the ancholS)
Friday, May 26, 2006
\ The agony of the foot, and the fete Last Saturda\". thousands of people at a racc' track in Baltimorc and thousands more across thc nation collectively gasped in horror whcn Kentucky Derby winncr and Prcakncss favorite Barbaro shattered his right hind Icg during the running of the second jewel of the Triple Cro\\TI. Barbaro, a three-yearold colt in thc prime of his life was as athletic as you could get. He undcrwent se\'cn hours of surgery, not to get him back on his feet again to racc, but simply to survive. His chances of survival at this time are still 50-50. Even aftcr the horrific injUl)', Barbaro, weighing more than some cars, wanted to finish therace - on three spindly legs. It's what he knows he is sup-: posed to do. . He didn't moan for a cortisone shot, or look forward to a cozy stay on the disabled list, and he certainly didn't reach out
for anv "unknown creams," to help I{im finish the race. He just wanted to keep on running. But some levelheaded people, including his heartbrokcnjockey Edgar Prado coaxed the gallant horse to the sideline to await a team of
medics. The race continued. but most eves were on Barbaro: until a g"reen tarp was placed" around him and those fighting to save his life. There were many watching the tragic scene that felt Barbaro was going to be euthanized on the spot. Barbaro shattered his leg in more than 20 places.
Thc valiant horse was whisked away to a veterinary hospital to face an unknown fate. The surgery went very well, but there are so many obstacles the horse will face over the next few weeks. Barbaro will never again tear across a racetrack, doing what he loves most - racing. But there are thousands who are pulling for this creature of G'od to hang around for years to come. On the same day, on the left coast in Oakland, thousands of fans in a baseball field and thousands more across the country colleetivelvyawned as an athlete reached a milestone only two others had achieved in the 100plus-year history of Major League Baseball. San Francisco Giant Barrv Bonds hit his 714th career hon;e run, tying the . immortal Babe Ruth's record for second place on the all-time list,
Letters to the Editor I wanted to take a moment and congratulate The Anchor on its 50th year of service. This is a deserving accomplishment and I want to thank you for. remembering The Feitelberg Company throughout the years. Like The Anchorwe too value relationships that last over time. We hope our friendship will continue to grow and thrive for many more years to come. Again, congratulations on your achievement and best wishes in th~ future. John J. Feitelberg Fall River
Anchorto print such letters that present views that are contrary to our Church teaching. By printing them, The Anchor is providing a platform from which they may express themselves .. 1 would think that when an individual writes in on a subject that is inopposition'to Church teaching you could simply not print it. Francis McGarry South Yarmouth
I have been reading The Anchor for some 34 years and never has an editorial upset me I just wanted to write to you and congratu- more than the one in the April? edition. The late The Anchor on being a faithful witness to Landing column entitled "Christ and Hefner" the路Gospels, the Church and to Christ. All I was inappropriate and ill timed in my opinion. I find it very difficult to express my concem in a can say is Keep the Faith! George Largess Christ-like manner; so don't let me near any Attleboro tables in the Temple right now. . " This col,umn, written for the Holy Week edi"Choosing Communion With the Truth" was tion, uses 95 percent of its space informing a joy to read. How often is it that a representa- readers, adults and children" alike about the tive of the Church has the courage to simply Hugh Hefner story, which probably most of the state the truth without ritual bows to the Left children don't kno'iV about and perhaps some while doing so? Those of us in the adults as well. The facts and statistics included in the edipews who really need some clarity about whether the Catholic Church is still Catholic torial appear to ~e the result of a good deal of owe you a debt ofthanks for this editorial. May knowledge and research about the subject matter. The Hefner story and sexual mores in there be many more. David Light general are well documented. You surely lit the Orleans light of curiosity for some of thes~ children and adults. Jesus did not suffer路ahd die to be compar~d We have too few willing to speak out on the with Hugh Hefner. I expected, especiallydurunjust war in Iraq. Why are the bishops mostly ing Holy Week, to hear about Jesus' message silent? Do they fear George Bush; the warmon- telling us to repent and to accept forgiveness for our sins and weaknesses. I believe he ger? John C. Russell wants us to feel his unconditional love and his Boston unending support for all of us, even for Hugh Hefner. I was very surprised to see the letters to the It is my wish that The Landing will always editor in the March 31 issue of The Anchorwrit- have a positive and uplifting message for all ten by Kathleen Schlatzberg and Bob McGowan its readers. on the issue of homosexual adoptions. . John P. Lees I do not feel that it is incumbent upon The Centervi.lle Letters are welcome but the editor reserves the right to condense or editfor clarity if deemed necessary. Letters should be typed, no longer than 100 WOrt!s and should include name, address, and telephone number. Letters do not necessarily reflect the editoriatviews of The Anchor. Letters should be sent to: The Anchor, Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722-0007, or E-mailed tofatherrogerlandry@pnchornews.org;
