01.28.05

FALL RIVER, MASS.

VOL. 49, NO.4- Friday, January 28, 2005

Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly -$14 Per Year

Salute set for next week

Keeping a healthy balance

in diocese • National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools is February 2.

FALL RIVER - "Faith in Every Student: Catholic Schools" is the theme of Catholic Schools Week 2005. The week runs from January 30 to February 5 in Catholic schools in the Fall River diocese and throughout the nation.

The celebration, which always begins on the last Sunday in Jan~~ ary, was launched 31 years ago.

Besides National Appreciation Day, two otherhighlights ofthe week are National Appreciation Day For Catholic School Teachers, a tribute to the 163,000 Catholic educators, observed February 4, and new, this year, Vocation Appreciation Day, on February 3. The latter was established to recognize the leadership of religious orders and clergy in serving Catholic education and to encourage others to follow in their footsteps.

A long-time tradition in Catholic education, Catholic Schools Week became part of The National Marketing Campaign for Catholic Schools in 1991. This year-round program is a collaborative undertaking by the National Catholic Educational Association, (NCEA) and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

The logo for the campaign features a student whose stance and outstretched arms cast the shadow -of a cross.

The campaign includes an illustration by Bil Keane, creator of the "Family Circus." The artist is a product ofCatholic schools and has been designing cartoons celebrating Catholic Education for several years.

This year's illustration is titled "Catholic Schools" and shows Billy, Dolly, Jeffy and P.J. singing "School days, school days, dear old golden rule days .. , readin' writin' Religion too ... remembered forever by quite a few."

NCEA President Michael J. Guerra said, "Catholic education is one of the great and generous works of the Church. Our graduates have Tum to page 11 - Salute

• Catholic schools address academics and religion.

By

THE CHARACTER Education Committee at Coyle and Cassidy High School, Tau~tbh, recently sprang into action to help tsunami victims in Asia. From left: Nik Schuttauf, Su~anne Keyes, Mike Reid, Courtney Kasianowicz, Ben Mattson, Eileen Molloy, Ross Perry, and Katie Sousa.

DEACON JAMES

N.

DUNBAR

FALL RIVER - Every year at this time, officials at Catholic schools across America come under the spotlight as they ready to herald Catholic Schools Week.

For most leaders of diocesan schools it amounts to something of a "state of the schools" address, and at this time just after Christmas holidays, the numbers are firmly in place and everyone has had a chance to weigh additions

Diocesan high schools raise funds for tsunami victims

BISHOP STANG High School, North Dartmouth, students raised $7,500 for tsunami victims. Seated from left: Ashley Williams and Campus Minister Jean Revil; standing from left: Katie Aiello and Joana Teles-Fazendeiro. .............

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NORTH DARTMOUTH Sensing the need to help ease the suffering of tsunami victims thousands of miles away, students and faculty at Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth, and Coyle and Cassidy High School, Taunton, put their faith lessons into action by collecting monies to send to Catholic Relief Services.

At Stang, the Student Council, Campus Minister)ean Revil and Student Council Advisor Glenn Forgue organized homeroom representatives to collect funds.

In four days, the homeroom representati ves collected $7,500.

At Coyle and Cassidy, the Character Education Committee, a group of eight students, whose mission is to help facilitate and develop character and moral beliefs and values at the school, raised $1,700 in just three hours during lunch breaks.

The committee members are: Nik Schuttauf, Suzanne Keyes, Mike Reid, Courtney Kasianowicz, Ben Mattson, Eileen Molloy, and Katie Sousa.

to curriculums and take stock of the advantages and disadvantages.

For George A. Milot, superintendent of schools for the Fall River diocese, "the situation is looking good" he summed up for The Anchor last week.

"Right now the schools are in good shape enrollment wise ... the numbers are down a little bit, but it is not unusual for them to be up one year and down the next," Milot said candidly in an overview.

"We have 8,572 students this year and that is down 21 students overall, but all in all it means enrollment has remained steady," he added.

Currently there are more than 600 teachers working in the diocese's elementary, middle and high schools, slightly higher than last year.

Tum to page 11 - Balance

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FALL RIVER -'- Dominican ,Sister Marie Paille's ministry before 'moving to the Landmark " Sister of Hope Marie Paule as an elementary school teacher in 2002. , She loved to play the violin, Beauregard, 97, died January 14 began in 1929 and took her to asinSt. Anne's' Hospital. ' '. signments 'locally and -in was adept at needlework,-and,en-..

Born in St. Dominique, Que- Plattsburgh,.N:Y. ' joyed crossword puzzles. , .:..' bec, Canada, the daughter of the Locally, she taught 'at St. She is survived by nieces and late Emile and the late Olivine Anne's School in Fall River; nephews, including Dominican (Langevin) Beauregard;' she en- where she was also principal, and. Sister Marie Jeanne' Beauregard ;,, ' • , . t~red the Dominican Sisters of St.' at St. Francis Xavier School in of Fall River.'

Catherine of Siena in Fall River Acushnet, where she was also liHer Mass of Christian Burial, .in December 1,930, made her first ,brarian and principal.' " was celebrated January 19 i,n St.. ,profession of vows in July 1932 She also taught French at Do~ Anne's Church, Fall River. Burial .", and her,final profession 'in July minican Academy in Fall River, was in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall ,.'

1936. She received a bachelor's did private tUtoring, and was caf- River.' degree in humanities and modem eteria supervisor. She w~ enThe Boule Funeral Home, 615 language from Providence Col-' . gaged in a variety of volunteer Broadway, Fall· River, was in ' services at the Fall River Convent charge of arrangements.

BOSlDN - The Boston Col- society - family, congregation and lege. lege Institute of Religious Pduca- community - in the holistic and tion and Pastoral Ministry (lREPM) communal practice of Catholic Sister Rose Francis Riley SUSC has received a three-year grant of faith. '' , FALL RIVER":"": Holy Union St. Mary's, Immaculate Concep- Taunton Catholic Middle School.' $275,000 from the Henry Luce' ''We are convinced that it takes Foundation to support its new mas- a family and a village to form Chris- Sister Rose Francis Riley, the tion and St. Joseph elementary She later retired f~rm all teach- •'-': ter of education degree concentra- tian identity, and the IREPM's new former Mabel Riley, 97, died schools and Taunton Catholic ing. In 1986she moved to Sacred tion in Total Community Cat-concentration in Total Community JanuarY 14 at the Catholic Memo- Middle School, all in Taunton; Hearts Convent in Fall River, and ' and at schools in Rhode Island, to the Landmark, also in Fall ", eehesis, which will be offered be- " Catechesis will prepare the leader- rial Home.'

Born in Fall River, a daughter of Maryland, and New Jersey.

River, in 1999. More recently she ginning September, 2005. ship that can implement such, a Because Sister Rose Francis was transferred to the Catholic'. '.

Funds from the grimt will pro- promising approach;" said IREPM the late Frank and the late Rose vide for fellowships awarded to stu- Director Professor Thomas .(McDermott) Riley, she attended attended many schools, taught at Memorial HOqle.

She leaves two nieces and her dents with excellent academic Groome. ''We're very excited about Sacred Hearts AcarJemy Elementary all levels from primary grades standing who demonstrate leader-' the new possibility of a more com- , and High School and B.M.C. High through college, and was princi- Holy' Union Si~ters.'~esid~s her ship potential in religious education munal approach to faith formation, School. She later attended normal pal of several schools, a Decem- , parents she was predeceasecl.by a , .,:and parish catechesis. Fellowships . and want to express our gratitude schools in Fitchburg and' Hyannis, ber 15, 1989 story in The Anchor sister, hene F. CaswelL' bore the headline: "Sister Riley; Her funeral Mass was cel- • , will cover up to 100 percent tuition to the Luce Foundation for this gen- and'taught school in Westport.

Sister Rose Francis entered the education is her middle name." , ebrated January 19 in the Catho, fOf the 41-eredit degree and provide ,emus grant and for their confidence .

Hoiy Uriion:'Novitiate in Fall . , .. After retiring from,full-time lic Memorial Home ChapeL a living expense stipend for ~ch of . in IREPM." . tlle two years that the student is en-·:>. For further iriformatiop and ap- 'River and made her profession of teaching, Siste.r ~ose Francis Burial was in St.Patrick's Cem~ at etery, Fa!! River. :roll~ full~e. . plic@:~ion -materials, con~ct Sue 'vows in March 19~0_and on July ,taught . remedial reading. ..classes . ,..' , ,IR,E~M.h.~s· been·a . nat~'onal , 'Sing~r at ,8Q9487-1167. Applica~ 26, :-I~n5. ~fter .profl;S'sioJ;l ~he leader ill Total Cominunity Cat- tions for the M.Ed. in Total Com-', earned a bachelor's'degree and a echesis, a new, comprehensivt; ap- ' munity 'Catechesis, to begin Sep- master's.degree from The Cathoproach to faith formation that en- tember 2005, are due by April 15, . Jic Un,iversity of America in 'Washington, D.C., and aIso studgages the traditional structures of 2005.' ' ied at Providence College an~ Please pray for the following , , Boston College. ' She subsequently taught at SaSERVICE.. .By caringfamily andserviceJamily professionals priests during the coming weeks cred Heart,s Academy Elementary , and High School in Fall River; at TRUST, ..In the'peopie you know Jan. 31 1901, Rev. Charles J. Burns, Pastor, St. Mary, North Attleboro CHOICE... Custom-designed, ;ersonalized tributes 1930, Rev. William F. Sullivan, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset; Daily Readings Rev. Manuel C. Terra, Pastor, St. Peter, Provincetown AFFORDABILITY... Dignified services 4t affordable cost Jan 31 Heb 11 :32-40; Ps , Feb. 1 31 :20-24; Mk '1948, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Michael J. O'Reilly, Pastor, Immaculate 5:1-20 Conception, Taunton Feb 1 Heb 12:1-4; Ps JBPN,BY" am.t.IVAH • AIJRItJN. CXJUGHUN. D&l'ICDU. . 1968,'Rt. Rev. Patrick Hurley, Pastor, St. Joseph, Taunton . www.waring-sullivan.com 22:26-28,30-32; hSERVICf.FhMILY hFFII.lhTROP .... m & SERVICf. CORP, "'T\., 492 ROCK STREET, P....I.L RIVER, Mh02710 508·676,2454 1975, Rev. Anatole F. De$arais, Pastor, St. Jacques, Taunton Mk 5:21-43 1983, Rev. Msgr. Gerard 1. Chabot, Pastor, St. Theresa of the Feb 2 MaI'3:1-4; Ps Child Jesus, South Attleboro 24:7-10; Heb ' 1995, Rev. William F. O'Connell, Pastor, Holy Name, New Bed2:14-18; Lk2:22ford '.

