01.28.11

Diocese of Fall River

The Anchor Catholic Schools Week — January 30 - February 5, 2011

F riday , January 28, 2011

Catholic schools: Forming excellent disciples, students and communities B y R ebecca Aubut A nchor Staff

SOUTH YARMOUTH — The distinctiveness of a Catholic school was proclaimed by the Vatican II document Gravissimum Educationis: “The Catholic school pursues cultural goals and the natural development of youth to the same degree as any other school. What makes the Catholic school distinctive is its attempt to generate a community climate in the school that is permeated by the Gospel spirit of freedom and love. It tries to guide in hand with the development of the ‘new creature’ that each one has become

through baptism. It tries to relate all of human culture to the good news of salvation so that the light of faith will illumine everything that the students will gradually come to know about the world, about life and about the human person.”

Already in his second year as principal at the still relatively new Catholic school in South Yarmouth, Jack Regan wholeheartedly agrees with the community-based philosophy asserted in the document, and concedes that approach is felt from the moment the students walk through the doors of St. Pius X School.

Turn to page 14

Coaching high school athletes to be winners in faith and life

By Dave Jolivet, Editor

FALL RIVER — The scenes play out every day in arenas and stadiums across the U.S. Athletes, from professional on down, deride their opponents, beat their chests in self-adulation, and set out to harm their foes physically and psychologically. It’s something more reminiscent of the decadence of the gladiators pummeling their adversaries in the amphitheaters of ancient Rome than sports entertainment.

Athletics are a huge part of many lives in this country, and somewhere down the line, in most venues the messages of sportsmanship and respect have fallen prey to the very individuals, coaches, who were meant to uphold them. This occurs in most venues, but not in the five Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Fall River.

The athletic programs of each of the five schools continue to maintain a strong mission of Catholic values and behavior, contrary to the

wave of decaying morality washing over the sporting world.

In the Diocese of Fall River’s high school athletic programs, hundreds of student athletes compete in a wide variety of activities. The students are as diverse as the sports in which they participate — from a 250-pound varsity offensive lineman to an 85-pound JV volleyball player. And the athletic directors of the five institutions are a microcosm of the students, with an A.D. in his 42nd year to two first-year directors. Yet there is one common thread among all of these individuals — the Catholic faith and the values that come with it — on and off the field.

Paul O’Boy is in the midst of his 46th year at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro, 42 of which as school athletic director. Despite his longevity at the helm, O’Boy is as dedicated to the Catholic mission as he was in year one.

“The position of athletic director Turn to page 16

Life-affirming — Students from Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro react to a Pro-Life Rally during their trip to the nation’s capital for the annual Pro-Life March last week. Hundreds of students from schools across the diocese made the trek.

Catholic high school seniors well-groomed for success

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

FALL RIVER — With graduation still months away, hopeful seniors at Catholic high schools throughout the diocese have already received acceptance letters to several competitive and prestigious colleges, once again exemplifying the excellence of a Catholic education and enfleshing the motto of this year’s Catholic Schools Week, “Catholic Schools, A+ For America.”

Grace H. Carroll, a senior at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth, has been accepted to Boston College, Providence College, Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame.

“I’m pretty sure I’ll be heading to Notre Dame,” said Carroll, a resident of Portsmouth, R.I., where she also attended St. Philomena’s elementary

school. “I knew when I started the college application process that the only schools I wanted to apply to were Catholic schools, because I’ve just been so comfortable and I like the support and the family atmosphere they provide.”

Her classmate Mark Godding has already decided he’ll be attending Notre Dame in the fall — especially since he earned an impressive full four-year scholarship to the home of the Fighting Irish.

“Catholic school was definitely a preference for me,” said Godding, a New Bedford resident and parishioner at St. Anthony of Padua Parish. “It’s always been really comfortable for me to be in a private school with people who wanted to be there and shared the same faith. To be in an environment where people all have the same beliefs and Turn to page 13

George Milot to retire from diocesan school superintendent position

FALL RIVER — After nearly a decade at the helm of Catholic schools in the Fall River Diocese, Dr. George A. Milot has announced that he will retire from his position as superintendent of schools at the end of the current academic year.

Milot, 66, informed Bish-

op George W. Coleman of his intentions earlier this month.

In a statement, Bishop Coleman stated his gratitude to Dr. George Milot for his A. Milot

leadership over many years and his dedication to Catholic education.

“I want to express my deep thanks to Dr. George Milot for his decades-long service to Catholic education in the Diocese of Fall River and in particular for his leadership Turn to page 12

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The International Church

January 28, 2011

Parliament urges Christians be protected from persecution

STRASBOURG, France (CNS) — The European Parliament has urged governments to do more to protect Christians from persecution.

“In some cases, the situation facing Christian communities is such as to endanger their future existence — if they were to disappear, this would entail the loss of a significant part of the religious heritage of the countries concerned,” the European Parliament said in a January 20 resolution addressed to European Union institutions.

“We call on the (European) Council, the Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to pay increased attention to the subject of freedom of religion or belief and to the situation of religious minorities, including Christians, in agreements and cooperation with third countries as well as in human rights reports.

The document said the December 31 explosion at an Orthodox church in Alexandria, Egypt, was only one of numerous attacks against Christians in 2010. It cited incidents in Nigeria, Iraq, Philippines, Vietnam and Cyprus.

It added that the EU had stressed the duty of governments to guarantee freedom of thought, conscience and belief and was committed to promoting democracy and respect for human rights and civil liberties as a fundamental aim.

In called on the EU’s foreign ministers to find “instruments to provide security and protection for Christian communities under threat” when they discuss persecution at their January 31 meeting.

Catherine Ashton, high representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, told the European Parliament that the EU would not “turn a blind eye” to the plight of “longestablished Christian communities in the Middle East,” and was “ready to enhance cooperation with governments to combat intolerance and protect human rights.”

News From the Vatican

January 28, 2011

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Vatican did not tell bishops to cover up abuse cases, spokesman says

B y Cindy Wooden C atholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — A Vatican official downplayed a 1997 Vatican letter to Irish bishops about handling cases of clerical sex abuse, saying the letter did not tell bishops to keep the cases secret from the police.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said the letter aimed at ensuring the bishops fully followed Church law for dealing with accusations in order to avoid a situation in which an abusive priest could return to ministry on the technicality of his bishop mishandling the process.

The letter, brought to public attention January 17 by Ireland’s RTE television and published by the Associated Press, was written by Archbishop Luciano Storero, then-nuncio to Ireland. The letter summarized the concerns of the Congregation for Clergy regarding proposed Irish norms for dealing with the sex abuse crisis.

Archbishop Storero said that according to the congregation, “the situation of ‘mandatory reporting’ gives rise to serious reservations of both a moral and a canonical nature.”

Father Lombardi said, “One must note that the letter in no way says that the country’s laws must not be followed.”

He told Catholic News Service January 19 that the Vatican “does not have a universal, specific position on mandatory reporting because the laws and situations are so different from country to country.”

However, he said, the Vatican has made it clear to bishops that in their policies for dealing with abuse accusations and in concrete situations “they must respect the laws of their country,” including when those laws require the Church to report accusations to police or the courts.

Some news reports and some groups of sex abuse victims have pointed to the 1997 letter as evidence that the Vatican directly orchestrated the

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The search for Christian unity has not been easy, but it already has drawn Christians closer to one another and made Christianity more attractive to those who do not believe, Pope Benedict XVI said.

A sense of brotherhood among Christians “is the most tangible sign of unity, especially for those outside” the Christian community, the pope said during a recent his weekly general audience.

As he does each year at his audience during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Pope Benedict dedicated his talk to explaining the theme chosen by the Vatican and the World Council of Churches for the week.

The theme for 2011 was: “One in the Apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer.” Pope Benedict said

the theme, drawn from the Acts of the Apostles, contains the four characteristics that made the early Church community in Jerusalem “a place of unity and love.”

The first, essential characteristic, he said, is that Christians remain faithful to the Gospel and the teaching of the Apostles, which is the foundation of Christian faith.

Second, he said, there is fellowship and fraternity, the experience of each person sharing and caring for one another. “The history of the ecumenical movement is marked by difficulties and uncertainties, but it also is a story of brotherhood and cooperation, of spiritual and human sharing, which has significantly changed relations between believers in the Lord Jesus. All of us are committed to continuing on this path.”

response of bishops’ conferences to the sex abuse crisis and that even in the late 1990s, not everyone at the Vatican was convinced that abusers should be turned over to the police.

Father Lombardi objected to the letter being presented as some kind of “proof” that the Vatican wanted to cover up cases of abuse.

Instead, he said, the letter demonstrates the seriousness with which the Vatican was taking the need to formulate and adopt comprehensive norms that could respond to the crisis, which already was affecting several English-speaking countries.

Ecumenism already has borne fruit, pope says

The Anchor www.anchornews.org

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 55, No. 04

Member: Catholic Press Association, Catholic News Service

Published weekly except for two weeks in the summer and the week after Christmas by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 — FAX 508-675-7048, email: theanchor@anchornews.org.

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“The letter rightly insists on the fact that it is important that canon law be respected always, precisely to avoid giving the guilty well-founded reasons for an appeal, therefore obtaining a result contrary to that desired,” Father Lombardi said.

The Jesuit also said people

have to realize that the letter was written before 2001 when Pope John Paul II issued new norms for dealing with abuse allegations and made the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith — headed by the future Pope Benedict XVI — responsible for overseeing handling of the cases.

January 28, 2011 The Church in the U.S. Young people lauded for Pro-Life efforts as shrine vigil begins

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expressing themselves — Young people chant and cheer before the annual March for Life rally in Washington, D.C., January 24. The annual Pro-Life demonstration marks the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion across the nation.

(CNS photo/Peter Lockley)

Full Academic Program Latest Technology: Smart Boards & Wireless Art, Music, Physical Education NEASC Accreditation Before & After School Care Hot Lunch Program Extracurricular & Sports Programs Family Atmosphere

Open House Wednesday, February 2, 2011 9-11 AM & 2-5 PM & 6-8 PM

Our Lady’s Chapel

600 Pleasant St., New Bedford, MA 02740 Sat., 5 February 2011 ~ 508-996-8274 7:50 am Blessed Dun Scotus Hall: Fatima Video Presentation.

9:00 am Church: Procession of Our Lady. Angelus. Crowning

Ceremony. Sung Litany of Loreto. The Five Joyful Mysteries.

10:00 am Mass of Our Lady: Main Celebrant and Preacher: Fr. Luis Maximilian, FI; Consecration of Chapel to Our Lady; The Five Sorrowful Mysteries.

11:25 am Hall: Lunch break (please bring bag lunch). Bookstore will be open.

12:35 pm Exposition and Procession of the Blessed Sacrament.

