ofmy childhood, but I discovered how to live differently in the present. And even though the person in the song says that she cannot trust, she can learn to do so. Here again, counseling can be very helpful.

Remember that you are never alone. Indeed, you might experience feelings ofloneliness and disconnection, but these emotions do not reveal the deeper truth. God is always with us. !fyou can remain open to new developments, God will send caring people to help you heal past hurts. So live with positive expectation ofhow your life can change.

"Because ofYou" tells the truth about how the past can painfully affect the present Yet, even today, God is sending you hope and healing.

Enter into the present moment no matter what the past has been.

Do what the heck you want!

Some would say I'm quick to spout out Wow! I c"an see Sister Mary Anthony ad slogans when I talk or write. It's just _covering her eyes and ears as she_looks the kind of guy I am. I can usually find the down on me from heaven, Sister Mary line or slogan to fit the situation. One that .Anthony was my fourth-grade teacher. A I tend to uSe often is one of my favorites. wonderful woman whQ taught me a lot, It is the slogan coined by Nike - ruST but mostly just scared the heck out me.

DO IT. In January, when we set New Year She was my resolutions, that phrase is something we favorite teacher . though. Her should all take to heart. Just get out there and do it. We are beginning a new year, advice would be and this is the perfect opportunity to look something like back and to look ahead. "live by the I love the idea that each year we can Commandments begin anew. It's a perfect opportunity to and do what

By Frank Lucca set new goals and plan on making changes Jesus expects us that will make our lives better. But in to do." She's reality, don't we just keep doing what right. But I we've done? As well intentioned as we believe that my advice and her advice are may be, sometimes nothing changes. essentially the same - I just think mine is So what should we do going forward easier to understand and a~cept. into this new year? How do we change By the way it is National Catholic ourselves to be better this coming year?

School Week so I thought I'd sneak this What advice can I give you on how to live little Catholic school anecdote in here. I'm your life going forward? Well that's simple. a product of 18 years of Catholic educaHere is my best advice on how to live. tion and proud of it - but mostly thankful "Just do whatever the heck you want." for all those that helped mold me into the

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person I am today. Thanks Sister Mary Anthony and all Catholic educators: 1 should confess that I did not arrive at this advice on how to live life on my own.

My pastor, Father Joe Viveiros of St. Dominic's Parish in Swansea,' shared this theme (from St. Augustine) in a sermon many years ago. It has stuck· with me since and comes to mind often.

And since l'm confessing, let me say that I didn't give you all the advice - since I wanted to get your attention with a phrase we'd all like to live by - "Just do whatever the heck you want." I got you to read this far, didn't I? In actuality the complete advice is "love God and then just do whatever the heck you want." Adding the phrase, "love God," does change things a bit, doesn't it?

It now aligns easily with the advice of Sister Mary Anthony and parents, priests and teachers that help guide us in our lives. The advice is essentially true. If you love God, then you will only do what pleases God. If you do what pleases God; then you can do whatever the heck you want since it will be in line with what God wants from you anyway. I like that advice and I try to live by it.

So as we begin 2006, what will you do? Take the advice of Father Joe and Nike - just get out there and love God and just do (whatever the heck you want) it. See what is wrong and make it right.

See what needs to be done and do it. See someone hurting and help them. Pray.

Love. Then get out there and do whatever the heck you want.

Happy New Year.

Frank Lucca is a youth mi,,;ster at St Dominic's parish in Swansea. He is the chair and a director ofthe YESl Retreat and the current director ofthe Christian Leadership Institute (CLl). He is a husband and a father oftwo girls.

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JanUary~27, 2006

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A Value Centered Education For the Leaders of Tomorrow

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CathoDe Education Week Calendar of Events Monday, Jan..ary 30 - Kick Off Assembly with PresidentRobert p, orissette and a recogTri.ti.on ceremony for students who havegamered commu'ty":based award$in. the past year.

TueSday, January 31-Special progrmn d bmcheon for teachers and staff, ednesday, February 1 Anniversary of Catholic Education estivities during lunch periods.

Thursday, Feb~uary 2 - Fall,River

Catholic Schoo1'Parade, attended by ishop COrmolly students. Also, BCHS . . Dished speakersPfugramwill elcome Dr. Rick VarieJU' as he,~­ dresses the student bodyre: "Character, Compassion and Values" 1:00 pm at CHS.

