02.13.04

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VOL. 48, NO.6· Friday, February 13,2004

FALL RIVER, MASS.

Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

Same-sex marriage opponents stage rally in Boston

By MEGHAN DoRNEY BOSTON PiLOT BOSTON- The bitter temperature and whipping wind did not stop approximately 3,000 traditional marriage supporters from converging at the Boston Common Sunday to show support for traditional marriage. Cold but energized by their cause, they repeatedly chanted, "Let the people vote!" hoping to influence legislators still on the fence about their vote on a marriage amendment to the state constitution.

Their chanting filled every silence or pause during the rally's speeches. Guest speakers included fonner ambassador to the Vatican Raymond L. flynn; chief sponsor of the marriage amendment Rep. Philip Travis (D-Rehoboth); Sandy Rios, president of Concerned Women for America; retired Supreme Judicial Joseph R. Nolan; former Attorney General Robert Quinn; and Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley.

Manyofthe speakers echoed e:1ch other, saying that the people of Massachusetts, not four unelectedjustices,' should decide how marriage is defined in the Commonwealth. Before a cOnstitutional amendment reaches the ballote; for popular vote, it must pass two consecutive constitutional conventions, the first on Wednesday.

The earliest the amendmentcould be seen on the ballot is 2006.

Four of the original 12 signers of the amendment spoke briefly at the mlly and encouraged attendees to continue to put pressure on their representatives in the Legislature. The crowd received Travis, chief sponsor, will a loud round of applause to which he responded, "Let the people vote!"

"Stand behind your legislators.

Make them accountable, and we will win on Wednesday;' February II at the constitutional convention, he told them. flynn, president of the advocacy Tum to page 13 - Rally

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SOUTHERN BAPTIST the Rev. Louis LoBue of North Grafton, calls for preserving marriage as the union between man and woman during a rally outside the Massachusetts Statehouse in Boston Sunday. Several hundred opponents of marriage between same-sex couples demonstrated outside the statehouse the weekend before legislators were to consider a proposed constitutional amendment banning marriage between gays. (CNS photo from Reuters)

MERCY SISTER Elaine Heffernan, diocesan episcopal representative for Religious enjoys a reception at White's Restaurant in Westport with Bishop George W. Coleman, following a Mass recognizing World Day for Consecrated Life at St. Mary's Cathedral last Sunday.

World Day for Consecrated Life is tribute to dedicated Religious FALL RIVER - Bishop George W. Coleman and all their labors had resulted in catching nothwas the principal celebrant and hornilist at a Mass ing. Jesus told Simon Peter to lower his nets for a last Sunday at St. Mary's Cathedral, observing catch. Simon Peter immediately did so. The Gospel World Day for Consecrated Life. The theme for this tells us, 'When they had done this, they caught a year's celebration was, "They left everything and great number of fish. and their nets were tearing.'

Simon Peter and his companions were overwhelmed followed Jesus."

There are 32 orders of Religious women in the by the experience., Simon Peter said to Jesus, 'Dediocese and 16 congregation of men. All serve the part from me, for I am a sinful man.' The Gospel Diocese of Fall River in a variety of ministries such describes his companions as having been 'seized as health care, schools, parish work, pastoral care, with astonishment.' It was this experience of Jesus' social service, retreats, secretaries and working with extraordinary power and their utter weakness that brought them to the point the Hispanic community. where 'they left everything The annual celebration is and followed him.' part of an international obThe call of our Holy Father, the Today's Mass shines a servance called by Pope John Paul II to highlight the Prophet Isaiah, Jesus'disciples, St. light on the mystery of vaplace of institutes of conse- Paul, and each ofus is different and cation in the lives of a numcrated life in the Church. yet the same. The call is different ber of people: Isaiah, in reEvery diocese throughout because of the differing personali- counting his own call from the world is urged to plan ties and circumstances involved. It the Lord said. 'Then I heard the voice of the Lord saycelebrations to educate is the same because each person ing, "Whom shall I send? people about the significalled, in some mysterious way, re- Who will go for us?" "Here cance of the vowed life.

I am:' I said; "send me!'"

Many religious orders alizes the call is from God. In the reading from First came to the United States Corinthians, S1. Paul refollowing the great waves of immigrants from Western Europe in the 18th cen- counts the wonder of his own call. 'For I am the tury. They helped people adjust to the difficult life least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle, here and to preserve the faith. Today, these same because I persecuted the church of God. But by the Religious seek out the present-day needs of people grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me and strive with the same zeal to be of help in meet- has not been ineffective.'

On the occasion of his 50th anniversary of ordiing their needs and in preserving their faith.

Following the Mass at the Cathedral, Bishop nation to the priesthood, Pope John Paul II spoke Coleman and many members of the Religious com- about his vocation. He began by asking a question: 'the story of my priestly vocation? It is known above munity attended a dinner at White's of Westport.

The following is Bishop Coleman's homily at all to God. At its deepest level, every vocation to the priesthood is a great mystery; it is a gift which the Mass for World Day for Consecrated Life: '''They left everything and followed Jesus.' This infinitely transcends the individual.' He added, was the response of the disciples to an experience 'Faced with the greatness of the gift, we sense our that left them astonished. They had been hard at own inadequacy.'

Tum to page 13 - Consecrated work all night fishing in the Lake of Gennesaret

Fdday,Febl\lary

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Mrs. Vivian L. Johns ACUSHNET -

Mrs. Vivian

L. (Beaulieu) Johns, 56, sister of Father Richard W. Beaulieu of Falmouth, died Sunday in St Luke's Hospital, New Bedford.

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of Mrs. Florence (Goulet) Beaulieu of Acushnet and the late Octave Jourdain Beaulieu, she had resided in Acushnet for 46 years. She graduated from Sacred Hearts Academy and Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, where she received her certification as a licensed practical nurse. She was formerly employed as an emergency medical technician with Acushnet Emergency Medical Services. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet.

Mrs. Johns was an avid reader and enjoyed taking care of the people in the town of Acushnet.

Besides her mother and priest brother, she leaves two daughters, Jennifer and Jessica Johns of Acushnet; a son, Jason Johns or" Knoxville, Tenn.; three sisters, Susan Garman of New Bedford, and Diane Sweet and Anne Giammalvo, of Acushnet; two grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated Thursday in St. Francis Xavier Church, Acushnet. Burial was in Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Bedford.

The Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford, was in charge of arrangements. ~ 'THE ROMAN Martyrology lists two early martyrs named Valentine on February 14.

One was a priest, likely of Rome, who is said to have died under the persecution of Claudius. The other Valentine, depicted here in a mosaic from the Church of the Dormition in Jerusalem, is said to have been bishop of Terni, Italy. The late medieval custom of exchanging love notes on St. Valentine's Day has little to do with the saints and is thought to have developed from the beliefthat the day marked the start pf the mating season of birds. (CNS, photo from Crosiers)

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

On December 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia <seer of Fatima) and spoke these words: "Announce in my name that I promise'to assist at the hour ofdeath with the graces necessary for the salvation of th~ir souls, all those who on the first , Saturday of five consecutive months shall: 1. Go to confession; 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite the Rosary (5 decades); and 4. Keep me company for 15 minutes while' meditating on the 15 mysteries ofthe Rosary, with the intention of , making reparation to me."

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

A trapition of eafing. ,

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465 County Street, New Bedford

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lie."

But the priest also warned that WASHINGTON - Catholic Catholic scholars,. in the process universities have a responsibility of relaying the Catholic tradition 'to address issues that modem soor understanding on various issues, ciety is trying to tackle, said one should not, merely offer rote reof the speakers at an annual meetsponses. ing of the Association of Catholic ''As important as it is for CathoColleges and Universities. lic scholars to know the tradition ''The insight of Catholic teachand present it accurately, it is also ing should be a voice in current imPortant to remember that the tradebates," said Helen Alvare, a law dition is multifaceted,sometimes professor at The Catholic internally pluralistic, and ' University of America's usually advanced through Columbus School of Law debate and constructive dis'The insight of Catholic teaching agreement," he said. and the former spokes- , woman for the U.S. bishops' should be a voice in current deFather Heft noted that Secretariat for Pro-Life Ac- bates, IIsaidHelen Alvare, a lawpro- "not all bishops are comtivities., fessor at The Catholic University of fortable with that process Alvare, who addressed and, for that matter, neither more than 200 Catholic col- Americas Columbus SchoolofLaw. are all of us administrators, lege leaders during their particularly when members three-day gathering in of our boards or major doWashington, urged them to pro- challenges modert:l-day thinking, nors take exception to a cert:ain vide research, and scholarship on she added. lecture given on campus or to a current .issues particularly where Marianist Father James Heft, .controversial play put on by stucontemporary 'culture and the chancellor of the University of dents."

Church disagree. ' Dayton in Ohio, likewise said colHe said it is his qope that CathoBut researchalorie is not lege administrators and faculty lic colleges and universities beenough, she stressed. should learn to "translate" their come "place~ of free inquiry where ''There needs to be a translation .findings for the general public. He' major complex isslies of morality of findings into language that can noted that today's cQllege leaders and the social order can be openly be understood by all Catholics," should be able to "explain Catho- debated in the light of enduring she said, telling her listen,ers to "go lic intellectual traditions, and their' Catholic intellectUal traditions." 'out into the world with your find- relevance to the sorts of difficult Both Alvare and Father Heft ings." , moral and social issues" that exist also stressed the importance of "If you don't, Oprah will," she today. ' keeping Catholic colleges accesadded. "If Catholic institutions deHe said that many faculty mem- sible to a diverse stu,dent populamur when the media is iooking for bers and administrators can com- tion and, in'particular, to low-inan opinion, others will give it. You municate well with the media, "but come students. have to have some courage initially, even among them, few are able to Alvare warned that Catholic but it's important that you do it." make obvious and compelling the colleges should never become "haAlvare related her own experi- relevance of Catholic traditions. vens for the well-to-do." Father Too often we administrators talk Heft stressed that Catholic schools, 'bureaucratese' just as our faculty with their long-held reputation of talk what others describe as merely providing education for the poor Daily Readings academic." and for teaching "generations of He pointed out that "neither immigrants," should continue to Feb 16 Jas 1:1-11; Ps . form ofspeech connects well with "do whatever is possible to make 119:67-68,71the real issues of our wider pub- , that happen."

72,75-76; Mk 8:11-13 Feb 17 Jas 1:12-18; Ps 94:12-15,18-19; Mk 8:14-21 Feb 18 Jas 1:19-27; Ps 15:2-5; Mk 8:22Please pray for the following 26 Feb 19 Jas 2: 1-9; Ps priests during the coming weeks 34:2-7; Mk 8:2733 Feb. 16 Jas 2:14-24,26; Feb 20 1983, Rev. Alphonse 1. LaChapelle, Assistant, Holy Ghost, Ps 112:1-6; Mk Attleboro 8:34-9:1 2001, Rev. Joaquim Fernandes da Silva, CM Feb 21 Jas 3:1-10; Ps 12:2-5,7-8; Mk F~b.19 \ \ 9:2-13 1895, Rev. Andrew J. Brady~Pastor, §tA.2~ph, Fall River Feb 22 1 Sm 26:2,71953, Rev. Leopold Jeurissen,\SS:CC.,.Pastor, Sacred Heart, 9,12-13,22-23; ~( Fairhaven Ps 103:14,8,10,12-13; 1 .

Feb.-20 .

Cor 15:45-49; Lk 1922, Rev. James H.Fogarty, Pdstt;>r, St. Louis, Fall River 6:27-38' 198(i, Rev. Raymond'M. GiguerJ, G).F., Assistant, St. Anrie, CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

e,nce as the bishops' spokeswoman. In that role she was fre, quently on television programs and ,often up against those with opposing points of view. ' She said she quickly learned the need not only to clearly articulate the Church's position, but also to be gracious in doing so and to use a tone that did not put others down.

