t eanc 0 VOL. 44, NO.18 • Friday, May 5, 2000
FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS
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Youth go to bat for Christ of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, New Pilgrimage 2000, a Bedford, who was among 11 young people Celebration of Faith at Fenway baptized and confirmed by Cardinal BerPark finds many of the nard Law of Boston at the evening Mass. diocese's young attending. In a moving ceremony near home plate,
Observance in New Bedford. Moments like that are ones that young people will remember for the rest of their lives according to Dave Dumaine, a youth minister from St. Mary's Church, Mansfield. "Today is a once in a lifetime Houtman, a member of the Together in By MIKE GORDON opportunity to get together and be CathoChrist Youth Group which recruits teenANCHOR STAFF lic," said Dumaine. "It's very important agers from six center city parishes in New spiritually." After Houtman was confirmed BOSTON - Nearly 20,000 young Bedford, became·a full member of the the thousands of young people from the dioceses people renewed their own of Massachusetts and baptismal promises and New Hampshire turned said "yes" to God. out to celebrate their faith Dumaine and other at a day of spiritual rechaperones ~ame on 80 newal at Fenway Park last buses from the Fall River weekend and it proved to Diocese with approxibe.a fun and moving day. mately 3,000 youth and "It's a great daY' for young adults, college stuyoung people," said Fadents and confirmation ther Mike Racine, parocandidates to Boston and chial vicar of St. Mary's found a variety of activiParish, South Dartmouth, ties waiting for them. as he led close to a 100 They gathered at Bosyoung adults onto Boston ton Common where bands Common prior to the played, games were availmarch down to Fenway able and many spent time Park at Pilgrimage 2000, in quiet prayer or euchaa Celebration- of Faith. ristic adoration. Religious "They are enjbying a 1\ orders set up tables and good opportunity to come \ distributed information together and celebrate and many of the young their faith." people took advantage of Father Hernando a chance to recei ve the sacHerrera, parochial vicar rament of reconciliation of Our Lady of Mount from one of the many Carmel, Seekonk, agreed. priests in attendance. "Today they will have fun At I p.m. Cardinal Law and pray together. This is . greeted the crowd and· led the young'Church Gomthem on a march down ing together." NEW CHRISTIAN.,- Jacqueline Nicole Houtman, 15, of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Commonwealth Avenue to That celebration of faith was especially im- New Bedford, prepares to be baptized and then is confirmed by Cardinal Bernard Law at Pilgrimage 2000, a the park. Many of the portant to 15-year-old Celebration of Faith at Fenway Park. Houtman, a sophomore at New Bedford High School who fittingly took the young people thought ·the Turn to page 13 Jacqueline Nicole baptismal ~ame Grace, also received the Eucharist for the first time, completing all the initiating sacraments. Pilgrimage More Pilgrimage 2000 photos appear on pages eight and nine. (Anchon'Gordon photos) Houtman of Holy Name ~
Catholic Church much to the .delight of the crowd who gave her a rousing ovation folJowing the ceremony. . Her godmother and sponsor for the sacraments of baptism and confirmation respectively was Christine Dufresne, also of New Bedford. . The youth group is advised by Father David Engo of the Friars of the Primitive
Dinners launch the 59th Catholic Charities Appeal ~
Cardinal O'Connor dies
Events in three regions of the April 26 at Christine's Restaurant in Dennis. Fall River diocese show a OnApril27, hundreds of residents from strong, continued the Taunton and Attleboro deaneries gathendorsement for the Appeal's _ ered at the Highland County Club in Attlemany programs. boro to launch their portion of the drive. By MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF
ATTLEBORO - With high hopes and plenty of good will, the 59th annual Catholic Charities Appeal opened campaign 2000 to garner funds ensuring the continuance . of needed ministries and apostolates across the diocese with spirited kickoff dinners in three regions. Clergy, planners and friends of the Appeal from Cape Cod and the Islands, met
A delegation from the many parishes in the Fall River and New Bedford deaneries met at White's of Westport on Tuesday. At the Attleboro festivities, the focus was on showcasing the good work accomplished through successful fund-raising efforts and offering incentives for people to again be generous. Michael J. Don)y, director of development, thanked all those involved in the work of the Appeal and praised their "tireless effort" he said makes Turn to page 11 - Appeal
ON THE CAPE - Chris McGrath and her mother, Joy McGrath, members of St. Mary's! Our Lady of the Isle Parish on Nantucket, were among those attending the Catholic Charities Appeal kickoff for Cape Cod and the Islands held April 26 at Christine's Restaurant in Dennis. (Kearns photo)
As The Anchor went to press, Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap., issued the following statement on the death of Cardinal John O'Connor: '1 received with great sadness notice ofthe death ofCardinal John O'Connor, Archbishop of NewYork. Not only has the Archdiocese of NewYork lost a remarkable and inspiring leader, but all ofus have lost the example ofone who worked for peace and reconciliation among the people and nations ofthe world. I express my prayerful condolences to the Auxiliary Bishops, priests, religious and laity ofthe Archdiocese of NewYork, while thanking God for having given the Church astalwart and faithful shepherd. Cardinal O'Connor was an indomitable defender ofhuman life and recognized the God-given dignity ofevery human person. In these last months, his witness to the Gospel in the face of sickness and death has given us deepened insight into the strength of his faith and hope. May Christ the'etemal Shepherd bring Car- . dinal John O'Connor into thejoy of his etemal Master. there to receive the rich reward of his labors.