40 or 2:22-32 Feb 3 Heb 12:18Feb. 2 ,19,21-24; Ps 1907, Most Rev. William Stang, D.O., First Bishop of Fall River: 48:2-4,9-11 ; Mk 1904-07 6:7-13 '1913, Rev. Patrick F. McKenna, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Feb 4 He,b 13:1-8; Ps Taunton 27:1,3,5,8-9; Mk 1941, Rev. John L. McNamara, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, 6:14-29 Fall River Feb 5 Heb 13:151947, Rev. P. Roland Decosse, Pastor, St. Hyacinth, New Bed17,20-21; Ps ford 23:1-6; Mk 6:301991, Rev. Daniel F. Morarty, Pastor, St Brendan, Riverside, R.I. 34 e Feb 6 Is 58:7-10; Ps Feb. 3 112:4-9; 1 Cor FUNERAL PLANNING 1952, Rev. Antonio O. Ponte, Pastor, Our Lady of Angels, Fall 2:1-5; Mt 5:13-16 River 9dtlf(f it etlSierfor tliose you

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1111111111111111111111111111111 THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-<l20) Periodical Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass. Published weekly except for two weeks in July and the week after Christmas at 887 Highland Avenue, , Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press of the Diocese ofFall River. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year. posTMASTERS send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7;Fall River, MA 027'22.

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Friday, January 28, •2005

Catholic. school students put fun on schedule for week's events ~

A variety of activities, entertainment and liturgies are planned for Catholic Schools Week.

FALL RIVER - Fun can be a learning process too, and each year it seems there's no end to what students and teachers and parents do to make the observance of Catholic Schools Week a memorable time.

The annual celebration of what Catholic education is all about naturally keys on students showing appreciation for all their teach, ers bring them. And in return, teachers show their students how important they are as Catholics, and as future leaders of the Church, the community and the family..

The events in many diocesan schools key on individual class activities. Special breakfasts and lunches, entertainment, ice cream parties, dress-up dress-down, bowling, skating, art and poster contests, spelling bees, other competitions, open-house, parent and family visitation, special enrollment sessions, are on the days' agendas.

And prayer sessions and Masses too, will round out the observances.

At St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth, events begin on Sunday, January 30 with an inaugural social event for parents and staff. Monday is Staff Appreciation Day and a staff luncheon will be sponsored by the Welcoming Committee of the Parents' Association. Tuesday offers a Mass in St. Pius X Church at 11 a.m., following an open house for parents and grandparents. On the Wednesday students and staff will enjoy a performance by the "Singing Sisters" in the Parish Life Center; and on the Friday is Students' Appreciation Day and the Parents' Social Committee will host an ice cream party.

At Holy Trinity School in East Harwich, the Monday finds middle school students preparing box lunches for NOAH Shelter residents. On Tuesday students will design T-shirts with the School's Week logo. International Night is scheduled for Wednesday, and on Thursday, ice skating, bowling and a hot dog lunch are the program. Friday will find all attending Mass at 9 a.m., followed by a spelling bee and a Teacher Appreciation Luncheon.

Buzzards Bay students will share in the fun. St. Margaret's School will host an ice skating party on Monday. Tuesday, the students will take part in a Movie/ PJlPopcorn day. On Wednesday the students will attend a school Mass at 10 a.m. Parents, grandparents and new families interested in the school are invited to an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mass for the feast of St. Blaise ushers in Thursday, which

Catholic school enrollment Catholic school enrollment is 2,484,252. There are 1,842,918 students in elementary/middle schools and 641,334 in secondary schools.

is also spirit day at the school. School registrations will take " There will be a staff and basket- place all week. ball team hoops game at 10 a.m.

At SS. Peter & Paul School the In the evening, there will be an theme for the week is "Faith in art display at the school. A Bingo Our Students." Events planned game for the entire school is on include: a photo collage of the stutap for Friday, and there will be a dents' service to the Church and Student Council dance Saturday community. Artwork will be disevening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. played at the Fall River Main Post Fall River schools will be in on Office; a middle school science the fun as well. Espirito Santo fair; a Mass for seventh-graders School has several events sched- and their Senior Guardian Angels, uled, including: a family Mass and as well as a pancake breakfast. reception; an alumni day; a grand- Letters written to the diocesan parent luncheon; a career aware- mission in Honduras will be sent ness day; a dress-down day; and to Father Craig Pregana there; an open house and a career day; sera family Bingo event.

• St. Michael's School has a full vice projects by each class, inslate of events on tap for the week. cluding a mock trial in grades Source: The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), 2004.

The week begins with a parish lit- seven and eight, a Middle Grad urgy on Sunday at 10 a.m., fol- Spelling Bee; and a faculty swap lowed by a pancake breakfast, day.

Holy Name School has a full celebrating the parish. Monday is celebrating the community when slate of events, including: guardthe students will participate in ian angel teams, reading story joint projects, teaming up upper- books with PJs and stuffed aniand lower-grade students. Bowl- mals; thank you projects to be sent ing is on the agenda for Tuesday, to armed forces, police and fire as are movies, games and treats, personnel; red-white-and-blue to celebrate students. Wednesday day; the "Singing State Trooper"; is themed Celebrate Our Nation a Spirit-filled pep rally; an acawith a special prayer for our coun- demic bee; a "Faith on Wheels" try on tap, followed by a teacher- trip to Fall River churches; and a student volleyball game. Thursday "Father Quinn Family Games celebrates parents with the stu- Jamboree," with students donning dents providing entertainment at Hawaiian clothes.

St. Stanislaus School students a special event that evening at 7 p.m. Friday celebrates teachers will take part in: Mass; a canned with a special prayer and break- food drive; a rosary project; hat The NaUonal Catholic Center fast. From 10:30-11 :30 a.m., stu- day; a science fair; Post Office dents will become leaders, fol- day; and the teachers will cook for Student Aspirations lowed by a luncheon, and later and serve a pancake breakfast to at ASSUMPTION COLLEGE that afternoon, a scavenger hunt. students.

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Friday, January 28, 2005

the moorins.-.,

the living word

Freedom In his inaugural address, President George W. Bush made much use of the world "freedom." However, his use of the word was indeed restricted to the temper of the times. What he means by freedom must be viewed by what he means by tyranny and terrorism. On the surface, the speech would be seen as an allAmerican ideal. Yet, when viewed in the context of his past four years as president, freedom becomes a political tool rather than an objective reality. Freedom in his mind-set becomes a means of banishing terrorists and tyrants. It is a rather cynical use of the word.

First and foremost, freedom must be viewed as the power rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that, and so to perform deliberate actions on one's own responsibility. The "Catechism of the Catholic Church" reflects that by free will one shapes one's own life. Human freedom is not a mere expression of politics, but a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness; the more one does what is good, the freer one becomes. There is no true freedom except in the sense of what is good and just. Freedom should not be a mere concept for convenience. It has its own basic intrinsic value and definition. In our own history as a nation we have supported tyrants and terrorists. We backed countl~ss dictators in Central and South America. For generations the Ku Klux Klan ran rampant and was supported by local and national elected officials. . We have the obligation to know that freedom makes man responsible for his acts to the extent that they are voluntary.

Freedom is exercised in relationships between human beings.

We must uphold the concept that every human person created in the image of God has the natural right to be recognized as a free and responsible being. ' The right to exercise freedom, especially in moral and ethical matters, is an inalienable requirement of the dignity of the human person. This right is not optional, and must be recognized and protected by civil authority within the limits of the cornmon good and public order.

Most Americans in recent times view freedom as a private and personal matter. They have reduced the ideal of freedom to a level of self-choice. In many situations, freedom has become license. The exercise of freedom does not imply a right to say and do everything. When persons deviate from the moral law, they violate their own freedom. They become imprisoned in their own selves. Freedom in this very narrow view 'is lived in terms of one's total independence and subjective autonomy. Such an attitude should never become public policy. .

As w~ enter a second administration, it is more than necessary for us to view freedom in its true meaning, apart from the narrow and selfish interpretation that is so common in our social order. We should not manipulate the concept of freedom for personal gain. We must remind ourselves that what is truly freedom is an exceptional sign of the image of God in us. For God willed .than man should "be left in the hand of his own counsel" (Sir 15:14), so that he might of his own accord seek his creator and freely attain his full perfection. In such a light we are required to act with conscious and free choice and not by blind selfish impulses. "For freedom, Christ has set us free" (GalS: 1). In this spirit we\can say that it is "Truth that makes us free."