That lesson could apply to all who are defending something which

In Your Prayers

,\

Larry Sylvia Managing Director

A Hathaway Family Funeral Home, 1813 Robeson Street, Fall River, MA 02720

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Honoring all faiths, customs and nationalities William S. Hathaway, Jr. - Rut~ (Ward) Hathaway William "BT" Hathaway - James E. Barton

Be vocal on current issues', speakers tell ,college leaders

Fall River

992-5486

13, 2004

THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-Q20) Periodical Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass. Published weekly except for Ihe first two weeks in July and Ihe week after Christmas at 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River. Mass. CJ27X) by the Catholic Press oflhe Diocese ofFall River. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year.

POSTMASTERS send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA CJ2712,

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Feb. 21 \ \ 1997, Rev. Msgr. Luiz G. Mendonca, PA, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, New Bedford .

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Feb. 22 1954, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jovite Chagnon, Founder, St. Joseph, New Bedford

friday,

February 13, 2004

the

Pope encourages medical research without destroying human embryos ~

Pope offeredprayers at Wednesday's commemoration of World Day of the Sick.

By CINDY WOODEN CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY - While encouraging medical researchers in their efforts to help the sick, Pope John Paul II insisted their work must never involve the destruction or manipulation of hu-. man embryos.

In a message for Wednesday's commemoration of World Day of the Sick, the pope offered his prayers for all those who are sick and for those who care for them, especially for families.

"Life must be welcomed, respected and defended from its beginning to its natural end," the pope wrote in the message. . At the same time, he said, "the family, the c'radle of every new life, must be safeguarded."

While the Church welcomes The shrine at Lourdes and its scientific research to heal, cure and spring attract hundreds of thouprevent disease, he said, research sands of pilgrims seeking healing always must respect "the rights .each year, he said. and dignity of the person from the "In that place, Mary has 'cured' moment of conception. No one, in pains and illnesses, even restoring fact, can give himself the right to physical health to many ofher childestroy or manipulate indiscrimi- dren," Pope John Paul said. nately the life of a human being."

But the greatest miracles Mary The Catholic Church's main has helped work at Lourdes, he 2004 celebration of World Day of said, have occurred in the hearts the Sick was held at the Shrine of of believers, "opening their souls Our Lady of Lourdes in France. to an encounter with her son, The pope said the Blessed Vir- Jesus, the true response to the gin Mary's conception without sin deepest expectations of the human was "the promising dawn of the heart."

"Even when they do not receive radiant day of Christ whose death and resurrection will re-establish the gift of physical health, they alfull harmony between God and hu- ways can receive another, more manity," a harmony that includes important, gift: the conversion of freedom from sin, sickness and heart, which is the source of interior peace. and joy," the pope death.

"If Jesus is the source of life . wrote.

Conversion, he said, transforms which vanquishes death, Mary is the attentive mother who meets the those who are suffering into expectations of her children, ob- "apostles of the cross of Christ, the taining for them health in soul and standard of hope even amid the harshest and most difficult trials." body," the pope said.

"Suffering," the 83-year-old pope said, "when accepted with faith, becomes the entryway to the mystery of the redeeming suffering of the Lord; a suffering which no longer takes away peace and happiness because it is enlightened with the radiance of the resurrection."

Diocese of Fall River

OFFICIAL

His Excellency, the Most Reverend George W. Coleman, Bishop of Fall River, has announced the following appointments:.

Rev. Paul T. Lamb from Parochial Vicar, St. Francis Xavier Parish, Hyannis to Pastor, St. Rita Parish, Marion.

Rev. Craig A. Pregana to Parochial Administrator, St. Michael Parish, Swansea while remaining Vocation Director and Director of Campus Ministries.

Effective February 18, 2004 Rev. Richard D. Wilson from Secretary to the Bishop to Parochial Vicar, St. James Parish, New Bedford while remaining Diocesan Director of the Hispanic Apostolate.

Rev. David A. Pignato from Parochial Vicar, St. Julie Parish, North Dartmouth to Secretary to the Bishop while remaining Chaplain of Bishop Stang High School. . Effective February 23, 2004

DCCWannual retreat is March 26-28 DIGHTON - The Fall River Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will hold its annual re~ treat March 26 through 28 at the convent of the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation on Elm Street.

Dorothy Levesque, an author and lecturer who has held many positions with the Diocese of Providence, will direct the retreat.

Theme of the spiritual seminars will be "Bringing Us to a Journey."

For more information and to make reservations for the threeday event, call Claudette Arrnsu:ong at 508-672-1658.

Diocese of Fall River

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His Excellency, the Most Reverend George W. Coleman, Bishop of Fall River, has accepted the request of the Reverend William G. Campbell to retire from the Pastorate of St. Rita Parish, Marion.

His Excellency, the Most Reverend George W.. Coleman, Bishop of Fall River, has accepted the request of the Reverend Dermot Rodgers to resign, for reasons of health, from the Pastorate of St. Michael Parish, Swansea.

Effective February 18, 2004

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Diocese of Fall River Leadership Opportunities Elementary Principal Openings in Attleboro and Fall River Qualifications include: •

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Applications to close March 3, 2004.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of intent, resume, transcripts and three current letters of reference to: George A. Milot Super,intendent of Schools 423 Highland Avenue' Fall River, MA 02720

4

Friday, February 13, 2004

the moorin9-...,

.. the living word

A dark night Webster describes a secularist as one who rejects every form of religious faith and worship and undertakes to live accordingly. Also one who believes that education and other civil' matters is without religious elements.

This past week, The New York Times featured an article entitled, "France has a state religion: Secularism." The current attack by the Chirac government to ban all religious symbols from public schools, including Islamic headdress, Jewish skull caps and large crosses, is nothing more than a reflection of the attempt to reinforce the official creed of secularism from the qays of the French Revolution. As the article stated, ''The French ideal envisions a uniform secularized French identity as the best guarantee of national unity and the separation of church and state." This mind-set is creating political, religious and cultural divisions, which will foment explosive reactions and could affect the state itself.

What is said of France could also be said of the current mood of the United States. There is single and determined group of power brokers who wish to extend the French connection to all of American life.

The separation of church and state positions of so many judges, congresspersons and legislators is nothing more than an attempt to introduce an absolute secularization of our social structures. It is creating divisions, which will indeed change a nation, which says "In God We Trust" into a moral and ethical wasteland.

In the midst of this secular' explosiveness, there has'developed a corresponding anti-Catholic prejudice. To be sure, the Church has many problems of its own and is trying to come to grips with those horrendous difficulties. Yet, in the effort to bring healing to hurt, the Catholic Church has become.the prime target of this particular revolution.

Mary Ann Glendon, who teaches at Harvard Law School, offered this when she reflected, ''The new secular anti-Catholicism is far more sinister than the old religious anti-Catholicism of the Puritans or the class bred snobbery of their past Christian descendants.

"In the new anti-Catholicism, the old dissent is still there, but now it is redirected toward dissent from secular dogmas that have replaced Ghristianity in the belief system of many. And the Church that represents the principal opposition to many of those dogmas remains the object of abiding hostility."

This attitude is seen by people taking advantage of the recent sex abuse scandals to push personal agendas that undermine credence and beJief. The current secularization of mairiage by the Supreme Judicial .

Court is a prime example of this secularization of the social order. Sad . to say, too many Catholics are seeking secular approval in their quest for social approval, for this status is the prime objective of their lives and living. Church takes a token place in their lives. Today, Catholics are the best-educated laity in the history of the American church. They are also the most secularized group in its history. To remain silent in the face of this new anti-Catholicism is totally unacceptable. Shame on those who sell their Catholicism for secular advantages. In all· of this, many have abandoned religious education in their own homes.

More and more children and young adults are completely ignorant of their Catholic faith. In such circumstances, they are no match for those . promulgating the "gods" of secularism. .

The battle lines are indeed being drawn by our secular proponents.

They have an agenda, and many Catholics refuse to recognize this reality. The signs are there for us to read. The outlook is quite grim.

Yet, we must have hope based on a deep and abiding faith that we will be able to walk through this dark night of the soul.

a

The Executive Editor

the ancho

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;tt'.1 .OFFICIAL NEWSPAPEftOF JHEDIQCE$E ·QlFALh~RIVQR. tit Published weekly by the Catholic: Press of the DiQC ,Fall,River; '" ~? '·£.1 &tt~ ~0t·'.·«:Wjk'\t, . 887 Highland Avenue 'P.O.113 "m. , •• '~w" Fall River, MA 02720 .Fall:Riv~r. M~O~72,?"OO()!,.*'~; Telephone 508-675-71?1 ,', FpY< 5,q8-6~5-'ZQt4.~ •.;.

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EDITOR

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EXECUTIVE I;DIlOR k Magr. JOhn F. Moore . 'NEWS EDITOR' OFFiCe- MANAGER! James N. Dunbar , ear~raM. Rei.

Rev;

David

•

CHILDREN PACK THE RURAL

Focus UGANDA SHELTER IN GULU IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.

CALLED "NIGHT COMMUTERS," THE YOUNGSTERS LEAVE THEIR RURAL HOMES

IN NORTHERN

UGANDA EVERY NIGHT FOR GULU, ANARMY-PROTECfED AREA, IN AN EFFORT TO ESCAPE POTENTIAL ABDUCITON BY MEMBERS OF AN ARMED REBEL GROUP. (CNS PHaro BY DECLAN WALSH)

"AT THE SOUND OF THE TUMULT PEOPLES FLEE" (ISAIAH

33:3).

Jesus .and marriag,e By

FATHER ROGER

J.

LANDRY

Catholics are accustomed to asking themselves, "What would Jesus do?" in their situations or "What would Jesus say?" The answers to those questions gfmerally make clear for us what we i~ tum should do or say.

I think those questions are important ones to ask with regard to the question of whether same-sex couples should be allowed to marry in our CO!Jlmonwealth.

What would Jesus say if he were to testify up on Beacon Hill on the matter?

To ask this question is not to imply that one needs to have recourse to religious arguments in the debate. Most people, however, including non-Christians, will find in Jesus' testimony about marriage a crisp and clear presentation of what is already recognizable by reason.

One day Jesus was asked about the meaning of marriage and the possibility of divorce. His reply is as relevant to the question of same-sex marriage as it was to the original query. He took marriage back to creation and described the nature of marriage and its essential properties: "In the beginning God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate" (Mt 19:4-6).

'In this concise response, Jesus mentions four things pertinent to our debate.

"In the beginning, God made them male and female."

God never acts by chance and hence he made us male and female, and not male and male, for a reason. There is great meaning to masculinity and femininity.

The most profound reason of all is to help us grow in the image of God. In the first book of the Bible, we read, "God created man in his image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he . created them" (Gen I :27). God is a communion of persons in love, wherein Father and Son love each other in such a way that their love "generates" a third person, the Holy Spirit, who is the fruit of their mutual love.

God created the human person male and female to exist as a communion of persons in love in such a way that their love would similarly be capable of generating a third person, a child. In this way, man and woman together would also image God the Creator, by participating with him in the act of the creation of another human person.

Same-sex rela~ionships are not capable 01 bearing this image of God. "For this r~ason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife."

Because of how he is made ("for this reason"), a man leaves his parents and clings,' not to whomever he wishes, but to a wife. His masculinity is directed by his creator to another's femininity.

This is because one of the essential truths of masculinity is the man's capacity for fatherhood, which can only be naturally fulfilled when joined to a woman's capacity for motherl:wod.

A crucial element in accepting "who we are" as male or female is to recognize this innate maternal or paternal potential. A crucial element in accepting another in love is to recognize the other's maternal or paternal potential.

Same-sex couples, in this respect, neither accept the full meaning of

who they are or who their partner is. " ... And the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh."

Jesus says that marriage is meant to bring about a one-flesh union. This is not a romantic metaphor, however beautiful it is.

It also refers to more than the temporary union of bodies that occurs in .the a~t of Sexual intercourse, which is no.t a perduring union.

It refers to the marriage of their flesh in a child who is a symbol and a fruit of their loving union.

The husband and wife become one flesh in the child.

The reason why the Church has always said that there is a twofold purpose to conjugal relations - unity and procreation - is because for there to be a true unity between husband and wife in the . act of 'making love, there needs to be the openness to their becoming truly one flesh in a child.

To will against a child is to will against real union between the spouses, because it involves rejecting the other person's paternal or matetnal potential in the very act made for it by God. Such a rejection is the opposite of the full mutual acceptance required by love.

