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77th annual Catholic Charities Appeal begins May 1 See page two Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

Friday, April 20, 2018

Members of the award-winning Robotics Club at St. Stanislaus School in Fall River are testing their latest creation in preparation for the 2018 VEX Robotics World Championship in Kentucky on April 29.

Team member Zoey Mills, second from left, navigates the robot through the course while teammates, from left, Connor Gendron, Ryan Saucier and Jacob Torres keep track of time and observe. Story on page five. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza) The Anchor - April 20, 2018

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Need is greater than ever for annual Catholic Charities Appeal

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — When the inaugural Catholic Charities Appeal was kicked off in April of 1942

by Bishop James E. Cassidy, the third bishop of the Diocese of Fall River, there was a world war raging.

Today, 77 years later, as the 2018 campaign is about to take wing, there are still wars leaving thousands of brothers and sisters across the diocese in dire need.

The wars today are waged on our city streets; opioid addictions taking the lives of scores of men and women and leaving surviving family members in shatters; children, men and women living wherever they can find the simplest of shelters, not knowing from where their next meal

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will come, if it comes at all; immigrants who have become pawns in a callous political game; women and children who become innocent victims of domestic abuse and violence; and sick and elderly people in hospitals and homes who have no one to lend them hope or comfort. These are only a few of the “war” victims of today.

So, for the 77th consecutive year faithful across the Diocese of Fall River will be asked to engage in the Corporal Works of Mercy and do what they can to feed the hungry; give water to the thirsty; to clothe the naked; shelter the homeless; and visit the sick and impris-

The Anchor - April 20, 2018

oned.

The Appeal, themed “Sharing Faith and Hope,” will begin on May 1 and run through June 27.

“The Appeal itself has

always been a beacon of hope and an example of living our faith to all those residents of the communities the diocese serves; from Mansfield, Easton and the Attleboros through the Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford areas, and extending all the way to Cape Cod and the Islands,” Mike Donly, Charities Appeal director, told The Anchor. “The members of the diocesan community have always been very generous and supportive as they demonstrate their willingness to share what they have with those who have less. They have truly followed the example of the early Christians as expressed in the Acts of the Apostles 2:4445, ‘Those who believed, shared.’”

Christ Himself told us, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.” The diocesan Catholic Charities Appeal began in response to the great needs in the area caused by the vicious world war playing out

on the international stage.

The country was still reeling from the deadly attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941, and Bishop Cassidy felt the need to rally the faithful in the diocese to be there for those who needed it.

The goal was $100,000 and as is usually the case, folks in Southeastern Massachusetts went above and beyond, donating $125,000, which would translate to approximately $2 million today.

Since then the faithful in the Fall River Diocese have consistently gone above and beyond to help their brothers and sisters in need.

The needs may be different today, but they are no less urgent and life-altering and threatening.

The annual Catholic Charities Appeal is the only time during the year when the diocese asks parishioners to assist in ministering to their friends and neighbors in need by contributing what they’re able.

In a letter to all faithful of the Diocese of Fall River Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. said, “Each year at this time I ask for your support of the Catholic Charities Appeal to enable our Diocesan Church to follow Christ’s example to share faith and hope in our time and in our communities.

“Through the Catholic Charities Appeal, faith is shared in our ministry to the sick in all of our area hospitals; in our campus ministry, youth and young adult ministry, and other Faith Formation and educational programs; and in a

variety of additional pastoral endeavors.”

“The concept of sharing is central to the focus of the Appeal, as it is central to our faith as Catholics who are aware of the obligation to not only recognize the needs of the vulnerable among us but to offer them assistance and hope,” added Donly. “Parishioners from the 82 parishes as well as businesses and friends of the needy, numbering in excess of 25,000, contributed a record $4.78 million dollars last year to fund myriad ministries and agencies the Appeal’s success makes possible.

“The donors knew full well that 94 cents of every dollar donated went to fund these agencies and ministries. Since its inception, the Catholic Charities Appeal has raised in excess of $137 million dollars and assisted literally hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children throughout the diocese.”

Some of the services those dollars helped support last year were: — Emergency sheltering for families with children (376 adults and 630 children); — Support for the five diocesan homeless shelters, assisting 782 women and men; — Permanent supportive housing to 330 individuals; — Specialized sheltering for women and children victims of domestic violence; — The Sister Rose House which served an amazing 21,954 meals; — The Solanus Food Pantry which served 8,352 households, providing more than 200,000 pounds of nutritious foods; — The diocesan Office Turn to page 20

Bishop outlines strategic planning process, calls for faithful to get involved

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

FALL RIVER — As a way to get more diocesan faithful “engaged and involved” in the future of the local Church, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., recently met with members of the press at the Chancery Offices on Highland Avenue to discuss the launch of a comprehensive 12- to 18-month strategic planning process for the Fall River Diocese.

The press conference was held in response to the bishop’s recent letter, “Rebuilding in Faith and Hope: Introducing Strategic Planning” that was provided to parishioners throughout the diocese on Easter Sunday.

“We want to be as transparent to the people in the diocese as possible in everything we do,” Bishop da Cunha told The Anchor. “By doing this (press conference) we hope to get the word out about what’s happening in the diocese so that people will feel they are a part of the diocese, that they want to be involved, that they want to share their gifts and their talents and their abilities with us to rebuild for the future so that we will be stronger.”

Noting that “a lot of things have happened” since he arrived in Fall River three-and-a-half years ago, the bishop immediately began addressing concerns such as dwindling Mass attendance and a noticeable shortage of priests by appointing several task forces to study the various ministries and apostolates within the diocese. Data was collected through in-

terviews and a parish survey conducted by the Diocesan Task Force on Parishes last December, and now the bishop is in the midst of conducting a series of “listening sessions” to hear from those who populate the pews.

to “renewing and rebuilding the local Church in faith and hope” and that it is important to move all parishes from “maintenance mode into a mission mode, and also move from a ‘silos’ mode into more of a collaborative mode,” he said.

itself as a community of faith. The local Church is the diocese; it is the parishes. It’s not just bricks and mortar — it’s really people working together in collaboration with each other.”

To that end, the bishop extended a personal invita-

“People have said (to me) many times: I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to become involved,” the bishop said. “I think the more that we communicate with the people, the better we are and the more people will be willing to participate. The majority of our Catholic population may just go to (Mass) and go home. But this is a new way of being the Church, a new way of being Catholic, and I want people to encourage that.”

Moving forward, strategic planning for the Fall River Diocese will focus on three major areas: revitalizing the parishes; renewing the ministries of the diocese; and strengthening support for the clergy.

Acknowledging that changing demographics and financial constraints have taken a toll on some of Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., held a press conference on April 5 at the Chancery the 82 parishes in the Fall Office and answered questions from the media about the Fall River Diocese’s strategic River Diocese, the bishop planning process in an effort to provide transparency to the local Church. (Photo by agreed that “merging or Kenneth J. Souza) closing some churches can be a part of this process.”

“We have faced a lot “We come from a cultion to the more than 600 “We have not completed of the challenges that the ture where ‘my parish is my faithful who attended the the process of deciding Church faces as a whole, little kingdom,’” the bishop second annual Diocesan which churches are not our diocese in particular, further explained. “So you Women’s and Men’s Congoing to be surviving, but and all churches face,” the stay there and I stay here. ference held at Stonehill that’s part of the process bishop said during the press Don’t bother me and I College last month. He was we’re starting and as it conference. “But we have won’t bother with you. That pleased that more than 240 goes and as it moves forbegun to connect with peo- culture needs to change and people responded positively, ward we will see which ple, to listen to people, to we are helping to change expressing interest in volchurches are sustainable engage people. And those it, where the Church sees unteering.

Turn to page 18 things have really given us a lot of hope for the future of our Church, of our diocese.

We’ve been uncovering how people want to be engaged, how they want to be involved, how they want to share their gifts and their talents and how they care about the Church.”

Recalling his first pastoral letter released in April 2017, Bishop da Cunha said he remains committed The Anchor - April 20, 2018

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Jean Arsenault retires after 18 years of ‘re-gifting’ the greatest gift of all

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor davejolivet@anchornews.org

FALL RIVER — There’s a term that’s been around for a few decades, and its connotation is usually negative in nature.

The word re-gifting is an action when one receives a gift from another, and usually because it’s not well-liked, the receiver gives it as a gift to someone else.

Jean Arsenault, who recently retired from her position as assistant director of the diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate, is a re-gifter. But there is one ginormous difference between her re-gifting and the social norm.

Arsenault, during her 18-year career in the ProLife Office has taken the most precious gift one can receive, the gift of life from the Almighty God, and has re-gifted it to countless people she has encountered or touched through the years.

“As I look back, my activity in the Pro-Life

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movement seems to span basis. chose to remain quietly a lifetime,” Arsenault told In 2001, Arsenault’s in the background which The Anchor. “I come from beloved husband died and allowed us to be able to a very large, welcoming she found it necessary to reach out throughout the family. When I think of work full-time to support diocese with educational my grandparents, I programs for all parpicture them with ishes and schools.” arms wide open to While Arsenault welcome anyone to and Desrosiers wish their home, whether there was no need children, grandto have a Pro-Life children, friends, or Apostolate, the sad friends of the chilfact is that there is a dren and grandchilvery active culture of dren, and sometimes death running ramstrangers, too. pant in the United “There was always States; a culture that a smile, good converfought to legalize sation, and wonderthe killing of infants ful food for everyone. in the womb, right Though the message to the very moments was not necessarbefore birth; and a ily spoken overtly, culture that seeks to growing up in this legalize the killing atmosphere I canof sick and elderly not imagine ever not Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., pre- people, who instead sented Jean C. Arsenault, assistant direc- of having full inwelcoming anyone, tor of the diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate, formation about whether in utero or with a special award at the recent annu- palliative care and not.”

It was that foun- al Pro-Life Mass, recognizing her for her pain-management at 18 years of service, and wishing her well the end of life, are dation that Arsenault brought to the in her retirement. encouraged to take diocesan Pro-Life their own lives via ministry beginning in her family. “Fortunately, physician-assisted suicide.

2000 when she joined the the apostolate was able to Arsenault, and othapostolate on a part-time provide work on a fullers she’s worked with time basis and I was able through the years, have to begin my work fullseen past the smoke and time with Marian Desro- mirrors others present siers.” to further their deadly It’s arguable who was causes. She heeded St. more fortunate — ArJohn Paul II’s call to senault or the Pro-Life build a culture of life to movement in the diocese. respect all of God’s Cre“Jean joyfully gave 18 ation, from the moment years of service to proof conception until natumote and protect the ral death.