The Executive Editor

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OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER O'FTHE DIOc~SE1IF'F1(fi¥'

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Published weekly by the GatMlic Bress .oft!!\e ~iocese.dfFFal!iBiv~ri i~

887 Highland Avenue ., *.P.Q~ E\~ "¢4%:lht.l Fall River, MA 02720 ..

Fall River, MA -0. OQ07f .

Telephone 508-675-7151' FAX$08-S75;'704St .• \\*m~+'t E-mail: TheAnchor@AnChomew~:org\ . ' ,J dF

Send address changes to P:O. Box, call ortJseie-mall"addfe$'§t\· .~~. . EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Rev. Msgr. John F. MOQre EDITOR David B. Jolivet

NEWS EDITOR OFFIc:E MANJ\GEfjl James N. Dunbar' "Mary:Chliije 't'.

YOUNG PEOPLE LEAD PRo-LIFE ACTIVISTS AS THEY MAKE THEIR' WAY TOWARD THE SUPREME COURT. BUILDING DURING THE ANNUAL MARCH FOR LIFE IN WASHINGTON JANUARY

24.

BUSES SCHEDULED TO CARRY HUNDREDS FROM THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER TO THE MARCH . WERE PREVENTED FROM EMBARKING BECAUSE OF LAST WEEKEND'S BLIZZARD.

"PuT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD SO THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO STAND FIRM AGAINST THE TACTICS OF THE DEVIL" (EPHESIANS

6:11).

Final exam preparation The celebration of Catholic Schools Week causes us to reflect on the blessing of a Catholic education and why it is worth the many sacrifices - from parents, teachers, parish communities, and so many others - that make it possible.

Four years ago last week, I discovered, or rediscovered, what makes Catholic education so special. .I went on pilgrimage with more than 200 students from our diocesan high schools to Washington, D.C., for the annual March for Life.

As part of our itinerary prior to the March, we visited the Holocaust Museum, in order to sensitize the students to what human beings can do L.. to each other once they begin to dehumanize each other.

(Most were able, on their'own, to see a similar dehumanization at work, with similar ghastly consequences, in regard to abortion.)

At the end of the visit, one of the teachers.approached me in the bookstore visibly moved. He opened a book and pointed me to a passage, the words of which moved me as much as they had moved him. It was a letter from a Holocaust survivor, Chaim Ginott, directed specifically to teachers.

But his message is important for all of us.

"Dear Teacher," he wrote, "I am a survivor of a concentration camp. My eyes saw what no man should witness: gas chambers built by learned engineers; children poisoned by educated physicians; infants killed by trained nurses; women and babies shot and burned by high school and college graduates. So I am suspicious of education. My request is: help your

Putting Into the De'ep

By Father Roger J. Landiy _

students become human. Your efforts must never produce learned monsters, skilled psychopaths, educated Eichmanns. Reading, writing, and arithmetic are important only if they serve to make our children more humane."

Instruction, in other words, is like fire: it can be used for good or for evil. The difference between a pediatrician and an abortionist, a trustworthy airline pilot and a Mohammed Atta, a high school bookwonn and a Columbine serial

killer is not one of I.Q. It's that one is humane and the other is not.

As Ginott illustrated, the most important part of a young person's education is not the three R's. It's to fonn a person's freedom properly, because it's only in the right use of one's freedom that one becomes humane.

Said in another way, the most important part of education is moral education.

This is why Catliolic schools are more important now than ever, because it is getting increasingly harder and rarer for young people to receive a solid moral education in our public schools. Good public school teachers are gunshy to pass along moral wisdom, because they know that almost anything they say that a particular parent or colleague doesn't like can be the subject of a politically correct lawsuit or disciplinary investigation. And as more lawsuits try to eliminate all references to God in public education, the situation is bound to worsen, as young people, deprived of any reference to a creator, risk losing their identity as creatures.

But even if public schools were stiU able to provide a solid secular Turn to page 12 - Exam

Friday. January 28, 2d05

Just put it on the Bill I'm trying to find a different angle to describe our New England Patriots, but I can't.

Sportswriters across the region have drained them all bone dry. I guess that's what happens when a team keeps winning and winning and winning.

Sometimes the most profound words of wisdom come from people who aren't trying to impress ~eir readership.

Following Sunday night's incredible victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, a sportscaster said the Pats could soon win their third Lombardi Trophy in four years.

Hearing that, my wife haphazardly said, "maybe they should rename it the Belichick Trophy." .

If not for the fact that Bill Belichick could re-write the record books over the next decade, that wouldn't be a bad idea - no offense to the legendary Vince Lombardi.

As a kid growing up in the 60s, the Green Bay Packers were my second favorite pro football team, and I was enamored with Coach Lombardi and his troops.

My first favorite team? The

lowly Boston Patriots of the lowly American Football League. Of all the kids playing pickup football games in Kennedy Park in Fall River, I

My View From the Stands

By Dave Jolivet was the only one who wasn't wearing a New York Giants or Green Bay Packers helmet.

Nope, my headgear was white with Pat Patriot adorning either side.

A lot has happened to those Boston Patriots since then most notably, how dominant a football force they've become.

We should all make our kids pay close attention to this team, because they are history in the making.

Years down the road, a trophy should be named after Belichick - but what should it be?

How about a trophy for Prestidigitator of the Year? Who better embodies the knack for slight of hand and performing

magic than Bill? Holding the best offense in football to three points one week and scoring 41 points against the best defense in the league the next? C'mon.

Or, how about the award for Motivator of the Year, or Talent Scout of the Year, or Boss of the Year? Belichick is all of those.

Name a team in recent years that is a successful, yet humble as these New England Patriots. Name for me someone who can take a bunch of no-names, develop their strengths and then utilize those talents in every way shape and form. Name a team where more players WANT to stay than the New England Patriots.

Years from now Bill Belichick will have the status of Vince Lombardi.

He's doing his part to make it there.

Our part? Sit back, enjoy the ride, and watch history being made.

Dave Jolivet, editor of The Anchor, is aformer sporls editor/

wriJer, and regularly gives one fan's perspective on the unique world ofsporls.

Comments are welcome at davejolivet@anchornews.org.

245 Main Street West Harwich, MA 02671 508-432-8216

Expanding opportunities to attend Catholic schools marks PACE 2005 agenda ~

program for Catholic school students across the Commonwealth.

A critical component to PACE's success is the support seen by legislators at the Annual Catholic Schools Advocacy Day - to be held this year on Thesday, March 15, 2005 BOSTON - The Parents Alli- from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the State ance for Catholic Education (PACE) House. This event highlights the budhas lead the fight on Beacon Hill for get and legislative priorities of more than a decade to expand pa- Catholic schools and allows parents rental choice in education and en- and Catholic school supporters to sure that Catholic school students get have an audience with key leaders their fair share of federal and state in the State Senate and House. PACE invites parents and others commitentitlements.

Now in its 11th year, PACE has ted to Catholic education, to invest increased state budget support in the a half day of their time by attending areas of special education, school Catholic Schools Advocacy Day. For nursing, early education, transporta- additional information about Cathotion services and after-school pro- lic Schools Advocacy Day, contact grams for Catholic school students the PACE office at6l 7-723-9810 or and teachers from $1.5 million in rnkeane@paceom·net.

"Now that we have successfully 1994 to what now totals to over $30 engaged with elected officials and million annually.

"PACEhas had an incredibly suc- have a 'place at the table,' PACE is cessful first decade, but there is still in a position to really advance pamuch to be accomplished for our stu- . rental choice and educational equity dents," said Steve Perla, executive in ways not conceivable when we first opened our doors in 1994," Mr. director.

This year's budget and legislative Perla added.

Three main issues on the PACE agenda will focus on the key themes of expanding school health, early advocacy agenda are early education education and care, after-school aid and care, school health and the and equity in the Adams Scholarship Tum to page 12 - PACE

Participation at Annual Catholic Schools Advocacy Day Will Shape Advocacy Outcomes

BISHOP

FEEHAN HIGH SCHOOL

FAX 508-432-9349 www.htrsharwich.com htrschool @ comcast.net

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK ACTIVITIES

MONDAY -

Middle School Students preparing "Box Lunches for NOAH Shelter reside'nts

TUESDAY -

"Spirit Day" - Students will be designing T-shirts with "Catholic Schools Week" design

WEDNESDAY -

International Night

THURSDAY -

Ice Skating Hot Dog Lunch Bowling

FRIDAY -

Liturgy at 9:00 a.m.

Spelling Bee (Gr. 3-8) "Teacher Appreciation" lunch

• TEACHER/STUDENT RATIO OF 1 :13 • 100% COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE RATE • COMPREHENSIVE ACADEMIC PROGRAM • CAMPUS MINISTRY • FINE ARTS CURRICULUM • STRONG EXTRACI,JRRICULAR AND SPORTS PROGRAM

Friday, January 28, 2005

6

Communal anointing of the sick Eucharist. Christian tradition, in However one might explain Q. Please explain communal fact, gives a special name to holy these Catholic teachings, they fit anointing of the sick and when Communion when it is received by it may be received. My husband with the words of the Catechism the dying. We call it "viaticum," understands that the sacrament of the Catholic Church that "the literally something to be with us anointing of the sick completes of anointing will take away all BREWSTER - Mass will 771-6771. and help us "on the journey" our conformity to the death and your sins. Is that what we be celebrated by La Salette Fathrough death into eternity. resurrection of Christ, just as MISCELLANEOUS - A believe? (Iowa) ther Richard Lavoie February The anointing of the sick, baptism began it.

It completes the A. In Catholic belief, forgive2 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the retreat for men, sponsored by therefore, may and should be holy anointings that mark the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook the Falmouth Knights of Co- ness of sin always has been one whole Christian life," baptism and received by anyone whose health Road. A healing service will lumbus, will, be held February effect of the sacrament of is seriously impaired anointing of the sick. follow. For more information 11-13 at the Calvary Retreat from sickness or old The primary biblical Center in Shrewsbury.