Same-sex couples are incapable of this type of natural oneflesh union in a child. As a result, \ same-sex couples often try to divorce sex from its procreative potential and meaning. Once this is done, however, sex is also divorced from real union and real love.

Rather than "making love," such gay sex (like heterosexual contraceptive sex) often becomes the mutual use of another for sexual pleasure, which will begin to corrode whatever love may be present between the couple. . Turnto pag~ 13 - Marriage

~. ;

A changing of the guards' Or so I thought. That was I don't think it dawned on me until I was watching the until last weekend when dawn NFL Pro Bowl last Sunday broke over (my) Marblehead. evening. We are incredibly You just don't see the musclespoiled by the New England flexing, trash-talking, self-braPatriots - at least I am any- vado by this Patriots team leadway. You see, I've never been a fan of athletes - - - - - - - - - - who like to blow their own horns. That started way back with Muhammad Ali, who was then Cassius Clay.

I may be the only

By Dave Jolivet sports fan in America who doesn't think Ali is _ or was "the greatest."

That was a self-proclaimed ing into any contest. And I've title, which right from the start grown very accustomed to that.

So accustomed that I didn't rerubbed me the wrong way.

I've written before about alize how refreshing it is.

Just watching the Pro Bowl how I believe Ali started the snowball of pride rolling introductions was a reminder among above-average athletes. of how many of today's proToday that snowball is a mon- fessional athletes behave strous avalanche intent on and how for the last seve,n sucking up anyone or anything months such behavior did not emanate from the con'fines of that crosses its path.

My View

from the Stands

51

!;

Friday, February 13, 2004

Gillette Stadium.

There's not a doubt in my mind that is' the reason the rest of the football world hasn't adopted the pats as "America's Team," as did the Dallas Cowboys of the 70s and 80s.

Most AJDericans love to toot their own horns, and won't adopt as their own, anyone or any team that doesn't follow suit.

That's just fine with me. The Patriots are New England's team.

And we'll keep them to ourselves, thank you very much.

Hard as it is to imagine, it's already time to start switching gears. Spring training for the Red Sox b0gins a week from tomorrow, and I'm feeling the baseball adrenaline rush as I pound out this column.

Game 7 is tucked away in an overstuffed vault of painful

Red Sox memories. It's a new year and a new season.

Many good things happened to the Olde Towne Team this winter under the radar of the Patriots' championship run. We signed a premier starter and closer. We hired a new manager, not cut from the mold of Jimy Williams or Grady Little.

And we infused a bit of drama with the Nomar, Manny, A-Rod fiasco.

But in this fan's opinion the greatest event was the signing of Trot Nixon. Trot Nixon is the Tedy Bruschi of the Boston Red Sox, and it was a Tedy Bruschi mentality of playing all out, all the time that brought the Pats their second world title in three seasons.

What we need for the. Sox to do is emulate their rightfielder - the guy whose uniform is always dirty, whose hat is constantly salt stained from working up a good lather, and whose approach is 路Iove for the game, and love for the fans. With the talent this Red Sox team has, all that's needed is attitude.

And that attitude can lead to a parade through the streets of Boston the likes of which has never been seen.

Listen up Red Sox. The fans are already primed. I've been a Red Sox fan since 1966, and this is the first time that it took me forever to get tickets to one game because of the overwhelming fan response when ducats finally went on sale.

Bosox, know that your team has sold more than two million tickets before spring training has even started. If that's not motivation enough, keep in mind that we're also very spoiled by the team that resides a few miles south of Fenway Park on Route I. Last year you learned just how passionate we are in defea.t. Just imagine how passion-' ate we'll be with a pennant!

Dave Jolivet, editor of The Anchor, is a former sports editor/writer, and regularly gives one fan's perspective on the unique world of sports.

Comments are welcome at dave;olivet@anchornews.org.

Organist I Music Director

MICHAEL AND Susan Rudnicki, holding infant son Aaron, renew their marriage vows at SS. Cyril & Methodius Church in Deer Park, N.Y., on the eve of World Marriage Day February 7. Sponsored by Worldwide Marriage 'Encounter the second Sunday in February, the day received the blessing of Pope John Paul II in 1993. (CNS photo by Gregory A. Shemitz,

Long Island CatholiC)

Recognizing that our wol1lhlp of God Is the center of our faith and the most . important Activity of our parish, we are looking for an Organist I Music' Director that can assist us In this good work.

If you have the skills needed please call: Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Webster, Massachusetts 01570 508-943-3140

Letter to the Editor Editor: When President Lincoln was confronted with the misinterpretation of the Constitution by overzealous Supreme Court Justices, he warned that, "if we permit this as a democracy we cease to rule ourselves." Can the liberal politicians of Massachusetts appreciate the tyranny of ignoring the rights of the electorate in favor of hiding behind fO'Jr individuals

who were appointed not elected?

The Marriage Protection Act has less to do with religion than it does with the citizens' right to have a say in such a significant cultural event. The lack of courage shown by our elected officials in avoiding confronting this issue last year speaks directly to why the term politician is a pejorative.

Charles W. Howard North Falmouth

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Friday, February 13, 2004

6

Quotations that inspire Publicity Chairmen are entitled "Water for Life," by asked to submit news items for Rosemary Ferreira and Rita this column to The Anchor, Paskavitch.

P.O. Box 7, Fall River, 02722._ Name of city or town should be MASHPEE - The Third included, as well as full dates Order of Carmelites will meet of all activities. DEADLINE IS - February 15 at 5:30 p.m. in St. NOON ON FRIDAYS. Jude's Chapel at Christ the King - -ATTLEBORO - A concert Church for prayer, rosary and to benefit the Honduran Mission study. For more information call in Guaimaca will be held tonight Dottie Cawley at 508-477-2798. at 7:30- p.m. at St. Stephen's Church. It will feature the ParMASHPEE - A meeting of ish Music Ministry group and the Cape Cod Celiac Support .members of the R.I. touring en- Group, sponsored by Christ the semble New Creation. For more , King Parish, will be held Febinformation call 508-222-5381. ruary 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Christ the King parish hall. DisCRAIGVILLE - Echo of cussions will include solutions Cape Cod, a retreat program for路 to traveling while on the glutenhigh school students, will be free diet. There will be glutenheld at 路the Craigville Confer- free foods to sample and diet ence Center,March 5-7 for girls. information. For more informaFor more information call Mary tion call 508-564-5675, or Cape Fuller at 508-759-4265 or on the Cod Celiac Support Gn;>Up, P.O. Web: www.echoofcapecod.org. Box 1114, North Falmouth, MA, or E-mail: EAST FREETOWN - An marg0820@juno.com.

Emmaus Retreat for young adults between the ages of 20MISCELLANEOUS 35 will be held April 23-25 at Marriage Encounter weekends Cathl(dral Camp. This co-educa- will be held February 27 and tional weekend gives young March 26 and offer married people the opportunity to expe- couples an opportunity to rience God's love and to share strengthen their communication, in a Christian community. For values of marriage, family and more information call Barbara faith. For more information call Hayden at 508-336-9158.

1~508-653-8864or visit them on the Web at www.mena.org.

EAST FREETOWN - A post Confirmation Yes Retreat MISCELLANEOUS - The will be held March 19-21 at Ca- diocese of Fall River is offering thedral Camp. For more infor- need-based scholarships mation write: Yes Retreat, 477 through the St. Mary's EducaMilford Road, Suite 175, tion Fund for the 2004-2005 Swansea MA 02777 or call school year. Students currently Frank Lucca at 508-324-4576. enrolled or who are accepted for enrollment at a Catholic elemenFALL RIVER - A Catho- tary or middle school may aplic television program entitled ply for aid.

"Boa Nova da Vida," will appear on Channel 20 in PortuMISCELLANEOUS - The guese on the first and third Little Brothers of St. Francis in Wednesdays of each month at Boston, Portsmouth Abbey in 9:30 p.m. Sponsored by the R.I., and Gethsemanni Abbey in Communications Department of Kentucky, are offering "Live-in the diocese, the February 18 air- Experience" vocational retreats. ing is "Christians Ask: What Is Pray and work with the monks the Mission of the Bishop in the and enjoy vocational talks.

Church?" .

There is no cost but space is limited. Dates are February 20-22; FALL RIVER - A healing March 12-14; and March 19-21. service will follow the celebra- For more information and fur~ tion of Mass February 19 at St. ther dates call1-800-221-i807.

Anne's Church. The rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. and BeneNORTH FALMOUTH - A diction of the Blessed Sacra- Cancer Support Group meets at ment will follow Mass. For St. Elizabeth Seton every third more information call 508-674- Wednesday of the month at 7 5651. p.m. For more information call 508-563-7770.

FALL RIVER - District One of the Fall River Diocesan WESTPORT The Council of Catholic Women will Friendly Sons of St. Patrick will meet February 17 at 6:30 p.m. hold its 63 rd annual celebration at Holy Trinity Church. Mass of the "Feast of St. Patrick," will be concelebrated by Fathers March 13 at White's of Horace J. Travassos and David Westport. For more information .

M. Andrade. A meeting will fol- . call Jimmy Flanagan at 508low and includes a presentation 996-2568.

I've always kept "Bartlett's specifically on "Positive Mental Attitudes."

Familiar Quotations" close at The quotes range from thoughthand. I think most writers do, since we so often need to find a stateful words by Shakespeare ment by a credible person to affirm "Nothing will come of nothing" - to questionable ones from Cher something we want to say.

'- "If you really want something, But now I doh't have to rely only on "Bartlett's." I have -a half you can figure out how to make it happen." Really??? dOzen other books that offer all Whenever I get a book, I have kinds of great quotes. I also have a couple of folders in my_file cabinet the compulsion to examine it, and this one was no exception. The loaded with quotes I've saved from newspapers, magazines and other sources. Why? The best I can conclude is that I expect to read them again for new inspiration.

Then there are the dozen-plus quotes I have taped on the wall near my.

By Antoinette Bosco computer. I wonder - sometimes what their appeal was, but when I first quote I read when I flipped reread them I instantly know. through the pages was a familiar Consider this one by Voltaire: oile: "You see things; and you say "God is a comedian playing to an . 'Why?' But I dream things thataudience that is afraid to laugh." never were; and I say 'Why not?'"

This is taped to~other one by Bob Hope: "I have seen what a I've always associated these words with the late Robert Kennedy. (A laugh can do. It can transform almost unbearable tears into slightly altered version was the theme of his 1968 presidential something bearable, even hopeful." campaign. After his assassination I long have used Lewis C. that year, his brother Edward made the phrase the theme of Robert's Henry's ''Best Quotations for All Occasions" when I'm seeking eulogy.) The correct source isa something good to say on anger, 1922 play by the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw. So I stand criticism, honesty, thankfulness, suffering and such. Now I have a corrected, and that's good because new book put &ut by the American writers get in trouble if someone Success Institute Inc. that focuses questions our accuracy and turns

The Bottom Line

out to be right!

This little book became a conversation piece. I asked my daughter Mary and daughter-inlaw Sue, both professional women, how they would explain the popularity of quotes. They talked, and I listened in. "Well.

There's no time commitment required. It's like buying a lottery ticket. You have two minutes to be hopeful that a little quote will change life without having to spend time or energy."

We live in an age of "sound bites" and "power presentations that rely on bullets, not paragraphs." ''Everything has to be easy out there, able to fit in a nutshell."

In the end we agre垄, however, that some quotes are so full of wisdom they should not only be kept, but shouted from the housetops, like this one by the late Dominican Father Yves Congar (a theologian who was named a cardinal in 1994), in "God, Man and the Universe": "We often hear it said, 'If God existed there would be no wars.'

But it would be truer to say, If God's laws were observed, there would be no wars."

And one more, spoken by Pope John Paul IT at Coventry Cathedral in 1982: ''War should belong to the tragic past, to history; it should find no place on humanity's agenda for the future." Amen to that!

Liturgical break dancing Now I know how stand-up comedian Dennis Miller felt about being booted off the _ Monday Night Football broadcast team. Actually, I was one of the several zillion Monday Night Football fans who volunteered to send along a boot to help with the job.