Sacredness and dignity Arsenault and Desroof all human life to the siers teamed up to lead diocesan Pro-Life Aposthe local fight for a cultolate,” said Desrosiers, ture of life. diocesan director of the “Working with Marian ministry as well as Projhas been a special part ect Rachel. “She was the of my life and one for professional and compas- which I am truly gratesionate voice heard when ful,” said Arsenault. “I you contacted the office. began to work with her, “Jean used her gifts and but more than just workprofessional background ing with someone, she to maintain a high level became a dear friend, a of service for all. She stalwart support, and an

The Anchor - April 20, 2018

example of how important a prayerful and loyal woman can be in anyone’s life.”

“For many years, visits to prisons, speaking engagements, conferences, development of parish Pro-Life committees, pilgrimages to the annual March For Life in Washington, D.C., Project Rachel outreach [which ministers to women and men who have been involved in abortion], summer Pro-Life Boot Camp [which encourages and teaches young people to become involved in the culture of life], and many more outreaches could never have happened without Jean’s support and talents,” added Desrosiers.

While the Pro-Life ministry can at times be frustrating and discouraging, Arsenault has seen many encouraging signs in the fight against the culture of death. “It seems to me that young people are more aware of ProLife matters than they were when I was young,” she told The Anchor.

“They are more involved.

They are more vocal.

They are more committed. This gives me great hope for the future. They know that in addition to attending the elevating March For Life each year (those who are able), they must bring this important message to their homes, their schools, their churches, their friendships and to any outreach they may have.

“This has been extremely gratifying to see — and hopeful. Contrary to the negative messages that we are fed daily, there are so many positive and uplifting messages Turn to page 20

St. Stan’s Robotics Club hopes to ‘VEX’ competition a second time

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

FALL RIVER — It’s rare for a start-up Robotics Club from a small Catholic school to make it to the VEX Robotics World Championships in its first year.

And it’s even more rare for that same group of students to return again to repeat — or hopefully improve upon — its success.

That’s why the members of the two-year-old Robotics Club at St. Stanislaus School in Fall River seem just a little more excited about going back to Louisville, Ky. on April 29 to compete for the second consecutive year.

“The competition has really escalated and I’d say it’s a lot more difficult than last year,” said Jacob Torres. “So you need more creative designs for your robot in order to score the points that you need to win. But if we were to compare the two competitions, we’ve made much more progress (now) than we did last year.”

“This year’s competition is harder,” agreed Zachary Falcon, whose parents serve as advisors to the Robotics Club. “But in terms of how we were scoring last year, this robot is better. We’re doing a lot better because last year we showed up (at the competition) with this little, tiny robot because it was our first time. This time we’ve learned from our mistakes.”

With just days to go before the world championships, the sixmember team is huddled together on the first floor of the St. Stanislaus Parish rectory across the street from the school, doing some timed test runs of their latest — and much larger — robotic creation.

“We moved our meeting place and practice area to the rectory, so we don’t have to set up and break everything down while we’re in the middle of building,” Torres said.

The Robotics Club, which is open to students in grades six to eight, is comprised of current members Zachary Falcon, Connor Gendron, Zoey Mills, Ryan Saucier, Justin Silva, and Jacob Torres.

Since its inception in 2016, the fledgling club has racked up an impressive track record, winning top honors in the Teamwork Challenge Award at the 2017 VEX IQ Crossover Qualifier in Hopkinton; and then winning the Teamwork Challenge Award and Robotics Skills Judges Award at the Southern New England Regionals in Worcester in March 2017. That earned them a place at last year’s VEX IQ Crossover World Championship in April.

This past December, the club won three awards at the VEX IQ Ringmaster Qualifier competition in Hopkinton — first place, Teamwork Challenge Award; first place, Robotics Skills Award; and the Design Award. The group went on to capture the same first-place prizes at the regional competition in January, and last month saw them winning the coveted Robotics Skills Award and Design Award at the VEX IQ Ringmaster Southern New England Regionals in Worcester, earning them a return ticket to Kentucky for a second shot at the World Championship.

Looking back over its whirlwind two-year history, the club members probably never anticipated this level of success. For most, it was their own personal interest in engineering and robotics that drew them to join.

“When we started, we didn’t think about competitions, it was just for fun,” said Justin Silva.

“Growing up, I was always interested in Legos, and (VEX) robotics seemed like it was the same idea,” added Zoey Mills, the team’s lone female member.

Ryan Saucier, who originally had an interest in computer science, said he gravitated towards robotics when he saw how much programming was involved.

“When I was in sixth grade and first found out about robotics, I kind of leaned more towards robotics, and then it kind of took off from there,” Saucier said. “I would definitely say that I’m still very interested in it and still looking forward to continuing when I get

into high school.”

Using a computer language known as “Robot C,” the students build and program remotecontrolled robots that they cobble together from Lego-like parts manufactured by VEX. Much of the competition involves navigating the robot through a course and getting it to efficiently collect and gather a series of colored rings within a given timeframe.

Part of the STEM curriculum, which emphasizes the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, the VEX Robotics program teaches students how to use critical thinking skills that they might not otherwise apply.

“At this level of the competition, all they get are (VEX) parts,” said Jean Willis, principal of St. Stanislaus School. “That’s all that comes in the kits. They have to program and design it — so this is a completely original design.”

“We have one of the more

unique designs,” agreed Torres.

“There’s this one robot (pattern) that everyone uses or people who are just starting out like to use, but this year we’ve strayed from that and now we have a robot that’s not considered in that category.”

The club’s newest Frankensteinlike creation goes by many names, depending on which member you ask.

“My dad had come up with a binary code — a 16-digit number — that essentially means ‘me,’” Falcon said.

“The big robot we named Barbara — it was just something random,” Torres said. “We were also thinking of calling it ‘Great Cow of Moscow.’ We had a lot of crazy ideas.”

Crazy names aside, it would seem this tight-knit group of thinkers are really onto something, especially given their track record to date.

Sadly, four of the club’s foundTurn to page 20

The Anchor - April 20, 2018

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Anchor Editorial

Praying for and living our vocations

In his 2018 message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations (which we observe this Sunday, April 22), Pope Francis mentioned the upcoming Synod of Bishops this fall, at which the theme of “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment” will be discussed. The pope said that he, together with the bishops and their collaborators, “will have a chance to consider more deeply how, at the center of our life, is the call to joy that God addresses to us and how this is ‘God’s plan for men and women in every age.’ The 55th World Day of Prayer for Vocations once again proclaims this Good News to us, and in a decisive manner. We are not victims of chance or swept up in a series of unconnected events; on the contrary, our life and our presence in this world are the fruit of a Divine vocation!”

The Holy Father then admitted that we live in “troubled times,” but “the mystery of the Incarnation reminds us that God continually comes to encounter us. He is God-with-us, who walks along the often dusty paths of our lives. In the diversity and the uniqueness of each and every vocation, personal and ecclesial, there is a need to listen, discern and live this word that calls to us from on high and, while enabling us to develop our talents, makes us instruments of Salvation in the world and guides us to full happiness.”

The pope’s message then looked at the three aspects of vocation, “listening, discerning and living,” which “were also present at beginning of Jesus’ own mission, when, after His time of prayer and struggle in the desert, He visited His synagogue of Nazareth. There, He listened to the word, discerned the content of the mission entrusted to Him by the Father, and proclaimed that He came to accomplish it ‘today’ (Lk 4:16-21).”

In terms of “listening,” the pontiff acknowledged that it is rare to literally “hear” God’s voice. “The Lord’s call is not as clear-cut as any of those things we can hear, see or touch in our daily experience. God comes silently and discreetly, without imposing on our freedom. Thus it can happen that His voice is drowned out by the many worries and concerns that fill our minds and hearts.

“We need, then, to learn how to listen carefully to His word and the story of His life, but also to be attentive to the details of our own daily lives, in order to learn how to view things with the eyes of faith, and to keep ourselves open to the surprises of the Spirit.”

The pope warned, “We will never discover the special, personal calling that God has in mind for us if we remain enclosed in ourselves, in our usual way of doing things, in the apathy of those who fritter away their lives in their own little world. We would lose the chance to dream big and to play our part in the unique and original story that God wants to write with us.”

The Holy Father mentioned how Jesus “needed to recollect Himself in silence” and called upon us to do the same. “Nowadays listening is becoming more and more difficult, immersed as we are in a society full of noise, overstimulated and bombarded by information. The outer noise that sometimes prevails in our cities and our neighborhoods is often accompanied by our interior dispersion and confusion. This prevents us from pausing and enjoying the taste of contemplation, reflecting serenely on the events of our lives, going about our work with confidence in God’s loving plan, OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER www.anchornews.org

Vol. 62, No. 8

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

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The Anchor - April 20, 2018

and making a fruitful discernment.”

In the second movement of vocation, discerning, the pope recalled how Jesus in the synagogue “discerns the content of the missions for which He was sent” after reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah (Lk 4:18-19). “In the same way, each of us can discover his or her own vocation only through Spiritual discernment. This is ‘a process by which a person makes fundamental choices, in dialogue with the Lord and listening to the voice of the Spirit, starting with the choice of one’s state in life’ (quoting from the synod’s preparatory document).”

In our discernment we need “to discover that Christian vocation always has a prophetic dimension. The prophet unsettles the false tranquility of consciences that have forgotten the word of the Lord. He discerns events in the light of God’s promise and enables people to glimpse the signs of dawn amid the dark shadows of history.”

This is a tall order, and yet we are all called to do this. The pope added, “Today too, we have great need of discernment and of prophecy. We have to discover, in our relationship with the Lord, the places, the means and situations through which He calls us. Every Christian ought to grow in the ability to ‘read within’ his or her life, and to understand where and to what he or she is being called by the Lord, in order to carry on His mission.”

Moving to the third portion of our vocation, living it, the pope again goes back to Jesus in the Nazareth synagogue, where He “announces the newness of the present hour, which will enthuse many and harden the heart of others. Indeed, Jesus says that ‘today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing’ (Lk 4:21).”

The Holy Father mixes happiness and challenge. “The joy of the Gospel, which makes us open to encountering God and our brothers and sisters, does not abide our slowness and our sloth. It will not fill our hearts if we keep standing by the window with the excuse of waiting for the right time, without accepting this very day the risk of making a decision. Vocation is today! The Christian mission is now! Each one of us is called — whether to the lay life in Marriage, to the priestly life in the ordained ministry, or to a life of special consecration — in order to become a witness of the Lord, here and now.”