12:55 pm Sermon on Our Lady by Fr. Raphael, FI. Silent Adoration.

1:40 pm Meditation on the Passion of Our Lord.

2:05 pm Hall: Coffee Break. Bookstore will be open.

2:25 pm The Five Glorious Mysteries.

2:50 pm Sermon on Our Lady by Fr. Raphael, FI. 3:10 pm Act of Consecration. Prayer for the Dying. Benediction.

3:40 pm Enrollment in the Brown Scapular and Conferment of Miraculous Medal. Procession of Our Lady.

- Confessions available throughout the day - Finish approx 4:05 pm Wheelchair accessible SELECTION OF VENUES FOR 2011: Saturday, 5 March 2011 To be determined Saturday, 2 April 2011 To be determined Saturday, 7, May 2011 To be determined Saturday, 4 June 2011 St. Kilian’s Church, New Bedford, MA

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Sitting on the floor in a side chapel in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Lillian Zhao knew that what she was part of was unlike anything she had ever seen in her native China.

Zhao, a sophomore international student from China attending Fordham University in New York, was among thousands of people, most of them Catholic, jammed into the massive church. They, like Zhao, had gathered the evening of January 23 to pray for an end to abortion.

The Mass opening the traditional overnight National Prayer Vigil for Life in the basilica’s crypt was minutes away and Zhao was taking mental notes.

She said she expected the next day’s March for Life to the Supreme Court to call for an end to legalized abortion would be just as energizing.

“This is my first March for Life,” she said. “I’m very Pro-Life.

I’m against abortion.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” added the young student who is considering becoming a Catholic.

“In China, the abortion situation is getting worse. I want to learn more about what Americans are doing to stop abortion.”

Zhao said she found the mix of religion and political activity an interesting combination. It was something she said she hoped to share with friends and family back home, hoping to inspire them to begin to work to end legalized

abortion in China.

“We need more brave people (in China),” she said. “If we don’t have brave people, you can’t make changes.”

The actions of young people such as Zhao were held up as an example of the pioneering leadership in the Pro-Life movement by people in the congregation as well as by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, the main celebrant of the Mass.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was among those who were impressed with the turnout of young people. He told Catholic News Service that the vigil Mass was the first he attended even though his wife, Callista, had sung in the basilica choir for the liturgy for 15 years.

“It’s remarkable, particularly to see the number of young people,” Gingrich said. “They’re very energized.”

“I just want to let this evening wash over me, if you will,” he said.

Cardinal DiNardo, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, praised the young people gathered for the two days of events marking the 38th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision for being “unflagging witnesses to the inestimable worth of each human person.”

“The sad anniversary recalled each year on January 22 has become an invitation to you, one that calls for prayer and vigiling, for

marching and testifying and for a joyous love for human life that is unable to be defeated,” he said during his homily to the young people in attendance.

Returning home after the March for Life ends provides young people the opportunity to continue their Pro-Life witness to family and friends, both at school and at parishes, Cardinal DiNardo said.

“We are always in need of that conversion, that turning around that the kingdom of heaven invites,” he said. “There is always room for us to deepen our respect for the human person. Not only do we need to see each person in the light of the Gospel, but we also need the jolt from Christ Jesus to see every human person as light.”

The cardinal also called for a unified Catholic Church in the Pro-Life effort and urged the huge congregation to unite in the body of Christ in the Eucharist.

“If there is a place where our unity must shine it must be in this realm of laboring for the culture of life,” he said. “Anything else will compromise that culture.”

Citing Pope John Paul II’s 1994 encyclical, “The Gospel of Life,” which proclaimed the dignity of the human person, Cardinal DiNardo expressed concern that efforts to expand public funding of abortion continue and the conscience rights of health care workers and pharmacists who do not wish to participate in abortion procedures are eroding.

January 28, 2011

The Church in the U.S.

USCCB president outlines policy priorities for new Congress

By Nancy Frazier O’Brien Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON — At a “time of difficult economic and policy choices,” the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offered the new Congress an outline of the bishops’ priorities for the coming legislative year.

In a letter mailed to all members of Congress January 14, Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York expressed hope that “this newly elected Congress will advance the common good and defend the life and dignity of all, especially vulnerable and poor persons whose needs are critical.”

He described the priorities he outlined as “an agenda for dialogue and action.”

“From our experience and our tradition, we offer a distinctive, constructive and principled contribution to the national dialogue on how to defend human life and dignity, promote and protect marriage and family life, lift up those who experience economic turmoil and suffering, and promote peace in a world troubled by war and violence,” he said.

Archbishop Dolan said the USCCB’s public policy concerns for the 112th Congress will include defense of unborn children, the disabled and the terminally ill; support for marriage as the “faithful, exclusive, lifelong union of one man and one woman”; budget, tax and entitlement policies that fairly “allocate the burdens and sacrifices” among all Americans; and achievement of a health care system that is truly “universal and life-affirming.”

He also emphasized the need to “fix a broken immigration system which harms both immigrants and our entire nation”; enact legislation and federal regulations to ensure equal access to the Internet for all; adopt policies that allow parents to choose schools that best address the needs of their children and to benefit all students and teachers; and “empower faith-based groups as effective partners” with govern-

ment in fighting poverty and other threats to human dignity.

In the international arena, Archbishop Dolan called for “responsible transitions to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and promote religious freedom for all, acting against religious repression of our fellow Christians and others.”

He also urged a greater emphasis on human rights in all foreign policy deliberations and backed “essential U.S. investments to overcome global poverty, hunger and disease through increased and reformed international assistance.”

The archbishop also encouraged U.S. leadership on “effective and morally appropriate” efforts against AIDS and on climate change, especially as it affects the poor and vulnerable in the United States and around the world.

Among other areas of concerns worldwide, he cited the Holy Land, Sudan and Haiti.

He said the bishops approach public policy issues “not as politicians but as pastors and teachers.”

“We hope to offer a constructive and principled contribution to national discussion about the values and policies that will shape our nation’s future,” Archbishop Dolan said in the letter. “We seek to work together with our nation’s leaders to advance the common good of our society, while disagreeing respectfully and civilly where necessary in order to preserve that common good.”

He thanked the members of Congress “for responding to the noble call of public service” and pledged the bishops’ prayers for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., and others killed or injured in the “horrific attack” January 8 in Tucson.

“We hope that the days ahead will be a time of renewal and progress for our nation as we defend human life and dignity, seek greater justice for all God’s children, and bring peace to a suffering world,” he added.

rare happening — Rosaries and a poster showing an image of Adele Brise hang from a wall in the crypt at Our Lady of Good Help Shrine in Champion, Wis. Green Bay Bishop David Ricken announced that Mary’s appearances to Brise on the shrine’s site in 1859 were worthy of belief. Very few reported Marian apparitions are given that distinction by the Church. (CNS photo/Sam Lucero)

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The Anchor The good and the wicked

The 38th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s shameful Roe v. Wade decision last weekend did not pass unnoticed.

On the positive side, hundreds of thousands, including many from the Diocese of Fall River, descended upon Washington to pray, to march and to witness in defense of the beauty, dignity, sanctity and moral inviolability of all human life. They were greeted in Washington by many members of the most Pro-Life incoming class in the history of the House of Representatives, many of whom spoke at the rally that inaugurates the march. The Pro-Life majority in the House, in addition to thanking and encouraging the growing and ever-younger Pro-Life movement, is also putting their Pro-Life principles into legislative action, introducing three bills that the U.S. bishops are asking all Catholics to support.

The first is the “Protect Life Act,” which would prevent funds in the new health care law from subsidizing abortion or health care plans that cover abortions, would protect the consciences of health care workers who decline to participate in an abortion, and would ensure that the health care law cannot override state laws on abortion and conscience. The second is the: Abortion Non-Discrimination Act,” which will codify into law the longstanding policy of the Hyde/Weldon Amendment and give health care institutions that do not provide abortions legal recourse when faced with discrimination by government agencies. The third is the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act,” which would ensure that our money cannot be used to support and promote elective abortion. All three of these bills call the bluff of pro-abortion forces in the last Congress who promised — pretended is probably the more appropriate term — that there were no abortion-funding mechanisms in the new health-care legislation. If so, then these bills are superfluous and innocuous and there’s no reason for pro-abortion legislators to oppose them. The truth is, however, that while the bills should pass the new Pro-Life majority House, it will face an uphill battle in the pro-abortion majority Senate, and then will need to be signed by our abortion-supporting president to become law.

On the negative side of the ledger, there was much disturbing news. First was the publication of new abortion statistics that showed that, nationally, there were 1.21 million abortions in the United States in 2008, a slight increase after several years of decline. Figures for New York City in 2009 showed that 41 percent of all pregnancies within the five boroughs ended in abortion, including 60 percent of pregnancies in the African-American community and 72 percent of African-American teens.

The most disturbing news of all, however, came from Philadelphia, where abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell and several of his untrained associates were charged with a litany of crimes, including eight deaths. The 281-page grand jury report on Gosnell’s “Women’s Medical Society” clinic documents a series of almost unbelievable horrors that extend beyond one man’s sadism to involve several Pennsylvania state agencies.

The clinic was raided last February by the FBI and the Philadelphia DA’s office because Gosnell was running an illegal prescription business, allowing associates to sell prescriptions with his signature to Oxycontin addicts. Upon entering, the police were shocked by the squalor they encountered. “The clinic reeked of animal urine, courtesy of the cats that were allowed to roam (and defecate) freely,” the Grand Jury Report read. “Furniture and blankets were stained with blood. Instruments were not properly sterilized. Disposable medical supplies were not disposed of; they were reused, over and over again. Medical equipment — such as the defibrillator, the EKG, the pulse oximeter, the blood pressure cuff — was generally broken; even when it worked, it wasn’t used. The emergency exit was padlocked shut. And scattered throughout, in cabinets, in the basement, in a freezer, in jars and bags and plastic jugs, were fetal remains. It was a baby charnel house.”

That was, however, just the tip of the iceberg.

As law enforcement officials began a more thorough investigation, they discovered that Gosnell was breaking many Pennsylvania laws with regard to abortion: performing abortions well after the legal cutoff of 24 weeks, not following the mandatory 24-hour waiting period to have an abortion, conducting abortions on minors as young as 14 without the necessary parental or judicial consent. They ascertained that he didn’t have any nurses on his staff at all, that two men were impersonating doctors, and that secretaries and even an employee’s 15-year-old daughter were administering anesthesia and other medicines to patients, with neither licenses nor training. They learned that two women had died because of Gosnell and his staff’s total negligence, and that more than 40 other women had filed complaints and lawsuits because of perforated uteruses, infections, venereal diseases and other medical complications. And they found out that many of his abortions were not abortions at all, but outright infanticide. He would give women in the second- and third-trimester drugs to help them give birth, sedate them so that they would not know what was going on, deliver their babies alive, cut their umbilical cords and then slit the backs of their necks, slide a tube in, and suction out their brains. One such baby was 6.6 pounds and 19 inches long, so big that Gosnell joked to a staff member that the baby was big enough to accompany him to the bus stop. He has been charged with seven such murders of delivered babies, but his staff members said that they witnessed him, and performed in his stead, hundreds of others.