'The ditz doesn't know an end run from an offside;' I would growl.

"Why do theyhave him doing 'color' for football?"

I have more sympathy for Miller now that I have been asked by more than a few fans of liturgical dance to never, never, never ever again write about liturgical dance. Never; ever. Not again. Ever. Stop now. No more.

Off limits.

Luckily for me, technology has not advanced to the point that either boots or terminal electric shocks can be sent via E-mail.

This was painful enough, but even my Aunt Shirley was a little miffed because I speculated in a recent column on liturgical dance that she loves the Polka so much that, given tpe opportunity, she'd polka to the Star-Spangled ' Banner. She would, but she just dId not want the world to know, so I won't do that again.

In fairness to me, I did state

clearly in the liturgical dance column my version of the Dennis Miller Defense: "I don't know anything about liturgical dance:" Apparently for people who understand, appreciate and/or

The offbeat

world of Uncle Dan B,y pan Morris

actually "do" liturgical dance, this holds less water than a butter knife.

Actually, it is a good thing that the liturgical dance devotees warned me off when they did. I would have been sorely tempted to write a column about the break dancers who performed recently for Pope John Paul IT. You probably saw the picture yourself ---' the picture of a young Polish break dancer spinning on his head like a human top in front of the pope on the hjghly polished floors of Clementine Hall.

(Note: This location should in no way be linked to the song, "Oh My Darling Clementine." Never, never, never, ever.)

The PO!ltiff is said to have enjoyed the break-dance perfor-

mance, which was enhanced by break dance music reportedly provided by (aka "blaring from") a boom box. Nothing was said in the story about whether or not the pope tacitly was hinting that bishops and pastors around the world should be more open to break dancing at Church functions. I certainly would not speculate on the topic for fear that break dancers would be sending me searing E-mails and nasty-grams about how I should not write about something about which I knew nothing.

Besides, think what could happen if break dancers somehow come into contact with liturgical dancers. A whole new dance form could spring from it - liturgical break dancing or break dancing done to liturgical music.

Still, it's a thought. After all, the pope did tell the young people at the break-dancing exhibition that creativity is important in all art and that artistic talent is a gift from God to be developed, not wasted. And what better use of art than in praising our Creator. Or, "Dance on," as Aunt Shirley would say.

Comments are welcome. Email Uncle Dan at cnsuncleol@yahoo.com.

Friday, FebruarY 13, 2004

7

What does "myth' mean? ,Q. I was never interested could develop into lengthy in myths until I read some and complicated epic tales, as works of Joseph Campbell, for example in Greek, Chiwho has apparently written nese and Germanic mytholomuch on the subject. Does gies.

Some noted'scholars the Catholic faith conflict with mythology? I know attempted to explain away there is a Catholic objection Christianity and the Gospels to the Harry Potter books, and I respect that, but I don't know why.' (New Jersey) A. Myths may be defined in many ways.

By Father For a long time they were characterized as John J. Dietzen purely fictitious stories or events which supposedly undergird and in this way. They are, so the explain some (usually reliclaim goes, "just myths," gious) belief or practice. based only on fictional people A myth (Greek: "mythos," or events. story) commonly was said to During the past century; ho\yever, anthropology and arise in a long-forgotten past and frequently involved some other sciences of human history began to speak of . sort of intrusion of god-like personages into human myth in a another way. relationships. These narratives Mythic stories were not

Questions and Answers

necessarily fictitious or even religious; they may be founded in real events or persons, whose meaning, however, became larger than life.

Such myth-stories may actually have occurred to one person or group, but in an important sense they are the story of an . entire culture, perhaps of the whole human race. They express in symbol profound realities which can be grasped only intuitively and obscurely.

In that sense, many human beings and human events truly existed, but they are also genuinely mythic.

They reveal on a cosmic scale the pattern of meaning for events we all encounter in human life.

Nor need the stories be ancient. Martin Luther King Jr., for example, was a real,

Inquiry panel faults prison leader~ for iOlllate Geoghan's death

By CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

"strong indications" in the re- warranted" disciplinary reports BOSTON - An investiga- port of employee misconduct on him over "minor" infractive report on the murder of ex- that could lead to discipliqary tions. The number of reports priest John Geoghan in his action or possible prosecution. against him played "a signifiprison cell last August blamed Geoghan had been accused of cant role" in Geoghan's being "major administrative break- indecent acts with more than reassigned to a more dangerous downs" for an unwarranted 130 children, ranging from in- security classification, it said.

The three-member classificatransfer' that placed the decent exposure to fondling to defrocked priest among some of rape, during more than 30 years tion board at MCI-Concord rethe state's most dangerous in- as an active priest of the Boston jected the move to reclassify Archdiocese. He was finally Geoghan on the basis of the al- . mates.

The report was released last suspended from ministry in leged disciplinary problems, but week. It says that Geoghan, 68, 1994 and was defrocked, or prison superintendent Michael who was serving a 10-year sen- forcibly returned to the lay state, Grant overrode the board decision and directed that he be tence for fondling a child, transferred. should not have been Officials at the state Demoved from the MCIEdwardA. Aynn, the state public partment of Correction apConcord prison, where he was originally assigned, safety secretary who appointed the proved the reclassification, to the protective custody three-member panel ofinquiry into rejected three separate appeals' against it by unit at So'uza-Baranowski Correctional Center in Geoghan's death, saidthe ex-priest Geoghan, and had him Shirley, where he was wouldnothave been killedifDepart- moved to the maximum sekilled by another inmate ment of Correction officials had fol- curity facility where he ' was murdered five months August 23. lowed written policies. later.

Joseph L. Druce, a selfFlynn said it was a "funproclaimed homophobe damental failing" of the serving a life sentence for system t.hat the same officials killing a gay man, allegedly beat by papal decree in 1998.

When he was tried and con- who reclassified Geoghan were and strangled Geoghan to death in his cell after jamming the cell victed in January 2002 on a the ones who reviewed and redoor shut to prevent guards from single count of groping a 10- jected his appeals.

The report recommended a year-old boy, his case was the getting in to stop him.

Edward A. Flynn, the state centerpiece of a public expose number of changes in the state's public safety secretary who ap- of longtime Boston correctional system, from better pointed the three-member panel archdiocesan mismanagement training and supervision of of inquiry into Geoghan's death,. of abusive priests that sparked guards to an overhaul of -the said the ex-priest would not a nationwide crisis in the state's system for classifying inmates and new procedures to ashave been killed if Department Church.

Most of the inqUIry report's sure consistency in determining of Correction officials had folcriticisms were aimed at the me- an inmate's security level. lowed written policies.

Acting Department of Cor"If current policies and pro- dium-security facility at MCIcedures were followed, 95 per- Concord, where it said Geoghan rection Commissioner Kathleen cent of what went wrong on was. "unduly harassed and Dennehy removed Grant from his post as MCI-Concord superAugust, 23 could have been phys\cally abused."

It said one guard at MCI- intendent in January. avoided," he said at a news conThe report said the guard ference releasing the panel's Concord slapped Geoghan in the face and guards there filed who allegedly struck Geoghan 125-page report.

He also said there were numerous "overzealous and un- has resigned.

live person. His life, commitments, heroic dedication to ideals of nonviolence, equality and justice, and his death were intimately personal.

They also, however, have come to mean something more universal, embodying and typifying the struggles of the civil rights movement and tpe courage needed by all who devote their lives to his ideals. Some historians thus identify him, and his life, as an American myth.

Understanding myth in that sense, one does not contradict anything in Catholic teaching in saying that historical figures and events in Scripture, for example, are myths.

In fact, applying that meaning to people and narratives of the Old or New Testament has been common in biblical theology since nearly the beginning of Christianity.

The creation stories at the beginning of Genesis, whether one accepts them as straight fact.or a less literal literary form, are examples.'

The story of Adam and Eve, for instance, their relation to the creator, their hopes, weaknesses, sin and suffering, and hope for redemption is the story of every human being, a cosmic story of the whole human race.

Millar Burrows, a renowned student of mythology,

put it this way. "Myth implies not falsehood, but truth; not primitive, naive misunderstanding, but an insight more profound than scientific description and logical analysis can ever achieve."

No institution, including Christianity, which wants to probe deeply the meaning of being human, has ever been able to function without them.

I realize that some individuals condemn the Harry Potter books as promoting witchcraft and paganism.

Rather, it seems to me they are nearly classic examples of myth, in the larger meaning I explained, which may be the reason they are so popular.

Even children can perceive something of their own lives in them, which is what myths do and why they are so fascinating. ' The Church has no position concerning them.

A free brochure describing basic Catholic prayers, beliefs and moral precepts is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, IL 61651. .

Questions 路may be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address, or E-mail: jjdietzen@aol.com.

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Our 'Lady -of Fatima Parish, New Bedford NEW BEDFORD - In 1923, a parcel ofland was purchased by Father Jovite Chagnon, pastor ofS1. Joseph's Church, to b~ild a chapel to accommodate his parishioners who lived in the northern sector of his parish. At the time, S1. Joseph's Parish boundaries extended from Nash Road to the end of the Freetown line.

The chagel,named Sainte Therese du Lac, was completed and the first Mass celebrated in it was on July 12, 1925. It had 27 families and for three years was under the guidance of its parent church, S1. Joseph's.

However, in 1927, Bishop Daniel Feehan formed a new parish whose boundaries were to start at Balls Comer and extend to the Freetown line. It came under the direction of Father Joseph Hamel, administrator of S1. Theresa's Parish.

He continued to serve the people at the chapel with a Mass on Sundays during the summer. He devoted 29 years ofhis life to the chapel.

As the summer colony grew, two more Masses were added in the summer months. Whist

parties, bazaars, and raffles supported the church. In the early 1940s, benches were taken from St. Theresa's to meet the ever-increasing chapel attendance.

In 1956, Father William Collard was named pastor. Three Masses were held on Sundays, weekday Masses were celebrated, and parishion~rs donated a new altar, 'pews, lighting fixtures and the church was renovated.

In 1966 Bishop James L. Connolly formed a new parish to serve the people of the Sassaquin and Freetown areas.

The chapel was renamed Our: Lady of Fatima and Father Ernest Bessette became its first pastor. Later, Father Donald Messier became the curate.

During Father Bessette's ad.ministration the current rectory was acquired and renovated; a parish hall was built and the CCD program and other parish activities were initiated.

In 1970, Father Arthur Levesque became the second pastor and during his pastorate a new garage was built and parish properties renewed. Within

four years the $110,000 mortgage was discharged. To assist him, Father Walter Sullivan was named the curate. In 1973, Father Leonard Mullaney was sent as curate to replace Father Sullivan.

Father Levesque resigned for health reasons in 1988 and for two路 months, Father Jay Maddock was the administrator.

Subsequent pastors included .Father Kirby in 1988, Father Joseph. Viveiros in ]994, and Father James F. Greene in 1995.

In 2002, Father Stephen A. Fernandes succeeded Father . Greene as pastor, and is the current pastor. His staff includes: Pearl Enos, director of religious education; Lucy Pinto, parish secretary; Caesar Souto, director ofmaintenance; Lisa Gulino, director of RCIA; Donald Gaudette, choir director; and organists Elafne Rousseau and Patrick Gannon. The rectory is at 4256 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02745-4608. It can: be reached by telephone at 508-995-735]; by FAX at 508995-4401; and by E-mail at olofnb@comcas1.ne1.

St. Mark's Parish, Attleboro Falls ATTLEBORO FALLS - "In second pastor and served the order to make better provisions . parish until his retirement in for the spiritual welfare of the 1996. At that time, Father Peter faithful ... we hereby establish N. Graziano became the pastor. and constitute the parish of St. The parish has a host of orMark in Attleboro Falls, Mas- ganizations, spiritual, social and sachusetts" Bishop James L. educational. These organizaConnolly said on Aug. 12, 1967. tions are detailed in a directory For the first three years ofthe parish's existence the people assembled for Mass in the auditorium of Bishop Feehan High School. The cornerstone of the church was put in place in 1970 and it was dedicated by Bishop Daniel A. Cronin on April 18, 1971.