It is call 508-385-3252. age. This includes those themed "The Word Alive." For text about prayer and who have been anointed EAST FREETOWN - A more information' call Mel anointing of the sick but are now suffering (Jas 5) says that "if he Gonsalves at 508~548-5774. retreat entitled "Awakening to from a different illness, (the sick person) has God's Presence: The Contemthose who are to NEW BEDFORD - A Di- committed sins, he will plative Dimension of Christian be forgiven." , undergo surgery because Living," will be held February vine Mercy Healing Night will , By-Father of a serious sickness, Exactly what this 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fa- be held tonight at 7 p.m. at Our , John -J. Dietzen sick children if they ther Robert Powell will lead it. Lady of Fatima Church, 4256 means, however, or how have sufficient use of it happens is not spelled For more information call Fa- Acushnet Avenue. It will be led reason to be comforted

by Father Jay Finelli and in- out. The Council of ther Powell at 508-761-0746. by this sacrament and old people confirmation. This last anointing, cludes Benediction of the Trent, in its classic text on the who are weak from age, even if it continues, "fortifies the end of sacraments, says the anointing Blessed Sacrament.

EAST FREETOWN there is no dangerous illness "cleanses all sins yet to be our earthly life like a solid Emmaus, a Catholic retreat present (Ritual for Care of the rampart for the final struggles NORTH DARTMOUTH expiated (forgiven or absolved), pro'gram for young adults ages Sick, Nos. 8-12). before entering the Father's as well as any remainders of sin."

20-40, will be held at Cathe- - Father Jay Maddock will house" (No. 1523).

The ritual notes that no one dral Camp February 11-13. It address the topic "Annulments This is the first effect of the should become overly demanding Determining who should offers participants the oppor- in the Catholic Church," at the anointing mentioned by the in determining how sick an receive this sacrament also has tunity to'grow in their relation- January 31 meeting of the Di- council (Session XIX). individual must be. "A prudent or Our current Catholic ritual for changed over the years.

For ocesan Divor.ced~Separated ship with Christ. For more incenturies, any seriously ill person reasonably sure judgment, without formation call Barbara Hayden Support Group. It meets from pastoral care of the sick teaches scruple, is sufficient for deciding 7-9 p.m. at the Family Life that, if necessary, the sacrament of was considered eligible for at 508-336-9158. on the seriousness of an illness." anointing. Later on, as most older Center, 500 Slocum Road. For anointing "also provides the si<;:k Catholics still remember, it was Communal anointings are EAST FREETOWN - The more information call Bob person with the forgiveness of , sins and the completion of thought of more as the "last rites," ceremonies at which a number of nineteenth YES! Retreat will Menard at 508-673-2997.

Christian penance" (No.6). people receive the sacrament only for people actually dying. In be held March 11-13 at CatheIn all its major documents within one celebration. These fact, reception of this sacrament ' NORTH EA'STON --.: in dral Camp. Young people interusually was delayed until the sick anointings may be either within , ested in attending should con- observance of the'-Yeaf'ohlie about this ~ent, the Church the celebration of Mass or in a ' person reached as close as tact their parish priest or youth Eucharist, a series of interac- professes that the sacrament also separate liturgy. minister for an application. For ti ve presentations about the arouses trust in God's help to bear possible to the moment of death.

Today the Church again Questions may be sent to more information call Frank Eucharist, led by Brother Joe one's suffering in a holy way and may return the sick person to acknowledges more explicitly that Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Esparaza, CSC, will be offered Lucca at 508-324-4576. the true sacrament for the dying is Peoria, IL 61651, or E-mail: on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. health if that would be helpful for not anointing of. the sick but the jjdietzen@aoLcom.

EAST SANDWICH - A beginning February 3 at Holy salvation. program entitled "Conversa- Cross Family Ministries, 518 tions on Catholic Spirituality," Washington Street". For more presented by Paula Raposo will information call 508-238beheld from 10-11:30 a.m. at 4095.

Today I received an E-mail would have the miracle machine had in the past burnped into T.D. Corpus Christi Parish beginfrom an apparent acquaintance clanging like crazy. , Jakes while channel-surfing. He is TAUNTON - Members of who is quite impressed with my ning February 10. It will conThat seemed kind of piggy to a very popular, Pentecostally tinue on Thursdays February the Taunton District Council of spiritual life. I know this because ,me, but it's hard to be too judgoriented preacher and seems to be 17 and 24 and again on March the St. Vincent de Paul Soci- he said so in the E-mail. Well, OK, mental about apparent acquaintana one-man industry. He drives a , 3. It will focus on Catholic ety wilL offer Mass on Febru- he wrote: ''Your quest for spiritual ces who are only encouraging you new Mercedes, lives in a millionspirituality and prayer for daily ary 7 at 7 p.m. at the Immacu- enlightenment is clear, Robert" to recite a simple prayer that will dol)ar home, sells tons of books living. For more information late Conception Church for the The fact that my name is Dan is provide, just maybe, the Power and is featured on some killer intention of the canonization of of little consequence, it, call 508-678-2828., Websites. the Blessed Frederic Ozanam seems to me, as the E-mail ~----------r--==::::--., Maybe there is i; <. ' FALL RIVER - Bishop and in memory of deceased my something to this "8 in 8" George W. Coleman will cel- members. The regular monthly thing, and it does make ebrate the Rite of Election and meeting will follow in the par- notice that the E-mail also ._" "!" one think of the "Magic 0 Call to Continuing Conversion ish hall.

Eight Ball." You know the on February 13 a't 3 p.m. at St. one. You shake it, and it Mary of the Assumption CatheTAUNTON The St. same time, so the minor will mysteriously float ".'c',,~:v.. $'. s-, F~ .0' <. T dral Parish.

Jacques Church Choir is seek- name mix-up is totally answers for your most ,4' ~, '<J3~ q~tl01MOr;p$r ing new members. There are no understandable. :-' ~ . intimate queries of the FALL RIVER - A prayer auditions, but you should be What confuses me a , universe, insightful , program entitled "Tuesdays able to match pitch and blend little is that I have received responses like, ''No way" Together," will be held Febru- with other singers. For more the same E-mail in recent days Ball Lotto immbers. or "Go for it!" , ary 1 and March 1 from 9:30- information call Frank from two other people I actually do However, I have some reservaWhether this E-mail has 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, Wilhelm at 401-639~oi42. know by name. (Only one of them tions about prayer-chain E-mails anything to do with T.D. Jakes or hall. For more information call called me Robert) that promise miracles. So first I the Magic Eight Ball, I guess you 508-672-8340. ' YARMOUTHPORT - FaIn a nutshell, the E-mail tells tested the prayer for length. Sure can't go too far off base by ther Roger Landr,y will lead a you that ifyou repeat this particuenough, it timed out at eight praying: ''Lord, I love you and I MISCELLANEOUS Morning of Recollection, lar prayer and then send it along to seconds on the nose, although I need you. Come into my heart, and Catholic Social Services themed "Lenten Conversion eight people, and I quote here, could stretch it to 10 seconds if I bless me, my family, my home and needs volunteers to teach and the Eucharist," February ''You will receive a miracle dawdled around with some of the my friends, in Jesus' name.

ESL for their Cape Cod site 12 at Sacred Heart Chapel on tomorrow." It's called the "8 punctuation.

Amen." in Hy-annis. New students are Summer Street. It will begin Second Prayer," and the whole Second, it is attributed to And if it makes you wake up waiting for an opportunity to with the celebration of Mass at process is known as the "8 in 8."

Bishop T.D. Jakes. ''Hah!'' I looking for a miracle, maybe that's learn English and no prior 9 a.m. and includes Adoration The apparent acquaintance cackled after a little Internet miracle enough. Because God's teaching experience is neces- , of the Blessed Sacrament, two mentioned earlier must have 'research. No such bishop. But I love for us is just that. You know? sary. Training and ongoing conferences on prayer and rec- misread the instructions - or had made the mistake of limiting Comments are wekome. Esupport will be provided. For onciliation. figured that ifeight people could my miracle-E-mail investigation to 11U1il Uncle Dan at more information call 508generate a miracle, 392 or so Catholic circles. I totally forgot I cnsuncle01@yahoo.com.

Questions , and Answers

Prayer-chain E-mails

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Come and see what faith makes possible for your child!

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Bishop Stang High School 500 Slocum Road, North Dartmouth, AfA 02747 508-998-5602 www.bishopstang.com

St. Francis Xavier School 223 Main Street, Acushnet, itA 02743 508-995-4313 www.sfxschoolacushnet.org

St. Joseph School 100 Spring Street, Fairhaven, itA 02719 508-996-1983 ·www~sscc.orglstjosephfhvn

Holy Family-Holy Name School 91 Summer Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 508-99~3547

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103 Crapo Street, New Bedford, MA 02744 ~08-997·9612

www.mtcarmelschool.com

St. Anthony School 190 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, ItA 02748 508-994-5121 ~salntanthon,.choo/.C(Jm

St. James - St John School

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180 Orchard Street, New Bedford, itA 02740 508-998-0534 .

St. JoSeph • St. Therese School 35 Kearsarge Street, New Bedford, ItA 02745 508-995-2264

St. Mary School 115 Illinois StIeet, New Bedford, 1M 0Z145 508-995-3698 . www.stmarysnb.com

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK January 30 • February 5, 2005 . ..

