FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSEnS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS
t eanco VOL. 31, NO. 23
•
Friday, June 5, 1987
F ALL RIVER, MASS.
New Appeal record set The Most Reverend Daniel A. Cronin, Bishop of Fall River, is pleased to announce that the 1987 Catholic Charities Appeal in the Diocese of Fall River has recorded an alltime high level of contributions. Diocesan headquarters, reports that the total sum realized in the annual springtime campaign was $1,859,900.21, an increase of some $80,000 over the 1986 total. Bishop Cronin described the most successful Catholic Charities Appeal in the 46-year history of the endeavor as an inspiration to all concerned with the ministry of God's people. "When one realizes," he said, "what this campaign represents: thousands of people throughout the 114 parishes of the diocese contributing in such a generous way to the continued supp'ort of the varied apostolic endeavors it is a magnificent example of Christian love, of people helping people. For another record year, the people throughout the diocese have responded so generously to God's call to share, to help build up His kingdom." The bishop also took note ofthe support manifested by firms and individuals engaged in business and professional life in southeastern Massachusetts. "It is obvious," he stated, "that our pastoral, educational and social service endeavors have earned the admiration and enthusiastic sup-
port of friends and neighbors throughout our area. On behalf of these apostolates, I am truly grateful to one and all for their support." The Catholic Charities Appeal is the single most important source of funding for a wide variety of activities conducted under diocesan auspices. In making note of the unprecedented success of this year's Appeal, Bishop Cronin expressed delight that many worthy programs benefiting Catholic and non-Catholic diocesan residents would enjoy secure operation and stable growth in the fiscal year beginning July 1. Bishop Cronin thanked Msgr. Anthony M. Gomes, diocesan Appeal director, and George Agostini of Seekonk, Appeal honorary lay chairman. He also took note ofthe 22,000 volunteers whose time and energy ensured success of the 1987 Appeal. Taken in conjunction with the increase noted in the 1985 and 1986 campaigns, this year's gain evidences healthy annual growth in Appeal support. The drive has registered a gain of almost $300,000 during the past three years. St. Pius X parish in South Yarmouth registered the largest tally in this year's Appeal- an amount in excess of $66,000! Msgr. Henry T. Munroe noted with obvious delight the support and concern his parishioners show for the needs of diocesan apostolates.
The largest actual increase, over $5,000, was received at S1. Anthony's parish, East Falmouth. Father Leonard M. Mullaney, pastor, reported that there was increased emphasis on door-to-door canvassing of parishioners. Father John A. Gomes, pastor of Sacred Heart parish, Oak Bluffs, which showed the largest percentage increase over last year, com, mented that his parishioners were well awareof their responsibility to help others, partially because he had told them of his seven years of experience in hospital ministry, a service funded by the Catholic Charities Appeal. In all, 102 parishes were listed on the Appeal Honor Roll by virtue of reporting returns in excess of last year's results. Msgr. Gomes noted that this significant number of successful parish campaigns essentially fulfilled his initial expectations. Following St. Pius X parish, the two other leading parishes and their returns are St. Francis Xavier parish, Hyannis, $56,596 and Holy Trinity parish, West Harwich, $41,974. From the greater New Bedford area, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, leading in that deanery, had returns of $37,886.10. Holy Name parish led the Fall River deanery, reporting $35,594.25. St. Ann's parish, Raynham, led the Taunton deanery with $23,588, and St. John the Evangelist parish, Attleboro, led the Attleboro deanery with $37,643.
Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly
•
58 Per Year
t ~
.:. . "
REV. MR. Landry, left, and Rev. Mr. Healey: ordination's just hours away. (Motta photo)
An expression of their faith By Joseph Motta What's so great about being a priest? If you ask that question of transitional deacons Edward J. Healey and David J. Landry, get ready for answers full of hope and enthusiasm. The men will be ordained for the diocesan priesthood at II a.m. tomorrow in St. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River, by Bishop Daniel A. Cronin. "I think it's exciting to be a priest in this day and age," said 32-year-old Rev. Mr. Healey. "It's a time of transition. A priest is called to be a leader of the Christian community and to build up that community by calling people to get involved. I think that's exciting. It's a time of challenge." "The totality of the ministry is that which is exciting," says Rev. Mr. Landry. The 24-year-old thinks that "the ministry is trying to bring people to a closer relationship with God.
This is carried out through sacramental, liturgical and catechetical preaching, every aspect of the priestly life." Tomorrow's priests realized their vocations in very different ways. Rev. Mr. Landry said that he had been thinking of the priesthood since he was about 10 years old. "I've always had a desire to help people," he said, "and when I was about 15 I translated that into helping people find the same joy that I had in God." From North Dartmouth and a member of S1. George parish, Westport, Rev. Mr. Landry said that his nickname at Dartmouth High School was "Rev. Landry." His good friends there, he said, were "questioning" his desire for the priesthood, and from others he heard "snickering, laughing, sarcasm." But after a few months, he said, many of the people who laughed Turn to Page Six
Marian year opens in diocese Sunday Related story on page 15
BISHOP DANIEL A. CRONIN and Msgr. Anthony M. Gomes express delight at completion of the successful Catholic Charities Appeal. (Gaudette photo)
Bishop Daniel A. Cronin will open diocesan celebration of the Marian year at 5 p.m. Mass Pentecost Sunday at St. Mary's Cathedral. The cathedral is dedicated to Mary, patroness of the Fall River diocese, under her title of Our Lady of the Assumption. At Sunday'S Mass, some 150
diocesan adults not yet confirmed will receive the sacrament from Bishop Cronin, on the same day the universal Church celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Bishop Cronin noted: "This is truly a wonderful way t(> begin a year of special devotion to the Mother of God. I hope that this Turn to Page Six