05.18.07

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Charitie~

Appeal assisting family members en route to picking up the pieces By DEACON JAMES N.

PETAL-COVERED STREET - Bishop George W. Coleman, at far center, processes before the statue of Christ of the Miracles in Ponta Delgada on the Island of St. Michael in the Azores last Sunday for the annual Santo Cristo feast that harkens back to April 1700. At right are Father John J. Oliveira, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford, and Father David A. Pignato, secretary to the bishop. (Photo by Pedro Monteiro/Correio dos A~ores)

Fate of Marriage Protection Amendment still up in the air

DUNBAR

NEW BEDFORD - Down and out is an old boxing t~rm that describes fighters who, after taking too much punishment can't bounce back. But it also applies to many of the women, who, with a child or children in hand, walk througn the door of Donovan House on Rockland Street in need of food, lodging, and relief from drug addiction, mental problems, and other disabilities that have knocked them to their knees. ''We are a transitional program for homeless women and children, "a referral from all the human service agencies in ' " - - - ' - - our area:' said Barbara Tavares, ~,oordinator' at Donovan House for the past four years and a case manager for two 'years prior to that. "With the help of other allied Catholic Social Service agencies, we team up to connect all the dots and give those who come seeking help the resources neede~ so they can successfully return to the commu-

nity," she added. Her story is echoed at other locations providing buman services to women and men, also funded by the Catholic Charities Appeal including St. Claire Residence in Hyannis and Samaritan House in Taunton. At Donovan House the criteria for acceptance includes documented homelessness - that often includes eviction - and disability. "The disability frequently includes alcohol and substance abuse, and mental health instability," Tavares explained. "Iroi'licaIIy, it's not always financial." While many of the women seeking assistance have suffered from domestic violence or abuse, that is not one of the key considerations for acceptance, Tavares noted. 'There are usually many issues," she reported. "While many of the women have been hurt by domestic. violence, the astronomical number of them suffer from substance abuse, Tum to page 15 - Assisting

BOSTON - Another legislative this by a 2003 activist court ruling spearheaded a diocesan-wide prayer delay on the Protection of Marriage that opened the door to "same-sex drive, said the delay actually heartAmendment is really a symbolic win marriage." ened him. "I rejoice because that for the proposal, say those who want Murray has said she would not gives us more time to intercede with to bring it before voters. only bring the measure up for a vote, God for his divine intervention and On May 9, Senate President but would also work to defeat it. Gov. that his good will is accomplished," Therese Murray recessed until June Deval Patrick has reportedly even said Father Leonard, pastor of St. 14 a constitutional convention that dangled promi~es of administrative Kilian Parish in New Bedford and will decide the measure's fate. jobs before lawmakers in exc,bange spiritual advisor to Catholic Citizen"We have the 57 votes needed; for killing the measure, a move he ship. that's why they recessed," said With the help ofVicar GenBea Martins, who had traveled eral Msgr. John Perry, Father to the Statehouse with two "We went to support the 57 leg- Leonard asked all parishes in busloads of supporters. Mar- islators who are with us," Martins April to set aside special times tins represents the Fall River said. "They're under heavy pres- ofprayer - Masses and hours Diocese with Catholic Citi- sure, and we need to keep support- ofeucharistic adoration - for zenship, a lay political action ing them so they'll hang tight." God's protection on marriage. group. He also encouraged individuAbout 400 supporters of als to pray and offer sacrifices the proposed ballot question turned denied, according to a May I0 Bos- on their own. out, despite reports that Murray, an ton Herald article. Martins said the response by opponent, would recess the joint sesAnd the gay activist group priests and parishioners has been . sion. ''We went to support the 57 leg- MassEquality has asked the Demo- great. ''We'll continue to focus on islators who are with us," Martins cratic National Committee tojoin the prayer, because this will be won only SAFE AND SECURE - A young mother and her child enjoy the· said. "They're under heavy pressure, fray, according to Boston Globe re- with God's help:' she said. and we need to keep supporting ports. That help appeared evident to comfort and safety' of Donovan House, funded by the Catholic Charities Appeal. . them so they'll hang tight." This prompted the committee many present at a January 2 Only one hurdle remains - a sponsoring the amendment, clifihanger session when lawmakers vote by at least 50 of the 200 law- VoteOnMarriage.org, to ask support- finally gave the amendment its first makers - to have the amendment ers: "If you're a Democrat, please vote needed to advance. put on the 2008 ballot. Amending politely call the DNC at 202-863Marriage supporters had also the state constitution requires votes 8000 and ask them to focus on other brought legal pressure to bear. On by two consecutive legislative ses- issues, not persuading Massachu- December 27, the state Supreme sions and approval by voters. setts legislators to deny you your Judicial Court ruled that the legisThe amendment would define right to vote on the marriage amend- lature had a constitutional duty to marriage as the union of one man ment." vote on the measure. And and one woman. Massachusetts citiInstitute of the Incarnate Word VoteOnMarriage.org had also zens were denied the chance to do Father Samuel Leonard, who has Tum to page 19 - Fate , \

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