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Friday, January 28, 2005

The FaU·River Catholic Schools

SS. Peter & Paul SChool 240 Dover Street 508·672·7258

Holy Trinity SChool ,64 ~phor Street . 508-673-6772

Notre Dame SChool~ 34 St. Joseph Street 508-6722'5461

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

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Our Lady of Lourdes School 52 First Street

Taunton, MA 02780 Tel: 508-822-3746 Fax: 508-822-1450 E-mail: olol@tmlp.com

St. Mary's Primary School

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS路 Catholic schools have faith in every student. They believe' in each student's potential to learn,' to grow in virtue and wisdom, . . to become valued and outstanding members of their church, community and nation. : Catholic schools nurture faith in every student, belief in God : and a deeply rooted commitment to God, the Church and Christianity.,'

61 Summer Street

Taunton, MA 02780 Tel: 508-822-0491 .Fax: 508-824-0469 .

www.catholicmiddle.com E-mail: tcms@catholicmiddle.com

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The four Catholic schools of Taunton, each a unique, individual entity,'join with more than 8,000 other catholic schools, nationwide, to share . their enthusiasm, values and praise of Catholic education.

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Tel: 508-823-6164 Fax.; 508-823-2530

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, ·PHILADELPHIA - When (NPCD) convocations will meet in at the Kimmel Center for the Permore than 14,000 delegates attend' Philadelphia concurrently with the fonitingArtswillfeaturestUdentmu-: ~ the 102nd Annual'Convention and NCEA convention.' sicians and singerS from the archdi<>;.

Exposition of¢,e Nati~nal Catholic Parish cateChetical. leaders. and cese. ' TheNCEA convention is open to .

Educational Association here in coordinators of religious education March,itwillmaIktheendofthe ' will gather fqr work- . 'anyone working in or interested in ~ /Cl:> iQ) ~T1 t.tb shops, prayer and fel- Catholic education. It features genNCEA's centennial obser,,vanceandsignalthestart .h~'·~ ~ J.rJ1~ lowship with hun- eral sessions and liturgies, depart. ofasecondcenturyof V..... ' dreds of colleagues ment meetings, development ses~, , service: from across the United StateS; sions, technology sessions, preseri- ~' ' .

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Keynote speakers for the NPCD tations and workshops dealing with . tion; 'set for .' . meeting are Brother Michael special interests for school board ; ~ March " 29 McGrath, OFFS, author and artist; members, directors ofreligious eduthroygh April 1, . .Msgr. Raymond East, vicar for cation,' parents, pastors, principals' ,. has its theme evangelization and director, and teachers. ' • ,Office of\Black CathoThe convention is expected .to" ", , "We,the People: ;

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National Educational Association nual repo$; financial, legal, en- " §hri,:er,.~c~~'and cpo Qf..,: ' has issued a.stateme!1ton a,ccpunt;, virqnme'qtiil and:sli(ety' au,djt.s;~,S~lli.9Iymplcs;andDaughters,:. ability. and assessment ·in Catlw':"" ighiduation rates'; lllgh SChbbl and" ""Qf 'Chadty ~ister~,MaIY ,Rose :' " .. "~:" "J,: r ~; lie Education. and calls:'upon ,post-secondary' a9nllssions;' as- ".:McGready:, fo~ei pr~sid~ni imd'.: .~... :. .. \.. members of the',cormPunity "to sessment-of religious education; .- CEO of<;ovenan~H<?~.·, ," . " ....,' flo share in the process of assessing' professional' certification; back. ~iturgieswill be celebrated b y " the success of -catechetical and 'ground checks; regional state or C3!dinal Justin Rigali, archbishop of . Kate Dooley, associate professor bf education programs verifying that diocesan accreditation; participa- Philadelphia; Cardinal Edward, theology and,religious studies, The we are who we say we are." tlon in parish life; standardized' Egan, archbishop ofNew York; Car- Catholic University of America. .

Although Catholic ~chools' testing; and stateand natiOlial test- dinalWtlliamKeeler,archbishopof . SchoolsandparishesintheArchBaltimore; and Bishop Joseph . diocese ofPhiladelphia are sponsOrlong have been accountabkto ing. academic ac"Justice de- McFadden, auxiliary bishop of ing a Freedom.Parade in downtown .. crediting bodies . .mands' ac- Phila:delphia~ , ' Philadelphiaon Monday, March 28, and Church offiThe statement points out . countability," The 14th annual National Asso- featuring marching bands, a chorus .cials, recent po~ that schools are account- ;. the statementciation' of Parish Coordinators aria and 5,000 studerits. On Wednesday, litical debates able to the Catholic com'- declares. "Cat- directors of Religious Education March,30, a Concert of Excellence about school, ,munity, civil society, boards echetic~l and vouchers led to, d ./ ~ d' ' educatIonal complaints that an ~ounci s, ,un ers, pro-, programs must, Catholic schools ,fesslOnal colleagues, stu- -: therefore, es': were not held to dents, parents and guar:d- taplish prinstandar~s.of ac- ians, and, ultimately, to one cip1.es and , countablhty. another. , . methods for The N C E A ' ongoing report- ' statement aims ing of informato correct this misrepresentation, tion in a clear, accurate manner said NCEA President Michael J. consistent with our mission, each Guerra. He called on schools and audience's needs· and state law." . parishes nationwide to ~'accept acWriting in the NovemberlDecountability for those they serve; . cember 2004 issue of Momentum, to:their sponsors arid supporters the NCEAjOlimal, Guerra reiter-' and to the Church and civic com-, : ated that, "As Catholic, institumunity."

•'lions, we have a responsIbIlity to , ,The statement points out that the Church that comrillssions us schools are accountable to the to share her teaching mission, to 'Catholic community, civil society, the families who entrust us with boards and councils, funders, pro- . their children, to countless supfessional colleagues, students, . porters who trust us be who we parents and guardians, and, ulti-' claim to be; to all who believe that mately, to one another. we teach as Jesus taught.~' "Assessment is a means of Continuing, he wrote, "We are measuring performance," the 'a committee to serve as, instrustatement reads. "It illustrates ments of God's grace in buildIng how well we are accomplishing a faith-filled future, Iri accepting our stated mission, goals and ob- accountability, we strengthen our jectives to educa~e the whole per- ability to invite people of good son," it added. . , _ will to' help us do this important Examples of assessment ,of- w,ork"and do it well." , . ':'

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lJon director,. an integraLpart of' ,.' " the four-day convention is the exp~siti9n, which' features the latest in educational . , equipment and supplies. " "With offerings ranging from, school uniforms to computer' networki,ng and Iritemet services, ~x'" .' ,hibitorsfindtheexpositionaneffec-' > tive way to develop contacts," Arvo '. said. Approximately 500 companies will display inmore than 750 booths. , -:-.' "

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Balance "And we're very happy to talk about our new school on Cape Cod, St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth, which in September opened with grades pre-K through four. It is doing extremely well and will open a new grade every year until they reach grade-eight," Milot stated.

He also reported that St. Mary's School in Mansfield, which opened a couple of years ago, is currently at the level of grade-K through grade-six, and leading into adding grade-eight.

Milot said that openingSt. Pius X School "was indeed a big step.

It was part of the study done on the Cape in 1989 by Meitler Consultants from Hales' Corners, Wis., to determine the feasibility of a Catholic high school there.

But what became clear from that study was a stronger need for more elementary schools there right now - and look to the future for a high school."

Milot said the biggest increase' in all levels of curriculum in diocesan schools is that of technology.

"It is an area of education that is increasing dramatically and our diocesan schools are right at the top when it comes to that," he said. "The system-wide professional day for diocesan teachers this years focused on that, and we work constantly on the use of technology as an educational tool in the classroom."

While some basics are still being taught, he said that young people today have most of the skills needed because of computer games and programs they use at home and in many instances excel in computer skills.

"But how to use the computer tool in an educational manner is at the center of our program. We are constantly integrating that in the classroom," Milot explained.

"What's available today is monumental."

Taking history for an example, Milot said "a student today can go far beyond any textbook, go to a government site and look at and study primary sources, such as letters George Washington wrote.

And it means students can share information."

In diocesan schools a program currently underway is called "moodle" Milot reported. "It is an internal chat room kind of thing, where, for example a teacher in Attleboro can share with a teacher in West Harwich such things as preparing lessons, and comparing and planning things in their classrooms. It brings us together educationally."

The superintendent said that plans are "to tie students into the situation. It is a closed network and is not in any sens.e a chat room that anyone can get into. It is a way that our teachers can converse in educational terms, help each other out, and advance education in the diocese."

This specific internal system was designed by Superintendent

Continued from page one

Milot's brother, William J. Milot, who is director of educational technology for the diocese. He has been giving workshops on how to use the moodle.

"It makes sense that if, for instance, a mathematics teacher is having problems in teaching angles, he or she can be in contact with other mathematics teachers who might respond they have more success teaching it this or that way," the superintendent explained.

Currently a teacher here has been in contact with a teacher in Detroit, sharing curriculum ideas on creative writing for students, that is proving very successful.

"It involves a great deal of technology, and this is how we are bringing it into the classroom," he added. "At the same time we are eager to teach the young people of the dangers that can be found on Websites too.

"The thing we are concerned about is that Catholic schools today are probably more important in history ... maybe even more than they ever have been," Milot asserted.

There has been a decline in priests in every American diocese and the alarming statistics are that fewer people are going to church, he stated "But there are many, many research studies that show that young people from our Catholic schools are more involved in their parishes, in society, in social services, and contribute more to the Church in many ways," the superintendent reported.

"We think that as more laity become necessarily involved in their parishes, Catholic schools have to take the leadership in preparing our students to become adults in the Church."