Our vocation is not for some “tomorrow” “out there,” but for today; “This ‘today’ that Jesus proclaimed assures us that God continues to ‘come down’ to save our human family and to make us sharers in His mission. The Lord continues to call others to live with Him and to follow Him in a relationship of particular closeness. He continues to call others to serve Him directly. If He lets us realize that He is calling us to consecrate ourselves totally to His Kingdom, then we should have no fear! It is beautiful — and a great grace — to be completely and forever consecrated to God and the service of our brothers and sisters.”

Somewhat along the lines of the adage, “the perfect is the enemy of the good,” Pope Francis admonished us, “We should not wait to be perfect in order to respond with our generous ‘yes,’ nor be fearful of our limitations and sins, but instead open our hearts to the voice of the Lord. To listen to that voice, to discern our personal mission in the Church and the world, and at last to live it in the today that God gives us.”

Daily Readings April 21 – May 4

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. April 21, Acts 9:31-42; Ps 116:12-17; Jn 6:60-69. Sun. April 22, Fourth Sunday of Easter, Acts 4:8-12; Ps 118:1,8-9, 21-23,26,29; 1 Jn 3:1-2; Jn 10:11-18. Mon. April 23, Acts 11:1-18; Ps 42:23; 43:3-4; Jn 10:1-10. Tues. April 24, Acts 11:19-26; Ps 87:1-7; Jn 10:22-30.

Wed. April 25, 1 Pt 5:5b-14; Ps 89:2-3,6-7,16-17; Mk 16:15-20. Thurs. April 26, Acts 13:13-25; Ps 89:2-3,21-22,25,27; Jn 13:16-20. Fri. April 27, Acts 13:26-33; Ps 2:6-11; Jn 14:1-6.

Sat. April 28, Acts 13:44-52; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 14:7-14. Sun. April 29, Fifth Sunday of Easter, Acts 9:26-31; Ps 22:26-27,28,30,31-32; 1 Jn 3:18-24; Jn 15:1-8.

Mon. April 30, Acts 14:5-18; Ps 115:1-5,15-16; Jn 14:21-26. Tues. May 1, Acts 14:19-28; Ps 145:10-13ab,21; Jn 14:27-31a. Proper Gospel for Joseph: Mt 13:54-58. Wed. May 2, Acts 15:1-6; Ps 122: 1-5; Jn 15:1-8. Thurs. May 3, 1 Cor 15:1-8; Ps 19:2-5; Jn 14:6-14. Fri. May 4, Acts 15:22-31; Ps 57:8-12; Jn 15:12-17.

L

ast week, Pope Francis published an apostolic exhortation on the call to holiness in today’s world. Entitled Gaudete et Exsultate, “Rejoice and Be Glad,” the papal appeal passionately urges us “not to settle for a bland and mediocre existence,” but to commit ourselves, body and soul, to responding to God’s “call to holiness in today’s world.”

Pope Francis throughout the letter uses the second person singular to draw each of us — including you and me — into dialogue.

“I would like to insist,” he writes, “primarily on the call to holiness that the Lord addresses to each of us, the call that He also addresses, personally, to you: ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’”

Addressing any possible anxiety we might have before such a vocation to Sanctity, he counsels, “Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy. On the contrary, you will become what the Father had in mind when He created you, and you will be faithful to your deepest self.”

Released on the Solemnity of the Annunciation, when we ponder how Christ took on our humanity so that we might participate in His Divinity, the exhortation stresses that “at its core, holiness is experiencing, in union with Christ, the mysteries of His life. It consists in uniting ourselves to the Lord’s death and Resurrection in a unique and personal way, constantly dying and rising anew with Him.” But Pope Francis didn’t want to write a “treatise on holiness,” but rather to “repropose the call to holiness in a practical way for our own time, with all its risks, challenges and opportunities.” Christianity, after all, “is a practical

‘Do not be afraid of holiness’

saints for God’s greater religion: it is not there to be thought about, but to be glory.” This desire for practiced, to be done.” And holiness, however, doesn’t mean it’s principally our Pope Francis has written work. Rather, it depends on the most extensive, practiGod and His grace. “Only cal treatise on the call to on the basis of God’s gift, holiness in the history of freely accepted and humbly the papacy. received,” he underlines, I would urge everyone “can we cooperate by our to read this letter from our own efforts in our progresearthly father in faith in its entirety (www. vatican.va). But as a Putting Into primer, I would like to share 10 practical the Deep nuggets: First, holiness is

By Father the deepest meanRoger J. Landry ing of our life. “A Christian cannot sive transformation.” think of his or her mission Fourth, God carries out on earth,” the pope notes, “without seeing it as a path the work of our Sanctification, among other ways, of holiness.” He says that through the traditional it’s “to the extent that each Christian grows in holiness “means of Sanctification already known to us: the [that] he or she will bear greater fruit for our world.” various methods of prayer, Second, holiness is found the inestimable Sacraments of the Eucharist and Recin ordinary daily life. It onciliation, the offering of does not involve ecstasies, personal sacrifices, different stigmata, or formal causes forms of devotion, Spiritual of canonization. We’re not direction, and many others called to be St. Someone as well.” We should take Else and so “should not these all seriously. grow discouraged before Fifth, holiness can be examples of holiness that understood as living the appear unattainable.”

Beatitudes. “Jesus explained There’s a “middle class of with great simplicity what holiness,” he says humorit means to be holy when ously, often found “in our he gave us the Beatitudes,” next-door neighbors,” Pope Francis writes. “In the among our “own mothBeatitudes, we find a porers, grandmothers and trait of the Master, which loved ones,” who “living we are called to reflect in in our midst reflect God’s our daily lives.” Being poor presence.” This holiness is of heart, reacting with achieved “through small gestures, bearing witness in meekness and humility, everything we do, wherever knowing how to mourn we find ourselves,” mindful with others, hungering for justice, acting with mercy, that “every minute of our lives can be a step along the keeping a heart free of all path to growth in holiness.” that tarnishes love, sowing peace, accepting suffering Third, holiness begins on account of the Gospel, with desire. Pope Francis all of these, he says, constisays he wrote the exhortatute the path to holiness. tion to help the “whole Sixth, holiness flows Church devote herself anew from a life of prayer. “Holito promoting the desire for ness consists in a habitual holiness” and praying that openness to the transcenGod will “pour out upon dent, expressed in prayer us a fervent longing to be

and adoration. The saints are distinguished by a spirit of prayer and a need for communion with God,” the Holy Father indicates. “I do not believe in holiness without prayer.” Part of that prayer is discernment, since the path of holiness is “given to us by the Spirit,” helping us to hear His voice and attune our lives to him.

Seventh, our prayer must overflow into charity. “The best way to discern if our prayer is authentic is to judge to what extent our life is being transformed in the light of mercy,” Pope Francis says. Holiness “is nothing other than charity lived to the full.” He says that we have to “acknowledge and accept the uncompromising demands of Jesus” to care for Him in the poor, sick, stranger, naked, ill, imprisoned and needed (Mt 25:31-46) because Jesus “made it very clear that holiness cannot be understood or lived apart from these demands.” The ultimate criterion on which our lives will be judged, he says, “is what we have done for others.”

Eighth, our holy, selfgiving love must be cheerful. “Far from being timid, morose, acerbic or melancholy, the saints are joyful and full of good humor.”

The exhortation is entitled “Rejoice and Be Glad” because the Christian life is meant to be marked by “joy in the Holy Spirit,” which is what renders holy Christians “the most attractive face of the Church.” Each of us is called to be that joyous face.

Ninth, growth in holiness is a battle that requires perseverance, patience, courage and meekness.

“Holiness is boldness,” Pope Francis laconically says.

“You cannot grow in holi-

ness without committing yourself, body and soul, to giving your best,” because “the Christian life is a constant battle” not just against the ways of the world or against our human weaknesses, but also “against the devil” who incessantly seeks to divert us from the path of Sanctity in this world and in the next. For that reason, “Those who really wish to give glory to God by their lives, who truly long to grow in holiness, are called to be singleminded and tenacious.”

Finally, holiness is not principally a solitary battle, but one fought alongside the faithful in Heaven and on earth. “Growth in holiness is a journey in community,” something we see in the Holy Family in Nazareth, in the early Church, in so many homes and religious communities today. We are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” (Heb 12:1) urging us onto victory, so that we may become a communion of saints within the Triune communion. Among all the saints, Pope Francis states, stands Mary, who “teaches us the way of holiness and walks ever at our side.”

The path that Pope Francis is describing isn’t easy. The battle entails, he writes, “a readiness to make sacrifices, even to sacrificing everything.” But he adds, “God asks everything of us, yet He also gives everything to us. He does not want to enter our lives to cripple or diminish them, but to bring them to fulfillment.”

And that fulfillment is the eternal life to which God summons each of us by the universal call to holiness that Pope Francis has made more practical.

Anchor columnist Father Landry can be contacted at fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.

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Diocese mourns the loss of fallen Yarmouth police officer

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

YARMOUTH — Friends, relatives and colleagues of Sean McNamee Gannon are mourning the loss of the beloved K-9 police officer, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on April 12, 2018.

The 2003 graduate of Bishop Stang High School was honored during the weekly school Mass on Friday, April 13, which was celebrated by Father Riley Williams, parochial administrator of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet, who was a classmate of Gannon’s in high school.

During the sometimes emotional Liturgy, Father Williams asked for a moment of silence for Gannon and dedicated the Mass to the repose of his soul and prayed for his family during this difficult time.

“I got to know Sean while we were classmates at Bishop Stang,” Father Williams recently told The Anchor.

“While he was always great to get along with and fun to be around, there was also a seriousness and dedication of purpose when it came to the things that mattered. He always knew what his values were and lived by them.”

Although their lives had taken different paths in subsequent years, Father Williams said he caught up with Gannon a couple of years ago on Cape Cod. “His life had really taken off: at the time he was getting ready to be married, was looking at getting a house down Cape, and drew great purpose and satisfaction from his work as a police officer,” Father Williams said. “He had already accomplished so much in life — it’s just so sad to think of what a great person we’ve lost.”