Law enforcement also discovered that despite dozens of formal complaints, the Women’s Medical Society clinic hadn’t been inspected since 1993 because, as the Grand Jury Report candidly noted, pro-abortion governors did not want to do anything to “put up a barrier to women” seeking abortions.

These revelations have shocked and disgusted the nation. They have brought to the fore the hypocrisy and schizophrenia of our nation’s policy on abortion, which gives abortion assassins like Gosnell a green light to massacre babies in the womb with techniques far more barbarous than slitting their necks, but prosecutes them — rightly — for executing the same victims minutes after they’re delivered. It has also brought to the forefront the character of abortion doctors like Gosnell, who made $1.8 million a year as a serial killer of newborn and unborn human beings, while allowing women to die at the hands of medical imposters in squalid facilities. This should lead not only Pennsylvania State authorities to take responsibility for their own inexcusable negligence, but our whole nation. Kermit Gosnell is far less an exception than a fulfillment of the abortion ethos, which makes a killing from doing whatever it takes, however gruesome, to help fearful and vulnerable girls and women end the lives of their babies.

The new Pro-Life House, and generations of young Pro-Lifers marching in defense of life in Washington are hopefully harbingers of a much different, better and moral future, in which abortion is rarer by the day and eventually becomes a choice that no society will allow and no mother will make.

C

January 28, 2011

The greatest of all the virtues

harity is the greatest of all the this very point about the centrality of virtues. It is the only one of the Christ’s teaching on love in our pursuit virtues that lasts beyond this life. Think of holiness, “Incorporated into Christ about it, after we die, there is no reason by baptism, Christians are ‘dead to sin to have faith or hope. In heaven, our and alive to God in Christ Jesus’ and so faith will come to complete realization participate in the life of the Risen Lord. in the presence of God and our hope Following Christ and united with him, will be entirely fulfilled. In hell, there is Christians can strive to be ‘imitators no longer a reason to have faith or hope of God as beloved children, and walk either, because there is no possibility of in love’ by conforming their thoughts, either of these two being fulfilled there. words and actions to the ‘mind which is Faith and hope are virtues for this life, yours in Christ Jesus,’ and by following not the next. his example” (CCC 1694).

The virtue of love, however, endures St. Paul, too, teaches us an invaluable even into the next life. In heaven, our lesson about love in his first letter to the ability to love and be loved reaches its Corinthians. Many times we hear his perfection. Our capacity to love God definition of love proclaimed at wedand one another is more pure than it ding Masses. This wonderful expression ever was here on earth. There is no jeal- of loves begins, “If I have not love, I ously, envy or selfishness that interferes am nothing. Whatever my privilege, serwith our love in heaven. vice, or even virtue, if I have not love, I The “Catechism” defines the virtue gain nothing” (1 Cor 13:1-4). in these words: “Charity is the virtue The “perfection of charity” is the by which we love God above all things goal of all Christians by virtue of their for his own sake, and our neighbor as baptism. By this Christ and the Church ourselves” (CCC 1822). call us to model our lives on the love Charity is that Christ the virtue by has for the which we put Church. PutPutting Into others before ting God and the Deep ourselves and others before it is expressed ourselves,

By Father in so many seeking the Jay Mello different ways. best for them It is the virtue is how we of love that express true gets parents out of bed in the middle of charity. Christ expressed this love by night to care for a sick child, even when putting people into contact with the they know that they have a busy day at loving God. He called them to turn from work ahead of them. It is the virtue of their sinful lifestyles and to enter into love that moves adult children to take communion with God who is love. an elderly parent into their home and Living a life of charity doesn’t restructure their life rather than put the mean that we go around just saying parent in a nursing home. It is the virtue nice “charitable” things. It means that of love that leads us to think about the we express our love for God and one needs of another before our own. another by trying to help others to get This kind of love is not just some to heaven. Often times we don’t want to sort of unattainable perfection that we offend those we love by calling them to only see in movies or read about in a greater fidelity to Christ. When others books. Love in this sense was perfectly persist in a sinful lifestyle and we say expressed by our Lord himself. Not nothing, we are not being charitable at only did he say, “There is no greater all; we are being tacitly complicit in love than to lay down one’s life for their sin. And it begs the question — do one’s friends” (Jn 15:13), but he also we really love them at all? If we truly embraced that selfless love when he loved someone, we would not stand by willingly accepted death on a cross for and allow them to destroy their relationus. Jesus Christ hung upon the cross out ship with God through sin. of love for us.

The virtue of love is seeking the best Jesus gave us a similar command for the other and the very best thing is when he said that we should “love one helping them to get to heaven. As we another as I have loved you” (Jn 13:34). strive to attain the virtue of charity, Being a Christian is more than just belet us reflect on the words of our Holy lieving in Christ and the teaching of his Father, Pope Benedict: Church. It is more than just the devo“‘God is love and he who abides in tions and the sacraments. It is following love abides in God, and God abides the example of love that Christ gave us. in him.’ These words from the First There are many different meanings Letter of John express with remarkof love, and in fact, many times we use able clarity the heart of the Christian it in an inappropriate way. For example, faith: the Christian image of God we often hear people say, “I love pizza,” and the resulting image of mankind “I love my car,” “I love the beach,” etc. and its destiny. In the same verse, St. We can truly enjoy each of these things John also offers a kind of summary of and there is nothing wrong with that the Christian life: ‘We have come to at all, but it is not what Jesus means know and to believe in the love God by “love.” The love that Christ speaks has for us’” (Benedict XVI, Deus about is a true and pure love that stems Caritas Est, 1). from God who is love.

Father Mello is a parochial vicar at The “Catechism” elaborates on St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth.

January 28, 2011

Q: Sunday Mass featured on television is commonplace where I live — I presume for those who are infirm and unable to go to church. I would like to know if there are any guidelines as regards to the production of such a Mass. For example, can this be pre-taped for succeeding Sundays and if so, since the readings during taping are not for the day, what happens to the celebration? Is this merely an abuse or does this invalidate the sacrament?

Must a televised Mass applicable for a particular day be done live? — R.B., Manila, Philippines A: Most guidelines giving norms for televised Masses are issued by the national bishops’ conference.

I am unaware if the Philippine bishops have issued their own norms. The norms I have available to me, those of the United States, issued in 1997, and those of Italy, from 1973, agree as to the principles involved.

The U.S. guidelines for televised Masses are available on the website of the bishops’ conference. The local bishop is responsible for assuring that all is done according to liturgical norms.

The first thing to remember is that a televised Mass is not a substitute for assisting at Mass and does not fulfill the

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Televised Masses

Sunday precept. of communication (cf. ‘Inter It is rather a means offered Mirifica,’ No. 14).” to those unable to attend Mass Because of the difficulto somehow participate in the ties involved such as time worship of the community. constraints and cost, the U.S. While those unable to attend guidelines suggest the followMass do well to follow a ing principles: televised Mass, they are not The first requirement for obliged to do so, and may good telecast liturgies is good honor Sunday in some other liturgical celebration. When way through prayer and sacrifice.

As the U.S. guidelines state: “The televised Mass is never a substitute for the Church’s pastoBy Father ral care for the sick Edward McNamara in the form of visits by parish ministers who share the Scriptures and bring Communion, the Mass or other liturgies are nor is it ever a substitute for televised, those responsible the Sunday Mass celebrated for the planning, production, within a parish faith comand celebration must make munity each week. Howevery effort to respect basic ever, televising the Mass is a liturgical principles. ministry by which the Church The U.S. guidelines also uses modern technology to suggest several models for bring the Lord’s healing and a televised celebration. The comfort to those who canideal situation is a live telenot physically participate in cast in real time. A next-best the liturgical life of the local solution is the delayed teleChurch and who often excast, which is the taping of perience a sense of isolation a Sunday Mass and its transfrom the parish and its regular mission on the same day. The forms of prayer and worship. least satisfactory solution, to In addition, many regard tele- be avoided if possible, is the vised liturgies as a means of pre-recorded telecast. evangelization, of sharing the Viewers must be informed Good News of Jesus Christ that it is pre-recorded and and promoting the Church’s has certain limitations such worship via modern means as having been celebrated

Liturgical Q&A

outside the liturgical day or season. The guidelines give as an example the “taping of ‘Christmas morning Mass’ on Monday of the fourth week of Advent.”

However, if no alternative is available, this Mass should be taped on the closest possible date to the day of transmission and only one liturgy may be taped with the same group on any one day.

Also, the full liturgy should be recorded and editors should not eliminate any elements of the Mass (the Gloria or a reading) due to time constraints.

The complete guidelines can be found online at the U.S. bishops’ conference website: http://www.usccb. org/liturgy/current/tv.shtml.

Another U.S. reader asked a related question: “What about Masses that have the overflow crowd across the parking lot at a parish hall, watching the Mass on closedcircuit TV? Someone brings Communion over at the appropriate time, but does this count as participating in the sacrifice of the Mass?”

The general principle is that one must physically assist at Mass as part of a cohesive assembly. The assembly may be very large but must in

some way form a recognizable whole.

From what we have said, it should be clear that the second situation, that of following the Mass from the parish hall, is incorrect and is not sufficient to fulfill the Sunday precept.

Some other solution should be found to cater for the overflow, either adding Masses or seeking an alternative venue.

It might even be permissible, as an extreme solution, to set up television screens outside the church, which would in some way preserve the unity of the assembly. But they may not be in another location.

What to do? In the long term the solution is to either expand the present church or build a new one. Not an easy solution but, if possible, the most definitive. Some of the world’s greatest and most beautiful churches have been built as the result of such fortunate difficulties as overcrowding, so there is no need to despair.

Father Edward McNamara is a Legionary of Christ and professor of Liturgy at Regina Apostolorum University in Rome. His column appears weekly at zenit.org.

To submit questions, email liturgy@zenit.org. Please put the word “Liturgy” in the subject field. The text should include your initials, your city and state.

Sargent Shriver: A model Catholic in public life

obert Sargent Shriver, who founded the Peace Corps under President Kennedy and headed the War on Poverty under President Johnson, died January 18 at the age of 95 in Bethesda, Md. Born into an old Maryland Catholic family (one of his ancestors signed the Maryland Constitution and Bill of Rights at Maryland’s Constitutional Convention of 1776), as an altar boy he served Masses celebrated by James Cardinal Gibbons, archbishop of Baltimore and friend and confidant of presidents. As a 12-yearold, he went to Albany to hear Alfred E. Smith accept the Democratic Party’s nomination for president in 1928, the first Catholic to be nominated for president.