The church has a seating capacity of525 and is handicapped accessible. There is a parish hall in the lower church for parish activities. The hall also.has six classrooms for the religious education of the young and for meetings of a host ofparish organizations. Parish offices and residence for the pastor are located beside the church.

Father Raymond W. McCarthy and Father Joseph L. Powers were the first administrators ofS1. Mark's.

In 1975 Fathe.r Roger L. Gagne became the first pastor and remained in the parish until 'his death in 1987. Father Edward J. Burns then became the

that can be obtained from the parish office.

S1. Mark's numbers 2,050 households and estimates its parishioners to be more than 6,000.

Father Peter N. Grazianois the current pastor. Richard J.

Gundlach is the deacon. Elaine Corvese is director of religious education, Christine Duquette is directorofmusic, Michelle Whell is the youth minister, Francoise Rogers is the parish secretaI)', and Gerald Flamand is in charge of maintenance. The rectol)' is 10-

cated at 105 Stanley Street, P.O. Box ]240, Attleboro .Falls, MA 02763. It can be reached by telephone at 508-699-7566; by FAX at 508-643-0]03; by E-mail at stmarkoffice@comcas1.net.

The parish Website is: www.stmarks-attleborofalls.O!g.

ST. MARK'S CHURCH, AmEBORO FALLS

9

Friday, February 13, 2004

81. John the Evangelist Parish, Pocasset POCASSET - In 1931, St. John the Evangelist Church was built to serve the Pocasset community as a mission church of Corpus Christi Parish in Sandwich.

At the outset it was a summer chapel and not open during the winter months.

As the communities of faith grew in the Cape Cod region, Bishop James L. Connolly on May 15, 1969 established St. John the Evangelist as a parish of its own and named Father James A. McCarthy as its founding pastor.

The parish limits included the town of Bourne, all the area south ofthe Cape Cod Canal and west of Route 28.

The original church was unable to handle the spiritual needs ofits growing number of parishioners. A new parish center was designed and built, and dedicated on July 3, 1980.

Finally, to meet the increasing numbers, groundbreaking for two new wings on the old church was held on Nov. 12, 1982, with Bishop Daniel A. Cronin presiding.

The second pastor, Father James W. Clark, oversaw the ad-

ditions of 18 by 41 feet 011 both the north and south sides of the church that increased its seating capacity from 300 to approximately 525. Folding partitions separated the new wings from the existing church. , The sanctuary and sacristy were demolished to make way for a larger and more beautiful sanctuary of 24 by 50 feet.

The greatly expanded church would have new pews, altar furnishings, stained glass windows; and with new ramps become handicapped accessible.

The completed church was dedicated in August 1983 by Bishop Cronin.

In June 1991, Father Robert C. Donovan became the third pastor of St. John the Evangelist. Under his pastorate a new Madonna Prayer Garden was dedicated by Bishop Sean P. 0' Malley, OFM Cap., in October 1997, and the church was again refurbished in May 2000. That included new lighting, carpeting, and a new sanctuary floor in natural wood in the round.

The current pastor is Father Robert C. Donovan. The dea-

cons are Leonard C. Dexter Jr. and James Marzilli Jr. Liz Henry is coordinator of religious education, assisted by Kristen Jensen as director of faith for-

mation. Marilyn Lariviere is youth minister. The parish office and rectory is at 15 Virginia Road, P.O. Box 1558, Pocasset, MA 02559-,1558. It

can be reached by telephone at 508-563-5887 and at 508-5633121; by FAX at 508-5633102; and by E-mail at sgohnpocasset@aol.com.

Sr. JOHN THE EvANGEUST CHURCH, ,

POCASSET

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St. Elizabeth's Parish, Edgartown r----------------~_:__-------...,

Sr. EUZABETH'.

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EDGARTOWN - Between 1878 and 1879, a small group of Catholics, mostly of Portuguese origin, were living on Martha's Vineyard. In the summertime, the number of Catholics increased with visitors on vacation.

Wanting to celebrate their faith, they took a number of steps to have Mass celebrated on the Island.

Occasionally a priest from New Bedford or Sandwich would come to the Vineyard to celebrate Mass in private residences.

The Catholics on the Island, at that time, came under the jurisdiction of St. Lawrence Parish, New Bedford. .Two men donated land in Oak Bluffs to Father Lawrence McMahon ofSt. Lawrence Parish. He became the first pastor of Martha's Vineyard. The land became the site of Sacred Heart Church.

In 1880, with contributions, a frame structure was erected. From 1880 until 1896, Mass was said during July and August in the new Sacred Heart Church of Cottage City.

In 1886, Sacred Heart Mission was turned over to St. John the Baptist Parish in New Bedford.

On Feb. 1, 1903, Sacred Heart became a parish of its own.

In 1906, land was donated in Edgartown and it became the original site ofSt. Augustine's Mission Church which was dedicated on July 27, 1911.

Increasing numbers of visitors to the Island prompted building OUf Lady Star of Sea Church in Oak Bluffs as a summer chapel. It was dedicated

on Aug. 22, 1920.

In 1924, land at the corner of Main and School streets in Edgartown was purchased. One of two houses became a rectory, and the foundation of what would become St. Elizabeth's Church was laid.

On Aug. 9, 1925, St. Elizabeth's Church was dedicated. On Dec. 4, 1927, the Women's Guild of the church was formed.

On July 31, 1958, six Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur came to the Island to teach religious education classes. The house next to S1.

Elizabeth's was renovated to house them .

On May 20, 1969, St. Elizabeth's in Edgartown was declared an independent parish by Bishop James L. Connolly. He named Father Donald A. Couza as' its first and founding pastor.

The new parish was to include all of Edgartown.

Father Justin 1. Quinn succeeded Father Couza as pastor of St. Elizabeth's. Subsequent pastors included Fathers Paul G. Connolly, Joseph E. McGrady, Roger J. ,Levesque, George F. Almeida, and Joseph D. Maguire.

The current pastor is Father Michael R. Nagle. Father John C. Ozug is the parochial vicar, and Fred LaPiana III is the deacon. The parish address is 86 Main Street, P.O. Box 156, Edgartown, MA 02539. It can be reached by telephone at 508-6275017; and by FAX at 508-627-6021.

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F....,. February 13, 2004 -eNS video 'reviews '

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

The following are a few of the films that featured top-notch tap dancer Ann Miller, who died recentlY,at age 81 after a long career in which she brought great enthusiasm, and joy to her song and dance performances. ''Easter Parade" (1948) ,Irving Berlin musical about a vaudeville dancer (Fred Astaire) , ' who loses one dancing partner '(Ann Miller) but gains stardom with another (Judy Garland). Directed by Charles Walte~s, the story's little more than adequate but the principals make it all seem to matter and the songs and dance numbers are bright and cheery.

The USCCB- Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is AI - general patronage. (MGM) "Kiss Me Kate" (1953) B:alting version of Cole florter's musical comedy about the backstage bickering between a husband and wife (Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel) starring in a Broadway production of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." Director George Sidney gets lost in low' comedy routines with an aspiring starlet (Ann Miller) and a gangster duo (Keenan Wynn and James Whitmore) while Porter's musical numbers are squ~ndered in rauco,us style. Sexual innuendo and domestic turmoil. The USCCB Office for Film & Broad-

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NEW YORK (CNS) -,-The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. , ''The Dreamers" (Fox Searchlight) Insufferably pretentious and gratuitously explicit film about a quiet American student (Michael Pitt) studying in Paris, whose love ofold movies leads to an unwhoiesome triangular relationship with a brother (Louis Garrel) and sister (Eva Green), left alone to tum their apartment into a sexual playground while their parents are away on holiday during the tumultuous summer of 1968. Based on the ironically 'titled novel "Holy Innocents" by Gilbert Adair, director Bernardo Bertolucci's soft-core erotic tale, though clearly the product of a man in love with movies, says about as much about sex and politics as his controversial "Last

casting classification is A-ill ~ adults. (MGM) "On the Town" (1949) Bright and breezy musical about three sailors (Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munshin) who find romance (Vera-Ellen, Betty Garnett and Ann Miller, respectively) on a 24-hour shore leave in New York City. Imaginatively directed by Kelly and Stanley Donen, the story line is sweetly lightheaded yet sturdy enough to hold together daffy comedy routines, agreeable songs, energetic dance numbers and colorful NYC locations. Romantic situations. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II - adults and adolescents. (MGM) "Stage Door" (1937) Seriocomic classic set in a Broadway boarding house for aspiring actresses (Ginger Rogers, Gail Patrick, Eve Arden, Lucille Ball, Ann Miller, et al.) who keep up their spirits with zany high jinks while waiting for a successful part. Director Gregory La Cava smartly paces heartbreak ,with comedy, while skewering a . predatory producer (Adolphe MenjQu) along the way, yet ends by paying tribute to the theatrical art as a stage novice (Katharine Hepburn) becomes a star in a performance inspired by a dead actress (Andrea Leeds). Romantic situations and off-screen suicide.

The USCCB Office for Film & Broa~casting classification is An - adults and adolescents.

(Media Home Entertainment) Tango in Paris" said about sex and alienation - which is absolutely nothing. Graphic sexual encounters with extended full frontal nudity, an incestuous relationship, an attempted suicide, some mob violence, as well as recurring rough and crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is 0 - morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating isNC17 - no one 17 and under admitted. ''Miracle'' (Disney) Inspirational crowd-pleaser which tells the real-life Cinderella story of the U.S. Olympic hockey team's against-alI-odds victory over their much-vaunted Russian rivals at the 1980 Wmter Games in Lake Placid, N.Y, ~d the coach (Kurt Russell) whose uncompromisingly winning attitude helped lift the sagging patriotism of a nation and give it something to be'lieve in. Director Gavin O'Connor scores a cinematic hat trick, with good writing" good acting and good direction, resulting in a movie that transcends sports, and should take home box-office gold.

Minimal mildly crude language and some rough sports action. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG - parental guidance suggested.

Intere'st in, controversy over 'Passio'n' Dlovie continues to grow

BY MARK PATIlSON CAlHOUC NEWS SaMce

WASHINGTON - As Mel Gibson's movie 'The Passion of the Christ" neared its February 25 release date, interest in the film grew, as well as the controversy surrounding it.

An unidentified source close to Gibson told The New York TImes February 4 that Gibson would pull the line "His blood be on us and on our children" from the final version of. the movie. The line from Matthew's Gospel, also known as the ''blood libel;' has been used for centuries to legitimize violence against Jews.

The line ,had not been in a version of 'The Passion of the Christ" , screened in Washington in November, but it was inserted into a version shown January 21 in Wmter Park, Fla. .

Inclusion of the line made the January 21 screened version ''worse than the first" version he had seen last August in Houston, said Rabbi A. James Rudin; senior interreligious adviser for the American Jewish Committee, in aJanuary 30comment~ry published by Religion News Service.

Holy Names Sister M,ary C. Boys, one of four Catholic scholars who reviewed a draft copy of the film script last year, told a Seattle University audience February 1that the scholars, had never said Gibson or. the film was anti-Semitic. "We said the film could be used to pr0mote anti-Semitism," Sister Boys said. 'That distinction seems to have eluded them (critics of the scho1':

ars)." Gibson has long insisted that paper, said that when he was the inneither he nor his movie is anti- vited guest speaker at the local AntiSemitic.

Defamation League's monthly lunIn their statement last June, the cheon "my Jewish dialogue partners scholars said, ''In this era, when an- expressed emotions of nervousness cient Christian anti-Semitic motives about any escalation of anti-. are being circulated widely because Semitism as a result of this movie. of international conflict, any Chris- They further placed before me a tian producer of a dramatic presen- challenge: 'Archbishop, what are tation of the death of Jesus has a you going to do about this?''' considerable moral responsibility."

He said, ''We ought to work toSister Boys said in Seattle that . gether to ease the tensions that many large numbers of Christians persist feel over the prospect of 'The Pasin believing in the error that the Jews sion.' We ought to do what we can bear responsibility for Jesus' death to make sure that this movie does despite statements to the contrary not contribute to anti-Seniitic feelfrom many Christian denomina- ings, much less anti-Setriitic actions. tions."