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Catholic Schools Week; officiated by chaplain Fr. Michael Ciryak. O.F.M.

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The First in Independent and Assisted Living Our residents enjoy daily rosary and weekly Mass

My school makes me feel happy and proud. Haley Langton, Grade 1, Holy Trinity School, Fall River.

We take turns praying out loud and it makes me feel good. Dominic Pimental, " Grade 2, St. Mary's School, New Bedford.

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Call today to register for ...

"Get the Facts"

We have a chapel at school, if you need to pray for someone. Sam Chace, Grade 3, Notre Dame School, Fall River.

We are one family that loves each other. When you wake up you can look forward to a good day. Hannah Carvalho, Grade 4, St. James·St. John School, New Bedford.

a free financial workshop for seniors presented by Joseph A. Marshall, CSA

February 9, 2006 10 a.m.

I have gone to Catholic school all of my life and have enjoyed every day of it!

Joseph Kelley, Grade 5, St. John the Evangelist School, Attleboro.

Whaler's Cove Independent & Assisted Living

I love my Catholic school for the discipline it gives me, because it teaches me respect for myself. My Catholic school also teaches me respect not only for everyone around me but for everything, too. Nina Santos, Grade 6, St. Anthony's School, New Bedford.

114 Riverside Ave. New Bedford, MA 02746 508-997-2880

When you wear a uniform in a Catholic school it symbolizes what you are and what you stand for. When you wear your uniform it reminds y~u of your Christian values. Jonathan Stafford, Grade 7, St. Margaret's Regional School, Buzzards Bay.

Boston Catholic: Men's Conference

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°Band of Brothers in Christ" Man:b 4. 2006, 8 am 106 pm New Bosto;n Conventil:m 6: &hIbltlon Cmter. South Bosron H you choose one moment lhls year (and thls Lenll) to explore your Catholic faith, make it the 2006 Boston Catholic Men's Conference.

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InspIratlonalopeakenJ addressing reoIllfe Issues and top;'" Ovt.nce to meet and dbcuss bsues of bUth. family and work with like-minded men

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A fonun to bring focus to your spirttuallife ConlesaJon is 0 great opportunity to "hit the reset button"

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Bishop Connolly is not just a school in which I have been given a proper education. It is a community, and more specifically, a family, which has enriched me with the blessings of Christ and allowed me to discover who I am as a person. Melanie Caron, Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River.

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Not only have I grown in the classroom, but I have been shaped into what I hope others consider a good person. Katie Perry, Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth.

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Bishop Feehan High School gives me the time to express my feelings and struggles to God during a prayer before every class. Daniel Borges, Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro.

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NOTRE DAME DE LOURDES SCHOOL 1876

ESTABLISHED IN

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Unlike in public schools, the staff can bring God into a situation, which helps us connect our faith with our daily lives. Kaleigh Sosa, Grade 8, Holy Family.

Holy Name School, New Bedford.

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Pearls of Wisdom

Be sure to stop by our OPEN HOUSE on Febmary 4, 2006 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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The Notre Dame de Lourdes Family is committed to the spiritual, intellectual, and the social needs of each student.

We foster an environment of mutual respect so that each of our students feels free to discover and cultivate their individual gifts.

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Be an informed parent.

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Your diocesan newspaper is a great source for parents to obtain news and teachings of the Catholic Church in southeastern Massachusetts, the country, and the world.

The Anchor is also a great tool for students to learn more about their faith and how they can affect the world around them.

To subscribe, send a check for $14, made payable to The Anchorwith the coupon below.

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QpENHoUSE

January 29, 2006 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

34 Saint Joseph Street Fall River, MA 02723

CoME TAKE THE JOURNEY AND FOLLOW CHRIST WITH US!

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Please Call: 508·672·5461 Accredited by The New England ~ Association of Schools & Colleges

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Send to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7 Fall River, MA 02722

_.-This- Message - - - Sponsored - - - -by-the-Following - - -Business Concerns In the Diocese of Fall River GILBERT

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OLIVEIRA INSURANCE AGENCY

FEITELBERG INSURANCE AGENCY

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