7 behind only the classy and gentlemanly Hank Aaron. Bonds received a wann ovation, primarily because he ,vas in Oakland." a stone's throw I from San Francisco. It ~vould havc been a far differertt response had it happenpd in say, New York, or even the city of brotherl)' I~ve, Philadelph'ia. There is little doubt Bonds has utilized illegal perfonllance enhancing dntgs on his way to 714. The question is: Did he knowingly do it? Some say yes, some say no, including Bonds. It just seems to me that to paraphrase the immortal William Shakespeare, (whose original works have also been questioned, by the way), "Methinks Barry dost protest too ijttle." I find it very ironic that a horse that injured one 6f the four very precious feet he needs to.perfornl, completely captured the hearts of a nation, rather than tlle tainted fete achieved by a major league ballplayer. There aren't many baseball fans that care when Bab-v hits No. 715 to move into sole possession of second-pJace. There are, I'm quite sUfe, many who care' if and when l1e passes Mr. Aaron. I think if that day ever comes, the nation again will be heartsick, but for a far different reason. I do raise a prayer that Barbaro will be healed. also do raise a prayer that BarrY Bonds didn't knowingly cheat his way to become baseball's home ntn II
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king. And if he did. I pray thathe comcs clean .. In some ways, I see Christ more in animais than I do people. Animals don't cheat. thev don't lie, and yOU can gerierally know wllal's in their heart - even if it's a lion staring you down licking his chops. There's no question what's going on in his mind. The reason I close this column with that thought is because I had to provide readers with an update on my "devil dog," Igor. A few weeks back I described how Igor likes to disrupt the nahlral flow .of the family rosary. During rosary time this week, a thunderstonn rolled through the area. Igor and electrical stonns have a similar路 relationship as do oil and water_ My "devil dog," turned into a Twinkie as the thunder rumbled. She pressed herself between the bed and a dresser for comfort. As we recited the Glorious Mysteries, I gently massaged Igor'shead. I knew immediately that she was still afraid, but felt comforted at the sanle time. Much like we humans do when we tum to God in prayer. But, I'm willing to wager that come next week, my Twinkie will resort to her "devil dog," ways when things are calmer also much like we humans. Comments are welcome at davejolivet@anchornews.org.
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DIRECTpR OF FAITH FORMATION DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS " "
The Roman Cath~lic Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, located in the southeastern corner of the state, seeks applicants for the exciting new position of Director of Faith Formation for a Diocese which serves ninety-three parishes and 350,000 Catholics. Reporting directly to the Bishop, the Director will be a visionary religious education leader, a faithfilled practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, hold a Master's Degree in theology, religious education or related fields and have a minimum of five years direct parish experience. The candidate should possess experience in catechesis with school-aged children, adult education, youth ministry, and will b~ expected to train local parish OREs. Leadership skill, a c~nsultative work ethic, inspiring-and effective, personable, strong communication and organizational skills, are required qualities. Doctrinal soundness and adherence to the Church's teachings are essential. This is a 12-month position with competitive salary and benefits. Review of applications will begin on May 25, 2006 and continue until position 'is filled. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for late June. Interested and qualified candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest addressing requirements/skills listed a9ove, complete resume, and names, addresses, and telephone numbers/e-mail addresses of five professional references, including their pastor to: Fall River Faith Formation Se~rch, Catholic School Management, Inc., P.O. Box 4071, Madison, CT 06443-4071 or e-mail to www.office@catholiCschoolmgmt.com.