The Catholic Church's Second Notirig he had only seen a preVatican Council document on inter- view trailer for the film, Archbishop religious relations, "Nostra Aerate," Levada said, ''When I go to see it declared, ''Even though Jewish au- (the film), I hope it will be a spirithorities and those who followed tual experience. At the same time, I their lead pressed for the death of will try to see it through the eyes of Christ, neither all Jews indiscrimi- my Jewish brothers and sisters as nately at that time, nor Jews today, well. I hope that if they go to see the can be charged with the crimes com- move, they may try to see it through mitted during his passion."

Christian eyes as well.

At the same time, she added, Jew''And I hope that they will know , ish people lack an understanding of that there are Christians committed how deeply intertwined the stories ' to stand in solidarity with them of the Passion are in Christian iden- against any resurgence of anti-. .tity.

Semitism in our own country or "Jews and Christians talk past abroad." each other on a topic that has been a Despite uncertainties over the source of bitter division for centu- movie's content and interpretation. ries, led to violence againstJews and many' have rushed to embrace it. compromised the integrity ofChrisCharles Robert Camer, a Cathotian proclamation of the Gospel;' lic who directed the made-for-TV Sister Boys said. ' movie "Judas;' which airs March 9 Archbishop WtlliamJ. Levada of on ABC, told Catholic News SerSan Francisco, in a column in the vice he had been to a screening and January 30 issue of Catholic San called it ''the best 'life of Christ' Francisco, the archdiocesan news- movie I've seen."

u.s. Jesuit criticizes drug firms for high cost of AIDS drugs

A TWo-YEAR-QLD Vietnamese boy, suspected of having contracted bird flu, breathes through a respirator at the National Pediatric Hospital in Hanoi.Vietnam has seen the highest number of human deaths - 11 as of February 5 - from one strain of bird flu. Millions of poultry in several Asian countries have caught the disease. (eNS photo from Reuters)

Vatican official says hUDlan life, not profit, top goal of health care

By JOHN THAVIS CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE VATICAN CITY - Modern medical crises like AIDS and a new strain of Asian bird flu challenge the health care community to set aside the profit motive and show new forms of solidarity with the suffering, a top Vatican cardinal said.

Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan, president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers, said patent rights over antiAIDS drugs, for example, may not be legitimate in places like Africa, where millions of people face death.

"Patents'(on medicines) are legitimate, for reasons of scientific research and for a just profit margin. But, like all private property,

there is a social mortgage on these patents," Cardinal Lozano said at a recent Vatican press conference.

"Where human life is at stake, the right of private propef!:y ends," he said.

Cardinal Lozano noted that the annual cost ofeffective AIDS medicines already has gone down dras.tically, from some $15,000 to about $350 per patient. That is important progress, but it is still too high a price for many Africans to pay, he said: The cardinal said governments should work with international commerce officials and othercS to find new solutions, so that in the worst situations AIDS medicines can be provided free of charge. In: some African countries, he said, the rate of AIDS infection approaches

Father Groeschel still in Florida hospitai after January 11 acci4ent ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) Father Benedict Groeschel, a founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, an evangelist on the Eternal Word Television Network and a prolific author on spiritual matters, remains in an Orlando hospital after being hit by a car January 11 near the Orlando International Airport.

He was listed in critical but stable condition, according to Father Glenn Sudano, superior of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, who also said the priest has come through a number of successful surgeries to repair injuries he sustained in the acCident.

But Father Sudano also said Father Groeschel suffered a brief reversal when his blood pressure dropped and his pulse rate went flat, requiring five minutes of intense work by the hospital's trauma team to stabilize his condition.

He added Father Groeschel did not suffer a heart attack in the epi-

sode, nor did he suffer any neurological or brain damage, and that other friars who saw him once they were allowed to enter his. room said he looked "awake and alert."

Father Groeschel is afflicted by "confusion and immobility," Father Sudano added. Progress in the priest's communicative abilities is marked by small steps: a laugh, a smile, the raising of both eyebrows at once.

"No doubt his inability to be understood is frustrating," Father Sudano said. "I suggested to the (order's) brothers that they find a . person adept in lip reading to help.

He has mouthed the phrase 'What happened?' more than once."

Father Sudano said Father Groeschel has undergone surgery four times, since arriving at the hospitalfollowing the accident.

Father Sudano has issued daily updates on Father Groeschel's condition, and they can be found on the order's Website, www.franciscanfriars.com.

40 percent.

Commenting on the recent emergence of a deadly avian flu in Asia, Cardinal Lozano said it was another sign that modem globalization should include health care strategies and not simply economic agreements.

International cooperation and solidarity are needed because "microbes and viruses know no borders," he said. ''This avian flu demonstrates once again that we're all in the s~e ,boat, we're all in the same world, and what. strikes in Vietnam can strike in Argentina, Mexico, Italy or Poland," he said.

That's all the more reason, he said, that the actions of the health and drug industry should be driven "not only by profits, but also by the real possibility of serving humanity."

He said the bird flu also illustrated the need for effective global heaith monitoring and, when needed, conJrols on human migration - but without eroding the natural right of people to migrate.

The Vatican press conference highlighted the program for the World Day of the Sick, celebrated in Lourdes, France, February 9-11.

Various church experts addressed topics related to European health care and bioethics issues.

French Cardinal Philippe Barbarin ofLyon told reporters that, in his view, the Church may be losing the legislative battle on euthanasia in Europe. He said, however, that it was important that Catholics raised their voices and would continue to carry on the Pro-Life fight with courage.

The Netherlands and Belgium have legalized assisted suicide under some conditions, and similar legislation has been proposed in other European countries. Last week, the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences announced it would support doctors engaging in assisted suicide under certain circumstances.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - A be 30 million such street children;' U.S. Jesuit priest condemned phar- Father D' Agostino said.

Father D' Agostino helped esmaceutical companies for "genocidal action" in their refusal to tablish the Children of God Relief make anti-retroviral drugs more Institute, a network of homes in Kenya that provide medical care affordable in Africa.

Father Angelo D' Agostino, a and schooling for AIDS orphans.

He said that by the mid-1990s psychiatrist with 24 years' experience in Africa, said AIDS was kill- the homes averaged' about three ing 400 people a day in Kenya deaths a month, but fatalities have while in Europe and North "dropped drastically" due to the America it was no longer consid- use of anti-retroviral drugs "so that for all of 2003 we had not a single ered a fatal disease.

He said this difference in mor- fatality."

The priest said some of the tality rates was due to ''the genocidal action ofthe drug cartels who drugs used in that program are dorefuse to make the drugs afford- nated free of charge by the Brazilable in Africa even after they re- ian government, but the rest have ported a $517 billion profit in to be purchased.

At another program for AIDS 2002."

"This is a moral issue that orphans in Nairobi, about eight shows the lack ofsocial conscience children die each month "because by these capitalistic enterprises;' he we don't have the funds to pay the unaffordable prices demanded by said.

He made his remarks at a re- the big international drug compacent Vatican press conference that nies," he said.

Father D'Agostino told Cathopresented Pope John Paul II's Lenten message as well as lic News Service that "despite all launched a special Vatican fund- the publicity and media hype out raiser in support of a new project there about drug companies reducto help' AIDS orphans. Father ing prices ... they haven't reduced D' Agostino leads the project, prices enough so that the people in Africa can afford (HIVI AIDS called Nyumbani Village.

The priest said one tragic result drugs)."

"It would cost just $7 billion to of the HIVIAIDS pandemic is the huge number ofchildren orphaned save the lives ofthe 25 million subwhen one or both parents die from Saharan Africans who are HIVthe illness. UNAIDS, the Joint positive and otherwise doomed;' U.N. Program on HIV/AIDS, es- he said. ''But the Church in Africa is not timated there were at least II million AIDS orphans living in sub- very affiuent, and they don't really have the power to leverage the drug Saharan Africa in 2001.

"No sub-Saharan African coun- companies to do anything; there is try can cope with the current num- not much they can do. I have been ber of orphans who have become very vocal about (the problem) ... street children. It is predicted that but still the drug companies, by the end ofthis decade there will .they're just too powerful;' he said.

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Vatican announces two plans to help African AIDS orphans VATICAN CITY (CNS) The Vatican announced the launch of two initiatives to help African AIDS orphans as it released Pope John Paul IT's 2004 Lenten message, which focused on the needs of children.

At the request of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum," the Vatican's coordinating agency for Catholic charitable agencies, the Vatican post office issued a stamp dedicated to children with AIDS. At a Vatican press conference, Archbishop Paul Cordes, president of the council, said all proceeds from the sale of the stamp, which will sell for .45 euros, or about 56 cents, would be donated by Pope John Paul to a new project aimed at helping AIDS orphans in Kenya.

The Vatican also announced it was setting up a special bank account for Italian ~itizens to donate money for the project.

The special-issue stamp which will go on sale in May pictures an African child and infant whose eyes have been seemingly scribbled out by a white pen

marker. Written in large red capital letters below are the words in Italian, "Children, Victims of AIDS." The stamps could raise up to 500,000 euros (US$620,000), the archbishop said.

Archbishop Cordes said these initiatives would not entirely solve the problem of AIDS orphans, but he said, "It is a sign that beyond all the words, the Church does do work in the field and works effectively."

U.S. Jesuit Father Angelo D' Agostino said his organization, the Children of God Relief Institute in Kenya, currently cares for 93 HIV-positive abandoned children, providing medical care and schooling in a residential environment.

His organization is expanding into the new project, Nyumbani Village, a cluster ofhomes that will care for 1,000 people, including AIDS orphans and 250 people "from another needy and forgotten group, the elderly," Father D' Agostino said.

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Friday, February 13, 2004

Rally

Marriage "What GOd has joined, let no one separate."

God has joined man and woman in marriage. To try to make marriage a man-less or a woman-less institution (as it would be for same-sex couples) will bring disastrous consequences and confusion. All of society and particularly our children will suffer.

The meaning of masculinity and femininity will be distorted, as they will no longer be seen as necessarily complementary and ordered to each other.

The meaning of marriage will obviously change and bring about a transvaluation in the meaning of a family. Marriage will become primarily for the satisfaction of adult desires, not for children. Permanently fatherless or motherless fami-