With less religious involved in teaching school and in the education programs of today, "laity have stepped to the plate to make sure the religious life of the students and the practice of the faith are just as important as teaching them religion and theology," Superintendent Milot said. "We are always concerned about the religious aspect of our schools."

He made it clear that on that topic, things have changed.

"Everybody teaching religion. today has a degree, usually a master's degree in religion. We have professionals at the high school level. It is no longer just anyone who is called in to teach religion. It forces us to be better."

Years ago, students would have a holiday on holydays. ''Today, we keep them in school and get them to Mass," he said. "It's better. All our high schools have campus ministers. They are lay people.

And they are involved not just in religious classes, but also giving retreats."

Academic excellence and how to live and grow in the Catholic faith must go hand in hand in our Catholic schools, Milot said. "We balance both in our diocese."

Salute

Continued from page one

provide a background package on Catholic schools to every congressional office.

become leaders of this country, they will hand-deliver letters from teachers, religious men and women chiefadministrators ofCatholic eduand business entrepreneurs. Without cation to their representatives and doubt our schools have had a farSales And Service reaching impact on shaping the world."

Fall River's Largest Dominican Sister Glenn Anne .

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1/24 Grief Education - Sr. Judith Costa, SSD - 10:30 a.m.

It is also an opportunity to inter2/7 Grandparenting - Dorothy Levesque - 10:30 a.m. est citizens in volunteering their time 2/8 Grandparenting - Dorothy Levesque - 7:00 p.m. and talents to local Catholic schools.

As part ofNational Appreciation 2/9 Days of Ashes RecoUection - Fr. Fern Cassista, MS Day on February 2, a delegation of 2/10 Grief Education Program - Sister Judith Costa, SSD more than 150 Catholic school stuDivine Drama ofGod's Love Recollection - Fr. E Cassista, MS 2/13 dents, teachers and parents will visit 2118-20 Single's Retreat - Dorothy Levesque & Fr. Dan Bradley, MS Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to meet with congressional leaders to 2125-27 Men's Retreat - Fr. Fern Cassista & Fr. Dan Bradley promote Catholic schools.

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EXAM moral formation of their students, the value and uniqueness of a Catholic education would stand out all the more, because the most distinctive aspect of Catholic moral formation is that it can be done with explicit reference to Jesus Christ. Catholic schools can introduce the student not merely to "moral values" but to their source.

Christ, as the fathers of Vatican IT reminded us, "fully reveals man to himself and makes his supreme vocation clear." He teaches us our great dignity and discloses to us our "supreme vocation," the path to true human goodness and . fulfillment.to use our freedom to

Continued from page four

love others as Jesus has loved us. It is by imitating Jesus in his human nature -laying down our lives out of love for others - that we will become most humane.

The greatest gift of a Catholic education, therefore, is that students can be introduced not only to the truths of math, science, history, and language, but also to Truth incarnate (In 8:32). The students can be presented with the well-rounded geography of the real real world, and not the flat-earth equivalent of a God-less one.

In a Catholic school, students find not just sQ1aller classrooms, but a divine Master who tutors

everyone individually.

They are educated not just in a safer environment, but where a Shepherd protects them from the wolf and guides them safely with his familiar voice and the simple instruction "follow me." .They are prepared not just for the SAT and for entrance into college, but for the final exam of life and for ~ttance, Godwilling, into the college of saints.

Catholic schools do make students fully humane - and they do more. They make students disciples of the Master who teaches with the words of everlasting life.

Father Landry is a parochial

vicar at 51. Francis Xavier Parish, Hyannis.

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Provincetown. church destroyed by fire PROVINCETOWN - Hundreds of parishioners watched and wept as a raging fIre destroyed St. Peter the Apostle Church, one of the oldest parishes in the Fall River diocese, on Tuesday morning as The Anchor was going to press.

There were no immediate reports of injuries, and cause of the fIre remained unknown at the time.

Built and dedicated in 1874, the church on Prince Street near'the town's high school, was rebuilt in 1914, and extensively remodeled in 1956, with other refurbishing including stained glass windows in 1958, 1971 and 1978..

According to reports, the steeple had fallen into the interior of the church after the fire at midmorning had destroyed the roof. .

FirefIghters from Brewster and Harwich were said to have encountered snowdrifts from the weekend blizzard as they assisted Provincetown fIrefIghters in an- . swering the three-alarm frre. They joined frrefIghters and rescue personnel from Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans, Brewster and Harwich.

Using water cannons atop ladder trucks the fIre teams managed to keep the blaze from reaching the nearby reCtory and church annex.

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The current pastor is Father Henry 1. Dahl.

The parish began when Father Joseph Finotti arrived on Aug. 26, 1852 in response to Catholics on the Cape Cod-tip community who appealed to Bishop John B. Fitzpatrick of Boston, whose territory included southeastern Massachusetts.

In 1854 Father Finotti bought a building on Bradford Street. He said Mass in the upstairs area and lived in the basement.

Under Father John McGeough the parish began to build a church to seat 600 and it was completed under the pastorate of Father John 1. McGuire who became the frrst pastor when he arrived on July 4, 1874.

The church was blessed and dedicated on Oct. 11, 1874 by Bishop Thomas F. Hendrickson of the newly established Providence, R.I. diocese, which at the time included Cape Cod. In 1866 a new rectory was built beside the church and a bell installed in the church in 1887. In 1914 the sanctuary was extended and new windows installed. A parish hall was built in 1953.

An exceptionally fine mural of St. Peter walking on the sea enriched the sanctuary.

Continued from page five

Adams Scholarship program.

Early Education and Care: A 2004 initiative by the state legislature to offer publicly-funded, universal early education for three-, fourand five"year-old students over the next decade holds much promise for parents who want to give their preschool age children the advantage of a Catholic school education but cannot presently afford the cost. PACE's executive director, Steve Perla, was named to the Early Education and Care Advisory Committee charged with developing recommendations on how to structure this new department and its work. The position of Early Education for All, of which PACE is a coalition partner, is to create a new Department ofEarly Education and Care that would coordinate, streamline, and universalize through public funds, a mixed system ofearly education programs and services, which includes Catholic schools. PACE seeks to include after-school programming and funding in this new department. PACE will continue to advocate Catholic school inclusion in these programs.

School Health: Since FY '04, school health funding in the state has been cut nearly 50 percent - from $25. 1M to $14M. Within the School Health Services budget line item, the Department of Public Health has reduced funding for the Essential School Health Services Program (ESHSP) from $16M to just $9M, impacting public, non-public and

Catholic schools. The Massachusetts School Nursing Collaborative, of which PACE is a partner, has asked the legislature to restore $4M of this funding to ensure that thousands of school children do not lose basic school nursing services.

Adams Scholarship Equity: The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Program, available for the first time to 2005 high school graduates, provides a tuition waiver for eight semesters at Mass. state universities, colleges and community colleges. To qualify, students in the 11 th grade must have taken the high school English language arts and Mathematics MCAS tests during the standard spring grade 10 MCAS tests.

Because Catholic school students do not take the MCAS, currently they are not eligible for the scholarship.

PACE and its advocacy partner, the Bureau of Jewish Education, have asked the state legislature to adopt a provision in the FY '06 state budget that enables grade 10 non-public school students who reside in Massachusetts to voluntarily take the MCAS exam at no cost so that they may be eligible for the program.

PACE believes Catholic and other non-public school students should not be precluded from eligibility in this statewide scholarship program.

PACE is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the Commonwealth's 80,000 Catholic elementary and secondary school students.

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Friday, January 28, 2005

13

eNS video reviews NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of DVD and video releases from the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Bernadette" (1987)

SAMUEL L. JACKSON stars in a scene from the movie "Coach Carter." For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photo from Paramount)

IC~S ~'I()viile ICaIIV~Ulllle~ NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Are We There Yet?" (Columbia) Leaden road comedy about a smooth-talking skirt-chaser (Ice Cube) with no patience for kids who gets more than he bargained for when he falls for a pretty divorcee (Nia Long) and volunteers to taxi her two mischievous children (Philip Daniel Bolden and Aleisha Allen) from Portland, Ore., to Vancouver, British Columbia, where she is staying on business, so they can all be together on New Year's Eve. Directed by Brain Levant, this film runs out of gas early, leaving viewers to endure a bumpy ride of scatological sight gags and mean-spirited mishaps (making it unsuitable for younger adolescents) which, unfortunately, dampens its sincere, albeit sentimental, message about the importance of family and parenthood. Recurring crude humor and comic violence, and some mildly crass language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II - adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG - parental guidance suggested.

"Assault on Precinct 13" (Rogue) Brutal and violent -

though

reasonably gripping - story of a desolate Detroit police precinct under siege by crooked police who are out to silence a criminal (Laurence Fishburne) incarcerated there, to cover up what he knows about corruption within their ranks, effecting an unusual alliance between the police and criminals within the station house who must unite to defend themselves. JeanFrancois Richel's remake of the 1976 film features good performances by Fishburne, Ethan Hawke and Brian Dennehy, but the bloodshed and violence seem unnecessarily explicit, and the improbable story calls for major suspension of disbelief.

Graphic and bloody violence and related gore, much rough, crude and profane language, and some sexual innuendo. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L - limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R restricted.