He went to Yale, graduating in 1938 as chairman of the Yale Daily News, and then to Yale Law School, graduating in 1941 before enlisting in the Navy on the eve of Pearl Har-

bor. Wounded at Guadalcanal, racial Council of Chicago, seeking racial justice before he was awarded the Purple it became chic. If his brotherHeart. in-law was famous for telling He was a devout Catholic, Americans, “Ask not, what frequently attending daily your country can do for you; Mass, and always carrying a ask what you can do for your well-worn rosary.

In the 1950s he ran Chicago’s Merchandise Mart for Joseph P. Kennedy (which sounds like one of the world’s most difficult jobs), and courted EuBy Dwight Duncan nice Kennedy, the boss’s daughter, whom he married in country,” Sargent Shriver 1953. And thus he became the brother-in-law of John Fitzger- would tell graduating students ald Kennedy, who in 1960 was at Yale in 1994, “Break mirrors. Yes, indeed. Shatter the elected the nation’s first and glass. In our society that is so thus far only Catholic presiself-absorbed, begin to look dent. By coincidence, Sarge’s less at yourself and more at death occurred just two days each other. Learn more about before the 50th anniversary the face of your neighbor and of Kennedy’s Inauguration on less about your own.”

Jan. 20, 1961.

His work in founding the While in Chicago, he was Peace Corps and spearheadactive in the Catholic Inter-

Judge For Yourself

ing the War on Poverty with programs like Head Start exemplified his dedication to service to the most vulnerable.

Unlike many Catholic politicians (among whom some Kennedys were prominent), he was Pro-Life and opposed to abortion. In 1992, he and his wife joined Pro-Life Governor Casey in signing a full-page ad in the New York Times protesting the Democratic Party’s identification with abortion. Calling Roe v. Wade “the most momentous act of exclusion in our history,” he said, “America does not need the abortion license. What America needs are policies that responsibly protect and advance the interest of mothers and their children, both before and after birth.”

He headed the Special Olympics, founded by his wife Eunice Kennedy Shriver,

who died in 2009. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2003. His daughter Maria, married to California’s ex-governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, published a children’s book the following year, “What’s Happening to Grandpa?” to explain the affliction to kids.

Cardinal Sean O’Malley summed up his life: “He changed the world for the better. His commitment to preserving and protecting human life at every stage of existence, especially for the unborn, and working to lift people out of poverty were exceptional gifts of love and humanity.”

“We pray for the repose of Sargent’s soul and we ask that God grant him eternal rest in his loving kingdom,” the Cardinal wrote. Amen to that.

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

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he Scriptures this weekend pose this challenge to us: What is it that I am seeking? There is an implied follow-up question: “How are you looking for that which you seek?” These questions should cause us to pause for a moment and to reflect. Are the activities I engage in each day part of who I am? Do they speak of another goal than that which I say I wish for? Do my actions confirm what I say about myself?

I suspect most people would agree that a goal in life is happiness. The world would probably balk at the notion that to achieve such happiness one would need to seek to live humbly and to seek God above all things. After all, many believe the humble will just get rolled over by the powerful. It is power and money and wealth that bring happiness, they say.

Well, today Zephaniah, Paul

January 28, 2011

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Seeking happiness

and Jesus say: wrong. In the as children of God, made in words of St. Paul, “God chose his image and likeness. Our the foolish of the world to shame actions specifically seeking to the wise, and God chose the live Gospel values in our daily weak of the world to shame the life speak of this inner bond strong, and God chose the lowly and flow from our love of God. and despised of the world, those When all of this is in balwho count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are someHomily of the Week thing” (1 Cor 1:27-28).

Fourth Sunday It was a poor in Ordinary Time carpenter, born in a manger, who had even

By Father less when he died, David C. Frederici who has changed the world more than any other person in the ance, we are able to face those world’s history. struggles, stresses and chaos One of the struggles in the without losing ourselves or hustle, stress and chaos that our self-identity in the process. we call life is that we can That is why Mass, retreats, lose sight of our goals, our days of reflection and personal dreams and our desires. For the prayer and meditation each day Christian, our desire in life is are so important. These activito be in relationship with God. ties keep us connected — or We are true to ourselves when reconnect us — to God. These we are aware of ourselves

are opportunities to reflect where my actions have fallen short of my goals and desires in life, to identify those areas of our life that need to be adjusted, new habits formed, etc.

At the heart of Zephaniah’s message and Jesus’ preaching is just that: repentance, a return to God and thus a return to a realization of who we are at the very core of our being. To borrow from Shakespeare, “To thine own self be true.” That is not possible if God isn’t part of our lives.

“Seek the Lord, seek justice, seek humility,” Zephaniah says to us. Humility here is the key. Look at what the blessed receive in the Beatitudes: the kingdom of God, comfort, satisfaction, mercy and reward in heaven. To achieve these we must remember that the pos-

ture of the blessed is humility.

It’s not focused on the self, on what I want, I need, I desire.

The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” teaches that humility allows us to see Christ in those around us (2540).

The psalmist calls out today, “The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations” (Ps 146:10). Let us seek to live life focused on our God who is forever, as opposed to the things of this world which do not last. Let us seek to achieve the happiness and fulfillment that will last beyond this world. Finally, let us take the time to recognize Christ in others and invite them to experience this same happiness and fulfillment.

Father Frederici is a parochial vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pocasset and St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in North Falmouth.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Jan 29, Heb 11:1-2,8-19; (Ps) Lk 1:69-75; Mk 4:35-41. Sun. Jan. 30, Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Zep 2:3,3:12-13; Ps 146:6-10; 1 Cor 1:2631; Mt 5:1-12a. Mon. Jan 31, Heb 11:32-40; Ps 31:20-24; Mk 5:1-20. Tues. Feb. 1, Heb 12:1-4; Ps 22:26-28,30-32; Mk 5:21-43. Wed. Feb. 2, Presentation of the Lord, Mal 3:1-4; Ps 24:7-10; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22-32. Thur. Feb. 3, Heb 12:18-19,21-24; Ps 48:2-4,9-11; Mk 6:7-13. Fri. Feb. 4, Heb 13:1-8; Ps 27:1,3,5,8-9; Mk 6:14-29.

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he otherwise inexplicable cure of a French nun suffering from Parkinson’s disease was accepted in early January by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and Pope Benedict XVI as the confirming miracle that clears the way for the beatification of Pope John Paul II on May 1, Divine Mercy Sunday.

John Paul II’s life was a life of miracles — a life in which radical openness to God’s grace opened channels of grace for others. In April 1990, the new president of then newlyliberated Czechoslovakia, Vaclav Havel, caught this dimen-

A life of miracles

“I am not sure that I know sion of John Paul’s remarkable what a miracle is. In spite of life when he memorably this, I dare say that at this welcomed the pope to Prague moment I am participating in in these stirring terms: “I am not sure I know what a miracle is. In spite of this, I dare say that, at this moment, I am participating in a miracle: the man who six months ago was

By George Weigel arrested as an enemy of the state stands here today as the president of that state, and bids a miracle: in a country devaswelcome to the first pontiff tated by the ideology of hatred, in the history of the Catholic the messenger of love has Church to set foot in this land. arrived; in a country devastated by the government of the ignorant, the living symbol of culture has arrived; in a country that, until a short time ago, was devastated by the idea of confrontation and division in the world, the messenger of peace, dialogue, mutual tolerance, esteem and calm understanding, the messenger of fraternal unity in diversity has arrived.

“During these long decades, the Spirit was banished from our country. I have the honor of witnessing the moment in which its soil is kissed by the apostle of spirituality.”

“Welcome to Czechoslovakia, Your Holiness.”

In its witness to the miracle of Karol Wojtyla’s life, Va-

The Catholic Difference

clav Havel’s eloquence was matched by the untutored eloquence of those thousands of people from all over the world who, spontaneously, wrote the Postulation for the Beatification and Canonization of John Paul II, telling their own stories of how this man they had never met had, nonetheless, changed their lives. Many of the letters were from non-Christians, even non-believers. Some were simply addressed, “Pope John Paul II — Heaven” — and found their way to the Postulation’s offices near St. John Lateran in Rome.

Some of those letters reported recovery from illness; others reported even more difficult recoveries from addictions, estrangements, even hatreds. The professor-pope would likely have smiled at the letters reporting success in passing exams through his intercession. The pope who lifted up the vocation of marriage and who was a fierce defender of the right-to-life of the unborn would have certainly been touched by the letters from previously infertile couples reporting conceptions after years of sorrow and prayer.

On the day of John Paul’s funeral, April 8, 2005, the

people of the Church spontaneously proclaimed him a saint with their cries of “Santo subito!” — “A saint now!”

With the announcement of John Paul’s beatification, it might be said that the judgment of the Church’s leadership has now caught up with the spontaneous judgment of the Church’s people. Yet John Paul’s sanctity was recognized not only by the people of the Church, but by the people of the world — hence all those letters addressed, “Pope John Paul II — Heaven.” Thus the beatification on May 1 will be, in a sense, an ecumenical and inter-religious affair, in that the life of heroic virtue being recognized and celebrated was a life recognized as such far beyond the formal boundaries of the Catholic Church.

The Church doesn’t make saints; God makes saints, and the Church recognizes the saints that God has made.

John Paul II was convinced that God was profligate in his saint-making — that there are examples of sanctity all around us, if we only know how to look for them and see them for what they are. His blessedness consisted in no small part of showing us the blessedness of others.

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

Wednesday 26 January 2010 — at home in The Dightons — feast of SS. Timothy and Titus, bishops. y feet hurt so much I went to the doctor.

“Get shoes that fit,” the doctor ordered. I picked a store at random and off I went to buy properly-fitting shoes.

The store had hundreds of pairs of shoes. A clerk carefully measured my feet. “We don’t have black dress shoes in your size,” she announced with regret. “Oh, wait. There might still be just one pair in the back room,” she remembered. The clerk found them.

They fit perfectly. “I’ll take these,” I proclaimed. “Good.

By the way,” she informed me, “this pair of shoes is marked down. They had been ordered for a customer who ended up returning them. You know the customer very well, but I’m not allowed to mention his name.”

“Is he a priest?” I inquired. “He was until he got promoted to a higher office.”“He’s a bishop?”

I asked. “He’s your bishop,” the clerk clarified. I am not making this up.

Who determines what priest among us is qualified to wear a

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January 28, 2011

Walk a mile in the bishop’s shoes

bishop’s shoes, metaphorically speaking. The pope has the final decision. He is assisted by the Congregation for Bishops. There are those priests who are already well-known to the Vatican.