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Archbishop O'Malley read from the statement. "Despite 'the experience Continuedfrom page one of all human cultures and the emdespite what the SJC ruled, there is ' pirical data of sociological studies, The call of our Holy Father, opened St. Joseph's Hospital in "not a shred ofevidence" in the state the court ignores the fact that the the Prophet Isaiah, Jesus' dis- New Bedford, they came to St. constitution to allow for same-sex stable, permanent relationship of a ciples, St. Paul, and each of us is Mary's Parish in Fall River. They marriage. husband and wife is the optimal ba- different and yet the same. The opened a school in their convent Archbishop O'Malley, who has sis for child rearing." call is different because of the in March 1874 and were overbeen active in his support for tradiCatholics and non-Catholics from differing personalities and cir- whelmed with pupils. Within the tional marriage, took the podium all across the state and beyond met cumstances involved. It is the next 10 or 12 years schools were amidst signs and posters held by in front of the Statehouse for the same because each person called, opened successively at Notre some same-sex marriage supporters two-hour rally. In contrast, less than in some mysterious way, realizes Dame and St. Anne's parishes in in the crowd reading "Shame on 400 same-sex marriage proponents the call is from God. It is the Fall River, at St. Lawrence and you, O'Malley." rallied from the steps of St. Paul's same because each person, pro- Sacred Heart parishes in New "We are not here, as some people Cathedral across the street, holding foundly conscious of his or ber Bedford, at St. Patrick and Sacred have characterized this, for hate- signs and waving rainbow flags. unworthiness and wondering Heart parishes in Fall River, and, mongering," th~ archbishop told the Arthur Ronayne, of Arlington, why the Lord would issue such a few years later, Taunton's first crowd in a strong voice. "We are who held two pro-marriage signs he a call, replies with a 'Yes.' Ev- Catholic school was established here because we are concerned about made, said he sees same-sex mar- ery vocation to the consecrated at Immaculate Conception Parish. marriage and about family ... good, riage as an assault on traditional life or priesthood truly is - to The first community of relistrong marriage and family are good marriage and the family. -"I'm not use the title of the pope's small gious men came to Fall River in for our country, for society." saying I'm a saint; I'm not saying book - 'Gift and Mystery.' And, 1887. At the invitation of Bishop The legalization of same-sex I'm better than they are," he said. on the part of each person here, Harkins, the Dominican Friars marriage will not cause strong, lov- Nevertheless, what homosexuals are there has been that response to agreeq to administer St. Anne's ing marriages to fall apart, but it will pushing for "makes fun of my mar- God's call which can be distilled Parish on a trial basis for a period influence how marriage and family riage of42 years." The ramifications into one word - 'Yes.' A 'yes' of one year. The bishop placed are thought of in the future, said of the passage ofsame-sex marriage that leads to a deeper prayer life great confidence in the DominiArchbishop O'M:illey. "affect everything," said Ronayne, and love for the Lord, a 'yes' that cans and the friars were zealous "Ideas are very powerful, and the who fears what his grandchildren embodies commitment to the in cooperating with him espelaw teaches [ideas]," he said, noting could possibly be taught in school if Church, a 'yes' that motivates cially in the founding of addithat currently one-third of Ameri- the ruling stands. communities and individuals to tional churches and schools for can children are born out of wedAudrey Oliver, a parishioner at ,live and work on behalf of the Canadians in the city. Their aclock. "If we redefine marriage, I can St. Tarcisius Parish in Framingham, poor. tive ministry in Fall River proved predict to you that in 10 or 20 years clapped along to live-Christian muNext month our Diocese of to be enduring and fruitful and many more children will be born sic played at the start of the rally. Fall River will celebrate the lasted over one century. out ofwedlock, many more divorces She attended the rally because ofher 100th anniversary of its foundThe faith of Catholics in our will take place, fewer people will "strong belief' in traditional mar- ing by Saint Pius X. In prepar- , Diocese of Fall River and the be getting married because we will riage, she said, not out of "hate" for ing for this milestone in our his- lived witness of that faith is testihave weakened the institution of homosexuals. tory, it is helpful and inspiring mony to the presence of dedicated marriage. We need to strengthen "It wasn't fair that four judges to consider the gift and mystery consecrated persons in our midst marriage - that's why we are here." decided what is right for the citi- of vocation in the history of this whose lives have affected the Archbishop O'Malley went on to zenry ofMassachusetts:' said Oliver, local church. God's call to men lives of so many. Although there read a statement in support of mar- who has been contacting her repre- and women for more than 100 are fewer religious than in years riage issued by leaders ofoverJ,OOO sentatives urging them to support the years and His sending them forth past, the witness and lives of conCatholic, Jewish, Protestant, Greek marriage amendment. "I'm hoping in mission to this diocese is part secrated men and women in our Orthodox and Muslim congregations it pays off ... hoping they will listen of His design for the salvation of diocese continues to impact the in MassaChusetts. The congregations to their constituents." all people, a gift of His abiding faith life of people. On behalf of asked that Senate President Robert Debbie PapaliaofNorth Andover, love for His people in this part all in this Diocese of Fall River, I Travaglini (D-Boston) take up the who attended the rally with her hus- of his vineyard. wish to express my deep gratitude vote for the marriage amendment band and their two young children, Looking back for more than a for your loyalty to the Church, on Wednesday as scheduled. also sees the urgency in showing the century we find how religious , your commitment to religious life, The statement wamed that "the strength of the pro-marriage comer. communities and priests re- and the daily witness you offercourt's decision will harm our chil- She, too, has contacted her legisla- sponded to God's call to conse- in summary, thank you for the dren, who are entitled to be able to tors and the Senate President through crated life and to mission. When 'Yes' you uttered years ago and count on their parents' marriages as telephone calls and E-mails. She has southeastern Massachusetts be- which you reaffirm each day. the secure foundation of their fam- also called in to local talk radio pro- came part of the new Diocese of This year, in reflecting on ily lives." grams to speak about upholding tra- Providence in 1872, there were no your vocation to the consecrated ''The court's re-definition ofmar- ditional marriage.

Catholic schools, charitable or life, our Holy Father addressed riage explicitly divorces the institu"It is a crucial time," said Papiilia, religious communities serving in you: 'Dear Men and Women Retion of marriage from the procre- who has upped her efforts during the area. Therefore March' 19, ligious, what a favorable opporation and education of children," the past month. "Now is the time to 1873 was a significant date in tunity you are afforded on this day act." local Church history. On that dedicated to you, to reaffirm your day the Sisters of Mercy opened fidelity to God with the enthusia convent in St. Lawrence Par- asm and generosity of the moContinued from page four ish in New Bedford, establish- ment when you first pronounced ing the first house for religious your vows! Repeat your "yes" to lies will become more common and harm. in the future Diocese of Fall the God of Love every day with what would Jesus do and say? this will harm children raised in such River. The Sisters who had been joy and conviction. In the recolnon-optimal situations.

Jesus "came to give witness to in Providence since 1851 came lection of the cloistered monasThe homosexual idea of the the truth" (In 18:37) and his truth is to New Bedford not to open a tery or beside the poor and meaning of sex - divorced from unchanging. school but a hospital. Mrs. Ada marginalized, among young any procreative meaning, or even What he taught about the mean- Baker had purchased the people or within the structures of from any male-female ing of our masculinity and ferninin- Charles Russell mansion, which the Church, in the various aposcomplementarity - will become the .ity, its relation to marriage, and the had been the childhood home of tolic activities or in mission lands, bottom-line of public school sex-ed relation of marriage to the family, is the eccentric Hetty Green, re- God wants you to be faithful to curricula, because any heterosexual something that gives believers and puted to be the richest woman his love and dedicated without idea of sexuality 'will be "discrimi- unbelievers alike a greater founda- in the world when she died in reserve to the good of your brothnatory" against gays and their tion for what we can already per- 1916. The hospital opened in ers and sisters. This is the precious newly-invented "constitutional ceive by reason and common sense. June 1873, but, regrettably, was contribution which you can make rights." It will become harder for our For believers, however, what forced to close in 1887 for fi- to the Church, so that the Gospel children that ever before to perceive Jesus would do or say is always a nancial reasons. of hope may reach the men and the essential connection between motivation for our own action. Jesus' The sisters had come to this women of our time.' love, marriage, sex and children. followers are called to make his tes- area just as the bishops of the Through your lives conseTo try to separate what Goo has timony resonate "from the house- United States, assembled in 1884 crated to God, may that Gospel joined in marriage is to separate us tops" (Mt 10:27). May we do and at the Third Plenary Council of of hope be received and lived by from the truth about who we are as say as he did!

Baltimore, were mandating the women and men, the young male and female and whom we are . Father LtuuJry is JXUOChial vicar Catholic schools. In 1874, the and old, of our loc~l Church of called to be - and will bring great atSf. Frwrcis XavierParish, Hyannis. year after the Sisters of Mercy Fall River."

Continued from page one

group Your Catholic Voice, organized the rally in conjunction with the Massachusetts Catholic Conference (MCC) and the Marriage Coalition. He placed the rally on the Common in the context of other movements, anti-slavery and human rights, that were born and gained strength in that very place. The fight to maintain the traditional definition of marriage is a movement of "recognition and respect for families, for marriage ~md for traditional values:' not one of discrimination or bigotry, Flynn stated.

"We cannot remain silent while judges change something in natural law," he continued.

Legislators must be held accountable to their constituents and allow the issue to be voted on in the ballot box, he said. "If your elected officials take your right to vote away from you, you must take the privi, lege that they have away from them," Aynn exclaimed.

He urged his fellow Catholics, a seldom outspoken voting bloc, to reengage in the political process.

Rios, whose organization is based in Washington, D.C., had been in Boston for most of the week lobbying legislators to pass the amendment on Wednesday. Her address sparked a positive reaction from the crowd, many of whom were encotrraged by her strong moral stance on marriage and homoSexuality.

"To our homosexual friends, make no mistake - the radicals around you want not marriage," Rios stated. ''They want to eradicate marriage."

She noted studies that show that where traditional marriage has been compromised as in Scandinavian countries, the institution is weakened not strengthened, resulting in dramatic increases in out of wedlock births and divorce.

Rios also admonished the media for not covering the issue "responsibly" and for not showing "both sides" of the homosexual lifestyle such as the danger ofAIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Nolan spoke briefly to say that as a retired Supreme Court judge,

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Friday, February 13, 2004

Connolly students undertake art project FALL RIVER --.,.. Something was a little different this year in midterm examinations at Bishop Connolly High School with teachers making alternative assessments in lieu ofthe standard three-hour exarnination.

Anne M. Cabral, faculty member and fine arts chairperson, designed an innovative project for her students in her art and studio art that . gave them some hands~on experience into the life of an art curator.

Each student chose an artist from a list of master artists and then de-' signed an art show featuring at least five pieces of his or her work The students had to research the artist and art history period and also the world events and culture that may have provided influence for their work The students also had to research their chosen demographic area for THESE STUDENTS from Holy Family-Holy Name School, New Bedford, enjoy pajama the appropriate place for an art show 째day during Catholic School Week. Seventh-graders celebrated reading by sharing stories and in tum fiild out all the costs aswith second-graders and all students enjoyed a variety of activities. sociated with an art show. They created budgets, designed a roOm for display and chose w.here all the art would be displayed. They also had

to critique the art and go before a board of directors, comprised of Cabral, members of the administration and James Bartley, a member of the board of directors for the Renaissance Gallery at the Narrow Center for the Arts in Fall-River, to present their bid for an art show.

Some students did visual presentations with posterboards and hand- . . outs while some did Power Point presentations. But whatever the format, members of the board were impressed. ''The students did a really good job," said board member and school athletic director Frank Sherman. ''They were innovative with their use of technology and it takes a lot of courage to get in front of your peers, teachers and members of the community. I give them a lot of credit."

Bartley was also impressed. "It was a very comprehensive assignment and I think they did a fantastic job. I am proud of them and believe that they are proud ofthemselves for accomplishing such a task"

THESE STUDENTS from Bishop Connolly High School recently completed an art curator project with the help of teacher Anne Cabral and James Bartley of the Renaissance Gallery of Fall River. From left are Cabral, Marissa Barnaby, Dan Boland, Rebbecca Roy, T.J. Martin and Bartley.

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... SIXTH-GRADERS from St. Mary-Sacred Heart School, North Attleboro, make goodie bags for postal workers during Catholic Schools Week. They delivered the candy and snacks during a tour of the facilities where they learned about the U.S. Postal Service. Students in all grades did similar bags for the police and fire departments. From left: Chelsey O'Brien, Amanda Diamond and Lyndsey.

Rasi~ot. At right, second-graders Timothy Legg and Elaney Marcotte bring gifts to the altar with Principal Denise Peixot<;> during a Catholic Schools Week Mass.

JULIE BENEDITO, an eighth-grader at St. Francis Xavier School, Acushnet~ explains her science project to a judge during the recent Science Fair. Benedito was the school's Grand Prize winner.

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Two guidelines for teen dating

By CHARLIE MARTlN路 CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE Down says he expects the Then different life goals send HERE WITHOUT YOU' A hundred days have made me older since the last time that I saw your pretty face A thousand lights have made me colder, and I don't think I can look at this the same But all the miles CATHOLIC RELIEF Services provides cardboard collecthat separate tion boxes to facilitate donations to Operation Rice Bowl durThey disappear now路 when ing the Lenten season. (CNS photo from CRS) I'm dreaming of your face Refrain: I'm here without you baby, but you're still on my lonely mind I think about you baby, and BALTIMORE (CNS) - Op- include recipes and personal stories I dream about you eration Rice Bowl, the Lenten pro- from Pakistan, Burundi, Honduras, all the time' East Timor, Gambia, the United gram of Catholic Relief Services, I'm here without you baby, raised about $8 million for local and States and other countries. Operabut you're still with international development 'projects tion Rice Bowl resources from CRS include a home calendar, commume in my dreams in 2003.

But, more importantly, it helped nity and parish guide, educator's And tonight it's only families and faith communities "to guide and a small cardboard box for yo'u and me open our hearts and minds to people depositing donations.