In fact, Gannon’s entire family attended Bishop 8

Stang High School, which posted the following tribute on the school’s Facebook page upon learning of his passing: “The Bishop Stang family mourns the loss of alumni Sean Gannon ’03, a Yarmouth Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty. Our hearts and our prayers go out to Sean’s wife Dara, father Patrick ’74, mother Denise (Morency) ’70, brother Timothy ’05, and sister Martha ’08. Sean’s service and sacrifice will always be remembered at Bishop Stang High School.

May he rest in peace.”

Bishop Stang High School principal Peter Shaughnessy said Gannon’s “service and sacrifice is just a great exemplification of our mission as a school” and he hopes everyone will “remember his life and service and sacrifice.”

Gannon of the Yarmouth Police Department, age 32, died on impact in the line of duty from a gunshot wound to the head on April 12.

Born Aug. 22, 1985 in New Bedford, he graduated from St. Mary’s School in 1999 and Bishop Stang High School in 2003.

Gannon graduated with honors from Westfield State University in 2007 with a bachelor of science in Criminal Justice, a master’s with honors from Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a degree in Emergency Management in 2011, and the MBTA Municipal Police Academy.

Gannon’s internships included Nantucket Police, Westfield Police, and earned certifications as an EMT and Life Saving Instructor.

Gannon started his career at Stonehill College in 2007 as a member of the Campus Police before joining the Yarmouth Police Department in 2010. Gannon was part of the Emergency Management Unit, a parttime member of the Proac-

The Anchor - April 20, 2018

tive Anti-Crime Team, and he was the first K-9 narcotics officer for the Yarmouth Police Department. After retiring the K-9 narcotics officer, Gannon acquired the patrol dog, Nero, who was also injured at the scene of the crime.

K-9 Officer Sean M. Gannon

Gannon leaves a legacy of high moral integrity, infectious humor, and collaborative work with colleagues.

He enjoyed travel, working with his hands, donating his time to Big Brother/Big Sister and being outside. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Gannon was deeply intuitive and

inspired others to be their best selves.

He leaves his wife, Dara (Bryan); his parents, Patrick and Denise; his siblings, Timothy and his fiance Mary, Martha and her husband Derrick; his in-laws Kathy and Dean Bryan, and their son Ross; along with many relatives and friends.

Gannon was the grandson of the late Deacon Marcel Morency, who served at the former St. Anne’s Church in New Bedford.

Father Paul Caron, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth, said he knew Gannon long before he was assigned to the Cape Cod parish last year, and that the police officer and his family are well-known throughout the Fall River Diocese.

“When he was in college, he was a summer special, as they call them, that was working on Nantucket when I was pastor there,” Father Caron told The Anchor. “I already knew him, but it was fun to have him there because he would stop by the rectory. Before that, he was an altar server for me at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet, when I was there, and his mother Denise was my organist. They

were living in New Bedford, but when she became organist for me, the family just decided they were going to (attend Mass) there instead of St. Mary’s. But the kids stayed at St. Mary’s School.”

Having been married at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville, Father Caron said he was happy that Gannon had registered at St. Pius X Parish.

“The family has been just so dedicated in this diocese in so many ways,” Father Caron said. “It’s not gussied up — he really was one of the nicest guys you’d ever want to meet. He will be missed.”

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on April 18 at St. Pius X Church in South Yarmouth.

The family deeply appreciates the incredible outpouring of local and national messages of support and condolences. The family particularly wishes to recognize the outstanding presence of the Yarmouth Police Department during this difficult ordeal. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Yarmouth Police Foundation or The Cape Cod Foundation.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www. doanebealames.com.

Statement of Bishop da Cunha following the death of Officer Sean M. Gannon FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., of the Fall River Diocese has issued the following statement following the fatal shooting of Officer Sean Gannon: “Like so many, I am stunned and deeply saddened by the tragic death yesterday of Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon. I think it makes all of us pause to consider the dangers inherent in the daily work of those in law enforcement and public safety.

“I ask members of the Catholic community across the Fall River Diocese to pray with me for the peaceful repose of Officer Gannon and for strength and comfort for his family in their heartbreaking loss. I extend my personal condolences to them.

Officer Gannon’s mother and father, Denise and Patrick Gannon, are known to many throughout the diocese from their longtime service as pastoral musicians. I hope that they find some solace in knowing that their many friends among our priests and lay faithful share their sorrow and embrace them in thought and prayer.

“It is important also to keep in mind members of the Yarmouth Police Department who are grieving the violent loss of a colleague. They have our prayerful support at this difficult time and an assurance of our continued gratitude for their dedicated service.”

I

realized the depth of faith revealed in the tale Father was using in his homily. He was describing a priest who, instead of tabulating deceased parishioners, listed them as having a change of residence. Many of the surviving relatives must have found that imagery comforting.

Suddenly, my mind began replaying a memory where someone had recently passed from this life and thus changed residence. It had been a difficult experience for me.

My first instinct was to stifle the memory replay of the events of that cold, winter morning. However, the scene opened again before me. The car was wedged against a tree. The side airbag had deployed.

The drive wheels were spinning. The car, evidently in cruise control, was still trying to move forward.

A number of motorists had stopped to try to help.

The only thing we were able to do was to shut off the engine. The driver had not been wearing her seatbelt and was unconscious.

All of us who had stopped to help were trapped in that horrible limbo of wanting to provide aid, not knowing what was best to do, and facing that sinking realization that perhaps there was nothing to be done. The memory closed with the emergency personnel arriving only to pronounce the driver dead at the scene.

I had prayed for that driver as I stood beside her car the morning of the accident. Afterwards, I had prayed at Mass for her as well as her family and friends. This time though, with that imagery

Change of residence of her new residence in Where do we find this Heaven with Our Lord, new residence? It is found I let her pass into His in more deeply living the hands.

Greatest Commandment.

This year I watched a By our life, we each are little more closely to una witness for the Gospel. derstand how the disciples In actions such as being recovered from the sudden grateful for each of the emptiness of their world special little things of life; upon Jesus’ death. When choosing to give without Jesus rose from the dead the first Wrestling with God thing He did was ease their doubts Holding on for and fears. Then His blessing He walked with the disciples. Jesus

By Dr. Helen J. Flavin called them to a change of residence not just at the end of their human expecting a return; having existence, but from that and being a quality friend; moment forth. Jesus said being brave enough to be to them, “Go into the the first to apologize, no whole world and promatter what started the claim the Gospel to every situation; forgiving somecreature” (Mk 16:15). The one even if he/she isn’t Holy Spirit emboldened sorry; walking away from each of the disciples to go toxic people; and when we and do in ways they had sense an opportunity to do never before imagined so, finding a way to make/ possible. leave a positive mark upon As the Easter season the world. How will we continues, how will each know we are on the right of us choose to take up a track? A peace will settle new residence? We can into our heart. Others will think of this new home as recognize and comment a state of being where we upon the joy we emanate. move closer to Our Lord. That joy is God’s love

shining forth from us.

Sometimes as we live this way we will see dramatic changes in our immediate environment.

We and our neighbors will reap the benefits of living in a community committed to sharing God’s love with each other. Other times, we will give our best only to find that instead of sharing in the harvest we are asked to move on knowing only that we planted a seed for change.

Depending upon how we choose to view it, that call to move along to continue to plant seeds for change can be an adventure or a fearful challenge.

Although some days they may seem daunting, those questions of where will I go next and what will I be called to do there have really been with us throughout our lives. They have and will continue to guide us in the discernment and living of our

individual mission. As C. Joybell C. says, “I have come to accept the feeling of not knowing where I am going. And I have trained myself to love it.

Because it is only when we are suspended in mid-air with no landing in sight, that we force our wings to unravel and alas begin our flight. And as we fly we may still not know where we are going to. But the miracle is in the unfolding of the wings. You may not know where you are going, but you know that so long as you spread your wings, the winds will carry you.”

In her imagery, the winds that carry us are, of course, our Provident God. Are you ready to fly with God on a new adventure?

Anchor columnist Helen Flavin is a Catholic scientist, educator and writer and a member of St. Bernadette’s Parish in Fall River.

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Friday 20 April 2018 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — Easter weekday ere we are in the middle of our celebration of the Easter season, but the bloom is already off the lily. Potted Easter lilies are de rigueur at Easter. Omitting them from the Sanctuary would be a heresy of unimaginable proportions. You know me, dear readers. I usually try my best to avoid heresies.

Just between us, I’m not fond of Easter lilies. I find them boring. With their gangly stalks and unimaginative blossoms, they’re the same-old, same-old. I suspect that those who sell Easter lilies are well-aware of this. That’s why they wrap the pots in gold foil – or purple foil if they are especially daring.

There’s nothing worse than arriving to the altar at the Solemn Easter Vigil only to find your path blocked by a jungle of Easter lilies. One shouldn’t need a machete to enter the Sanctuary.

Fortunately, potted

H

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The bloom is off the lily

lilies. Unlike Easter lilies, Easter lilies don’t last all hybridizers are constantly that long and then you at work developing new can get rid of them with a and improved varieties. By clear conscience. The only adjusting the spotlights to place I know where Easter shine directly on the vases, lilies last until Pentecost the effect is stunning. Nois in convents. I suspect body noticed they weren’t they have an assigned nun Easter lilies. If they did, hovering over them like a they said nothing. guardian angel.

I like to include in the Sanctuary display potted The Ship’s Log hydrangeas as well Reflections of a as Easter lilies.

Parish Priest They last much

By Father Tim longer and, beGoldrick sides, they are the trademark flower of Cape Cod. They It’s the huge arrangecan be replanted outside ments on the back wall of when the weather is right. the Sanctuary that steal the Hydrangeas let you know show. Usually, pastel flowers when they need watering by simply letting out a sigh are to be avoided because and swooning dramatically. the colors tend to fade out at a distance. But Easter After watering, they snap right back to their glorious shouts of spring and spring demands pastels: sprouting selves. The florist supplied willow branches, forsythia, deep blue hydrangeas this tulips, jonquils. year. They proved effective.

I learned all this by In addition to the potted plants, we had two large default. In the seminary college, the Dean of Men glass vases of cut Asiatic ordered me to volunteer for lilies. Their white blooms are twice the size of Easter the Schola Cantorum. The

The Anchor - April 20, 2018

choirmaster immediately ascertained I couldn’t sing.

I was reassigned to Sacristy/Sanctuary work where monastic silence is the rule.

I’ve been doing this work now for more than 50 years.

It’s not because of any particular training or talent.

It’s because I can’t sing.