Local bishops are also periodically requested to make a list of priests who might qualify for the episcopacy. If a diocese becomes vacant, the apostolic nuncio might request such a list. If a candidate catches his eye, the nuncio writes to those who know the priest personally. The letter comes in multiple envelopes, stamped with the Vatican seal and carrying dire warnings that it is not to be opened by anyone else. Particular questions are asked and the addressee is advised to remain absolutely mum about the inquiry, under pain of excommunication.

The report is transmitted to the Vatican in a diplomatic pouch. Hopefully, you will never see the contents posted on WikiLeaks.

The Church in the United States is suffering a shortage of priests, but I have discovered where they all went. They’ve

been promoted to the episcopacy. There are now more bishops in the country than ever before.

If a priest is chosen to be a bishop, he receives a telephone call from the Nuncio.

He can say nothing publicly or

privately (even to his parents) until announcement is made in Rome. The announcement is released in the official Vatican newspaper at 6 a.m. (EST) on any weekday.

Every bishop has the fullness of holy orders. If the new member of the episcopacy is to have direct juridical oversight of a diocese he is called an “ordinary.”

Bishops come in several varieties. First among them is the Bishop of Rome, the pope.

Bishops of a handful of ancient Sees, in the Latin and Eastern Rite Catholic Churches, are

called patriarchs. Pope Benedict suppressed his own title of Patriarch of the West.

Next we have the cardinals.

A cardinal does not need to be a bishop, simply a priest. Pope Paul VI closed a loophole that allowed lay people to be named cardinals.

A cardinal who is an archbishop of an archdiocese is often called a metropolitan.

Contrary to a common misconception, a metropolitan has immediate jurisdiction only over his own diocese.

Are you still with me?

An ordinary may have one or more assistant (auxiliary) bishops.

Assistant bishops have no territorial jurisdiction. In some cases, though, an ordinary’s assistant might be a coadjutor bishop.

That’s the man who will one day be expected to fill his shoes.

Then there are bishops called vicars apostolic. They are the personal representatives of the pope in a yet-undeveloped ecclesiastical region. He has no diocese as such.

Of all the shoe stores in all the world, of all the billions of shoes in those stores, what are

the odds that I would end it with this very pair? Yet, so it happened. I have walked a mile in Bishop Coleman’s shoes, literally. Is this a sign from God of things to come?

Come to think of it, I may have missed other signs. I already own my very own copy of the “Ceremonial Prayer Book for Bishops.” (I thought it would give me some insight into the proper celebration of parish liturgies.) I also own a bishop’s miter. (It belongs to the costume worn at the children’s party on St. Nicholas Day.) I even have a bishop’s crosier. (Somebody gave it to me. It came from a lifesized statue of St. Patrick.) I have a drawer full of pectoral crosses.

(I am presented one every time I go on an ECHO or Emmaus retreat.) I’m ready for the phone call from the nuncio, but I suspect my phone will never ring.

If, by some gazillion-to-one chance the nuncio should call, I have my response prepared: “Sorry, your excellency, but you’ve dialed a wrong number.”

And that, dear readers, would be the God’s-honest truth.

Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton.

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January 28, 2011

Longtime Stang volunteer cherishes Catholic education

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

NORTH DARTMOUTH — Cheryl E. Beauregard really appreciates the value of a Catholic education.

Although she attended mostly public institutions until her college years at Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I., her husband Steve was exclusively Catholic educated and when it came time to put their three children through school, the couple made the necessary sacrifices to ensure they had the same opportunities as their father.

“All my children have attended Catholic schools since they were three years old,” Beauregard said.

“I’ve always liked the structure and the level of education they’ve offered.”

It was this important decision that first brought Beauregard to Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth where her daughter Jessica enrolled as a freshman in 2004.

And from that point on, Beauregard has remained involved with the school in a variety of volunteer efforts.

“This is now my eighth year,” she said. “I had two children who have graduated already, but one is a junior there currently. I’ve been involved with the Stang Parent Association from the beginning.

There are a lot of things they ask parents to do, and I feel it’s something you do because it’s the right thing. You want to stay involved in your children’s school.”

Her involvement has since

But what personally sold Beauexpanded to include time on the — have attended Catholic schools school’s academic policy board since preschool, including Holy regard on Bishop Stang was when and a stint as the parent represen- Family-Holy Name School in she attended a subsequent open tative to the accreditation commit- New Bedford. When it came time house herself.

“I was walking around tee for the New England and there were student amAssociation of Schools bassadors showing us the and Colleges last year. classrooms and I noticed But Beauregard isn’t how these students treated above doing just about each other with a lot of anything to help out what respect,” she said. “You she refers to as her extendcould tell they were just ed “Stang family.” nice kids and that’s what As a longtime member I wanted for my children.” of the Stang Parent AsIt was this sense of sociation, she has helped community and the values prepare and serve meals of a Catholic faith that Befor the teachers on teacher auregard wanted to pass meeting nights. She’s also on to her children. helped run a kiosk at Gil“I think it’s important lette Stadium in Foxboro for them to have a strong to raise money for school faith system,” she said. scholarships.

“Even my two oldest chil“When you appreciate dren who are in college what the school has done continue to go to Mass and for you, you want to give continue to remain faithful back and show how much to their religion.” you appreciate them,” she Ironically enough, said. “I think if you’re Beauregard herself only paying for your children’s recently converted to Caeducation, you have a tholicism about eight years little more invested in the Anchor Person of the Week — Cheryl E. ago, even though she had school.” been attending Mass and For Beauregard, get- Beauregard. services at Bishop Stang ting and staying involved and St. Lawrence Martyr in her children’s school is as important as that initial choice to pick out a high school, all were in New Bedford for more than 17 years with her family. she made to provide them with a eager to attend Bishop Stang.

“When my son Jason, who is “When they first went to see Catholic education.

“It can be a lot of money to a the school and came home after a 16 now, was about to make his lot of people, but it’s a choice you field trip in eighth grade, they said first Communion, I decided it was make and it was a choice I made to to me: ‘I know that’s where I be- time for me to convert,” she said. have my children educated in this long,’” she said. “It wasn’t neces- “I think I’ve always had faith, sarily that the other kids from their even before I became a Catholic. type of environment,” she said.

All three of Beauregard’s chil- class were going there. They just Going to a Catholic church for so many years, I always tried to dren — Jessica, Erin and Jason liked the school.” teach our children the importance of giving back to the community and expressing the values of the Catholic faith.”

While she’s always been confident in her decision to provide her

children with a faith-based Catholic education, she said she still enjoys the occasional validation.

“When my older daughter went away to college to study biology I remember her telling me the first few weeks of school that she just had a bio lab and she couldn’t believe that some of her classmates didn’t know how to do a lab report,” she said. “She had been doing it since ninth grade.

My daughter said she helped the other kids with their reports, which said something to me about how [Bishop Stang] prepared her for college.”

When asked what she’d recommend to other parents, Beauregard is quick to encourage people interested in sending their children to Bishop Stang or any Catholic school to check it out for themselves firsthand.

“A kid can get as little or as much as they want to out of any school they go to; but if they go to a school like Bishop Stang, they’re going to have the best tools available,” she said. “It’s a choice. If a parent is questioning whether or not it’s a good fit for their child, they should visit the school. When I went to the open house, I felt like it was a family to these kids.”

And just as family members sometimes move away, Beauregard is worried what will happen after next year.

“When my son graduates, I’ll be devastated,” she admitted. “I’ve been involved with the school for so long. But actually there are parents who remain active even after their kids have graduated. Maybe I will, too.”

To submit a Person of the Week nominee, send an email with information to fatherrogerlandry@anchornews.org.

January 28, 2011

The Anchor

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

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George Milot to retire as diocesan superintendent of schools continued from page one

over these past nine years as superintendent of our schools,” said Bishop Coleman.

“Among the many issues during his tenure, he was instrumental in the establishing of our high school on Cape Cod, Pope John Paul II in Hyannis, and proved an effective and caring navigator in the difficult process of school mergers and closings.

With his calm and friendly demeanor, he listened to all sides in any matter but in the end always made any decision on what he thought was in the best interest of the children we serve.”

The process to hire a successor to Milot is expected to get underway next month.

The diocese will utilize the services of the Alliance for Catholic Education Consulting at the University of Notre Dame to assist in the search process.

Dr. Milot has spent almost his entire professional career in Catholic education in the Fall River Diocese. He began as a teacher and coach at Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth, in 1966 and in 1974 became principal there, serving until 1982. He returned to the diocesan school system in 1994 as principal of Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro.

Then-Bishop Sean P. O’Malley, OFM Cap., appointed him director of the Diocesan Education Department in January

2002, thereby becoming the first layperson to serve in the top education post in the diocese.

The title was changed to superintendent of

January 28, 2011 schools in a later reorganization of the diocesan education apostolate.

There are currently five high schools and 21 elementary and middle schools in the diocesan system with a combined enrollment of 7,464 students.

January 28, 2011

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Catholic high school seniors well-groomed for success continued from page one

the same background made it a lot easier.”

As Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis prepares to graduate its first-ever senior class in June, students there are also getting recognition from notable Catholic institutions like Assumption College, Stonehill College and Salve Regina University.

“I’m still thinking about where I’m going to go, but Salve Regina was in my top three,” said senior Alissa Bergeron, who is currently ranked first in her class at PJPII. “For me, this is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience that very few people get to have. It was truly an honor to be part of the start of a new Catholic high school on Cape Cod and I think it transformed the community down here.”

Bergeron, who previously attended St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School in Hyannis but had transitioned from a public elementary school, said she noticed some key differences between a secular and a Catholic education.

“In public school, religion is never really brought up at all,” she said. “But being a part of the classes here, you really get to grow together in faith and develop that part of you that may not get any attention in public school. I think it definitely makes you a better person because you get to ground your morals and learn about your religion.”

Her classmate, Matt Laird, has also applied to schools like Boston College and St. Anselm’s and is still waiting to hear from his first choice: Notre Dame. He agreed that his Catholic education has been instrumental in his success.

“I’ve gone to Catholic school since first grade, so it’s been an important part of my life,” said Laird, who previously attended St. Margaret’s Regional School in Buzzards Bay and St. Francis Xavier Prep in Hyannis. “I think just getting a Catholic education gives you a code and discipline to follow. Teachers are very set on making sure you’re doing everything you need to be doing. The faith aspect also gives you something to be motivated by. I know for me, it helped challenge me both academically and spiritually.”

Pope John Paul II senior Emily Fenuccio has already gotten nods from the University of Vermont, the University of New Hampshire and Providence Col-

lege, but she’s still waiting to hear from Brown University and Dartmouth College before she makes her final decision where she’ll be this fall.