The miles just keep rolling The guides offer ideas for intein need around the world in a conas the people I~ave thei r crete way;' according to the words grating Operation Rice Bowl into the way to say hello of the program's guiding principles. liturgy, parish and community acI've heard this life is During Lent, Operation Rice . tivities, and schools and religious overrated, but I hope that it Bowl participants pledge to pray, fast education programs. gets better as we go Nearly 12 million families, eduin solidarity with those who hunger, (Repeat refrain.) leam about the global community cators and individuals participate in Everything I know and and the challenges of poverty over- Operation Rice Bowl each year. anywhere I go seas, and give sacrificial contribu- 1\venty-five percent of the funds It gets hard, but it won't raised stay in the local,diocese for tions to those in need. take away Iily.love In the Latin-rite church, Lent this use in projects that help alleviate And when the last one falls, poverty and hunger, while 75 peryear begins on February 25, Ash when it's all said and done cent goes to CRS projects abroad.

Wednesday.

CRS, based in Baltimore, is the It gets hard but it won't take On each Friday in Lent, families away my love are encouraged to prepare a simple U.S. bishops' overseas relief and (Repeat refrain twice.) development agency. meal and donate the money saved More information about Opera- Sung by 3 Doors Down to Operation Rice Bowl. Operation Rice Bowl runs through Holy Sat- tion Rice Bowl is available on the Copyright (c) 2003, Web at: www.catholicrelief.org/ Universal International urday, which is April 10 this year.

Operation Rice Bowl helps Catholic families share more than money .

The program materials for 2004

Brad Arnold of 3 Doors

orb.

group's latest disc "Away From the Sun" to do better than their debut album "The Better Life." If he's right, 3 Doors Down will reach megastar status!

Off the new disc is their current hit "Here Without You." The song's story focuses on a couple's separa-

them off, appropriately, to different colleges. Should they expect to continue their relationship?

They should consider the price they will pay if they attempt to keep the romance going.

First, life is best approached by engaging in the immediate environment. In nO"'~ college y?~ng people have I .... opportuOlt1es to meet new people. They diminish their college experience if they limit those opportunities.

Next, relationships require ongoing contact. Modern communications can narrow the gap in a separation, but a relationship will change if individuals aren't present to each other.

If you follow this column, you know that I emphasize the following two guidelines for teen dating: tion. The guy says, "A hun1. Don't get serious in high dred days h;lVe made me older school. since the last time that I saw 2. Don't plan your future your pretty face." He says, around a high school relation"I'm here without you baby, ship. \ but you're still on my lonely If what you experienced in mind.... It gets hard, but it a high school romance is for won't take away my love." your highest good, life wi~l Separations are difficult. lead you back to it. But as for Some couples fall into the illusion that time and distance long-distance relationships, don't take on the pain of won't hurt their romance. being "here without you."

They are wrong. LongComments are welcome at: distance romances only rarely Charlie Martin,_712SW 200搂9 can be sustained.

Rockport, IN 47635 or Consider this example: A chmartin@swindiana.net . couple meet in high school.

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Li.fe as a sandwich order

By KASE JOHNSTUN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

It would be great to wake up in the morning and realize the day is going to be a piece of cake. A test? I'll ace it. A breakup? There will be no heartbreak. A game? Thirty points, 10 rebounds and six assists.

This is about as honest and probable as getting out of your morning shower dry, already dressed, contacts in and car warm in the driveway. No way.

Actually, the probability of something not going right is higher. A test? I studied, but can't remember what four score stands for in Lincoln's Gettysburg address. A

breakup? My heart has me crying in my room for two weeks straight. A game? What do you mean I passed the ball to the wrong guy, coach?

If I could just control the events of the day, everything would be fine. If I could come up with the questions on the test, I could answer them correctly. If I could break up first, there would be no heartbreak. If I was coach, I never would pass the ball to the wrong guy.

A friend once told me during high school, "If the teacher would teach what I wanted to learn, then I would learn what they were teaching."

Huh?

We all have heard during math class or English class: "I want to be a journalist. Why do I need to learn algorithms?"

Or: "I am going to be a

Coming of

Age scientist. Why do I need to learn how to diagram a sentence?"

It sounds reasonable. Why should you learn something you never will use in life?

Plus, after this semester you

never will think of picking up a novel by Edward Abbey.

So teach me what I want to learn, and I will learn what you are teaching, teacher. It seams so obvious.

Obvious, yes - if you were in control. If you were in control, you would eliminate all of the useless stuff that happens to you in life: breaking your ankle a week before basketball tryouts, failing a test that would propel you into "c" status or, maybe, losing your best friend to cancer or a car accident.

We were not given a checklist at birth defining our lives like a sandwich sheet at the deli.

For my entree, I will take a

-large cut of success. Could you put my education on the side, just in case I don't want to use much of it? For dessert, I will have the perfect body and Einstein's brain, and please, no heartache or failure.

I am allergic to them. They make me break out in a sweat.

So, in the same sense, we cannot say something like, "God, give me the life I want to live, and I will live it in the way you want me to." It doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

Control and direction are not always ours to have.

Which is a good thing, because I can't count how many times I have messed up a sandwich order.

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L:l~6~,:{.s.:路_.: ~"\;,.'~~...:L~:".J!~~~~w~J.:!~~~路~~I;;:.\fi~::A';.~~~t' Anglicans, Catholics complete 'Seattle Statement' on Mary

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Friday, February 13, 2004

SEATTLE (CNS) - With ignation last November of Bishop Catholic Archbishop Alex 1. Bnmett Frank T. Griswold, presiding bishop of Seattle as host and the Puget of the U.S. Episcopal Church.

Sound as backdrop, a group of inBishop Griswold's ordination of ternational clergy and scholars rep- New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene resenting the Catholic Church and Robinson, who had been living in Anglican Communion completed an openly gay relationship for more w,?rk in early FebJuary on a state- thai1 a decade, had complicated rement that articulates a common ap- lations between the two churches proachto the'subject of Mary. and Bishop Griswold resigned as ,The statement; which will be sub- Anglican co-chairman to avoid havmitted to the Pontifical Council for ing the controversy jeopardize the Promoting Christian Unity, the arch- work of the official dialogue. bishop of Canterbury and the An,Officiallytitled"Mary, Grace and .glican Consultative Council, will be Hope in Christ," the new document known as the "Seattle Statement." brings to completion the second The text is the fifth statement phase of ARCIC, whichwas manpublished by the Anglican-Roman dated in 1982 by Pope John Paul II Catholic International Commission and then-Archbishop Robert Runde over thepast 20 years andrepresents of Canterbury. Previous statements more than five years ofwork by the published by the' dialogue include group co-chaired by Archbishop "Salvation and the Church" (1987), "The Church as Communion" Bnmett. ''I am totally elated and grateful (1991), ''Life in Christ" (1994) and that we were able to bring together ''The Gift ofAuthority" (1999). a work that was challenging as weli , . Following formal agreement on as uplifting," Archbishop Bruriett the statement, Bishop Brian Farrell, NJERCY SISTER Trish Tyler is pictured in her equestrian days. An accomplished amateur said: "It took five years ofdialogue secretary of the Pontifical COWlcil riger ana trainer from Erie County, Pa., she put her love of horses aside to join the volunteer on the scriptural background as well for .Promoting Qnistian Unity, and Mercy' Corps and 'later: was inspired to become a vowed woman religious. (eNS photo couras the ancient Christian traditions to the Rev. JohnL Peterson, secretaiy- .te.sy. Lake Shore Vis/lot) ,. lay the foundation for the .conclu- general.of the Anglican Conslilta-. sioos arrived at in the statement. tive Council, expressed the commit"As co-chairman, I was deeply ment oftheirrespective bodies to the impressed by the dedication, care ongoing theological dialogue and and committed study offered to us said they looked forward to the esby the scholars. who donate their tablishment ofanew commission in time and efforts for the sake ofChris- the near future. . tian unity;' he added The group of 21 clergy, scholars

BY KATHLEEN lJNsE Silverthorn Duchess, a three-year-old Morgan and Anglican Archbishop Peter and staff met recently for seven CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE "considered a baby," Sister Trish said.

Carnley of Perth, primate of the days. The meeting concluded in ERIE, Pa. - An ancient Arabian proverb pro"Silverthorn Duchess had been with a professional Anglican Church of Australia, was Seattle's St. James Cathedral with claims, ''The wind of heaven is that which blows be- trainerjust before I came. He had her for justtwo weeks appointed Anglican co-chairman of an ecumenical celebration of the tween a horse's ears." ... and she almost killed him. I think she didn't like the commission following the res- Presentation of the Lord.

Trish Tyler felt that wind many times until she re- men," she added, laughing.

Sister Trish's tone becomes solemn, however, when ceived the call to hang up the reins and hop on a different saddle - one ofservice in the Sisters ofMercy. she talks about training horses.

"You have to be gentle and soft-spoken; 1did it all Sister Trish certainly had no plans to join a religious community when she first felt a call in her 20s by having a feeling for what they need. You come to to do "something different" and joined Mercy Corps. know their personalities and the more you practice"I did not want to hear about it;' she told the Lake like in life - (the more) you know;' she explained.

By the time she had graduated from high school, . subscribe to Shore VISitor, newspaper ofthe Diocese ofErie. ''I was very adamant when one of the sisters asked me about Sister Trish was an accomplished amateur, winning February is Catholic Press Month awards with horses that would go on to become world joining. I said 'NO. And don't ever ask me again!'"

Her love ofhorses began when she was a little girl. champions. She was "having this wonderful opportuand her family moved "out to the country" in west nity in my career," she said Training and riding horses and working at a printErie County. .

"My father put me up on a young colt- I was about ing shop as a graphic designer took her into her early ..... -.,.IlIaIf,.-.._ JIU,........ _ _''-__''''''''_ three - and I just loved it," she said. ':A..s a child, I was . 20s when something starte9 stirring within her.

Catholic Schools Week showcases little and light, so I was perfect for being up on the young So, she joined Mercy Corps, a program of the Sisa quality, values-added educatio1l horses not quite old enough to break for riding." ters of Mercy of the Americas that invites men and At just seven years old, Sister Trishjoined the local women volWlteers to commit to service, a simple 4-H Club, which is the youth education branch of the lifestyle lived in community and spiritual growth.

U.S. Department ofAgriculture's Cooperative ExtenAfter almost three years of volunteer work in Erie, sion Service. Her 4-H project was Pal, a brown-and- Sister Trish was approached by two sisters who told white Shetland. her about the .need for a volunteer in Arizona on a A shaggy little pony with short, muscular legs, Pal Navajo reservation. \was a "brat," Sister Trish said. ' ''They told me it was a lot of horses, in the middle But that persnickety pony helped Sister Tri~h dis- of nowhere, and the Franciscan brother running the cover at a young age her patience and natural feel for print shop needed help," she said. working with horses. QualifYing - and winning Coincidence? Sister Trish thinks not. in her class at horse shows was a "new experience for "1 haq been having a longing to do something;' she me. I liked it," she said. said. "I had achieved my goals in training horses and I As the years went by, Sister Trish outgrew Pal and didn't like the political side of showing, of winning at ~oved on to bigger horses, still showing them at 4-H any cost. It was no longer fulfilling and I didn't really and other events. Her ability with horses became know what to do next. known to the owner of a stable with a little pony that "So, two Sisters ofMercy come into my life with a needed to be retrained. mission that would fit. 1 don't think that was all up to Sister Trish did so well with路 that project she was chance," she said. asked to stay on. She received no pay for her work, ' When Sister Trish returned home to Pennsylvania, but enjoyed free riding lesso~ and began to train and she realized that she was destined to be a Mercy nun.

This Message Sponsored by the Following ride quarter horses and Morgans, another new experiShe is fully grounded in her conviction of serving Business Concerns In the Diocese of Fall River ence taking her one step closer to a career. and living in the Mercy community where God is the GILBERT C. OLIVEIRA INSURANCE AGENCY Sister Trish handled each equally well and moved center. "1 have no regrets;' she said. "1 made the right FEITELBERG INSURANCE AGENCY to another stable where she was charged with training decision."

Woman leaves behind love of training horses for call to vocatio~

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