"Coach Carter" (Paramount) Formulaic but interesting story of real-life basketball coach Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson) who accepts a job at a Richmond, Calif., high school with the stipulation that all the players sign contracts agreeing to uphold academic standards, and when some of them don't, he grounds the entire team, a controversial action that causes a great furor. The film directed

by Thomas Carter (no relation) is reasonably absorbing, and Jackson gives a compellingly tough and unsentimental performance. Though parents may consider it important for innercity kids to see this inspiring story with its message extolling academic achievement and teamwork, be warned that there's a good deal of crude lan-

guage (unfortunately true to life) and an abortion subplot with questionable moral implications. Much crude language, drug dealing, some violence, abortion, suggestive dancing and sexual situations. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is AIII - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 - parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Elektra" (20th Century Fox) Low-wattage action movie based on the titular Marvel Comics character (played by a buff Jennifer Garner in hellcat mode), a blade-wielding femme fatale who runs afoul of a superpowered crime syn.dicate when she decides to turn from her assassin ways and protect the two targets - a young girl (newcomer Kirsten Prout) and her father (Goran Visnjic) - whom she has been contracted to kill.

Directed by Rob Bowman, this slick but stale "Daredevil" spinoff is little more than a series of frenetic" death duels sloppily strung together in a hackneyed attempt to distract viewers from the lame dialogue and muddled plot, resulting in a viewing experience which is anything but "Elektra-fying."

Recurring strong stylized violence, including several impalings and an implied decapitation, thematic moral ambiguities, a gratuitously erotic same-sex kiss, sporadic crude language and an instance of profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L - limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG13 - parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriatefor children under 13.

The story of St. Bernadette and her visions of "a beautiful lady in white" at a grotto near Lourdes, France, in 1858 is reverently rendered in this 1989 French production by veteran film director Jean Delannoy ("Mary of Nazareth," "The Eternal Return"). American actress Sidney Penny portrays the eponymous 15-year-old peasant girl with graceful down-to-earth innocence, humility and youthful awkwardness. Her honest performance shows Bernadette as a normal teen-ager caught up in circumstances beyond her understanding, but who refuses to wilt under local pressure.

Having been previously unavailable in the United States, the movie has some fine period details and on-location photography, but the overall film is compromised by' extremely poor dubbing into English and falls short of Henry King's superior "Song of Bernadette" (for which Jennifer Jones won the best actress Oscar in 1943 in the title role). The miraculous apparitions are handled discreetly, without resorting to cheesy special effects. Praised by the Vatican as "a sensitive portrayal of a very moving story that deserves a wide audience" and selected to screen daily at the shrine in Lourdes, the film is simple and historically accurate, as well as faithful to the religious drama of the events

without the usual slushy piety.

The result is a straightforward, but spiritually moving, picture of a young woman's faith, a story that still has relevance for contemporary viewers. Dubbed into English. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I - general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG - parental guidance suggested.

"Schindler's List" (1993) Sobering account of an opportunistic German businessman (Liam Neeson) who comes to occupied Poland to make his fortune by exploiting Jewish capital and labor but, after witnessing the increasing barbarism of Nazi racial policies and the sadistic perversions of the local concentration camp commandant (Ralph Fiennes), he risks his life by using his talents for manipulation to save the Jews in his employ. Director Steven Spielberg painstakingly restages the appalling history of the Holocaust on an epic scale that gives horrifying dimension to one man's attempt to save a few innocent lives, but the narrative provides little insight in the German's moral transformation or the individual lives of his slave laborers. Realistically graphic treatment of an infamous historical period and its crimes against humanity, a few discreet sexual scenes and occasional rough language.

The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted. (Universal)

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

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

In a spirit of reparation, the above conditions are each to be preceded by the words: "In reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary:' Confessions may be made during 8 days before or after the first Saturday, and Holy Communion may be received at either the morning or evening Mass on the first saturday.

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Friday, January 28, 2005

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THIS IS YOUR LIFE Yesterday is a wrinkle on your forehead Yesterday is a promise that you've broken Don't close your eyes, don't close your eyes This is your life, and today is all you've got now Yeah, and today ·is all you'll ever have Don't close your eyes Don't close your eyes.

Refrain: .This is your life, are you who : .. ' you want to be? , ~ This is your life, are you who you want to be? " This is your life, is it everything you dreamed it .;.~, > • would be . When the world was younger . and you had . everything to lose?

Yesterday is a kid in the corner Yesterday is dead and over.

(Repeat refrain.)

Don't close your eyes (Repeat four times.)

This is your life. Are you who you want to be?

This is your life. Are you who .you want to be, yeah?

(Repeat refrain.)

And you had everything to lose Sung by Switchfoot Album: The BeaUtiful Letdown Copyright (c) 2003 by Sony . Music Are you all that you want to be? Probably not.

Most of us figure out what is important to us and who we want to be over our whole lifespan. . Young people need to recognize that their interests and goals will

.......

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SNAPS A quick take on issues and statistics

Source: The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), 2004.

evolve. Rock band Switchfoot's "This Your Life" challenges us to look at our lives and see what now beckons us toward new growth.

Switchfoot definitely has made me into a fan of their music. Their soft-peddled, valuecentered approach often invites us to consider important aspects ..

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of our 1i~~>&...:'This Is'Your Life" is off their most recent disc "The Beau'tlfhi.Letdowh,'" the album thataIready~hasproduced thehits ;'Mean(t<lLive" and "Dare YO.u t~m~1Qvbii:~"'J:~

BY

KAsE JOHNSTUN

Out of the blue, I received a letter from a Marine serving in Iraq. His wisdom, fortitude and uplifting perspective on the world gave me more hope than I am sure he ever intended.

Kevin Leverence took the time to write me, in ink on paper, November 19, and sent it in an envelope. He apologized for not sending E-mail, but I thanked him for the effort it took to pen his thoughts. It meant much more to me. I want to share his words with you.

Perhaps they will give you hope on a day when it may feel that hope has disappeared.

"Dear Kase, "Hi! Warm greetings to you.

My name is Kevin Leverence

.

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and I am a Marine deployed in .

Iraq. I have been fortunate enough to be receiving the Catholic Times and keeping up.

Your article entitled 'Why Does God Allow Evil?' in the October 24 edition really caught my attention!

"I agree with youi: notion of evil happening because of free will, and I wanted to share some of my thoughts to elaborate on it. . , . "Some people have a real pr<?bleri'i;when evil and misforhme .befall-theII! personally, despite having prayed for protection and grace. The fact of the matter is, suffering IS grace!

If we look at Jesus' life and the life of the apostles, we see all the hardships they experienced in the name of Christ.

"That is our calling as Christians.

"Christ told us following him would not be easy, but it would· surely be worth sticking out.

Our suffering is living in Christ.

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Coming of,

fige' No one is perfect and ready for the kingdom with an entirely clean slate. Our trials educate us and bring us closer to Christ, in preparation for the coming of God's kingdom. .

"My take: Suffering is a gift, no, a blessing from above. It

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.' :' Swi~~l.tfo.o~ say.s, 'This is your life an(tod~y is all you've got now:':. THey' ilrge us not to close bur ,eyes!, :roday is the gift, and y'ou \Vb_~!pn:t want to miss it. <':One 'Sun~~way to miss today's opportpD:i,tfes is to get lost In thinking ~bout what might have bee'n. Ydur mind might try to hook you. into' prooding about how "unlucky" you have been.

While it is·natural to feel this way occasionally, try to refocus on other concerns.. Being. obsessed about what m~ght 'have: been steals away the:potential for ad-

Wisdom from Iraq CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

venture and learning inherent in this day.

Further, don't lose today because of any sense of guilt over past mistakes. While any of us might have healthy regret over choices or behaviors that have hurt us or others, don't dwell on mistakes. They are your teachers.

Your past mistakes reveal how to live more lovingly and successfully today.

Guilt's purpose is to grab your immediate attention., This feeling teI1s you that you have violated your own values. Receive guilt's message, make the necessary adjustments, take the necessary actions and then put aside any returning feelings of guilt related to the same past situation.

Of course, who you want to become depends most on what you want to give others. Consequently, think big! Understand your desires and passions. Don't settle for anything less than the full development of the abilities that God placed within you. This will bring personal satisfaction to you, and it will enhance the quality of many others' ,1iyes. _, .

H¢re's' a practic'al suggestion for following up on the above ideas. Write out who you want to be. Be specific. Name your goals and how you want to contribute to God's family on this planet. .

Keep your writing in a journal or diary. Your. writing is meant only for you and God. Ask God to guide you toward your personal vision of all that 'you want to be.

Your comments are always welcome. Please write to me at: chmartin@swindiana.net or at 7125W 2008, Rockport, IN 47635.

...

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should be embraced.

"I just wanted tq- share that with you. Sorry-;l couldnoi Email; my access:i~ incredibly limited. Take car~, Kevin Q. Leverence, USMC.;' We face trial~.~yery day. It seems some days' ~at nothing can go right and ,Pur wo'tId is falling apart, and aNim~s we may ask, "Why IJle?" to God. '!Why am I made .fun of, why can't I do bettedn school, why am I having so much trouble with my parents and family members?"

Our problems consume our lives on these days, and our hope and trust in Jesus disappear. But there'are bigger things that will develop as we come of age, like death and suffering,

I am not trying to say that when something devastatingly bad happens to us that we should not feel, or hurt. But if Kevin and others in Iraq or those who lost family in the tsunamis can look to Jesus and understand that "suffering is a blessing from above" and that "our trials educate and bring us closer to God," then we too . need to understand that we experience these in the name of Christ. And when we do this, the suffering with no purpose will end.

Kevin, thank you. Your letter has truly changed my life, and I am sure it will touch many others. Our prayers are with you in Iraq, P.S. Please keep writing me.

E-mail: kase;@hkusa.com.

I

Frtday, January 28, 2005

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EIGHTH-GRADERS Hannah Berube and Sarah Moniz from St. Stanislaus School, Fall River, share a social studies project with second-graders. The students created projects on life in the 1920s, which included a picture book. Below, pre-schooler Bobby-ÂŁ..oady and his mom enjoy the annual Mother-Son dance at tile school.