“My high school experience has been very unique,” Fenuccio said. “Being part of the first graduating class, we’ve been able to help build our high school. We’ve been able to customize our education and cultivate our own talents and abilities. So most of us know where we want to go to college and are well-prepared.”

Like his fellow seniors, James Anderson agreed his four years at Coyle and Cassidy High School in Taunton prepared him to apply at eminent colleges like Harvard University, Princeton University and M.I.T. “I have to admit, one of my initial reasons for going to Coyle and Cassidy was that I thought it might look better on college applications,” said Anderson, a Middleboro resident who aspires to attend M.I.T. “But I’ve found it’s been much more than that: it’s a close-knit community and everyone is there because they want to be there and it’s just a great high school environment.”

Although at first blush the religious aspects are what separate Catholic schools from their public counterparts, all the students agree there’s also a sense of community and moral grounding that distinguish them.

“It makes a difference to be in a place where you’re surrounded by people with the same goals and the same beliefs,” said Laird.

“I also think Catholic schools provide a better academic education. When I’m talking to some of my friends in public school about their courses, I find we’re usually ahead of them or more in-depth.”

“Having that background and faith in your school community is important,” agreed Carroll.

“Everyone is there to look out for you and to support you and to make sure you’re reaching your full potential.”

Anderson, who previously attended public schools in Middleboro before enrolling at Coyle and Cassidy, said the experience has been much more than just adding religion to the curriculum.

“The school’s motto is ‘Enter to learn, leave to serve,’ and I think that had a pretty profound influence on me,” he said. “The

different religion courses I’ve had over the years have helped me become more spiritually developed but the many different volunteer opportunities at the school have also given me more empathy toward my fellow man and a general concern for the community.”

“Catholic school is definitely a closer-knit community,” added Fenuccio. “There was definitely more of an encouraging environment in both middle and high school for me.”

“Catholic schools like Bishop Stang are also great academically, so it made being able to succeed here a lot easier,” agreed Godding, who previously attended St. Anthony’s School in New Bedford. “I’ve had such a good experience with Catholic schools in the past, I figured why not a Catholic college?”

Acknowledging that Catholic schools can be cost-prohibitive, Goddard is thankful that he’s been the beneficiary of scholarships and financial aid; as is Laird, who also received assistance through the diocesan St. Mary’s Education Fund.

And Carroll appreciates the sacrifices her parents have made to put her and her three siblings through Catholic schools.

“I have an older brother and sister already at Notre Dame,” she said, “and my younger sister is going to Stang next year. I know having myself, my brother and two sisters attend Catholic school has been important to my parents and they’ve made a lot of sacrifices to do it.”

With plans in place for most of these students to pursue their collegiate education at a Catholic institution, they seem well on their way to continued success.

“A Catholic education is something that will have an impact on you for the rest of your life, not just academically, but more so in the way you see things, the way you think, and the way you interact with others,” said Laird. “I know for me, it’s had a profound effect on who I am and who I see myself to be.”

“The experience and the education you receive at a Catholic school cannot be topped and it stays with you for the rest of your life,” agreed Carroll. “It’s been an unbelievable experience and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, January 30 at 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Marek Chmurski, pastor of St. Lawrence Martyr Parish in New Bedford, joined by faculty and students from Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford in celebration of Catholic Schools Week.

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14

The Anchor

Forming excellent disciples, students and communities continued from page one

“It’s that sense of community,” said Regan. “It’s a warm feeling you get when you walk in the school. You see the statue of Jesus and you see holy pictures around; you know you’re in a different place.”

Cristina Raposo, principal of St. James-St. John Catholic School in New Bedford, echoes Regan’s sentiments.

“Here at the school, the families are very involved. We have a tremendous amount of support from parents and volunteers who work with our students and act as a model for the students to build up Gospel values. There is a real sense of community in the school,” said

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Raposo.

Catholic schools encourage students to recognize the presence of Christ in themselves and others, said Raposo.

“The focus is on the whole child rather than academics,” said Raposo. “Academics are extremely important, but we are fostering the education through the whole child so that they see the volunteering and spirituality in individuals within our building.”

“The academics are very challenging and religion is taught every day and in every class,” said Regan. “We’ve had great success with kids; they’ve done extremely well.”

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In March 2010 the National Center for Education Statistics released a report of the National Assessment of Educational Progress results for reading and mathematics in grades four and eight, comparing the achievement levels of students who attend public and Catholic schools.

It found students of Catholic schools consistently scoring higher than students in public schools.

Done as level percentages, the scale scores saw eighthgrade students of Catholic schools score a 282 in reading while those students of public schools score 262. Most telling were the breakdowns in achievement levels, with 46 percent of Catholic school students scoring in the proficient category (defined at having a solid academic performance) while only 28 percent of students in the public schools scored at that rank.

Eighth-grade students of Catholic schools also outscored their public school neighbors in mathematics, with Catholic school students scoring 297 to the public students’ total of 282. The proficient category also saw Catholic students come out on top with 34 percent and public students scoring 25 percent.

The biggest disparity between scores in mathematics came at the advanced level, where 13 percent of Catholic school students scored at that superior performance level while only one percent of public school students succeeded at that rank.

The outscoring didn’t stop once students went into high school, as based on the 2009 SAT results. In critical reading, mathematics and writing, Catholic school students

January 28, 2011 scored well into the 500 ranges in all three categories while their public school counterparts only broke the 500 ceiling in mathematics, scoring in the upper 400 ranges in the other two subjects.

Average class size in public schools tend to be larger than in Catholic schools, and often as students become older their class size tends to get bigger.

St. Pius X has 25 students maximum per class, said Regan, with many of the classes not even that full. With students focused on a challenging curriculum that includes offering double English classes, it’s no surprise the combination of smaller class size and a topnotch program of study helps boost the academic success rate of each student.

While the teachers may spend countless hours molding the minds of the students, it’s the Catholic school philosophy that helps mold the soul. Outreach ministry programs offer an added benefit to creating a quality of character in each student.

“It makes the kids more aware of their surroundings, that there are people less fortunate than them,” said Regan.

“It gives them a broader picture of the world around them.

We are doing outreach constantly.”

Every month at St. Pius X, students participate in services that range from helping collect goods for the food pantry run

by St. Vincent de Paul Society to collecting coats for those in need. Most recently the students collected socks and underwear to be donated through Caitlin’s Closet to needy students.

Sometimes inspiring students to think outside the box can also create an atmosphere of success, as shown by St. Pius X students who participated in FIRST Lego League, a global robotics program that

challenges kids to research and solve a real-world problem based on a theme. Coached by parent volunteer Don Cho, students applied their critical thinking and programming skills to solve a number of challenges in this year’s biomedical engineering-themed event.

“It was so popular that we had two full teams. We have the usual sports — basketball, soccer and so on — but this attracted kids from all walks of life,” said Regan, who added that in their first year competing, one of the teams made it to the state championship.

After-school activities stimulate the students’ interests at St. James-St. John school with clubs that range in focus from art to books, and a math club that competes in an annual math-a-thon. Last year Raposo’s school came out on top at the Catholic Challenge hosted by Bishop Stang in North Dartmouth.

“It’s really worked out in the essence we are crossing the bridge, preparing the students for high school,” said Raposo.

Catholic students embrace faith, positivity and higher academic learning and Regan credits that performance on the overall environment created by the Catholic school system.

“We don’t have the distractions that public schools have,” said Regan. “We just don’t have those influences.”

“I am a product of public schools,” said Raposo, “and for the first few years working in a Catholic school, even with attending CCD growing up, I missed the ability to talk about Jesus each and every day. It’s not just in a textbook format but in examples on how we lead and the things we do in school.

There are no limitations; Jesus is present in each and everything that we do. We are able to foster that every day.”

Marian Medal awards presentation on video

FALL RIVER — The 2010 Marian Medals Awards Ceremony is now available on DVD from the Diocesan Office of Communications. The DVD cost is $24.95.

To obtain one, please forward a check in that amount payable to the Diocesan Office of Communications, Diocese of Fall River, PO Box 7, Fall River, Mass. 02722.

Shipping is included in the video cost.

January 28, 2011

I

15

The Anchor

f we want to trace the history of what in the twentieth century was named “The Liturgical Movement,” we would do well to set that movement in the light of what the liturgy once was, so that we might see what was lost and what stood in need of being restored. Seen in this light, it is reasonable to identify the “Father of the Liturgical Movement” as Dom Prosper Guéranger (1805-1875).

Guéranger was a secular priest who re-founded the Benedictine order in France in 1833 at Solesmes after the destruction wrought by the French Revolution and the era of Napoleon.

In 1837, Pope Gregory XVI made Solesmes an abbey, with Guéranger as abbot.

Although the liturgy is the birthright of all the baptized, it was the Benedictines who, down through the centuries, had always been its special guardian. With the near death of Benedictine monasticism came the general decline of liturgical piety in the Church at large. The situation was made worse by the advanced secularism caused by modern revolutions. Guéranger knew that a renewal of the Church depended in some measure on the revival of monastic life centered on the contemplative spirit, pristine beauty, and transformative power of the liturgy. He was determined that Solesmes should lead the way by placing the Eucharist and Divine Office at the center of piety, prayer, and asceticism.

Prayer is “man’s richest boon,” Guéranger famously said. And the most efficacious of all prayers, he well understood, is the liturgy. As the prayer of Christ and his body the Church, the liturgy is “most pleasing to the ear and the heart of God.” Guéranger realized that liturgical prayer “would soon become powerless were the faithful

The first phase: Recovering lost treasures not to take a real share in it, or at participation” in the liturgy. As least not to associate themselves patriarch of Venice, he had colwith it in heart. It can heal and laborated with a church musician save the world, but only on the trained at Solesmes. The pope condition that it be understood.” laid down in the motu proprio In 1841 he began publishing that Gregorian chant is “the suL’Année liturgique (“The Liturgical Year”), which eventually reached 10,000 pages.