Lurch the greyhound loves the spring. Starting at about 6 p.m., his pent-up energy reaches an unbearable level and he begins pestering me to go out in the yard. Lurch will not be ignored, so I eventually let him out. He insists that I accompany him and get some fresh air. He will race around for 10 minutes and then, panting, come back to be let in. Once he has rested and caught his breath, he insists on going back out for a few more laps. The pattern repeats.

Sometimes I secretly wish I had adopted a gerbil instead of a greyhound, but I soon get over it.

The first flowers to

appear every year on the church grounds are a small clump of snowdrops near the north entrance. These are the only snowdrops on the property. I have no idea how they got there. It doesn’t matter. They are a hopeful sign.

There are a few clumps of daffodils in Lurch’s fenced-in yard. The poor things never get to bloom.

They set their buds, but then they get noticed by the greyhound. Lurch doesn’t eat them. He just rips off the greenery and flings it wildly into the air, leaping for joy. He finds this a most delightful game — almost as much fun as digging holes, sniffing the fresh spring earth, and then twirling around like a whirling dervish. I have no idea what he’s thinking, but I can see his heart is full of joy. April is, after all, a month of joy. Lurch knows this.

The clump of daffodils by the rectory’s side door are in bloom. Lurch is unaware of this. I photographed them for memory’s sake. The photo will join the one I took last autumn just a few hours before the killing frost hit. It’s literally a picture of the “last rose of summer.” During the storms of winter, I would sometimes look at the photograph of the rose. It reminds me that the best is yet to come.

When I was a child, I liked winter. I eventually got over my enthusiasm.

With the passing of the years, winter becomes more and more burdensome. Is it just me, or have there always been so many winter storms? It seemed like one nor’easter after another.

No matter. Winter is over. Welcome spring!

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

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I

f you have an alcoholic drink such as scotch on the rocks, you have a shot with ice in it. If a Marriage or a business is on the rocks, it means that a relationship is in big trouble and may soon terminate. If one’s financial situation is on the rocks, one is likely heading for bankruptcy. In any such case one might be inclined to have a second or third or fourth scotch on the rocks.

Yesterday, Franciscan Sisters Alicia Damien, Barbara Jean and Anne Marie and yours truly found ourselves on the rocks, though not in the aforementioned categories.

Since Sister Anne Marie would be leaving us in a few hours, we wanted to take her to the locality where the movie, “Molokai,” was filmed in 1999. This film on the ministry of Father Damien in Kalaupapa

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The Anchor - April 20, 2018

On the rocks

was filmed by director Paul Cox the village was totally dismantled in Kalawao, in the vicinity of the and the land returned to its origisite of the original Hansen’s disnal pristine beauty. ease settlement. It featured David The present access to the loWenham as Damien, Sam Neill as cation of the film site begins at the board Siloma of health Church minister, and takes Moon Over Kris Kristone downMolokai offerson hill by as Rudy a partly

By Father Meyer, overgrown Patrick Killilea, SS.CC. the first pathway to superinthe rocky tendent of fields on the settlement, Peter O’Toole as the edge of the ocean. After slipan English medic with Hansen’s ping and sliding on this wet pathdisease, and Alice Krige as Mother way, and avoiding branches which Marianne Cope. When this movie seemed intent on slapping us in was filmed in 1999, an entire vilthe face, we broke into a clearlage was built in the vicinity of the ing. We picked our way through original settlement in Kalawao. a landscape strewn with stones, After the filming was completed, rocks and large boulders, hoping to find some evidence of the movie’s village. However, we found

none. It was fitting that this small section of our coastal peninsula had been returned to its presentday inhabitants, the axis deer and the wild pigs.

After stretching our legs and our energy, and going as far as we could safely go without twisting an ankle, we turned tail and slowly made our way back to Siloma and my paddy wagon. We had not collected any relics except for a set of pig’s teeth, but we had enjoyed our exploration. When I returned to my house, I could have had a scotch on the rocks, since someone had brought me a bottle of Glenlivet several months ago, but I prefer Bailey’s on the rocks. So cheers, and don’t forget to watch “Molokai” while you are sipping your scotch on the rocks.

Aloha.

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

Fall River Catholic Committee On Scouting announces opportunity to attend the St. George Trek

FALL RIVER — The St. George Trek is the National Catholic Committee on Scouting’s high adventure Catholic leadership program for older Catholic Boy Scouts and Venture Crew members at Philmont Scout Ranch. This Youth Ministry program brings high schoolage Catholic youth from around the country together with selected priests, religious and seminarians for 11 days of backpacking in the context of a vocation retreat.

The Fall River Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting is conducting a

search to nominate two Boy Scout or Venture Crew members for participation in this biennial trek. Because the program can only accommodate 70 youth, just two participants will be accepted from any one diocese. Selection is made on the basis of demonstrated maturity, physical ability, leadership potential, an interest in the life of the Church and openness to the discernment of a vocation.

The earning of Scouting’s Religious Emblems as well as a meaningful involvement in Church, school and

scouting activities is also examined. The final decision for inclusion is made by the National Catholic Committee based upon a first-come, first-served basis.

The 2019 St. George Trek begins on July 3 in Albuquerque, N.M., where participants meet, get to know one another, train, have fun and pray. They then travel to Philmont Scout Ranch where they will hike and camp the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains. While hiking they will experience a program designed to encourage the integration of morality, values, Spirituality, faith, Scripture and vocations in their lives as young Catholic men and women.

Before returning home on July 18 the Scouts will be asked to commit their own

continued discernment, as well as to pledge to bring their trek experiences home to the Fall River Diocese so they will become effective, contributing peer leaders and role models for their fellow Scouts and their parish family and willing to commit to assisting the Fall River Catholic Committee.

Candidates must be emotionally mature high school-age adolescents who must be at least 15 years of age but no older than 18 on or before July 1, 2019. They must also have the physical health and stamina to backpack on the mountain trails of Philmont. No exceptions can be made to these requirements. A female crew is planned, pending sufficient female registration.

The St. George Trek is a one-time only experience for

youth and previous St. George Trek participants are not eligible. Scouts and Venturers submitting a letter of interest will be interviewed by the Fall River Catholic Committee to determine suitability.

Most importantly, the Fall River Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting will provide airfare as well as Trek fees for the selected Scouts or Venture Crew members.

Letters of Intent forms may be requested by emailing: Michael@FallRiverScouting. org or by phone at 508-9981218 and must be received no later than Aug. 3, 2018. You may request a fillable PDF or paper form.

Additional Information about the 2019 St. George Trek is available at the NCCS web site: http://www.nccs-bsa.org/ index.php/st-george-trek.

Holy Hour for Vocations at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 April 22, 11:00 a.m.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Celebrant is Father Kevin A. Cook, pastor of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton, and diocesan director of Vocations and Seminarians.

April 29, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father James M. Fitzpatrick, parochial vicar at St. Bernadette Parish in Fall River.

FALL RIVER — Members of the Parish Vocations Committee will commemorate World Day of Prayer for Vocations on Sunday, April 22 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“The World Day of Prayer for Vocations is so important because it is a response to the call from Our Lord to pray to the Master of the harvest to send laborers to the harvest,” said Father Kevin A. Cook, director of Vocations and Seminarians for the Fall River Diocese. “In this holy hour we will be praying for all vocations, (because) every vocation is crucial in the manifestation of the Kingdom of God. “The future of the Church is dependent on more and more people listening to the Lord and saying ‘yes’ to His calling, because if we are not seeking to do God’s particular will for ourselves, then the harvest will decline and not

bear the fruit God desires it to bear.”

New members who have received preliminary orientation on the subject of vocation promotion will also be commissioned at a special Holy Hour, to be held at 3 p.m. with Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. “The holy hour is going to be preached by Deacon Daniel Nunes, who is currently serving at Holy Name Parish in Fall River and is one of three (transitional deacons) who will be ordained a priest on June 9,” Father Cook said. “So this will be a great opportunity to pray and build up the faithful as they are celebrating this new life in Christ.”

“I believe whatever one asks of the Lord, He will give,” said Sister Paulina Hurtado, O.P., associate director of Vocations for the diocese. “In terms of vocations not only are we answering our

own calling, we are also asking Him to call more people to follow Him and do His work.”

The day will include Spiritual and practical sharing on the upcoming Synod of Bishops on the theme of young people — in particular, the relationship between young people, faith and vocation — as initiated by Pope Francis. There will be a question-and-answer session on the advancement of vocation promotion with the parish and for camaraderie over a light lunch.

The day will close with the aforementioned Holy Hour, during which new members (who have attended two initial orientation sessions) will be commissioned by Bishop da Cunha to the Ministry of Vocation Promotion.

All are welcome to attend the 3 p.m. Holy Hour. Participation in the workshop earlier that day is not required.

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For and About Our Church Youth

P

rayer has been one of those activities that most of us have referred to, but struggle with when it comes to its actual practice. What is prayer? What does it look like? What are the benefits? Does it make a difference?

Perhaps the bestknown definition of prayer is from St. John Damascene: “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.” Well, maybe the second part of that definition is the bestknown. “I will pray for you,” “please keep me in your prayers,” are phrases we use often. We actually do spend time in quiet asking God for things.

Most of the time good things — that is a whole

Time to slow down

topic of another week’s the foundation of prayer” letter! While prayer does (CCC #2558). This helps involve supplication (ask- us understand that prayer ing God for things), it is isn’t so much what we say, much more than that. but rather our disposiOne of the first books tion and being open and on prayer that I read was “Opening to God” by Father Thomas Green, S.J. He tweaked St. John Damascene’s

By Father definition a bit David C. Frederici and called prayer an opening of mind and heart to God. listening.

The reason was prayer is The “Catechism” also ultimately God crossing contains one of my favorthe divide between the ite definitions of prayer infinite and the finite. We by St. Therese of Lisieux: are unable to do so on “For me, prayer is a surge our own. Prayer involves of the heart; it is a simple an act of humility, reclook turned toward Heavognizing our limitations. en, it is a cry of recogniIn fact, the “Catechism tion and of love, embracof the Catholic Church” ing both trial and joy” states that “humility is (CCC #2558).

Be Not Afraid

Prayer requires that we take time to quiet the mind and the heart, to recognize the presence of God and to sit in that presence. It will involve words of thanksgiving and praise and requests, but the majority of the experience is being in quiet.

Perhaps that is why we struggle with prayer so much. Our minds are always racing.

I read a newspaper article a week or so ago about society’s focusing on the importance of sleep. The problem is that we are always on the go, always thinking about the problems and possible solutions, etc. We know what is keeping us awake at night, but we don’t

want to deal with the root issue: slow down.