THE BISHOP Feehan Marching Band was recently crowned Division 2 champions at the New England Scholastic Band Association finals in Quincy, beating seven other schools. The Attleboro school also won awarps for best music and percussion. The band's score' of 96.0was the second highest among the 23 competing schools. At right, Seflior Nicholas Messinger signs a letter of intent to play baseball for. Sienna College in New York this fall. Principal Christopher Servant looks on.

Open House

St. Stanislaus School Preschool - Grade 8

Thursday, February 3, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

SEVENTH-GRADER and Student Council member Sarah Campion from St.John the Evangelist School, Attleboro, helps make one of 14 care packages the school sent to parishioners in Iraq and Afghanistan. The council has been sending cards of encouragement and praying for the troops daily.

37 Rockland Street, Fall River, Massachusetts 508-674-6771 www.saintstanislaus.com

A Treasured Past

.-~

A Vibrant Present

A Faith-filled Future

'Ii";" •

Friday, January 28, 2005

16

Half-century after her death, effort .for Merrick's sainthood proceeds WASHINGTON (CNS) - Fifty years to the day spring that Merrick's cause for sainthood had begun, after her death, Washingtonians gathered to celebrate and she had been recognized as a "servant of God." At ·the life of Mary VIrginia Merrick, who may become the time, Washington Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick the fIrst recognized saint from the nation's capital. called Merrick "a true example of how one person can When she died on Jan. 10, 1955, at the age of 88, overcome obstacles to live out Christ's love for others Merrick was nationally known for her outreach to chil- and transform lives." dren in need the founder of the Christ Child Society.

In the Archdiocese of Washington, the Christ Child Although paralyzed in a fall as a teen, she had the faith Society continues Merrick's work ofhelping needy moth· and determination to start a movement that grew to in- ers and babies, and it also sponsors a school counseling clude chapters across the country and offered special program that helps children and their families with ev. eryday problems and crisis situations. centers and summer camps for poor children.

Father Drinan said supporting the effort for Merrick's Her work began in a siinple way, when Merrick inspired family members and . r-----~_::--------, possible canonization "will refriends to sew clothes for a poor quire three things - resources, prayer and perseverance.... St family's baby. Today the National Christ Child Society inIgnatius Loyola, the founder of cludes 40 chapters nationwide . the Jesuits, wrote that when we with 7,000 members who con( confront the challenges of life

as

~~~~~~k's work on behalf

THE REV. LOUIS Leon stands at the door of St. John's Episcopal Church as President George W. Bush and first I~dy Laura Bush depart following Sunday services in Washington recently.

In a recent interview with The Washington TImes; Bush said he did not know how a person could be president ''without a relationship with the Lord." (CNS photo from Reuters)

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ceived her first Communion, . (C~,,''):\ ";r(>"'r" tiona! ChristChild Society, said "i;;, i.(' Metrick "was a woman ofcourand where her parents were age.... She always put God first. married.

Jesuit FatherRobertDrinan, She reminds us that we should please God before we please the homilist at the Mass, noted ourselves." that Merrick founded the group Joining Scalise in bringing in 1887 at the age of21, with a conviction that she spelled out up the gifts at the Mass was many times in letters and stateRoseann Anderson from Caliments, that "we should love and fomia, the society's current help every child because that president. "She (Menick) was child is another Christ Child." absolutely selfless. In the selfish world oftoday, that's a great Father Drinan, a professor WASHINGTONIANS gathered re- trait." oflaw at the Georgetown UniJoan Conley, a member of versityLawCenterinWashing- cently to celebrate the life of Mary Virton, added, "Loving and help- ginia Merrick, a candidate .for sainthood. the society's Washington chapingchildrenistheveryessence (CNS photo by Rafael Crisostomo, ter, said she is inspired by of our faith.:' .Catholic Standard) Merrick's "dedication to chilHe noted that Merrick's "life dren from all over the world, was filled with adversities," and said the holy way she no matter what the need. (That's) a model for all of us lived her life can,inspire Catholics of today, especially t o d a y . " , those suffering from a disability.

In a later interview with the Catholic Standard, WashMsgr. Ronny Jenkins, the main celebrant at the Mass, ington archdiocesan newspaper, Msgr. Jenkins, a priest serves as the postulator of Merrick's cause for canoni- ofthe Diocese ofAustin, Texas, said the major task right zation and is a professor of canon law at The Catholic now is "collecting and transcribing all the documents University ofAmerica. Speaking of her legacy, he said, Mary VIrginia Merrick wrote."

The priest estimated that her personal letters and 'There is perhaps no greater way to celebrate that work than at the sacrifice of the M~s." " writings, now partofThe Catholic University ofAmerica He noted that, like Christ, Merrick lived a life ofself- archives, total about 20,000 pages. 'They're beautiful.

They're filled with a beautiful vision into her soul and less love and endured suffering for the sake of others. . The National Christ Child SocietY announced last her heart," he said.

Hard to be president without relationship to God, says Bush

portant message."

WASHINGTON (CNS) Bush was raised an Episcopalian President George W. Bush said he · could not envision being president and joined the United Methodist without a relationship to God and Church when he got married.

Bush referred to the hymn "A that he is sustained by the prayers of millions ofpeople "I will never see." Charge to Keep I Have" by John In an interview with The Wash- Wesley, the 18th-eentury founder of ington TImes, he also said religious the Methodist Church: 'The hymn taIks about serving faith is not under attack in the United .~ the Almighty. So it speaks to me perStates.

"I think more and more people ... sonally,', he said. , "I cannot tell you how inspired understand the importance of faith in their life," said Bush in a lengthy and sustained and comforted I am interview with editors and reporters by the fact that millions of people, of the daily newspaper. Excerpts many of whom I will never see, are from the interview were published praying for me. It's one of the most unique aspects of the presidency," in the paper a week ago.

'1 don't see how you can be presi- he said. . dent, at leaSt from my perspective, On policy issues, Bush reiterated how you can be president ... without his pledge to work with "faith-based a relationship with the Lord," he said. people" on his "compassionate Bush noted that some people are . agenda."

He proposed expanding a procritical of his open references to the importaDce offaith in his life; he re- gram by which people needing s0Jerred to an article which questioned cial services could use vouchers to whether he should take the oath of choose afaith-based agency for help. office Janllal); 20 with his hand on Faith communities will not be , .the Bible. discriminated against when they bid "I will have my hand on the for federal grants as long as funds .. Bible," he wd. are not used to proselytize, he said. . . rejected views that his faith j .Bush "If you're capable of helping an VATICAN CITY (CNS)-,-Dui- sion, receives the Eucharist and or chapel could still earn the indulis an obstacle to being president in a addict ... we ought to let you access funds specifically designed for ad- ing the Year of the Eucharist, which prays for the intentions of the pope, gence if they make the visit "with phiralistic society. runs through October, C;ttholics can all in a spiritoftotal detachmentfrom the desire of their hearts, in a spirit ." There are some who worry diction relief," he said. offaith in the real presence of Jesus ~bout a president who is faith-based, "For those who believe we receive special indulgences for.eu- . the attraction of sin. .Special plenary indulgences,. he Christ in the sacrament of the altar." a.person who openly admits that I shouldn'tbe using taxpayers' money charistic adoration and prayer before' . saic\, would be given to those who Those who cannot goto church, accept the prayers ofthe people, try- to proselytize, I agree completely, the Eucharist.'

Pope John Paul authorized the . fulfill the normal requirements in he said, should recite the Lord's ing to impoSe my will on others," he 100 percent," he said. """said.· .

Bush said irnmigration reform is indulgences in order to enco~ge in· conjunction with participating "with Prayer, the creed and a short prayer ;' '1 t)illy understand that the job of a high priority. 'The system has bro- . ·the faithful "a deeper knowledge.ofattention and piety in a sacred func- about the gift of the Eucharist.

The cardinal said Catholics who ·,the president is and must always be ken down," especially along the and a more intense love" for the tion or a pious exercise carried out · protecting the great right of people Mexican border, he said. "We have Eucharist, said U.S. CardinalJ. Fran- . in honor of the Blessed Sacrament, are physically unable to do even that '. . to. worship or- not worship as they a problem in America when you've cis Stafford; head of the. Apostolic either solemnly exposed or pre- could Je<:eive the indulgence by of. ~fit," he said, . . seryed in the tabernacle."

"-. fering their illness and difficulties up got eight rilillion undocumented Penitentiary..

An indulgence is a remission of .. In addition, he said, those who to the Lord and uniting their prayers 'The president's jobis not to say workers here," he said. . you've got to be religious," he said.

Bush praised the motives of im- the temporal punishment due for sins ( recite the vespers and compline with the prayer of someone fulfill. "The president'sjob is to say each migrants who. illegally enter the committed.' prayers of the Liturgy of the Hours ,ing the requirements. ~-is free to choose it," he conrinned United States to find jobs, saying Cardinal Stafford asked priests Cardinal Stafford said the special in a church or chapel where the Eu"And it's really important IbaI: tbat . they ~ant to improve the lives of eucharistic year indulgences include charist is present in· the tabernacle around the world to be generous in . be clear today, given the wOOd in their f<imili.fis. the normal requirements set by the will receive a plenary indulgence. making themselves available to hear which we live. And if you're a Sikh Cardinal Stafford said that Catho- confessions so that Catholics could Regarding troops stationed in war Church for all plenary indulgences: or Muslim or- a Methodist or any- zones, Bush opposed putting women that within a reasonably short period lics who because of illness or other ·fulfill all of the requirements for body else for that matter, it's an im- in the military into ground combat. of time, the person goes to confes- serious reason cannot visit a church them.

Catholics can receive special indulgences during current Year of the Eucharist

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