This multivolume work, which became hugely popular in French

By Father and other languages, contains historical Thomas M. Kocik information and spiritual meditations on each day of the year. It was republished preme model for sacred music.” in English by St. Bonaventure On the assumption that clothing Publications (www.libers.com) in the liturgical prayers with suit2000. able melody would foster active Under Guéranger, Solesmes participation, he mandated the became the center for the study restoration of the use of Gregoriand revival of Gregorian chant, an chant by the people. (Readers a form of monophonic music who doubt that assumption might or “plainchant” named after St. try comparing, say, the Missa Gregory the Great, pope from de Angelis, probably the best 590 to 604. Although the roots known of the Gregorian settings of this ancient melody lie in of the Mass, with Rossini’s Petite elements of Jewish worship, Messe Solennelle, a mixture of Gregory is popularly (though not elaborate solo arias and contraquite correctly) credited with ap- puntal choruses.) plying it to the Church’s liturgiIn calling for a revival of cal texts. plainchant, Pius X had hoped to Fast-forwarding into the purify the churches of the kind twentieth century, the revival of of music that was turning the Gregorian chant was sanctioned liturgy in many places into an opby St. Pius X (pope from 1903 eratic performance. He forbade to 1914), leading to a revision of the use in church of soloists in all the liturgical books. Certainly the choir, hymns set to secular Pius X’s motu proprio on sacred melodies, and instruments other music, Tra le sollecitudini, dated than the organ. Furthermore, “the November 22, 1903 (the feast of language of the Roman Church St. Cecelia, patroness of musiis Latin. It is therefore forbidcians), marked the moment when den to sing anything whatever in the Liturgical Movement was the vernacular” in celebrations first taken up and vigorously pro- of the Mass and Divine Office. moted by the Church’s supreme (Let me note parenthetically pontiffs. (A motu proprio is a that the motu proprio touched a letter issued by the pope “on his sensitive nerve particularly with own initiative.”) the French church, which had The “foremost and indispensenjoyed liturgical liberties for able fount” of “the true Christian two centuries. The fact that the spirit,” Pius wrote, is “active pope’s directives went largely

The Liturgical Movement

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unheeded in France and elsewhere should disabuse us of the idea that disobedience within the Church is solely a “post-Vatican II” problem.)

Active participation in the liturgy reaches its climax in sacramental communion. So it is not surprising that Pius X, in 1905, advocated more frequent Communion after many centuries in which the faithful (in the West) had become accustomed to receiving only a few times a year at most. Frequent, even daily, Communion is encouraged for all Catholics “who approach the holy table with a right and devout intention,” as long as “they be

free from mortal sin.” In 1910, Pius enacted that children who had reached the age of reason (about the age of seven) should make their first confession and receive first Communion.

From Prosper Guéranger to St. Pius X, the two principal themes of the Liturgical Movement — the centrality of liturgical spirituality in the Christian life and greater participation of the faithful — were well established.

Father Kocik, parochial vicar of Santo Christo Parish in Fall River, is editor of “Antiphon: A Journal for Liturgical Renewal,” author of two liturgy-related books, and contributor to the forthcoming “T&T Clark Companion to Liturgical Studies.”

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16

Youth Pages

Coaching high school athletes to be winners in faith, life continued from page one

and coach is a vocation,” he told The Anchor.

“The coaches don’t make a bunch of money, but they are here because they see it as carrying out their Christian mission to teach and set an example for the student athletes in their care. Algebra and English are meant to discipline the mind. Athletics are a laboratory for right behavior in things the students will see in everyday life outside the classroom. Playing on a team, they learn about being committed and making sacrifices — attributes it takes to be a good Christian.”

O’Boy, who went to high school at Coyle and Cassidy in Taunton and later to Providence College, indicated that sports are a part of life that helps make the whole student.

“The Feehan motto is ‘Sanctity, scholarship, and sportsmanship,’ the three leaves of the shamrock,” he said. “Through athletics the kids get a real feel for real-life situations.

They work hard together for a common goal.

The goal is winning, but it’s not the sole or primary measure. The willingness to prepare is more important than the final results.”

The long-time A.D. indicated that when a student puts on the Feehan uniform, she or he represents the school, their families, and their faith. “We instill in them the importance of spirituality and the moral aspect of sports,” he said. “And they have fun too.”

While much is expected of the studentathlete, sometimes someone fails at maintaining or setting a good Catholic example. “Kids are kids,” said O’Boy, “and when someone’s actions fail to reflect proper behavior, we use this as a teaching moment and explain where they went wrong, and what to do to rectify

it.” O’Boy said in most cases the student will correct themselves, but should they not, noncompliance is not tolerated, and the student loses the privilege of playing for the Shamrocks.

At Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River, Frank Sherman, who attended the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, has been the A.D. for the past eight years. He told The Anchor that a strong focus on prayer and the examples of Christ are vital to all school athletic teams. “It’s more than just wins and losses,” he said. “We pray, we talk about Christ and we stress the development of the individual.

It’s about loving each other, just like it should be at home.

“Our focus is on family — at home, the Connolly family, and the team family.”

Sherman also noted that the studentathletes are taught that they represent the school, their families, their team, the athletic program, and Catholic schools in general.

“If someone is on the fence about attending a Catholic school, a good example may just be the deciding factor,” he said. “In fact, I received a letter this year from a man after a football game we played at Bristol-Plymouth High School in Taunton. The individual praised the Connolly team for its sportsmanship, the fact that we prayed together as a team, and the fact that we stayed after the game to clean up our area, despite losing the game. The man said he was the product of a Catholic school and that he was proud to see our kids positively representing a Catholic school and representing what Christ taught.”

Tom Pileski has been guiding the Coyle

and Cassidy athletic program at the Taunton school for five years. “We try to instill in our players the values of Christ,” he told The Anchor. “When they wear the Coyle name on their uniforms, they’re taught to uphold the teachings of Jesus, his leadership and devotion to the Father. There is spirituality in athletics — honesty and sportsmanship comingle. Our coaches are an extension of the classroom, teaching first and foremost that athletics is not the only thing, but a part of who they are as persons.”

Pileski said that each team conducts itself in different ways as far as preparing for competition, but the goal is the same — growth as persons and Christians.

“We have a nice tradition on one of our teams when at the conclusion of the season, they go to the school chapel, and the senior members of the squad have the opportunity to convey what Coyle and Cassidy has done for them in all aspects of their lives.”

When students make mistakes they are taught the correct way of conducting themselves. “We’re flexible as far as that goes,” said Pileski. “Based on the offense we give them another chance to right the wrong. They know swearing or improper behavior reflects badly on the school, their families and themselves.”

At Bishop Stang in North Dartmouth, the athletic program is in the hands of firstyear A.D. Ryan Sylvia. Former A.D. and now Stang’s academic principal, Peter Shaughnessy, is teaching Sylvia the ropes.

“Stang was the only Catholic high school I interviewed with,” Sylvia told The Anchor.

“When I heard about the school system and what this Catholic high school was all about, it was a no-brainer when I was offered the position.

“Peter has filled me in about maintaining a strong emphasis on the school’s Catholic mission through athletics. After spending time in the public schools, I notice a difference in the level of respect the athletes have for each other, their coaches and their opponents. We encourage the coaches to utilize the school chapel to build up a team concept.

Most coaches select students who are ‘spiritual leaders’ for the team, helping to lead chapel discussions and prayers. The respect they exhibit to others and themselves only enhances this program.

“The goal is to win, but it’s more important teaching the kids life lessons and character building … including how to lose and win. It’s not just about the athlete, but the whole person.”

Former A.D. Shaughnessy, who himself is a graduate of a Catholic grammar school, high school, college and two graduate schools, said “The stakes are too high in life not to teach our athletes about morals and sportsmanship. Sports in not primarily

January 28, 2011 about winning. Our coaches are expected to conduct themselves with respect and the authority of their position with model behavior.

We teach team work, and the successes will come as a result.”

Should an athlete stray from the course of Catholic expectations, Shaughnessy said he or she will be taught the errors of his or her ways. He said it not only helps the student grow and mature, but it also “helps parents see that rules will be enforced regardless of the situation — from an average athlete to the star of the team.”

Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis hired John Muldoon last June to lead its fledgling sports program. This is Muldoon’s first encounter with a Catholic school position, having coached and played in public schools in the past. Yet he’s not new to the Catholic mission and example when it comes to the playing fields. “I had two great influences in my life as a player and a coach,” Muldoon told The Anchor. “Both men were fervent Catholics and instilled in their players the importance of respect and sportsmanship. They weren’t afraid to hit a knee before a game with their players. Nowadays, that’s not allowed [in pubic school settings], but it made an impression on me.”

Muldoon said that his program is “100 percent about the Catholic mission. Right from the start, we teach our athletes about priorities: faith first, family second, academics third and athletics fourth. Our coaches and athletes frequently go to chapel before a game, and pray following practices. Win or lose we pray to give thanks for the opportunity to play and for the lessons we learn.”

The first-year A.D. said that each studentathlete is expected to complete a community service project as part of that Catholic mission. “The project is different by teams, but should a student not be able to complete the project because of time constraints or other factors, he or she is allowed to jump on board with another team’s project to meet the obligation,” he said. “In fact, many of our student-athletes attended the March For Life in Washington, D.C. last week. We had to move some scheduling around for that, but that’s what’s more important.”

Muldoon went on to say that there is a “three-strike” policy at John Paul II. “Depending on the infraction, students are given another chance to improve. If they fail again, they may get still another chance. They’re taught it’s not a right to play athletics, it’s a privilege. And even if they fail to meet our standards, we love them regardless. We may not like the sin, but we love the sinner.”

Five schools, five athletic directors, scores of coaches, and hundreds of student-athletes — each different and unique, but with one common denominator — bringing Christ to the playing field for all to see.

January 28, 2011

Y

ou’ve heard the saying, “The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence.” This is a psychology that, all too often, plays havoc on our mind; we think that what we want is better than what we have.

This preoccupation of our mind, and body, may lead us to be ashamed of ourselves — for we may think that what we have is not good enough or not up to the standards of those on the other side of the fence. Thoughts like those are wrong; the grass is not always greener on the other side.

The trouble is that wanting something implies that you don’t have it. And most people value what they want more than what they have. Sound familiar? Take, for example, if you are in a bad situation, a relationship. You might walk away from it. You might find something else to do like hang out with your friends. It sounds so much easier to jump over to the other side than to work out a way to fix the bad situation. Isn’t that what is happening in many marriages today, where separation and divorce have come to be the easy way to greener pastures?

Don’t people work out their problems any more? I understand that there are other places or situations better than the ones you’re in now. But the other side is the side you are not on. If you want out of this mode of thinking, keep wanting what you already have and work hard at keeping it. Bottom line: What would

Youth Pages Look on the bright side

make you happy with what you already world outside. have? Sometimes we are blinded by The window overlooked a park what we want that we can’t really see or with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans appreciate what we have. played on the water while children A friend of mine shared this story sailed their model boats. Young lovers with me from an unknown author. It walked arm in arm amidst flowers of reminds us that what we really want we every color of the rainbow. Grand old indeed already have. We only need to trees graced the landscape, and a fine accept it, fully. view of the city skyline could be seen Two men, in the disboth seriously tance. ill, occupied As the man the same by the winhospital room. dow described One man was all this in exallowed to sit quisite detail, up in his bed the man on

By Ozzie Pacheco for an hour the other side each afterof the room noon to help would close drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed his eyes and imagine the picturesque was next to the room’s only window. The scene. One warm afternoon the man by other man had to spend all his time flat the window described a parade passing on his back. The men talked for hours by. Although the other man couldn’t hear on end. They spoke of their wives and the band, he could see it in his mind’s families, their homes, their jobs, their eye as the gentleman by the window porinvolvement in the military service, and trayed it with descriptive words. Days where they had been on vacation. Every and weeks passed. afternoon when the man in the bed by One morning, the day nurse arrived the window could sit up, he would pass to bring water for their baths, only to the time by describing to his roommate find the lifeless body of the man by the all the things he could see outside the window, who had died peacefully in window. The man in the other bed began his sleep. She was saddened and called to live for those one-hour periods where the hospital attendants to take the body his world would be broadened and enliv- away. As soon as it seemed appropriened by all the activity and color of the ate, the other man asked if he could be

Be Not Afraid

17 moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself. He strained to turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what she thought could have compelled his deceased roommate to describe such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded with the startling words that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, “Perhaps he just wanted to make you happy.”