The same things keeping us awake are preventing us from praying.

The solution is the same, it won’t just suddenly change until we decide to let it and take the steps necessary that will allow us to come to quiet, at least for part of our day.

This quiet not only will benefit our health, but also our Spiritual lives as it will allow us to truly be open to recognizing God in our midst and to spend some time in that presence.

Anchor columnist Father Frederici is pastor of St. George’s Parish in Westport and diocesan director of Campus Ministry and Chaplain at UMass Dartmouth and Bristol Community College.

At the recent annual Pro-Life Mass Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha met with the essay contest winners, from left: Kara Koska, Sonja Morin, the bishop, Alexa Paige, and Katherine White. At right, the bishop greets John Cardinal O’Connor Adult Award winner Lisa M. Scapellati, and John Cardinal O’Connor Youth Award winner Kerry Carney.

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The Anchor - April 20, 2018

For and About Our Church Youth

The fifth-graders at St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro recently graduated from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. DARE Officer and St. John’s School alumni, Joseph Daday, facilitated the weekly sessions and the graduation. Mayor Paul Heroux, members of the Attleboro Police Department and Honor Guard, Attleboro Rotary Club, Elks Lodge #1014, and South Attleboro Lions Club, South Attleboro Village Lions Club, along with city councilors Julie Hall and Kate Jackson, YMCA Youth Specialist Ed Poirier joined parents and students for the ceremony. Four students received recognition for their written essays, Brady Erwin won the Attleboro Elks Youth Appreciation Outstanding Student Award and Jillian Foley won the DARE Student Excellence Award.

For lunch, the students enjoyed a pizza and ice cream party, compliments of the Rotary Club. Shown here with Officer Daday is Sister Mary Dumond, the Attleboro Police Honor Guard and the fifth-graders.

Fourth-grade students at Holy Name School in Fall River recently used Oreo cookies to learn the phases of the moon.

Students in grade six science at St. James-St. John School in New Bedford recently created “wanted” posters advertising their scientists’ stats. They researched professional and personal information, and found out exactly why their scientist is “wanted.” Here students present their projects to their peers.

Pioneer and Patriot Units from American Heritage Girls MA3712 got together to make Paracord bracelets. They will be to sent in care packages to our deployed military overseas through Operation Gratitude (https://www.operationgratitude.com).

From left: Lilya Fournier, Emily Day, Siera Larkin, Ireland Larkin and Abigail Eckerson.

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

Pre-School students from Espirito Santo School in Fall River read together during circle time.

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Bishop calls for faithful to become involved in planning process continued from page three

and which (ones) may not be sustainable,” Bishop da Cunha said. “We want our parishes to be there and to be able to offer services to people. But in some cases not every building or every church that is there now will be able to be there in the future. And those that will be there, we want them to be able to provide all the services that people need: the evangelization, the catechesis, the Sacraments, the preaching of the message.”

Even when taking into consideration the noticeable decline in Baptisms, Confirmations and weddings, the bishop stressed that closing or merging churches may not be the only remedy. In some cases, more collaboration or sharing of resources between parishes might prove to be beneficial.

“For example, you may have a parish that would like to do some youth ministry, but they can’t afford to have a youth minister,” he said. “But if you have two or three parishes in that town or neighborhood come together, they can hire a youth minister and they can have a youth program for all the three parishes together.

If they put together their resources, they will be able to do it as a group rather than individual parishes.”

While the bishop said he understands the unique attachment and cultural significance of church buildings in the Fall River Diocese — many of which were built by the “devout and dedicated” Portuguese, Hispanic, French, Irish and Polish immigrants who came here a century ago — today’s world is much different and we have to “be honest, be transparent, be sincere, and be assertive with this change of reality.”

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“Emotionally, we understand how important it is for people,” Bishop da Cunha said. “For the people who built these churches in this diocese, they want to preserve the cultural values and the faith that their ancestors established here.

But we also need to think in terms of ‘a church is not a building.’ We are working here not just to preserve buildings, but to preserve the faith — to preserve the Church as God’s people gathered in this Diocese of Fall River.”

Going back to his earlier point, the bishop repeated: “people don’t want to live in silos anymore. They don’t want to live in isolation from the rest of the diocese, or from the rest of the other churches. They realize that they can gain from a sense of collaboration, a sense of sharing with others.”

Although the bishop wouldn’t commit to naming specific parishes or churches that might be in danger of closing, he admitted “there are parishes that are struggling with the numbers of people attending, with the condition of the buildings, and with finances.”

“But we have parishes that are very strong and alive and sustainable,” he added. “Definitely there are parishes that need to be reviewed (as to) their future and how they are going to be sustainable. So all those things are being analyzed and will be taken into account as part of this strategic plan. We are looking at these things now so that we can better plan for the future.”

In the end, however, the bishop said he hopes the parishioners themselves will come to the realization that their parish may need to merge with another or

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close. If so, “we will work with them and move in the direction that they identify as their need.”

“There will probably be people who are unable to see, because they are acting just from emotions and sometimes when you act just from emotion, you don’t have a clear, logical, reasonable direction,” the bishop said. “But I think once we go through the process, many people will be able to say, ‘yes, we’ll be better off if we merge with another parish.’

“We have to help them see the light. We have to do what is necessary, what is needed and what is important for the future and hope that those people who may not be able to see the light at that point will be able to see it later on when their emotions have settled.”

Paralleling parish planning efforts will be a diocesan strategic planning process to renew diocesan ministries. Bishop da Cunha expressed his “hope to engage a broad and diverse coalition of our priests and parishioners to evaluate our many diocesan ministries, to consider how we may improve them and, perhaps, expand them in partnership with our parishes.”

“We’re looking to (revitalize) Religious Education and youth ministry and Catholic Social Services,” Bishop da Cunha said.

“The healthcare facilities, the hospital ministries, the shelters — all kinds of ministries that we want to bring people to and become involved in and support.

We’re casting the net very wide in the services that we are providing, but also in the people that we want to be engaged in the process.”

The third goal of the strategic planning process

is to strengthen support for diocesan clergy.

To that end, the bishop has already made great strides by introducing the Catholic Leadership Institute’s “Good Leaders, Good Shepherds” program for members of the clergy here in the diocese. In addition, a committee of priests is finalizing plans for a collaborative Boston College/ Jesuit program to provide comprehensive and multiphased support for diocesan clergy, including relief so busy parish priests can take some time off.

“Our priests today face increasing challenges,” Bishop da Cunha said. “I am committed to doing whatever I can to support them in their ministry and ensure their overall wellbeing.”

The bishop suggested it may be time to have laypeople take over some of the administrative work at the parish, so the pastor can “dedicate more time to doing priestly work.”

“A lot of priests spend a lot of time in administration and so by involving laypeople more, then the priest frees himself to do the ministerial part of the apostolate — preach the Gospel, counsel people, and celebrate the Sacraments — and not spend as much time and energy on administration,” he said.

Although some priests may be overburdened with pastoring multiple parish assignments, the bishop said “right now we have enough priests to maintain all the churches that we have.”

“We’re not doing this because we don’t have enough priests, but our strategic plan has to take into account the number of priests that we have, the number of priests that are retiring, and the number of seminarians that we have,” Bishop da Cunha said. “We have 15

seminarians in formation now. We have three who will be ordained this coming June to the priesthood; and one will be ordained as a deacon. And then we have all the others in various stages of formation.”

Despite the scope of the plan and its many moving parts, Bishop da Cunha said he sees strategic planning as “important and necessary” for the future of the local Church.

“If I don’t do anything, then we’re going to be worse off years from now,” he said. “So this, for me, is a must do. But I see it not as a discouraging thing, but as a really hopeful thing, because I’m not doing it by myself. And that is what gives me the courage and the enthusiasm and the hope — because people are responding.”

And although he’s set a 12- to 18-month timeframe for final recommendations, Bishop da Cunha said strategic planning will remain “a continuous process for our parishes.”

“By the end of this year we’re going to evaluate where we are and where we need to go,” he said. “But it’s not start January 1 and then when it’s December 31, that’s it! It really is a continuous, ongoing process — that’s important for people to know.”

Upcoming Listening Sessions with Bishop da Cunha: — April 20 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Julie Billiart Parish in North Dartmouth; — April 23 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville; — May 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in New Bedford (in Spanish); — May 9 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Ann Parish in Raynham; and — May 11 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River (in Portuguese).

Bishops welcome papal exhortation on universal call to holiness

Vatican City (CNA/EWTN News) — Following the publication of Pope Francis’s third apostolic exhortation, bishops in the English-speaking world have applauded Gaudete et exsultate for challenging Catholics to strive for holiness.

The exhortation, dated March 19, is on the call to holiness in today’s world.

Bishop James Conley of Lincoln termed Gaudete et exsultate “a Pro-Life call,” writing in a recent column for the Southern Nebraska Register that what he has read of it already “is wise, direct, and encouraging.”

“The idea that every single person, without exception, is created in the image of God means just that: that every human life has value and dignity, and that our choices must always endeavor to respect, protect and uphold that unique dignity,” the Nebraska bishop wrote.

“Again, as a longtime Pro-Life activist, I want to be clear: commitment to ending abortion will never justify blatantly disregarding the dignity of all people, especially those subject to injustice.”

The good news, he continued, is that “in decades of Pro-Life work, I have rarely, if ever, encountered Catholics who only take seriously the lives of the unborn.

When I encounter Pro-Life people in this country, I notice that they are also the people running parish food pantries, giving sandwiches to the homeless even while they are praying at abortion clinics, adopting foster children, and caring for their neighbors.”

“The pope is right: we cannot uphold the Sacredness of life for the unborn while disregarding it for

those who are born. I thank God that the Pro-Life people I have met have not exhibited this attitude — that instead, they have been witnesses of charity and generosity.”

Pope Francis’ description of the Church as a field hospital is apt because there, “those who are closest to death are usually the first to be seen. This is not a rejection of the dignity of all, or a denial that all deserve to be treated with mercy and love, it is an affirmation of the extraordinary gift of human life,” the bishop wrote.

Bishop Conley noted that Francis is “right to call to accountability political leaders who profess support for the unborn, but do not exhibit compassion for other people suffering injustice. We need to insist that our politicians work to end abortion, and, at the very same time, that they work to protect the sovereignty of families, the rights of immigrants and laborers, and the dignity of the poor and the vulnerable.

We ask our politicians to be consistent in their commitment to human dignity, which is why blind partisanship is inconsistent with our faith.”

Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland, noted that

in the exhortation, Pope Francis has reinforced the Second Vatican Council’s “essential teaching” of the universal call to holiness.

“The publication of today’s Apostolic Exhortation

by Pope Francis is a great opportunity for all of us, lay, ordained and consecrated, to refocus our lives on what is the central point of our faith in Jesus,” Archbishop Martin stated.

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. bishops’ conference, wrote that “The mission entrusted to each of us in the waters of Baptism was simple — by God’s grace and power, we are called to become saints.”

Pope Francis is in the exhortation clearly urging “every Christian to freely, and without any qualifications, acknowledge and be open to what God wants them to be — that is ‘to be holy, as [God] is holy.’”

Cardinal DiNardo pointed out that the pope is encouraging this pursuit of holiness through the challenges of daily life.

“The Holy Father describes how holiness comes through the daily struggles each of us face. In the ordinary course of each day, the pope reminds us, ‘We need to recognize and combat our

aggressive and selfish inclinations, and not let them take root.’”

Other American bishops, like Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, and Bishop Joseph Bambera of Scranton, have also stressed the importance of undertaking practical holiness through ordinary events.

Archbishop Gomez, in his column at The Angelus, called Gaudete et exsultate “a beautiful and practical reflection on the meaning of our Christian lives.”

“All of us, every baptized Catholic, need to understand how important we are, what our lives mean in the eyes of God, in the light of His beautiful plan for Creation. The meaning of our lives is to be saints, to be holy,” the Los Angeles archbishop wrote.

“Pope Francis also wants us to know that holiness is personal, but it does not isolate us from others,” he added.

In the Arlington Catholic Herald, Bishop Burbidge wrote that the pursuit of holiness is a constant battle against the false promises of sin, which must be counteracted with a renewed commitment to prayer and the Sacraments. He also said

Catholics must foster works of mercy, joy, and community.

Pope Francis, he said, “invites all of us to examine and discern the concrete ‘risks, challenges and opportunities’ which we experience as we attempt to answer the call to holiness.

He confidently and joyfully reflects on the places in our everyday lives where this call to holiness is tested, including our families, communities, Church, and use of digital media.”

Bishop Bambera agreed, adding that Pope Francis is encouraging Catholics to share compassion with the most vulnerable.

“The Holy Father calls all of us to bear witness to God in our everyday lives and in all that we do, in particular by treating everyone we encounter with dignity and respect, especially the most vulnerable and those in need of our compassion and assistance — the unborn, the poor and destitute, migrants and refugees,” he said in a recent statement.

Gaudete et exsultate can be found at the Vatican website at http://w2.vatican. va/content/francesco/ en/apost_exhortations/ documents/papa-francesco_ esortazione-ap_20180319_ gaudete-et-exsultate.html.

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Jean Arsenault retires after 18 years of ‘re-gifting’ the gift of life continued from page four

that we see in our youth, but sadly, they are not given the same stage as others.”

Through the years ProLife ministry has been hard work, often with long days and at times seemingly swimming against the cultural tide, but those down times are far exceeded by the rewards and relationships developed working for such a just cause.

Arsenault reflected on some of her fondest memories over the past nearly two decades: “You would think that those fondest memories would be the large, successful events that took place, such as the March For Life or the annual Boot Camp, etc.,” she said. “Though all of that

who are reveling in my retirement. Life is simple and fun. is true, I strongly believe Desrosiers agreed, “Jean “My daughter is about that success in life is and I developed a strong to launch her career just ‘relational,’ and there is friendship and prayer life as I am bringing mine to nothing that compares together over the years an end. I guess there is to working and getting which has made this min- some sort of poetic justice to know the wonderful istry possible. We truly in that.” people who come our way. became family to one But don’t expect her “On a case-by-case another. We supported to stray from the minisbasis, I was privileged each other through some try she holds so dearly. to meet and work with very difficult moments in “I will continue to lend so many who are now our ministry and personal my support to the Profriends and I cherish lives, but also celebrated Life movement in any those relationships and many joyful ones.” way that I am able,” she the opportunity to form Arsenault is already said. “I continue to read those relationships. settling into her new everything that I can in “Marian is blessed with routine, pursuing her order to remain wella wonderful sense of huhobby of making Naninformed on life issues. I mor and I believe it’s that tucket baskets, reading will also be happy to lend sense of humor that has and knitting. “Walking is assistance in any special kept us bound for these also on the horizon,” she projects in the diocese many years. We’ve been said, as well as spending that may need an extra set through just about all the time with “my two faithof hands.” highs and lows that life ful companions, Napoleon Bishop Edgar M. da brings to all of us and I and Willie (a miniature Cunha, S.D.V., presented know it’s the prayer and Yorkshire Terrier and Arsenault with a special humor that has sustained West Highland Terrier) award for her 18 years of us both.”

Robotics Club hopes to ‘Vex’ competition continued from page five

ing members — Falcon, Saucier, Silva and Torres — will all be graduating and moving on after this year, leaving just Gendron and Mills behind to mentor a new group of club members in September.

“I’m disappointed that we can’t continue it in high school,” Torres said.

“But with endings come new beginnings. We can channel what we’ve learned to do more into our high school days.

And we’ve got a couple of members who are going to continue on. They’re going to pass on the legacy.”

While the Robotics Club is limited to grades six through eight, Willis said they already have students involved in the school’s fifth grade engineering club who are “chomping at the bit to join the Robotics Club” 20

next year.

In the meantime, the original six pioneers will be testing and fine-tuning their project in the hopes of taking first- or secondplace honors this year.

“Last year, we ended up in the top third, which was a bit of a surprise for us all,” Willis said.

Those interested in donating to the St. Stan’s Robotics Club to assist with travel costs, replacement parts or competition registration fees can donate online at https://st-stanislaus-ma. ed.co/st-stans-roboticsclub, or send a check to St. Stanislaus School, 37 Rockland Street, Fall River, Mass. 02724.

St. Stanislaus parishioners may also place an envelope labeled “Robotics” into the Sunday collection basket.

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service at the recent annual diocesan Pro-Life Mass.

“Jean is a true friend and someone who will always continue to help rebuild a culture of life,” said Desrosiers. “I wish her a healthy and joyous retirement for many years to come and continued prayers for many, many blessings.

Arsenault added, “I send prayers, thanks and hope to the Diocese of Fall River for allowing me to work with such wonderful and important life issues; for enabling me to come to know and love Marian Desrosiers and the wonderful example for all that she sets; and for providing me with a means to raise my family after the desolation of losing a beloved spouse.

Many thanks indeed. God bless.”

Diocesan Catholic Charities Appeal set to begin 77th campaign continued from page two

for Persons with Disabilities, with 267 people receiving assistance; — Immigration law programs that represented 631 individuals; — Hospital chaplaincy that provided 24-hour ministry at all hospitals in the diocese; — Assistance to keep the Sunday TV Mass, which is viewed by more than 15,000 faithful each week, on the air; — Assistance to Campus Ministry at area colleges, to assist students in maintaining a faith life during this next stage in their lives.

These are but some of the battles being fought in the current Catholic Charities Appeal efforts, which is, as Bishop da Cunha writes, “Possible only with your help.”

There may not be wars raging in European trenches and on the waters of the

South Pacific during the 2018 Catholic Charities Appeal, but there are still daily battles being fought by brothers and sisters on our city streets, in their homes, in our schools, and in health-care facilities across the diocese. The need for the support of diocesan faithful is as great as it has ever been.

“Our Appeal takes place this year as the Fall River Diocese is engaged in strategic planning which has, among its principal goals, the strengthening of ministries and services,” the bishop continued. “The Appeal theme echoes the intent of this planning process to ‘Rebuild in Faith and Hope.’”

Bishop da Cunha further said, “With deep gratitude for the past support of parishioners, businesses and community friends, I come to you again to ask

for your contribution to assist us in ‘Sharing the Faith and Hope,’ through this, our 77th annual Catholic Charities Appeal.”

The 2018 Catholic Charities Appeal will run through June 27. Contributions may be made either through a one-time donation or through a pledge, which can be paid over a 10-month period, quarterly, or semi-annually. You may use your credit or debit card as well.

Contributions can be dropped off at any parish in the diocese, made online through the website, www. frdioc-catholiccharities.org, or mailed to the Catholic Charities Appeal Office, P.O. Box 1470, Fall River, Mass. 02722. Please contact that office at 508-675-1311 with any questions.

Additional information is available on the Catholic Charities website.

New Bedford’s ‘Sister Rose’ leaves lasting legacy of charity CUMBERLAND, R.I. — Sister Mary Rosellen Gallogly, R.S.M., a Sister of Mercy for almost 70 years, died on April 6 at Mount St. Rita Health Centre, Cumberland, R.I. Better known as “Sister Rose,” she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Rose (Mimnaugh) Gallogly, born and raised in Providence, R.I. In addition to her Sisters of Mercy, she is survived by her brother, Raymond Gallogly, and her nieces, nephews, and foster daughters. Her brothers, Edward, Lawrence, Thomas and Vincent; and her sisters Mary Hackman and Rosella McLaughlin predeceased her.

In 1951 Sister Rose began her teaching ministry at St. Michael School in Providence. She continued in Rhode Island diocesan elementary and secondary schools until 1968 when she was assigned to St. James School in New Bedford.

In addition to classroom teaching, Sister Rose served as assistant director of several programs for non-English-speaking children. Sister Rose also worked in the New Bedford school system as attendance supervisor and social worker.

In 1982 in coordination with the New Bedford Council of Churches, Sister Rose assumed the directorship of Market Ministries Meals and Shelter, known today as Sister Rose’s House. She continued in this ministry until 2014, when declining health necessitated a move to Mount St. Rita Health Center.

Located for many years at 72 Eighth Street in New Bedford, the Sister Rose House was relocated to the former St. Hedwig’s

Church at 75 Division Street in New Bedford, where it continues to operate today under the auspices of the diocesan Catholic Social Services. The 25-bed shelter for men provided much-needed housing and support for the homeless in the greater New Bedford area.

Sister Rose was proud to attend the opening of the new facility named in her honor in 2016 and was happy to know her charitable efforts would continue.

“I’m so happy for everyone, they’ve reached a level where they are able to do a lot of what I hoped would be done,” Sister Rose told The Anchor. “It’s a terrific facility and a lot of people have done a lot of good work on it.”

Sister Rose will forever be remembered as a gentle woman of mercy and hospitality to anyone in need.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on April 12 at St. John Vianney Church in Cum-

berland, R.I. Interment followed at Resurrection Cemetery in Cumberland, R.I. In lieu of flowers, do-

nations in Sister Rose’s memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 15 Highland View Road, Cumberland, R.I. 02864.

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

April 21 Rev. John O’Beirne, Pastor St. Mary, Taunton Rev. Thomas Feeley, C.S.C., 2004 Rev. John Gerard Shanley, SS.CC., 2017

April 22 Rev. James L. Smith, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1910 Rev. Thomas F. Fitzgerald, Pastor, St. Mary, Nantucket, 1954 Rev. Richard J. Segreve, C.S.C., Retired, Holy Cross Residence, Stonehill College, Easton, 2017 Rev. John J. Murphy, 2007

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. greeted Sister Mary Rosellen Gallogly, R.S.M., at the opening of the new Sister Rose House in New Bedford in 2016.

April 23

April 25 Rev. John J. Wade, Assistant, Sacred Heart, Fall River, 1940 Rev. Raymond J. Lynch, Chaplain, Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River, 1955 Rev. Charles A. Murray, M.M., Maryknoll Missioner, 2017 April 26 Rev. Ubalde Deneault, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, Attleboro, 1982 Rev. James F. Greene, Pastor, Our Lady of Fatima, New Bedford, 2002 April 27 Rev. Francis J. Bradley, D.D., Retired Rector St. Mary’s Cathedral, Fall River, 1925 Rev. Romeo D. Archambault, St. Anne, New Bedford, 1949 Rev. Edward F. O’Keefe, S.J., Retired, St. Francis Xavier, Boston, 1973 April 28 Rev. Stanislaus J. Goyette, Pastor, St. Louis de France, Swansea, 1959 Rev. John P. Cronin, 2014 April 29 Rev. James Leo Maguire, Pastor, Diocese of Monterey, California, 1987 Rev. Adolph Szelagowski, OFM Conv., Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Bedford, 1989 Rev. Peter P. Mullen, M.M., Maryknoll Missioner, 1999 Rev. John M. Breen M.M., Maryknoll Missioner, 2005 April 30 Rev. John A. Hurley, Pastor, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1900 Rev. David F. Sheedy, Pastor, St. John Evangelist, Attleboro, 1930 Rev. John Moda, Pastor, St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ford City, Pa., 1993 May 1 Rev. Francis J. Quinn, Founder, Immaculate Conception, North Easton; Founder, Sacred Heart, Fall River, 1882 Rev. Joseph F. D’Amico, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Oak Bluffs, 1996 Rev. Walter A. Sullivan, Pastor, St. Mary, South Dartmouth, 1997 May 2 Rt. Rev. Msgr. M.P. Leonidas Lariviere, Pastor, St. Jean Baptiste, Fall River, 1963

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Around the Diocese St. Pius X Women’s Society is hosting a Splash into Spring fashion show and luncheon on April 21 in the Parish Life Center at 25 Barbara Street in South Yarmouth. It will begin at 1 p.m. with fashions presented by Chico’s of Mashpee Commons. Tickets are $30 per person. For tickets or more information, contact Cindy at 508-9814548 or Nina at 508-394-9632. No tickets will be sold after April 16.

The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop, 18 Davisville Road in East Falmouth, will be having a Spring Sale including original art, gold and silver costume jewelry, vintage clothing, deco-era and craft collectibles, Spanish sculpture, porcelain dolls, and small antique furniture on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please call 508-540-0505.

A St. Joseph Day of Recollection will be held on Saturday, April 28 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Speakers will include Deacon David Pepin of St. Francis Xavier Church in Acushnet; Aaron Joseph of Catholic Life Photography and founder of the St. Joseph, Our Patron lay apostolate; and Jane Wilcox of Living the Fatima Message from St. Bernard’ Parish in Assonet. There is no admission charge, but a freewill donation will be accepted. Please bring your own lunch. For more information, call the rectory at 508-993-1691.

A Hospitality Sunday Breakfast Buffet will be held on Sunday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Center, 121 Mount Pleasant Street in New Bedford. Bring your family and friends and join this delicious buffet including baked French toast, egg casserole, homemade baked beans, bacon, sausages, home fries, and more. For tickets or more information, call Jeanine at 508-287-0962 or the rectory at 508-992-3184.

The Music at St. Anthony’s Concert that was scheduled for Sunday, April 29 at 4 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford has been cancelled. Gisele Pappas, concert coordinator, regretfully announced that the Spirit of Song Ensemble was unable to replace the outgoing music director in time to plan for the performance. On Sunday, June 10 at 4 p.m., Matt Dion will perform an organ recital on the church’s 106-year-old historic Casavant pipe organ. That event will coincide with the Days of Portugal that weekend. Additional information can be found online at www.musicatsaintanthonys.org.

Join others on April 30 at 7 p.m. as they pray that more young men and women will take up the call to service in the church as priests, deacons, religious and married couples. There will be Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Scripture reading and a reflection by Seminarian Frank Fagundes.

There will also be time for quiet prayer. This will take place at Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street in Fall River. For more information, call the rectory at 508-679-6732.

A one-day silent retreat entitled “Spring Day of Silence with the Masters” will be held on Saturday, May 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the camp house on the grounds of St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown. Come spend a day of springtime quiet with the teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux, the “Little Flower of Jesus.” Bring a bag lunch, beverages will be provided. For more information, contact Karen Howard at klhoward@aol.com or 508-947-0193.

Join St. John the Evangelist School for its 12th annual SJE Golf Tournament on Monday, May 14 at 8 a.m. at Crestwood Country Club in Rehoboth. All fees include golf, cart, breakfast and lunch. The day will start with a continental breakfast followed by a shotgun start on the course. Lunch will include a two-course meal of family-style chicken, pasta, steak tips, roasted potatoes and a vegetable. All money raised from the event will support the students at St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro. Visit www.sje-school.com to register.

To submit an event for consideration in The Anchor’s “Around the Diocese” listing, send the information by email to kensouza@anchornews.org

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The Anchor - April 20, 2018

Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening prayer and Benediction is held Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

ASSONET — Beginning September 14, St. Bernard’s Parish will have Eucharistic Adoration every Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on the altar at the conclusion of 9 a.m. Mass and the church will be open all day, concluding with evening prayer and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.

ATTLEBORO — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. John the Evangelist Church, North Main Street, Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-6:30 p.m.

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

ATTLEBORO — The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette holds Eucharistic Adoration in the Shrine Church every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. through November 17.

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

Brewster — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the La Salette Chapel in the lower level of Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays beginning at noon until 7:45 a.m. First Saturday, concluding with Benediction and concluding with Mass at 8 a.m. buzzards Bay — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, Monday through Saturday, from 6:30 to 8 a.m.; and every first Friday from noon to 8 a.m. on Saturday.

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

EASTTAUNTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the chapel at Holy Family Parish Center, 438 Middleboro Avenue, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On First Fridays, Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, from 8:30 a.m. until 7:45 p.m.

FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at 11:30 a.m. Also, there is a First Friday Mass each month at 7 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration. Refreshments follow.

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of Padua Church, on the corner of Bedford and Sixteenth streets, has Eucharistic Adoration accompanied by music and prayer every first Wednesday of the month from 6-7 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Bernadette’s Church, 529 Eastern Ave., has continuous Eucharistic Adoration from 8 a.m. on Thursday until 8 a.m. on Saturday.

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

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

FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has Eucharistic Adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass and concluding with 3 p.m.

Benediction in the Daily Mass Chapel. A bilingual holy hour takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory.

FALL RIVER — St. Joseph’s Church has a Holy Hour every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m., with Benediction at 6:45 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St.Michael’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 9 a.m.to 5:30 p.m.,with Benediction at 5:30 p.m.

Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday following the 7 a.m. Mass, with Benediction at 4:30 p.m.

HYANNIS — St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis, 347 South Street, Hyannis, has Eucharistic Adoration from noon to 3 p.m., daily Monday through Friday.

MANSFIELD — St. Mary’s Parish, 330 Pratt Street, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Benediction at 5:45 p.m.

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

NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic Adoration is held every Thursday, with Confessions, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Church. Please use the side entrance.

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

NEW BEDFORD — St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, 565 County Street, holds Eucharistic Adoration in the side chapel Fridays from 7:30-11:45 a.m. ending with a simple Benediction NORTH DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., ending with Benediction. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at this time.

NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Wednesday following 8:00 a.m. Mass and concludes with Benediction at 5 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration also takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

NORTH EASTON — A Holy Hour for Families including Eucharistic Adoration is held every Friday from 3-4 p.m. at The Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street.

NORTH EASTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Immaculate Conception Church Chapel on the first Wednesday of the month beginning after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, until 6:40 p.m. Those wishing to make a monthly commitment can sign up on the parish website at www.icceaston.org or call the parish office at 508-238-3232.

ORLEANS — St. Joan of Arc Parish, 61 Canal Road, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday starting after the 8 a.m. Mass and ending with Benediction at 11:45 a.m. The Sacrament of the Sick is also available immediately after the 8 a.m. Mass.

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

Taunton — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction.

Recitation of the Rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.

Taunton — Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord, 31 First Street.

Exposition begins following the 8 a.m. Mass. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, and Adoration will continue throughout the day.

Confessions are heard from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 5 p.m.

WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church takes place 9 a.m. Thursday through 7 p.m. Friday. Adoration is held in our Adoration Chapel in the lower Parish Hall. ~ PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ~

East Sandwich — The Corpus Christi Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich. Use the Chapel entrance on the side of the church.

NEW BEDFORD — Our Lady’s Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street, offers Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For information call 508-996-8274.

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

WEST HARWICH — Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Parish, 246 Main Street (Rte. 28), holds perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. We are a regional chapel serving all of the surrounding parishes.

All are invited to sign up to cover open hours. For open hours, or to sign up call 508-430-4716.

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Annual DCCW meeting is May 19 WESTPORT — The annual meeting of the Fall River Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will take place on May 19 beginning with a 9 a.m. Mass at St. George’s Church in Westport.

Following the Mass a 10 a.m. brunch will be served at Rachel’s Lakeside Restaurant, 950 State Road (Route 6), in Dartmouth near the Westport/Dartmouth line.

The guest speaker will be Marian Desrosiers, director of the diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate and the Project Rachel Ministry.

The meeting will consist of reviewing activities, programs and projects for the past year.

For information contact Beth Mahoney at 508-821-6201 or email: frdccwbeth@gmail.com.

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The Anchor - April 20, 2018