When I pray, I often close my eyes. It helps me not to be distracted by everything around me and I can concentrate more on the words of my prayer. If you only allow your physical eyes to see what is in front of you, they can prevent you from seeing the bigger picture. Your heart can help you see that greater good.

Don’t look over the fence just because the grass appears to be greener. Look on the bright side — your side. It is there where the Lord stands beside you. Ask him to help you. “Look at him with gladness and smile, and your face will never be ashamed” (Ps 33:6).

Ozzie Pacheco is Faith Formation director at Santo Christo Parish, Fall River.

18 Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Fridays 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays end with Evening Prayer and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.; Saturdays end with Benediction at 2:45 p.m.

ATTLEBORO — St. Joseph Church holds eucharistic adoration in the Adoration Chapel located at the (south) side entrance at 208 South Main Street, Sunday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to midnight, with overnight adoration on Friday and Saturday only.

Brewster — Eucharistic adoration takes place in the La Salette Chapel in the lower level of Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays following the 11 a.m.

Mass until 7:45 a.m. on the First Saturday, concluding with Benediction and Mass.

Buzzards Bay — Eucharistic adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, every first Friday after the 8 a.m. Mass and ending the following day before the 8 a.m.

Mass.

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

East Sandwich — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at the Corpus Christi Parish Adoration Chapel, 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Also, 24-hour eucharistic adoration takes place on the First Friday of every month with Benediction at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning.

EAST TAUNTON — Eucharistic adoration takes place First Fridays at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, following the 8:30 a.m. Mass until Benediction at 8 p.m.

FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has eucharistic adoration every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at noon.

Also, there is a First Friday Mass each month at 7 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour with eucharistic adoration. Refreshments follow.

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

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

FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has eucharistic adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass until 6 p.m. in the Daily Mass Chapel. There is a bilingual Holy Hour in English and Portuguese from 5-6 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory.

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

HYANNIS — A Holy Hour with eucharistic adoration will take place each First Friday at St. Francis Xavier Church, 21 Cross Street, beginning at 4 p.m.

MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m. Mass every First Friday with special intentions for Respect Life, followed by 24 hours of eucharistic adoration in the Chapel, concluding with Benediction Saturday morning followed immediately by an 8:30 Mass.

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

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

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

NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic adoration takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m.

The rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

OSTERVILLE — Eucharistic adoration takes place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 76 Wianno Avenue on First Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and every Friday from noon to 5 p.m., with Benediction at 5 p.m.

Taunton — Eucharistic adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction. Recitation of the rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.

WAREHAM — Adoration with opportunities for private and formal prayer is offered on the First Friday of each month from 8:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, High Street.

The Prayer Schedule is as follows: 7:30 a.m. the rosary; 8 a.m. Mass; 8:30 a.m. exposition and Morning Prayer; 12 p.m. the Angelus; 3 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet; 5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer; 7 p.m. sacrament of confession; 8 p.m. Benediction.

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

WOODS HOLE — Eucharistic adoration takes place at St. Joseph’s Church, 33 Millfield Street, year-round on weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No adoration on Sundays, Wednesdays, and holidays. For information call 508-274-5435.

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January 28, 2011

On the right track — or is it?

’ll take ‘Weather’ for $400, “For the lead, here goes. ‘ForeAlex.” cast.’”

“Very well. Answer — ‘It all “What is a prediction about depends on the track.’” upcoming weather conditions?”

“What is the theme phrase for “Well done. You now have the the winter of 2010-11?”

“Correct.” “‘Weather’ for $800 please.”

“Answer — ‘Eight to 12 inches of snow.’”

“What is the predicted

By Dave Jolivet amount of snow for Southeastern Massachusetts?”

“Correct. Pick again, Dave.” lead. And now there’s one answer “Let’s stay with ‘Weather’ for remaining, ‘Weather’ for $2,000, $1,200 please.” and the answer is — ‘After the “The answer is — ‘One-and-astorm.’ Dave, you chimed in first. half inches of rain.’”

Your response?”

“What is what we’ll actually get “What is when we compare the based on the $800 answer?” difference of the forecast to the “Correct, select again.” actual snowfall totals?” “‘Weather’ for $1,600.”

“Correct, and you have the lead Ding, ding, ding. going into Final Jeopardy. Players “A Daily Double. What’s your make your wagers based on this wager Dave?” category — ‘The Universe.’ And “I’ll bet it all Alex.” the final Jeopardy answer is —

My View From the Stands

Around the Diocese 2/4

Father Jose Robles-Sanchez will be the speaker at the February 4 eXtreme Event sponsored by the La Salette Youth Ministry. The event will begin at 6:45 p.m. in the church at La Salette Shrine, Attleboro. For more information call 508-236-9000 or 508-269-7256.

2/4

The Fall River Area Men’s First Friday Club will meet February 4 at Good Shepherd Parish, 1598 South Main Street, Fall River. Following a 6 p.m.

Mass celebrated by pastor Father Freddie Babiczuk, a hot meal will be served in the church hall with special guests. For more information call 508-672-8174.

2/5

A Day with Mary will take place on February 5 from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Our Lady’s Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street in New Bedford. It will include a video instruction, a procession and crowning of the Blessed Mother along with Mass, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and an opportunity for reconciliation. There will be a bookstore available during breaks. For more information call 508-984-1823.

2/7

The Pro-Life Committee of St. Julie Billiart Parish, North Dartmouth, will present a screening of the ground-breaking film “Demographic Winter: Decline of the Human Family” on February 7 at 7 p.m. in the conference room located in the parish offices. The film reveals how societies with diminished family influence are now seen as being in social and economic jeopardy. Popcorn will be served and admission is free.

2/10 2/10

A Healing Mass will be celebrated at St. Anne’s Church, 818 Middle Street, Fall River on February 10 at 6:30 p.m. Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. and Benediction and healing prayers will be offered after Mass.

The diocesan Divorced and Separated Support Group will meet on February 10 at 7 p.m. in the parish center of St. Julie Billiart Parish, 494 Slocum Road, North Dartmouth. This will be an open meeting with time reserved for all participants to speak freely and openly. For more information call 508-6782828 or 508-993-0589.

2/11

To commemorate the World Day of the Sick and the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, public adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the anointing of the sick will take place in the chapel of the Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street, Easton on February 11 beginning with rosary prayer at 9 a.m. followed by adoration and Mass at noon. The anointing of the sick will be administered during Mass. For more information call 508-238-4095.

2/11

The Sacred Hearts Retreat Center in Wareham and Office of Faith Formation will sponsor a “Retreat for Men and the Boy Within” February 1113, guided by Father Stan Kolasa, SS.CC., and Deacon Bruce Bonneau.

Retreatants will arrive on February 11 at 6 p.m. and will depart on February 13 at 1 p.m.

For more information email retreats@sscc.org or call 508-295-0100.

2/26

Courage, a group for people dealing with same-sex attraction while trying to live chastely, will next meet on February 26 at 7 p.m. The group is faithful to the Catholic Church’s teaching on human sexuality. The meeting lasts about an hour and all are welcome. For location and more information call Father Richard Wilson at 508-992-9408.

‘Mother Nature.’ ... Dave if you answer correctly you will be our new Jeopardy champion. And you answered, ‘Who derives the most entertainment from watching TV and Internet weather forecasts?’ And that is correct.

Congratulations. We’ll see you tomorrow — weather permitting.”

I write this on a Tuesday morning with a steady (dusting?) snow falling in Fall River. The forecast tomorrow is for either a mix of snow and rain with a slight accumulation, or eight to 12 inches of snow. It sounds just like the forecasts for seemingly the past seven Fridays.

I don’t know if it’s me or not, but it appears that forecasting storm tracks this season has been more of a crapshoot than usual.

Despite all the expensive toys like Doppler Radar, computer models, satellites, and tracking devices, ultimately Mother Nature has the last laugh. And she’s been in a jolly mood this season. Just another example of, despite’s man’s best efforts at controlling everything, the creator still holds the upper hand, and always will. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must go watch the weather for the closings and cancellations.

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

Jan. 29 Rev. Christiano J. Borges, Retired Pastor, St. John the Baptist, New Bedford, 1944 Rev. Albert J. Masse, Pastor, St. Joseph, Attleboro, 1950 Jan. 30 Rev. Raymond F.X. Cahill, S.J., Assistant, St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 1983 Rev. Sebastian Slesinski, OFM, Conv., 2006 Jan. 31 Rev. Charles J. Burns, Pastor, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1901 Rev. William F. Sullivan, Pastor, St. Patrick, Somerset, 1930 Rev. Manuel C. Terra, 1930 Feb. 1 Rev. Msgr. Michael J. O’Reilly, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Taunton, 1948 Rev. Msgr. Patrick H. Hurley, V.F. Pastor, St. Joseph, Taunton, 1968 Rev. Anatole F. Desmarais, Pastor, St. Jacques, Taunton, 1975 Rev. Msgr. Gerard J. Chabot, Pastor, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, South Attleboro, 1983 Rev. William F. O’Connell, Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford, 1995 Rev. Arthur T. DeMello, Retired Pastor, St. Elizabeth, Fall River, 2004 Feb. 2 Most Rev. William Stang, D.D., First Bishop of Fall River: 1904-07, 1907 Rev. Patrick F. McKenna, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Taunton, 1913 Rev. John L. McNamara, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River, 1941 Rev. P. Roland Decosse, Pastor, St. Hyacinth, New Bedford, 1947 Rev. Daniel F. Morarty, Assistant, St. Brendan, Riverside, R.I., 1991 Feb. 3 Rev. Antonio O. Ponte, Pastor, Our Lady of Angels, Fall River, 1952 Feb. 4 Rev. Msgr. Hugh J. Smyth, P.R., Pastor, St. Lawrence, New Bedford. First Vicar General, Fall River, 1904-07.

Administrator of Diocese, FebruaryJuly 1907, 1921 Rev. Raymond Graham, S.M.M., 2004

January 28, 2011

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January 28, 2011